Crystal Society

Crystal Luminaries

Members below are listed in order of induction.

BEVERLY L. KOSKI

Since the 1960s, Asolo Rep has been a part of Bev’s and her family’s life in Sarasota. Access to this theatre has opened portals to the imagination and introduced cultural activities that have become lifelong passions. Bev and Bob would bring their children to performances in the “old” Asolo Theatre when it was housed at the Ringling Museum and deepened their involvement as the theatre grew. Inspired by Bev’s personal connection to the theatre, she and her family help to make new memories possible for today’s patrons, young and old. The Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center is a testament to this family’s ongoing support of Asolo Rep and its artistic and educational missions.

WILLIAM A. YANDOW, in memoriam

Bill’s involvement originated in 2008 when he began sponsoring “a special kid from Kuala Lumpur.” He officially sponsored Ghafir Akbar, Kevin Stanfa, Benjamin Boucvalt, Tony Stopperan, Jesse Dornan, Zlatomir Moldovanski, Benjamin Williamson, Jory Murphy and Josh James and made eternal friendships with many other Conservatory students. Ever cognizant of the Conservatory and Theatre’s mutually beneficial relationship — and the importance of supporting each — he expanded his giving to include marketing initiatives and a capital gift to help purchase artist housing. Additionally, he enthusiastically supported the Angels, Directors’ Society and Artistic Excellence Society. In December 2019, we dedicated the William A. Yandow Box Office in his honor. A round of applause to you, Bill, for encouraging the Theatre and Conservatory’s artistic advancement and for the generosity and affection you have shown young theatre artists!

Crystal Society Members

Members below are listed in order of induction.

ESTHER M. MERTZ, in memoriam

Esther M. Mertz was a most loyal and long-standing champion. Her support began in the early 1980s and a contribution in 1989 in memory of her husband made possible the installation of the Dunfermline Opera House, now named The Harold and Esther Mertz Theatre, in their honor. In 2003, Mrs. Mertz provided a lead matching gift to the Asolo Theatre Endowment Fund. In 2004, she funded the search for Producing Artistic Director, Michael Donald Edwards. In 2005, she shared the cost of renovating the theatre’s lobby. Beginning in 1993, she provided the FSU/Asolo Conservatory with endowed gifts that have historically supported up to five students each season and will continue to support students in the years to come. We miss you, Esther, and you will always be The First Lady of Asolo Rep.

ULLA R. SEARING, in memoriam

Elegant and refined, Mrs. Ulla R. Searing graced Asolo Rep with her presence for more than four decades. A bold supporter of the arts and honored member of the Sarasota community, Mrs. Searing gave generously to our area’s most prized arts organizations. Asolo Rep is deeply grateful for the bequest Mrs. Searing granted the theatre. Notably, our team installed a plaque in her honor near the main entrance in December 2019. Thank you, Mrs. Searing, for all you have done for Asolo Rep and this community.

LEE AND BOB PETERSON, in memoriam

Generous patrons of many Sarasota arts and service organizations, the Petersons always said, “Asolo Rep is the joy of our lives.” Their enthusiasm for the groundbreaking work of the theatre under Michael Donald Edwards’ leadership translated into their founding support of the Artistic Excellence Society. A bold matching challenge issued by the Petersons during Michael’s first season led to an overwhelming response from board members, a true vote of confidence for the new Producing Artistic Director. Lee’s vivacious chairmanship of many Asolo Rep events and Bob’s steady hand as former Board Chair and co-chair of the Capital/Endowment Campaign meant so much to Asolo Rep for more than 24 seasons. We sadly miss their presence in the board room and on opening nights, but dearly cherish their memories.

JOAN ARMOUR MENDELL, in memoriam

Joan leveraged her prolific poetic talents to support her beloved Asolo Rep: the proceeds from sales of her two published volumes of poetry were designated to benefit the theatre. A true aficionada of all the arts, Joan was a faithful and ardent member of nearly every opening night house, as well as an enthusiastic member of the Asolo Rep Adventures travel club. Her capital gift to name Asolo Rep’s Joan Armour Mendell Scenic Studio was grandly celebrated in February 2012. Walt Whitman said, “To have great poets there must be great audiences,” and in Joan, we were fortunate to have both.

