This year’s Count Basie Center Winter Gala celebrates the 35th anniversary of Phoenix Productions, the venerable community theatre company that merged with our organization just two years ago. And as a Count Basie Center member, you’ve got access to some of the best seats in the house.

The gala, taking place on Saturday, March 16, features a staged concert performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, the renowned 1971 Andrew Lloyd Webber – Tim Rice collaboration that also served as Phoenix’s first-ever show in 1978. The gala presentation features a staged concert of the complete musical, with a cast of actors including Remember Jones and American Idol’s Anwar Robinson performing alongside a 35-piece orchestra.

“This is going to be a special evening that truly honors both the legacy and future of Phoenix Productions,” says James Grausam, Phoenix’s Managing Creative Director and director of Jesus Christ Superstar. “With our inclusive casting and showcase of local talent – both onstage and in the orchestra – it’s a perfect opportunity for Basie Center members to see our commitment to supporting the local arts in action.”

Gals tickets include a pre-show dinner reception at The Vogel, plus prime seating for the mainstage performance inside the historic theatre.  Individual tickets and other sponsorship options are available here.

About The Gala:

Count Basie Center gala performances raise money for the nonprofit organization’s mission based work in the arts, arts education and community engagement. For Phoenix Productions, that means opportunities for local actors and musicians – Phoenix shows always include a sizeable, live orchestra – to portray and hone their craft on the historic Basie stage. Since merging with the Basie Center in 2020, Phoenix has also renewed its commitment to the community by emphasizing that opportunities are open for all, with no regard to ethnicity, gender expression, cultural heritage / background or body type.

The gala honors SoVonna Day-Goings and Joe Wajda, two former Phoenix Productions boardmembers who were instrumental in the group’s merger with the Basie Center. Each now sits on the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees.