WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. October 4, 2003: White Plains held off Mount Vernon, 35-13 after Joe Vitanza recovered a key fumble in the last minutes of the game Saturday afternoon with the Tigers leading 21-13 which lead to a  53 yard pass to Ryan Smalls to set up the clinching touchdown.

White Plains achieved their fifth consecutive victory, remaining undefeated.

Spencer Ridenhour’s guts and power chewed out two key third down first downs deep in Tiger territory just prior to stem Mount Vernon’s momentum. In the first half, Ryan Smalls set up the second Tiger TD with a spectacular catch at the 3 yard line. Earlier Mike Devere connected on a sensational 50 yard touchdown pass to Evan McGuire for the Tigers’ first score. White Plains lead 21-0 at one point, but touchdown passes at the close of the first half and midway through the third quarter got Mount Vernon back in the game.

SNAG, LAND, SPIN, BULL AND DRAG: Greg Harris of Mount Vernon is trying to bring down the relentless Ryan Smalls in First Quarter Action at Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon Saturday. Smalls has just leapt high at the 10 yard line to snare a Mike Devere pass, spun as he landed, eluded two tacklers, on his way to the 3 yard line. Ryan’s magnificent extension set up the Tigers second touchdown. The big cats held on to win 35-13.  Evan McGuire is just behind Smalls, Joe Vitanza (Number 75) watches Smalls punish the Knights secondary.Photo by WPCNR Sports.

This was a strange game on a brooding, overcast afternoon before about 500 fans who watched a game many thought would never end.

 

White Plains had a 21-0 lead midway through the Second Quarter thanks to three “ Tiger bust-a-move” plays. The Memorial Stadium scoreboard was not operating and time was loosely kept on the field by the officiating crew once the Tigers moved ahead by three touchdowns. All three quarters after the first quarter seemed to last a very long time, and appeared to be at least 5 minutes longer than the regulation 12 minutes.

 

A Tiger Test

 

Coming into the game, the Tigers were wary of Mount Vernon, but stopped the Purple Knights cold on their first series. A 15 knot breeze blew out of the South under the overcast  to begin the game and would complicate the afternoon, knocking down  Jason Indelicato’s punts into the wind, and making Mike Devere’s passes with the wind, sail.

 

 The Tigers’ field position game was severely challenged. As it turned out the Tigers had to win this game by making first downs late and making two huge plays with less than 4 minutes to go to ice the game that the officials seemed to be enjoying so much they never ran the clock.

 

Like Patterson and Basilio

 

The first quarter began with the teams wary and feeling each other out like the Floyd Patterson and Carmen Basilio fight. (Where Patterson started slowly and knocked down Basilio in the early rounds, piling up points early.)

 

The Tigers moved to their 48 on their first possession, only to have Mike Devere sacked on his first pass attempt on first down, moving the ball back to the Tiger 43.  A pitch to Ryan Smalls only got them back to the 49 and Indelicato punted to the Mount Vernon 16.

 

On the Knights’ second series, Joe Vitanza sacked Marquis Long back at the 10. Indelicato and “Rumbles” Robles then stopped Vernon for no gain, and a third down run got them back to the 19. Mount Vernon got off a terrific punt. Mike “Night Train” Lane took it on his own 38, deked and juked 12 yards to the 50 yard line.

 

Devere Calls in an Overhand Left.

 

The Devere Squadron strikes without warning.  On first down, QB Lefty Devere, the long tall tactician smoothly fakes a handoff to his right, holds the ball on his left hip with Ridenhour acting perfectly, while Devere pivots 360 degrees, looks straight over the middle, fires an overhand left strike to tight end Evan McGuire running a post pattern right through the middle of the secondary.

 

As Evan splits the safeties cheating up close to stop what they think is Spencer Ridenhour running on first down, he turns and takes the pass shoulder high and is GONE right down the middle for 6 points. It is a 50 yard touchdown pass, and Evan’s second touchdown reception of the season.

 

Pablo “The New Toe” Siaba splits the uprights and the Tigers have a 7-0 midway through the first quarter. The Grandstand Offensive Coordinators who convoyed from White Plains are stunned. So is Mount Vernon. It looks like Gorton and Lincoln all over again. Little did they know.

