Asolo Rep supporters take a walk on the wild side

Asolo Repertory Theatre welcomed guests to the jungle April 3 when they stepped onto the Mertz Stage at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

Season Celebration On Stage, the annual fundraiser for the company that doubles as a party for Asolo’s major donors, took on a whole new feel with the exotic theme. The company’s Special Events Manager Laura Stuart Wood had guests audibly “oohing” and “aahing” the second they walked into the sea of green vines and animal prints, and those reactions only continued into the night.

The evening began with a traditional cocktail hour featuring a few surprise guests — two monkeys and four exotic birds for guests to visit and take photos with.

Stuart Wood surprised event-goers with a lively performance by dancers from Africa Fatala, a traditional and modern West African music and dance group based in Miami. Performers donned traditional African clothing and huge smiles as they danced in between tables before servers brought out the Michael’s On East-catered meal.

Another highlight of the evening was the interactive activity, a staple of the season celebration event, during which guests played bingo as a team with their tablemates. There was just one catch — in order to advance, everyone had to answer correctly to questions regarding the shows they saw throughout the Asolo season.