‘Broadway' to benefit the Bard

Warwick — The Illustrious Theatre Company will hold its annual gala on Saturday, March 31, to support this summer’s “Shakespeare in the Orchard” production at the Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery. This year’s theme, “A Broadway Revel,” will feature members of the company performing a repertoire of Broadway favorites throughout the evening. A Renaissance buffet will be presented by Pané Café and Bakery, the new restaurant at the Warwick Valley Winery, and will be complimented the award winning wines and ciders of the winery. The final highlight of the evening will be a silent auction featuring goods, services, and adventures donated by local merchants. All proceeds from the evening will support this summer’ production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” which will be performed on weekend evenings from July 13-29, on the outdoor stage at the winery. The company will be honoring George Laurence of Warwick for his dedication to the arts in the community. Laurence is the owner of Eclectic Eye Antiques on Railroad Ave. and Who’s On First, an art gallery on First St. in Warwick. Author and playwright Ira Levin is once again the evening’s honorary chair person, and is joined this year Warwick business owners including Stephanie Faerman of Sweetbriars, Jenna Field of Jenna and Company, Thomas Fitzgerald of Provident Bank, Patricia Flynn of La Petite Cuisine, Mike Fodor of Pocket Aces, Marie Kosen of The Pear Tree, Brooke Martis-Sarmiento of B. Page and Company, Maura Peddle of BINK, and Leo Rukiqi of Zana D. The “Revel” will begin at 7 p.m. at the Warwick Valley Winery, located at 114 Little York Road in the Pine Island section of Warwick. Tickets to the event are $60 and can be purchased by phone by calling the winery at 258-4858, or by picking up an invitation at one of the Railroad Ave. merchants. The Illustrious Theatre Company is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation. Donations are deductible to the extent permitted by law. For additional information, call 973-764-4936.