STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Patrons of the humanities and tradition stepped out of their greatest red-carpet finery Friday night when the St. George Theatre performed host to its twentieth anniversary Gala and Benefit Concert starring legendary music artist Dionne Warwick.

The extravagant affair, which wasn’t shy of glitz and glamour moments, celebrated the fantastic thing about one in all Staten Island’s rarest crown jewels.

The annual occasion interprets into the principal fundraiser for St. George Theatre Restoration Inc., a nonprofit group devoted to the restoration of the historic venue that after served as house to vaudevillians and a pillar of the group of Staten Island.

THE EVENING’S AGENDA

The occasion, which was stuffed with loads of enjoyable and fancy, featured a pre-show cocktail reception; an awards presentation; a live performance that includes Warwick, the diva of soul and a six-time Grammy Award-winning music legend; and an after-party with open bar, hors d’oeuvres from greater than 30 native eating places and music within the VG Lounge, Grand and Mezzanine Lobbies.

Prior to the live performance, the St. George Theatre offered its very personal “Georgie Award” to Sanjay Bharadwaj, president and CEO of Cube Construction Services LLC, and Jeff Greene, chairman and founding father of EverGreene Architectural Arts, for his or her monumental inside restoration efforts and continued help of the St. George Theatre.

QUOTES FROM ST. GEORGE THEATRE CO-FOUNDERS AND HONOREES

Co-founder Luanne Sorrentino acknowledged the presence of an unlimited array of Staten Island’s elected officers and board and committee members whom she requested to “please stand and take a bow.” She would then supply her sincerest due to all who make the St. George Theatre an important success each day.

“It is both exciting and surreal as I look around and see the magnificent transformation and how this beautiful theater is shining,” she mentioned. “So proud to be embarking on 20 years. This principal fundraiser allows us to continue with our impactful educational programs and our restoration efforts.”

Doreen Sorrentino, co-founder, echoed her sister’s phrases: “Tonight is affirmation of the importance of arts and culture in our community and we could not be more pleased with the turn out with 1,500 guests and over 100 generous sponsors,” she mentioned. “We are beyond thrilled to be celebrating our accomplishments in grand style with the iconic Dionne Warwick and our amazing honorees.”

She went on to clarify, “Twenty years ago, there were no electric lights in what was then a shell of a theater. Our mom said, ‘Someone has to do it.’ It gives us pleasure to thank our staff and board of directors and the partnership we have built. Tonight is about celebrating the theater and the arts and two individuals, Sanjay Bharadwaj and Jeff Greene, and to give a round of applause to our sponsors.”

In referring to the St. George Theatre, Bharadwaj famous: “This restoration means a lot and the fact that I was able to replicate the front lobby in 2020. The murals were deteriorated. The stenciling on the ceiling was the most difficult. And being considered for this honor besides Jeff is truly an honor. Thank you all for contributing to this great cause. And we look forward to more in the years to come.”

Greene defined he started his profession in architectural arts in 1978. “In 1987, I restored a theater in D.C. and Dionne Warwick opened that theater. The St. George Theatre is one of New York City’s last remaining true movie palaces. And they brought it back. I am honored and grateful for our team and all the people who put their hearts and souls into this. Thank you very much.”

Greene, who traveled from his house in Terracina, Italy, to be acknowledged on the anniversary gala, defined it’s been great to be a part of the world of Staten Island.

“Tonight is like being in the living room of Staten Island,” he mentioned. “Everyone here tonight has a common denominator — and something in common — and everyone has an experience to share. It’s really great!”

VIDEO PRESENTATION

Prior to Warwick’s efficiency, an on-screen video presentation performed to the group of greater than 1,500 who crammed the ornate theater accented with Rococo gilded inside and outsized Spanish murals — every intricately restored.

The video kicked off with candid testimonials from Staten Island’s elected officers, who supplied kudos to the theater’s co-founders for restoring and refurbishing the opulent film palace to its authentic grandeur.

