The Vanguard Theater, a theater serving Essex and Union counties, will host its first production: A Portrait of Ray.
This one-of-a-kind Dinner Theater Gala Event will serve as a fundraiser for the newly founded theater company. Featuring the talent of Broadway's (and NJ's) own Dwayne Clark (Spiderman, Rent, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Porgy and Bess) the Gala will take place at The Woodlands, 60 Woodland Ave, Maplewood, NJ on June 26th at 7PM.
All proceeds will benefit the theater's inaugural season which will include an August Production of Hairspray at Union County Performing Arts Center's Mainstage, and a Fall Musical TBA. Gala guests can expect a lively cocktail hour, a decadent four course southern-style meal, (in honor of Ray's southern roots) a silent auction, a reception, and a unique opportunity to meet the cast and creative team.
A Portrait of Ray will paint the picture of Ray Charles the man, his music, and his social influence. Born in 1930, Ray Charles was a soul music visionary. His original sound, which infused Gospel, R&B, Jazz and Country Music, aided in the integration of American music. A charismatic musician, songwriter and producer, Ray Charles was not only integral in defining soul music as a new genre, he also used his voice as an instrument for social change.
Though often controversial, he and his music had a profound influence on the world at large and was instrumental in changing the fabric of race relations in America. Tickets for the gala fundraiser are $100. Tickets for A Portrait of Ray are available by phone by calling 800-838-3006, and online at: www.vanguardtheater.org
RLS Metro Breaking News is a proud media sponsor of A Portrait of Ray.