Support Local Theater? Prove It

There are a variety of ingredients that make a community strong: good schools, a bustling downtown, a rich history, friendly neighbors.

For Mark Morgan, producing artistic director of the (MTC), a prosperous local theater group is part of that recipe as well.

“Moorestown benefits by us being successful,” he said.

Philadelphia Magazine recently named Moorestown , and specifically mentioned the township’s “thriving community theater troupe” in its write-up.

But as much as the town benefits from MTC’s success, MTC needs the town’s support to exist. It’s with that in mind the theater company is holding its third annual Extrava-Gala this weekend, a black-tie optional dinner dance and auction, with proceeds benefiting MTC.

“I’ve said, community theater needs community support. If you like what we do, we need your support,” said Morgan.

Why support the theater company?

“First and foremost, we put on great shows,” Morgan said, allowing himself a moment to toot his own horn. “If we put on mediocre or poor shows, people aren’t going to come back and buy tickets.”

The theater company is gearing up for its fall productions: South Pacific (with an adult cast) in November and The Sound of Music (with a children’s cast) in December.

The true value of theater, what makes it unique (and an asset to a community), according to Morgan, is that it’s all-inclusive.

“With theater, you can be sewing costumes. Or you’re a painter and you’re painting sets,” he said. “The beauty of theater is there’s a place for everyone … It’s just part of the fabric of a great community.”

Tickets to the Extrava-Gala are $150 for the dinner dance and accompanying auction, as well as a cocktail hour preceding the event. For $100, attendees get the dinner dance and auction, minus cocktails.

A weeklong vacation at the Jersey Shore, a behind-the-scenes tour of Channel 6ABC (courtesy of Extrava-Gala emcee and Moorestown resident Rick Williams) and tickets to Broadway shows are just some of the items to be included in the live auction.

Morgan said the event raised $20,000 and $25,000 respectively in 2009 and 2010 and he hopes to match or exceed 2010’s take this year. The money will go toward the eventual purchase (or rental) of a location specifically for the theater company, primarily for offices and rehearsal space. Ultimately, he said, they’d like to have their own performance space—but that’s still a long way off.

The event will also showcase a “Broadway cabaret” featuring music from classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, including South Pacific and The Sound of Music.

“We’ve been told ours is one of the best (fundraising events) people ever go to, because theater people are about performance … and fun,” said Morgan. “Some people say it’s like the Moorestown Theater Company prom.”

So far, 150 tickets have been sold, with about 50 more available. To purchase tickets, visit the theater company website. For more information, call 856-778-8357.

The Extrava-Gala will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Laurel Creek Country Club at 701 Centerton Rd. in Mount Laurel.