MARGOT AND WARREN COVILLE, in memoriam

When Margot and Warren moved to Sarasota in 1994, Artistic Director Howard Millman introduced them to Asolo Rep. The Covilles learned that the productions here rival anything they have ever seen on Broadway or the West End. Margot and Warren were passionate and generous supporters of the theatre’s partnership with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory since 2004 as well as inspirational philanthropic leaders for Asolo Rep and many other organizations. Past president of the Asolo Rep board, Warren also served as the Chair of the Capital/Endowment Campaign for seven years, providing valuable leadership at its launch, guiding and growing the new endowment and completing several key capital initiatives. Finding Sarasota a world-class city, the Covilles have worked for more than 25 years to improve its visibility and viability as a nexus for the arts. We are most grateful for their final gift, a $1.5 million matching challenge for the Staging Our Future Campaign.

MAURICE RICHARDS, in memoriam, and JACK KESLER, in memoriam

Maurie and Jack’s immersive involvement in the theatre’s partnership with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory opened many new opportunities in their retirement. Recognizing the interdependence of the Theatre and the Conservatory, they sculpted their estate plan to support not only student assistantships but also Conservatory needs and Asolo Rep programming. Last year, they generously donated their original Crystal sculpture back to the theatre to be displayed in the new lobby at the Koski Center. They wish to honor and thank all Crystal Society members with this public display. Maurie and Jack’s philanthropy beautifully embodies the many facets of being a Crystal!

ANONYMOUS, in memoriam

A very generous member of our community chose to make this gift anonymously. Although we cannot display a photograph, we would like to paint a picture in your mind’s eye. As a patron who enjoyed Asolo Rep performances for many years, this member of the Crystal Society made the first gift to qualify for the Endowment Matching Challenge in 2013 with a grand generous gesture in support of the Producing Artistic Director’s position. Many thanks for your unstinting kindness that will sustain Asolo Rep for generations to come!

STANLEY KANE, in memoriam, in honor of Janet Kane

A three-time board president, Stanley’s vision and ardor helped the theatre survive and flourish through many challenges. In 1996, he brought his business know-how and strong community ties to bear to put Asolo Rep back on a path of fiscal health and established a cash reserve campaign to ensure financial stability into the future. Working with Florida State University and Sarasota Ballet, he helped turn the FSU Center for the Performing Arts into a vibrant, bursting-at-the-seams hub of creativity and excellence. In 2006, Stanley was instrumental in elevating the theatre’s Heritage Society — honoring donors whose estate plans include a testamentary gift to Asolo Rep — and increasing awareness of the need to provide for the organization’s future through deferred gifts. Stanley’s passing in 2020 at the age of 100 marked the culmination of a life spent in selfless service. He will be deeply missed by the entire community.

CHUCK AND MARGIE BARANICK, in memoriam

Chuck and Margie were strong supporters of Asolo Rep and its mission to bring the highest level of adult and family theatre to our community, while also engaging our local schools and students. Chuck served on the Asolo Rep board for eight years, and he and Margie enjoyed being part of an ever-increasing degree of professionalism in all of the Theatre’s endeavors. Although we tragically lost this wonderful couple in December 2019, we will always remember and cherish their kind and warm presence. Asolo Rep continues to appreciate the many ways they supported the arts and this community during their lifetimes.

SHARON AND HERMAN FRANKEL

An Asolo Rep board member since 2006, Herman has been extremely active and generous as co-chairman of the Facilities Committee — negotiating, strategizing and supporting the decision to purchase and renovate the Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center, acquire thirteen apartments that comprise the Warren and Margot Coville Guest Artist Housing, and secure the Phillips Club residence in New York City. In 2016, the Frankels’ gift made possible the acquisition of a much-needed adjunct facility, the Herman and Sharon Frankel Asolo Rep Annex. The Frankels share a deep commitment to Asolo Rep and a willingness to provide the passionate and financial support necessary for the theatre to thrive. As Crystal Society members, Sharon and Herman’s philanthropy shines through many facets of their beloved Asolo Rep!

