Jan McArt Celebration of Life at Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center

Lynn University and Deborah Lahr Lawlor, the daughter of Jan McArt, invite you to join us as we honor the life and legacy of Jan McArt. Celebrate her impact on our community and enjoy an evening of Jan remembrances and music followed by a champagne and dessert reception.

This event will also be live-streamed, register here to watch on Zoom.

Remembering Jan McArt

Producer Jan McArt, beloved Lynn University friend and “The First Lady of Florida’s Musical Theater,” passed away Jan. 31, 2021. She left an indelible mark on Boca Raton’s cultural landscape and a legacy of developing the talents of aspiring artists.

McArt’s remarkable career spanned Broadway, the San Francisco and NBC Operas, nightclubs in New York, Los Angeles and London, and appearances on national talk shows including the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. She was a pioneer of the South Florida theater scene where she established the Royal Palm Dinner Theatre, Jan’s Rooftop Cabaret and the Little Palm Children’s Theatre. She also started theaters in Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach and Miami Beach. Her Royal Palm Dinner Theatre operated for nearly 25 years and racked up 278 Carbonell nominations.

When McArt joined Lynn in 2004 as its first director of theater arts program development, she brought an infectious enthusiasm that would lay the groundwork for an incredible era of performing arts. Lead benefactor Elaine J. Wold collaborated with her to bring us the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center, a world-class venue to transform Boca Raton's cultural offerings while enhancing arts programming at Lynn.

McArt developed and produced the Live at Lynn series that included the Libby Dodson’s Theatre series; the American Songbook series; Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret; New Play Readings helping local playwrights hone their skills and develop original works for the future; and Elaine’s Annual Musical Treat, a staged concert version of a Broadway musical with a full symphony orchestra.

McArt’s impact on the theater arts scene of South Florida brought Tony Award winners and Hollywood stars to the Lynn campus. Her programs entertained, educated and inspired. Her work to expand theater arts in South Florida is legendary, beginning in 1977 until her death in 2021. Her 43-year mission lives on!