Dazzling, celebratory evening of theatre magic at Centaur’s Fundraising Gala

On October 16, Centaur Theatre’s Artistic and Executive Director Eda Holmes and the Theatre’s Board of Directors, Chaired by Michael Baratta, hosted CENTAUR SOIRÉE, Centaur’s 2018 Gala. Those in attendance were fêted with a celebratory night including a classy live auction guided by Aaron Rand; Treasure Chest prizes hosted by Lori Graham; a fabulous silent auction that wrapped around the mezzanine; an outstanding cocktail dînatoire; and a tour-de-force musical performance by the incomparable, award-winning jazz singer and actor, Ranee Lee. This winning 50th birthday party raised $147,000 by the time the candles were blown out.

Suzanne Asselin and Claude Rouleau of RBC Dominion

Vital funds aside, it was a beautiful celebration. On arrival, guests made their way up the red carpet, posing for photos next to lush, red velvet curtains. Decorator extraordinaire, Roberto Menegati, wowed once again. Reminiscent of all the opening night bouquets, roses were suspended overhead and beautifully displayed on tables.

Guests were treated to the rich a cappella sound of the Choir Boy cast on the portico steps. Small groups headed to the depths of the theatre for an inside peek behind the scenes during the Ghost Walk. Featuring a great cast of performers, they were taken to the costume shop, the green room, dressing rooms and the props shop. Over in the smaller theatre, Summersett Band, set up in a Jazz Bar atmosphere, won the crowd over with their smooth, original sounds.

Christopher Parker, Lyndz Dantiste, Steven Charles, Patrick Gauthier-Abellard and Vlad Alexis of Choir Boy

Summersett Band. From left to right Holly Frankel (vocals), Nick Carpenter (piano), Summersett (vocals),
Pierre Gaudreault (bass), Davis (vocals), Jean-Philippe Godbout (drums), Amélie Lamontagne (violin) and Sophie Coderre (cello)

Centaur Soirée also had many respected guests in attendance, including Madame Christine Gosselin, Member of the Executive Committee and responsible for Culture, Heritage and Design for Montreal. Also enjoying the atmosphere were patrons representing Air Canada, Cummings & Gold Families, Fednav Limited, Reitmans (Canada) Limited, the Rossy Family Foundation and Systra Canada.

Board Member Nancy Cummings Gold, Chairman of the Board Michael Baratta, Artistic & Executive Director Eda Holmes and renowned jazz performer Ranee Lee
Larry & Cookie Rossy and Georgia & Emile Shamie from the Rossy Family Foundation

Chloe Fortin, Joseph Malala, Edmond Sai-Yen Chung and Eric Lauzon from Air Canada
Guillaume Genin and guests from Systra Canada

This year’s fundraiser was about the magic of theatre, and nothing was more captivating than watching the inimitable Ranee Lee in an intimate concert setting. Lee spoke about marrying her two passions of theatre and jazz, treating guests to her beautiful, fresh jazz interpretations.

Attendees capped the evening enjoying a looming red velvet birthday cake, rich brownies and lemon-meringue tartlets. People left the building inspired for the upcoming theatrical season.

Ticket revenues cover less than half of the theatre’s annual expenses. Money raised not only allows Centaur Theatre to produce high-quality professional theatre in the heart of the city, but also covers initiatives such as Theatre of Tomorrow and Saturday Morning Children’s Series. Contributions employ over 200 local, national and international theatre artists each year and maintain a valuable heritage building. This annual gala fundraiser is an occasion to celebrate the theatre’s rich legacy and guarantee its essential future.

CENTAUR SOIRÉE COMMITTEE

Michael Baratta
Nancy Cummings Gold
Dr. Anthony G. Czaharyn
Paola Farnesi
Silvia Galeone
Belle Grivakis
Eda Holmes
Fergus V. Keyes
Li Li
Tony Loffreda
Kevin E. Lutes
Hugh W. McAdams
Roberto Menegati
Beth Noel
Richard Pan
Hartland Paterson
Vincent Prager
Carolyn E. Renaud
Caitlin Rose
Nayan Saha
Charlene Todaschuk
Carmela Vincelli
Robert A. Walsh
Robert M. Yalden

AUCTIONEER

Aaron Rand, CJAD

TREASURE CHEST

Lori Graham, CTV
Jessica Abdallah
Dayane Ntibarikure

AMBASSADORS

Martin R Landry
Rodrigue Lussier

PATRONS

Air Canada
Cummings & Gold Families
Fednav Limited
Power Corporation of Canada
Reitmans (Canada) Limited
Rossy Family Foundation
Systra Canada

MAJOR IN-KIND DONORS & IN-KIND SPONSORS

Air Canada
Antonopoulos Group
Celebrations – Party & Special Event Rentals
Epik Hotel Boutique & Restaurant Bonaparte
Groupe Marcelle
Imprimerie Aubry
Mansfield Athletic Club
Menegati Design
Palladium Hotels & Resorts
Pinkerton Flowers
SAQ
Scenic luxury cruises & tours
Squish candies
The Crane Resort
VIA Rail Canada
WestJet