2026 Annual Fundraiser, A Benefit Concert
FEATURING PATTI MURIN
Broadway and TV Star, and the original Anna in Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
SYRACUSE STAGE
820 E. GENESEE ST.
SYRACUSE, NY
2026 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
WELCOME TO SYRACUSE STAGE’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER!
We are delighted to celebrate you—our dedicated patrons, partners, and supporters—and we are truly grateful that you’ve chosen to spend this special evening with us.
Tonight is particularly meaningful as we welcome Patti Murin, whose first appearance on this stage was in the very first co-production between Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama. As a graduate of Syracuse University’s Department of Drama, Patti embodies the powerful artistic pipeline that exists between the University and the professional theatre we share. Her return to this stage is a reminder of the extraordinary talent nurtured in our community and the impact your support makes possible.
Your enthusiasm and generosity throughout this season and beyond continue to shape the cultural and economic vitality of Central New York. For more than 50 years, your commitment has helped Syracuse Stage create dynamic storytelling, innovative artistry, and transformative educational opportunities to audiences of all ages.
Proceeds from tonight’s event and auction directly support our artistic, education, and community engagement initiatives—ensuring access to exceptional theatre, meaningful partnerships, and dynamic learning experiences for students across our region.
At a time when arts funding faces increasing uncertainty, your support is more essential than ever. Together, we can sustain Syracuse Stage’s legacy and boldly expand its vision for what regional theatre can be.
We raise a glass to you. Thank you for making all of this possible.
With sincere appreciation,
Carly DiFulvio Allen Managing Director
Robert Hupp Artistic Director
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Syracuse Stage Development Committee: Rod McDonald – Chair, George Bain, Jessica Cain, Robin Curtis, Eric Jackson, Kathy Kelly, Claire Myers, Molly Ryan, Cora Thomas, Ahmeed Turner
Silent Auction: Jacki Goldberg – Chair
Proceeds from this evening’s event will benefit educational, artistic, and community engagement programming at Syracuse Stage.
Patti Murin is a versatile and captivating performer best known for her work on Broadway, television, and as a prolific audiobook narrator. On stage, Patti originated the role of Princess Anna in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway, winning over audiences with her charm, humor, and powerful vocals. Her other notable stage credits include Wicked, Lysistrata Jones and Xanadu, where she showcased her comedic brilliance and musical talent. In the world of television, Patti has become a familiar face in Hallmark Channel movies, starring in fan favorites such as In Merry Measure, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, Love on Iceland, Holiday for Heroes, and Mystic Christmas. Her warmth and relatability have made her a standout in the romantic TV movie genre. In addition to her screen and stage work, Patti has built a thriving career as an audiobook narrator, lending her expressive voice to dozens of popular titles across genres. She has brought life to bestselling novels by authors such as Christina Lauren, Jodi Picoult, Rachel Hawkins and Katherine Center, earning praise for her ability to fully inhabit complex characters and deliver emotionally rich performances. Patti is also a devoted mom to two young daughters, and she openly shares her journey of balancing parenthood with a career in the arts. Her honesty and humor about motherhood resonate deeply with fans and fellow parents alike. Outside of acting and narration, Patti frequently performs in concerts across the country, including Carnegie Hall, delighting audiences with a mix of Broadway classics and personal favorites. She also leads master classes and workshops for aspiring performers, offering guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight into life as a professional artist. Patti is also a passionate mental health advocate, using her platform to speak openly about her own experiences with anxiety and depression. Through interviews, social media, and public appearances, she works to reduce stigma and encourage honest conversations around mental health—especially within the performing arts community. Whether on stage, screen, or behind the mic, Patti Murin continues to enchant audiences with her talent, authenticity, and heart.
HOST
Ruthnie Angrand is a Haitian-American poet, writer, and trained singer, dancer and orator. She has spent the past two decades performing, teaching, and engaging through storytelling as both an artist and corporate communications professional. She is known for experimenting with musical elements, dialects, and voice in her artform making performance a thing of reflection, motif, and engagement. In the poetry slam circuit, Ruthnie is known as “Rae Sunshine” and has been affiliated with national acts and groups including the Nu Rho Poetic Society, Syracuse’s Underground Poets, and as part of the duo SolHarmonie.
