The West Bend Theatre Company and the United Way of Washington County are excited to announce a partnership to help raise money for local families and front-line workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the partnership, proceeds from the West Bend Theatre Company’s production of “An Act of God” will be donated to the United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. In addition, West Bend Theatre Company will offer the opportunity for those unable to attend the show to donate to the fund through its website.
“This partnership between the West Bend Theater Company and United Way is a great example of how communities can unite to help each other in the midst of a health crisis,” said Kristin Brandner, executive director at the United Way of Washington County. “The money raised through these performances will be going back into our local community through United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. Specifically we’ll be providing PPE items (personal protective equipment) to the nearly 20 local nonprofit organizations that United Way supports.”
“Our mission at the West Bend Theatre Company is to celebrate, enhance, and inspire by producing excellent theatre and by giving back to our community,” said Nicholas Dettmann, communications and marketing manager and Board of Directors member at the West Bend Theatre Company. “Putting on the hilarious show of ‘An Act of God’ while also partnering with a great nonprofit like United Way is the perfect example and representation of our mission, especially in these challenging times.”
“An Act of God” will be performed at the newly renovated downtown West Bend Theatre, The Bend, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Tickets are available. All seats are general admission and are $28 each. Seating capacity will be capped at 85 seats per show in order to adhere to health and safety guidelines set by health officials.
The play, “An Act of God” by David Javerbaum, has a strong connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of its cast members, Mack Bates, is a COVID-19 survivor. He was hospitalized for several days with the disease. In addition, Adam Schlesinger, who wrote the closing song, “I Have Faith in You,” died from complications of COVID-19 in April. He was 52.
“An Act of God” has only three cast members – Robb Bessey, Megan Bell and Bates. The One with the first and last word on everything has finally arrived to set the record straight. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God, who will be played by Bessey – assisted by His devoted angels (Bell and Bates) – answers some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation.
Founded in 2010, incorporated in 2017, the West Bend Theatre Company is a non-profit theater entity presenting live theater, camps, workshops and special events. The mission of the West Bend Theatre Company is to celebrate, enhance, and inspire by producing excellent theatre and by giving back to our community.
The West Bend Theatre Company annually performs Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” This year’s rendition will be done virtually with video on-demand. Five shows are planned for 2021 – “Calendar Girls,” (May 21-23, 2021) “The Secret Garden,” “End of the Rainbow”, “Our Town” (September 2021), and “A Christmas Carol.”
For more information about the West Bend Theatre Company, as well as upcoming shows, visit our website: www.wbtheatreco.com. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook (@wbtheatreco), Twitter (@WBTheatreCo) and Instagram (@westbendtheatrecompany).