Hylton Performing Arts Center Holds Its 2nd Anniversary Gala

Written By Jill Graziano Laiacona of the Hylton Performing Arts Center

The Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas is pleased to announce its 2nd Anniversary Gala on Saturday, May 5, 2012. This exciting benefit event supports the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s mission to entertain, educate and enrich the Northern Virginia community by providing diverse and accessible arts experiences in state-of-the-art venues.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center’s 2^nd Anniversary Gala honors George Mason University President Alan G. Merten and Mrs. Sally L. Merten for their leadership in bringing the Hylton Performing Arts Center to Prince William County and the Northern Virginia region.

Co-chaired by The Honorable Corey A. Stewart and Maria Stewart and Mike and Karen Vanderpool, the 2^nd Anniversary Gala raises funds for the Sen. Charles J. Colgan Community Arts Benefit Fund, which enables local arts organizations to present at the Hylton Center and make this elegant performing arts venue their artistic home.

The 2^nd Anniversary Gala begins with a reception in the Didlake Grand Foyer at 5 p.m., followed by a gala dinner in the Gregory Family Theater at 6 p.m. The evening culminates in Merchant Hall at 8 p.m. with a dazzling concert by an artist that The New York Times called Broadway’s “last leading man.” Tony Award-winning singer, actor and consummate entertainer Brian Stokes Mitchell (“Man of La Mancha,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Ragtime”) takes the stage for a thrilling performance showcasing his dynamic repertoire, which includes timeless show tunes, heartrending ballads and classic love songs, such as “Embraceable You,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and his showstopper, “The Impossible Dream.”

Individual tickets to the 2^nd Anniversary Gala are $300 each and include a performance ticket to the Brian Stokes Mitchell concert, a ticket to the gala dinner and recognitions in the programs for both the concert and the dinner. Table sponsorships are also available. For more information about the 2^nd Anniversary Gala or to purchase tickets, please contact Emily Robinson at erobinse@gmu.edu or (703) 993-7719.