The lights in the theater flickered once… twice… thrice before a hush fell over the crowd who was plunged into darkness, save for one spotlight illuminating the night’s emcee, Michael Doughtery.
As Doughtery reminded everyone they were in a working theater, the well-dressed cast members began trickling in, unbeknownst to partygoers, finding their places among them.
Before anyone knew what was happening, Celebration by Kool & The Gang flooded the Stribling Black Box Theatre. The spirited introduction sung by the entire cast officially kicked off the seventh annual Presser arts Center Gala.
Doughtery then captivated his audience with his retelling of Presser Arts Center’s rich history, which he spruced up with his own comedic flair during the first of many costume changes of the night.
The efforts of Presser, especially the board members, were apparent in every aspect. Gala event co-chairs Lisa Snow and Cara Miller were truly dedicated to the theme, “here for the party”. The night at Presser was complete with food, drinks, a “speakeasy”, a raffle, and of course, everyone was dressed in their party best.
Guests enjoyed a hearty spread of appetizers featuring pulled pork, and meatloaf skewers provided by Sturgeon Meat Market, as well as crispy potato cups and other snacks and desserts provided by the gala committee.
Lucky for guests, there was something in that spread for everyone (and plenty of it) because Studio 54 bartenders Lisa and Jesse Snow don’t mess around with their cocktails.
The line-up of party songs you probably know was performed by gala cast: Aimee Myers, Ayanna Shivers, Brandi Brauker, Brenda Hale, Cara Miller, Christine Boelter, Gwen Outen, Jeani Vermillion, Kasi Welborn, Sharon Nelson, Vanessa Brink, Brock Vermillion, Craig Kimbel, Daniel Norman, Mike Briggs, Vicki Bach, David Bach and Dave Roland.
Such a grand event would not have been possible without show directors Cara Miller and Brandi Brauker and the tech crew: Michael Moore, Pete Nassir, David Pickering and Tiger Rotenburger.
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