Gamm’s ‘Play On!’ Hosts One-Night Musical Show June 14

WARWICK, RI — Gamm’s ‘Play On!’ – the theatre’s annual gala – is set for Friday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at its home at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick with a one-night musical performance.

Gamm’s Play On!, themed in reference to Shakespeare’s call to joy in Twelfth Night, the event will celebrate the organization’s current season with a one-night-only musical performance of songs that delightfully “play on” themes and characters of past shows and also look forward to the upcoming season.

“As we take a final bow on Season 39, we will celebrate the remarkable achievements of the past year and express our deep gratitude for those who have supported us along the way,” said Gamm Executive Director Jason Cabral. “This annual fundraiser is pivotal to fueling our plans and embracing the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for The Gamm’s 40th anniversary season.”

Artistic Director Tony Estrella, in collaboration with musical artist Eden Casteel, will direct a company of actors in a musical feast of classic and contemporary Broadway hits woven throughout the evening’s celebration. The cast for the performance features recognizable Gamm actors including Casey Seymour Kim, Emily Turtle, Lynsey Ford, John Cormier, Helena Tafuri, Jeff Church, and Nora Eschenheimer.

The Gamm will also honor longtime Gamm supporter Daniel Toby Marwil with the David Wax Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Arts that evening. Having served on The Gamm’s board of directors for 10 years, including as president through the challenges of the global pandemic, Marwil has made a substantial impact on the lives of many who value The Gamm and the arts in Rhode Island.

“Daniel has long supported The Gamm as a patron and then board member. He assumed the presidency at the most critical of times. His leadership was invaluable when the pandemic essentially shuttered the arts for more than a year. Without his intelligence, vision, generosity and wisdom, I’m not sure we’d be thriving today. We are forever grateful for Daniel’s commitment and look forward to recognizing his contributions to our community on this special night,” said Estrella.

Gala guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a dinner on the Gamm stage. The Markstone Family Charitable Foundation along with Miriam Weizenbaum and David Heckman will serve as Gala Co-Chairs with their gracious philanthropic support for the evening’s festivities. Supporting them as Gala Vice-Chairs are The Achey and Thomas Charitable Foundation, Leon C. Boghossian III and Karen Boghossian, Jason and Jeffrey Cabral, Tony Estrella and Jennifer Madden, Daniel and Ivy Marwil, W. Lynn McKinney and Ron Margolin, and Joyce L. Stevos.

Additional corporate support for the event was provided by Advanced Production & Design, Bruneau Auctioneers, Sheahan Printing, Coastal1 Credit Union, Greenwood Credit Union, Bank Newport and Easy Entertaining, Inc. Proceeds from Play On! support the non-profit Gamm’s productions and education programs.

Tickets to Play On! start at $300 per person. Space is limited, so all are encouraged to purchase their tickets by May 31 at 401-723-4266, ext. 141 or online at gammtheatre.org/gala39. For sponsorship information, please contact Gail Hulbert, director of advancement and communications, at 401-723-4266, ext. 141 or [email protected].

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.