INSIDE: ARTS + CULTURE What makes a repertory theater? We ask the Asolo. 15 People with Purpose Richard Lawrence is working to better resources for parents. 14
BLACK
YOUROBSERVER.COM
TIE
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015
Photos by Heather Merriman
Above: Bud and Shari Harris with Betty and Bud Shapiro Right: Following social hour, guests watch a firework show over Sarasota Bay before enjoying the ballet performance.
Amy Gerome-Acuff and Dan Acuff
SARASOTA BALLET
24th Season Gala
‘A Tribute to the Great Rudolph Nureyev’
Judy and Peter Carlin
Benefiting Sarasota Ballet Friday, Feb. 27, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Chairwoman: Sydney Goldstein 250 guests | $140,000 raised at the event
A
night out at the ballet is always an elegant affair, and for more than 250 people, the evening was even more than that. Prior to the opening night of its “A Tribute to the Great Rudolph Nureyev,” Sarasota Ballet hosted its annual gala in the grand foyer at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The pre-ballet social gathering featuring hors d’oeuvres and wine was followed by an impressive fireworks show that lit up the sky over Sarasota Bay before guests gathered back inside to enjoy the performance in the auditorium. PAGE 3
HEATHER MERRIMAN | BLACK TIE EDITOR Crystal Ke, Tonirenee Taylor and Olivia Ratner record the fireworks show on their phones.
Chairwoman Sydney and Jerome Goldstein