“Many people believe that the performing arts are a dying form. In fact, it is just evolving,” says Mitch Nugent. As executive producer for Prima Theatre, Nugent has witnessed how the arts have impacted Lancaster’s own evolution. As Prima thrives alongside downtown art galleries, Lancaster City has simultaneously revitalized. It is no longer the small town of dough-based food and horse-and-buggy transportation. It is gourmet cuisine, sustainable initiatives, and exciting events that we can barely keep up with. Lancaster’s cultural vitality is strongly influenced by the arts, and the arts are a product of the progressing culture. Hence, Prima Theatre has a big reason to celebrate.
And so they did, in a big way. On June 28, Jim Hagelgans and Gale Zorian hosted the theatre’s Summer Soirée at their Lancaster estate. As guests drove up the green stretch of tree-lined lawn towards the gate, they saw an aerialist twirling fifty feet in the air. Suspended by white ribbon coiling her legs, the aerialist flipped out moves that most could not imagine performing on ground. As guests stepped onto the stone patio surrounding a turquoise swimming pool, they were greeted by a mermaid and merman resting on the pool’s edge. Both costumed in vibrant tails and glittering makeup, the mermaid and merman dove to retrieve seashells from the pool’s floor for a donation to Prima. Since the soiree is Prima’s main fundraiser, many local businesses contributed generous auction items. Plum Salon and Spa, Evolution Power Yoga, Checker’s Bistro, Bent Creek Golf Course, and countless more donated highly valued packages.
Beyond the extravagant auction, the bash itself resembled a Gene Kelly-inspired Hollywood blowout. Hip-hop dancers performed on the brick-columned balconies and the band played under multi-colored lights. Guests noshed on fresh dishes prepared by Urban Olive with donations from local restaurants. One guest, Dr. Louis Marotti, sent party photos to a friend who responded by asking what party Dr. Marotti was attending in Los Angeles. Some guests attended the Summer Soirée without any knowledge of Prima Theatre; they simply heard from friends what a fun party it is.
Though Nugent says it is rather easy to become invested in the non-profit organization. The proceeds from June’s event mainly benefit Prima’s art programming, which aims to support the local community. The theatre partners with local colleges and high schools to offer internships and performance opportunities that could lead to future careers. Through its youth initiative, Prima gives performance opportunities to kids who may be interested in the arts as a tool to help them find a direction. With its strong bonds to other theatres like Fulton and Signature Theatres, Prima is stirring excitement into the city’s performing arts.
Each year, the theatre recognizes an individual who is especially helpful in achieving this mission. At the 2015 celebration, Prima presented the Soirée Award to John G. Swanson, President of Willow Valley Living. With Swanson as president, Willow Valley Communities has sponsored Prima’s theatrical programming for three years. Such support from Willow Valley and other local organizations have allowed Prima Theatre to be a part of Lancaster’s revitalization. And the theatre was happy to bow to the community with gratitude at the soirée.
Vendors
Food Preparation: Urban Olive, Lancaster, www.urbanolive.net Audio: Dutchman Soundworks, Newmanstown, www.dutchmansound.com Singers/Dancers: Prima Theatre, Lancaster, www.primatheatre.org Aerialist: Airplay Entertainment, Philadelphia, www.airplayentertainment.com Auction: Keller Auctioneers, Lancaster, www.kellerauctioneers.com
By Kaila Young / Photography from Prima Theatre
