Asolo Repertory Theatre to Host 2015 Annual Gala Next Month

Asolo Rep's 2015 gala will transport guests to the glamorous Copa Room at The Sands Hotel, a legendary Las Vegas nightclub where stars such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. rocked the night away. This not-to-miss event will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 6pm at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.

The black-tie optional event, emceed by Matt Faucher, who played seabee Stewpot in Asolo Rep's celebrated 2014 production of South Pacific, and chaired by Debbie Haspel, Jennifer Rust, Jenifer Schembri and Janet Walter, will begin with a cocktail reception and exclusive silent auction, and continue with a seated dinner, paddle raise, live music and dancing. Hailed as the birth place of the Rat Pack, this special evening will feature Vegas' Rat Pack Tribute Show starring "Frank," "Dean" and "Sammy" with headliner Mark Verabian and his 6-piece orchestra, The Martinis.

"We are pleased to be working with Bay Stage Live again this year to design and produce the show," said Special Events Manager Laura Stuart Wood. "We are creating a 'Vintage Vegas' vibe that guests will experience throughout the evening. Everything from the set design and ballroom décor that is being designed to resemble a modern/classic version of the Copa Room, to the authentic Vegas Tribute band that will imitate the sounds of Sinatra. The Sands Hotel was once the hottest hotel with the best line-up of stars and performers - and we want to recreate that atmosphere for one night"

The gala's exclusive silent auction will feature items including a walk-on part in a 2016 Asolo Rep production, a round-trip Monte Carlo Crystal Cruise, Masters Golf and US Open Tournament tickets, private dinners, wine tastings and much more. The silent auction will be available online for early bidding the week of February 23 at http://www.asolorep.org/annualgala.

All Annual Gala proceeds will support Asolo Rep's entire 2014-15 season and award-winning Education & Outreach programs, which help students develop an appreciation for the arts while gaining empathy and insight into the lives of others through experiencing, discussing and creating live theatre. Attendees will learn more about these programs during the event and will have the opportunity to support Asolo Rep during the Gala Paddle Raise. A special group of supporters including an anonymous donor, Chuck and Margie Barancik, Warren and Margot Coville and Ronald Raub and Marcia Jean Taub have generously pledged to match the first $22,000 in contributions.

"I feel very honored to be serving as a co-chair for this year's Asolo Rep Annual Gala," said Debbie Haspel. "The efficiency and professionalism of the staff coupled with the enthusiastic participation of my co-chairs and our committee has made this experience a true pleasure! I have no doubt that the evening will be a great success benefiting a spectacular organization!"

The evening will also feature a separate late-night party from 10:30pm to 1:30am at Louies Modern offering ticket buyers a complimentary specialty drink, light bites and a discounted cash bar. Entertainment will include local DJ artists UNISYN, with additional sounds by Brandon Fluharty. Tickets are $38 and can be purchased online here.

"This year we decided, as a committee, to expand the reach of our efforts in raising money for Asolo Rep's Education and Outreach programs. We wanted a fun and exciting way to attract new supporters, and with that, we created the first Gala After-Party," said co-chair Jennifer Rust. "I am so grateful to be a part of the team that made the idea into a reality. It will be a night you won't want to miss!"

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