TheatreZone Fundraiser Auctions Theatre Keepsakes Including Signed Annie Doll

Got the acting bug?

Then, don't miss your chance to bid for a walk-on acting role with daytime drama stars Jim and Kassie DePaiva in TheatreZone's upcoming production of 110 in the Shade, one of the five live auction items at the Equity theatre group's upcoming March 24 gala fundraiser.

Starring Broadway and television actor Eddie Mekka, famously recognized for his role as "Carmine Ragusa" from the ABC-TV sitcom Laverne and Shirley, performing his nightclub act, singing with a live seven-piece band songs by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Louis Prima and many more, and storytelling, the charity show takes place at Cloyde's Steak & Lobster House on Venetian Bay in Naples from 5 pm until 9 pm.

A limited number of tax-deductible tickets are available at $150 apiece for the pre-show reception and silent auction starting with doors opening at 5 pm followed by Mr. Mekka's show at 6 pm.

To raise additional funds, a live auction will feature private drum lessons with artistic director Mark Danni with original drum sticks, personalized dance lessons with resident choreographer Karen Molnar, a five-day trip to Napa Valley and a commemorative porcelain Annie doll.

Lovingly created by artistic director Mark Danni's mother Patricia Gavin, a nationally recognized award-winning doll maker, this one-of-a-kind, expertly handcrafted Annie doll is autographed by Broadway's original Annie actress/singer Andrea McArdle.

The 18" porcelain doll perfectly captures Annie's unforgettable smile and wears a replica of the orphan's red dress, complete with white collar, white lace anklet socks and black patent leather shoes. Annie's porcelain arms and legs are poseable, so you can display her however you like. She even holds her shaggy dog Sandy.

"My mom always loved dolls since she was little and had a chance to start making them with a group of ladies in South Carolina," explains Danni. "She met a woman at a craft show who taught a class on doll making. Mom took the class," he adds. Throughout her career, Mrs.
Gavin produced more than 30 dolls.

Porcelain dolls are considered by most to be the most coveted dolls in the doll collecting industry. Since the creation of china dolls in 1840, countless children and adults have loved these timeless dolls.

Mrs. Gavin's favorite dolls include Shirley Temple, which won first prize in the South Carolina State Fair, and Princess Diana in her wedding gown, which was published in Doll Crafter Magazine. She explained that she designed the Annie doll when she saw a mold of the
face, and it reminded her of Annie. She also crafted dolls reminiscent of each of her five children that matched photographs when they were youngsters.

When signing the Annie doll, actress/singer Andrea McArdle confided that she has seen hundreds of Annie dolls throughout her career, but she has never seen one with such detailed character and exquisite quality.

Strong demand is expected from Annie fans everywhere, either as a treasured Broadway keepsake or an addition to a special doll collection, so purchase gala tickets now for your chance to bid on this incomparable memento.

"Our silent auction features an array of Broadway and theatre related items, including celebrity signed scripts from Laverne & Shirley and the plaster bust prop from the recent A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," explains Danni. Other items include:

Original silkscreen and book from award-winning wildlife photographer Connie Bransilver

A LOVE LETTER necklace (any letter of your choosing) in sterling silver from Shannon Green Collection designed by India Hicks, a bridesmaid for the late Princess Diana

$200 gift certificate from ncolor salon and boutique

Fabec-Young luxury gift item

Wine basket featuring two bottles of Domaine Serene wine and two signature Pinot Noir designed wine glasses

Norman Love Chocolates gift basket

Seven-day stay at waterfront luxury Barefoot Beach condo

Private lunch for two at Handsome Harry's Third Street Bistro with stars Jim and Kassie DePaiva and director Mark Danni plus (2) tickets to 110 in the Shade

Season 9 subscription series tickets for two

$200 gift certificate Cleopatra's Barge Fine Jewelry

Dinner for four at Cloyde's Steak & Lobster House

Limited seating. Call TheatreZone at (888) 966-3352, visit on-site Box Office Wednesdays from 10 am until 12 noon or purchase tickets online at: www.theatrezone-florida.com.