Wayne YMCA Annual Gala to Feature Internationally-Acclaimed Musical "Voca People"

Photo courtesy of Greg Albers

Submitted by Margaret McHugh

The internationally acclaimed musical comedy “Voca People” will headline the annual Wayne YMCA gala in November this year at the newly renamed Rosen Performing Arts Center.

The “Voca People” show is an “a cappella and beat box extravaganza” about friendly aliens who land on earth and need to refuel their spaceship with the music of earth. It’s a “rousing, playful” 90-minute performance that “invites the audience to get in on the fun”, according to Meryl Budnick, cultural arts director of the Wayne YMCA.

“We’re honored to have these talented, uproarious performers kick off the 2014-15 season of the Rosen Performing Arts Center,’’ said Budnick.

Proceeds from the November 2 gala will support the ”Take Your Seat” campaign, which has a goal of replacing the auditorium’s 408 seats. “The original seats have earned their right to a final curtain call,’’ Budnick said.

The annual gala this year also coincides with the renaming of the professional theater. The center was originally opened in 1976 as the Rosen Theater, but has now been renamed the Rosen Performing Arts Center.

“The new name better reflects the array of plays, musicals, concerts and dance shows performed here, as well as our vast offerings in dance and acting classes for children, teens and adults,’’ Budnick said.

Off-Broadway shows and other production companies rent the theater for rehearsals, and it’s also available for meetings and conferences.

The Wayne YMCA is seeking sponsors for the gala this year, with contribution opportunities ranging from $150 to $10,000 for the Gala Underwriter-level sponsorship. Gala Underwriter sponsors receive mention in all marketing and advertising materials, a listing in the program, ten tickets to the show and two seat sponsorships. For $250, a business, organization or individual can sponsor the ”Take Your Seat” campaign, earning a nameplate on a seat and listing in the program.

To buy tickets to the “Voca People” performance or to become a sponsor, visit wayneymca.org and click the Rosen Performing Arts Center button. Money from sponsors and benefactors of the gala last year helped the center’s volunteer committee launch the first phase of renovations to the theater by upgrading the sound and lighting.

The Wayne Y is a member of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, the largest association of YMCAs in New Jersey with six branches, located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne. The mission statement for the YMCAs states that the centers are “committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility”. They offer an array of programs that build “spirit, mind and body” for people of all ages and all circumstances.

To learn more about the Wayne YMCA, click here.