Dear Friends,
Welcome to A Night In Lights and thank you for joining us for this very special evening in support of State Theatre New Jersey.
Tonight represents the extraordinary power of community coming together in support of a shared belief: that the performing arts should be accessible, inspiring, and welcoming to all. Your generosity and partnership make it possible for State Theatre to serve more than 30,000 children and families each year through arts education programs, affordable ticketing initiatives, school performances, community outreach efforts, and inclusive cultural experiences that reach far beyond our stage.
As we gather this evening, we are especially proud to celebrate the inaugural recipients of the State Theatre Spotlight Awards, recognizing individuals whose work and dedication have strengthened the arts and expanded opportunities for connection and creativity throughout our community. We are honored to recognize Svetlana Shmulyian and Craig Werner for the lasting impact they have made through their talent, leadership, and commitment to the mission of State Theatre New Jersey.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our Gala Co-Chairs, Eileen Harkins and Alma Scott, the Gala Committee, our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the dedicated State Theatre staff whose passion and hard work made tonight possible.
Most importantly, thank you for believing in the transformative power of live performance. Your support ensures that State Theatre New Jersey can continue creating meaningful experiences that educate, uplift, and bring people together for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful to celebrate this evening with you and hope you enjoy a memorable and inspiring night.
With gratitude,
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Sarah K. Chaplin | Wendy Wiebalk, Esq. |
Friends and Supporters of State Theatre New Jersey,
Welcome to this year’s A Night In Lights Annual Benefit Gala! We are so delighted to celebrate this special evening with all of you whose generosity, enthusiasm, and belief in the arts help make State Theatre such an extraordinary part of our community.
Tonight is about more than just a wonderful evening together—it’s about the powerful impact we create through the performing arts. The funds raised through A Night In Lights help ensure that children, families, students, veterans, and underserved communities throughout New Jersey can experience the joy, inspiration, and connection that live performance provides. Through arts education programs, community engagement initiatives, subsidized ticketing, and outreach efforts, State Theatre continues to open its doors wider every year so that everyone has the opportunity to feel welcomed, included, and inspired.
We are also proud to recognize this year’s inaugural Spotlight Award recipients, Svetlana Shmulyian and Craig Werner, whose talent, dedication, and commitment to arts accessibility beautifully reflect the spirit and mission of State Theatre
New Jersey.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Gala Committee, sponsors, volunteers, and the incredible STNJ staff whose hard work and passion brought tonight to life. Most importantly, thank you to all of you for being here and for supporting the vital role the arts play in strengthening our communities and enriching lives.
We hope you enjoy a memorable evening filled with laughter, celebration, and inspiration—and leave feeling proud of the meaningful impact we are making together.
With gratitude,
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Eileen Harkins | Alma Scott |
Svetlana is an award-winning, chart-topping vocalist, bandleader, songwriter, and educator whose music blends swing, straight-ahead jazz, and original compositions. Known for her charismatic stage presence and deep connection with audiences, she has earned widespread critical acclaim for her expressive vocals and dynamic performances. She is also a founder of Swing Makes You Sing!—an award-winning jazz education and appreciation program for young audiences—focusing on communities with lack of access to the arts.
The Wall Street Journal praised her as “energetic,” while The Aquarian Weekly called her voice “once-in-a-lifetime.” New York Music Daily described her music as “lustrous” and “dynamic,” and PopMatters noted her ability to make music sound “effortless and delicate, sincere, and ethereal.” Time Out New York regularly features her performances in its “Editor’s Picks,” calling her a “NYC darling.”
Svetlana has toured extensively across the U.S. and internationally, headlining sold-out shows at leading clubs, theaters, and festivals—including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, DC Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Festival, and more. To date, Svetlana has released three critically acclaimed albums, including Night at the Movies (2019), which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart. She is also the recipient of grants and awards from SouthArts, Chamber Music America, and New Music USA.
Originally from Moscow, she trained as a teacher of mathematics and computers before immigrating to the United States as a refugee, subsequently earning a PhD from Columbia University and working as an adjunct associate professor at Teachers College, as well as a management and nonprofit consultant. She pivoted to a full-time career in music in 2012, also earning a Master’s in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
Since our 2023-2024 season, Svetlana has led State Theatre’s Jazz Artist Residency, bringing Swing Makes You Sing! to more than 400 New Brunswick students. Often serving as their first exposure to jazz music and the history around the rich culture of jazz in America, Svetlana encourages students to sing, dance, and snap along with the interactive sessions while making art, writing songs, learning dance moves, and exploring the essential ingredients of what makes jazz a unique and important music genre. The Jazz Residency culminates each year in an immersive and interactive assembly-style jazz concert with the opportunity for students to participate in a traditional New Orleans second-line parade.
