Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority lends a hand and bakes cookies!

Guest Blog by Rutgers, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority Treasurer Angelica Poon

On the weekend of October 2nd, the Sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority from Rutgers University were most pleased to volunteer at Milk & Cookies- an event held in the State Theatre to encourage appreciation of the art of theatre in young children. It was the first time we were exposed to this event, which was eye-opening. We felt it was a great education outreach program to encourage learning beyond school. Many of us enjoyed the storytelling ourselves, even though it was aimed at a much younger audience! Our contribution was to usher and sign in guests, and most importantly donate fresh homemade cookies to the program, which were then distributed (free of charge) to the children who attended the event. (Milk was also generously sponsored by another party to complement the delicious cookies!)

We were delighted to see the joy in the young children as they collected their cookies and milk, as we reminisced to our own childhood where milk and cookies were a divine combination and treat to always look forward to. Our Sisters also prepared a milk-free and egg-free batch of cookies and lo and behold, there was a young boy who had egg allergies. Being able to help a child who was originally excluded from the joy of cookies, was extremely rewarding. The Kappa Sisters were more than happy to put in our time to bake and volunteer at the event, as it was fun, eye-opening, and we love to help our community! We would gladly and enthusiastically do this again.

Living like a Celebrity: State Theatre Date Night Packages

By Brigitte Bastaldo, Marketing & PR intern

Fine decadent chocolates, VIP seats to phenomenal theater, palette blinding dining and luxurious hotel accommodations… After a tiresome week of work, noisy kids, and towering piles of household chores, the lifestyle of the glamorous is, without doubt, an experience worth drooling over. As a New Jersey professional, wife and mom the thought of living like a celebrity—for even just one evening—is often far from fathomable. But something has changed recently that brings more glee to my soul than a random impulse purchase of a designer purse. You see, my husband and I just learned about the exciting Date Night packages offered by the prestigious State Theatre. Since then we have had the opportunity to not only see top-notch performances by international artists but we have had the opportunity to mingle backstage, sip wine, dine gloriously and more upon our recent trips to the State Theatre. Truly, State Theatre’s Date Night packages have brought a sense of exhilaration back into our lives—something well overdue.

Most who haven’t tried it yet just don’t understand my enthusiasm and loyalty to State Theatre as well as their Date Night packages. It is true that some other venues, commonly in NYC, occasionally offer some of the same perks I mentioned earlier. But it must be known that there is a distinct difference between State Theatre and these other venues that makes me favor the State Theatre without a blink.

I like the State Theatre and especially these packages because they are customizable; such that the package options are available on countless shows—not just a handful of specific shows throughout the year. I prefer them because, as a New Jersey professional, wife and mom, I don’t have to commute all the way to NYC to enjoy a wondrous night out. I like the State Theatre because I’m feel good about supporting my own community and a New Jersey based not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the arts.

Thank you State Theatre for the glamour and romance.

Listed below are some the packages offered now:

VIP Tickets

• Two Seats in VIP Box Right or VIP Box Left
• Backstage Pass Access
• Boraie Donor Lounge Access for Complimentary Drinks and Snacks

Tickets Plus

• Two Mid-orchestra Tickets
• Two Glasses of Wine
• One Box of Chocolate

Getaway

• Two Mid-orchestra Tickets
• Hotel Accommodations
• and sometimes Parking & Dining Credits

Dining

• Two Mid-orchestra Tickets
• $100 Dining Gift Certificate from Your Choice one of the Featured Restaurants Below
• One Rose at Your Seat Before the Show

To learn more, visit: http://www.statetheatrenj.org/datenight

The Bad Boys of Magic Return to the State Theatre

By Semira Woldmichael, Marketing & PR Intern

Penn & Teller

Even before I knew Penn & Teller, I KNEW Penn & Teller: They have always kind of just been there, floating around somewhere in the entertainment and pop culture world. Instantly, upon finding out about who they actually are, a liking occurs. Everyone needs a little magic in their lives and theirs is best suited for those of us in suits. An escape from the 9-5? Maybe. An entertaining show that you won’t take your eyes off? Always.

If you don’t know who Penn & Teller are, chances are, you’ve seen then around just like me. In the last 30 years, they’ve performed their provocative combination of comedy and magic at numerous venues since the late 1970s (including the State Theatre in 2001) They have made dozens of television appearances including The Drew Carey Show, Hollywood Squares, Muppets Tonight, The Bernie Mac Show, Fear Factor, The West Wing, Home Improvement, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Las Vegas, and The Simpsons. They’ve also appeared in music videos for Run-DMC in “It’s Tricky” and just recently in Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas.”

Don’t know what to expect: knife flinging, bullet catching, and trapeze swinging fun! Penn & Teller do not really follow the same routine to say the least. Don’t miss your chance to see their return to the State Theatre on November 4th! For ticketing information call 732-246-7469 or go to http://www.statetheatrenj.org/penn_and_teller .

Smooth Sailing for the Blues and Jazz Festival

By Kelly Blithe, Director of Public Relations

Did anyone catch a performance from this year’s New Jersey Blues and Jazz Festival?! Well, if you didn’t, you missed out. The festival is the one time of year that we turn our venue inside out like nothing you have ever seen before. Everything is on stage, and I mean everything…the artist, the audience, the crew, the bar, the brooms, the lights…the works. It is all out there for everyone to see, plus you get an amazing view of the inside of the theater (the view of where you would normally sit). It’s so up close and personal that sometimes it feels a little surreal and to top it off when setting up for the actual festival, the mood is so relaxed and laid back (like the shows) that setting up is effortless. Every year I anticipate something will go wrong and every year I am surprised to find out that the festival goes on without any crazy unexpected shenanigans (yeah I said shenanigans). So, if you missed it, then you missed an amazing time, but I guess there is always next year. Here are some great photos of Regina Carter’s performance by photographer Mary A. Brown.