Life, Arts & Society ED 4th

FAU’s Theatre Lab wins excellence award at Carbonell presentation

Tri-Rail’s ‘South Florida’s Kids Got Talent’ invites budding vocalists to perform at auditions Dec. 10

By Dale King

Tri-Rail, South Florida’s principal commuter rail system, invites talented kids ages 5 to 17 to audition for “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent,” a singing competition held as part of TriRail’s “Rail Fun Day.”

Young singers from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are encouraged to audition for the chance to compete in the judged event. Auditions will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd.

“Tri-Rail is proud to showcase the amazing talent of kids from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties,” said David Dech, executive director of SFRTA/Tri-Rail. “This annual tradition highlights the importance of our train system by bringing families together from all over the tri-county area, just as we do for our passengers every day.”

The singing competition is open to solo or group singers who are South Florida residents. Each act will get a four-minute opportu-

nity to perform at the auditions. A panel of judges will select the acts that will compete in the fi nal competition, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, during Tri-Rail’s 13th annual “Rail Fun Day.”

During the January 2022 competition, Ilan Tarrab won the hearts of the audience and judges with his smooth retro style, earning him the $500 grand prize, one-year contract that included a photo shoot with composite cards courtesy of Posche Models & Talent and professional studio recording sessions with MikeSoperMusic.

Over the past several years, Tri-Rail’s “Rail Fun Day” has welcomed more than 25,000 children and families. The event has become an annual tradition as a free afternoon of interactive games, arts and crafts and entertainment while promoting the benefits of riding the commuter rail system.

To schedule an audition, register at www.tri-rail.com and then call GPR at (954) 806-2869 by Dec. 8.

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton marks 10th anniversary at

annual Mayor’s Ball

Ilan Tarrab, winner of the 2022 edition of ‘South Florida’s Kids Got Talent,’ displays a big copy of his check for taking first place.

Sammy Kaye and Gale Wechsler. (Photo by Dale King)

Mary Stern and Julia Hebert (Photo by Dale King)

Dr. Michael T.B. Dennis. (Photo by Dale King)

Chief executives attending the 7th Annual Mayor’s Ball are, from left, Bill Smith and wife, Bonny; Steven Abrams and wife, Debbie and current Mayor Scott Singer and wife, Bella. (Photo by Dale King)

Gale Wechsler

Eda and Cliff Viner (Photo by Dale King)

Jim and Marta Batmasian, standing rear, with sons and daughterin-law. Seated from left, Jim Batmasian Jr., Natalie Batmasian and Armen Batmasian. (Photo by Dale King)

FAU’s Theatre Lab wins excellence award at Carbonell presentation

ByDaleKing

Theatre Lab -- the professional resident performance company at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton –received the 2022 Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence during the 45th annual Carbonell Awards pre sentation held Nov. 7 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts

Center in Lauderhill.

That particular honor, established in 2006 and named for the late theater writer and journalist for the Miami News and South Florida Sun-Sentinel, is given to the the ater company that exemplifies excellence for the totality

of its programming: productions, educational outreach, developmental programs and audiences served.

Previous Von Maurer award winners include Palm Beach Dramaworks (2020); City Theatre (2015); Maltz Jupiter Theatre (2011) and Actor’s Playhouse at the Mir acle Theatre (2007).

“We’re all incredibly humbled and honored by this rec ognition and deeply grateful to everyone who has and continues to make our work possible,” said Matt Stabile, producing artistic director at Theatre Lab who accepted the award in front of a nearly full audience on awards night.

Established in 2015, Theatre Lab is housed on the Bo ca Raton campus in the intimate 99-seat Heckscher Stage theatre space. While at the podium, Stabile joked that The atre Lab was created in a building on campus that once housed a frozen yogurt shop. He noted with a laugh how easy it would be to continue dispensing the delicious con fection, if necessary.

He said Theatre Lab’s mission to “inspire, develop and produce new work, artists and audiences” engages the South Florida community with world-class professional theatre performances, workshops and conversations with leading playwrights and theatre artists.

As one of the only companies in the area exclusive ly dedicated to “new work,” Theatre Lab has shared 16 world, U.S., and regional premiere productions with the South Florida community.

With the goal of establishing South Florida as a na tional force in the new play movement, Theatre Lab of fers several reading and development events, including the annual New Play Festival and the Playwright’s Forum & Master Class Series, each season. These events have been home to more than 100 developmental readings of new plays by visiting playwrights from across the country.

Eleven of Theatre Lab’s full productions have come directly from these events and countless others have re ceived productions across the country -- including such notable locations as the Humana Festival and Broadway.

For more information about Theatre Lab, visit www. fau.edu/theatrelab.

Members of Theatre Lab at Florida Atlantic University (FAU Photo)

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton marks

10th anniversary at annual Mayor’s Ball

By Dale King

The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton celebrated its 10th anniversary Saturday night at Boca West Country Club with the sponsorship of its seventh Annual Boca Raton Mayor’s Ball.

“Tropical Paradise” was the theme as Rotarians rolled out the “blue” carpet to some 500 guests who enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks and a sumptuous dinner followed by a visit to an adjoining room filled with desserts for a sweet nightcap.

