Celebrate The Life Of Iris Acker At The Wick Theatre

The South Florida theatre community will unite to celebrate the life of Iris Acker tonight, Monday, October 15, 2018 at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton.

The iconic actress, dancer, teacher, producer and talk show host was a dynamic theatre champion and one of most beloved members of the arts community. Her family, along with key members of the theatre realm, have planned a very special tribute, highlighting her lengthy career and indelible impact.

Doors open at 6:30pm, and all are welcome to attend.

"Iris had told me that she wanted her memorial to be a party...light and fun," said close friend and event organizer Tony Finstrom. "And that is what we will do! Throw a party! This will be more of a show than a memorial service."

Guests will gather in the lobby for a pre-celebration, followed by performances and shared remembrances in the theatre. Actor-playwright Michael McKeever will emcee a program that will include South Florida theatre artists singing tunes from musicals Acker was featured in over the years.

"These were all shows that had special significance to my mom during her career," said Mitch Acker, who will host the champagne toast in the lobby following the performances. "I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support, and I am so thankful to everyone who has dedicated their time and talent to make this tribute one that my mom would be so proud of."

Iris Acker - the vivacious actress, teacher, author, dancer, artistic director, producer and groundbreaking union leader who helped transform South Florida theater - died Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer.

With a talent for light comedy and musicals, Acker once was one of the busiest actresses in the state, appearing at nearly every large and small venue across the region. Yet she became as well known to later generations as the creator, executive producer and host of a series of public-television interview shows that championed the arts for 32 years.

But her legacy has as much to do with her offstage work. Acker was the first female president of the local chapter of the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists and served on the national board, and she became the first Actors' Equity Liaison for the State of Florida. She created and paid for the region's first casting hotline - on an answering machine - to help her colleagues find opportunities. Later, she began a half-price ticket program she dubbed "Ticket Madness" based in book stores and that evolved into WLRN's Cultural Connection.