The event is a Roman themed party inspired by Florida Rep's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Feb. 15 - Mar. 16), and guests are encouraged, but not required, to come in classic Roman wear. The Toga Party theme embraces everything from Ancient Rome to the college fraternity party scene. On one end of Bay Street guests will sample wine and spirits, party at the frat house with the boys of Delta Theta on the other end, and right in the center of it all, dance under torchlight in the Roman Coliseum.
The centerpiece of the event, both the silent and live auctions, features some very hot items up for bid. "It is quite an extensive auction," said Amiee Turner, Co-Chair of the event, "and in addition to some of the travel packages and artwork, there are a few very unique items that only Florida Rep could offer."
One of the top items up for bid is a trip for two to New York City on jetBlue Airways complete with tickets to Broadway shows and a stay in a fashionable SOHO apartment. This travel package is furnished by jetBlue Airways, Dreamtime Entertainment and Florida Rep.
Other items include a weekend in a suite at Miami's beautiful InterContiental Hotel (donated by Hotel Indigo), Pet Portraits by retired artist Ed Unser, from Pet Kingdom, a puppy in need of a good & loving home and a significant piece of jewelry from Lily & Co. that will be highlighted in the Temple of Juno.
Again this season, Florida Rep is auctioning off a cameo role, this time in its production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The top bidder on this unique item will be treated to an afternoon rehearsal with Director, Robert Cacioppo and the talented cast that includes Tony-nominee, Stephen Mo Hanan. In addition to the performance, the top bidder will receive 10 tickets to the show and a $100 gift certificate to the Brick Bar to celebrate their professional stage debut in style with adoring fans.
Another trademark at any Florida Rep auction is dinner at the Cacioppo home with a meal prepared specially for the top bidder by Chef, Robert Cacioppo. "Anyone who's been to a Florida Rep opening night party knows how special this is," said Turner. The winner of this item will be treated to multi-course meal for 6 with personally selected wines, and served with theatrical flair by the evening's consummate hosts, Robert and Carrie Cacioppo.
In commemoration of the 10th Anniversary, Florida Rep commissioned a work by local Artist, Myra Roberts. The original oil painting, now on Display at Arts for ACT, will be featured in the auction as well. Roberts, is an accomplished artist and portrait artist whose many commissioned paintings capture the unique personality of her subjects.
Featured hosts of the live auction will be local celebrities Mitch Haley and the Downtown Diva, Stephanie Davis.
The funds raised at the event will benefit Florida Rep in many ways, but will primarily benefit the Rep's many education programs that reach over 16,000 young people in Southwest Florida every season.
Roman Forum 2008 takes the River District by storm on Saturday March 1st from 6:30 to 10:30pm on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry under the Florida Rep marquee.
A Table of Ten is $1,500 and individual tickets are available for $150. For tickets and information call the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll free at 877-787-8053.
Roman Forum 2008 is generously sponsored by: FineMark National Bank & Trust, Cameratta Properties, Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency, Arthur Zupko, John & Marjorie Madden, Dan & Shirley Valentine, Hotel Indigo, Julie K. Smith and Steven B. Smith, E. Bruce Strayhorn, Stilwell Enterprises and Gerald & Jan Roberts. Additional sponsorship comes from Florida Weekly, Noise, Inc., The News Press, Red Salon & Spa and Mr. Foamy. |
