PYT, with co-host Air Products, Hosted a Fundraising Preview Event to Benefit PYT Scholarships and Children’s Programs

“The Happy Elf,” a Christmas play with music and lyrics by Harry Connick Jr., will be performed by PYT Nov. 30-Dec. 16, 2012.

Bethlehem, Pa.— On November 17, 2012, the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (PYT) held its First Annual Gala and Preview Event to raise funds for PYT scholarships and children’s programs. The gala also highlighted their season feature production, The Happy Elf, a light-hearted Christmas play by Harry Connick, Jr. Special guests Harry Connick, Jr., The Happy Elf composer and lyricist; Lauren Gunderson, playwright; Gordon Greenberg, director and producer; the PYT creative team; and patrons gathered in Moravian College’s Foy Hall to enjoy an evening dedicated to a great cause.

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission of educating, entertaining and enriching the lives of young people and their families through the art of theatre. PYT was founded on the commitment to provide opportunities for all children to participate and learn through the art of theatre.

Air Products, is the co-sponsor of the PYT First Annual Gala. Event contributors include: First Generation, IronPigs, CC Productions, LLC and Coaches Florist and Working Dog Press.

Also supporting the Gala — as well as PYT’s full 2012-2013 season — are Gold Level Sponsors Sahl Communications Inc. and WDIY Radio. Silver Sponsors include LV Health Network, Crayola, Lehigh Valley Style, The Morning Call, Hotel Bethlehem and Sayre Mansion Inn. Bronze Sponsor is Debra Martin Graphic Design.

“For almost three decades, Pennsylvania Youth Theatre has helped children see the possibilities and discover experiences through theatre that they can’t have anywhere else,” said Laurie Gostley-Hackett, PYT Gala Chairman. “Saturday night we joined together to celebrate with PYT at their First Annual Gala as a preview of The Happy Elf, and Air Products is delighted to support this event.”

Proceeds from the First Annual Gala will enable the theatre to continue to educate and inspire. Funds raised will benefit PYT Scholarships and fuel future children’s programs. “With such generous support and sponsorships, it is certain our commitment to provide opportunities for all children to participate and learn through the art of theatre will be remarkably fulfilled,” said Michael Melcher, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Youth Theatre.

The evening also entailed a live auction and small awards ceremony. PYT demonstrated its gratitude and awarded all of its sponsors, presenting a special award for an exceptional supporter, Linny Fowler. PYT also honored the 27 years of devoted service to a founding member, Cidney Spillman, as she is retiring from the PYT Board of Directors this year.

Hors d’oeuvres and desserts, spirits, live music by the Moravian Jazz Ensemble accompanied the event as well.

The Happy Elf is a lovable holiday favorite inspired by the Christmas tune “The Happy Elf” by Harry Connick, Jr. The song transformed into a book by Lauren Gunderson and Andrew Fishman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Harry Connick, Jr., from which the play is adapted. The Happy Elf also became a 3-D animated holiday movie special.

The play illustrates the story of Eubie, known as the happiest elf at the North Pole, who is stuck with naughty-and-nice list checking. On Christmas Eve, however, he notices not one person of the entire town of Bluesville is on the Nice List, and embarks on a journey with his friends and his holiday magic to turn all of the kids nice in time for Christmas!

The Happy Elf will be performed at the Charles A. Brown Ice House from December 1 to December 16, 2012. In addition to traditional evening shows, PYT will offer matinee performances for $10 per ticket on select, soon-to-be-announced dates. To order tickets, visit the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre’s website 123pyt.tix.com or call 610.332.1400.

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About PYT
Pennsylvania Youth Theatre is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission of educating, entertaining and enriching the lives of young people and their families through the art of theatre. PYT was founded on the commitment to provide opportunities for all children to participate and learn through the art of theatre.