By Rachel Galvin

Simple and elegant with old-world charm, the newly renovated Museum Club at The Wick, located within The Wick Theatre building at 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, is reminiscent of an old-school supper club complete with two-level seating and a small stage. Although the club tips its hat to yesteryear, it also fully embraces the future with state-of-the-art immersive technology with its 360-degree projections. When Kimberly and Marilyn Wick visited the Van Gogh experience down in Miami, they were inspired to employ something similar in this space. The projections can be changed to transform the space to anything and anywhere, from a starry night to a sunny beachside, from Italy to Paris. It makes for a unique space perfect for intimate events.

But, they took it a step further and created a documentary to display here, called “Ascot!” It is filled with imagery, videos and narration unveiling the story of “My Fair Lady,” including how it was made from the original tale of 1913 George Bernard Shaw play “Pygmalion,” turned into the Lerner and Loewe Broadway play in 1956 and turned into a movie in 1964.

Audrey Hepburn was in the leading role in that film, but the part was also played by Julie Andrews and many others in the various renditions of the play. Hepburn did not sing the famous songs like “I Could Have Danced All Night” herself, but rather used a voice-over actress, Marni Nixon, to dub over. Details such as this are revealed in the film, as well as how the costumes were made and all the ins and outs of the process of creating the classic.

During the presentation of “Ascot!” the spotlight moves about to point out mannequins placed around the room, each one wearing one of the carefully preserved dresses from “My Fair Lady.” Marilyn Wick has costumes from countless Broadway plays within her costume museum (Costume World), the largest collection in the world. This is a new way to showcase the costumes, by implementing them into a show like this. “I always try to go the next step, and leave the other theaters to catch up,” said Wick.

The ingenuity behind the experience that is the Museum Club was on display at an opening gala event on Sept. 23 for media and others. Besides the film and a few statements from Kimberly and Marilyn Wick, there were a few songs sung piano-side by local singers clad in more “My Fair Lady” costumes. Once witnessing the show, guests could have a drink in the attached bar, which also exuded an old-world sensibility. 

For those who want to experience the space for themselves, they can rent it for their next event. The price range from $45 to $85. For details, visit https://thewick.org/museum-club.

By Rachel Galvin

Ready to do the Time Warp again? Lovers of Rocky Horror Picture Show, you are in for a treat! The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is featuring The Rocky Horror Picture Show 47th Anniversary Spectacular Tour on October 1. Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors in the movie, will be there, and a shadow cast, called Creatures of the Night, will perform in conjunction with the film, as is tradition. If you know the movie at all, you know the craziness that will ensue. There is no need to bring props. They will be offered to you at $5 (You are not allowed to bring your own). For those who have never been to the film experience, prepare yourself for a whole lot of fun. It is all about audience participation and people are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character. There will be a costume contest, a display of memorabilia, including photos, documents and wardrobe items from the film, and more. Tickets are $50 and if you want to meet Bostwick, it is an additional $100. The Meet & Greet is at 7 pm and the event begins at 8 pm.

When asked what he thinks of the longevity that the film has had, Bostwick said, “People will say, ‘This movie changed my life.’ And I’ll say, I don’t know if that was our intention. Our intention was to entertain you. But, it’s been a joy and an honor to have that be a byproduct of the Rocky Horror experience.”

The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is located at 50 W Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. For more information and to get tickets, visit www.pompanobeacharts.org.

For those who don’t know the film, here is a synopsis:

The Rocky Horror Picture Show began as a stage production and was adapted for film in 1975. The plot is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror “B” movies of the 1930s through the early 1960s. The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught with a flat tire in a storm and seeking assistance at the eerie mansion of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter. While at the home, the scientist unveils his newest creation, a Frankenstein-style monster in the form of a physically perfect muscle man named Rocky, complete “with blond hair and a tan.” As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet are introduced to a houseful of wild characters, who lead the audience in the iconic dance, The Time Warp!

The film is not for the conservative sort. Feel free to let loose and get wild with this cult classic! 

Hurricane Ian is coming to our West but will still have some effects in our area, even though it is not hitting us directly. Keep an eye to the city of Deerfield Beach and other city websites for updates and also the Observer Facebook page. There is a tornado watch until 5 p.m. tonight and you can expect plenty of rain all day! Tomorrow is also likely to be nasty weather.

Habitat for Humanity of Broward has named Glenn Jenkins as its new Major Gifts Officer.

Jenkins brings to Habitat Broward a long history of nonprofit leadership and relationship building focused on matching the passion and intent of donors with the charitable expression of their values.

“We are entering an exciting new era of growth and I am delighted to welcome Glenn to a team dedicated to helping families achieve the ‘American Dream’ of homeownership,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO & Executive Director. “Glenn has a proven track record of forging long-term partnerships with donors that change lives thanks to his integrity and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Prior to Habitat Broward, Jenkins sat on the Board of Directors of Embrace Kids Foundation from 1997 to 2001. In August 2001 he transitioned from a volunteer role to that of the Acting Executive Director. He was appointed the Executive Director of the charity in August 2003 and held that position through December 2021. Throughout his tenure, Embrace Kids Foundation’s program funding increased five-fold and annual income increased by 10 percent (on average) every year from 2001 to 2017. He was the driving force behind the Embrace Kids Endowed Chair at Rutgers Cancer Institute, which became a permanent endowment in 2018.

Additionally, Jenkins held an important leadership and fundraising role in the formation of the Pediatric Palliative Care (PACCT) Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which provide quality end-of-life care to children in their family homes.

Jenkins graduated from Rutgers University in 1995 with a degree in economics and minor in accounting. He then received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami. He participated in a nationally recognized Leadership & Development Program at the University of Miami and received his graduate degree in 1997. In 2011, he completed a master’s degree in global management from Thunderbird, School of Global Management.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call 954-396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org.