Craig started his career in the theater at age 16 when he became an usher in a local movie house. He moved up to projectionist and ran many of the old movie houses across central New Jersey. Starting in the mid-70s, Craig began working part-time at the State Theatre as a projectionist and stagehand. He also worked as an electrician on several major motion pictures, including Annie (1982) and I.Q. (1994).
Considered the unofficial “resident historian” of State Theatre New Jersey, Craig started working full-time at the State Theatre during its first renovation in 1986 becoming the theater’s Master Electrician when it reopened in 1988. Over the years, he progressed to become the Resident Lighting Designer and Master Electrician, Union Steward, and Assistant Business Agent for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 21.
Some of Craig ’s favorite shows he’s designed at STNJ include Gregory Peck, Carol Burnett, and others. His career at State Theatre spans 40 years, including several renovations, countless shows, and plenty of amazing stories on the history of State Theatre New Jersey.
Eileen Harkins*
Gala Co-Chair
Johnson & Johnson, retired
Alma Scott*
Gala Co-Chair
Johnson & Johnson, retired
Hiam Boraie*
Boraie Development
Christine Bucca
Leader & Berkon, LLP, retired
Saul Curtis
PricewaterhouseCoopers, retired
Laura DeCandia
Johnson & Johnson
Elena DiLeo
NAI DiLeo, Bram, & Co.
Joey K. Grinkley*
Merck
Craig J. Guiffre*
American Benefits Consulting
Lisa Martin*
GlaxoSmithKline, retired
John Reissner
Magyar Bank
Todd A. Shamy
Kenvue, retired
Robin E. Suydam*
Franklin Mutual Insurance Companies
Wendy L. Wiebalk, Esq.*
Chartwell Law
Doris “Dee” Zampella
EAB Insurance Group
*Trustee, State Theatre New Jersey
The State Theatre New Jersey Board of Trustees and the 2026 Gala Committee are grateful to the following sponsors of tonight’s event:
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CHAMPIONS
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Campbell
Alma Scott
PERFORMANCES FOR SCHOOLS PARTNERS
Boraie Development LLC
Johnson & Johnson
Magyar Bank
NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. and
The DiLeo Family Foundation
CHILDHOOD ARTS LITERACY LEADERS
Joey K. Grinkley & Todd A. Shamy
Lisa & Rick Martin
NBPAC
Robin E. Suydam & Paul Corkery
SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUPPORTERS
Saul Curtis
Stephan DeMicco & Jeanne M. Fox
Kevin & Eileen Hoagland
IBEW Local 456
The Karma Foundation
Peter & Maggie Stavrianidis
Turner Construction Company
ARTIST RESIDENCY ADVOCATES
Beasley Media
Benjamin & Christine Bucca
Eileen Harkins
Richard & Larisa Leist
Reilly Financial Group
Wendy Wiebalk & Steve Cahn
DONORS
Katherine Brucchieri
Chop4Change
DLR Group
Richard Freedman & Gail Tilsner
THANK YOU
We sincerely thank the following individuals and businesses for their generous support of this year’s A Night In Lights Annual Benefit Gala through exemplary services and in-kind donations. Special thanks to the State Theatre staff, Gala Committee, and volunteers for their dedication in making this event a success.
AJ Images
Jeffrey Auger Photography
Michelle Decker
EAB Insurance Group
Best—A GardaWorld Company
The Heldrich Hotel
Jake & Dan Duo
Justin James, Comedy Auctioneer
IATSE Local 21
NBPAC
Magyar Bank
Star-Lite Stained Glass
Beasley Media
Cambridge Wine & Spirits
Citizens Bank
Classic Harbor Line
Crossroads Theatre Company
Saul Curtis
Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar
Delta’s Restaurant
EcoTour Adventures
Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club
George Street Playhouse
Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe
The Heldrich Hotel
Hyatt Regency New Brunswick
Lakeside Sauna Club
Liberty Science Center
Magyar Bank
McCarter Theatre
Mountain Tap Brewery
Mythology Distillery
Raritan Yacht Club
Rutgers Football
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar
Robin Suydam & Paul Corkery
SoJo Spa Club
Stage Left Steak
Steakhouse 85
Stress Factory Comedy Club
Robin E. Suydam & Paul Corkery
Teton Raptor Center
The Frog & The Peach
Townsquare Media
True North Sailing School
Venus Jewelers & Gemologists, Inc.
Victoria’s Tratta Italiano
Bid Now on Unforgettable Experiences in Our
SILENT AUCTION
From luxury getaways and exclusive travel experiences to spa retreats, fine dining, outdoor adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment opportunities, the auction offers something for everyone! Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain escape, a relaxing wellness day, a sailing adventure, or unique local experiences to share with family and friends, every bid supports State Theatre New Jersey’s mission to bring world-class arts education, community engagement, and live performance to audiences across the region.
Bid generously, bid often, and make memories while making an impact!
Auction ends at 6:45pm.
Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com
