MANISTEE — The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts will host its Annual Gala on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the historic Ramsdell Theatre. This year’s event is titled “Celebrating Broadway Musicals Throughout the Decades” and serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser for the year.
Registration for the gala supports future programming and operations for the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. Laura Ortiz-LaVelle, executive director of the RRCA, noted the importance of ticket sales and auction participation for the facility’s mission.
“The annual gala is our largest fundraiser,” Ortiz-LaVelle said. “Every gala ticket purchased and auction bid placed directly supports keeping the arts alive and thriving at the Ramsdell Theatre.”
The gala is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and will utilize three separate areas within the historic theatre building. The evening opens in Hardy Hall for a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres and music.
Shane Parus will provide the musical entertainment during the opening hour. Parus has worked as a keyboardist for several Broadway productions, including “Mamma Mia!,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Sound of Music” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” He is also scheduled to perform during the main program later in the evening.
The celebration will move into the main theatre for a showcased program featuring several regional artists. Performers include the Conservatory of Dance, Karl and Kristen Hartley, Sara Hartley and Jeremy Hogue.
A live auction will take place during the theatre program, featuring a “Bright Lights and Broadway” trip experience. The segment will conclude with “Fund the Dream,” a special appeal for the organization.
Following the theatre program, guests will move to the Grand Ballroom for food and beverages. TJ’s Pub will provide sweet and savory bites, while Jennifer Dontz and Danee Hoffman will provide a selection of desserts.
Tickets for the event are $125 per person. The price includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, entertainment, two cocktails and a champagne toast provided by Manistee Tourism. A non-deductible contribution will be calculated automatically for guests and included on donation statements after the event concludes.
The deadline to RSVP for the gala is April 30, 2026. Tickets and additional event information are available at RamsdellTheatre.org/gala. Individuals with questions may contact Ortiz-LaVelle at 231-398-9770 or lortiz@ramsdelltheatre.org.