Friends and fans of Thingamajig Theatre Company co-founders Tim and Laura Moore know how much they enjoy putting on breathtaking productions that entertain, amaze and inspire their audiences.
What may be less well known is that the Moores also greatly enjoy surprising their audiences with astonishingly unexpected treats.
This summer the Moores are taking surprises to new levels because they are keeping secret the identities of the cast members who will perform at the theatre’s fundraising galas on July 31 and August 5 and be auctioned off for unique follow-up private events. Theatre fans will not learn which actors are coming until they open their summer season programs the first time they come to the theatre – either to see “Sylvia,” the canine comedy which opens on June 25, or Dennis Elkins’ one-man shows on July 7 and 9.
“All we’re willing to say at this point is that they are some of the most popular actors ever to perform at Thingamajig over the past decade,” said Laura with a saucy grin. Added Tim: “We thought a series of surprises would be a fun way to celebrate the theatre’s 10th anniversary while also raising funds to ensure the success of our next 10 years.”
Actors auctioned off
Only about half of the costs of Thingamajig productions are covered by ticket sales. The remainder of the theatre’s funding comes from private donors, business sponsors, program advertising, grants and proceeds from the gala fundraisers – the most important events of the year to keep the theatre up and running.
Thingamajig’s annual fundraiser galas have become must-attend affairs on our community’s festive summer social calendar because of the exciting live performances on stage and the audience members exuberant bidding on the actors for private gatherings after the big event.
Among the most popular auction items are the campfire singalong, the progressive dinner and the trip to New York City next January with the Moores as they audition actors for the 2022 season. Many more auction opportunities are now being finalized as the actors get creative in matching their talents to events that would be entertaining for patrons.
Galas’ cabaret-style concerts
Theme of the first gala on Saturday, July 31 is “The last 10 years,” when the audience will be treated to the best numbers from previous Thingamajig musicals. Theme of the second on Thursday, August 5 is “The next 10 years,” which will feature musical performances from some great Broadway shows the Moores hope to produce in the future – “sort of our wish list or our bucket list,” as Tim puts it.
Both evenings will be cabaret-style shows. Melissa Firlit will choreograph and Boni McIntyre will be the music director. Both Firlit and McIntyre have been very popular directors and actors with Thingamajig audiences over the years.
Doors open for the galas at 6pm with the shows starting at 7pm. Season sponsors will donate pre-show goodies, with the Alley House Grille providing appetizers on July 31 and the Pagosa Baking Company providing dessert on August 5.
Past season ticket holders were given the first opportunity to purchase gala tickets, and only a very limited number still are available as part of the season ticket package. To purchase that package, which also includes a ticket to “Sylvia” and other benefits, please phone 970-731-7469. (Tickets are not available online.)