It was his daughter, Lori Ann, who originally pushed Lou Marinaccio to become interested in the theater.
Lori Ann Marinaccio had graduated from Rollins College and had pursued her passion working as a stage manager. "She told me, 'The Players Theatre is something we should get involved in," Lou Marinaccio said.
On Friday evening, it was fair to say Lou Marinaccio, and his wife, Ann Marie, have gotten involved. More than 250 people packed their Concession home to find out more about The Players Centre for the Performing Arts, which will become the centerpiece attraction at the new Waterside at Lakewood Ranch's town center.
While the event was, indeed, a fundraiser, it showcased some of the talent that will be on display once The Players Centre opens in about three years. As the guests cozied up to a staircase in the Marinaccio's home, three actresses/singers from The Players thrilled them with four songs.
Kathryn Parks, Hannah Beatt and Eve Caballero captivated their audience as they climbed up and down the staircase, letting the audience know the new theater complex had to be built "one step at a time."
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Kathryn Parks opens the entertainment portion of a fundraiser for The Players Centre for the Performing Arts by captivating the crowd with a song.
Ann Marie and Lou Marinaccio hosted about 250 people at their Concession home for The Players CEO Michelle Bianchi Pingel to kick off a fundraising campaign.
Lou Marinaccio told the crowd The Players coming to Lakewood Ranch would be "good for families, good for children, good for people who come to visit. It's not the past we are talking about, but the future."
Drs. Michelle Scala-Frenchman and Shepherd Frenchman stand on either side of Joanna Vealey as all three came to support The Players Centre for the Performing Arts.
Eve Caballero, who has been a regular leading lady for The Players, gives a dynamic singing performance at the home of Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio.
Michelle Bianchi Pingel, CEO of The Players Centre for the Performing Arts, looks on as Artistic Director Jeffrey Kin addresses the crowd at Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio's home in Lakewood Ranch.
Rebecca Heintz, the music director for The Players Centre for the Performing Arts, entertains guests at Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio's home in Lakewood Ranch.
Sarasota architect Cliff Scholz and Brenda King attended the fundraiser to support The Players. Scholz said it was inevitable the Lakewood Ranch area would begin landing arts attractions.
The Players' actresses Sami Blouin and Sharon Bartley enjoy the festivities.
Lou Marinaccio gets a hug from The Players CEO Michelle Bianchi Pingel for hosting Friday night's fundraiser.
Hannah Beatt of The Players Centre for the Performing Arts wows the audience with a song.
Guests mingle during a fundraiser for The Players Centre for the Performing Arts at Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio's home in Lakewood Ranch.
