Flagstar Strand Theatre’s Inaugural Gala on Saturday, March 4, Benefits its Nonprofit Children’s Programs

Pontiac, MI – On Saturday, March 4, from 4:00 – 9:00 pm, the historic Flagstar Strand Theatre on Saginaw Street will celebrate its 102^nd birthday. The themed 1920s Gala will have a strolling dinner, silent and live auction, and honor the Strand Century winners, Dr. Ora Pescovitz, Oakland University President, and Mr. Gill Garrett, Oakland County Sheriff Deputy. Tickets are $175 per single or $325 per couple. Sponsorships are available. For more information, go to https://www.flagstarstrand.com/gala or call 248-309-6442.

A special highlight of the evening is the full theatrical presentation of the musical Annie, Jr. by the Strand children’s theatre, called STart. Throughout the Gala, you will see the reflection of the twenties, including on the stage. The original comic strip, Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, premiered in the 1920s in the New York Daily News.

The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved, award-winning musicals. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Little Orphan Annie is determined to find the parents who left her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Having and holding hope and optimism through life’s journey, no matter the circumstances, is what ANNIE is all about and what the character of Annie symbolizes.

The nonprofit mission of the theatre is to provide access and education to the performing arts focusing on the Pontiac population and children that do not have access locally. In addition, it is an opportunity for the student actors to discover the beauty in themselves and others. One of the student actors in the 2022 production of Moana, Jr. shared thoughts about the Strand Children’s Theatre program.

“Dear Wonderful Person. I made new friends of all ages. I have learned to sing in a different language. I have practiced grit building.”

By attending the Inaugural Gala, you will help us keep the kids on the stage. The arts connect us at the Flagstar Strand Theatre.

About the Theatre

In the early days, the Pontiac area had 13 theatres, and now only the Strand remains. In 2016, it reopened after receiving a three-year, twenty-million-dollar renovation as the Flagstar Strand Theatre. The theatre campus includes a fantastic stage and auditorium with seating for nearly 900, an art gallery, a theatre lounge named Charlene’s, a restaurant, and a pending film society. The Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts (Encore Performing Arts Center) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Tax ID 46-4811446

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