Make a "Dinner Date" with Act 1 Theater's Dennis and Deb

This Sunday, patrons of DeSales Act 1 Theater will be able to add a little dinner to their theater experience with Dennis Razze, chair of DeSales theater department, and Deb Walter, director of development.

The meal, called "Dinner with Dennis and Deb," is described on the website as a chance "to join [Dennis and Deb] for a casual dinner and behind-the-scenes conversation" about current productions. 

The inaugural dinner will be this Sunday at 6pm, where Razze and Walter will discuss the current production of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge."

"I'm really excited. The dinner will give patrons an opportunity to get to know Act 1 little better and behind the scenes," said Walter. The goal of the "Dinner" concept is to run the program three times a year -- twice with Act 1 at DeSales and once during the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival this summer. 

Walter explained that each program will reflect the character of the production it's attached to. "For one dinner, the patrons might hear from the director. They might learn about sets or costuming. It will give theater-goers an insiders look as to what it’s like."

For "View From the Bridge," director Razze will talk to the crowd. "[Razze] was a natural fit for this event," said Walter. "He's so involved with the theater department [as the chair] and the Shakespeare Festival. He's a DeSales alum. He's DeSales through and through."

Those wishing to attend the dinner are invited to see the 2pm production prior to the dinner, but the dinner isn't limited to the crowd from Sunday's performance. "If you've seen a prior performance, or just want to come for the dinner, you can mark it on the registration sheet," said Walter. 

As of this writing, there are 77 tickets left for Sunday's performance of the extremely popular event, though Walter is amazed at the turnout for Act 1 productions. "The patrons who come out, they have no affiliation with the school or the theater, but they never miss a performance. This will give us a chance to learn more about our amazing audience."

What: Dinner with Dennis and Deb, A View from the Bridge  (link to form)

Where:

When: Dinner at 6pm, matinee performance at 2pm (separate ticket)

Cost: $32 for dinner, $56 for dinner and matinee prior to dinner