An Evening of Dinner, Live Music and Entertainment
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5th ANNUAL SHELLY AWARD GIVEN TO ED RICCI
Saturday, March 17th
Even the traffic slowed down on busy Okeechobee Boulevard, when more than 200 guests were spotted “conga-lining” up the red carpet at the Cohen Pavilion on Saturday, March 17th for “A Hot Night in Havana at The Tropicana” — an evening of dining and dazzling dancing— in celebration and support of West Palm Beach’s only professional theater company, Palm Beach Dramaworks. Co-chaired by Jan Willinger and Don & Linda Silpe, the evening’s Latin tone was set from the start when cocktails were served in an amazing garden setting recreating the famous Cuban outdoor nightclub. Planned by noted designer Peter Rogers, gasps were heard as the tropically clad guests moved into the grand ballroom, which was transformed into the legendary nightclub complete with countless ceiling height Royal Palms and exotic flowers — even native birds! The evening continued with Producing Artistic Director William Hayes inviting Palm Beach Dramaworks Board Chairman, Mark Perlberg, to the stage, and both honored long-time supporter Ed Ricci with the fifth annual “Shelly Award”, an award dedicated to an individual who made an extraordinary commitment to developing and supporting the theatre community in South Florida.
Live music by the Grammy award-winner “Tomasito” Cruz & his critically acclaimed Salsa/Tropical Rhythms Orchestra and Stage Show had guests toe-tapping and shaking maracas while being enthralled by the breathtaking nightclub setting, glowing in shades of tropical gold and green light, with tables topped with prize-winning sky-high birds of paradise. Sponsors were graciously acknowledged by Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl. Mr. and Mrs. Silpe and Jan Willinger also welcomed the guests and thanked their Gala Committee, including Calla & Ralph Guild, Roy Bartolomei & Peter Wronsky, Penny & Mitchell Beers, Susan Bloom, Hon. Ann & Don Brown, Peter Cromarty, Esther & Sidney Dinerstein, Hermine Drezner & Jan Winkler, PNC Bank, Daphne & Robert Fessler, Mimi & Alec Flamm, Beth & Mark Goldberg,Kelly & Michael Gottlieb, Roe Green, Lois & Allan Hutensky, The Northern Trust Company, Dorothy Lappin, Sidney Lesowitz & Peter Rogers, Hon. Mary Lupo & Ed Ricci, Zelda & Allen Mason, Pamela & Brian McIver, Marilyn Meyerhoff, Diane & Mark Perlberg, Stephanie & John Pew, Marsha & Stephen Rabb, Ann Marie & Peter Rezzonico, Linda & Jay Rosenkranz, Shari Santell, Marlene & Martin Silver, Selma & Joseph Sitrick, David Veselsky & Kenneth Elias and Shelia & Larry Wilensky. Then the music and dancing really started under the incredible eye of the endearingly loved and celebrated “Tomasito” Cruz. Cited as one of the top percussionists in the world, he is a noted singer/songwriter and presented a unique show, full of Cuban flavor and Latin jazz fusion.
