NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       DATE: 11/06/07 CONTACT : LESLIE SCHALER, COMMUNICATION ASST., (413) 545-0162   Valley Light Opera Performs at Du Bois Library to Celebrate the Ellis Theatre Collection Amherst, MA -The UMass Amherst Libraries hosts a reception to celebrate the exhibition, “Staged: Scenes from the James Ellis Theatre Collection,” November 15, 2007 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the Lower Level of the Du Bois Library.  The reception will include a performance by the Valley Light Opera, Amherst-based theatrical group devoted to Gilbert & Sullivan, and refreshments. Throughout his career, Professor Ellis collected books, broadsides, posters, and letters pertaining to the English and American stage from 1750 to 1915.  Recently, Ellis donated his large and important research collection to the UMass Amherst Libraries Special Collections and University Archives Department, adding over 7,500 items to the Department’s already rich holdings for the performing arts. The exhibit features examples of the collection’s highlights, including books depicting the lives and work of Gilbert & Sullivan, the stage and its actors, amateur theatrical productions and private clubs. For more information contact Danielle Kovacs at 545-2784 or dkovacs@library.umass.edu.