Page 5 - Jupiter Ocean Mile- May '24

Jupiter Ocean Mile, Page 5
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2024 Gala: ‘The Roaring Twenties’

14th Annual Shelly Award
Given To Nancy Beard

The 1920s came roaring back to life for one night only
at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion, when Palm Beach
Dramaworks (PBD) held its annual gala on March 18. The
theme of the company’s biggest fundraising event of the
season was – what else – The Roaring Twenties, a nod to
PBD’s upcoming 25th anniversary season. Marsha and
Stephen Rabb were the gala chairs.
Upon entering the lobby, guests were greeted by displays
of mannequins decked out in 1920s attire, courtesy of PBD
Costume Shop Manager/Resident Costume Designer Brian
O’Keefe. Guests looked equally nifty: Many women revealed
their inner flapper, wearing dresses full of fringe and sporting Bill Hayes and Sue Ellen Cynthia Nalley and Michael
long strands of pearls and other period accoutrements, Beryl Cuevas Bill Hayes and Jane Rothchild Tina and Jeff Bolton
including feathers in their hair, feathered boas, fans and endless
cigarette holders. Men were the cat’s pajamas in pinstriped
suits, double-breasted jackets, fedoras and Panama hats.
Each table in the elegantly decorated ballroom sported
lace gold placemats that captured the essence of an Art Deco
starburst. The 1920s theme extended to the centerpieces,
which were different from table to table but all period, such as
a vintage typewriter, radio, or telephone. There was a special
performance by the great dancers of Glitter Productions and
revelers were entertained by and danced to the music of the
beloved Jill and Rich Switzer Band, who performed songs
from the ’20s through today in their inimitable jazz style.
You might say they were the bee’s knees.
The Honorable Ann Brown, Board vice chair, began the
opening remarks by expressing her passion for PBD and
discussing why the company is essential to the fabric of the
community. Other speakers were Producing Artistic Director
William Hayes and Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl, Tom and Lisa Koza Stephen and Marsha Rabb Mark and Diane Perlberg Jason Powell and Rudina Toro
Chairman of the Board Carlton Moody and Gala Chairs
Marsha and Stephen Rabb. Generous supporters of the evening included Dinner Susan Ellerin, Edith Hall
Following dinner, the focus was on some of PBD’s most Sponsors Nancy and Gene Beard, Nancy Goodes/Goodes Friedheim, Jim Fuld, Susan
vital programs. Director of Education and Community Family Foundation, Toni and Martin Sosnoff; Decorations Goldfein, William Hayes,
Engagement Gary Cadwallader talked about a few of Sponsor Hon. Ann Brown; Entertainment Sponsors Esther Lisa Koza, Carlton Moody,
the student programs that have literally changed lives, and Sid Dinerstein, Sally Nathanson, Louise and Barry Cynthia Nalley, Mark
with a special emphasis on the One Humanity Tour. Snyder; Table Sponsors Penny Bank, Tina and Jeff Bolton, Perlberg, Bernard Perry,
The tour travels to Palm Beach County middle schools, Susan and Larry Goldfein, JP Morgan Securities, Judy Ed Ricci, Jennifer Sardone-
bringing commissioned plays about complex subjects and Lew Kramer, Diane and Mark Perlberg; Cocktail Shiner, Louise Snyder and
that use storytelling to develop informed, thoughtful and Reception Sponsors Stephen Brown and Jamie Stern, Lisa Rudina Toro.
compassionate citizens. Board Treasurer Mark Perlberg Koza – Northern Trust; Gift Bag Sponsors Roe Green, As they would have said
shined a light on the Perlberg Festival of New Plays and the Pamela McIver; Photography Sponsors Beth Alcalde – back in the day, a swell time
key role it can play in helping to develop the future of theatre. Akerman LLP, Suzanne Holmes, Priscilla Leslie, Sid was had by all.
And former Board Chair Louise Snyder had the honor of Lesowitz and Peter Rogers, Dan Sampson – Milestone “We are so grateful to
presenting Nancy Beard with the 2024 Shelly Award, which Mortgage Corporation, Judy Lewent and Mark Shapiro, everyone who helped make Penny Bank and Carlton
is given to an outstanding individual for his or her exceptional Bernard Perry; Creative Sponsors Jackie D’Onofrio – our biggest fundraising Moody
commitment to support of and advocacy on behalf of PBD. Metamorphic Media Design, Preferred Printing. event of the season a huge
The award is named in honor of the late Shelly Gross, theatre The Gala Committee was made up of Beth Alcalde, success,” said Beryl. “Proceeds from the evening support
impresario and Broadway producer, who had a profound Penny Bank, Sue Ellen Beryl, Tina Bolton, Hon. Ann PBD’s annual fund, and education and community
effect on the company. Brown, Stephen Brown, Esther Dinerstein, Hermine Drezner, engagement programs; in other words, they play such a
crucial role in sustaining the company. Thanks so much to
our chairs, sponsors and committee for all the meticulous
work that produced such a terrific evening; it’s something
we’ve come to expect, but never take for granted. I also
want to thank Glitter Productions and our old friends Jill
and Rich Switzer for the wonderful entertainment. To
borrow a phrase from the Roaring Twenties, you were
the cat’s meow. Last, but never least, I want to extend
congratulations to Nancy Beard on receiving the Shelly
Award. Nancy has been a devoted, tireless supporter of
PBD for years and we’re thrilled to recognize her great
work on behalf of the company.”
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