Project architect Daniel Laggan of SchenkelShultz was direct when explaining why he thought a proposed $30 million project to build The Players Centre for Performing Arts in the new Waterside at Lakewood Ranch community would be successful.
"The Players has amazing individuals who have the desire and thirst to want to push things," Laggan said at a fundraiser Friday night at the Lakewood Ranch home of Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio. "They think beyond the norm and they create this great synergy. They embrace a grander vision."
Laggan was talking about Players Managing Director and CEO Michelle Bianchi-Pingel, Artistic Director Jeffery Kin and advisory committee member Lyn Wiley.
Along with a host of actors, singers and dancers, The Players executives spent the evening at the fundraiser building new connections with their future community. Besides cocktails and appetizers, guests were treated to show tunes and dance numbers, including performances by the Flash Tappers.
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Sami Blouin, Chip Fisher, Kay Siebold and Carol Johnston give the guests a taste of The Players' talent.
Willis Smith Project Executive Brett Raymaker and Brigette Raymaker
Farah Paret and SchenkelShultz project architect Daniel Laggan
Event host Lou Marinaccio with The Players Managing Director and CEO Michelle Bianchi-Pingel
John Fain and Angela Massaro-Fain
Lanny and Donna Julian of Lakewood Ranch
Ritu and Harry Anand of Sarasota
Sarasota' s Jane and Gary Lee
Dale and Nancy Creighton, who performs with The Players
Kay and Wayne Siebold. Kay is director of the Flash Tappers, who performed.
Lakewood Ranch' s Lori Ann Marinaccio, Judy Hanson and Ann Marie Marinaccio
Lakewood Ranch' s Peter and Ann Ward and Michael Williamson and Kathy Weisblat
Sarasota' s Carol Johnston, Peter James and Sharon Bartley
Bonnie and Ed Capasso of Marco Island
Dancer Nancy Creighton ties to coax Players Director of Development Dennis McSweeney into a little audience participation.
The Players actor Patrick Tancey had a dual role as a server.
Players advisory committee member Lyn Wiley shows off a rendering of the new theater complex.
Eve Caballero entertains with a show tune.
Bartender Connor Lane serves Lakewood Ranch' s Blair and Joy McMillan.
Erica Brown, the daughter of The Player Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Brown, helps as a server.
Chip Fisher performs "Singing in the Rain."
Cassandra Caballero led off the festivities with a song.
The stage was set up near Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio' s beautiful pool area which looks over the lake.
The Flash Tappers perform.
Guests pack a room at Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio' s Concession home.
Michelle Bianchi-Pingel carries a board announcing the future The Players' show in "Singin' in the Rain."
Players Artistic Director Jeffery Kin conducts the silent auction.