 

“The Prosecutor” Stops a Drive and Completes a Haymaker.

 

Mount Vernon returns the kickoff to their 35, and a 15 yard flat pass sets them up with a first down on the 50, with Spencer Ridenhour pushing the offending receiver out at midfield. Two plays later, after a penalty made it 3^rd and 17 on the 40, “The Prosecutor” Ryan Smalls issues his first indictment of the proceeding.

 

 He blitzes in on Marquis Long the Knights quarterback  from the right side and subpoenaes  the QB chasing him back to the 30 yard line. The Knights punt from the 30, only getting off a 20 yard punt into the wind and Ryan Smalls returns the ball to the Mount Vernon 43, as the first quarter ended and the Tigers turned it around and were going into the South wind, moving left right.

 

Devere then pitched back to Ridenhour who dashed to the Knights 33. A Devere Pass to Smalls at the goaline sailed on him due to the wind. A run by Smalls failed to gain and it was third down and 10, White Plains from the Mount Vernon 30.

 

Another “Bust-a-Move” play on Third Down.

 

Devere moves back with style into the pocket like a minister in a pulpit and lofts a floating Y.A. Tittle alley-oop pass intended for Ryan Smalls at the 10 on the sideline, far side.

 

Ryan goes high, two arms up. Two defenders go up with him. The Smalls kid comes down wrestling the ball from the defenders and miraculously keeps his feet. He churns, spins, lunges away from them and drags them with him to the Mount Vernon 5. It is a first down. It is another “Smalls Snare to Share” and the Tigers are in business on the 5.

 

TouchDOWN! TouchDOWN! QB Devere handed off to Spencer Ridenhour for a routine blast up the middle for the touchDOWN after Ryan Smalls Third Down Grab and Drag. The Tiger front line of  Joe Vitanza, Smalls, Robles was just blowing the Vernons off the ball in this first 20 minutes. Siaba rung up the point and it was 14-0 with about 9 minutes to go in the first half. Photo by WPCNR Sports

 

Footeball

 

Raeshoon Foote will have to forgive me that subhead, because the  senior fullback made the next “Bust-A-Move.”

 

Mount Vernon’s Greg Harris caught the Tiger coverage on the far side of the field on the ensuing kick off and seemed long gone for a kickoff return but Keith Shaw and Mike Lane out ran him and shoved him out of bounds at the Tiger 23. Mount Vernon needed a score now and Lane and Shaw made a great save. White Plains causes a fumbled snap by Marquis Long on the first down and it is second down 15 on the Tiger 29. It looks as if Vernon is going to get back in the game.

 

Again Marquis Long drops back, but the Tigers are coming bowling aside the blockers. Long retreats, holding the ball one-handed and Raeshoone Foote and Evan McGuire have him on the run…McGuire tears the ball out of his hand from behind. Long drops the ball, frantically trying to dive on it.

 

He can’t get it.  He falls by the wayside into turf, but Raeshone Foote picks it up on the 40  and starts rumblin’ stumblin’and steamin’ with it towards the South End of the Stadium. They’re not going to get him, and Raeshone rambles in for a 60 yard touchdown fumble recovery. It is a big play as it turned out. Pablo Siaba converted and the score was 21-0 with what we thought was 5 minutes to go in the half. Easy right?

TIGER SPECIAL TEAM PREPARES FOR KICKOFF

Photo by WPCNR Sports

 

Mount Vernon Gets Up off the Canvas

 

The clock being kept by the referees seemed to crawl. Mount Vernon was able to get off 14 plays in those last 5 minutes. Finally with 2^nd and 15 on the White Plains 45, Marquis Long hit Greg Harris all alone behind the Tiger secondary the far side at the Tiger 5. He waltzed in for the touchdown, which with the point made it 21-7,White Plains at the half.

 

Third Quarter Moves Slower. Seconds last minutes.