In its grand tradition, the black-tie gala drew generations of Boca Raton’s dignitaries, business and community leaders who enjoyed the lavish reception and dinner, dancing-thenight-away to the Steve Chase Band, George Long Award presentations and exciting silent and live auctions.

Table sponsors numbered 22, including Gale Wechsler of the Wechsler Foundation, who invited 20 guests.

Among city executives who took center stage were current Mayor Scott Singer and his wife, Bella, former Mayor Steven Abrams and wife, Debbie and former Mayor Bill Smith and wife, Bonny. Singer hushed the crowd to pay tribute to the late Mayor Susan Whelchel, a former two-term Boca chief executive who died in August after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

As usual, proceeds raised at the ball benefit Boca Ratonbased non-profits whose communities have health and wellness needs. Distributed through a formal RCDBR “Service Above Self” grant application process, proceeds from the Mayor’s Ball held in 2021 will fulfill grant requests submitted by more than 17 area nonprofits, as well as a percentage donated to Rotary International’s fund for polio eradication.

“Each year, it is the generosity of Mayors Ball sponsors

and attendees that makes a difference in the lives of so many,” said Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Mayors Ball Co-Chair David Eltringham. “Our club is so excited to again host this spectacular evening.”

The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton’s George Long Awards, named for the city’s first mayor, went to ADT (forprofit), the YMCA South Palm Beach County (nonprofit) and Eda and Cliff Viner (individual). Each was recognized for their continual efforts to support and promote Boca Raton.

In addition to the George Long Awards, The Dr. Ira Gelb Health & Wellness Visionary Award went to Dr. Michael T.B. Dennis, a trustee of Florida Atlantic University, Schmidt College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council Chair and Chair Emeritus for Life of the Palm Beach County Medical Society.

The 2022 RCDBR Mayors Ball Co-chairs were Rosie Inguanzo Martin and David Eltringham. Honorary chairs were 2021 Co-chair Jonathan Whitney and wife Nicole and RCDBR Founding Member Shaheer Hosh and wife Gloria. The event was produced by Kaye Communications.

This year’s host committee included current President Jon Carter, President-Elect Jeff Weber, past Mayors Ball cochairs Kim Champion, Ingrid Fulmer, Arlene Herson, Jon Kaye, Dyana Kenney and Constance Scott. Additional committee members included Stuart Fife, Bruce Spizler, Gwen Herb, Alan Kaye, Allen Konis, Garcia Peters, Linda Petrakis, Ron Rubin, Howard Tai, Gloria Wank, Janice Williams and Marilyn Wilson.

Founded in July 2012, The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is dedicated to impacting the Boca Raton community through Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self.”

The Holiday Season Kicks

O in Boca

Raton with “Light The Lights” and Oneof-a-Kind Holiday Experience

Light Up Boca, a series of winter holiday festivities, kicks off on Saturday, November 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater (MPA), 590 Plaza Real, with Light the Lights, a FREE holiday happening, culminating with the City of Boca Raton’s and Mizner Park’s annual tree lighting ceremony.

The centerpiece of Mizner Park and Downtown Boca’s holiday display will be an enchanted walk-through experience throughout the park’s median with 16’ x 10’ illuminated tree canopy walkway reflective of a white magical forest. The path will reveal a series of large, dramatic ice crystals. Across from the Mizner Park Amphitheater will be an outdoor lighted art gallery with three interactive custom picture frames that invite guests to be a part of. Complementing the decor will be cascading style lighted fountains of lights at the main fountain and patterned golden/bronze light poles.

“This inaugural holiday display will truly transform Downtown Boca into a winter wonderland,” said Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater and Community Events Manager for the City of Boca Raton. “This fun, festive and interactive experience will usher in a new tradition and attract visitors to the area throughout the holiday season.”

The production is brought to Boca Raton by Chitwood Studios, who for more than 20 years has created unique visual presenta-

tions with lighting, projection and scenery for such companies as Disney, Facebook, the World Games, Phillips Electronics and many more.

Festivities will include holiday vendors; DJ Disco Dance Party with games and snow flurries from 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.; photos with Santa; trackless train rides; letters to Santa; a giant snow globe for photo opportunities; costumed characters; food and beverage vendors; and a stage show, “Hollywood Holiday” with singing dancing and a live band at 7:30 p.m.

The evening will feature the ceremonial lighting of the City’s tree led by Mayor Scott Singer and City Council at 7:15 p.m., that will illuminate simultaneously with Mizner Park’s 30-foot white tree at the south end of the center and all of the holiday lighting throughout Downtown Boca.

Throughout Mizner Park, 50,000 LED lights will adorn 75 palm trees; poles will be laced with garland; lights and four wreaths (each 60” in diameter) will be placed throughout the center; garland will be swooped throughout the gazebos and the valet parking station – all of which will be decorated with lights and holiday trimmings.

Your favorite Mizner Park restaurants will be open with special seating options offering great views of the holiday décor and lights. Please contact the restaurants directly for more information.

Arlene Herson and Beverlee Schnellenberger. (Photo by Dale King)

Linda Petrakis and Gale Wechsler. (Photo by Dale King)

From left, Shaheer Hosh, Miss Universe Michelle McLean-Bailey, Gale Wechsler, Gloria Hosh and Jon Kaye. (Andrea Mate Photography)