For Immediate Release: February 13, 2005
Media Contact: Deborah Fleischman, Philadelphia Theatre Company, 215.735.7356

Philadelphia Theatre Company hosts its annual Sweethearts' Brunch and Auction on Sunday, February 13 beginning at 11:00 AM in the Grand Ballroom of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. This year's annual fundraiser commemorating Valentine's Day pays tribute to the Avenue of the Arts, Inc. by honoring Karen Lewis, current Executive Director and Ellen Solms, former Executive Director of the Avenue of the Arts, Inc.

Philadelphia Theatre Company's annual event combines a specially-created brunch and an opportunity to bid on tokens of affection including romantic get-aways, candlelight dinners for two at some of the area's best restaurants, one-of-a-kind jewelry, furs, crafts, works of art, and tickets to sports and cultural events. Also available to bid on are many unique first-hand experience items including tickets to a New York fashion show, "The Late Show with David Letterman", and "Live with Regis and Kelly"; a day with an elected official in Washington, DC; a behind the scenes experience at a local television station; and dinner with Philadelphia Magazine Restaurant Reviewer Maria Gallagher.

"Our annual fundraiser commemorating Valentine's Day has become a popular way for people to treat themselves and their Valentine to a wonderful day of great food and unique auction items, all in support of a good cause," said PTC Board Member Donald Rosenblit, who is chairing the event. "We are delighted to honor Karen Lewis and Ellen Solms, whose leadership of the Avenue of the Arts, Inc. has made Broad Street a vibrant center for the arts and business community. We are very excited that in the near future, PTC will become the newest neighbor on the Avenue of the Arts".

Past year's Sweethearts' Awards have been given to Irvin J. Borowsky, founder and CEO of National Liberty Museum, Laurie Wagman, founder and President of American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc., Karen Davis, Executive Director of the Arts & Business Council of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Joanne Harmelin of Harmelin Media, Marcia Salvatore, Director of the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, and actress/philanthropist Suzanne Roberts. E. Gerald Riesenbach, Esq. is President of Philadelphia Theatre Company's Board of Directors.

Proceeds from this charity auction benefit PTC's artistic and education/outreach programs, serving over 35,000 residents of the Greater Philadelphia region. Tickets at $125 per person may be ordered by calling the Philadelphia Theatre Company offices at 215-985-1400.

Philadelphia Theatre Company will also host a Patrons' Party on February 1 at the fabulous penthouse home of PTC's Patrons' Party Co-Chairs, Marilyn Birnhak, President of Weight Watchers of Philadelphia and her husband, Robert Birnhak where guests will have the opportunity to enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and meet special guest, retired Philadelphia Inquirer theater critic, Clifford A. Ridley.

Philadelphia Theatre Company, now in its 29th season, is Philadelphia's only non-profit professional theater dedicated to producing regional and world premieres of works by contemporary American playwrights. Under the artistic direction of Sara Garonzik, PTC has had ever-increasing national impact with over 100 new American plays. Recent world premiere productions include: Bruce Graham's According to Goldman; Jeffrey Hatcher's A Picasso; Daniel Stern's comedy Barbra's Wedding; John Henry Redwood's No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs; J.T. Roger's White People; David Ives' Lives of the Saints; three-time Tony Award-winning Master Class by Terrence McNally; Bunny Bunny by Alan Zweibel; and the American premiere of Birdy by Naomi Wallace. A Picasso will receive its New York premiere at the Manhattan Theatre Club in March 2005. Philadelphia Theatre Company was chosen Best Theatre Company 2003 by Philadelphia Magazine. Since 1995, PTC has received 83 nominations and 24 awards from Philadelphia's Barrymore Awards, most recently for The Last Five Years (Overall Outstanding Production of a Musical, 2002-2003) and A Picasso (Outstanding New Play, 2002-2003). Philadelphia Theatre Company has been in residence at the historic Plays & Players Theater since 1982 and will soon move to their new home on the Avenue of the Arts.

For further information, please call 215-985-1400 or visit www.phillytheatreco.com.

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