 

White Plains started with the ball in the second half, and could not move it. Neither could Mount Vernon. Again White Plains could only move the ball to their 16 and punted into the wind short and Mount Vernon took over with a first down at the Tiger 45. On third down on the Tiger 37, a run around left end by Greg Harris gave MV a first and goal on the Tiger 9. On third and goal, Long threw a screen pass to Harris in the left flat near sideline and he walked into the endzone, for the touchdown that made it 21-13. The kick failed, but with short time left in the third quarter, the Tigers had to move the ball.

 

4^th Quarter Drama

 

Ater two plays from the White Plains 34, the third quarter ended. White Plains, punting with the wind this time was forced to punt, and the Purple Knights had a chance to get the tying touchdown as they set up on their own 30. It was a 35-yard punt from scrimmage by Indelicato and White Plains needed it.

 

Mount Vernon made a first down on the 43, and White Plains defense  held at 3^rd and 6 on the MV 48 as Spencer Ridenhour and Ryan Smalls combined for a chase and sack.

 

On the ensuing punt Mike Lane returned the ball nicely to the 18  out of trouble but a very questionable “immaculate clip” penalty put the Tigers back on their own 8 yard line. Any mistake here with about 6 minutes to go, and Mount Vernon could tie it with a 2-point conversion, or at least get the ball in great position.

 

Ridenhour to the Rescue: 2 Third Down Classics.

 

Ridenhour lugged the ball off tackle to the 16 on the first play. A pass to Ryan Smalls over the middle was incomplete almost picked. It was 3^rd and 2 from the Tiger 16. Devere handed to Ridenhour and he moved the mess of tacklers very close to a first down.

 

Officials called for a measurement. Silence descended. The chains could not be shortened.  Mike Devere signaled first down! Then the Ref signaled. Spencer had gotten the first down by the nose of the football. First and 10 on the White Plains 18. Four more downs. Word was there was two minutes to go.

 

Ike Nduka carried for 4 yards. Devere dropped back looked far left had Evan McGuire out there on the far sideline 20 yards downfield but Evan turned the wrong way. It was again third down, and a long 6.

 

Moving the Chains

 

Devere handed off to Mr. Touchdown. With Vitanza and Smalls clearing the right side Spencer deftly cleared secondary before they cut him down again very very close to the first down.

 

The lead stick came down, and Ridenhour again had gotten a first down by a nose. By this point we thought it was time for White Plains to take a knee. Playing with house money, Ike Nduka carried for 4,  then carried again for what seemed like a backbreaker gain to the Tiger 45

WHITE PLAINS PARENT AUXILIARY WATCHES NERVOUSLY IN CLOSING MOMENTS WHICH WERE THE LONGEST CLOSING MINUTES THEY’VE EXPERIENCED. Photo by WPCNR Sports

 

Fumble!

 

But suddenly the official was signaling first down Mount Vernon after Nduka was down. The Knights got it back with another chance to tie.

 

On the first down from the White Plains 45, Marquis Long made his third muffed snap of the day handed off and a scramble ensued at the line. The signal was first down the other way. Joe Indelicato was on his back, and we could not see who for White Plains recovered the giveback. In the postgame, Indelicato said it was Joe Vitanza. A kicksave and a beauty. First down White Plains on their own 45.

 

Smalls Shocker!

 

After what had  seemed like an eternity since the “immaculate clip” call and Ridenhour’s guts third down conversions, Devere took a snap and casually dropped back, looking right, on first down, looking DEEP, real deep.

 

Down there deep at the Mount Vernon 15 is Ryan Smalls ahead of his defender. He turns to his left gathers in the beauty floater from Pilot Devere and incredibly holds on to the ball as the defender drapes himself with all his weight on Ryan’s back.

 

But Smalls instead of buckling keeps moving! Another 3 yards, staggering, carrying his tackler. He refuses to go down, churning for 6 yards, 9 yards and a first and goal on the 3. The play covers 52 yards. Another Smalls classic catch of the season in the clutch.

 

Devere handed to Ridenhour who burst in on first and goal with no resistance for the touchdown that made it 27-13. Pablo converted and it was 28-13 with what we thought was seconds to go.

 

But the referees were enjoying the game so much that Mount Vernon got off about 6 more plays before White Plains took over on downs at their 30 yard line.

