newportbeachindy . com MAY 10 , 2024 3
STEPPING OUT
Newport Theatre Arts Center Reveals New Season
By Eric Marchese | Special to the NB Indy
If you ’ re a fan of local live theater in general or Newport Theatre Arts Center in particular , you ’ ll want to mark your calendars for the 2024-2025 season , which was just announced at a live event at the Newport Beach venue .
The theater company ’ s annual season announcement event was held Saturday May 4 as a combination celebration and thank-you to those who provide financial support of Newport Theatre Arts Center .
But the main event – and the reason most were in attendance that day – was a reveal of the upcoming season .
A total of 70 patrons , supporters , board members and volunteers enjoyed a catered reception in the lobby , where they were invited to bid on numerous silent auction items .
The main event took place inside the Rae A . Cohen Theater , as board president Michelle Bendetti welcomed everyone and introduced her fellow board members .
She also pointed out the presence of Cohen in the audience , noting she ’ s “ one of our charter members , was our president for 37 years ” and that she ’ s still an active NTAC participant .
Suzy Cachero ( box office manager ) and Floyd Harden ( board member ) participating in a scene from “ Rumours ” by Neil Simon for the NTAC season reveal . Photo by Sarah Whitwell .
Bendetti announced that the program for sponsorships of specific seats within the theater has been put on hold due to ongoing dealings with the City of Newport Beach regarding NTAC ’ s future .
She said the theater “ will continue to make improvements ” such as to rehearsal and storage areas in the building ’ s basement , “ just nothing major until we know our future .”
Thanking everyone who made the gala possible and acknowledging the many volunteers involved , Bendetti said “ We couldn ’ t do it without all of you . This has been one of the most successful seasons we ’ ve ever had .”
Surrounding the upcoming season , Bendetti said she anticipates “ excitement and energy .” She prepped us for the season reveal by saying that before announcing each show , the audience would be given hints and clues by various board members ,
volunteers and actors .
Bendetti introduced board member Rebecca Rubino , assistant director and dramaturg for “ The Drowsy Chaperone ,” and NTAC managing director Bob Fetes , lauding Fetes by saying “ Everybody needs a miracle worker , and Bob is ours .”
Rubino and Fetes performed the song “ Show People ,” whose lyrics describe the excitement of being part of the glitter and glamor of Broadway musicals .
The hint given , the first show of the new season was revealed as “ Curtains !,” a musical comedy mystery by Kander and Ebb and Rupert Holmes that premiered in 2006 . The show , described by NTAC ’ s announcer as “ celebrating and satirizing the quirks of backstage Broadway ,” opens September 20 and closes October 20 .
Board vice president Andrew Kelley and board member Bill Peters greeted each other on stage , one holding a Christmas tree and the other , a menorah , suggesting next season ’ s holiday show “ Greetings !”
Tom Dudzick ’ s 1990s play transcends more ordinary examples of the holiday genre , layering
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