2011 Rising Stars Gala

Benefits New World School of the Arts

Friday, March 25, 2011, beginning at 5 p.m.
New World Gallery, 25 N.E. 2nd Street, Miami
Gusman Center, 174 E. Flagler Street, Miami
La Loggia Restaurant, 68 W. Flagler Street, Miami
305-237-3753

“Rising Stars,” New World School of the Arts’ signature showcase promises to be a captivating evening of extraordinary talent, celebrating the genius of its young students in both the performing and visual arts. The Broadway-style extravaganza is a professionally staged, energy-packed, one-of-a-kind performance that will enchant the audience with exhilarating works of art, and enthralling dance, music and theater performances.

Rising Stars, a three-part celebration, will begin with an unequaled visual arts showcase at 5 p.m. at the New World Gallery. Featuring artwork specifically curated for Rising Stars, the show will be representative of the student body that comprises NWSA. Exhibiting artists will include both high school and college students.

Sponsored by Bank of America, the Rising Stars performing arts showcase will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Gusman Theater, and feature repertory from the Dance, Music and Theater Divisions. With works by NWSA’s renowned faculty members, Peter London and Gerard Ebitz, among others, the evening will present a vibrant and varied selection of choreographies. Conducted by Alfred Gershfeld, the exuberant NWSA Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Choir, featuring more than 100 musicians under the direction of Albert Clark, will offer excerpts from its winter concert. The spirited award-winning wind-ensemble, directed by Lee Michael Morrison, will culminate the music division presentation. Works by the theater division will include excerpts from the Broadway musical “Curtains” with lyrics by Fred Ebb, music by John Kander, as well as from the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone,” book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and lyrics and music by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. A restoration comedy “The Girl From Maxim’s” by George Feydeau, will round off the theater presentation.

After the performance, guests will have an opportunity to continue the fête at La Loggia Restaurant, just west of the Gusman Theater on Flagler Street, where savory hors d’oeuvres and scrumptious entrees will be offered in celebration of the magical evening.

Opening reception and visual arts showcase at the New World Gallery are free and open to the public. Tickets for the performance showcase at the Gusman Theater are $50, $40, $30 and $20 for assigned seating. Tickets may be purchased at www. nwsa.mdc.edu. Tickets for the Rising Stars VIP Reception, beginning at 9 p.m., at La Loggia Restaurant, are $250 and include VIP reception, performance and parking. For VIP tickets, please call 305-237-3753.

About New World School of the Arts

The distinguished history of the New World School of the Arts began in 1984 when the Florida State Legislature established the institution to provide artistically talented high school and college students the means to achieve both an academic education and artistic training. In September, 1986, NWSA opened its doors to students in grades ten through twelve. New World School of the Arts is a center for excellence in the visual and performing arts. Through an educational partnership with Miami Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College and the University of Florida, NWSA provides a comprehensive educational program of artistic training, academic and creative development, and preparation for professional careers in the arts. Its audition-based programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art, Dance, Music and Theater. NWSA offers the high school diploma as well as a four-year BFA or BM college degree. Visit www.mdc.edu/nwsa for more information.