 

Another   7 Nails in the Coffin.

 

On first down, Devere gave it to Spencer Ridenhour who burst off tackle, into the secondary and simply out ran Mount Vernon for a 70 yard touchdown run. It was his second touchdown of the long afternoon.

 

When time finally ran out, the fans could not believe what they had seen: 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th quarters that lasted endlessly. White Plains penalized more than they have been penalized in any game all season. Flagrant pass interferences not called.

 

Amateur in Truest Sense of Word

 

Let me repeat, the officiating was terrible in this game.

 

Sean McLaughlin went up for a pass in the second quarter in mid air and before the catch he was taken out, landing on his back. That is pass interference anywhere but today.

 

Evan McGuire was going for a pass, hit the ground and the pass defender hit him just before he caught it, and picked up the ball returning it 30 yards. The grandstand defensive coordinators felt that one was pass interference too.

 

Allowing hits like this makes it a dangerous game for both sides.

 

There were questionable calls allowing Mount Vernon key opportunities that the White Plains defense fortunately denied. There was a sack that would have killed a Mount Vernon drive giving the Tigers a much better field position at the time of the “Immaculate Clip.” The sack was declared a forward pass, nullifying a 20 yard loss. This was an egregious call.

 

This was a badly officiated game, with time kept very ineptly by the referees on the field.

 

When this one ended, the Tigers felt they must have played 5 quarters with at least 3 to 4 minutes added to each of the last three quarters.

 

Character Building

 

This fifth win was a win like all others this season: the line, the defense, the offense making big plays, and refusing to give in to fatigue, adversity, or in this case, amateur, in every sense of that word, officiating. White Plains is a superbly conditioned football team. The boys go both ways and have a lot left in their fuel tanks when the other clubs cannot respond.

 

This was a game where Spencer Ridenhour rose to the occasion for two third down plays that had to be made on third and long. His extra effort after having his ankle hurt in the second quarter was a valiant effort.

 

But the victory was won by every one stepping up and making plays, doing their jobs, following their assignments. The fumble at the 45 in the last minutes was the first Tiger turnover this reporter can remember in 5 games. That may be exaggerating, but this team makes no mistakes.

 

Mike Devere passed in the pinch when he had to on a hard day to pass. An oldtimer who played on New Rochelle in the early 60s, remarked to me that Mike did not have the touch when he was missing receivers in the first half.

 

When he hit Smalls for the 56 yard pass play with the game on the line, getting it to him in catchable position….my oldtimer compadre said, “He’s got the touch all right.”

 

They all have “the touch.”

 

 

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester Office of Tourism, September 3, 2003: Sensational spaces, sites and scenery characterize Westchester County, New York as an ideal destination for meetings and special events.  The Office of Tourism has released “Meetings, The Westchester Way” the county’s  Meeting Planners’ Guide, 2004 edition, as an information resource to help meeting and event planners find venues throughout Westchester for conventions, conferences, meetings, and special events of all dimensions.

Published by Westfair Communications, Inc., the 40-page, four-color Meeting Planners’ Guide contains detailed information on the county’s hotels, conference centers, the Westchester County Center, and meeting space located in Westchester County parks facilities, such as Playland Amusement Park in Rye and Croton Point Park in Croton on Hudson. 

A section on additional “Unique Spaces and Places” describes non-traditional locations that create a special atmosphere for events, such as historic sites, mansions, theaters, parks, colleges, restaurants and catering facilities.  Event planners will appreciate the information on outstanding spaces such as castles, gardens, river cruises, and parks located throughout the county for weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties, etc.

“As a meeting destination, Westchester County offers the highest standard of service, combined with top notch facilities,” said Margo Jones, Director of the Westchester County Office of Tourism.  “Westchester is also conveniently located in the heart of the Hudson River Valley, just north of New York City.”

The Meeting Planners Guide also provides information about service vendors, such as audio-visual providers, booth and exhibit contractors, caterers, decorators, destination management consultants, transportation companies, entertainment and temporary staffing.

An “At Your Leisure” section on entertainment and recreation describes several possibilities for after-hours activities and group events, and a travel information page helps expedite travel to and from the area.

