PRESS RELEASE For more information contact:

Alannah Rayne-Kern (510) 444-4755

Now – October 14, 2004

Stagebridge celebrates 25^th Anniversary October 14

The nation’s oldest senior theatre company just keeps getting better with age. Stagebridge, based in Oakland since 1979, celebrates its 25^th Anniversary with a “Silver Cabaret” benefit. The event takes place Thursday, October 14, 7:00pm – 10:00pm at historic Sweet’s Ballroom, 1933 Broadway, downtown Oakland. The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception and silent auction. The evening features an all-star cabaret with Stagebridge performers and other celebrity guests. The celebration is rounded out with dancing to the Khalil Shaheed Quintet and a dessert buffet. This is a benefit for Stagebridge programs for seniors and children. There is street parking and wheelchair access. Tickets are $50 - $125. Reservations may be made by calling Stagebridge (510) 444-4755.

“The Silver Cabaret” will feature Stagebridge actors, storytellers, improv artists and special celebrity guests in a lively cabaret performance highlighting the best of Stagebridge’s past quarter century. The performers range in age from 60 – 90. The show will feature popular scenes, songs and monologues from “Never Too Late,” some of the company’s finest storytellers, and the improv troupe, “Spontaneous Combustion.” Stagebridge musical director, Scrumbly Koldewyn, will direct the show. Koldewyn is an internationally known cabaret singer and musician who got his start in S. F. with “The Cockettes” in the 1960’s.

Dancing to the sounds of Khalil Shaheed’s Quintet will take audiences back to the days when Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, and Count Basie played at historic Sweet’s Ballroom. Originally a dance studio built in 1923, Sweet's Ballroom was managed by Bill Sweet and turned into an impeccable, acoustically pristine ballroom. Sweet's was known for its big bands and it was The Benny Goodman Orchestra that in 1935, helped to kick off the unofficial beginnings of the 'Swing Era.' The bands played on the raised stage while the crowds moved and swayed on the 8,000 plus-square-foot, elegant, art deco ballroom floor. The hall has been recently renovated to bring the original elegance up to date.

Stagebridge is the nation’s oldest senior theatre company. Since 1979, the company has made theatre an opportunity for older adults and used theatre and storytelling to bridge the generations. The company continues to be run by founders Dr. Stuart Kandell and Linda Spector. Stagebridge has over 100 actors, storytellers, students and volunteers who range in age from 55 – 100. The company runs a professional training program for older adults at its home in Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison. Stagebridge runs a nationally known storytelling program in Oakland Schools. They have created over 30 original plays and performed for more than 250,000 people in senior centers, retirement homes, hospitals, schools and theatres --- reaching many people who rarely see live theatre. The company has a national reputation for its work and has appeared on network TV and radio and headlined many national conventions.

For more information contact Stagebridge at (510) 444-4755, info@stagebridge.org or on the web at www.stagebridge.org.