Orlando Shakespeare Theater Marks 25 Seasons With 2013-14 Opening Gala Tonight

Orlando Shakespeare Theater celebrates 25 seasons with its 2013-2014 Season Opening Gala. The glittering celebration features mouth-watering food and wine tastings, as well as fabulous silent and live auction items. Guests will also enjoy a sneak preview of The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's high-energy battle of the sexes with a western twang. The event concludes with complimentary champagne, coffee, and dessert. For a full list of silent auction items visit www.orlandoshakes.org/gala25.

Gala tasting partners include: Barnie's Coffee Kitchen, Bubbalou's BBQ, Dexter's Restaurants of Orlando, Puff-n-Stuff Catering, Rosen Center Hotels, Rosen Shingle Creek, Seasons 52, Table Top Catering, and The Table Orlando.

The gala is set for tonight, September 8, 2013 at 5 p.m. at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, Fla. Tickets range from $150-$250 per person. Corporate sponsorship packages for 10 are also available. (For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jamie Mykins at (407) 447-1700 x 206.)

Single tickets for the Season Opening Gala, as well as tickets to Orlando Shakespeare Theater's 2013-2014 Season, are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center.

Now celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed Equity theaters producing classic, contemporary, and children's plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its patrons, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Through Harriett's New Play Series, Orlando Shakespeare Theater has garnered national recognition for the development of over 100 new works within the past 10 years. Orlando Shakes also provides immersive educational programming serving Central Florida schools and the local community at large.

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Pictured: Harriett Lake and Rita Lowndes. Photo by Iwona Photography.