No period in movie history was more influential than the Golden Age of Hollywood, when the movies came alive and stars were born. The Midland’s third annual fundraiser, Ovation 2006 Bringing Hollywood Home, is set to be the swankiest Hollywood party outside of Tinseltown, with searchlights and flash bulbs that will light up the night on a real red carpet.  Our guests will be the stars at this celebration!  On Saturday, May 20th at 7:00pm, they will experience the glitz and glamour of a star-studded evening at one of the finest movie and vaudeville houses ever built, The Midland Theatre.  Tickets are $75 per person.  For reservations, call Nancy Anderson at 740-349-9218, ext. 4.

The guests will have the opportunity to capture their own Oscar-style moment, photographed alongside a vintage period luxury automobile and among uncanny celebrity look-alikes (Marilyn Monroe, W.C. Fields, Shirley Temple, and more), as photographers and reporters clamor for their picture and a quick interview.  Once inside, the guests will enjoy delectable hors d’oeurves, decadent desserts, an incredible auction and live nostalgic music by The Tom Carroll Trio with special guests Andy Carlson on fiddle and vocalist Mary McClendon.  This is a golden opportunity to support the arts, with proceeds benefiting The Midland Theatre’s education and outreach programs.  Cocktail attire is expected; and for an added touch of fun, The Midland is encouraging everyone involved to dress in vintage costumes.

“A successful Ovation is vital to a healthy Midland Theatre operation.  We have a diverse and comprehensive program, recognized recently by the Ohio Arts Council as the best in our category,” said Michael Morris Sr., The Midland’s executive director.  Morris went on to emphasize that “Ovation, as well as sponsorships and annual fund contributions, are all necessary if we are to continue to present The Midland's top-notch programs and events, to maintain this beautiful facility and simply keep us going.”

The funds raised by Ovation 2006 benefit the Theatre’s educational and outreach programs and have a significant impact on our community.  In the 2005-2006 season, nearly 4,000 area residents were touched by free workshops, lectures, and demonstrations by Rhythm In Shoes, Chuchumbé, Robert and Rebecca Bluestone, Bradley Litwin, Esta, Illstyle & Peace, and Mum Puppettheatre! During the 2005-2006 season alone, the Mortellaro McDonald’s sponsored Yellow Bus and Stage 36 Series will have brought over 6,000 students through The Midland’s doors.

Here’s a sampling of the many live and silent auction items available for high bids that evening:

• Trip to Hollywood, 4-Night Stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Tour of William Morris Agency & Lunch with The Midland’s WMA Agent, Tour of LA and More!
• Sanibel Island Condo for a Week
• Don Gunnerson Painting
• Children’s Birthday Party for 20 at The Midland Theatre
• Golf Package: Golf Lessons, Custom-made Driver, Golf at The Links at Echo Springs
• Longaberger Washday Basket with Homestead Items—Plus an Overnight Stay at The Place Off The Square
• Gwynne Rukenbrod -Designed Necklace
• Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds Tickets
• Sheets and Sons’ Guitar
• Restaurant Gift Certificates Galore: Natoma Café, Golden Wok, Whit’s Frozen Custard, The Soup Loft
• Overnight Stays: Cherry Valley Lodge, Courtyard By Marriott, Argosy Casino & Hotel
• Beautiful Gifts: Green Velvet, Kussmaul Gallery and Greystone Country House & Antiques, Vase by The Works’ Aaron Bucholtz, Bliss Bag by Maureen Severson
• Paintings by Kathy Anderson and Russell Merritt
• “The Signature Package” from New Day Spa II
• 6 delightful dinners donated by so me very generous Midland supporters:  Virginia & Robert Abbott, Michael Kennedy & Kevin Kerr, Dale & Tina Knobel, Tom and Paula Mills, Mike & Connie Morris, and Jeff & Bobbi Noe.  Here’s a description of one of them -- A Beer Making Party: 

“Join Mike and Connie Morris for two fun-filled evenings…the first will be to brew 5 gallons (2 cases) of the beer of your choice…amber, porter, stout—you name it!  Throw on your old jeans and beat-up t-shirt…it ain’t pretty, but it’s great fun.  The menu will match the activity…beers, brats and burgers with all the fixins.  The second evening will be two months later to enjoy the fruits of your labors.  The fare will be much more refined, and appropriate to your choice of handcrafted beer.  We have to finish the brewing party while the weather is still warm, as it is an outdoors process at our house.  While I think it smells great, Connie has a different opinion.  In fairness, the “aroma” does linger for a few days…OK, weeks.  And, it is admittedly a sloppy process.  4 to 8 people are welcome …but re member…the more people you bring, the fewer beers per person!”

Ovation 2006’s live music by The Tom Carroll Trio will also be great fun!  Joining The Tom Carroll Trio for the evening will be special guests Andy Carlson on fiddle and Columbus vocalist Mary McClendon.  McClendon has been a regular on the Central Ohio jazz scene since the late 1970’s.  Her smooth vocals and scat singing have made her an audience favorite as she has shared the stage with many jazz greats Benny Carter, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison and the great Sarah Vaughan, to name a few.  Mary performs often with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and with her own group as well as acting roles including the movie The Jesse Owens Story and the one woman show Lady Day for CATCO this winter.

The Newark Midland Theatre Association is a local organization dedicated to building value in our community with the positive, shared experiences of the performing arts, both locally produced and nationally recognized, in the beautifully restored Midland Theatre. Built in 1928, The Midland Theatre annually presents touring and local artists through its four performance series and other events. Movie classics return to The Midland’s big screen for holidays and during the summer.

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