That’s Entertainment! 10/25/05

Malcolm presented a Rolex watch to Gerald Arpino. He only spoke for a minute...no more since the focus was on Arpino.

    Today (Monday, August 29th) the City Center Box Office opens for Rolex presents “That’s Entertainment!” Celebrating Career Transition For Dancers’, 20th Anniversary Jubilee – hosted by Liza Minnelli on Monday, October 24, 2005 at 7:00 pm at City Center, 131 West 55 Street (bet. 7 & 6 Ave) NYC. Liza Minnelli, winner of three Tony Awards, an Oscar, a golden Globe and an Emmy, is one of the entertainment world's consummate performers. In film, on stage, and on television, Liza has won critical acclaim, a multitude of fans, and recognition: Best Foot Forward, winning a Theatre World Award; Tony Awards for Flora, the Red Menace, (youngest actress to win for a musical role), her one-women show and The Act. Liza was nominated for an Oscar for The Sterile Cuckoo, and won the Oscar and the Golden Globe Award for Cabaret directed by Bob Fosse.
    The Gala will pay homage to dance as entertainment in our culture - a lively jubilee that highlights a variety of styles from Ballet to Broadway to Break Dance – with a side order of circus arts for fun. It promises to be the dance entertainment event of the 2005-06 Season. Produced & directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo, with Robert Mikulski as Musical Director and written by Deborah Grace Winer. As in the past, the Gala will feature some World Premieres that are especially created for the show. The spectacular evening will include Polly Bergen, Marge Champion, Sandy Duncan, Mercedes Ellington, Bill Irwin, Lypsinka, Malcolm McDowell, Michael Moschen, Richard Move, Donald Saddler, Jason Samuels Smith, Ben Vereen, Mr. Wiggles and artists from American Ballet Theatre, ABT Studio Company, The Big Apple Circus, Cirque du Soleil, Complexions featuring Desmond Richardson, Crazy Legs & Rock Steady Crew with DJ Slynkee, Dance Times Square, The Joffrey Ballet, Momix, and the World Cup Shooting Stars All Star Cheerleading and others. (artists & program subject to change)
    There will be three honorees for this year’s Gala. The Rolex Dance Award will be given to: The Joffrey Ballet in recognition of its 50th Anniversary Celebration and to its Co-Founder and Artistic Director Gerald Arpino. Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. stated "We are delighted to present the Rolex Dance Award to The Joffrey Ballet and its accomplished Artistic Director, Gerald Arpino. We recognize the national scope provided by the CTFD organization and with The Joffrey Ballet thriving in Chicago, this is a timely choice, especially in recognition of their 50th Anniversary celebration which launches this Fall." There will be two Baccarat's Career Transition For Dancers' Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance: The Harkness Foundation for Dance - for unwavering commitment and support for dance presenting organizations, service organizations, dance companies, choreographers and dancers; and to Lewis S. Ranieri, chairman American Ballet Theatre - for his passion, love and respect for dance and dancers.
    The annual event is a benefit for Career Transition For Dancers. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, CTFD has helped over 3,000 professional dancers identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option.
    The Honorary chairs are Melissa Gilbert, Cynthia Gregory, Kevin McKenzie, Peter Martins, Mary Tyler Moore, Rosie Perez, Jane Powell, Ann Reinking & Patrick Swayze. 20th Anniversary Chair is Patricia Kennedy and the Chair is Anka K. Palitz. Vice Chairs are Helene Alexopoulos, Mercedes Ellington, Victoria Herbert, Laura Zeckendorf. The Dinner Chair is Janice Becker; Auction Chair is Ann Van Ness; and the West Coast Chair is Roberta Silbert Greene.
    Gala tickets are $550 & $1,000 each, which include the performance and a post-performance ‘Anniversary Waltz Supper with the Stars’, auction and dancing at the Metropolitan Ballroom Sheraton New York. Sponsorships and tables are also available. For gala tickets please call Gary Tigner at (212) 764-0172. Show only tickets are on sale by calling CityTix (212) 581-1212 / www.citycenter.org and at the City Center Box Office for $125; $75; $55 & $45. www.careertransition.org