SpecialThanks
1st National Gifts
AUCTION ITEM DONORS
Aspinall's Tree Nursery
Auburn Public Theatre
Black Citizens Brigade
Black Cub Productions
Blue Moon Apothecary and Wellness Center
Brewster Inn
Bull & Bear Roadhouse
By Kelly
Cazenovia Community Fitness
Cazenovia Pizza
Chelsea's Esthetic Boutique
Claire Myers
Cortland Repertory Theatre
Darwin on Clinton
DeWitt Cleaners
Disney Theatricals
Dough Boys Pizzeria
Drumlins Country Club
Friends of the Central Library
Gail Harrington
Gino + Joes Pizza
H. Grey Supply Co.
Inka's
Inspire at the Grainery
J.S. Hight & Sons
Janet Audunson
Judi Dixon
Kim Wolfe Photography
Kitty Hoyne's
Lavender Blue
Liquor Express
Lisa LTD Lock 24 Ice Cream
Manlius Cinema
Margaret Shirtz & Marilou
Francisco
Margaritas Mexican Cantina
Mario & Salvo's
Mr. Shop
Museum of Science and Technology
Noble Cellar
Of Moose and Mind Bookshop
Paddywhacks
Pasabilities
Raymour & Flanigan
Recess Coffee
Robin Curtis Room to Improve
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
San Miguel Mexican Bar and Grill
SeaKissed Blends
Sherwood Inn & Appetites
Skaneateles Festival
Steeped
Syracuse Crunch
Syracuse Mets
The Dark Horse Tavern
The Hops Spot
The Local Branch
The Whiskey Coop
Turning Stone Resort and Casino
Upstate Yoga Institute
Vinomania
Vito's Ristorante
Wegmans
Wild Birds Unlimited
Wildflowers Armory
As of April 9, 2026
CHAIR
Richard Driscoll
Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Division NBT Bank
PRESIDENT
Brett Padgett*
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Syracuse University
VICE CHAIR
Colleen A. Gaetano Retired- Vice President Global Education & Artistry Estée Lauder Companies, NYC
SECRETARY
Maria Lesinski Attorney Newman and Lickstein
AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Cydney Johnson Deputy County Executive for Physical Services Onondaga County
Carly DiFulvio Allen** Managing Director Syracuse Stage
Janet Audunson Assistant General Counsel National Grid
George S. Bain Freelance Editor and Writer
Barbara Beckos Retired - Syracuse Stage
Nancy Byrne Community Volunteer
Jessica Cain Reporter WRVO
Dr. Ruth Chen* Professor of Practice
Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science
Robin Curtis NYS Lic. RE Asso. Broker Hunt Real Estate ERA
Elisa Dekaney* Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives Academic Affairs Syracuse University
Denise Dyce Consultant Syracuse University
Helene Gold Private Voice & Piano Instructor
Jacki Goldberg Community Volunteer
Nancy Green
Managing Member Edward S. Green & Associates
Larry Harris Retired - EVP and CFO Saab, Inc.
Eleanor J. Holdridge** Chair
Syracuse University Department of Drama
Robert Hupp** Artistic Director
Syracuse Stage
Eric Jackson Co-Founder and CEO Black Cub Productions
Kathy Kelly Retired - Health Educator, PNP
Larry Leatherman Retired - Bristol-Myers Squibb, MOST
Dan Lent Commercial Loan Officer AmeriCU Credit Union
Rob Lentz Retired - EVP of Enterprise Operations Zeta Global
Rocco Mangano Partner Mangano Law Office, PLLC
Anthony Malavenda Retired - Duke’s Root Control
Julia Martin Partner
Bousquet Holstein
Suzanne McAuliffe Retired - Educator
Juli McCann New York Chief Compliance Officer
National Grid
Rod McDonald Bond, Schoeneck & King
Molly Mulvihill
Sr. Relationship Manager
Global Commercial Banking Bank of America
Claire Myers Group Billing Coordinator Brown & Brown Insurance Services
Fran Nichols Retired - Mower, Inc.
YiWei Qi Co-Founder and CEO AccuGPS LLC
Kira Reed* Associate Professor
Syracuse University Whitman School of Management
Dr. Henry Roane
Executive Director and Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry Upstate Golisano Center for Special Needs
Jeff Rubin* Senior VP for Digital Transformation & Chief Digital Officer
Syracuse University
Molly Ryan Partner, Porter Scott, PC
Cora Thomas Radio Host and Office Manager, WAER
Michael S. Tick* Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Syracuse University
Dr. Amy Tucker Chief Medical Officer SUNY Upstate Medical University
Ahmeed Turner Vice President of Scholarships & Student Success; Executive Director of Say Yes Syracuse Central New York Community Foundation
Andrea Waldman Operations and Development Coordinator Make A Wish Foundation of Central New York
Maryam Wasmund
Chief Financial Officer Filtertech Inc.