LARRY AND DEBBIE HASPEL, in memory of Dori Haspel

Originally from Northbrook, Illinois, Larry and Debbie moved to Sarasota in 2009 upon their retirement — Larry, from more than 40 years of practice as an interventional cardiologist and CEO of a large hospital system, and Debbie, from 20 years as a civil litigation attorney. Since that time, they have been actively involved with many local organizations, both philanthropically and in leadership roles. As supporters of Asolo Rep, they say, “For years, we have enjoyed the theatre. This theatre provides a unique experience where the stimulating conversation that live performances provoke is heightened by our engagement with the actors.” Larry and Debbie joined our Crystal Society in the 2017-2018 season with their second endowment gift, made in memory of their daughter Dori.

VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN, in memoriam

A keen businesswoman with a generous heart, Virginia was amongst our greatest friends and benefactors throughout her life in Sarasota. Upon graduating from Washington University, Virginia became a stewardess nurse on the B&O railroad. There she met her husband-to-be, patent attorney Harry Toulmin, Jr. Harry encouraged Virginia to apply her medical knowledge and Midwest common sense to his business ventures, including Central Pharmaceuticals. Virginia steered the company to tremendous growth, sowing the seeds of her philanthropic legacy. She helped many Sarasota cultural organizations become what they are today. In her 2006 Hall of Fame video, CVA remarked: “Her unselfish spirit, gentle wisdom and quiet generosity serve as an example for others to emulate.” We were grateful to induct Virginia into our Crystal Society posthumously, celebrating her as a forever member of the Asolo Rep family.

EVA T. SLANE, in memoriam, in honor of Stephan Slane

Born in Germany to Austrian parents (her father was an opera singer, her mother was an actor), Eva arrived in America in 1939. As a NYC theatrical agent, Eva nurtured the careers of artists, including James Earl Jones. In 1964, she married Stephan Slane, founder of the North Shore Music Theatre, once New England’s largest not-for-profit theater. Eva followed her lifelong passion for theater and encouraging youth by serving on the boards of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Asolo Rep. Her support of our partnership with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory manifested in her sponsorship of more than 20 students beginning in 1998! Her generous and caring nature was treasured by everyone she met. Eva joined the Crystal Society in 2018 by virtue of her annual gifts to Asolo Rep across many seasons and her planned gift designated for student assistantships. We miss her gentle presence among us.

CHARLES HUISKING

Asolo Rep Board member Charlie Huisking is proud to support Asolo Rep and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory through both the Huisking Foundation and a fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County established by his late parents, Charles and Lillian (Pat) Huisking. “My parents loved Sarasota and Asolo Rep. They started taking me to performances there in 1963 when I was in grade school,” says Huisking. “The theater was always a big part of our family life,” says Huisking. “I’m proud to continue the tradition of supporting this wonderful organization, which has the power to bring us together in these divided times. I know it will continue to thrive under the dynamic leadership of Peter Rothstein.” We welcomed Charlie into the Crystal Society in 2019 based on his inclusion of Asolo Rep in his estate plan and a more than 30-year history of annual contributions.

DR. RANDELL JOHNSON AND BOBBY JENSEN

Sarasota’s performing arts scene and sophisticated culture lured Bobby and Randell here to buy their retirement home. They were arts patrons in Atlanta for two decades and have enjoyed their experiences with theatre in Sarasota. “We have found the quality at Asolo Rep to be comparable to performances found anywhere — including New York’s Broadway and the West End in London.” Since their introduction to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in 2006 and Asolo Rep in 2009, Bobby and Randell have created events to introduce the LGBTQ community to seasonal performances and developed programs that encourage subscription support. Having traveled extensively with their work, they enjoy the way Asolo Rep creates for its patrons a cultural immersion through the playwright’s words, the director’s vision and the actors’ talents without ever leaving our great community. They support the FSU/Asolo Conservatory student program and the Artistic Excellence Society.

RON GREENBAUM, in memoriam, AND RITA GREENBAUM

Ron Greenbaum started his support of Asolo Rep as an Angel donor in 1986. Three years later, he was writing letters to other donors to encourage them to become Co-Producers, a task he carried out for more than thirty years as the Chair of the Board’s Development Committee. After joining the Board in 1991, he served on the Executive Committee from 1999 on and for three terms as Board Chair from 2001-2003 and 2008-2009. Ron and his wife Rita hosted an annual appreciation party for Asolo Rep’s major contributors for many years. They have supported the theatre’s Education & Engagement programs and events and championed the work Asolo Rep produces on its stages. In 2019, Asolo Rep welcomed Ron and Rita to the Crystal Society in grateful acknowledgment of their steadfast support over a long period of service to this organization. We will miss Ron’s presence at our Opening Nights, special events and especially in the board room, where his passion and commitment made such a difference in the success of Asolo Rep.

