WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY
The Genesius community is saddened and angered by the unthinkable racial violence perpetrated against George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the many other victims across the country. We stand in support of our brothers and sisters of color and those who are protesting peacefully throughout the country to let their voices be heard. We are committed to publicly standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and to the concept that we are all truly created equal.
The arts in general and theatre in particular have long been leaders in the movement of diversity and acceptance of all. At Genesius we are proud to welcome actors, musicians, staff, crew, volunteers, and patrons from all walks of life without regard to color, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, or religion. In the past, we have produced shows which explore the issues of diversity, racism, and social justice and are committed to do as much as we can to continue to fight oppression and promote acceptance through our programming, actions, and words.
In the words of Dr Martin Luther King, “No one is free until we are all free.” This we truly believe.
The Genesius Board of Directors and The Genesius Theatre Acting Company
Dear Friends of Genesius Theatre,
We need your help! While the timing may not be great for a request like this, we find ourselves in a position to make a big ask.
We’ve nursed our roof along for the past few years, but Berks County’s last rain and windstorm dealt us a crushing blow. Water leaked into the theatre, setting off all kinds of alarms!
And so, it’s time—at one of the worst times ever— to “Raise the Roof”, replace it, and protect one of Reading’s treasured landmarks, Genesius Theatre. Without a solid roof covering this local gem there is so much other equipment and property in jeopardy of being damaged or lost.
We’ve been quoted prices ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 to replace the roof in its entirety and we will continue to work to come up with the most cost-effective solution. Any amount you can give toward that goal is greatly appreciated. Again, we realize the timing is not optimal, but our goal is to have a new roof by the time we are able to open our doors and welcome you to our next production.
You can make a tax-deductible contribution by mail (make checks payable to Genesius Theatre and mail to Genesius Theatre, 153 N. 10th St. Reading, PA 19601 or please visit this page and pay you’re your credit card through PayPal, (basic PayPal fees apply) – https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1479141
Together we can do this!
With gratitude,
Your Genesius family
P.S. – THE RAISE THE ROOF 2020 $500 CLUB – Just as with the Genesius $500.00 Club Program, that many of you gave so generously to last July, if 80 of you donate $500.00, or more, we would get extremely close to our very necessary goal. Certainly, any amount is welcome and gratefully appreciated, especially during these most challenging times. For your NEW $500 CLUB DONATION – you will receive 2 complimentary tickets to a show of your choice whenever we get back to performing in our theater space! (Please include your email if you are mailing a check.)
P.S., P.S. – Thank You Video – As our way of saying thank you, anyone contributing $25 or more will receive a special thank you video from Genesius. (Please include your email if you are mailing a check.)
TAKE THE SURVEY!!!
"Shrek" The Musical
June 19th thru the 28th, 2020
Directed by Becka Malanios
Based on the Oscar winning film, this Tony Award winning musical features a brand new score from Tony winner Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home) and a sidesplitting book by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters to the stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
"Evita"
August 7th thru the 16th, 2020
Directed by Christopher Sperat
Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentine between 1934-1952, the musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33.
"Bright Star"
October 9th thru the 18th, 2020
Directed by L J Fecho
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of American South in the 1920s and 1940s.
"Jekyll & Hyde" The Musical
December 11th thru the 20th, 2020
Directed by Christopher Sperat
The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in this musical phenomenon! Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi Grammy and Tony nominee Frank Wildhorn and double Oscar and Grammy winner Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll and Hyde has mesmerized audiences the world over.