Gala to launch hunt for new theater home
Negotiations under way for unidentified site
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They're not ready to break their silence yet, but members of North Fork Community Theatre are in preliminary talks about a building that could become their permanent home.
With that goal in mind, members will continue the effort to raise money to support the purchase and renovations June 12 with their Building on Tradition Campaign Gala at Martha Clara Vineyards.
"We are not only confident, but we know this is going to happen," Mary Motto Kalich, NFCT vice president and producer of the theater's current production of "Sound of Music," said about finding a permanent home for the theater.
It's an amazing community of people who have supported NFCT since members launched the drive to find a home by 2012 when their lease on the building owned by Mattituck Presbyterian Church expires, NFCT president Marilee Scheer said.
In the year since the building campaign was launched, about $35,000 has been raised, Ms. Scheer said. As for the goal, that depends on whether they purchase an existing building or have to build from scratch, Ms. Kalich said.
What both women know is that since they were faced last year with the theater's being homeless, support has increased in the community. More people have become involved with theater productions and more are sending contributions and attending productions. The theater has become a place for children and adults to demonstrate their talents and get involved both on stage and behind the scenes.
There are not only expanded dates for plays this year, but also more main stage productions. In the year ahead, there will be five main stage productions and likely several smaller productions. And Sunday matinees that were an experiment have proven to be the most popular for audience members, Ms. Kalich said.
The idea for a gala stemmed from the theater's 50th anniversary party last year that was so much fun, members wanted to follow up with a similar event, Ms. Scheer said.
Besides food and drink provided by local purveyors there will be live musical performances by NFCT members followed by an auction and 50/50 raffle.
Tony Award-winning actress and writer Peg Murray will receive the Building on Tradition Award in recognition for her ongoing contributions to the arts, Ms. Kalich said. Not only does her resumé include many outstanding acting roles, she was a founder of the Northeast Stage and long-time supporter of NFCT. Ms. Murray writes theater reviews for Times/Review Newspapers.
"She was a mentor to so many people on the North Fork," Ms. Kalich said.
Jay Cardwell, one of the producers of the original "Nunsense" on Broadway, will be on hand, Ms. Kalich said. He has a home on the North Fork and has been a long-time NFCT supporter. Former North Fork resident Lauren Graham, star of television's "Gilmore Girls," and currently playing on Broadway in "Guys and Dolls," won't be attending, but is supporting the gala.
Supporters big and small are helping the company to realize its dream of a home of its own, Ms. Kalich said.
"Every little clap isn't much, but altogether it's a standing ovation," she said about the contributions that are helping to grow the fund for the building effort.
Gala tickets are $75 and are available by calling 298-NFCT or e-mailing contact@NFCT.com.
jlane@timesreview.com
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