Dan's Papers - July 13, 2007 - Bay Street Theatre's Summer Gala

It's not news that the Hamptons are the national capital for benefits, charities and some of the world's most star-studded galas to date. Yet just when you thought that every benefit was the same - a route equation of cocktails and white clothing - Bay Street Theatre arrives on the scene and changes your mind. The Summer Gala Benefit Bash, coming to a farm field near you, will be one of the summer's most magical evenings.

Set to the enchanting theme of "East Meets West," the night is scheduled for July 21 at 6:30 p.m. and will take place at Harding Farm on Lumber Lane in Bridgehampton. Not only does this occasion mark Bay Street's sixteenth year of production, but the night will be hosted by comedian and actor Richard Kind from the hit shows "Mad About You," "Spin City" and HBO's series produced by and starring Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Kind is a fascinating man of many talents and the best man at his wedding to Dana Stanley, who is the executive director of Project ALS, an organization that raises money to study cures for Lou Gehrig's disease, was George Clooney. This talented actor is bringing his dry sense of humor and magnificent comedic timing to Bay Street's Gala just before appearing opposite Charles Busch in Bay Street's production of the hilarious satire of 1940s thrillers, The Lady in Question. It's fair to say that the Gala will benefit from the plans for this production as well as its production of Turandot: The Rumble for the Ring, a new rock opera jam-packed with some of the most talented arias in opera. Set to a rock beat, this one-of-a-kind show will be playing in the weeks leading up to and during the Gala. Look for a review and sneak-peek about this must-see show in next week's issue of Dan's Papers.

As stated earlier, Bay Street Theatre's Summer Gala is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill benefit.

The festivities will include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a sit-down dinner by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs, dancing to the music of Hank Lane Revue and exceptional entertainment. In true Bay Street style the silent and live "fantasy" auction will include exciting packages such as a Princess Tea Party with Julie Andrews, dinner for four at Rao's, a fantasy golf package, a luxury vacation in Mexico including airfare, a custom Italian kitchen, house seats for Broadway shows, signed scripts from award-winning TV shows "Brothers & Sisters" and "Criminal Minds," plus fabulous works of art, jewelry, memorabilia, sports packages and much more.

The sponsors for Bay Street's 2007 Summer Gala include leading sponsor Target, American Express, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, Martin P. Harding, Party Rentals, Ltd., Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs, Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House and Suffolk County National Bank.

"The Summer Gala Benefit is Bay Street's most important fundraising event of the year," said Stephen Hamilton, Executive Director. "As a not-for-profit theatere, our ticket sales account for only 50% of our operating costs, so the Gala is vital." Monies raised from the Gala will support the Mainstage Series, Comedy Club at Bay Street, KidStreet (programming for young audiences), The Picture Show at Bay Street and the Educational Outreach Initiative that includes a Summer College Internship program, Continuing Classes and the Young Playwrights Program.

Bay Street Theatre is one of those places where you go to see a show and whether it's part of the comedy series, the KidStreet program or you have enrolled in one of the many acting and playwriting classes available, you come away feeling like you have just been a part of something magical. The theatre and all of their employees are energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about bringing the best of the best in performance entertainment to the East End. When you consider all of this, it is important to help support this establishment by going to the Gala, which, in comparison to other entertainment halls, is young, but has exceeded many Hamptonite's expectations by bringing world-class and unforgettable presentations.

Bay Street Theatre is dedicated to presenting new, classic and contemporary works of the highest quality, which challenge as well as entertain, speak to the diversity of the community and champion the human spirit. As a not-for-profit institution, Bay Street's commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.

Tickets for "East Meets West" are available for the Gala at $500 each, with tables of 10 for $5,000 and preferred tables at $10,000 (limited availability). For further information or to purchase tickets, please call Julie Fitzgerald, Bay Street Theatre's Director of Development, at 631-725-0818 or email gala@baystreet.org.