Thanks to Richard Cox for organizing and producing the Gala Benefit Concert on Sept. 27th. The evening was a total success. And thanks to all who took part in support of the Arts in Northwest New Jersey and of Centenary Stage Company. Now, more than ever, we need the arts in our lives.

Mr. Gene Bertoncini was magical in his jazz guitar performance. It was lovely and mesmerizing. We could hear the rain while he played that made for an extraordinary total experience. I went to his Web site and found a link to a slide with Gene's music in the background that provides a taste of how grand is his talent.

Aside from having the pleasure of being so close in proximity to Mr. Bertoncini's abilities with the guitar, we enjoyed an impressive variety of entertainment this night. From the obvious dedication of two young violinists (Nanette O'Brien and Elizabeth Breslin) to two passionate tenors, Richard Cox and Vaughn Bryner, the night was on fire with talent. We enjoyed talented accompanists, Linda Cox and Scott Besser (as well as his solo performance of works of Chopin), great solo soprano works of Shellie Bransford (and amazing duet with Vaughn) and solo jazz of Gina Fearn, performing some old jazz and musical favorites from years ago. It was great reminiscing with you.

The evening ended, much to our dismay that it had to end, with a medley from Les Miserables featuring the talents of many of the performers in this evening's event plus community members, CPAG, Centenary College and Young Performer's Workshop (YPW) members. Most performed solos during the medley showing the great talent we have in our midst, not only in acting but in voice.

All in all it was a night of enchanting talent and variety. 'Enchanting' - "to attract and move deeply : rouse to ecstatic admiration" - yes, that describes it. This attendee thought the event would be entertaining but it was much more than that. It was a night of music and the arts that I'll remember as a highlight in my life.
 
This is the first time I've written a review... I felt compelled to do it. If, for some reason or another, you were forced to miss this fine Benefit Concert, I still personally encourage you to support the Arts and Centenary Stage Company by including a tax-deductable donation with your next CSC ticket purchase to ensure that the Arts stay alive here in Northwest New Jersey (and arrange for matching funds with your company if they do that).

Thanks, again, to the passion of all involved.
 
               Susan Riding
               Webmaster For And Fellow Friend of Centenary Stage Company