Announcing Florida Rep's Annual Fundraising Gala - Speakeasy 2010

By: Beau Higgins Feb. 01, 2010

Announcing Florida Rep's Annual Fundraising Gala, Speakeasy 2010

Florida Repertory Theatre announced its annual fundraising gala, SPEAKEASY 2010.

Once again Florida Rep will throw a fundraising party, this year bringing the River District to life with a Roaring Twenties themed dance party at Club Venu on First Street. But before moving into the den of debauchery, the evening will begin with a 'pious' sit-down dinner catered by Vino de Notte.

On Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Florida Rep will transform the River District for its annual gala. Guests will start the evening piously on First Street under the Arcade Marquee where they will be served a family-style dinner with the Brothers and Sisters of St. Robert of Cacioppo's Church of the Divine Brotherhood. While dinner is being served and blessings are counted, the 'choir' will sing and the 'pastor' will speak against sin and vice.

After dinner guests will stealthily retreat, under the cover of darkness, into the sin-soaked and gin-soaked underworld of the Florida Rep Speakeasy where - with the right password - they will indulge in booze, casino-style gaming and Charleston their way to a Roaring Twenties good time. All in the name of supporting the arts.

"This party is not to be missed," said Florida Rep Associate Director and event Co-Chair, Rachel Burttram, "the theme of this year's gala will allow the guests to really cut loose and have a good time. We're also very excited that this season's event will feature a catered dinner from Vino de Notte - and an open bar!"

In addition to Vino de Notte, a number of other River District establishments have come on board, and the party will feature wine from Spirits of Bacchus, beer from The Hideaway Sports Bar, coffee by Starbucks, as well as confections provided by Southwest Florida's own world-famous chocolatier, Norman Love.

Some of the other event highlights include an extensive silent auction and a first-class jazz band made up of the hottest jazz musicians in Southwest Florida - some of whom have played with Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

Speakeasy 2010 is chaired by Jane Lane and Rachel Burttram, the same team that brought The Art of Bond to Southwest Florida in 2009. Speakeasy 2010 marks Lane's third consecutive collaboration with Florida Rep, her first being the Roman Forum in 2008. Burttram is an ensemble member at Florida Rep, and in addition to her extensive body of work as an actress, also serves as one of the Rep's Associate Directors.

"It really is a dream team planning this event," said Dr. Gerald Laboda, Chair of Florida Rep's Board of Directors, "they're pros at this. They've done it before, and we're very lucky to have them."

Speakeasy 2010 will be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 from 6:00 to 10:00pm under the Arcade Theatre Marquee on First Street, and at Club Venu in the Fort Myers River District. A table for eight is $1,600 and single tickets are available for $200. Tables and tickets are on sale now through the Florida Rep box office at 239-332-4488.

Grand Sponsors
FineMark National Bank & Trust
Arthur M. Zupko
Hotel Indigo
Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency.

Media Sponsors
Florida Weekly and NOISE, Inc.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on how you can become a Speakeasy Sponsor, please call Rachel Burttram at 239-332-4665 x36.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson & Hendry with convenient free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit the Rep online at www.floridarep.org. Subscriptions and single tickets for Florida Rep's 12th Season are available through the Box Office. Visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org.

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