Spring fine arts benefit will treat guests to “backstage pass”

January 20, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The “Splendor” benefit series held annually by the University of Florida Friends of Theatre and Dance has proven to be a welcome change from the standard approach to benefits by various local committees.

The annual event has transformed the President’s House into the realm of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and the golden age of America’s favorite pastime, baseball, in honor of the musical “Damn Yankees.”

“After every event, the guests are amazed. ‘How do they do it?,’ they ask us time and time again,” said Paul Favini, recently appointed director of the UF School of Theatre and Dance. “This year, we thought we’d show everyone exactly how we do it and have a lot of fun in the process.”

“Splendor 2011: Backstage Pass” will be held at the Nadine N. McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion, adjacent to the Reitz Student Union.

Here are some highlights:
• Witness the staging of a theatrical fight scene.
• Keep a lookout for traveling hors d’ oeuvres – creatively crafted and surprisingly entertaining “Living Tables” at your service.
• Observe costumers calming while gowning a diva, putting the fit back in fitting.
• Join or sit in on a musical review sing-a-long with hits from the silver screen and the “great white way.”
• Dance majors and their mentors have all the right moves and will treat you to a selection of pieces that will leave you awestruck.

The benefit will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. April 8. Tickets cost $100 and include hors d’ oeuvres, an open bar and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the UF School of Theatre and Dance (College of Fine Arts) through the UF Friends of Theatre and Dance, a group of patrons, supporters and “friends” of theatre and dance education at the University of Florida.

For information and reservations call 352-846-1218, or visit
http://www.arts.ufl.edu/alumnifriends/splendor.aspx.