Page 6 - Boca Club News - May '23

Page 6, Boca Club News
South Florida Premiere of “Disenchanted”

at Kravis Center In West Palm Beach Through May 27th

“And they lived happily ever talent, and Van Dyke has assembled a stellar cast of local
MNM’s mission has always been to hire South Florida
after. Well… not exactly.” princesses: Aaron Bower plays Sleeping Beauty, along with
Jinon Deeb as Pocahontas and Princess Badroulbadour,
Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. Who needs ’em? Not Kat Gold as Mulan and Rapunzel, Shelley Keelor as Snow
Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in this White, Ashley Rubin as Cinderella, Leah Sessa as The Little
“musical comedy for grownups” that’s anything but Grimm. Mermaid and Belle, and Vallery Valentine as the Princess
Marcie Gorman and MNM Theatre Company is presenting Who Kissed the Frog.
the South Florida premiere of “Disenchanted”, a fun-loving, MNM is also one of the companies in South
subversive—and definitely “not-for-the kiddies”—musical Florida that continues to use live musicians: MAC and
revue proving that happily ever after can be a royal pain in the Bistro Award-winner Bobby Peaco will serve as this
you-know-what! The show is running in the Rinker Playhouse show’s Musical Director and pianist, and will lead the
at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm production’s musical team of Julie Jacobs on Drums and
Beach, now through May 27th. Robert Ziawinski on Bass.
“This one is just so much fun,” notes Gorman. “These Book, Music, and Lyrics for “Disenchanted” are by
princesses have so much to say about almost everything. It’s Dennis T. Giacino, developed with Fiely Matias. The
very funny, very clever, and a little bit raunchy for sure, but (Left to right): Vallery Valentine, Jinon Deeb, Shelley Keelor, Production Stage Manager is Francesca Barioli; the
as we all know there can be a lot of truth in comedy–and in Aaron Bower, Ashley Rubin, Leah Sessa. Assistant Stage Manager is Randall Swinton. Lighting
satire.” Design is by Karalyn Fitzgerald, and Sound Design is
Please note: “Disenchanted” contains some adult material. “It is such a pleasure to be reunited with this wonderful by Justin Thomppson. Penny Williams is the Costume
It is not suitable for children under the age of 13. show and introduce it to south Florida audiences,” says Designer, Wigs are by Justin Lore (Tease & Floof Theatrical
“Disenchanted” debuted Off-Broadway in 2014 and played “Disenchanted” director Jonathan Van Dyke, who originally Wig Boutique), Props are by Abby Rasmussen, and Scenic/
to sold-out houses and rave reviews. The show garnered a cast the show when it ran in Tampa, and eventually became Set Design is by Jordon Armstrong.
number of award nominations, including Outstanding Off- that production’s company manager. “Although it’s a Performances of “Disenchanted” take place on Friday
Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards), Best New raucous, feel-good, uproarious musical,” he continues, “it and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Off-Broadway Musical (Off Broadway Alliance Awards), also delivers plenty of honesty and poignancy, culminating Tickets can be purchased online at kravis.org, or by calling
and two Lucille Lortel Award nominations. It has played in in a true celebration of all women. In fact, in my opinion, (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471. Tickets range in price
multiple languages in 13 countries on five continents, including women and men will embrace and connect with this from $55 to $65. For information regarding group rates,
an extended 16-week run at the Straz Theatre in Tampa. empowering material.” call (561) 651-4438 or (561) 651-4304.

