Q&A with our Gala Co-Chair: Nancy Peters

We sat down with Nancy Peters, co-chair for this year's gala. She shares her vision and what guests can expect on June 2nd...

How did you first hear about BITP?
Martha Cason, Jeff's mom and a friend of mine, told me about the exciting plans and asked if I'd be interested in volunteering back in December of 2009.

What inspired you to volunteer?
I am a theatre junkie and anything Broadway has been a passion of mine for most of my life. So when I heard of a way to become involved with a Broadway scale extravaganza in El Segundo, I was excited to get involved!

What's your vision for the gala?

My vision for the gala is a classy event, worthy of the caliber of Broadway In The Park. I always wanted the evening to be hosted at a high-end location and the ArcLight Beach Cities Cinema Lobby and Cafe has been a perfect fit. I pictured a night that would include gourmet appetizers and live music. I also wanted to organize a silent auction that featured high-value items that would excite our guests and make the evening worth coming out for.

What are some of the auction gifts this year?

Our gifts this year are really exciting. We're auctioning off a week in Cancun, Catalina Cruises, spa packages, Disneyland passes, CLOSBC opening night tickets and more. There's something for everyone!

What else can guests expect?

Jeff Cason will present a high energy multi-media program that's all about BITP's summer plans. Live musical entertainment will include amazing duets sung by some of last year's stars, a barbershop quartet, as well as a few numbers from "The Music Man." The entertainment will whet the appetites of our patrons for the festival in July!

Why should people come to this event?

Because Broadway In The Park is a great family-friendly program that promotes community and the arts. Our gala is what funds the summer festival... so come on out, eat some good food, bid on our fabulous auction items, and help us raise money and friends in anticipation of this year's summer festival!

Donate to 76 Trombones

Sound the trumpets! Cue the parade! Broadway In The Park proudly presents The Music Man at this summer's festival. And to celebrate this classic family musical, we invite you to join the 76 Trombones Campaign and support our hometown youth.

For a gift of $100, you can buy a named trombone to be displayed at the festival gates for all four nights of Broadway In The Park. These hand-crafted plaques have been designed by local artists, and will showcase your commitment to the community in glittering red white and blue! Buy a trombone in your name, in honor or memory of a loved one, or get your social club to chip in for one as a group.

Your generous gift benefits our Community Pre-Show (showcasing young performers), discounted childrens tickets, and Charity Partners... a program where we dedicate each night of the festival to a local charity, raising money and awareness for youth education. It's time to make a difference for our kids. Donate today!

Check out the giving levels below and click the yellow DONATE button to make your gift!

Members ($25-$50)
Donor Listing – Receive acknowledgement in our program and show the community your commitment to the arts!

Friends ($50-$99)
All above plus…
Q&A with the Directors – You are invited to an exclusive pre-show reception where you can speak with the directors and get the inside scoop on the summer production. This event will book quickly so don’t delay!

Supporters ($100-$249)
All above plus…
76 Trombone Plaque - A glittering plaque at the festival gates emblazoned with your name!
Opening Night Cast Party – This is your chance to celebrate opening night with the stars! Join us for this highly exclusive event and mingle with the talent, directors, press, and other South Bay luminaries. Don’t miss out on your chance to party the night away!

Premier Supporters ($250-$499)
All above plus…
Rehearsal Tickets – Join us at the Premier Supporters level for two free passes to an intimate working rehearsal and get your peek behind the scenes! Chat with the production team, actors, and musicians as Broadway In The Park brings great musicals to life!

Patrons ($500+)
All above plus…
Backstage Tour – Join us for a fun-filled afternoon as Broadway In The Park takes you backstage and into the world of theatre! Tour the stage, see the sets and costumes up close, and learn how the magic happens.

We accept donations by check and cash as well. Please make your check out to Broadway In The Park.

Broadway In The Park
P.O. Box 3088
El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 954-1425

Meet The Choreographer: Ann Myers

We sat down with Ann Myers, choreographer for this year's festival. She shares her history and what audiences can expect this summer...

How did you get started in theater? Although I’d been dancing since I was five, a friend in high school made me audition with her for our spring musical and there I was, bitten pretty hard by the theater bug. (Luckily, there’s no scar.)

Have we seen you in anything lately?

I’ve performed for theaters and cruise lines all over the country. But for the South Bay, I recently portrayed Lina Lamont in Norris Theatre’s “Singin in the Rain." I also choreographed the show, which was a special treat! Other South Bay credits include “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Musical Theatre West and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

What is your vision for the Music Man?

El Segundo is all about community. That is the base of my inspiration for creating fun choreography, somewhat reminiscent of Onna White’s, but with a little something extra, created specifically for this production. Be prepared to tap your toes, then have your socks knocked off! (Luckily, the grass feels great.)

What should auditioners expect when they arrive on day one?

Expect to have fun. And sweat. As long as you’re onboard with those two concepts, it’ll be a great time. And don’t be intimidated – we’ll be looking at all dance levels, so just come out, do your best and enjoy yourself!

Tell us what you love most about the show...

The Music Man has always been close to my heart. It’s one of my father’s favorites (he grew up in Iowa) and it was one of the first musicals I ever danced in when I was a teenager. Our family can’t even say the word 'Indiana' without humming “Gary, Indiana." But what I truly love about the show is it’s simple theme of love. Love of community, of family, of partners, of each other.

Anything else fun, crazy, or exciting you want to add?

Shipoopi!!!

Music By Moonlight Gala just 10 days away!

On Thursday, June 2, 2011, Broadway In The Park presents their second annual Music By Moonlight Gala at ArcLight Cinemas Beach Cities and you are invited to join the festivities!

It's a magical evening that kicks off at 5:30pm with gourmet appetizers (CPK, Salt Creek Grille) and a high-class silent auction in the theatre's cafe, including such prizes as a week in Cancun, Catalina Cruise, spa packages, theatre & theme park tickets and more. Afterwards, guests will be ushered into Theater 16 for a program of live musical performances and a multimedia presentation by Executive Producer Jeff Cason of what's in store for Broadway In The Park this summer.

Broadway In The Park is El Segundo's summer theatre festival, featuring a professional Broadway musical, a live community arts showcase, and cotton candy under the stars at Recreation Park. This year also marks the debut of Charity Partners, an outreach program that dedicates each night of the festival to a local charity – raising money and awareness for important South Bay causes. Featured charities this year include The El Segundo Education Foundation, E.S. Community Concert Band, Tree Musketeers, and El Segundo Auxiliary of L.A. Children's Hospital.

Tickets are on sale for $30 each. CLICK HERE to download the order form. Just print and mail back to get your tickets today!