Centaur Soirée:
Celebrating 50 years of theatre

The Centaur Theatre’s Annual Fundraising Gala is full of surprises

On Tuesday, October 16, Artistic and Executive Director Eda Holmes and Centaur Theatre’s Board of Directors are delighted to host Centaur Soirée, the theatre’s 2018 annual Gala, and a birthday party like none other.

Those in attendance can expect an inspired night of celebrity-led live and silent auctions, a delectable cocktail dînatoire and gifts. The entertainment will be immersive and ongoing, with a jazz cabaret and some surprise theatrical happenings in various secret locations throughout the building.

The theme of this year’s dynamic event is “the magic of theatre”, and it will not disappoint as attendees come together to support Montreal’s award-winning English-language theatre. For those who have always wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes, this is the night to step inside.

During the evening, guests can come and go throughout the heritage building as they: head into the depths for an interactive Ghost Walk featuring a cast of some of Montreal’s best performers melding fact and urban legend, culminating in a meeting with the ghost of the unfortunate stockbroker who has been wandering backstage since 1929; enjoy a hot, live jazz bar in the cool theatre with different artists playing all night, including the cast of Choir Boy singing a capella (a taste of Centaur’s 50th season opener) and the lush sounds of Summersett; have the chance to stand on stage in the big theatre with lights and applause; and see what goes on behind a working set. The evening ends with an outstanding, headlining performance by the inimitable Ranee Lee followed by dessert.

Ranee Lee – Image: courtesy Ranee Lee

With an exciting full year under her belt, Artistic Director Eda Holmes couldn’t be more enthusiastic. “This is an enormous milestone for Centaur; it is an honour to be able to lead the celebrations and welcome friends old and new into our theatrical world. I am thrilled to open up the building and share a bit of the ‘smell of the grease paint and the roar of the crowd’ with our exceptional supporters on our golden anniversary,” she said.

For this extraordinary occasion honouring Centaur Theatre’s vital contribution to Montreal’s cultural landscape, Groupe Antonopoulos, one of Montreal’s top hotel and restaurant groups, will provide delicious and diverse cuisine crafted by chefs from Brasserie 701, Verses Bistro, Kyo Bar Japonais and Modavie restaurants. This year’s party favour swag-bag is filled with top of the line cosmetics and bath products from Lise Watier and Marcelle, gourmet gummies from Squish Candies, a 5-day pass from Mansfield Athletic Club and two tickets to any show in Centaur’s 2018-19 season.

Aaron Rand – Image: Nadine Hennelly

While pianists set the tone during a dinner paired with select wine from the SAQ, guests are free to ogle the stunning silent auctions items. CTV favourite Lori Graham will be making her way amid the guests for the popular Treasure Chest draw, with an excellent chance of winning gift certificates from local restaurants, shops and spas.

Then, CJAD top funny man/political whip Aaron Rand will entertain the guests as the evening’s anticipated live auctioneer. Notable big-ticket items include: two plane tickets to anywhere in the word from Air Canada; an 8-day all-inclusive Tulips & Belgian Delight Cruise from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours; 5 nights ocean-view at The Crane Resort; hockey tickets behind the Canadiens bench; luxury train travel across Canada with VIA Rail; and a 4-night stay at the Gaia River Lodge in one of Belize’s forest reserves.

The stunning list continues with countless gift certificates, weekend getaways, theatre tickets, trendy restaurants, tickets for local attractions including Cirque du Soleil and Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and so much more. More information about astounding items for auction can be found here.

Summersett – Image: Charles Belisle

Funds raised at Centaur Soirée will allow the theatre to employ hundreds of local, national and international theatre artists; putting great theatre on their stages. Since 1969 Centaur Theatre has been telling stories that inspire and open hearts.

At home in Canada’s first stock exchange, Centaur presents a 6-play season as well as a number of community and educational programs. Much of Centaur’s outreach is aimed at making theatre available to those who might not otherwise be in a position to access the arts.

Centaur Soirée will be an unforgettable night devoted to applauding the magic that is theatre and supporting the future.

Centaur Soirée
Tuesday, October 16 at 6 pm
Centaur Theatre, 453 St. François-Xavier, Montreal

To purchase tickets to Centaur Theatre’s Centaur Soirée contact Elisa Desoer at 514 288-1229, ext. 240 or at development@centaurtheatre.com
Tickets can also be purchased on line at centaurtheatre.com/happenings

All purchases and donations will be issued a receipt for tax purposes for the maximum allowable amount.

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