*University Trustee **Ex-Officio
WHO WE ARE
Syracuse Stage is the non-profit professional theatre company in residence at Syracuse University. We are nationally recognized for creating stimulating theatrical work that engages Central New York, and for our significant contribution to the artistic life of Syracuse University, where we are a vital partner in achieving the educational mission of the University’s Department of Drama.
OUR MISSION
Syracuse Stage tells stories that engage, entertain, and inspire us to see life beyond our own experience.
OUR VISION
Reimagining what's possible for regional theatre-through active inclusion, innovative outreach, and bold productions-Syracuse Stage shapes the culture and social vitality of Central New York, enriches the Syracuse University student experience, and fosters change in ourselves, our communities, and our world.
OUR CORE VALUES
People - Actively including diverse individuals, communities, ideas, and perspectives. Passion - Commitment to integrity, excellence, and enthusiasm in our work. Curiosity - Fostering an innovative and adaptive environment that elicits wonder.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Stage has collaborated with a myriad of institutions in the Syracuse area. Community partners include 100 Black Men of Syracuse, YWCA, AccessCNY, ACR Health, ARC of Onondaga, ARISE, BOCES, CNY Reads, ED21, FOCL, Hiscock Legal Aid, Northside Learning Center, Center for Community Alternatives, Food Bank of Central New York, InterFaith Works, La Casita Cultural Center, Community Folk Art Center, Black Citizen's Brigade, Syracuse International Film Festival, Clear Path for Veterans, Honor Flight, National Veterans Resource Center, Onondaga Historical Association, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Rematriation, The Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center, Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, Syracuse Peace Council, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Make-a-Wish Foundation, The Kara Fund, and Golisano Children's Hospital. Additionally, the educational department collaborates with many CNY schools.
ANTI-RACISM PLEDGE
Syracuse Stage stands firmly against discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. We seek to foster an environment where our community has access to the resources, support, and experiences needed to thrive. We value gathering people of all backgrounds, lived experiences and perspectives. We strive to create an environment, both internal and external, where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued.
ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE
Originally constructed as the Regent Movie House in 1914, the physical space of Syracuse Stage has seen many films, musicians, actors, and artists pass through its doors over the course of the past century. The Syracuse Stage that exists today is a nonfor-profit professional theatre company founded in 1974, and a longstanding League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member. Since its inception, Stage has produced over 350 shows, both plays and musicals, within its walls. Now, Stage produces six to seven shows per season, while also offering educational programs to students, various pre- and post-show offerings, and fundraising events each year. Stage is Central New York’s only LORT theatre and one of the largest performing arts organizations in the area. Stage has a strong commitment to giving the community access to a range of high-quality productions; it is equally committed to bringing in actors, designers, and directors who are among the leading theatre professionals, both locally and across the nation.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Syracuse Stage respectfully acknowledges the Onondaga Nation, Firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, the Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands we now stand.
COME FROM AWAY
September 16 - October 11, 2026
Book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein | Directed by James Vásquez Co-Produced with Indiana Repertory Theatre
An uplifting musical about open doors and open hearts.
LES MISÉRABLES
November 27, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg | Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer | Original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel | Additional Material by James Fenton | Orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke, and Stephen Brooker | Original Orchestrations by John Cameron | Based on the novel by Victor Hugo | Directed by Robert Hupp | Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh LTD | Co-produced with the Syracuse University Department of Drama
The legendary hit musical like you've never seen it.
THE BOOK CLUB PLAY
January 27 - February 14, 2027
By Karen Zacarías
Directed by Rebecca Martínez
A comedy about books and the people who love them.
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
March 3 – 21, 2027
CENTRAL NEW YORK PREMIERE
By Kimberly Belflower | Directed by Melissa Crespo | Co-produced with the Syracuse University Department of Drama
A wickedly funny coming of age story.
THE BLACK NATIONALS
April 7 - 25, 2027
WORLD PREMIERE
By Kyle Bass
Directed by Gilbert McCauley
A love letter to Syracuse from the writer of Possessing Harriet.
DUST AND SHADOW: THE UNRAVELING OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
June 2 - 20, 2027
WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL
Music by Jonathan Reid Gealt | Lyrics by Dustin Sullivan | Book by Kasey Marino | Based on the Sherlock Holmes Pastiche novel by Lyndsay Faye | Co-Directed by Madsie Flynn and Melissa Crespo | Produced in association with Amanda Dubois Productions and HudsonMann
A new edge-of-your-seat musical thriller.
