MAPLEWOOD, NJ — InterACT Theatre Productions will presents its annual musical revue benefit “interACT Sings!” at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood this Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6, at 6:30 p.m.. Each year offers a new theme, and this year’s gala, “Stay Tuned,” celebrates music in television. Broadway star Brandi Chavonne Massey will host the event, which not only includes song and dance, but also a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and the unveiling of interACT’s 2016-2017 schedule of plays and musicals.
Tickets can be purchased online at a discount at interactproductions.tix.com or at the box office in person. The ticket price includes admission, a complimentary cocktail hour and five raffle tickets. For those who are interested in seeing both performances, and taking part in both raffles, there’s a special online double-pass.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. both nights for the cocktail hour, followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts are provided by Village Trattoria, Palmer’s Sweetery & Cafe and Edo’s Cakes. Floral arrangements are donated by Lotus Petals Floral Design. There will be an exciting array of items up for auction, from gift cards and baskets to vouchers and event passes.
“InterACT Sings! Stay Tuned” is directed by Nicholas J. Clarey, with music direction by Holland Jancaitis and Diane L. McClintock. The production is choreographed by Dana Hawkins, stage managed by Melissa Milne and Yolanda Hamilton, and with lighting by Mikey Nath. The cast consists of more than 30 local performers, including 2016 NJACT Perry Award nominees J. Marshall Evans and Tasha R. Williams.
With selections of several TV theme songs, background music moments and memorable TV performances, it will be a nostalgic evening for all audiences. There will even be a cheesy opening credits video projection at the start of the show, throwing it back to the ’80s and ’90s.
All proceeds from this event benefit interACT Theatre Productions. Last weekend, the organization earned 11 2016 NJACT Perry Award nominations, nine of which were for this year’s sold-out production of spring musical “Big River” and two for last year’s hilarious winter play “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You.” Founded in 2009, the organization has been bringing theater to the community for seven seasons. “Sister Act: The Musical” has already been announced as its spring musical next year.