Marathon Community Theater is celebrating 30 years of theater with its annual fundraising gala Oct. 9 and 10, featuring longtime Disney performer Jaimie Roberts.
Roberts will headline the two-night event, accompanied by Michael Kramer. The evening will also include special guest appearances, cocktails, food, live and silent auctions and live entertainment.
Formal attire is encouraged, and premium seating options are available.
Roberts, an Actors’ Equity performer, spent more than three decades performing at Disney, beginning in the late 1980s. During her career, she worked as a singer, dancer, actress and comedian and also taught workshops.
Her gala performance will give audiences a behind-the-scenes look at her years at Disney.
“The first act is going to be a very exclusive Disney tell-all,” Roberts said.
Roberts said she plans to share stories and photographs from her years performing at Disney, including experiences both onstage and backstage.
Audience members will also have an opportunity to ask questions and potentially steer the conversation.
“If I say the Voices of Liberty, and someone says, ‘Ooh, ooh, tell me about A, B or C,’ Voices of Liberty, of course, I will go off script and answer any questions, or tell a funny story,” Roberts said.
The second act will take a very different direction, focusing on what Roberts described as life in the Florida Keys and “how to age gracefully.”
Roberts has also been involved with Marathon Community Theater beyond the upcoming gala. After moving to the Keys in 2021, she performed at the theater and served as music director for Nonsense and choreographer for Rocky Horror.
She said the theater community became an important part of her life.
“I was so happy when I moved here to find a theater community,” Roberts said. “It helped me meet my people.”
Roberts said she wants to see the theater continue to thrive and encouraged residents to attend the gala and support the organization.
John Schaefer, who has been involved with Marathon Community Theater as both an actor and director, said the organization is preparing for a full season.
The season will include Annie, beginning Nov. 5, as well as DQ Bingo: Monsters Return on Oct. 18.
The fundraising gala serves as an important kickoff to the season and helps support the theater’s ongoing productions and operations.
Schaefer said those attending the gala can receive a $30 discount by calling the theater’s box office and using the code “Turcy.”
The discount brings a regular $45 ticket down to $15, while VIP tickets can be purchased for $65 with the code.
Tickets are available online or through the Marathon Community Theater box office at 305-743-0994.
The gala begins with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Catering will be provided by Clouds in My Coffee.
Organizers said additional special appearances and auction items may also be part of the two-night event.
Roberts encouraged members of the community to attend and support the theater.
“I want this theater to thrive,” she said. “It’s really a lot of fun with great people.”
The Marathon Community Theater’s 30th anniversary gala is being supported by the Florida Keys Marathon, Visit Florida Keys and Key West and community members who have donated their time and talents to the event.
For more information, click here: https://marathontheater.org/