Orlando Shakespeare Theater Toasts to 28 Seasons at Annual Gala

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF will celebrate the glitz and glam of The Big Apple at its 28th Season Gala: New York, New York on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. The glittering evening will feature tastings of Central Florida's finest food and beverages, a silent auction and raffle, and an exclusive one-night only cabaret featuring the cast of West Side Story. Remaining tickets range from $150 - $250 per person and may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1 or in person inside the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street.

The Theater's annual fundraiser will kick off with an elegant stationed dinner on the shining streets of New York inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Guests will enjoy music from the UCF Jazz Chamber Group featuring Jeff Rupert and a silent auction highlighting once-in-a-lifetime vacations, priceless experiences, and exclusive packages from the area's leading businesses.

"This year's West Side Story-inspired Gala transports guests to New York," said Director of Development Dana Nichols. "Guests will enjoy decadent tastings and live entertainment while supporting the Theater's mission to provide the community with innovative, inclusive educational programming."

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is introducing a new raffle to this year's Gala. Guests will have the chance to win $10,000, an incredible staycation weekend at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, or $1,000 cash prize. All raffle winners will be drawn during the evening's events on the Margeson stage, but winners need not be present to win. A limited number of tickets are available for a suggested donation of $100.

The evening will continue with guests enjoying a World Premiere cabaret performed by select members of the cast of Orlando Shakespeare Theater's West Side Story. The event will conclude with coffee, dessert, and a champagne toast.

Gala tasting partners include Arthur's Catering, Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ, Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, City Beverages, Firebirds Grill, Hillstone Restaurant Group, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Catering and Events, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, King Bao, NOVA, P is for Pie, Rosen Hotels and Resorts, Seasons 52, Sky Candy Orlando, Winter Park Distilling Company, and Wondermade Marshmallows.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater's 28th Season Gala: New York, New York is made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. Additional support provided by raffle sponsor, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, and paddle raise sponsor, Burr and Forman.

Photo by Landon St. Gordon.