To request a free copy of the Westchester County Meeting Planners’ Guide, call the Office of Tourism at (914) 995-8500 or 1(800) 833-9282; e-mail Tourism@westchestergov.com, or visit  www.westchestertourism.com.  Special-interest brochures, such as the Westchester County Travel Guide, Gardens, and Antiques are also available.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. October 3, 2003: Mayor Joseph Delfino and Co-Producers, Tony Stimac and Jeffrey Rosentock, operators of the White Plains Performing Arts Center, introduced their opening Weekend Thursday and took dignitaries and media on a tour of the theatre under construction Thursday.

 

MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Mayor Joseph Delfino introducing Thursday morning’s news conference to approximately 30 dignataries, media, and Common Council members that announced the details of the White Plains Performing Arts Center Opening Weekend, November 8,9 and 10. Left to right, Eli Schonberger, of the Founding Board of Trustees, the Mayor, and WPPAC Impresarios, Jeffrey Rosenstock and Tony Stimac. The Mayor said, prior to the tour of the theatre, that what you’ll see is “the shell of a theatre well under way to becoming the cultural heart of this city.” Photo by WPCNR News.

 

The Mayor introduced the news conference saying, he felt he should write a play about how the theatre came about. The first part, he said, would be a tragedy about all the attempts to build a community theater, and the second part would be about how a community could get it done and find a way to pay for a $3.5 Million theatre without the city having to pay for it. No city property taxes are being used to fund the theatre.

Cooperation. Cooperation. Cooperation.

The Mayor said today’s success was the product of cooperation between federal, state, county and local government, and the private sector. He singled out the Department of Housing and Urban Development and New York State Senator Nicholas Spano to thank for his acquiring Empire State Development Corporation funds for the theatre.

 

Newhart Show the Key.

 

Tony Stimac announced that Bob Newhart, the comedian, and star of The Bob Newhart Show, and Newhart, television hits of the 70s and 80s, would be the Gala Fundraising showcase performer appearing November 9 at 7 PM.

 

 There will be a cocktail reception and post-performance get-together to kickoff a fundraising drive to endow the theatre. Stimac saluted Newhart for agreeing to accept “a greatly reduced fee” for his one-man performance. Newhart is enjoying new popularity with his role in the movie, Legally Blonde II and an upcoming Christmas release, Elf.  For more about Bob and reviews of his comedy act, WPCNR refers readers to Bob’s website at www.bob-newhart.com.

 

Tickets to the Newhart performance at the Gala, the Mayor said could be reserved  immediately, ( tickets start at $250) by calling 1-888-977-2250, right away. If 200 persons (the theatre seats 417) attend at $250 a head, the theatre will raise at least $50,000 to get it underway. A full house at the $250 minimum would raise $100,000.

 

Envelopes for the invitations were reported by Stimac at the news conference to have arrived today and the balance of invitations to the Gala would be mailed out shortly.

 

Two more Shows Articulate the Theatre’s Mission.

 

Mr. Stimac turned the festivities over to Jeffrey Rosentock, his Co-Producer, who said the Opening Weekend would showcase three events to show the three audiences the White Plains Performing Arts Center wanted to reach: family performances, the mature audience tastes (represented by Mr. Newhart at the Gala), and new works.

 

The enthusiastic Mr. Rosenstock, a natural born salesperson, (who makes you want to pick up the phone and order tickets right away), said that on Saturday, November 8, the day the National Amusements Theatres open, the WPPAC would also open its doors to present the Flying Karamazov Brothers.

 

The Flying Karamazov Brothers in Two Shows.

 

The Flying Karamazov Brothers will be performing their new show Catch! They are a national phenomenon who specialize in juggling, acrobatics, mime, sight-gags reminiscent of the vaudeville of the past with a contemporary pace and excitement that is entertainment for the entire family. They will perform a matinee at 3 PM  and an evening performance at 7 PM, with tickets priced at $30 to $35, with $20 tickets for children under 12. Those tickets will be on sale beginning October 8, according to Kathy Davidson, the Theatre Manager.

