Page 7 - The Islander - May '24

The Islander, Page 7

Fundraising from page 6
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. Penny Bank and Carlton
Upon entering the lobby, Moody
guests were greeted by
displays of mannequins decked out in 1920s attire, Ted Poritz, Honorable Ann Brown and Jon Maurer, Gil Maurer, Gretchen
courtesy of PBD Costume Shop Manager/Resident Costume Roger Galvin Maurer Lois Steinberg and Ibby Lucas
Designer Brian O’Keefe. Guests looked equally nifty: Many
women revealed their inner flapper, wearing dresses full of Each table in the elegantly decorated ballroom sported the student programs that have literally changed lives,
fringe and sporting long strands of pearls and other period lace gold placemats that captured the essence of an Art Deco with a special emphasis on the One Humanity Tour.
accoutrements, including feathers in their hair, feathered starburst. The 1920s theme extended to the centerpieces, The tour travels to Palm Beach County middle schools,
boas, fans and endless cigarette holders. Men were the cat’s which were different from table to table but all period, such as bringing commissioned plays about complex subjects
pajamas in pinstriped suits, double-breasted jackets, fedoras a vintage typewriter, radio, or telephone. There was a special that use storytelling to develop informed, thoughtful and
and Panama hats. performance by the great dancers of Glitter Productions and compassionate citizens. Board Treasurer Mark Perlberg
revelers were entertained by and danced to the music of the shined a light on the Perlberg Festival of New Plays and
beloved Jill and Rich Switzer Band, who performed songs the key role it can play in helping to develop the future of
from the ’20s through today in their inimitable jazz style. theatre. And former Board Chair Louise Snyder had the
You might say they were the bee’s knees. honor of presenting Nancy Beard with the 2024 Shelly
The Honorable Ann Brown, Board vice chair, began the Award, which is given to an outstanding individual for his
opening remarks by expressing her passion for PBD and or her exceptional commitment to support of and advocacy
discussing why the company is essential to the fabric of the on behalf of PBD. The award is named in honor of the late
community. Other speakers were Producing Artistic Director Shelly Gross, theatre impresario and Broadway producer,
William Hayes and Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl, who had a profound effect on the company.
Chairman of the Board Carlton Moody and Gala Chairs Generous supporters of the evening included Dinner
Marsha and Stephen Rabb. Sponsors Nancy and Gene Beard, Nancy Goodes/Goodes
Following dinner, the focus was on some of PBD’s most Family Foundation, Toni and Martin Sosnoff; Decorations
vital programs. Director of Education and Community
Sue Ellen Beryl, Louise Snyder, Nancy Beard, Bill Hayes Engagement Gary Cadwallader talked about a few of Fundraising on page 10

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