Broadway Stars Kate Shindle and Kissy Simmons Headline 'Bubbles, Baubles And Broadway' Gala For Gulfshore Playhouse

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premiere professional regional theatre, is celebrating its 8th annual gala "Bubbles, Baubles and Broadway," featuring Broadway stars Kate Shindle and Kissy Simmons, Monday, March 26 at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

The black tie-preferred event commences with cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner and program begin at 6 p.m.

An actress, singer and dancer, Shindle first became known to the world as Miss America in 1998. With Broadway credits including "Cabaret," "Legally Blonde" and "Jekyll and Hyde," she recently starred in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Fun Home." Other starring roles have included appearances in the blockbuster movie, The Stepford Wives and hit tv show Gossip Girl as well as performances with The Atlanta Symphony and The Cincinnati Pops.

A Florida native who first debuted on the professional theatre stage at the David A. Straz, Jr Center for the Performing Arts, Simmons is the acclaimed actress of the Tony Award-winning "Lion King" on Broadway. She starred as Nala on both the Broadway stage and the national tour. Other film and TV credits include The Detour, Smash, Hope & Faith, and 30 Rock.

Evening entertainment will also be provided by Music Director Matt Aument, who also served as musical director of last season's Gulfshore Playhouse production of "My Fair Lady." Acclaimed New York designer Jimmy Lawlor will also lend a hand in creating a custom lighting design for the evening gala.

This year's gala celebrates the "Next Stage" for Gulfshore Playhouse as they unveil design plans for a new state-of-the-Art Theatre and education center in downtown Naples that will serve Southwest Florida with world-class theatre, culture and education for future generations.

Among the evening's highlights will be a live auction of a one-of-a-kind custom ring dubbed "Eye to the Future" created by sponsor William Boyajian of Port Royal Jewelers. Boyajian has created the exclusive jewelry piece to commemorate Gulfshore Playhouse's unveiling of its new theatre plans.

Additional sponsors include Erika and Peter Aron; BMO Harris Bank; Fidelity Investments; Acadia Wealth Management: Jane and Steve Akin; Kyla and Dr. Richard de Asla; Joan and William Carlson; Gates Construction; and Total Wine & More.

Individual tickets are $600; table sponsorships are available and include premium seating. Patron tickets are $1200 and include an exclusive party on March 22nd at the home of Joe and Chan Pike in Bay Colony Estates. For purchase information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).

All proceeds benefit the Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence, which allows Gulfshore Playhouse to employ the nation's most sought-after actors, directors, and designers, and enables the theatre to commission new works, create unique educational opportunities, and continue producing world-class productions.

Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic and national standards, and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Gulfshore Playhouse's work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theater to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in the audience an understanding of common humanity. This belief drives the respect with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community. This focus is also at the core of its newest endeavor - the creation of a cultural landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for Gulfshore Playhouse's new 56,000-square-foot complex at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South on the northern end of The Shoppes at Naples Square that will include two theaters and an education wing to support programming for children, adults and families.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse or its new facility, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).

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