You are invited to the Annual Wine Tasting Benefit Event for the National Theatre of the Deaf

From: NTD - Mar 18, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pamela Holden
Director of Media
National Theatre of the Deaf
Tel: (860) 236-4193 ext. 3015
Email: pholden@ntd.org

NATIONAL THEATRE OF THE DEAF ANNOUNCES THEIR 2005 BENEFIT GALA AT THE GOODWIN HOTEL IN HARTFORD CT

You are invited to the Annual Wine Tasting Benefit Event for the National Theatre of the Deaf

Hartford, CT, March 18, 2005- The West Hartford based, National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD), in cooperation with the Connecticut Lodging Association (CLA) and The Goodwin Hotel, announce their fundraising benefit gala held in the atrium of the Goodwin Hotel in Hartford, CT on Thursday, April 7th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

"As part of our goal to establish a local presence, we at NTD are most excited about the joint programming with the Goodwin Hotel and the Connecticut Lodging Association," said Dr. Paul L. Winters, Executive Director of The National Theatre of the Deaf.

Founded in Connecticut in 1967, the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) is the oldest continually producing and touring, professional theatre company in the United States. It is the first theatre company to perform in all 50 states, has toured to 32 countries, and has visited all seven continents. NTD's professional acting company has both Deaf and Hearing Artists working as an ensemble.. The unique double-sensory experience has expanded the boundaries of theatrical expression and is considered to be the only new art form to be developed in the 20th century.

The Little Theatre of the Deaf (LTD), the Children's Theatre Wing of the National Theatre of the Deaf combines Sign Language and Spoken Words to create a unique visual language which one critic describes as "poetry for the eye and ear." The actors can make a lion roar, a tree bend and the sun rise, all in the palms of their hands. The magic of the LTD is in its remarkable ability to inform and entertain at the same time. They perform original works, classic stories, fables and poems. The Little Theatre of the Deaf sculpts words and meanings in the air through Sign Language and blends them with spoken word. You See and Hear every word.

In the center of modern, thriving Hartford – the capital of Connecticut – sits a reminder of a more refined era: The Goodwin Hotel. Guests who enter the doors of Hartford's landmark luxury hotel are immediately transported from the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced society to a time when elegance, service, and comfort were the order of the day. Ideally situated across the street from the Hartford Civic Center and within walking distance of the city's business district, the State Capitol, government offices, and cultural centers.

Registered as a National Historic Landmark, The Goodwin Hotel was formerly the residence of J.P. Morgan and is now part of Goodwin Square, a mixed-use project involving the hotel, a 30-story office tower, and retail space. Originally known as the Goodwin Building, the hotel opened on New Year's Eve 1989. The original structure was erected in 1881 featuring a Queen Anne façade with finely detailed terra cotta and brick. When the hotel was built in 1987, the interior was completely gutted.

Over 6,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space including a four-story Atrium finished in Italian Marble. The flexible meeting space can accommodate from 30 to 100-theater style or 12 to 400 for receptions

The Connecticut Lodging Association serves as an advocate for the 2.7 billion dollar lodging industry in Connecticut. In partnership with the American Hotel and Motel Association, it is a complete resource to Connecticut hoteliers; it provides them with educational and networking opportunities while representing their interests in the legislative and regulatory arenas.

Over the past few years, the association has made strides to become a stronger organization. It has developed a strengthened alliance with the American Hotel and Motel Association. It has put together CLA's endorsed programs in workers compensation and property casualty insurance and credit card payment systems. The educational seminars and industry events are all strengthened by member participation. In turn, these programs provide the membership with improved value and bottom-line savings.

"NTD greatly appreciates the opportunity for one of Connecticut's National Treasures to be part of this gala. Dr. Winters adds. "We are most confident you will enjoy the outstanding food from some of Greater Hartford's finest restaurants, participate in a 'silent auction.' taste various outstanding wines and, of course, have an opportunity to view a short teaser performance by the Tony Award winning National Theatre of the Deaf. Please join us for food, conversation, entertainment and, most of all, an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones."

Tickets for the performance will be available at the door, but to reserve, please contact the Connecticut Lodging Association at (860) 635-5600. Prices are $40 per person and $70 a couple, in advance. Tickets are $50 the day of the event. Complimentary self-parking is available at the Goodwin Square parking garage. Please bring parking ticket to validate at the registration table. For additional information, please contact The National Theatre of the Deaf at 860-236-4136 or visit them online at www.ntd.org.

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