Two nights of elegance: Lebanon Theatre Company hosts annual gala

Dozens of members from the Lebanon Theatre Company will share their talents with the community in an evening of song with “Elegance in Music,” the Lebanon Theatre Company’s 2018 Gala.

It will be held on two nights – Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20.

“This is our annual fundraising event. The new thing is normally patrons would go to The Golden Lamb for dinner and then come over to the theater for the show, which is the next block over from The Golden Lamb, but this year, since we are trying to keep as much of the funds as we can, we are having both the dinner and the performance at the theater,” said Ted Hennis, publicity chairman, Lebanon Theatre Company.

Hosted and performed by talents of the Lebanon Theatre Company and musical director Jay Mills, the 2018 Gala will feature the music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin.

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“It’s always fun for me personally. And, since I’m a board member, this is crucial for us to bring in the funds we need to operate, and continue to provide the quality programs that we do for people in the community, who come to the theater to enjoy our shows. People don’t realize how much it costs to put on a production,” Hennis said.

This year’s annual fundraiser will feature an evening of dining and a musical performance. Both the dinner and the performance will be held at the Lebanon Theatre Company at 10 S. Mechanic St. There will be a unique seating arrangement for the program.

“The guests that have been to the gala in the past will find this different. I think they will enjoy it more. … Now, everything is going to be right in the theater, and we have plenty of parking,” said Hennis.

There will be a cash bar, appetizers and a catered meal that will feature chef-carved beef tenderloin. On both evenings, the event will begin at 6 p.m. and the performance will start at 7:30 p.m. Marilyn Carter, an active member of the theater group, who also operates a catering business will serve gourmet coffees and chocolate desserts during the intermission.

The program will last about two hours. Audiences can expect to hear songs like “Just One of Those Things” by Cole Porter and “Love Is Here to Stay” by George and Ira Gershwin.

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“The finale is going to absolutely beautiful. It’s going to be a very patriotic finale, and I don’t want to give any more away,” Hennis said.

Lebanon Theatre Company is a nonprofit. The first fundraising gala was held in January 2007. About 25 members of the Lebanon Theatre Company will participate in this year’s gala. The theater’s seating can accommodate about 106 guests. Average attendance of the gala has been 70 to 80, and the event has previously been held as a one-night-only event. A few years ago, the gala was expanded to two nights to accommodate more guests, and give additional members of the community an opportunity to attend.

“We would be thrilled to have a full theater for both nights,” Hennis said.

Additionally, members of the community are invited to attend Lebanon Theatre Company’s annual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. at the theater. Those interested in getting involved, or who want to learn more about Lebanon Theatre Company are welcome to attend.


WANT TO GO?

What: Lebanon Theatre Company's annual fundraiser gala "Elegance in Music"

When: Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The 2018 Gala will be held in its entirety at the Lebanon Theatre Company, 10 S. Mechanic St. in downtown Lebanon.

Cost: Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at www.ltcplays.com.

More info: www.ltcplays.com. Those unable to attend the 2018 Gala, who would like to donate may mail a check to: The Lebanon Theatre Company, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, Ohio 45036.

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