Facetime Community Theatre Entertains the Crowd at First Fundraiser

Facetime Community Theatre (FCT) kicked off its first year of operation last Friday, April 20, with "Let Us Entertain You, an Evening of Food, Friends and Music!" at Franklin Commons in Phoenixville.  The fundraising event packed about 150 people into Franklin Hall to enjoy scrumptious appetizers, delicious desserts, and lively performances by 18 talented members of the Phoenixville area community.
       FCT President Lisa Starczewski opened the event by explaining the genesis of the new nonprofit and its vision to establish a theatre for the production of plays, musicals, and dramatic arts in all forms and of the highest standards.  Starczewski announced that proceeds from the evening's festivities would go toward FCT's upcoming Summer Stage program to be held at Ursinus College from July 2 to July 21, 2012.  Part of the proceeds will fund scholarships to enable underserved members of the community to participate in the summer program, which will culminate in the production of the musical show "Oliver."
       Starczewski's remarks were followed by 18 stirring performances of songs ranging from the 1973 Stephen Sondheim standard, "Send in the Clowns," to the 1930 Hoagy Carmichael classic, "Georgia on My Mind."  The audience was also treated to a song and tap dance routine to "Maybe My Baby Loves Me" from the Broadway musical "Grand Hotel."  Adult performers included Starczewski as well as FCT's Vice President, Kate Nice.  Starczewski and Nice formerly co-directed the spring musicals at Phoenixville Area High School, and Nice was the PAHS Choral Director until June 2010.
       No one enjoyed the event more than Nice, who baked for days to supplement the desserts provided by local donors.  "The evening was a huge success in our eyes as it was an opportunity for the community to get to know what Facetime Community Theatre is all about," said Nice.  "We are so pleased with the outcome of the evening for so many reasons, not the least of which is the financial support we secured which will help to fund our 2012 Summer Stage program during which we hope to inspire and educate many young people about the world of musical theatre as we explore all the aspects of producing a full length musical - Oliver!"
       Other adult performers at the event were Lindsay Burgess, Tim Fritz, Jessica Potts, Katie Romano, Liam Snead, Mac Snead, Emilie Starczewski, and Stephen Tornetta.  Eight "Rising Star" youth performers also entertained the crowd:  Megan Anderson, Caleb Brown, Eli Brown, Samantha Close, Samantha Dobson, Samuel Majka, Taylor Ruffo, and Samantha Wilder.  Superb keyboard accompaniment was provided by Ben Potts, while sound and photography were generously provided by Gary Giebler and Mike Lantzy, respectively.
       Many local businesses and individuals donated generously of their time, money and goods to make "Let Us Entertain You" a resounding success.  Local donors included ACME Markets, America's Most Wanted Donuts, Artisan's Cafe, Birchrun Hills Farm, Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, Corropolese Bakery, Chik-fil-A, DaVinci's, Eliza's Bakery, Giant Food Stores, Giovanni's Pizza, Iced By Betsy, Iron Hill Brewery, Italian Deli & Market, Luigi's Pizza, Massutera Vegan Desserts, Philly Pretzel Factory, Valley Forge Pizza, Walmart, and Wegman's.
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