Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory promises a magical evening filled with delight with its presentation of an “Enchanted Evening.” The winter gala performance will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in the Grand Ballroom of the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34601.
“This is one of our most important events of the year,” said Vince Vanni, spokesman for the theatre. “Proceeds will go towards supporting our mission to enrich families, individuals and our community as a whole by providing positive artistic experiences in the Performing Arts,” he said.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Hors D’oeuvres and a Silent Auction. Dinner will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Entertainment provided by the instructors of the Conservatory and company members of the Live Oak Theatre.
Randi Olsen, Artistic Director and President said, “The menu for the gala will feature French and Continental cuisine by Americo’s Catering, which includes beef bourguignon, chicken marsala and a vegetarian croissant souffle,’ as well as a Belgian chocolate fountain.” Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will follow a Beauty and the Beast theme (‘Try the Grey stuff- it’s delicious’).”
“The gala will also include excerpts from our shows this year, including Disney’s timeless stage masterpiece Beauty and the Beast,” said Vanni. “It’s a chance to see the performances so many people missed due to the fact that we were sold out,” he said.
A donation of $85 per person is suggested. To RSVP, email [email protected] or email [email protected]. To become a sponsor, visit liveoaktheatre.com.
Proceeds from the gala will be allocated toward capital improvements, upgrades and repairs. One particular project will be the construction of a security fence around the campus perimeter to enhance safety measures for the more than 220 students in our rapidly expanding Conservatory.
To complement Live Oak Theatre’s tradition of bringing top-notch musical theatre entertainment and training to our community, the Conservatory offers classes in dance, music and drama, which together make up a well-rounded and versatile performing arts educational program.
The Conservatory offers a wide range of opportunities for children (5–18) and adults to learn about all the performing arts. Some of the classes offered include Ballet, Tap, Acro, Acting, Music Theory, Advanced Ballet, Improv, Advanced Acting, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Primary and Youth Art, Stretch/Conditioning and more. Private lessons in a wide range of musical instruments are also offered at the conservatory. Veteran performers and instructors oversee all classes.
Vanni takes pride in the richness and diversity of Live Oak Conservatory programs. “What makes us so different from other programs is the fact that we are a repertory company, and our students get the opportunity to apply what they learn in actual productions,” he said.
“Since so many of our primary performers are graduating to other classes, we now have room in primary acting, musical theatre and art,” said Vanni. “The sustainability of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory relies on your support. We appreciate all that you do to help us succeed.”
For information about classes and the Live Oak Conservatory, go to www.LiveOakTheatre.org/Conservatory, or call 352-593-0270. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre.
