Civic Theatre West will present "Gems by Moonlight," the inaugural special event of the theatre company's 2010-2011 season, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at its Roseville Theater, 241 Vernon Street in Roseville. The event is a benefit for the two-decade old nonprofit theatre company and will feature three exciting segments for the $25 ticket price.

First, patrons are invited to enjoy a champagne, wine and appetizer reception in the theatre's lobby.

During the reception, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co.'s "Pearls for a Cause" event to benefit the theatre. One-hundred percent of the funds raised through the "Pearls for a Cause" portion of the event will be donated to the nonprofit theatre, and one participant will win and elegant Tiffany pearl necklace!

Next, patrons will be treated to a concert by Moonlight Swing Big Band, a 20-performer Swing-Era band with a Glen Miller influence. The band is a nonprofit living history musical organization dedicated to preserving the music of the 1930s and '40s. according Grant Pyle, orchestra leader and president of the nonprofit group.

The band has a long-standing relationship with the theatre group and recently made Civic Theatre West's Tower Theater its official home for recording and rehearsals. "We enjoy the relationship with the theatre and we want to keep it going," Pyle said.

The event is the first of its kind for the theatre which last spring announced a new brand and a reinvigorated mission and vision statement that focus on community involvement and varied opportunities for participation in the arts, in addition to presenting outstanding theatrical performances in its two historic venues. Funds raised at the event will assist the theatre in continuing its mission of entertaining, engaging and educating Northern California theatre patrons and community members.

"The exciting partnership with Tiffany, the incredible big band music and a pleasant harvest evening are sure to make this event both enjoyable and successful," said Calvin Stevens, president of the Civic Theatre West's volunteer board of directors and a performance consultant for Intel. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this creative and exciting event to the region."

In addition to Stevens, Civic Theatre West’s board includes: Mike Ilic, board vice president and principal at Rocklin Alternative Education Center; Allen Delbrouck, board treasurer and a certified public accountant; Dave Wooldridge, board secretary and IT engineer for Sutter Health; Gary Giacomo, director of communications for the California State Firefighters Association; Nancy Kelley, retired from a career with American Airlines; Brian Lewis, CEO of Associan; Scott Otsuka, president, Infinity Financial Mortgage; Michael Reinero, vice president and chief financial officer at Smile Business Products Inc.; Naaz Alikhan, principal, Williams+Paddon; and Joan Spangler, agent and director of talent for Look Talent Agency.

Civic Theatre West's 2010-2011 season includes the following productions: For fall/winter — The Drowsy Chaperone , Crimes of the Heart , Deathtrap , Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings and Annie ; For spring/summer — Jesus Christ Superstar , Leading Ladies , Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street , The Boys Next Door , and The Producers .

Patrons can purchase tickets for main stage productions in four unique packages — a fall/winter or a spring/summer package, a package of six musicals or a 10-show 2010-2011 season package. This approach recognizes the current challenging economic times and provides season ticket holders with a blend of diverse productions with varied style and appeal.

For additional information on "Gems by Moonlight," and to purchase tickets, please call 916-782-1777 or visit www.civicwest.org.