“This is a unique event,” says Hannah Schutter, marketing director for Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. “Wagon Wheel has never done anything like this before.”

To kick off its 60th season, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is hosting One Night Only, a variety show and auction, on May 18.

For the special event, Wagon Wheel is bringing back a plethora of alumni for the performances, including the MCs for the night, Ben Dicke and Andy Robinson. “He and I co-starred in our first production there in 2004 – production of ‘Kiss Me Kate,’” Dicke says. “Since that time he and I have been fast friends and have collaborated together at the Wagon Wheel. The Wagon Wheel is my artistic home in so many ways, and I see me being a part of it for years to come.”

For the evening’s festivities, expect performances from all of Wagon Wheel’s stable of programs. Symphony of the Lakes will play. The up-and-comers from Wagon Wheel Jr. will perform. Kira Lace Hawkins, who starred as Mary Poppins last year and is set to star in “The Little Mermaid” this summer, is slated to sing a solo. Expect solos and duets from Wagon Wheel alumni, offerings from Center Street Community Theatre and a big group number from past Wagon Wheel actors.

“I’m really excited,” exclaims Dicke. “We’ve been able to line up some fantastic numbers with our alumni – plenty of comedy.”

Schutter says the variety show represents the variety of entertainment options that Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts offers. One Night Only is also a fundraiser to support those many programs.

A silent auction is planned. Items include an in-home wine and canvas party, an Indianapolis entertainment package and a “Little Mermaid” cake designed by Meg Dawson, wife of Wagon Wheel’s executive director, Will Dawson. Additionally, a live auction is planned for intermission of the variety show.

Providing much-needed entertainment for the local area is just the tip of the iceberg of what Wagon Wheel offers. “Theaters like the Wagon Wheel are the first step in the theater-maker’s career,” explains Dicke. “Because of the Wagon Wheel’s reputation, it can draw the cream of the crop. I see all of those programs continuing to thrive and continuing to expand.”

“Andy and I talk about the benefits of arts education a lot,” says Dicke. “How do you put a price tag on a student learning about themselves, and about their world, and gaining self-confidence? Those are life lessons that, even if they don’t ever pursue any kind of career in the arts, that’s going to have value down the road.”

“We need thoughtful mathematicians, we need thoughtful historians and doctors and lawyers,” Dicke continues. “Arts education brings you perspective. That’s powerful.”

So help Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts continue to provide these opportunities. Tickets for the variety show are just $25, and for those looking for an extra special evening, consider a $75 ticket, which includes wine, beer, light hors d’oeuvres and a performance by Symphony of the Lakes, to the pre-show red carpet reception. All proceeds go to fund Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts’ many programs.

The red carpet reception starts at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18. The variety show begins at 7:30 p.m. All events take place at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw.

Call (574) 267-8041 or visit wagonwheelcenter.org for more information. Coming this summer, Wagon Wheel is putting on theatrical productions of “The Little Mermaid,” “West Side Story,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and much more, as well as a concert featuring Steven Curtis Chapman.

[Originally posted April 29, 2015]