Duke Energy Extends Sponsorship of Broadway Lights Series For Two Seasons

Charlotte, NC – Duke Energy will remain as the title sponsor of Blumenthal Performing Arts flagship Broadway series for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.  The Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series is made possible with support from The Duke Energy Foundation.
Charlotte-based Duke Energy is a publicly traded Fortune 500 company and is one of the largest electric power companies in the United States. It supplies energy to approximately four million U.S. customers.
“The Broadway Light Series brings world-class programming to our community, and is a prime example of how cultural arts enriches and shapes the economic development and growth of our region,” said Richard “Stick” Williams, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “Duke Energy is honored to partner with Blumenthal Performing Arts and is committed to uplifting cultural arts across the communities we serve.”
“We’re thrilled that Duke Energy will continue as our title sponsor,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard.  “This well-respected community partner will not only be the sponsor of one of the most exciting seasons to date with shows such as the 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical MEMPHIS, but will continue to play a highly visible role in supporting the arts in Charlotte.”
The Duke Energy Foundation helps fund the Blumenthal’s Ticket Scholarship Program.  The program’s purpose is to provide selected financially challenged families the opportunity to attend critically acclaimed Broadway productions.  “We are delighted that this partnership has allowed teachers, leaders of area nonprofits and many low-income families to enjoy the best of Broadway at no cost to them,” said Williams.
2011-12 Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series
THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Oct. 11-16 – Ovens Auditorium)
WEST SIDE STORY (Nov. 1-6 – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center)
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Nov. 22-Dec. 11 – Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts)
MEMPHIS (Jan. 3-8 – Ovens Auditorium)
JERSEY BOYS (Feb. 22-Mar. 11 – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center)
BRING IT ON (Apr. 10-15 – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center)
COME FLY AWAY (May 1-6 – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center)
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (June 26-July 1 – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center)
About Duke Energy Carolinas
Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers located in five states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 11 million people. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at:  Duke-Energy.com.  To learn more and contribute to the discussion about the energy issues of today and the possibilities of tomorrow see Sheddingalight.org.