"It is our tenth anniversary," says Producing Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo, "and we wanted to throw a party that people would never forget. So in honor of the musical event of the season A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, we decided to have a Roman themed toga party." Bay Street, between Jackson and Hendry Streets, will be closed for the night and transformed into the Ancient Roman Festival of Matronalia and guests are encouraged, but not required, to dress in Classic Roman Wear.
"Ladies should have fun. Anything from your best bed sheets to the latest in Roman styled couture gowns," says Amiee Turner, Florida Rep's Development Director and Co-Chair of the event. "The gentlemen should not be left behind either. Whether it's a tuxedo and a laurel wreath or a tribute to Animal House, anything goes...it is Rome after all."The event will also feature silent and live auctions with some very high-quality items and travel packages, food and drink and the best theatrics Florida Rep has to offer. "Our ensemble of performers is the best around, and Sondheim's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is playing in March. New York's best talent will be right here in Fort Myers," says Cacioppo with a grin, "and if we're lucky some of them may be in attendance."
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."We're just giddy about the food and drink options," says event co-chair, Jane Lane. "There will be platters of food everywhere, and bottles of wine on every table. We are also working closely with the City of Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency, and hope to have as many River District restaurants involved as possible. This is as much a celebration for Florida Rep as it is a showcase for the new face of the River District."A fund raising event like this would not be possible without the generous support of both corporate and individual sponsors. "We've been very lucky thus far," says Lane, "and couldn't be happier to have so many wonderful sponsors on board for this event."
"Guests can either purchase a table for 10 people or individual tickets," Lane finished, "but either way you do not want to miss this party! It is sure to go down in Fort Myers history as one of the most outrageous and extravagant fundraisers this town has ever seen.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."The Romans were good at a lot of things," says Cacioppo, "but the two things they knew best were Theatre and how to throw a party. We're taking a cue from them, and it shouldn't be missed. So come, see and conquer!"
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