Eddie Bruce Set for Paper Mill Playhouse Fundraiser, 9/15

Paper Mill Playhouse has announced a unique fundraiser on the stage of the historic Millburn Theater on Saturday, September 15, at 7:00pm. With live-entertainment by cabaret performer Eddie Bruce, cocktail party guests will be treated to food from Exquisite Entertaining, one of NJ's premier caterers known for their delectable creations, and wine by Sean Larkin whose Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon have garnered rave reviews. Tickets are $300 per person, $200 of which is tax deductible, and all of the proceeds will go to benefit the many artistic, education, and outreach programs of Paper Mill Playhouse.

“We invite you to join us on the Paper Mill Playhouse stage for a cocktail party like none you have ever been to before,” remarked Todd Schmidt Paper Mill Playhouse Managing Director. “What a thrill to sit on the same stage where impressive performers have launched their careers for nearly 75 years. This is a true behind the scenes look at Paper Mill Playhouse with unprecedented access to our famed stage.”

“Paper Mill Playhouse has hosted some of the most legendary actors and actresses of our time,” stated Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill’s Producing Artistic Director. “How unique to be able to walk in the footsteps of performers like: Ginger Rodgers, Anne Hathaway, Patrick Swayze, Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters and Kristen Chenoweth. This on-stage event will be a truly theatrical experience.”

For more than 25 years, Eddie Bruce has been engaging and delighting audiences. For Paper Mill’s event, he will be performing a special cabaret act. Bruce performs jazz standards throughout the country and after his show at Feinstein’s, the celebrated nightclub of New York, Michael Feinstein said of Bruce, “His voice is wonderful and his stage presence is just as good.” Bruce acknowledges that his career has personally been inspired by Bennett’s “musical integrity, wonderful musicianship, masterful phrasing and total commitment to the preservation of a particular genre of music.”

Wines will be provided by Sean Larkin of Larkin Wines. What began as a labor of love with 50 cases of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc in 1999, has grown into nearly 500 cases of what critic Robert M. Parkers describes as "Always one of the finest Napa Cabernet Francs made." Founded by Sean Larkin, a devout and unapologetic hedonist and raconteur, the Larkin brand now extends into serious Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Additionally, a second label called Jack Larkin was developed in 2004 to showcase production, single vineyard wines. Most recently, Sean has launched both the Tin Knocker and Grand labels as more affordable options for Napa Valley drinking. Sauvingon Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and a lusty red blend are a few of the wines that fall beneath these marquees.

Gourmet food for the evening has been generously donated by Exquisite Entertaining, New Jersey's premiere caterer since 1987. The extensive cocktail & grazing menu by Executive Chef Mark Biroc will feature his signature Coconut & Herb-Glazed Sea Scallop Dumplings, Wild American Shrimp, Andouille On Smoked Gouda Grits and Cinnamon Roasted Long Island Duck With Fig & Grape Relish.

Exquisite Entertaining will also offer “comfort food favorites with a twist” including: Macaroni and Five-Cheeses With Truffle Oil Drizzle, Thai Spiced Turkey Burger "Sliders," Barbecued Pulled Pork In Corn Cups with Pickled Vidalia Onions and Mini Lamb Meatball Tapas In A Rioja Wine Sauce, as well as many other delicious surprises.