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Manasquan Savings Bank Signs On As Series Sponsor through 2017-18 Season; Commits $100,000 in Support of Algonquin Arts Theatre

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Caption: Manasquan Savings Bank President and CEO James S. Vaccaro (left) presents Algonquin Arts Theatre Executive Director William Whitefield a check as part of a four year, $100,000 commitment to the theatre. With the contribution, Manasquan Savings Bank becomes the first title sponsor of the Algonquin's Broadway series. (Algonquin Arts Theatre photo)

MANASQUAN, N.J. (September 15, 2014) - Six hit productions including blockbusters "Annie Get Your Gun," "The Glass Menagerie" and "South Pacific" take the stage this season at Algonquin Arts Theatre as part of the 2014-15 Broadway Series presented by Manasquan Savings Bank.

The series includes a pair of musicals "The 1940's Radio Hour," which returns after a sold-out run three years ago, and family-favorite "Shrek the Musical." Philadelphia's famed Walnut Street Theatre will once again contribute with a production of Pulitzer Prize-winner David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre."

"Since we began producing our own shows three years ago, we've been extremely proud of the quality of all of our shows including 'Always ... Patsy Cline,' 'Evita' and 'My Fair Lady,'" Algonquin Executive Director William Whitefield said. "We look for the coming season to be our best yet, and with the new seats also the most comfortable!"

The season opens on Friday, Oct. 24 with "Annie Get Your Gun" starring Broadway veteran Carter Calvert, who has mesmerized Manasquan audiences in the title roles of Patsy Cline and Eva Peron at the Algonquin.

For the 2014-15 season, Manasquan Savings Bank signs on as the first-ever Broadway Series title sponsor. The sponsorship comes as part of the bank's commitment of $100,000 to Algonquin Arts Theatre across the next four years.

"Engagement with the arts inspires the community to envision a better world, and the Algonquin Arts Theatre has long been a leader in arts education at the local level," said Manasquan Savings Bank President and CEO James S. Vaccaro. "We are proud to lend our support, and look forward to enjoying some wonderful Broadway-style productions in the months and years to come."

In addition to the support of the Broadway Series, Manasquan Savings Bank's contribution and pledge also supports capital improvements as part of The Campaign for Algonquin Arts Theatre. The Campaign's first benchmark was an installation of new theatre seats, which will be completed prior to the first show in October.

"Manasquan Savings Bank has long been a generous supporter of Algonquin Arts Theatre, and we are extremely grateful to them for taking a leadership role in the community's support for the theatre," Whitefield said. "Our main stage and education programs have grown by leaps and bounds during the last four years. With support like this, that growth will continue to allow us to bring the performing arts to the Jersey Shore."

ABOUT THE 2014-15 BROADWAY SERIES
The Broadway Series at Algonquin Arts Theatre includes big, Broadway-style productions of musicals and plays. Subscriptions offer the best seats and best savings for the Broadway Series and are available for four, five or six shows starting as low as $100.

Individual tickets for the first four titles are on sale now at algonquinarts.org, by phone at 732-528-9211 and from the Algonquin Box Office at 173 Main Street in Manasquan. The Box Office is open 12-6 p.m. weekdays and 12-4 on Saturdays. Tickets to "South Pacific" and "Shrek the Musical" will go on sale September 25.

Annie Get Your Gun � October 26 through November 2
From a story by Dorothy and Herbert Fields and featuring the lyrics and music by one of America's greatest composers, Irving Berlin, "Annie Get Your Gun" presents the story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley (Carter Calvert) and her romance with Frank Butler, another member of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. The show has given us such hits as "I Got The Sun In The Morning," "Anything You Can Do" and "There's No Business Like Show Business."

The 1940's Radio Hour � November 29 through December 7
Algonquin Arts Theatre reprises its highly regarded production of "The 1940's Radio Hour," which will be again directed by Robert Johanson ("My Fair Lady," "Oliver!"). A different time is evoked in this marvelously theatrical and winning show, a live broadcast of a The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room (really - it's in the script) on December 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant "Strike Up the Band" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (both are in this show).

The Glass Menagerie � January 17 through 25
A drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty, "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the most famous plays of the modern theatre and was the first Tennessee Williams play to be a major success. This production will include original music composed by Father Alphonse Stephenson, the conductor of the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea. The play presents the story of Amanda Wingfield, a faded, tragic remnant of Southern gentility who lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and her daughter, Laura.

A Life in the Theatre � February 7 & 8
A funny and touching behind-the-scenes peek at the challenge of actors battling to share both the spotlight and a dressing room, "A Life in the Theatre" follows two actors in a repertory company: Robert, an older experienced performer and John, a newcomer. John at first welcomes Robert's guidance, but soon overshadows his mentor. This production is a national tour from Philadelphia's famed Walnut Street Theatre and follows productions of "Proof" and "Driving Miss Daisy" which have also stopped in Manasquan.

South Pacific � April 10 through 19
One of the greatest musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" debuted on Broadway in 1949 and remains a crowd favorite today. Winner of 10 Tony Awards during its first Broadway run, songs from "South Pacific" went on to have a life of their own outside of the musical, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," "Happy Talk," "Bali Ha'i," "Younger than Springtime," and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy.

"Shrek the Musical � May 9 through 17
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, "Shrek The Musical" is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Great for children and seniors alike, Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. This production will feature the Algonquin Youth Ensemble.

ABOUT ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman, and by Manasquan Savings Bank.

ABOUT MANASQUAN SAVINGS BANK
Manasquan Savings Bank was founded in 1874 and has assets approaching $900 million. The bank is celebrating its 140th anniversary during 2014. In addition to the Wall Township administrative offices and branches, locations include Manasquan, Bay Head, Howell Township, Spring Lake Heights, Point Pleasant and Brick. They are proud supporters of several charities and organizations including the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and the Monmouth County Girl Scouts.