BOCA RATON –Honorees, patrons, performing artists, judges, sponsors, special guests, and members enjoyed a fun-filled evening at the National Society of Arts and Letters, Boca Raton South Florida Chapter Annual Red Rose Dinner Gala, celebrated recently at Brooks Restaurant, Deerfield Beach. Award-winning students and seasoned performers shared their musical talents for a truly memorable evening.
The evening began with a welcome message from NSAL President Judi Asselta, followed by a musical Invocation “To Believe,” sung by Melanie Sierra, a Shirley Rabb Winston Scholar for Voice entry.
Distinguished presenter Christine Lynn, chairman of the board, Lynn University, introduced gala honoree, Jan McArt, “The First Lady of Theatre.” and presented the “National Society of Arts and Letters Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership and Artistic Excellence.” She responded graciously by introducing friends in the audience who have been a special part of her life.
McArt has had a wide-ranging career in opera, Broadway, TV, performing on concert stage with symphonies, cabaret night spots and many world-wide engagements. Her Royal Palm Dinner Theatre ran successfully for over 24 years. Currently, Jan is founder and producer of the Libby Dodson’s Live at Lynn series and notable director of Theatre Arts Program at Lynn University.
Shari Upbin, director of the NSAL Musical Theatre Competition introduced the winners and sponsors. Marilyn Nelson, Beth Holland and Dorinda Spahr presented award monies to Chloe Dolandis, first place; Jose Luaces, second place and Melanie Sierra, third place.
President Asselta proudly presented a well-deserved NSAL Distinguished Service Award to Adele and James Barrett.
NSAL Lynn University Scholarships of $1,000 each for piano, strings and theatre arts were presented to: Agneiszka Sornek, Piano, Anna Tsukervanik, Violin and Sophia Barrett, drama by underwriters Isabelle Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mandich and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spahr. The performing artists were introduced by Lisa Leonard, head of instrumental collaborative piano and artist faculty at Lynn University.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the NSAL President’s Award by former president Dame Alyce Erickson to Judi Asselta, commending her for four successful years as Boca Raton Chapter President. and the introduction of the NSAL Scholarship program in the Performing Arts High Schools in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.
Following the ceremonies, it was announced that Shari Upbin, Boca Raton Theatre Director and former New York producer and director of over 50 productions, has been elected as the incoming president of NSAL Boca Raton South Florida Chapter.
Special thanks were given to gala directors Dame Alyce Erickson, Roswitha Guzinski, Philippa Reboli & Dorinda Spahr for a magical and memorable evening.