City Circle Fundraiser

City Circle - A Circle Full of Stars is a benefit for City Circle Acting Company, celebrating 10 years of presenting professional caliber theatrical productions and providing education, enrichment, and enlightenment for its membership and the public.

Proceeds will also help support the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts in association with Plaza on 5th, a new multi-use facility currently being constructed in Coralville. In addition to retail, office, and residential units, Plaza on 5th will include a 500-seat auditorium that will serve as a new performance space for City Circle Acting Company.

Featuring highlights from the Company's past ten seasons as well as songs from shows that City Circle hopes to bring to the stage in the future, the concert will be presented with full orchestration and special guests from the musical community, including local favorite Kristen Behrendt DeGrazia. This professional actress has a host of credits to her name including several Riverside Theatre productions, the National Tour of Les Miserables and Broadway's Side Show, among many others.

Also featured in the cast are John Cameron, Head of Acting in the University of Iowa's Department of Theatre Arts, Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey, and dancers from Nolte Academy of Dance.

Songs from a variety of Broadway shows including Hairspray, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and many more will be showcased.

According to City Circle member Kate Thompson, this show is also a way to celebrate the City Circle Orchestra. "They are a grand bunch of musicians, some of whom have played in our pit for years," said Thompson. "They seldom get any performing glory, and the placement of the orchestra up center stage is going to be a neat twist on the usual concert format." A Circle Full of Stars was conceived, produced, and directed by Chris Okiishi, Michael Stokes, and Ben Bentler.

Tickets are $25 and $35 (reserved seating), $45 (includes champagne reception), and $100 for premium seating, champagne reception, and recognition in the playbill. For tickets, go here or call 688-2653.

Cast List:
Mayor Regenia Bailey, Iowa City
Tim Barnes, Iowa City
Kristen Behrendt DeGrazia, Iowa City
Chuck Bogh, Iowa City
John Cameron, Iowa City
Christopher Carpenter, Iowa City
Sue Gilbert, Iowa City
Christina Gullick, Coralville
Marcia Hughes, Cedar Rapids
Rob Keech, Iowa City
Barb Lee, North Liberty
Rod McCrea, Iowa City
Patti McTaggart, Tiffin
Ryan Manka, Cedar Rapids
Ann Muilenburg, Iowa City
Amy Ostrem, Iowa City
Megan Sands, Iowa City
Rachel Scott, Dubuque
Kate Thompson, Iowa City
Nolte Academy of Dance Company Dancers