Black Tie Untied

Starry Night Dinner III: ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’

To celebrate Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” guests gathered at the private residence of Kevin Schoeler and Philip van der Voet for the third Starry Night Dinner Saturday, Jan 12. The show runs Jan. 24 through April 13, with a preview on Jan. 22.

The gorgeous home of Schoeler and van der Voet was decorated to highlight the comedic show — bright, happy colors adorned the tables on the patio and apples were an added element to the table settings as a representation of the characters dressing as characters of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs during the show.

Specialty drinks representing the lead characters were offered to guests: “The Vanya,” a dirty martini, “The Sonia,” a scotch on the rocks, “The Masha,” a passion fruit martini and “The Spike,” a blow pop martini.
Guests also had the chance to mingle with director Peter Amster and a few of the artists from the show. Tyla Abercrumber (Cassandra), Anne-Marie Cusson (Masha) and Tori Grace Hiens (Nina) were all in attendance. Amster and the artists participated in a panel discussion and offered an exclusive performance of the show.

Temple Beth Israel Gala ‘The Oldies but Goodies’

Temple Beth Israel held its annual gala, Dr. David Solomon, Sunday, Jan. 12, at Michael’s On East. The event, named “The Oldies But Goodies,” was themed around the 1950s. Guests, including Temple Beth Israel Vice President Kathy Brooks and her husband Gary, dressed to the theme.

A disco ball and popular 1950s music played while guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres (old-fashioned hamburgers and fries) during cocktail hour.

For the fifth year, dedicated members were honored with awards at the gala. Shirley Fein and Suzanne Lutkoff were honored with the “Distinguished Service” award and Robin Tannenbaum was honored with the “Rising Star Award.”

Bradenton Opera Guild Gala

The Bradenton Opera Guild held its annual gala “A Winter Gala” Sunday, Jan. 12, at Bird Key Yacht Club. Sarasota Opera Board of Directors Chairman Don Worthington was honored at the event, and received multiple toasts throughout the dinner.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Sarasota Opera Artists and following dinner, danced the night away to the Scott Blum Quartet.