Anka Palitz

Palm Beach Opera celebrated opening night of “Falstaff” on March 24 at the Kravis Center's Cohen Pavilion, toasting to the final mainstage opera of the 2023 Season and the historic company premiere of Verdi's final opera.

Palm Beach is affectionately nicknamed “paradise” by those who reside and vacation here.  Since it’s early beginnings the town has been a cultural hub inhabited by a community that generously and enthusiastically supports the performing arts.  This was no more evident than at the legendary Colony Hotel last night as Ballet Palm Beach held their “WE BELIEVE” Season of Dance Gala. 

From the wilds of Palm Beach, Cabaret starved creatures journeyed to their favorite watering hole in West Palm last night. Cafe Centro was the place to be for an evening of roaring music and fun with head Safari guide Rob Russell who managed to tame the assembled with his soothing voice.. There were some beautiful and exotic species at this gathering and my stealthy telephoto lens managed to bag a few shots as everybody in the room were acting like they were let out of a cage. New York City may have Cafe Society but Palm Beach now has Cafe Safari.

Palm Beach Opera and nearly 200 supporters toasted to opening night of Giacomo Puccini's “Turandot” and celebrated former General Director Daniel Biaggi at Kravis Center's Cohen Pavilion for Opening Night Dinner, drawing record-breaking attendance.

In the theater community Jamie deRoy is a well known Broadway producer but in the Friars community she is also acclaimed as an entertainer. Friar Jamie deRoy furthermore has the distinction of being the 8th woman to become a Friar subsequent to the men's only club changing it's rules in 1988. Jamie deRoy who is usually the earliest to spot an opportunity had to wait behind the likes of Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers Gloria Allred, and Brooke Shields who were also among the first to join the Friars Club.

Anka Palitz, The Actors Fund National Ambassador Vice Chair and founder of the Heart & Soul Gala was honored at the Gala's 10th Anniversary in Palm Beach at The Breakers last night, along with Gillian Murphy, Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and Ethan Stiefel, Principal guest instructor at the American Ballet Theatre. Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe Neuwirth hosted The Actors Fund event which featured performances by local Florida dancers.

The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that has served all professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry since 1882, today announced that a kick-off reception for the 2019 Heart & Soul Gala was held recently Palm Beach, FL. The evening was graciously hosted by Sydell Miller at her incredible home, La Reverie. Hearing Mrs. Miller address those in attendance and sharing the history of the home was a special experience.

Colleen Smith, Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Palm Beach, welcomed 130 of the nonprofit organization's patrons, leaders and dancers at Dance Revealed, a cocktail fundraiser that was held on January 31 at the new Fritz Gallery in Palm Beach.

The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that has served all professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry since 1882, today announced that Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe Neuwirth will serve as Celebrity Host/Emcee at the 10th anniversary Heart & Soul Gala that will be held on Thursday, March 14, at 7 pm, at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that has served all professionals in the entertainment industry since 1882, today announced that it will honor Palm Beach cultural philanthropist Anka Palitz, along with Ethan Stiefel, principal guest instructor at American Ballet Theatre, and ABT principal dancer Gillian Murphy, at the 10th anniversary Heart & Soul Gala. Not only was Ethan Stiefel the first individual dancer supported by Mrs. Palitz, he and fellow honoree Gillian Murphy are married and expecting their first child.

The audience at Cafe Centro got a little confused last night and thought New Years Eve was still being celebrated during the Rob & Michael music night at the popular South Florida restaurant/cabaret. In addition to the suave Mr. Russell and pianist/entertainer Masci the Broadway/Cabaret star Avery Sommers and famed Concert and Cabaret artist Anthony Nunziata happened to be in the audience and wound up 'singing for their dinner'

Birdland Theater, the new venue spawned from the legendary Birdland on 44th street had a 'soft' opening this summer, followed by a bunch of celebrity openings in September. It had another entertainment first last night because Jamie deRoy brought her friends and her renowned Jamie deRoy & friends Variety show to this great new performance space. The evening had all the glamour and excitement of a Broadway opening night, the kind of evening Ms. deRoy can usually be found at.

The 9th Annual Heart & Soul Gala chaired by Palm Beach's Anka Palitz and honoring Wendy Whelan and Dr. Omar & Cheryl Almallah was held at The Breakers last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

The Actors Fund's Career Transition For dancers Jubilee gala was held in the New York Marriot Marquis last night and Broadwayworld was there. It was hosted by Tony & Emmy Award-winning Actress Bebe Neuwirth and honored Dancer Choreographer & Television dance Competion judge Carrie Ann Inaba, Academy & Tony Award-winning Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tony Award nominee and New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Robert Fairchild.

As part of celebrations for its upcoming 2017-2018 season, Palm Beach Opera held a private dinner at The Lotos Club, New York, hosted by Mrs. Florence Kaufman, Palm Beach Opera Board Member.

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Chairman of The Actors Fund and Joe Benincasa it's CEO came to Palm Beach for the the 8th Annual Heart & Soul Gala which was started by Anka Palitz.  Anka, for the past 20+ years has been the FundraIsing Chair of CTFD. BroadwayWorld was at the event which honored philanthropist Sydell Miller. Marcelo Gomes received the organizations Dance Award, and the capacity crowd at The Breakers were entertained by Liz Callaway and local Palm Beach dancers.

???????Palm Beach Opera's 2017 Gala - An Evening with Michael Fabiano took place on February 2, 2017, at The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach.

On Friday, January 22, 2017, Palm Beach Opera Board of Directors, Board of Governors, as well as dedicated supporters and friends gathered at The Kravis Center for Performing Arts in West Palm Beach for the Opening Night Dinner and opera performance of Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. 

Last night's Career Transition For Dancers 31st Anniversary Jubilee at the New York Marriott Marquis? was a great success. The evening honored Joe Lanteri/the New York City Dance Alliance? Foundation, and philanthropists Barbara and Donald Tober for Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance. The gala benefit evening raised  $800,000 and was presented by the Lloyd E. Rigler-Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation and benefits The Actors Fund's CTFD services for the dance community.

The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden today announced 260 supporters attended the annual Spring Benefit that was held on Sunday, April 10, at the Palm Beach home ofDr. Richard & Rita Lazzara. Scroll down for photos!