Land ho! To celebrate the start of our 2024-2025 PNC Broadway Season, CFCC’s Wilson Center did what we do best: we threw a party. Our members received a message in a bottle, reminiscent of that we used to reveal the line up of shows for our Broadway season earlier this year. But now, instead of announcing something to look forward to, they were invited to a special night on island time.
When they entered the Center, our members were met with floral leis, handwritten nametags, and a glass of champagne if they felt like celebrating. People arrived in groups, sporting their best Hawaiian shirts, tropical dresses, and linen pants. They circled around tables decorated with grass skirts and said hello to fellow members. The live band, Huggin’ Molly, plays at the end of the auditorium and soon the room is full of music and conversation.
Ruth Slovik, our jack-of-all-trades or (as she’s officially known) Strategic Partnerships Manager, walks through the scene. She greets our guests, straightens centerpieces, and points people to the buffet line. Savorez has a station of mouth-watering appetizers, SpoonFed Catering serves a gorgeous array of entrees and desserts, and Pipeline Poke set out a tray of Spam Musubi. (Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!)
As the night goes on, Zach Pluer, our fearless Executive Director, takes the stage to thank everyone for attending. This is the kick off event for our 2024-2025 PNC Broadway Series and the anticipation for all our amazing shows on the horizon is palpable. TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is only a few nights away and soon the lobby will be decorated in sequins and glitter. But for one night only, we’re letting the tropics take over.
We’ve hidden a special Wilson volleyball somewhere in the trees. When one of our members hops up to grab it, we’re all thrilled to see the prop up close. It looks straight out of the movie Castaway, something our staff is very proud of. As the night winds down, another member gets on stage with the band to sing an improvised version of “Take Me Home, Country Road.” As always, it’s a memorable night at the Wilson Center. When our members head home, with Hawaiian shirt koozies in hand, the Hollywood search lights flash against the Center’s exterior. Thank you for celebrating the beginning of a truly marvelous season. You can still get tickets to our PNC Broadway season or become a member at WilsonCenterTickets.com
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The views expressed in performances at the Humanities and Fine Arts Center do not necessarily represent the views of the Humanities and Fine Arts Center, and should not be attributed to the Humanities and Fine Arts Center, Cape Fear Stage, Cape Fear Community College, CFCC Board of Trustees, CFCC Foundation, or the Faculty and Staff of CFCC.
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