On Saturday, June 7, eight Ashevillians will strut their stuff and let their voices soar in order to be crowned ACT Diva! Asheville Community Theatre is thrilled to announce Diva*licious, the musical theatre gala and annual fundraiser. Sponsored by the Renaissance Asheville Hotel and Roberto Coin, this special evening will begin at 7:00 pm for drinks and a catered reception. At 8:21 pm, the performance will begin. Tickets are $25 and are currently on sale at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office.

The eight contestants are a veritable who's who of local business owners, ACT veteran performers and other local musical talents. Robin Cape is a current Asheville City Council member; Lori Hilliard starred in Little Shop of Horrors and Ruthless! at ACT; Lora Kole's ACT credits include Once Upon a Mattress, Nunsense, Schoolhouse Rock Live!, and Bachelor Pad; Rod Leigh starred as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast at ACT; Barry Pate is a local physician who has performed with the Asheville Lyric Opera and ACT; Beverly Todd brought the house down in last year's Ruthless at ACT; Scott Thompson is the co-owner of Sante wine bar, located in the Grove Arcade; and Steve Wilde who has starred in Southern Hospitality and The Philadelphia Story at ACT. Darr Conradson of Roberto Coin and Michael Cheek, who was crowned ACT Diva 2007, will serve as co-emcees. Michael Cheek will also perform.

Contestants will vie for the title of ACT Diva through the magic and outrageousness of musical theatre. The audience will vote on their favorite contestant by donating money to Asheville Community Theatre. The contestant who raises the most money for ACT takes the title and the crown! Each contestant will sing two numbers of their choosing and perform in several group numbers. From Broadway and beyond, the songs will range from silly to serious, from jaw-dropping to heart-breaking.

In addition to the performance, Asheville Community Theatre will announce the winner of the Diamonds are Everyone's Best Friend Wine Glass raffle. Numbered wine glasses serve as raffle tickets; these are on sale now for $50 apiece or two for $90. Any remaining glasses will be sold on the night of the event. Only 160 wine glasses will be sold. The Grand Prize is a stunning diamond necklace donated by Roberto Coin (retail value $2,500).

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MEDIA CONTACT

Jenny Bunn, Program Director
Asheville Community Theatre
828.254.2939 ext.21, jenny@ashevilletheatre.org

 

 

At A Glance

 

What:    Diva*licious, the annual musical theatre gala fundraiser for Asheville Community Theatre

 

Who:     Sponsored by Renaissance Asheville Hotel and Roberto Coin

 

Where:     Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut Street, Asheville, NC

 

When:    Saturday, June 7, Catered reception begins at 7:00 pm, performance begins at 8:21 pm

 

Tickets:   $25 includes pre-show catered reception and performance

Asheville Community Theatre Box Office

35 E. Walnut Street

Asheville, NC 28801

828.254.1320