‘An April Revel' Shakespeare benefit will be held April 12 at Warwick Valley Winery

WARWICK — The Illustrious Theatre Co. will hold its third annual gala on Saturday, April 1, beginning at 7 p.m. to support this summer’s “Shakespeare in the Orchard” production at the Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery, 14 Little York Rd., in the Pine Island section of Warwick. All proceeds from the evening will be dedicated to this summer’s production of “Twelfth Night,” to be performed July 11 to 27 on weekend evenings on the winery’s outdoor stage. This year’s theme, “An April Revel,” will once again feature members of the company performing a repertoire of Broadway favorites throughout the evening. The company will honor Warwick resident Richard Kimball for his dedication to music and the arts in the region, and for the young aspiring musicians he has helped over the years. Kimball is well-known in New York City for his 30 years as a house pianist at The River Café, playing arrangements of jazz standards and “The Great American Songbook.” He has composed a number of chamber music scores for documentary films, including the music for the late actor Richard Kiley’s last appearance in “Grow Old Along With Me.” Last summer, Kimball lent his talents to The Illustrious Theatre’s production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” by composing the music to one of Shakespeare’s songs. Combining his creative musical work with his social consciousness, Kimball founded a charitable organization to perform volunteer dental and medical services in the Amazon rain forest in 1991. As an pilot, Kimball conducts volunteer medical missions for AngelFlight and environmental flights for Lighthawk. A buffet will be presented by Pané Café and Bakery will also include award winning wines, brandies, fruit cordials and ciders of the winery. There will also be a silent auction featuring luxurious goodies, services, and adventures donated by local merchants. Sponsorships are available for a donation of $1,000, which includes a table for eight, listings in the Gala program and the Twelfth Night playbill, and eight tickets for this summer’s performance. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased by phone by calling the winery at 258-4858 or 973-764-4936, visiting: www.theilllustrioustheatre.org, or by picking up an invitation at one of the Railroad Ave. merchants.