Avery Sommers News

There used to be an old adage in the publicity business, “any publicity is good publicity”.  However, I’m sure legendary public-relations professional Gary Schweikhart would have much preferred not to be in the headlines himself as an accident victim.  

Gary Schweikhart, the newly elected board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's most highly coveted recognition of theatrical and performance excellence, today announced the nonprofit organization's officers and board members for the 2022-2023 theater season.

The Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts (PBIEA) will premiere a new comedy – SOUL SEARCHING – in August.

 For the first time, the Palm Beach Symphony and Sinclair Broadcast Group will bring the thrilling excitement of Independence Day to viewers with “The Sounds of Freedom” that will be broadcast on CBS12 News and CW34. 

The artists of diversity in cabaret and concert are ready and willing to work - they just need to be invited to the table.

Ellen Wedner, president of Creative Arts Enterprises, announced today that it will once again be kicking off Pride Month's celebration of the local LGBTQIA+ community with PRIDE LIGHTS that will illuminate in multi-colored, rainbow lights the Centennial Fountain in Nancy M. Graham Centennial Park in downtown West Palm Beach.

Jeff Kiltie, president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's most highly coveted recognition of theatrical and performance excellence, today announced that the nonprofit organization is soliciting nominations for the Vinnette Carroll Award that will be given out for the first time at the 45th annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony in November 2022.

Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, welcomed more than 120 music fans to last week’s CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben.

The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum was “Alive with the Sound of Music!” A dazzling event recently hosted by the National Society of Arts & Letters of Florida and raising over $47,000 to support the Boca Raton-based nonprofit's mission of supporting local emerging performing and visual artists.

The National Society of Arts & Letters Florida has announced their 4th Annual Star Maker Awards will be held at The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum in Boca Raton on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 6:30 pm.  

With her new show about the roles she should have played, Mary Lahti creates a touchingly hilarious (or hilariously touching) story of the pitfalls of being an actor.

Café Pelican, the popular restaurant that is also the home of world class cabaret in Palm Beach County, is celebrating today's Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. Day, with a special foot-tapping, hand-clapping “singspiration” next weekend: Rev. Dr. Tony Siders & Company in GOSPEL TO THE PELICAN on Sunday, January 23 at 6:30 pm.

Singer-songwriter Anthony Nunziata has accomplished the impossible: a great Christmas album of all-new music.

The four special Sunday evening performances—of show tunes, jazz standards, and audience favorites from the Great American Songbook—will be held from 7 to 9 pm at Café Pelican, which is located at 612 US-1 in Lake Park (33403), directly across the street from Kelsey Park.

Intersection of Lincoln and Parks... an original play by Palm Beach County author and playwright Donna M. Carbone, will be presented at the Kravis Center's Rinker Playhouse in February 2022. Directed by and featuring Broadway star Avery Sommers, the play stars Audrena Scurry, David Barnhart, James Ferrigno, Marcella Foster and Marcia Foster.

Palm Beach Symphony and Sinclair Broadcast Group will bring the joyous warmth of the December holidays and the thrilling excitement of Independence Day celebrations to viewers this season with broadcasts on CBS 12 News and CW34 of the Symphony’s holiday-themed Sounds of the Season concert in December and a rousing concert on the Fourth of July.

Jeff Kiltie, general manager of Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, stage manager, producer and member of Actors' Equity Association, and co-chair of this year's Carbonell Special Committee. With more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of the performing arts industry, he will also serve as chair of the board's Production & Programming Committee.

It was a “Love Boat” for (Captain) Rob Russell at the Pelican Cabaret last night as fully vaccinated fans joined in the act to help Mr. Palm Beach celebrate his birthday.  The entertainer and designated spinner of tunes in DIck Robinson’s dugout of Legends Radio Hosts had much to celebrate.  

A few days post Marilyn Maye’s memorable engagement in the Wick Theatre Cabaret Johnny Carson’s favorite singer was relaxing and dining with friends at Table 26 in Palm Beach.  The other patrons in the restaurant subsequently got an unexpected rare treat. 

Friends, Celebrities, Fans, Dick Robinson’s Legends Radio, together with Mo Rocca and the CBS Sunday Morning Show crew were all in the Cabaret Room at The Wick Theater last night for a momentous performance by Marilyn Maye on the occasion of her 93rd Birthday.  It wasn’t only CBS that had its cameras on for the big event.