People You Should Know… from page 1

On May 15th, 2012, five months into his deployment
leading operations with Afghan security forces, Ben was
injured during a mission in which he stepped on a 10-pound
pressure-plate IED. He flew several feet in the air, losing
both of his legs above the knee, two fingers, and a portion
of his right forearm in the blast. Ben’s will to live and his
ODA’s teamwork under pressure enabled Ben to be medically
evacuated, first to Germany and then to Walter Reed Medical
Center.
Ben’s extreme resilience led him to embark upon a Sal, his wife Wendy, and three of their Ocean Reef Family Wellness Retreat Committee Members (Left to Right)
procedure to extend his femur to empower his ability to walk grandchildren—daughter Gina and son-in-law Tim Sullivan, Kevin & Carole Chase, Jim & Erin Seale, Rich and Nikki
and live a life full of continued mobility and leadership. Ben Ben Harrow’s children: baby Gia, Peyton (12) Beyer, Chuck & Shelia Wagner, Pete & Anne Liashek. (Not Shown: Mike
set a world record for growth to his femur of 6.5 inches in a and Marchesa (8). Berman, Bill & Lisa Slater, Nick and Suellen Paleologos, & Ray Larkin)
process known as osseo-distraction. Ben trailblazed a path
at Walter Reed, and his procedure still sets an example for The Newest Chapter in this Family’s Story of this retreat firsthand, Gina Harrow understands its
fellow wounded warriors at Walter Reed. As if the foregoing were not impressive enough, there importance for military families.
After making a truly amazing recovery, Ben for the past is more to be told in this family’s story of inspiration and Yellow Ribbon Fund recognizes that maintaining mental
six years has been involved in the Aviation Management patriotism. and physical well-being is crucial for families, and the
business for Private Jets, serving clients so well that he When Ben was undergoing treatment at Walter Reed retreat provided an opportunity for them to reconnect in
has been appointed President of PAM JETS. He has also Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, wife Gina was at his side. a stress-free environment. Families enjoyed quality time
devoted significant time with giving back by working with She became aware of a local organization, the Yellow Ribbon together, building lasting memories and strengthening their
several veterans’ service organizations and has met with, and Fund, that was providing important services to the caregivers relationships without having to worry about doctor’s visits
collaborated with, Presidents Obama and Trump, the Gary in families of military veterans like theirs. Gina became or daily stress.
Sinise Foundation and the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation. Ben actively involved in the Yellow Ribbon Fund, and through The Ocean Reef Club provided a unique blend of
has also remained a top tier athlete as an adaptive skier. her enthusiastic work helped develop it into a nationwide physical activities and respite, promoting the long-term
And best of all, Ben’s and Gina’s son, Peyton—now 12 organization! physical and emotional well-being of the families. The
years of age—has a beautiful sister, Marchesa, who is 8. She and Ben moved to Boca two years ago, and Gina was experience had a profound impact, fostering coping
In 2020, Sal Jr. brought more blessings to the Caragliano recently named Executive Director of the national Yellow mechanisms, building peer support networks, and
family when he married Ariana, together adding their now Ribbon Fund in recognition of her ongoing efforts on behalf promoting overall family well-being.
six-month-old Gia to Ariana’s two earlier beautiful daughters, of these veterans’ caregivers and families. Military families, who have often spent extended periods
Joanna, 19, and Keira, 16. When Ariana joined the family two years ago, she also apart, benefitted from the quality time spent together and
became active in the Yellow Ribbon Fund and today serves as the opportunity to connect with others who share similar
Southern Exposure Technologies its Communications Director. She and Sal Jr. moved to Boca circumstances.
For the families involved, the retreat was a transformative
Computer Install/Setup/Repair six months ago to join the rest of the family, the organization experience, with children making new friends and
has expanded to include 11 chapters across the U.S., and her
(561) 315-0144 husband uses his experience and skills in business finance to experiencing new things, while parents were able to relax
getsetgo.annie@gmail.com also volunteer significant time to this deserving cause, which and enjoy time with their loved ones.
* DSL, Broadband,Wireless Install depends entirely on charitable donations. Gina notes, “Yellow Ribbon Fund is incredibly grateful
* Networking, Troubleshooting for the ongoing partnership with the Ocean Reef Club and
* Instruction “This trip meant the world to us and our children. It gave the Ocean Reef Club Committee members, whose support
* Hardware/Software Installation us much needed family time away from our daily lives. was instrumental in making the retreat a reality. The retreat’s
* Virus/Spyware/Adware Fix
* Cleanup/Maintenance/Backup The everyday adventures and the ability to meet the other impact is immeasurable, and it is a testament to the power
* Business Consult/Startup/Move families was an experience we will never forget.” – Yellow of family-centered care in promoting positive outcomes for
* Website Design/Maintenance Ribbon Fund Caregiver military families.”
Call S.E.T. to install your “new computer, printer As for Sal Sr., he thinks back on all that has happened and
and wireless network”! “Being able to take my mom on her first fishing trip was remarks, “As a Dad I can only say how amazing and proud
GET S.E.T. GO! amazing; just to see the look on her face and experience I am of both Ben and Gina. They are the exception to the
REASONABLE HOURLY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY RATES being on the open water was magical.” – Disabled Veteran rule! While I consider Ben as a son and his accomplishments
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES FOR AS LOW AS $50.00 AN HOUR, are amazing, my daughter is equally incredible. She is a
WITH A MINIMUM OF 6 HOURS A MONTH,
OR 2 HOURS A WEEK, OR ON AN AS-NEEDED Last month, Yellow Ribbon Fund organized its fourth powerful woman, and she is my hero!”
BASIS RATE OF $75.00 P/HOUR. 5-day wellness retreat at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, The world is a better place for having in it such people
START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH SECURE BACKUPS, where 11 deserving military families, selected by lottery, as Sal and Wendy Caragliano, Ben and Gina Harrow and
QUALITY MAINTENANCE, ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND had the opportunity to bond, relax and have fun. Despite Sal and Ariana Caragliano. We are all grateful for that.
PERSONABLE ON-SITE SUPPORT!
(561) 315-0144 starting the week as strangers, they quickly formed strong (Note: For more information about the Yellow Ribbon
CALL S.E.T. TODAY FOR YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS! connections based on their shared experiences of service Fund, visit: yellowribbonfund.org or email: donate@
and sacrifice. As someone who has seen the positive effects yellowribbonfund.org)