Alhadeff Family Becomes 5th Avenue Theatre’s
First $1 Million Donor
SEATTLE - Ken and Marleen Alhadeff announced they are increasing their gift to The 5th Avenue Theatre, becoming the Theatre’s first $1 million donors. The non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre relies on the support of the community to help bridge the gap between ticket prices and the actual cost to produce the highest quality musical theater for Pacific Northwest audiences, as well as support for its education and outreach programs.
“It is an honor and a privilege to continue our family’s legacy of support of The 5th Avenue Theatre, which began when she opened in 1926,” says Ken Alhadeff, Chairman of the 5th Avenue’s Board of Directors. “In 1979 my parents, Morrie and Joan Alhadeff, were part of the original founding members who restored this magnificent Seattle treasure. Marleen and I hope that our contribution, joined with thousands of others, will secure her future so that the wonder and magic of musical theater can continue for generations to come.”
The Alhadeff family, whose roots in Seattle go back to the Civil War, has a legacy of protecting the city’s historic assets. When The 5th Avenue Theatre, downtown Seattle’s premier movie palace from the 1930s – 1970s, was forced to close its doors in 1978, Ken’s parents joined 43 local companies and community leaders to form the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre Association, raising $2.6 million for renovations. The following year, The 5th Avenue Theatre re-opened its doors, emerging as Seattle’s home for touring Broadway shows.
“The Alhadeffs are truly dedicated to this Theatre,” says Marilynn Sheldon, Managing Director of The 5th Avenue. “The 5th Avenue has a national reputation, both as a producing partner for Broadway shows and as a leading regional theater, that helps make Seattle a cultural destination and inspires local pride in the community. This donation from the Alhadeff family will make it possible for The 5th Avenue to continue our important work.”
Ken Alhadeff, who is chairman of Elttaes Enterprises and owner of the Majestic Bay Theatre, is chairman of the Kenneth and Marleen Alhadeff Charitable Foundation. A civic leader, he is a chairman of the Board of Regents of Washington State University, the President of the Board of the Northwest School for Hearing Impaired Children and the Chairman of the Board for The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Marleen Alhadeff, an interior designer, is Chair Elect of The Foundation for Early Learning, and has served as a board member of Mothers Against Violence in America and the Cornish Players who raise student scholarship money for Cornish. She has been active in gun safety issues, anti-tobacco legislation, campaign finance reform and initiatives and undertakings that relate to the wellbeing of children. Ken and Marleen are firmly committed to YouthCare, which provides services for at-risk youth on the streets; Humanities Washington’s Motheread/Fatheread program; and The Seattle Children's Museum along with a number of other organizations. Together, the Alhadeffs have three children, a daughter-in-law and one grandchild. Their number one priority is family.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of more than 24,000 and an annual attendance of over 225,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program, First Friday Workshops, and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.
Please contact Molly Fortin, Public Relations Manager, at (206) 625-1418 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.