Auction items set for Roman toga party

The cast of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum.' COURTESY PHOTO

Florida Repertory Theatre announced its top auction items for this season's gala fundraising event, "Roman Forum 2008." On Saturday, March 1, Bay Street, in the Fort Myers River District, will be transformed into a Roman Forum alive with models, street performers, decadent food and drink and some very unique and extravagant items up for bid in both silent and live auctions.

The event is a Roman-themed party inspired by Florida Rep's production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" (on stage through Mar. 16), and guests are encouraged, but not required, to come in classic Roman wear. 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.

The centerpiece of the event, both the silent and live auctions, features some very hot items up for bid. "It is quite an extensive auction," said Amiee Turner, Co-Chair of the event, "and in addition to some of the travel packages and artwork, there are a few very unique items that only Florida Rep could offer."

One of the top items up for bid is a trip for two to New York City on jetBlue Airways complete with tickets to Broadway shows and a stay in a fashionable SOHO apartment. This travel package is furnished by jetBlue Airways, Dreamtime Entertainment ertainment and Florida Rep.

Contiental Indigo), Ed in home of jewelry that the Other items include a weekend in uite at Miami's beautiful Interntiental a suite Inter- Hotel (donated by Hotel igo), Pet Portraits by retired artist Unser, from Pet Kingdom, a puppy need of a good and loving me and a significant piece ewelry from Lily & Co. t will be highlighted in Temple of Juno.

Again this season, Florida Rep is auctioning off a cameo role, this time in its production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The top bidder on this unique item will be treated to an afternoon rehearsal with Director Robert Cacioppo and the talented cast that includes Tony-nominee, Stephen Mo Hanan. In addition to the performance, the top bidder will receive 10 tickets to the show and a $100 gift certificate to the Brick Bar to celebrate their professional stage debut in style with adoring fans.

Another trademark at any Florida Rep auction is dinner at the Cacioppo home with a meal prepared specially for the top bidder by Chef Cacioppo. "Anyone who's been to a Florida Rep opening night party knows how special this is," said Turner. The winner of this item will be treated to multi-course meal for 6 with personally selected wines, and served with theatrical flair by the evening's consummate hosts, Robert and Carrie Cacioppo.

 

In commemoration of the 10th Anniversary, Florida Rep commissioned a work by local Artist, Myra Roberts. The original oil painting, now on Display at Arts for ACT, will be featured in the auction as well. Roberts is an accomplished artist and portrait artist whose many commissioned paintings capture the unique personality of her subjects.

Featured hosts of the live auction will be local celebrities Mitch Haley and the Downtown Diva, Stephanie Davis.

The funds raised at the event will benefit Florida Rep in many ways, but will primarily benefit the Rep's many education programs that reach over 16,000 young people in Southwest Florida every season.

Roman Forum 2008 takes the River District by storm on Saturday March 1st from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 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 332-4488 or toll free at (877) 787-8053.

Roman Forum 2008 is sponsored by: FineMark National Bank & Trust, Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency, Arthur Zupko, John and Marjorie Madden, Dan and Shirley Valentine, Hotel Indigo, Julie K. Smith and Steven B. Smith, E. Bruce Strayhorn, Stilwell Enterprises and Gerald and Jan Roberts. Additional sponsorship comes from Florida Weekly, Noise, Inc., The News-Press, Red Salon & Spa and Mr. Foamy.