Prior to the luncheon, attendees were treated to an exclusive performance in the ship’s main show lounge, highlighting musical selections from SCT’s upcoming holiday production, James and the Giant Peach, by Tony-nominated composers Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. Guests were also treated to a private reading of Art Dog by composer Sue Ennis, and participated in a live auction for a chance to tour the ship’s bridge with the Captain.
“We have always been a big supporter of the arts, but we’re especially thrilled when we can partner with an organization that promotes art and education for children,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “It was great to close our non-profit onboard event season in Seattle with performances from such talented, young local performers.”
“We are thankful to Holland America Line for hosting us onboard to launch our upcoming season,” said Mary Ann Ehlshlager, managing director of Seattle Children’s Theatre. "It was great fun to perform in the Westerdam’s elegant theatre, and to see how SCT’s high caliber professionals and creative know-how translates effectively to another space. It’s always a pleasure to work with the talented stage crew there.”
About the Seattle Children’s Theatre
Seattle Children's Theatre is one of the most prominent theaters for young audiences and among the top 20 regional theatres in the country. Their programs empower young people to make new discoveries about themselves and the world around them while building a lifelong interest in the arts. The mission of Seattle Children's Theatre is to provide children of all ages access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works and theater education.
Founded in 1975, SCT started as a program of the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation with initial funding from the City of Seattle and PONCHO (Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations).
Since its inception, Seattle Children's Theatre has strived to provide innovative artistic programming and professional theater for the young people and families of the Puget Sound region. SCT moved into the 482-seat Charlotte Martin Theatre in 1993, the 275-seat Eve Alvord Theatre in 1995, and completed the Allen Family Technical Pavilion, which consists of the paint, costume, prop and scene shops as well as rehearsal and classroom spaces, in 2000. This state-of-the-art facility was the first self-contained theater complex built for young audiences in the nation, and has since been used as a model for other theaters. For more information visit, www.sct.org.
Each year, Holland America Line hosts more than 25 shipboard charity luncheons for nearly 5,000 guests in its homeport cities. In addition, Holland America Line and its corporate foundation’s charitable-giving programs provide cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.
Source: Holland America Line
