PICT Plays…with Witches and Wizards is PICT Classic Theatre’s ‘Sweet Oblivious Antidote’ to the typical Pittsburgh gala
Featuring emcee Brian Edward from ‘Burgh Vivant and an awards ceremony honoring Rich Fitzgerald, Gene O’Sullivan, and Joan Markert.
Pittsburgh, PA – September 30, 2014. For one night, on the eve of Halloween, PICT Classic Theatre will transform J. Verno Studios on the South Side into a den of dastardly delights! Dinner, dancing, and “spirits” of all sorts set the scene as PICT celebrates its brilliant 2014 season and this year’s honorees.
PICT Classic Theatre and Director level sponsors— Calgon Carbon, The Elliott Group, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Levin Furniture, PNC Bank and Chuck & Karen Moellenberg— are happy to provide Pittsburgh with a wickedly fun evening perfect for the end of October.
PICT Plays, 6-9 PM: PICT will put a spell on you with a fully-immersive party featuring spooky décor and eerie tunes from local band, Silencio, a David Lynch & Angelo Badalamenti- inspired group. Upon arrival, guests will receive Hollywood-style red carpet treatment and photo opportunities as they sample cocktails, harvest-inspired passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations provided by Bob Sendall and All In Good Taste Productions. Brian Edward from ‘Burgh Vivant will emcee throughout the evening, which will also include an extensive silent auction and an unconventional awards ceremony. Guests will be assigned tables but are encouraged to move freely about the space, mingling with PICT actors and artists and exploring all manners of activities offered, including tarot readings, palmistry, and more!
After Party, 9-11 PM: The witching hour begins when DJs J. Malls and Gordy of TitleTown take the stage, spinning rare and classic groves for the dance floor on 45 rpm records. They set the mood as guests enjoy music, food and bar stations all evening. Prizes for the best Witch or Wizard costume and the best overall costume will be awarded.
ABOUT THE AWARDS:
The Chosky-Rauh Theatre Award acknowledges distinguished service to and support of arts and culture, created in honor of philanthropists Richard Rauh and the late Philip Chosky for their many years of leadership gifts. Stephanie Riso, PICT’s co-founder and Managing Director explains, “Philip Chosky and Richard Rauh have been stalwarts in the theatre community since before PICT ever came to be. They have always been passionate about encouraging and supporting all kinds of theatre as well as its professionals and artists. They have, in particular, been extremely generous to PICT over the years. We hope to honor their generosity and commitment to sustained and meaningful support of theatre with this award.”
The Anne D. Mullaney Inspiration Award honors the late PICT board member Anne D. Mullaney, a respected attorney and lover of the arts who inspired others with her support of great causes, not only for theatre, but also a variety of well-deserved efforts in the Pittsburgh community and beyond. Stephanie Riso notes, “Anne served PICT during the critical years of 2003-2006. She represented kindness and generosity, a sense of humor and a positive attitude. She inspired those around her in countless ways, and PICT is pleased to honor her memory with this award.”
The Dagda Award is new to PICT this year. Named after the god of art in Celtic folklore, the Dagda Award is presented to a public figure who has demonstrated their dedication to supporting an environment in which arts and cultural organizations can succeed and thrive. Alan Stanford, PICT’s Artistic and Executive Director states, “At PICT, we recognize the importance of honoring those who serve our community and acknowledge the role arts and culture play in economic development and the vibrancy of our region. We can think of no better way to draw attention to these service-minded individuals than by inviting them to be a part of PICT’s family.”
ABOUT GENE O’SULLIVAN, CHOSKY-RAUH AWARD RECIPIENT:
A graduate of IUP, Gene has served as a volunteer for many Pittsburgh-area charitable causes, including PICT, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, IUP’s Foundation and IUP’s Eberly College of Business Advisory Council. Mr. O’Sullivan is a 1971 accounting graduate of IUP with a minor in Economics, and has worked as a CPA, Auditor, Treasurer and CFO for such companies as Schneider Downs & Co., LBO group, the Conair Group and Elliott Company.
During his tenure at PICT, Gene served four terms as President of the Board, as well as Chair of the Development Committee, lending his time and talent to creating a strong, sustainable theatre company.
He and his wife, Sandy, reside in Pittsburgh and are major supporters of arts and culture.
