Asolo Repertory Theatre to Host 2014 Annual Gala: A NIGHT AT THE RAINBOW ROOM, 3/1

Relive the glamour of the Rainbow Room, an iconic New York City hot spot known for its rotating dance floor, exquisite cuisine, fine wines and liquors, and A-List regulars. Asolo Rep, one of the premier professional theatres in the Southeastern U.S., will recreate the magic of the Rainbow Room in the 1940s for a special evening of dining and dancing. A Night at the Rainbow Room will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 6PM.

The black-tie event, emceed by Asolo Rep resident company member Carolyn Michel and chaired by Chris Cogan, Carol Phillips, Nikki Sedacca and Nikki Taylor, will begin with a cocktail reception and exclusive silent auction, and continue with a seated dinner, paddle raise, live music and dancing. The gala will feature former NYC Rainbow Room headliner Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band.

"Michael Andrew and his orchestra are phenomenal. Having headlined at the Rainbow Room in NYC and the Coconut Club in Beverly Hills, Merv Griffin called Michael 'one of the greatest singers of all time!' Last year they received enthusiastic standing ovations for two sold-out nights at the Van Wezel. This year's Asolo Rep Gala promises to be a memorable evening." said Chris Cogan.

The gala's silent auction will feature items including a walk-on part in a 2015 Asolo Rep Production, Chicago and Toronto theatre trips, a Cape Cod fishing weekend, a week in Breckenridge, private dinners and wine tastings, American Music Awards weekend, Super Bowl and Masters Golf Tournament tickets, and much more. The online auction will go live on February 15, 2014 at http://www.asolorep.org/annualgala.

"The Gala production and design will be very authentic. We want the room to resemble the original Rainbow Room, but have a slight touch of modern technology. We are working with Bay Stage Live to produce the show and to bring in lighting and projection elements that will enhance the guest experience. One side of the ballroom will feature an entire LED projection of the NYC skyline - so guests will feel as if they are on top of Rockefeller Center. The round dance floor and ceiling chandeliers will really tie in the feel of the room, along with Nikki Sedacca's table design for a simple, yet elegant look. We want to create that 'wow-factor' as you enter the room," said Laura Stuart Wood, Asolo Rep's Special Events Manager.

All Annual Gala proceeds will support Asolo Rep's entire 2013-14 season and award-winning Education & Outreach programs, which help students develop an appreciation for the arts while gaining empathy and insight into the lives of others through experiencing, discussing and creating live theatre. Attendees will learn more about these programs during the event and will have the opportunity to support Asolo Rep during the Gala Paddle Raise. Asolo Rep supporters Carole Crosby and Larry Wickless have generously pledged to match the first $15,000 in contributions.