Asolo Rep To Host Annual Gala On March 2

Asolo Rep's Annual Gala: Vive les Folies Bergère will be held on Saturday, March 2 at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. The largest fundraiser of Asolo Rep's season, chaired by Tammy Karp, Donna Koffman, Jules Price and Michelle Senglaub, will begin at 6pm with a cocktail reception and raffle, followed by a seated dinner, paddle raise, live music and dancing.

This year's theme celebrates the legendary Folies Bergère music hall, known for its variety-entertainment, bold acts, sets and special effects. It showcased the talents of many great entertainers and became the premiere nightspot in Paris.
"The Folies Bergère in the 1920s was iconic, known for its extravagant entertainment. Even the venue's lobby was over-the-top, which was our design inspiration for this event," said Asolo Rep Special Events Manager Laura Stuart Wood. "Guests can expect to see rich colors of teal, gold and red, along with elements of the famous art deco gold walls and the grande chandelier that defined the aesthetic of the Folies Bergère. We look forward to welcoming all of our guests back to The Ritz-Carlton this year, the perfect venue for such a glamorous theme."

The musical entertainment will feature an authentic Parisian Cabaret Show, along with headliner Tatiana Eva-Marie and her 5-piece Avalon Jazz Band. Tatiana delivers French classics and jazz standards from the 1920s, while the Parisian Cabaret Show will showcase an array of singers and dancers performing choreographed, high-energy dance spectacles.

All Gala proceeds will support the artists in Asolo Rep's 2018/19 season and the theatre's award-winning Education & Community Engagement 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.

"My co-chairs Tammy Karp, Donna Koffman, Jules Price and I hope you will join us for a fabulous evening that will take us back in time to 1920s Paris and the renowned Folies Bergère Cabaret show," said Gala Co-Chair Michelle Senglaub. "It's sure to be a night full of surprises! Buy a raffle ticket - or a few! The proceeds from the Gala support the artists in the Asolo Rep's 2018-19 season, and their award-winning Education & Community Engagement programs, which touch thousands of students here and across the state each year. It is an honor to help ensure this gift of theatre continues for our future generations."

The theatre is also promoting three high-end raffle items including a Parisian-themed dinner for 16 people, a Holiday Antilles Cruise and "The Sarasota Collection" experience of assorted items from local venues, clubs, restaurants and shops. Raffle tickets are $150 each or 5 for $500 and will be sold during the gala and before the gala at www.asolorep.org/annualgala. People who purchase raffle tickets before February 20th will be entered in a special chance drawing to win luxury transportation to and from the Gala in a vintage Rolls Royce, provided by Revvies Classics. Raffle winners will be selected at random on the evening of the Gala. Gala attendance is not required to participate in the raffle.

Immediately following the gala, the theatre will host a late night after party at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota from 11pm - 1:30am. Tickets are $50 and include a complimentary specialty drink, discounted cash bar, light bites, DJ and entertainment.

There are still a limited number of tickets/tables available for the Gala. Tickets range from $400 - $1,000 and tables range from $4,000 - $10,000. For tickets and information, please contact Asolo Rep Special Events Manager Laura Stuart Wood at 941.351.9010 ext. 4712 or Laura_Wood@asolo.org. More information and online tickets are also available by visiting www.asolorep.org/annualgala