The 5th Avenue Theatre is a jewel in America's musical theatre crown. It truly represents the heart and soul of Seattle. My long time association with this institution as a consultant, advisor and board member has been among my most rewarding activities. I have gone through the growing pains, the difficult financial times along with the rebirth, rejuvenation and great successes. Long-time managing director Marilynn Sheldon found Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong to form the team that has propelled the theatre into the 21st Century. First they brought Hairspray to us and we launched it on to Broadway with great success. Now Producing Partners Kenny and Marleen Alhadeff have drawn us into association with Memphis, a spectacular new musical that has taken Broadway by storm this summer. We walked this completely original production through every step from birth to the New York stage. And now it has won the Tony Award for the year's Best Musical and we are sharing a tiny part in that tremendous success. Muscial theatre brings joy into people's lives. What could be more rewarding. We are so proud to play a small role in the 5th Avenue Theatre family and the production of Memphis. We are honored to hold up our Tony Award for all the world to see. How exciting!
