GableStage adds to city's quality theater scene

BY GLORIA BURNS

Theater-goers in the Gables are blessed with a variety of great venues. While Actors' Playhouse continues with its hit comedy mystery, Communicating Doors, GableStage is enjoying one of its most successful plays ever, Tracy Lett's Killer Joe.

According to local publicist Connie Crowther, the response to Killer Joe -- described as a visceral, edgy drama as well as a comedy suspense thriller -- has been so great that they have extended it through Feb. 27.

Tackling a bucket of Kentucky Fried chicken, which figures prominently in the play, are cast members of Killer Joe at the GableStage at the Biltmore. Pictured (l-r) are Mark Whittington; David Caprita; Pamela Roza; Ellen Beck, GableStage executive director; (Ms.) Charlie Becker and Ken Clement.

For a great evening of theater and fine dining, the Biltmore Hotel has a special offer -- an early bird prix fixe menu for $18.95 for patrons with GableStage theater tickets. Of course those attending show's opening night party were treated to an altogether different dining package that picked up on the tacky trailer dwelling Texas family in the play. Aside from the usual champagne and canapés, guests were also treated to KFC, pork rinds, Twinkies and enough high fat food to raise anyone's cholesterol to a dangerous level.

Pictured at the Cabaret Chairs Party are (l-r, top) Iris Torres-Rivera and Patty Brewer, and (bottom) Michele Collier, Barbara Lapsley, Susan Tilson and Wanda Romero.

Among those seen at the opening night party hosted by GableStage executive director Ellen Beck, were Jack and Ruth Admire, Richard and Barbara Garrett, Rhoda Levitt, Jack Hall, Betsy Kreger, Judith Delgado, Roger Rundle, John Helow, Phyllis Parash, Tom Meers, Robert Sanchez, Karen Caruso, Rebecca Martin, Helena Tetzeli, Amy Dash, Doug Kramer, Carlos Rodrigues, Osvaldo Palacios, Kevin Dean, Brandy Rose, Ann and Murry Drescher, Sondra Kolker, David Kern and Ingrid Schuval.

Those interested in tickets can call Gablestage box office at 305 445-1119.

Speaking of great events, the Gables is in for another treat, The Tropical Baroque Music Festival, brought to us by the Miami Bach Society. The festival will run Mar. 4-11, with different venues including an opening performance at Fairchild Tropical Gardens and a closing performance at the Biltmore Hotel, which includes the Miami Bach Society Orchestra performing Handel and accompanying fireworks.

For more information on that call 305- 669-1376.

Those of you wanting to enjoy the outdoors may want to take your lead from Gables Rotarians. After taking a few weeks off following their annual Promenade, the group is tackling another project as volunteers for the Jungle Jog, a race taking place on Feb. 20 at Metrozoo. The race will benefit the zoo, however a portion also will benefit the Gables Rotary Club's Trinidad project, which has helped give the disabled in that country a much brighter and self reliant future.

Frank Sexton, Tim McDermott, Richard Butler and Don Ross are among those organizing volunteers for Rotary. For some of us planning to help with that race, it will double as a great way to promote another race being held in our backyard, the Tour of the Gables 5K Run/Walk. The Tour of the Gables benefits the Coral Gables High School PTSA as well as Coral Gables

Community Foundation, which awards the funds to deserving local charities.

This year's race committee is headed by Bob Shaffer with lots of help from his committee and the chamber staff. Sponsors already committed to the race include Baptist Health Systems and Commercebank NA.

While the Chamber readies for a race, Gables Juniors begin preparations for Cabaret 2000, entitled " Back To The Beat." The kick off for Cabaret sub chairs began with a party at Coral Gables' home of Carmen Suarez on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Cabaret Show Chairman Vicky McGroarty, and Show Chairman, Carmen Suarez, wined and dined their dedicated group of directors inspiring them to work harder than ever to produce another successful show and, in turn, raise the needed funds for the club's free dental clinic for children. Among those attending the get together were Michele Collier, Barbara Lapsley, Susan Tilson, Patty Brewer, Iris Torres Rivera, Teri Rios Otero and Wanda Romero.
One committee chair not present, and a person without whom there would be a great void, was Tania Stern. Stern is a former Cabaret Show and general chair as well as a former club president and no one handles accessories like her according to choreographer Clay James. This year's show will be on May 19, 20 and 21. Save the date.

Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is executive director of Coral Gables Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission of promoting projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people living and working in Coral Gables. For more information on the Foundation, call 305-446-9670.