Social

Caldwell Theatre Company 7901 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL Tel: 561-241-7432

Floridays Magazine	PHOTOS Opening Night Photos Click for photos from December 07, 2007 Grand Opening		Caldwell Theatre Chairman - Clive Cholerton, Steven Abrams (Mayor of Boca Raton), Countess Henrietta de Hoernle and Michael Hall (Caldwell Theatre Artistic Director).
	PHOTOS Dedication Ceremony Reception December 07, 2007

Vincent Gismondi and Frank Grande	Rafael Almeida, Katharine Dickenson, David Dickenson and Bill Branning	Marleen Forkas and Noretta Taylor	Susan and Dr. Howard Zipper

Philanthropists Honored at Dedication Ceremony of the Caldwell Theatre Company’s New Home:

The Count de Hoernle Theatre

by Kay Renz

The emotions were palpable during the recent dedication ceremony of the new Count de Hoernle Theatre in Boca Raton. The Caldwell Theatre Company had finally achieved their over decade-long dream of having a permanent home---and what a glorious home it is! The grand, state-of-the-art facility impressed the two hundred guests who enjoyed the joyous celebration of this new cultural gem.

The invitation-only event honored the many generous donors who have supported the long-held vision that the Caldwell Theatre deserved a home befitting the award-winning company’s venerable 33-year history.

The Caldwell’s Artistic Dirctor, Michael Hall, who has been the creative force of the theater since its inception, beamed with pride as he and major benefactor, the Henrietta Countess de Hoernle cut the red ribbon in the grand lobby.

“There were times when I thought I would never see this day,” expressed Countess de Hoernle. “This is indeed a momentous occasion, almost seventeen years in the making, and now we have a wonderful building that will bring theater to all the people… young children, teenagers and adults. I am so proud.”

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the guests ventured inside the 322- seat theater which was set for their inaugural play, the Pulitzer Prize winning, Doubt: A Parable. After the dignitaries and donors took their seats, Mayor Steven L. Abrams and the Cultural Council’s President and CEO Rena Blades gave heartfelt speeches praising the dedication and foresight of all involved. Then Michael Hall moved the audience with his touching words of gratitude for the donors and supporters who remained steadfast, even during the most difficult of times

“If I had to name all of you,” he said. “We would be here all night…you know who you are, and I want to thank each of you for making this night a reality.”

After much applause, Michael went on to introduce a very special performance by the talented Frankie and Ariana Grande. The brother and sister duo wowed the crowd with their musical talents, and showcased the theater’s stellar sound system and acoustics.

As the guests left the performance, they ventured to the lobby to mix, mingle and enjoy wonderful appetizers and desserts graciously provided by Arturo’s Restaurant, Taverna Kyma, Mark’s at the Park, and the Gazebo.

Then they had the unique privilege of taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, lead by the dynamic Patricia Burdett, the Caldwell’s Company Manager. Patricia charmingly led the crowds through the vast areas that most theater-goers never see, and explained the inner workings of the backstage setup for scenery changes and more.

As the party carried on, words of praise and delight were on everyone’s lips. The curtain had raised on a glorious new theater and the cultural landscape of Boca Raton had been magnificently changed forever.

For more information about the Caldwell and the upcoming season’s schedule please visit www.caldwelltheatre.com