Fun for funds: Live Arts hosts musical fete

If you’ve ever been to a musical play in Charlottesville, you have probably seen local star Doug Schneider. He has performed on every stage in town. From appearing in Four County Players’ community-style productions to his professional gigs at Heritage Repertory at the University, he has proved himself a versatile and committed actor, singer, and comedian. He’s well-respected by his theater colleagues and well-loved by audiences for his consistently fine performances.
It’s easy to call Schneider one of Charlottesville’s favorite entertainers. It makes sense, then, that he would be tapped to help raise some needed funds for the operating budget at Live Arts. With the construction of their new theater on Water Street, the dip in audience attendance as a result of recent global concerns, and the end of their current season approaching, the theater that has become the leading player in the drama scene in town is feeling the pressure to bolster its budget with several special events.
Enter Doug Schneider and friends. This weekend he takes the stage in the intimate LAB Space for an evening of what promoter Linda Zuby is calling “music and fun.” Schneider will perform a set of tunes from his myriad stage roles with Greg Harris, founder of New Lyric Theater, on the piano. He will be joined by several other well-known performers, including Kate Lambert, Jeff Dreyfus, Mary Elizabeth Forbes, and Pulitzer-prize-winning poet Rita Dove.
With chances to win great prizes in a raffle that will take place during the evening, wine and hors d’oeuvres before the show, and coffee and dessert at intermission, the performance promises to be a rather elegant and entertaining way to spend a Saturday evening in town.
So, flee the University area during graduation weekend, plan for an outing that includes memorable music and interesting party-goers, and lend your support to Live Arts as they move into the next phase of their evolution.
Your good deeds won’t go unnoticed.

The Live Arts Fundraiser is Saturday, May 17. Wine served at 7pm; the show begins at 8pm. 609 E. Market St. The $25 ticket price includes coffee and dessert during intermission. Call the box office at 977-4177, ext. 309, to make reservations.