 

Catch! is described in the news release “includes traditional juggling of everyday items, such as sickles, hatchests, meat cleavers and torches. It also features a favorite bit of the brothers, “The Gamble,” where the audience brings whatever objects they think the group will be unable to juggle, betting applause against a pie in the face that the Brothers cannot juggle the objects. Catch! features taiko festival drumming, Polish Appalachian Clog Dancing and their “trademark” Nine Objects of Danger. For more about the Flying Karamazovs, visit their website at www.fkb.com.

 

Stimac to Bring Broadway to White Plains

 

Rosentock turned it back to Mr. Stimac for the latest on a surprise Monday night performance to take place on Monday, November 10.

 

Stimac is lining up a host of current Broadway stars to perform in a  one-time-only production he’s calling “Broadway Salutes White Plains.” According to the news release, this is an original review in which “cast members from Henry IV, Avenue Q, Aida, Beauty & The Beast,” and other shows will appear, doing numbers or bits from their shows, according to Mr. Stimac. Stimac told WPCNR walking back to City Hall after the tour that he had already gotten five Broadway performers lined up for the Monday evening performance. Stimac said that it made sense because Broadway is dark on Mondays and performers often do benefits and special guest appearances on those evenings.

 

That Monday evening performance, Rosenstock said, was to showcase WPPAC’s mission to bring in new creative works. Mr. Stimac said the complete lineup will be announced as soon as possible. Rosenstock added that a brochure will be out within two weeks with more details about WPPAC’s upcoming programming.

 

Tickets for Broadway Salutes White Plains are priced at $35 to $45, and will be available beginning October 8, again by calling the 1-888-977-2250 number.

 

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. October 2, 2003: At a news conference this morning, White Plains Performing Arts Center Impresarios, Tony Stimac and Jeffrey Rosenstock confirmed that Bob Newhart, the television and comedy star would headline the Gala fundraising event November 9, and announced a 3-day Opening Weekend Entertainment Extravaganza.

On Saturday, November 8, they said The Flying Karamazovs would perform at 3 PM and 7 PM on Saturday, the 8th, and that on Monday evening, November 10, at least 5 Broadway performers have agreed to participate in a “Broadway Salutes White Plains” review. Tickets for the Saturday and Monday performances will go on sale October 8 at the box office. Tickets to the Gala Performance can be ordered now by calling 1-888-977-2250. Beginning October 8, Tickets to the Flying Karamazovs shows and the Broadway Stars review may be ordered using that same number.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center Today.

Photo by WPCNR News

 

A group of dignataries attending the conference toured the White Plains Performing Arts Center site afterwards with the Mayor and city officials, and observed the steel superstructure of the seating being put in place. The Project Supervisor for HRH Construction, Steve Feinstein,  said he expected to complete the theatre by October 31, and his crews would be working 6 days a week, 10 hours a day to achieve that.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. October 1, 2003, UPDATED 1:15 P.M. SUPPLEMENTED 2 P.M. with pictures: Invitations are beginning to be received across White Plains for the Gala Opening of the White Plains Performing Arts Center that will showcase the classic comedian, Bob Newhart “in concert” on early Sunday evening, November 9. 

His appearance and the theatre’s premier show, All Under Heaven, starring Valerie Harper, will be officially announced at a News Conference Thursday morning at 11:00 A.M. to begin at City Hall at the 11 o’clock hour and proceed to City Center  White Plains Performing Arts Center for a press tour, now under construction and being furnished internally, according to an official news advisory issued by City Hall Wednesday evening.

 

 

Gala Invitation Invites White Plains Rich Famous and Connected to Show Business: The invitation you’ve been waiting for was arriving this week in city and county mailboxes all over town. Photo by WPCNR News

 

Mr. Newhart,  will be the “Star of the Gala” and have the honor of christening the city’s first community theatre. The star of nightclubs, and two longrunning television sitcoms will present a comedy performance at 7 PM, and will host a VIP Post-Show Reception beginning at 8:30 P.M. Well-heeled honchos, honchoettes, and patrons of the arts and outstanding citizens of White Plains and Westchester will begin to arrive by limousine to mingle, smooze and showcase at a Cocktail and Hors d’oeuvres extravaganza beginning at 5:30 P.M.

