Patchogue Theatre Gala 2015

Ben Vitale

On Saturday April 25, 2015, the Patchogue Theatre sponsored its first grand Gala. By definition a Gala, is “a social occasion with special entertainments or performances.” This first Gala, which is a fundraising event, was a smashing success!

I believe the Ronan Tynan has appeared at the Patchogue Theatre about eight times; history has proven that the residents of long Island really enjoy his performances. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised at the performance; it was not what I expected! I expected a formal vocal recital, but the performance actually included very pleasant humorous interaction between Ronan Tynan, his world class accompanist, soprano Rebecca Farley, and the audience!

Rebecca Farley is Dr. Ronan Tynan's student at the university of Kentucky. Ronan asked Rebecca Farley, a 24 year old young lady from Kentucky, to perform at our Patchogue Theatre without being given much notice! After listening to her beautiful voice; I do indeed know why Ronan asked Rebecca to perform at our theatre!

Mayor Paul Pontieri and John A Krieger presided over the ceremonial portion of the Gala. Former Mayor Steve Keegan was given a commendation for actually initiating the rebuilding of our Patchogue Theatre during his 1996 through 2000 tenure as mayor of Patchogue Village!

The crowd of about 700 people that attended the Gala made a statement that is loud and clear! Yes we have many restaurants and bars that we all patronize and enjoy, but there is something else! In a village of only 10,000 residents 700 of them voiced their desire to attend events that are classical in nature! Yes Irish music, opera, and classic music, I was pleasantly surprised! Yes…Patchogue residents do indeed appreciate the arts!

I hope that our Patchogue Theatre decides to sponsor other Gala events in the future!

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