Party is a tribute to Tina Tessier
WOONSOCKET– The Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre will be the site May 17 at 7 p.m. for Celebration" In Memory of Tina Tessier.
Tessier died March 17 after fighting cancer for eight years. She had requested that upon her death a giant "kick butt" party should be held to celebrate her life.
This party is taking the form of a variety show, and organizers say that filling the theater with 1,100 people enjoying music, dance and song in Tessier's name will constitute the celebration she wanted.
Proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society Rhode Island Chapter. If the theatre is sold out, the donation could reach $10,000, organizers say.
The featured artist will be Greg Bonin of Woonsocket who worked with Tessier at the CVS corporate office. Bonin recently was a top-10 finalist in the Transcontinental Talent competition in Florida, competing against more than 600 male vocalists.
"Celebration" will feature Rhode Island personalities, including Steve Aveson, news anchor for WPRI TV-12, and Charlie Hall, comedian and creator of the Ocean State Follies.
Also performing are vocalists Jeff' Gamache, who just finished a sold-out one-man show at Savini's Restaurant in Woonsocket; Heidi Nirk, winner of past Autumnfest Talent Shows; Noel Pincince, who will speak about Tessier and dedicate a song in her name; and Tom Monte of Massachusetts, who will do comedy singing impersonations.
Also appearing will be Nelia Lawton and the Providence Theatrical Ballroom and Jazz Project. She will choreograph the opening number. All the artists are donating their time for this fundraiser.
Ruth Moreau, Tessier's co-worker, and her son, Stephen Moreau, are the producers of this show, assisted by Bonin, who has produced and directed many shows at Theatre Works in Woonsocket; Paul Adam, another Theatre Works veteran who will supervise back stage and has designed the set, and all those involved in the show.
Tickets are $13 for orchestra seats and $10 for balcony seats; call the Stadium Theatre at (401) 762-4545. Tickets can be ordered by credit card over the phone.
© The Woonsocket Call, Friday, April 18, 2003.