parties

The Curtain Rises on 75 Years at the Alley with an Applause-Worthy Opening-Night Bash

Priscilla Dickson
The Curtain Rises on 75 Years at the Alley with an Applause-Worthy Opening-Night Bash

Dorian Roldan, Valerie Jalufka, Amy Benedict, Janean Lyon, Gayle Delahurt with Jessica and Bobby Matos

ONCE AGAIN, A well heeled crowd packed the ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel, this time to raise a glass — and give a standing O — to the Alley Theatre, which this season rings in its 75th year.

About 250 supporters attended the opening-night dinner, set to the live soundtrack of pianist Rob Landis, who played Broadway hits during the meal. On the menu: Braised short ribs and grilled halibut on a bed of roasted red peppers, accompanied by Jordan Chardonnay and Chapplett Mountain Cuvee Red Blend.

A 30-minute tribute video was broadcast in the ballroom, featuring Alley resident actors recalling notable past productions, all narrated by the theater's Lifetime Trustee Lois Stark.

The evening, which raised more than $650,000 to further the Alley's educational and community engagement initiatives, concluded with a lively performance by Tony- and Grammy-winning composer Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening, American Psycho) and Broadway star Jennifer Damiano, who threw in a few tunes from Noir, which will premiere on stage at the Alley early next year.

Fred Burns, Dianne McDonough and Dancie Ware

Aparna Dave and Sydney Scott

Jennifer Damiano with Duncan Sheik

Managing Director Dean Gladden with Lynn Wyatt, Kathryn Ketelsen and Artistic Director Rob Melrose

Michael and Kathleen Terracina with Christina and Steve Morse

Josephine and Phil John with daughter Elena

Natalia Syminis and Ford Hubbard

Todd Waite with Lois and George Stark

Elsie Eckert, Donna Stokes and Sidney Faust

Travis Torrence and Heath LePray

Daniel Zilkha

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Children’s Museum Supporters Go Goth-Glam at Million-Dollar Gala

Alexander's Fine Portraits

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties
parties

‘You’re the Inspiration’: Generous Donors Give $6.2 Mil to Kids’ Charity as Famous Band Takes Stage

Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People