SOCIAL SCENE: Inaugural gala
The Civic celebrated its 75th birthday with a swell soiree.
Melissa and Scott Nadenik pose for a photo during the Set the Stage Inaugural Gala at The Civic on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The Ocala Civic Theatre, also known as The Civic, has been providing top-notch entertainment for 75 years.
On Oct. 9, a crowd of more than 100 dedicated supporters and patrons celebrated that birthday milestone during the Set the Stage Inaugural Gala at the venue.
“Hosted by The Civic’s board of directors, the evening began in the theatre lobby with champagne, hors d’oeuvres and light jazz by pianist Daniel Tenbusch. Guests bid on prizes including travel, wine, restaurant, entertainment and spa packages during the silent auction in Studio B,” noted Melody Murphy, the director of marketing and public relations, via email.
“Following a cocktail hour, guests moved to tables on the chandelier-lit stage for dinner, music and tributes to The Civic’s impact on the community. Catered by The Fiery Chef, the menu included a choice of filet mignon or snapper primavera, with a fall salad, parmesan potatoes, truffled asparagus, and a lemon-basil tartelette,” Murphy shared.
Speakers during the gala included Ben and Danielle Marciano, mayor and first lady of Ocala; Greg Thompson, Civic executive and artistic director; Jackie Eastman, president of the Civic board of directors; Dani Moreno-Fuentes, Civic education coordinator; Alexis Medina, Civic development coordinator; Kiah Manning, gala chair and member of the Civic board of directors; and Kyleigh Wilkinson, Civic performer and student with The Academy at Ocala Civic Theatre, Murphy noted.
Vocalists were Civic performers Jalis Redmond, Christian Gonzales, La’Nya Solomon, Caleb Spivey and Hunter Freilich, who sang a selection of Broadway music under the direction of resident music director Justin Davis, with accompaniment by Daniel Tenbusch.
As well as a celebration, the event also was a fundraiser as part of the Save the Civic campaign.
To learn more, go to ocalacivictheatre.com
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