On Feb. 24, 2018, the Nadine McGuire Theatre + Dance Pavilion transformed into a glamorous Old Hollywood party for Splendor 2018. A red carpet, a glam photo booth, and a program of unique performances and experiences set the scene for a fabulous night benefiting the School of Music and School of Theatre + Dance.
Here’s a recap of the highlights, photographs and impact of Splendor: Hollywood.
Lights!
SOTD students kicked off the evening with a performance of Another Op’nin, Another Show from this past fall’s production of Kiss Me, Kate. The jazzy number transitioned into a major highlight of the evening: sophomore Claire Tendl’s performance of the opera “Caro Nome” from Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigotello. The singer was accompanied by the UF Symphony Orchestra, giving a dreamy feel to the event. Tendle won the School of Music’s 50th annual concerto competition, thereby winning the opportunity to perform alongside the UF Symphony Orchestra.
Later in the program, musical theatre and acting students surprised College of the Arts Dean Lucinda Lavelli by performing a rendition of Maria from West Side Story as Lucinda in a special tribute to her 12 years of service as dean.
The performances wrapped up with the final number Hooray for Hollywood, performed by the Gatortones.
The silent auction offered unique items and experiences for bidders. A crowd favorite was a ceramic pot full of different kinds of succulents. An alumnus of the School of Art + Art History donated several wooden cutting boards, cut into shapes like ballet dancers and alligators, for bidding in the silent auction.
Cameras!
The paparazzi were in full force at Splendor! Guests walked the red carpet to the Nadine McGuire Pavilion, where the event took place. See them shine in this photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskx19Cs7.
A dazzling photo booth was available for guests to show off their glamorous attire. Guests donned quirky costume pieces like feather boas and top hats as they showed their million dollar smiles to the photographer. The photobooth album can be seen here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm7JoEAU.
Photographers were present at every moment of the event, capturing everything between performances by music and theatre students to the cocktail party in the atrium. Check out these photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsktZrT1k.
Action!
Most importantly, attendees of Splendor: Hollywood acted in support of the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance as they raised over $50,000 through donations. Donors also showed generosity by buying items on the Wish List, including gym mats for SOTD and money towards guest artists.
Do you want to support the fabulous SOM and SOTD students at UF? Consider joining the Friends of Music or the Friends of Theatre + Dance. College of the Arts Friends groups provide members opportunities to network with other arts supporters and community leaders and to attend special invitation-only events and behind-the-scenes opportunities. Friends provide invaluable support for our students and enjoy many unique opportunities to meet and watch our student talent soar.
Make sure to save the date for the next Splendor benefit on Saturday, March 23, 2019!
