Patrons dress to impress Shakespeare for FST fundraiser
Shakespeare's Shindig: A Modern Day Renaissance was hosted Feb. 26 at Florida Studio Theatre.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 11:26 a.m. February 27, 2018
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Guests crowded the sidewalks of the Florida Studio Theatre campus on Feb. 26, dressed in threads from the early Renaissance.
Shakespeare's Shindig: A Modern Day Renaissance brought guests together to celebrate FST and raise money for the furnishings for the artistic homes the artists live in during their time with the company. They live in these homes for anywhere between three weeks to six months.
Cocktail hour was lively and featured appetizers, drinks and live music by The Venice High School Madrigal choir. Flower crowns were also passed out to guests looking to add a little Shakespearean flair to their outfit.
After the cocktail hour, everyone gathered in the theater for presentations and entertainment by "Shakespeare's Greatest Hits" and "Blue Suede Shoes" cast members. The performances kept the crowd laughing and applauding throughout the evening.
Queen Elizabeth herself (aka Chairwoman Marie Kropp) made an appearance as well. She came out to collect donations for the furnishings in a fundraiser called "Adopt An Actor." She made it clear, however, that donors weren't required to take "their" actor home, feed him or her or put them through college.
To end the entertainment before moving onto dinner, Arnold J. Simonsen was awarded the Spelman Award for his philanthropic support to FST.
Chairwoman Marie G. Kropp and Dickie Smothers
Chairwoman Marie G. Kropp and Dickie Smothers
Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, Roxie Jerde and Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins
Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, Arnold J. Simonsen, Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins and Ronda Montminy
The Venice High School Madrigal Choir sing throughout cocktail hour on the FST sidewalk.
Joe Casey and Gaele Barthold
The FST is currently working on a new expanded costume shop.
Jason Cannon, Rebecca Harp and Larry Weiss
Lockets were placed on the tables with a quote from William Shakespeare.
Eileen Doan entertains guests with music.
Yvonne Noel and Betty Black
Actors took on Shakespeare characters to perform mini skits for the crowd during cocktail hour.
Erin Bradford hands out flower crowns to guests.
Hannah Bagnall, Greg London, Caroline Kaiser and William Selby
Sue M. Gordon, JT Waite and Mikki Pertofsky
Alex Teicheira and Bill Charles
Samus Haddad and Rachel Moulton
Chocolate stout in mini frosty glasses was brought around to guests.
Catherine Randazzo and Carmen Gonzalez
Dorothy Lawrence, Moses Pinkerton, Alice Nelson and Susan Lawrence
Nina Tortelli, Louise Mazius, Barb Totaro and Karen Olson
Harvey Small, Susan Moran and Nanci Rand
Kim Larson and John Mercurio
Veronica Brady with Bob and Sally Theis
Improv skits were held throughout the night, which also featured different Shakespeare plays, featuring Will Luera, FST’s director of improv as Shakespeare.
"Shakespeare's Greatest Hits" runs from Feb. 7 through June 10 at Florida Studio Theatre, John C. Court Cabaret.
The actors from the improv skit included Will Luera, Jim Prosser, Christine Alexander, Emily Levin and James Kassees.
"Blue Suede Shoes" cast members delighted guests with lively beats.
Queen Elizabeth, Chairwoman Marie Kropp, hosts the "Adopt An Actor" program.
After the entertainment, guests gathered in the dining room for dinner.
