FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2004

TONY ROMA HEADS FOR NEW ORLEANS
Saint John Theatre Company announces Valentine's Event

The Saint John Theatre Company's second annual fundraising event „Tony Roma's New Orleans Valentine's Party" will be held at Centre Samuel-de-Champlain on Friday, February 13th. The Company is raising money for the Legacy Fund, an ambitious plan designed to make theatre a permanent and vital part of the city.

"In the past century, there have been many successful theatre companies in Saint John," says Stephen Tobias, the SJTC artistic director. "But in spite of the successes of these companies, they have left very little behind for others to build upon. The Saint John Theatre Company has now grown to the point where it can take steps to address that."

Tobias says the purpose of the Fund is to ensure that Saint John continues to develop as a centre of theatrical excellence. The initial goal for the fund will be to raise money towards the purchase and upgrade of a building suitable to house a theatre company.

"As the Saint John Theatre Company has grown, so have audience expectations and we need better infrastructure in order to meet those expectations," Tobias says. "We have a wonderful performance space at the Imperial Theatre. We now require a facility which would house rehearsal halls, administration, design workshops, meeting rooms, and perhaps even theatrically-related enterprises such as a costume rental shop or an agency to promote local actors."

Tony Roma's New Orleans Valentine's Party will be held at Centre Samuel-de-Champlain on Friday, February 13th. This gala evening includes live music by the Richard Kidd Swing Band, great food (including, but not limited to, some Cajun delights!), dancing, prizes, auction, casino and more!

"Valentine's Weekend should be special and we've got a wonderful package for people to enjoy," Tobias says. "They get a great meal and a great show while supporting a great cause!"

Tickets for Tony Roma's New Orleans Valentine's Party are $60.00 per person and can be purchased at the Imperial Theatre Box Office (674-4100) or at Ricky's Convenience Store on Somerset Street (642-1877).

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