Social Seens... Photography by Gram and Noraa
Straz’s Broadway Ball 2018
Broadway Ball 2018 was co-chaired by Lisa Simington and Paul Scharf to benefit the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing
Arts in Tampa. It had a Hamilton theme in honor of the center’s upcoming performances in February and March of this
fabulous Broadway hit. Straz Executive Chef Edward Steinhoff and Pastry Chef James Paultre created a special dinner
that was inspired by a dinner that historical figure Alexander Hamilton once shared with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Entertainment was provided by Tampa-born Jose Rosario Jr., a member of the Chicago company of Hamilton, who played the part
of Peter Shuyler/James Reynolds and was on standby for the title role of Alexander Hamilton, a role he performed many times.
Gene McNichols, a Straz Center board
member, and his wife Patsy were members
of the 2018 Broadway Ball committee and
sponsors of the ball.
166 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
Lori and Bill Goede, president for Bank of
America’s Tampa Bay market and a Straz
Center trustee, both served on the 2018
Broadway Ball committee.
Sandy MacKinnon and her husband A.D.
“Sandy” MacKinnon, chair of the Tampa Bay
Performing Arts Center Foundation’s board
of directors, were the presenting sponsors of
this year’s ball.
Judy Lisi, Straz Center president and CEO,
and her husband Ernie greeted guests to this
fabulous fundraiser for the center.
Dr. Barry Levine, a member of the ball
committee, and his wife Gina d’Angelo, who
are Straz trustees, dressed in keeping with
the evening’s Hamilton theme.
Bob Martinez, former Florida governor and
mayor of Tampa, and his wife Mary Jane
helped to make the Straz Center a reality.