Variety show benefit set for movie theater

The Ralston Grange will host “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” a variety show, on Friday, April 19, to benefit The New Ritz Theatre.

Decorations and the theme of the event will celebrate the vintage showhouse atmosphere. Movie style snacks including popcorn will be available for purchase.

The grange membership, with support from the Ritzville Downtown Development Association and the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce, will host the benefit event to help raise funds for the purchase of a new movie projection equipment. The historic theater must upgrade to the industry’s digital projection system in order to continue to present first run motion pictures.

The variety show will feature local talent, including Jerry Snyder playing piano and singing a medley, a Ritzville Community Theatre skit and each of the six candidates who recently took part in the Distinguished Young Woman program: Dalyn Killian, Sydney Nelson, Caitlin Schoessler, Lara Tice-York, Elizabeth Schofstoll and Maya Wahl.

Randy Roth said on Monday that the Grange is continuing to sign up interested performers. Anyone with a talent they would like to share, to help make the show a success, should contact Roth at 659-0893. Adult and youth performers are being encouraged to participate.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the show at 6:30 p.m. featuring a plethora of local talent.

Admission is by donation with all proceeds going to the RDDA Theater Fund.

A silent auction is planned.

The Grange will also giveaway a Kindle Fire via a raffle the night of the show.

Anyone who would like to donate a silent auction item, can drop off the item at the Ritzville Visitors’ Center Monday through Friday or contact Roth.

Donations to support the theater renovation can also be mailed to RDDA, P.O. Box 544, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Checks should be made payable to the RDDA, which is a federally recognized non-profit.