ABOUT JOAN MARKERT, ANNE D. MULLANEY INSPIRATION AWARD RECIPIENT:
Joan is one of three resident costume designers at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and a frequent designer with PICT Classic Theatre. For PICT, she has designed School For Scandal, The Ideal Husband, Hobson’s Choice, Othello, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Mask of Moriarty, The School For Lies, Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Crucifer of Blood, Blithe Spirit, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, and Joan will also design for PICT’s December production, Great Expectations. A graduate of Grinnell College (Speech and Theatre) and Carnegie-Mellon University (Costume Design), she has worked in St. Louis at the Loretto Hilton Repertory Theatre (now the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Totem Pole Playhouse near Gettysburg, and in Los Angeles with Rita Riggs, who designed All in the Family, Maude, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, and Good Times. She started designing and creating costumes for the Playhouse in 1981, and has lent her talents to over 100 shows there. She served as Designer/Creator of the Mountain State Forest Festival’s Queen’s Gown in West Virginia for ten years. Joan has also done extensive costuming for the ballet students of the late Mansur Kameletdinov, both for concerts and for international competition, including The Firebird Suite for the Universal Ballet Company of Seoul, South Korea. In addition to her work at the Playhouse and PICT, Joan has designed for Prime Stage, the South Park Conservatory Theatre, the Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, and the Jewish Theatre of Pittsburgh. She also teaches History of Costumes and Costume Construction for Point Park University where she is Costume Supervisor. For around ten years, Joan has been working with the help of a college friend on two inventory and tracking programs for costumes and for props. When not inundated by theatre, Joan enjoys her friends, her cats, growing orchids and travel.
ABOUT RICH FITZGERALD, DAGDA AWARD RECIPIENT
Rich grew up in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield-Garfield neighborhood, earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a business minor from Carnegie Mellon University, and started a small business, Aquenef, which provides water treatment equipment and services for industry in the Western Pennsylvania region.
He previously held a City Council seat for twelve years and was elected Council President four times. He became County Executive in January, 2012.
As County Executive, he is focused on economic development of the region and job creation, and he works with companies on a weekly basis to address the issues that are priorities to them so that they can grow and be supported by the county. That focus includes improving our airports, ensuring our public transit system is reliable and sustainable, and providing a climate where a skilled workforce is a key component of our growth. Rich’s interest in making government more effective and efficient began with the consolidation of row offices when he was on Council. This project has since expanded to include a top-to-bottom review of county departments and functions by the County Manager and direction to make changes to ensure that county government is responsive to taxpayers and protects their interests.
He and his wife, Cathy, a pharmacist, live in Squirrel Hill. They have eight children.
PICT Classic Theatre (Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre) was founded in 1996 to diversify the region’s theatrical offerings by providing Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania audiences with high-quality, text-driven, affordable productions of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights and to significantly improve employment opportunities for local talent in all facets of theatrical presentation and production. PICT is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, and a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT is the Professional Theatre in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh and PICT productions at The Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres are presented in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Theatre Arts.
FACT SHEET
October 30, 2014 from 6- 11 PM
J. Verno Studios, 3030 Jane Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203
Sponsors: Calgon Carbon, Elliott Group, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Levin Furniture, Karen & Chuck Moellenberg, PNC Bank, Bayer MaterialScience, Forensic Valuation Litigation, Jones Day, Sandy & Gene O’Sullivan, Cynthia Berger & Larry Green
Media Sponsors: ‘Burgh Vivant, 90.5 WESA, 91.3 WYEP
Event Planner: Jennifer Trehar
Attire: Cocktail, Evening, or Costumes encouraged
Catering by Bob Sendall & All In Good Taste Productions. Open bar all evening.
6:00 PM: Red Carpet Arrival & Passed hors d’oeuvre. Music by Silencio. Silent Auction begins
7:00 PM: Food Stations open. Music by Silencio. Strolling entertainers.
8:00 PM: Awards Presentation, featuring Emcee Brian Edward
8:30 PM: Dessert station opens.
9:00 PM: After Party begins. Music by TitleTown. Silent Auction Ends.
11:00: Party Concludes.
Ticket Prices:
$250/person- Gala & After Party admission
$175/ person- Young Professional’s Ticket (35 and Under- Includes Gala & After Party)
Dance Party – $35/person or 2 for $60
Sponsorships and program book advertising available.
Contact Jennifer Trehar at jtrehar@picttheatre.org.