Asolo Repertory Theatre takes guests to the Sock Hop at Nathan Benderson Park
The Sock Hop at the Drive In annual gala was held on May 1.
By
Harry Sayer
| 9:23 p.m. May 1, 2021
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The Asolo Repertory Theatre brought the 1950s back in style with its Sock Hop at The Drive In gala on May 1.
The annual gala moved to Nathan Benderson Park for a throwback Drive-In event that had guests dressing up in their most vintage and colorful retro attire that ranged from poodle skirts to greaser jackets. Guests drove up to the concert space and parked their cars right next to their tables where they then mingled or headed over to the tented diner area to pick up a quick cheeseburger. The seven-piece 1950s Chome '57 band played lively tunes for guests to enjoy before sitting down for dinner.
Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards started the program thanking the audience for their continued support during the pandemic and congratulated Asolo performers and staff for putting on live performances at the Asolo's outdoor stage area over the past season.
Artist Ana Isabelle, of the Asolo's recently concluded "Ana Isabelle & Friends: Stand Back, Sarasota!" production, performed for the crowd before it was time for dinner. The company played a drive-in movie highlighting its accomplishments and initiatives before it was time for dancing to end the night.
Co-Chairwomen Tammy Karp, Donna Koffman, Elisabeth Waters and Mary Braxton-Joseph
Car models lined the countertops at the tent restaurant.
Audrey Robbins, Charlie Ann Syprett, Rita Greenbaum, Alexis Rosenberg and Susan Palmer
The event had a mix of 50s table decor with classic floral arrangements.
Jeryl Schriever and Alex Huppe with a 1956 Thunderbird
Dinner plates had a musical spin.
Allison and Shane LeMay
Jan Swan, Chuck Albert and Julie Planc
Development Director Benjamin Luczak and Jimy Luczak
Managing Director Linda DiGabriele
The event had a mix of 50s table decor with classic floral arrangements.
Mabel Calvert and Samantha Albano
A vintage jukebox completed the restaurant area.
David Koffman and Co-Chairwoman Donna Koffman
Humberto and Deborah Vainieri with Marc and Beth Hirsch
James Goethe and Daniel Taylor
Event Planner Laura Stuart Wood
Michael and Coral Pleas with Kathy and Jerry Jordan
Allegra Buffington, Jaclyn Brunckhorst and Co-Chairwoman Elisabeth Waters
Chad and Jennifer Hazeltine with Sarah Karp, Co-Chairwomen Tammy Karp, Richard Karp, Taylor Karp Teymuri and Shak Teymuri
Kelly Borgia, Travis Howard, Kristen and Dave Fulkerson
Director of Operations and Production Vic Meyrich and Donna Kupka
Pat and Bob Baer with Steve Ashman
Jerry and Wendy Feinstein
Kyle Flannery, Allison Kummery, Denise Campbell and Sean Altice
Kathy and Mark Zauss of the Chrome '57 band
Guadalupe Garcia and Junior Servilla
Eric Schneider and Deb Kabinoff
Margaret Wise and Tom Taylor
Co-Chairwomen Tammy Karp, Elisabeth Waters, Mary Braxton-Joseph and Donna Koffman
Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards applauded the theatre for putting on distanced live performances during the pandemic.
