'La Fête de Monte Carlo' transports guests to the set of a Bond film

You know it’s true. “Tomorrow Never Dies” when you’re having fun — especially at a James Bond-themed soirée.

Guests at the Asolo Repertory Theatre Annual Gala: “La Fête de Monte Carlo” lived up to the beloved spy movie’s name on March 4, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The elegant fundraiser began with a cocktail reception fit for a Bond girl, featuring a photo booth, ice bars reminiscent of the ice palace from “Die Another Day” and photo opps with three golden girls and Bond impersonators acting as Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.

The evening also included a silent and live auction, which boasted luxurious items, such as a James Bond Virgin Island Getaway and Top Secret European River Cruise. A paddle-raise led by Mark Pritchett and Veronica Brady also raised more than $100,000 for the theater company.

Live music was provided by Mark Zauss and the 007 Band, which brought the house down with the most packed (and enthusiastic) dance floor we’ve seen this season. There were so many people trying to bust a move that they couldn’t all fit in the designated dance area, so they made their own dance floors in the back and along the sides of the ballroom.

Laura Stuart Wood, special events manager for Asolo Repertory Theatre, said she wanted to create a classic, elegant evening that made guests feel like they stepped onto the set of a Bond movie. By the number of smiling finger-gun photos we got, it looks like she succeeded. 

— Niki Kottmann