Sutton Foster Set for 42nd Street Moon's IT'S DE-LOVELY Gala Tonight

San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon will celebrate 20 years of presenting musical theatre with IT'S DE-LOVELY, a gala fundraising evening with special guest star, two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, 6pm, tonight, February 7 at the Palace Hotel, 2 Montgomery Street, San Francisco.

In addition to the delicious, decorous, and devastatingly de-lovely talents of Broadway star Sutton Foster, the evening will include cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, and a "MoonGlow Cabaret" with clarion-voiced chanteuse KLea Blackhurst and Tony Award-winning singer-actor Michael Maguire. Guests are invited to dress in accordance with the Valentine theme "Anything Goes with a dash of red." For tickets ($375 - $750) the public may contact 42nd Street Moon at (415) 255-8207 or for more information visit 42ndstmoon.org.

The evening kicks off at 6pm with cocktails and a silent auction in the Ralston Room of the historic Palace Hotel. An assortment of fun and festive items will be up for auction, including trips, wine, theatre tickets, and special entertainment packages. Guests will move to the elegant Garden Court for a lavish dinner, a live auction, and concert by Broadway favorite Sutton Foster. Star of ten Broadway shows, Ms. Foster shot to fame in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the same award she captured again last year for her performance in Anything Goes. She also originated roles in The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Women, Young Frankenstein, and Shrek the Musical. As a solo artist, Ms. Foster has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally, and has released two CDs: "Wish," and "An Evening with Sutton Foster: Live at the Café Carlyle." She currently stars in the TV series "Bunheads" on ABC Family. Joining Ms. Foster will be her Musical Director Michael Rafter. Mr. Rafter conducted Gypsy on Broadway as well as the TV movie adaptation for which he won an Emmy. He has also served as Musical Director for Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Sound of Music, and The King & I.

Following the dinner and concert, guests will return to the Ralston Room for the "MoonGlow Cabaret," hosted by singer-actress-comedienne KLea Blackhurst. Best known for Everything the Traffic Will Allow, her tribute to Ethel Merman, Ms. Blackhurst has gone on to create acclaimed musical tributes to the works of composers Vernon Duke and Hoagy Carmichael. She has appeared with orchestras and symphonies across the country and abroad at some of the world's top venues, including the London Palladium, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and many more. At 42nd Street Moon she has appeared in Red, Hot and Blue and Call Me Madam. The MoonGlow Cabaret will also feature actor-singer Michael Maguire, who captured the Drama Desk, Theatre World, and Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor for his role as "Enjolras" in the original Broadway production of LES MISERABLES. He has also appeared in musicals across the US, with opera companies and symphony orchestras around the world, and in television and film.

Organizers of IT'S DE-LOVELY are Honorary Chairs Pat & Susie McBaine, Co-Chairs Lise Honoré & Christopher Wolf and Phyllis & Ted Swindells, and Silent Auction Chair Joanna Leighton Nevesny. Dinner Committee members include Michael & Chris Boskin, Carol & Dixon Doll, Lorrie & Richard Greene, Pat & Tod Gregory, Katie & John Hansen, Nancy & Larry Mohr, Peter J. Musto, Suzy & Wulfrin Oberlin, Elisa Camahort Page, Bob & Lisa Podesta, Bill & Karen Prezant, Martha & Greg Ryan, Ted & Adrienne Savetnick, Cia & Steve Townsend, Bruce & Fran Walker, and Patti & Tim Warner. For 42nd Street Moon, Greg MacKellan serves as Artistic Director, Stephanie Rhoads is Producing Director, and Joe Mader is Managing Director.

For 20 years, 42nd Street Moon has celebrated and preserved the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre. To contribute to the evolution and continuing vitality of the art form, 42nd Street Moon presents intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. Through its productions, educational programs, and community outreach, 42nd Street Moon is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage.

Tickets: $375 or $750 for individuals, and $3,750 or $7,500 per table. For information or to order tickets call (415) 255-8207 or visit 42ndstmoon.org.

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