Artists united ‘For the Love of Theatre’ gala

Sonja Smits, the evening’s emcee, County resident and Vineyard owner, is known for her roles in Street Legal, Traders, Falcon Crest, Airwolf, Odyssey 5, The Outer Limits and The Eleventh Hour. She also played Bianca O'Blivion in the David Cronenberg horror movie, Videodrome. She has been nominated for five Gemini Awards, winning in 1988, and two Genie Awards.

Sonja Smits, well-known Canadian star of stage and screen will emcee The Festival Players’ ‘For the Love of Theatre Fundraising Gala’ an elegant Valentine-themed evening filled with romance, good food, County wine and live entertainment.

The Festival Players’ first event of 2012 is set for Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Waring House. The gala will include live musical theatre performances by John Millard, well-known musical director and composer of Weedy Peetstraw and of Colours in the Storm fame; Michael O’Hara, who appeared many times on the Festival Players stage in The Picton Papers, Ship of Fire, Colours in the Storm and Hank Williams; and Eliza Jane Scott who was loved in Colours in the Storm, Ship of Fire, and, most recently, in Amelia: the Girl Who Wants to Fly.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for theatre lovers to ‘share the love’ a bit and celebrate Valentine’s Day while enjoying their favourite artists and helping to support their local theatre,” said Sarah Phillips, Artistic Director.  “We’re thrilled that Sonja is at the helm of this event. She’s an icon in Canadian film, television and theatre and has always encouraged Festival Players, supporting and advising the company since day one.” The evening will also feature a live and a silent auction, featuring theatre-related items including a weekend in Stratford, and various theatre-restaurant packages from around Ontario.  Proceeds from the evening will go to support the activities of Festival Players.

“Even when you have a very successful season, which we have had, ticket sales account for barely 30 per cent of the cost of running a professional theatre,” said Phillips.  “We count on fundraising events like this to help us achieve the high calibre theatre our audience has come to expect”.

The evening’s festivities begin at 6pm. Tickets are $100 per person (guests receive a charitable tax receipt for $50 with each ticket purchased). There are a limited number of tickets available. Buy online at CountyTix www.countytix.ca or by phone at 613.471.1991. Visit Festival of Players online