Gulfshore Playhouse Hosts Second Annual LOVERLY TEA

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premiere professional theatre, will host the second annual Loverly Tea luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club.

Guests will enjoy high tea while being serenaded by Broadway's John Cudia. Equally at home on opera, theater and concert stages, Cudia previously starred on Broadway as The Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera," Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables," and Juan Peron in "Evita."

A renowned classical tenor, Cudia has also been featured as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, The North Carolina Symphony and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He most recently created the role of Dr. Woodly in the world premiere of "Happy Birthday Wanda June" by Richard AulDon Clark for Indianapolis Opera with libretto by Indiana's own Kurt Vonnegut.

The high tea celebration also includes a welcome reception featuring kir royale and piano entertainment, followed by a four-course gourmet selection prepared by Executive Chef Michael Madsen. Each course is accompanied by performances from Cudia singing favorites from several of Broadway's classic productions, including Maria from "Westside Story," Luck Be a Lady from "Guys and Dolls," and Oh, What a Beautiful Morning from "Oklahoma."

Individual tickets are $250; table sponsorships are available and include premium seating. For purchase information, visitgulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-7529, ext. 214.

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.

The Loverly Tea was first conceived by the Playhouse Partners, and members of the group form the committee that are instrumental to the event. The committee is co-chaired by Jane Akin and Ricki Baker. Committee members include: Kathleen Azzariti, Joyce Coughlan, Barbara Lapham, Diana Wallenstein, and Harriet Young.

Major Loverly Tea Sponsors include FineMark National Bank & Trust, JaCoby Nealon and McMain, Jane and Steve Akin, Kyla de Asla, Joyce and Patrick Coughlan, and Sam and Karen Smith.

Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic 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 landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for Gulfshore Playhouse's new56,000-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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