The Alliance Theatre nets an impressive ally for 2011 “Tony Evening” benefit

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Veteran Atlanta charitable fundraiser Sally Dorsey strictly abides by the old adage “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
 
So when she gathered 50 or so of the city’s savviest movers and shakers this week at the St. Regis hotel in Buckhead, insiders knew it was only a matter of time until the tenacious Dorsey went into full fundraising mode.
 
The roasted vegetable, crab cake and lamb chop-laced  luncheon overseen and introduced by St. Regis executive chef Jonathan Jerusalmy also served as the launch announcement for “A Tony Evening,” a 2011 benefit for the Alliance Theatre.
 
Dorsey has agreed to chair the fundraiser with the help of Todd Tautfest. The “evening in three acts” to be held May 7, 2011 at the St. Regis will benefit the Alliance’s educational programming. The evening will honor IBM executive and longtime Alliance board member Ann W. Cramer.
 
“This is going to be the most fun you’ve ever had standing up!” Dorsey promised. “We’ve got some wonderful sponsors already on board but we need more and, of course, we need your help to make that happen.”
 
While Dorsey couldn’t tell us the headlining entertainer she’s in negotiations with “until we get it signed on the dotted line,” she did spill a few details.
 
“Leave that tuxedo and gown at home!” Dorsey advised. “We’re not doing a boring sit down dinner either. We want you to wear what you would to the most fabulous party ever thrown in New York City.”
 
The evening’s three acts will consist of a cocktail reception in the gallery, the Astor Ballroom will be transformed into a Rainbow Room-inspired venue with entertainment and food and finally, the Grand Terrace will become a Studio 54-like nightclub for dancing and a late-night supper.
 
Dished Dorsey: “We’re going to have fun from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. or when you all fall down dead!”
 
Tickets will range from $300 individual seats to $1500 for patron couples and higher end corporate level packages.
 
After attendees dug their way through a chocolate lava cake, we asked Dorsey why she chose to devote a year of her life to organizing “A Tony Affair.”
 
“[Alliance artistic director] Susan Booth has done a wonderful job of really getting the Alliance in my face over the past few years,”Dorsey explained. “We have a Tony Award-winning theater that has delivered ‘Aida,’ ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Come Fly With Me’ to Broadway. We have a world class theater in our city that does all of these wonderful programs for young people at a time when arts programs are being done away with. We all have to do our part to make sure that work continues.”
 

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