THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- April 10, 2008 – Nearly 130 party-goers donned their masks and raised their glasses for Honorees David and Brenda Gottlieb at the Town Center Theatre 2008 Season Kick-Off Masquerade Ball held April 4 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.  The event raised $20,000 for the 2008 season of Town Center Theatre, Montgomery County’s first and only professional theatre.   

“The Town Center Theatre Masquerade Ball was an exciting and entertaining event, and the funds we raised will ensure that we can continue to bring professional theatre to the area,” said Aaron Stryk, Managing Director of Town Center Theatre.  “We wish to thank all of the area business and community leaders who came in support of the Gottliebs and look forward to working with them to increase the presence of the performing and visual arts in Montgomery County.”   

The evening’s entertainment featured dancers from the Houston Argentine Tango Association and Strictly Street Salsa, who performed several Latin dance routines as the guests made their way to the tables.  From there, they were treated to several sneak preview performances from Town Center Theatre’s 2008 season, which included the comedy All In The Timing, the musical Godspell, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Merry Christmas, George Bailey, a new adaptation of the classic holiday film It’s A Wonderful Life.     

One of the highlights of the evening was the honoring of Dr. David and Brenda Gottlieb for their contribution to the arts in the Montgomery County area.  In addition to being presented with a plaque, Town Center Theatre also gave the pair lifetime season tickets.  During his acceptance speech, Dr. Gottlieb thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged them all to be active participants in the arts.  “I think we can all agree that this area needs a performing arts complex,” he said, a comment that was met with enthusiastic applause.   

Other highlights of the evening included a silent auction that featured such items as jewelry, autographed sports memorabilia, dinner-and-a-show packages and several unique art pieces.  In addition, guests who signed up for season tickets that evening were entered into a drawing to receive a vacation trip to either Mexico, the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic.  Winners of the drawing were Mike and Maureen Donelan.

Notable guests at the event were Billie and Bill Fargo, Robert and Kim Marling, Tim and Peg Welbes, Chip and Brenda Ray, Walter and Madalyn Cooke, Greg and Linda Freede, Kevin and Kate Robertson, John and Becky Tatum, Nancy and Casey Kosh, Deanna Peden and Tracy Wersel, Christine Lazenby, and Cindi Stewart.  Other companies present at the event included Chevron Phillips, CB&I and Woodforest National Bank. 

“We appreciate all of the financial support given to us by these individuals and organizations,” Stryk said.  “However, the long-term overall success of Town Center Theatre will be determined by the citizens of the Montgomery County area who come out to see the shows.  We encourage you all to support professional theatre in the area and to come see what we have in store for 2008.”  Town Center Theatre’s first show will be the madcap comedy All In The Timing, which opens on May 2 at Bock Auditorium, located at McCullough Junior High School. 

To view pictures from the event taken by Mary Kristen Photography, please go to www.eventpix.com and type in Masquerade Ball.  The event password is 040408.  

Town Center Theatre is a professional, non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to providing quality live entertainment and educational theatre to the surrounding community in which it operates.  Town Center Theatre’s mission is to use the theatrical experience as a means of stimulating and enriching the cultural life of the community and to serve as a hub of artistic expression for the surrounding area.  For more information about Town Center Theatre, visit www.towncentertheatre.com.