Yes, there’s a Broadway Ball fundraising gala in Arizona and the sixth annual was a hit, raising more than $135,000 for the Arizona Broadway Theatre .ABT’s new teen performance troupe, HyRev, (pictured above) entertained the Broadway Ball with a moving rendition of “You Will Be Found” from the Broadway show Dear Evan Hanson.  

Along with the lively musical entertainment productions, guests were treated to a three-course dinner. There was also the popular "Broadway Ball Wine Pull", a collection of 100 bottles of wine donated by ABT's board members, that are sold for $20 per bottle or $3 for 50.They sold out quickly! As reflected in the photo below, the live auction was also a hit.

 Many filled the dance floor and danced to the music of AbbaFab. The non-profit theatre’s supporters and co-founders Kiel Klaphake (pictured below right) and Cassandra Klaphake, who are also its executive producers, are celebrating  the power of the performing arts and the importance of accessible artistic opportunities for community members of all ages. 

The musical oriented evening was held at ABT in Peoria, located in the West Valley community of Phoenix. The formal affiar was co-chaired by Lisa Platt and Kristin Wurr, who are pictured below left, with the event committee.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit ABT’s artistic, educational and charitable programs.

 ABT has been offering professional musical theatre entertainment through its Broadway-style Mainstage productions since 2005. In addition, the theatre’s programs for children encourage all arts-minded area youth to take advantage of artistic opportunities and experiences at ABT, regardless of their ability to pay.

Pictured above are ABC15's  Susan Casper, left, and Kaitlin Lawrence, right  performing a number from "Mamma Mia". “Funding from community partners and individual donors allows Arizona Broadway Theatre to make all of our programs more accessible to community members while allowing ABT to maintain our very high standards of quality,” Mr. Klaphake stated. “This is what makes fundraising events like the Broadway Ball so important.”

       Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, and TV- Field Producer. The former TV-Reporter has written for publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it