RITA MORENO TO SING VALENTINE’S CABARET FOR BERKELEY REP DONORS Private Evening of Wine & Song for New Donors of $500 & Up BERKELEY CA, JANUARY 18, 2005 This Valentine’s Day, Rita Moreno has a romantic gift for donors to Berkeley Repertory Theatre. On Monday, February 14, the legendary star of stage and screen will perform an exclusive cabaret at the Claremont Resort and Spa, singing songs for lovers in an intimate setting that highlights her inimitable voice. This private event acknowledges new donors to Berkeley Rep who give $500 or more and returning donors who significantly increase the level of their gifts. “Theatre has always been my home, and the health of the theatre depends on the generosity of so many individuals,” Ms. Moreno declared. “Since I live in the East Bay, I want to show my appreciation for those in our community who make it possible for our local theatre to thrive. We are so lucky to have a world-class theatre like Berkeley Rep right in our back yard.” “We are honored to celebrate Valentine’s Day with our donors by presenting one of our nation’s most beloved stars: the incomparable Rita Moreno, who has captured our hearts and given them back to us,” said Tony Taccone, artistic director of Berkeley Rep. The dessert cabaret begins at 8PM, following an optional four-course dinner at 6PM. Ms. Moreno will perform a program of Broadway, film and jazz standards backed by a trio of accomplished musicians who have decades of experience accompanying the stars: Russell Kassoff on piano, Ken Miller on bass and Ted Sommer on drums. Sponsored by Bank of America, the event is also supported by donations from the Claremont Resort & Spa, Deloitte & Touche, Edibles and Raymond Vineyard & Cellar. “As we increase our emphasis on the East Bay, Bank of America is proud to partner with Berkeley Rep on this cabaret with Rita Moreno,” said Michael Conn, East Bay market president and regional president, Private Bank West at Bank of America. “By supporting the arts, we help make communities stronger and help people achieve their dreams, goals that are paramount to the bank’s philosophy.” Rita Moreno is one of a select group of performers to have won all four of the most prestigious show business awards: the Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony and the Grammy. She received an Oscar for West Side Story, Emmys for The Muppet Show and The Rockford Files, a Tony for The Ritz and a Grammy for The Electric Company Album. Her countless credits for stage and screen extend from her Broadway debut at age 13 in Skydrift with Eli Wallach all the way to her recent roles in John Sayles’ Casa de los Babys and the acclaimed HBO series, Oz. Last year, in the midst of her celebrated run as Maria Callas in Berkeley Rep’s Master Class, Ms. Moreno was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to a civilian in commemoration of a lifetime of meritorious service. Donations to Berkeley Rep support the Theatre’s Annual Fund, which provides 40% of its operating revenue. For more information on the Valentine’s Cabaret with Rita Moreno, contact Kirsten Berzon, special events manager, at 510.647.2906 or kberzon@berkeleyrep.org. ALSO FOR LOVERS THIS FEBRUARY Berkeley Rep presents the world premiere of Charles L. Mee’s Fêtes de la Nuit, which opens February 2 and closes February 27. Media contact: Terence Keane 510.647.2917, tkeane@berkeleyrep.org BACK TO TOP