In the News: Broadway singers perform in Fort Myers at Gulf Coast Symphony event
January 19, 2017
Broadway performers Larry Alexander and Carolann Sanita will sing the songs of Irving Berlin at a fundraising gala for Gulf Coast Symphony next month.
The cabaret-style show, called “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” takes place Saturday, Feb. 4, at Gateway Golf and Country Club. The program includes Berlin classics such as “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Always” and — of course — “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
The symphony will also honor longtime supporter Sam Galloway Jr. and the orchestra’s volunteer librarian, Tom Santin.
Alexander is a familiar face to Southwest Florida theater lovers: He’s a longtime song-and-dance man at TheatreZone’s musical productions in Naples. He’s also performed on Broadway in “Les Miserables” (as Marius) and Off-Broadway in “Party” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Sanita toured the United States in the first national tour of “The Music Man” and the world in the European and Asian tours of “West Side Story” (as Maria). She’s also appeared in various productions on and off Broadway, including singing back-up for Linda Eder at the Palace Theatre.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” comes during a busy month for the community orchestra. January and February also celebrate Gulf Coast Symphony’s annual “20 Days of Music” — 20 days of free musical activities throughout Southwest Florida. The event started Jan. 14 and continues through Feb. 26.
Activities include small group performances, outdoor concerts, “Lunch & Learn” classes, Symphony Storytime for young children and more.
“The core vision of the Gulf Coast Symphony is bringing our community together through music,” said symphony Music and Executive Director Andrew Kurtz in a press release. “And the ’20 Days of Music’ celebration is our way of giving back to the community and working with our partners to share our love of music.”
All ’20 Days of Music’ events are free. Tickets for “Puttin’ on the Ritz” are $150 and include a gourmet dinner, open bar and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the Gulf Coast Symphony’s MusicWorks! education initiative at The Heights Center.
The fundraiser starts at 6 p.m. with cocktails and concludes with the 9 p.m. performance. The Gateway Golf and Country Club is located at 12091 Gateway Greens Drive in Fort Myers.
To learn more about “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “20 days of Music,” call 277-1700 or visit GulfCoastSymphony.org.
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