By Madeline Monheit
October 24, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact Jenn Antinoro
(609) 799-8994 or jantinoro@namimercer.org
Benefit seating available for world premiere of The Convert at McCarter Theater
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Mercer County (NAMI Mercer) will host its 10th annual Night Out with NAMI benefit on Jan. 21 at the Saturday matinee performance of The Convert at the McCarter Theatre. Purchasing seats through NAMI Mercer will admit attendees to an exclusive after-party in the Berlind Rehearsal Hall.
The after-party, catered by Main Street Fine Caterers of Princeton, will feature both silent and live auctions. During the reception, NAMI will honor Kate and Janet Lasley posthumously for their contributions to the Mercer County community.
The Convert, a powerful new play by Danai Gurira, is set during the colonial upheavals in southern Africa in 1895. The playwright, who was born in the U.S. and raised in Zimbabwe, tells the story of a young girl who escapes a forced marriage by converting to Christianity with the help of a zealous black African catechist. The Convert explores the clash of cultures and religions with poignancy and humor.
“We are very excited to collaborate with the McCarter for this world premiere,” states Night Out Co-chair Karen Marquis. The play, directed by Emily Mann and co-produced by the Goodman Theatre and the Centre Theatre Group, will travel to Chicago and Los Angeles after the Princeton engagement.
The cost for each seat combined with admission to the after-party is $99 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.namimercer.org or by calling NAMI Mercer at (609) 799-8994. Season’s ticket holders can participate by calling NAMI Mercer to exchange their seats for the benefit performance. All tickets will be available for pickup at “will call” in the Berlind lobby immediately before the performance.
Individual or families who join NAMI Mercer’s new Patron Society with a donation of $500 or more will receive two complimentary tickets. Corporate sponsorships also are available at multiple levels. Contact Jenn Antinoro at jantinoro@namimercer.org for details.
NAMI Mercer, based in Lawrenceville, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, mutual support, and advocacy. NAMI Mercer is NJ’s largest affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