GERI AND RON YONOVER

Geri and Ron Yonover joined the Crystal Society with a gift to the Staging Our Future Capital Campaign. Hailing from Chicago, they are great theatre lovers and have been involved over the years in the Broadway theatre world as producers. Geri and Ron appreciate not only the excellence of the final theatrical production the audience sees on stage but also the months of preparation before the curtain rises on opening night. Very fittingly, a rehearsal hall at the Robert and Beverly Koski Center will be named in their honor. Thank you, Geri and Ron, for supporting Asolo Rep’s next big stride into the future!

CAROLE CROSBY

As a capstone to her two terms as Asolo Rep Board President, Carole Crosby joined the Crystal Society in Spring 2022 with a major gift, directed from the Ruby E. and Carole Crosby Family Foundation, to benefit the Career Development Program. Over the years, her gifts have often shown a keen insight into the theatre’s real needs. For example, Carole funded the installation of the LED Monument sign in front of Asolo Rep’s Herman and Sharon Frankel Annex, and her early gift to the Staging Our Future Campaign was celebrated with the naming of the “Crosby Hall” gathering space in the Annex. In 2014, in response to the Endowment Matching Challenge, Carole attained “Ruby” status to honor her mother and named the annual visiting musical artist chair in her memory. “To honor my mother’s legacy and because of my personal connection to the arts, I now enthusiastically support these causes to the best of my ability.”

BETTY-JEAN BAVAR, in memory of David Bavar

Betty-Jean will join the Crystal Society this season with a generous gift to Asolo Rep’s Education & Engagement programming, made in honor of her late husband David. Access to the Arts has been a passion for Betty-Jean over the years. She has greatly enjoyed sitting in the audience when it is full of exuberant young people attending a matinee performance. The Bavars have subsidized student tickets and underwritten teaching artists who bring Asolo Rep’s programs to schools and community venues. David was a dedicated board member for 15 years, lending his expertise in particular to the Finance Committee and the Facilities Task Force. Betty-Jean was the chair of the Education Warriors Committee for several seasons and has continued to be an advocate for giving young people the opportunity to experience the arts. We are very proud to recognize Betty-Jean and David’s generous and passionate devotion by welcoming them into the Crystal Society.

PRISCILLA AND JACK SCHLEGEL

In 2024, we welcomed Priscilla and Jack Schlegel to the Crystal Society when they restated their estate plan to include a generous gift to Asolo Rep’s endowment. Sarasota residents since 2000, they’ve been enjoying Asolo Rep productions for nearly twenty years! Their favorite genre is musicals, but they enjoy the full menu of Asolo Rep’s extraordinary offerings. Their endowment gift will ensure the theatre’s well-being into the far future. Ardent supporters of the Artistic Excellence Society, they were inspired by Peter Rothstein’s stunning first season and are avidly awaiting what is to come. “Peter’s genius for producing musicals will help to take Asolo Rep to a new level as one of the finest regional theatres in the nation,” Jack said. Priscilla and Jack are also enthusiastic student sponsors, pleased to help foster the young artists of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in their professional training. In addition to Asolo Rep, the Schlegels also support the Sarasota Orchestra, Florida Studio Theatre, Urbanite, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and Manatee Players—in their firm belief that the arts make a profound, positive impact on the individual and the community.

MARY JO (JODY) RESTON, in memoriam

Mary Jo (Jody) Reston, retired to Sarasota in 1999 after a 25-year career in Martha’s Vineyard as publisher of The Vineyard Gazette. She was deeply involved in community activities ranging from fundraising drives to supporting environmental efforts to protect the special character of Martha’s Vineyard and campaigns to improve the quality of health care on the Island. Her personal history also included living abroad in Moscow and London and traveling extensively.
A kind, generous, and fiercely independent person, she was also a lifelong supporter of the theatre and performing arts. Her connection with Asolo Rep began more than 15 years ago, strengthening when she became a subscriber in the 2011-2012 season. In 2024 we welcomed Jody into the Crystal Society, a giving level that recognizes gifts of $1,000,000 and more.