STEPPIN’, SONGS, and STORIES

Join us to raise funds for improving the theater and continuing our productions for you. The lobby opens at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Your ticket includes hor d’oeuvres (list will be posted on our FACEBOOK page) before the show and at intermission, plus upscale wine, soda and water. You also get one raffle entry for great gifts and additional chance tickets will be available on a cash-only basis.

Come help the theater, enjoy complimentary food and beverages, and be entertained by community groups and performers who generously donated their time and talent for this benefit.

The Silver Fox Dancers

The Silver Foxes have regaled Venice Theatre audiences for almost 30 years with song, dance and humor. We have their road show dance troupe led by dance choreographer Maria Santagada for some razzle dazzle and steppin’ sophistication that will get your toes tappin’ too!

Storytelling from the Stage

Modern storytelling is original, personal, funny and sometimes poignant. Three story tellers take you on quick but satisfying journeys with characters, action, conflict, and a resolution — often with unexpected twists and turns. Our storytellers include Max McGee, from the Florida Studio Theatre comedic storytelling program; comedian, storyteller, and motivational speaker Mary Ellen DePetrillo, and Scott Ehrenpreis, co-author and star of “Clowns Like Me,” winner of the 2023 Broadway World Sarasota “Best New Play” Award, produced off-Broadway this summer.

The Venice Gondoliers’ Three Jacks and a Queen Quartet

Get ready for some timeless tunes and heavenly harmony with these acapella singers from the Venice Gondoliers, bringing Barbershop to the Venice community since 1970. The Jacks are Chris Dux, lead/melody; Jim Schaertl, Baritone; Gary Fisher, Bass; and the Queen is Nancy Frayer, Tenor.

Three-Minute Play Trio

Ten-minute plays are gems with all the elements of a full length play except they are short and sweet. There’s not a wasted word or moment. Since 2006, Sarasota’s Theater Odyssey has staged these as the highlight of its 10-minute play competition. Enjoy three award winners by members of the Sarasota Association of Playwrights, including:

• H.S. Reunion: By Arthur Keyser, directed by Bob LaSalle, starring Bob LaSalle, Mike Gilbert and Donna Hadley.
• I’m Not Dead Until I Say I’m Dead: By Ron Pantello, directed by Ric Goodwin, starring Gloria Bandy and Henry Barr.
• Ancestry: By Connie Schindlewolf, directed by Kathi Faulkner, starring Kathi Faulkner and Joseph Giglia.

Host: Kathy McSteen, LBPH board member, comedian, playwright and is the evening’s MC.

Stage Manager: Donna Hadley