Be Our Guest! Marblehead Little Theatre Gala - Saturday, Sept. 22

Marblehead, Massachusetts — The “Ginny Awards” have arrived in their radiant splendor. Youth singers are ready to hit the high notes of the opening number, “Be Our Guest.” The full orchestra is in tune. Leigh Barrett, Betty Lautner, Christy Morton and a stellar line-up of MLT vocal talents are ready to take the stage. And Erik Rodenhiser has a mic in his hand.

On Saturday, September 22, Marblehead Little Theatre’s gala, MLT to Broadway: A Night With the Stars, will feature a musical program rich with Broadway music, brilliant talent, the presentation of the first-ever “Ginny Awards” and a silent auction of 15 dazzling items at Abbot Hall.

At 7 p.m. the doors will open and guests will be greeted by Marion Brite and Doug Hill on the landing for a red-carpet experience before entering the elegantly decorated Abbot Hall auditorium main floor for the pre-Gala dessert and champagne reception.

Over 15 silent auction items provided by MLT’s board and friends will be on display through the intermission. Items include an original watercolor by North Shore celebrated artist Edythe Ghen from John Archer’s private collection, dinner and a drawing class for 10 hosted by John Archer, a dinner for two at Salem Country Club hosted by John Archer, two voice lessons with Betty Lautner, two audition lessons with Steve Black, a handmade afghan by costume designer Elvira Schoenthal, a collection of wine selected by MLT’s board of directors, a selection of restaurant and eatery gift cards, a collection of lottery tickets, a sail and drinks with the Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club, dinner and an overnight stay at the Boston Yacht Club, drinks and a boat tour of Salem Sound with Lou Schoenthal, and two customized books created by Trudy Olliveti.

As the lights flash for the 8 p.m. concert, the program will begin with the opening overture from Gypsy and a full evening of brilliant music including selections from Follies, Funny Girl, Girl Crazy, Le Mis, My Fair Lady, Ragtime, The Secret Garden, West Side Story, and more to be performed by Barrett, Lautner, Morton and a full line-up of MLT talent emceed by Rodenhiser.

Anne Lucas will honor Ginny Morton in the first-time-ever presentation of the “Ginny Awards” this year honoring Lautner for Lifetime Achievement, Morton for Performance and Alexander Falk, Mark Forziati, Charles Gessner and Gary Gregory upon their retirement as MLT Trustees for their years of service overseeing the conversion of the Firehouse to a state-of-the-art community theater space.

The “Ginny Awards” are named in honor of Ginny Morton, the guiding visionary in acquiring the Firehouse at 12 School Street as the permanent home of MLT, an MLT performer, director, producer, founder of the children’s program, board member and MLT past-president. Because of Morton’s enthusiasm for all aspects of MLT, the “Ginny Awards” recognize a vast range of theater skills, talents and contributions.

The gala evening is directed by Steve Black, music direction is by Lianne Goodwin and the event is produced by Black, Emily Black, Goodwin and Janet Neely. Proceeds will be used to sustain MLT’s live theater performances and educational programs.

The one-night-only gala is Saturday, September 22, at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street. The doors will open at 7 p.m. for the champagne dessert reception and silent auction. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $65 for reserved table seats and $35 for general seating in the balcony. Floor and balcony tickets can be purchased at mltlive.org. Balcony seats can also be purchased at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington Street in Marblehead. More information about this one-night-only event is available at mltlive.org or by contacting EmilyBlack@mltlive.org.

Started in 1955 by members of the Marblehead Woman’s Club, the award-winning Marblehead Little Theatre is one of the oldest community theatre groups in New England, having consistently presented live-theater productions for over six decades.

For more information visit mltlive.org.

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