Photo Flash: Sutton Foster Attends 42nd Street Moon's IT'S DE-LOVELY Gala

San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon raised the roof - and significant funds - with the help of celebrity guest star, two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, at IT'S DE-LOVELY, the theatre company's gala fundraising evening held February 7 at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco. Check out photos of Foster at the event below!

A sold-out crowd of 402 guests, many of whom adopted the suggested theme attire of "Anything Goes with a dash of red," enjoyed the talents of Broadway star Sutton Foster, who, with her musical director Musical Director Michael Rafter, performed a crowd-pleasing array of rollicking hits and breathtaking ballads. Said Foster (referring to her initials): "I'm so glad to be back in San Francisco - SF in SF! I was first in San Francisco when I was 17 years old, in the national tour of The Will Rogers Follies. I fell in love with the city then and I'm still in love with it now."

The event, co-chaired by Lise Honoré and Phyllis Swindells, with Joanna Leighton Nevesny acting as Producing and Silent Auction Chair, and Pat & Susie McBaine as Honorary Chairs, raised a total of $276, 640, which will go towards operating costs for 42nd Street Moon, currently celebrating its 20th season of presenting intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. The funds will also help support 42nd Street Moon's musical theater training program, MoonSchool. Preceding Sutton Foster's performance was a cocktail reception and a silent auction, which raised nearly $9,000. Next came a lavish dinner in the elegant Garden Court, followed by a live auction, at which competition was fierce for items such as a private concert by Tony Award-winning singer-actor Michael Maguire, a private yacht cruise aboard the bay for 40, a private concert by clarion-voiced chanteuse KLea Blackhurst, and a week's stay in a palatial Italian villa near Florence. Total raised for the four items was $52,700.

After supper, the kids from MoonSchool, 42nd Street Moon's training program for teens, took the stage to show off their Broadway Baby powerhouse talent. Following the glorious concert by Sutton Foster and her musical director Michael Rafter, guests were ushered into the "MoonGlow Cabaret" next door, hosted by singer-actress-comedienne KLea Blackhurst, who was joined by actor-singer Michael Maguire, who captured the Tony Award for his role as "Enjolras" in the original Broadway production of LES MISERABLES¸ and special guests, many from 42nd Street Moon productions, including Caroline Altman, Noel Anthony, Debbie de Coudreaux, Deborah Del Mastro, Bill Fahrner, Cindy Goldfield, Lesley Hamilton, Alex Kaprielian, Bojan Knezevic, Darlene Popovic, Sharon Rietkerk, John Smyth, and Eric Stratmann. Dave Dobrusky served as music director for the Cabaret.

For 20 years, 42nd Street Moon has celebrated and preserved the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre. To contribute to the evolution and continuing vitality of the art form, 42nd Street Moon presents intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. Through its productions, educational programs, and community outreach, 42nd Street Moon is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage.

42nd Street Moon concludes its current season with CARNIVAL!, running April 4 - 21, followed by LITTLE ME, starring Jason Graee, running May 1 - 19, 2013, at San Francisco's Eureka Theatre. For information visit www.42ndstmoon.org.

Photo Credit: Ray Renati

Special guest star Sutton Foster and 42nd Street Moonâ€s Artistic Director Greg MacKellan

Gala co-chairs Phyllis Swindells (left) and Lise Honoré (right) with special guest star Sutton Foster (center)