Helzberg Diamonds VIP Club to Debut at Starlight Theatre

Longtime Sponsor Increases its Commitment to Starlight Venue and Patrons

KANSAS CITY, MO- Helzberg Diamonds, a longtime Starlight Theatre sponsor and supporter, has increased its commitment to the landmark outdoor theatre by agreeing to be the exclusive sponsor of the all-new Helzberg Diamonds VIP Club for the next five years. The Helzberg Diamonds VIP Club, located in the space formerly known as the Applause Club, will be open during all Starlight Broadway performances and concets.

"The Helzberg Diamonds organization and the Helzberg family are among the most loyal, generous and committed Starlight supporters in our community," said Bob Rohlf, president and executive producer of Starlight Theatre. "We are honored to be able to carry the Helzberg name on this new club that will provide a first-class dining and entertainment experience for Broadway audiences and concert fans."

The Helzberg Diamonds VIP Club will encompass 4,900 square feet of indoor, air-conditioned space, as well as 7,000 square feet of outside patio adjacent to the Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars Fountain on the theatre's east side. During the current off-season, extensive improvements and upgrades are being completed in the club, including the addition of flat-panel televisions to carry popular news and entertainment programming. A new large aluminum truss structure will be the Helzberg Diamonds name and serve as an identifying entry point for the VIP Club.

During Broadway show nights, the Helzberg Diamonds VIP Club will offer a pre-show dinner buffet catered by Starlight's new, exclusive club caterer Hereford House. Dinner prices are $18.95 for adults and $6.95 for children under 12. Discounted pricing is available for season ticket holders who make advance dinner reservations or purchase a season-long Dine Card.

During the concert events, access to the Helzberg Diamond's VIP Club will be limited to those individuals who purchased Starlight's new VIP concert season ticket package. Full bar service and buffet dining will be provided to VIP Club members for an additional fee. Private restroom facilities are also available in the VIP area.

"We are pleased to continue to partner with Starlight Theatre to provide first-class entertainment experiences to Kansas City audiences right here in out hometown," said Marvin Beasley, chairman and CEO of Helzberg Diamonds.

The 2008 Broadway season lineup at Startlight Theatre will include 2006 Tony Award-winner The Drowsy Chaperone (June 17-22), Fiddler on the Roof (Aug. 11-17) and Les Miserables (Sept. 10-16). The first four shows begin at 8:30 p.m., while Les Miserables begins at 8 p.m.

Artists already announced for the 2008 concert series at Starlight include The Cure (May 19), RUSH (June 7), James Taylor (June 9), Chicago and the Doobie Brothers (June 12), Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker (July 2) and Yes (Aug. 6). Starlight expects to host as many as 20 concerts this summer.

Starlight TheatreOrdering food from your favorite restaurant instead of a caterer

Presenting Broadway entertainment since 1951, the non-profit Starlight Theatre Association is Kansas City's oldest and largest performing arts organization. The association operates, programs and maintains the largest stage in the United States, as well as the 16-acre Starlight Theatre complex. While assuming all annual operating costs for the complex, the Association also raises funds for capital improvements and a variety of programs, including Broadway musical performances, concerts, community outreach and education. Since 2000, the Association has contributed more than $25 million of privately funded improvements to the Kansas City, Mo. - owned Starlight Theatre. Each Broadway season, Starlight donates more than 11,000 tickets to its performances to regional non-profit organizations serving the disadvantaged.

In 2007, Starlight Theatre was selected as the "Favorite Performing Arts Venue or Organization" in the Kansas City Convention & Visitros Association's first-ever Visitors' Choice Awards program. Starlight also received Gold Awards for "Best Theatre" and "Best Performing Arts Venue" in Ingram's 2007 Best of Business Kansas City Awards. The theatre seats approximately 8,000 and is located in Swope Park.

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