 

Valerie Harper, will have the distinction of appearing in the first official “run” at The White Plains Performing Arts Center from November 18 to November 23, appearing in her one-woman show in which she plays the author, Pearl Buck, All Under Heaven. Showtimes and ticket purchasing information will be announced  Davidson said.

 

Invitations Are Out to the City’s Hottest and Most Expensive Ticket

Invitations for the toney event have gone out and request a minimum $250 per guest contribution to mingle and dig the scene, and watch vintage Bob Newhart in performance. The invitation invites groups White Plains and Westchester aficionados of the arts to immortalize their commitment and be designated “Angels” to the tragic-comic muse with a $25,000 contribution to the WPPAC  that will be remembered to future generations by their names being inscribed on a “Founders Plaque” to be displayed in the lobby of the White Plains Performing Arts Center. As an Angel the $25,000 buys you twelve tickets and “Preferred Seating.”

Other degrees of support are the “Star” level with a $10,000 contribution that gives you 8 tickets. “Producer” status, $5,000, bringing you 6 tickets. The $25,000, $10,000, and $5,000 commitments include the entire evening consisting of the Cocktail Hour Pre-Performance Reception, Mr. Newhart’s show, and the Post Performance Reception with Mr. Newhart.

SPONSORSHIPS REQUESTED: A copy of the patrons’ choices they have to fund the White Plains Performing Arts Center at the Gala on November 9. Proceeds from the mostly tax-deductible contributions and sponsorships will be used to fund theatre operations. Photo by WPCNR News

 

At the “Author,” status, you may bring three friends for $2,500, which entitles you to 4 seats, but you will miss the Post Performance Reception. Each of these levels of commitment includes an advertisement in the Gala’s Commemorative Journal.

 

For couples wishing to be in on entertainment history in White Plains, two tickets may be obtained with a Contribution of $1,500 letting you join in the Cocktail reception and view the Newhart show. A single ticket will be $250, also entitling you to the Cocktail reception.

 

A New Era

 

The official invitation  remarks, “This event marks a new era for White Plains with the inception of Westchester’s newest professional not-for-profit theatre,” and promises the opportunity “of being a sponsor of the Gala Opening and join Mayor Delfino and the Common Council members, as well as other community and business leaders.”

 

The announcement states the theatre’s mission: “The White Plains Performing Arts Center will be home to the best professional theatre, family programs, music and dance concerts as well as a hothouse for exciting new works and a venue for showcasing local talent. Your participation and support of our Gala Opening fundraising event will help shape the future of the center as a cultural resource to the community for many years to come.”

 

RSVPs  to purchase tickets to the Gala are to be returned to Chauncey Walker  of The Founding Board of Trustees  c/o of Cuddy & Feder at 90 Maple Avenue in White Plains. the invitation invites the public to call the WPPAC office at (914) 422-1376 or e-mail Tony Stimac at tony@hhtco.org for more information.

 

Big Splash Conference  Moved Up to Thursday Morning.

 

Kathy Davidson, Theatre Manager told WPCNR yesterday that a news conference Friday would detail performances to come, and did not tell us that Valerie Harper was not performing in the Gala which was what we called to confirm with her. (That news conference has been moved up to Thursday at 11 A.M. at the City Center Performing Arts Center site.)

 

In our City Center Timetable story Tuesday, the date of the gala given to us by George Gretsas, the Mayor’s Executive Officer one week ago, he said was Saturday, which is November 8.  

 

Tuesday, WPCNR called to ask Ms. Davidson to confirm that the Gala was taking place on the 8th and would it feature Valerie Harper and which show was she doing. 

 

Ms. Davidson did not correct our impression that the Gala was taking place on November 8. She did not tell us Ms. Harper would not be involved in the Gala Performance when I asked what show Ms. Harper was going to play for the Gala. WPCNR apologizes for creating any confusion over the actual date of the Gala, which might be attributed to the city wanting to keep the audience and WPCNR in suspense. Who knows, Ms. Harper may very well put in an appearance and mingle at the Gala itself.

 

As Shakespeare would say, “All’s well that ends well.”