On Saturday, January 13 of 2001, Studio 42 launched with a benefit party attended by over 300 supporters at Angel in downtown New York City. The party was thrown to raise funds for the company’s debut show, Paper Hearts, and featured door prizes and a spectacular raffle. The evening was a staggering success, and transitioned the new company smoothly into their sold-out first production, establishing the group as a full-fledged theatrical organization.