Brian J. Laline, government editor of the Advance/SILive.com and chairman of the board of the St. George Theatre, and Fred Cerullo, board member and chairman and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership, supplied feedback:

“Welcome to the 93rd 20th Anniversary Gala at the St. George Theatre, the nonprofit formed by Mrs. Rosemary Cappozalo and her daughters, Luanne Sorrentino and Doreen Cugno,” mentioned Laline. “We are proud of the programming the theater provides. The Summer Outreach Program is just one example … The St. George Theatre enriches the lives of thousands. Every year the St. George Theatre hosts a free program for young people ages 9 to 18 designed to up their game when it comes to personal achievement and wellness.”

“Mrs. Rosemary contributed her life savings to the theater,” added Cerullo. “And with city, state and federal government funding contributions, the doors to the theater were finally opened.”

THE ICONIC DIONNE WARWICK

Upon taking the stage to loud cheers and a rousing spherical of applause, Warwick opened with “Welcome to my World,” adopted by mega hits like “Walk on By,” “Anyone Who Has a Heart,” “You’ll Never Get to Heaven if You Break My Heart,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” the syncopated “This Guy’s in Love With You” and “What the World Needs Now,” amongst others crowd pleasers. And sporting a broad smile, she inspired the viewers to sing alongside every time they noticed match.

In prefacing the tune, “Say a Little Prayer,” she spoke touching phrases:

“This song is dear to my heart,” the favored soul singer mentioned. “And it should be brought out in the 21st century. It was a duet with my partner who is not here this evening. So, I’ll sing it tonight.”

Warwick additionally captured her viewers’s consideration with “Alfie,” one in all her signature tunes written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David again in 1966 for the film of the identical identify, and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” — a music that showcased, individually, the trio’s musical prowess.

“It’s been a pleasure to share the stage with my three musicians this evening,” Warwick gushed earlier than introducing: “From Los Angeles, drummer Jeffrey Lewis, from Las Vegas, bass guitarist Danny DeMorales, and my pianist from San Diego, Todd Hunter.”

In referencing “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” Warwick mentioned from her coronary heart: “I fell in love with this song. And everyone in this room has the same ability. During trying times, we can find a way to alleviate our troubles. And music has an incredible healing power.”

MORE ON WARWICK

Warwick is a six-time Grammy Award-winning music legend who’s earned greater than 75 charted hit songs and offered over 100 million data. She was found by Bacharach and David in 1961, and went on to document 18 consecutive Top 100 singles (“Don’t Make Me Over,” “Walk on By,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Alfie,” “Heartbreaker,” “Déjà Vu,” amongst numerous others). She obtained her first Grammy in 1968 for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”

She has been honored by AMFAR, the Desert Aids Project, and Clive Davis at his pre-Grammy occasion. Warwick was additionally inducted into The Grammy Museum, the place a particular fiftieth anniversary profession exhibit was unveiled. Warwick additionally was the recipient of the coveted and prestigious 2017 Marian Anderson Award for her profession accomplishments and philanthropy.

Most just lately, Warwick launched a star-studded duets album entitled, “Feels So Good,” that includes collaborations with a few of at present’s biggest artists.

She was honored in a 2018 PBS tv particular, “Then Came You”; was named 2019 ambassador to the Smithsonian Institute’s Year in Music, and is a 2019 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

ABOUT THE ST. GEORGE THEATRE RESTORATION INC.

The St. George Theatre Restoration Inc., based in 2004 by the late Rosemary Cappozalo and her daughters, Luanne Sorrentino and Doreen Cugno, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit group devoted to the restoration of the historic theater and its improvement as a cultural and performing arts middle for Staten Island and all of New York City by offering group outreach applications, academic applications and public performances. This yr marks their twentieth anniversary.

The St. George Theatre, known as the home that the Roaring ‘20s built, opened its doors for the first time nearly 94 years ago on Dec. 4, 1929, for a screening of the Robert Montgomery film, “So This is College,” and a headline live vaudeville act of husband and wife team Blossom Seeley and Benny Fields, legendary performer Al Jolson and boxer Jack Dempsey.

Since the theater’s reopening in 2004, the St. George Theatre has performed host to a whole bunch of headline performers akin to Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Paul Anka, Ringo Starr, Chicago, Pete Davidson, Liza Minnelli, The Jonas Brothers, Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers, Patti LaBelle, O’Jays, The Doobie Brothers, Jackson Browne, Donny Osmond, Chaka Khan, Peter Frampton and so many extra.