PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  February 3, 2010
CONTACT:  Dan Berube, berube@merrimackrep.org     
PR CONTACT PHONE:  978.654.7595                            
BOX OFFICE:  978.654.4MRT (4678)

“FRIENDS OF MRT” TO HOST CHARITY WINE TASTING

AT STONEHEDGE INN - MARCH 9, 2010

GUESTS SAMPLE THE FINEST SELECTION OF WINES IN NEW ENGLAND

TO SUPPORT MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE

Lowell, MA – The Friends of MRT will host the second annual Merrimack Repertory Theatre Wine Tasting on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 6:00PM-8:30PM at Stonehedge Inn in Tyngsboro, MA. Stonehedge Inn’s food and beverage management team, along with the general manager and proprietor, will select their “Top 25” wines from the largest wine cellar in New England.  The fundraiser will be hosted in the Left Bank dining room in a cozy, social environment allowing guests the ability to explore and increase their knowledge of different wines. The featured wines will be available for purchase.  Light hors d’oeuvres will also be served by Stonehedge’s culinary team.  Tickets to the event are $45 and may be purchased online at www.MerrimackRep.org or by calling 978.654.7552. Proceeds from the event support Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s mainstage productions and education programs.

The Friends of MRT is an auxiliary fundraising group that hosts special events, social functions and fund drives.  The group plays a pivotal role in strengthening Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s base of support by introducing new people to MRT and making events like this possible. Members of the Friends of MRT enjoy a fun, social environment, the opportunity to network with other theatre lovers and supporters, and the valuable sense of accomplishment that accompanies volunteer work. To join the Friends of MRT, please contact Jeff Prescott, Development Associate, at 978.654.7552 or development@merrimackrep.org.

For more information about Merrimack Repertory Theatre or the Friends of MRT Wine Tasting, please contact Dan Berube at 978.654.7595 or berube@merrimackrep.org.

For MRT show times, tickets, season information, directions, or to request a brochure, please visit www.MerrimackRep.org or call the Box Office at 978.654.4MRT (4678).

Merrimack Repertory Theatre is located in beautiful historic downtown Lowell at Liberty Hall, the Company’s 308-seat theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 (adjacent to Lowell Memorial Auditorium).  Each season, Merrimack Rep presents an eclectic mix of contemporary productions, engaging the best available actors, designers and directors in the country.  Founded in 1979, Merrimack Rep’s mission is “To advance the cause of human understanding by creating theatrical productions at the highest level of artistic excellence and making them affordable to the broadest possible community.”  Its unique artistic vision is shaped by a passion for excellence and a profound commitment to its community.  Merrimack Rep strives to enhance the community’s quality of life while contributing to its economic strength, measuring success by the depth of the Company’s artistic and social contribution to the region.