Hundreds Expected at Shakespeare Theatre's Black-Tie Gala

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 2014 annual gala—La Nuit des Reves—will give guests a look at the renovated "theater factory" on Saturday, March 22.

The theater's largest fundraising event of the year is expected to draw hundreds to the Florham Park facility.

“Our incredible support facility is an evolving work of art in itself," Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte said. "There is always something new to see—a gorgeous mural taking shape, another space to explore, a talented artisan at work. Last year’s gala was about unveiling the space. This year is all about inviting audiences to see how the space constantly transforms; the gala will feature beautiful, theatrical dreamscapes."

Located in Florham Park, the 50,000-square-foot building is home to all but the performance facets of the theater’s administrative, educational, artistic and technical operations.

In addition to offices and education spaces, the facility includes areas for the construction of sets, costumes and other scenic elements, an unusual board room, a spacious rehearsal hall, a muraled Green Room and ample space for the theater’s extensive collections of props, stock scenery, costumes, stage weapons, archives, and more. 

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a black-tie reception that will feature hors d’oeuvres and gourmet food stations.

There will also be a silent auction featuring wine baskets, a Berkshire getaway, an exclusive golf outing at Baltusrol Golf Club, jewelry, one-of-a-kind theatrical opportunities, and objets d’art.

At 8:30 p.m., guests will enter the “Grand Ballroom” for more drinks, dessert, coffee and the “Dream of a Cabaret"—the star-studded cabaret performance featuring the theater’s renowned company of artists and guest celebrities performing an array of musical numbers about dreams and dreamers.

At the start of the main festivities, the theater will present the rarely-given Mighty Quill Award to longtime Shakespeare Theatre trustee, community leader and New Jersey philanthropist Heath B. McLendon. Following the presentation and performance, guests may gather around the “Sandman Piano Bar” in the spacious cabaret-like rehearsal hall, take photos in the “Dream Boat,” or visit the evening’s Dream Interpreter in her “salon.”   

Gala tickets range from $295 to $1,000 per person. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the fullest extent possible.  For more information or reservations, call 973-845-6732 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.