On March 4 and 5, Piedmont Players Theatre held its annual Night on the Stage fundraiser, which raises money to operate Piedmont Players, Inc, a non-profit organization.
Piedmont Players is currently celebrating its 50th season with shows performed in two spaces, the historic Meroney Theater and the newly built Norvell Theater, which houses the educational youth programs.
This year’s Night on the Stage began on the stage of the new Norvell Theater with wine and hors d’oeuvres. The opening reception included music by Salisbury’s “Mr. Music,” Billy Burke, and a silent auction filled with items donated by local businesses and patrons.
The night then continued on the historic Meroney Theater stage where guests enjoyed a catered meal by Chef Santos. After the meal, hosted by WSTP’s Kent Bernhardt, there was a live auction, followed by this year’s stellar performer, Tony Award-winning stage star Karen Ziemba.
Ziemba was accompanied by Kenny Ascher, who has written songs for “A Star is Born” and “The Muppet Movie.”
A versatile performer, Ziemba has been featured in numerous productions on and off Broadway, including “Curtains,” “Contact,” “Never Gonna Dance,” “Chicago,” “A Chorus Line,” “42nd Street,” “Crazy for You” and many others. She has been nominated for four Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards. In 2000 she won the Tony and Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of “the wife” in “Contact.”