parties

Brilliant Deduction: Alley’s ‘Sherlock’ Ball a Unique, Memorable Evening

Brilliant Deduction: Alley’s ‘Sherlock’ Ball a Unique, Memorable Evening

Janie Zilkha and Lynn Wyatt

WHAT SHOULD THE theme for the Alley ball this year? Elementary, my dear Watson! The ball, held at the Post Oak Hotel and honoring the lovely Cynthia A. Petrello for her years of support to the theater company and other performing arts in the city, had a unique Sherlock Holmes motif. Not coincidentally, the Alley Theatre has Sherlock Holmes and The Case of The Jersey Lily up on this stage right now.

“Guests walked into the Grand Ballroom staged as an English social club, filled with lush velvets, dark woods, and rich leather,” explained an Alley rep. “The Events Company pulled out all the stops and had guests gasping at an abundance of Vanda Sunada Orchids, Gloriosa Lilies and RP Moab Garden and Symbol Roses mixed with flowing fresh sheet moss, Umbrella ferns and Antique Hydrangeas, all arranged in varying shapes and sizes on banquet-laden tables. The beautiful florals were designed by Walker Chancey. The vivacious energy of the room was palpable.”

Entertainment for the night included an international pick-pocketing star — yes, apparently that’s a thing — who had the audience in stitches when he wasn’t stealing their watches. The surf-and-turf menu of steak, grilled prawns and truffled mashed potatoes was followed by a luscious panna cotta.

Per the custom, the live auction featured over-the-top Broadway weekends, including VIP experiences at Funny Girl; New York, New York; and & Juliet, as well as a trips to Monterey Peninsula for a golf vacation on the Pebble Beach courses. The highest bid of the night was for a walk-on role in the Alley’s annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol.

Bordering on the Fantastic: The Alley Salutes Sherlock Holmes 2023 Alley Ball, chaired by Jill and Allyn Risley, raised more than $1.2 million.

Guests included Beth Madison, Lynn Wyatt, Margaret Alkek Williams, Daniel and Janie Zilkha, Susana Brener de Stern and Dr. Juan Stern, Sidney Faust, Chip Babcock and Nancy Hamilton, Princess Tatiana Galitzine de Sierra and Guillermo Sierra, Dean and Jane Gladden, and Rob Melrose.

Margaret Alkek Williams and David Wuthrich

Cynthia and Anthony Petrello

C.C. Ensell

Sherlock Holmes inspred tablescape by The Events Company

Jill and Allyn Risley

Craig and Angela Jarchow, Eloise and Stephen Brice

Tom Mays and Orlando Zayas

Stephanie and Kevin Yankowsky

Phil and Josephine John, Dean Gladden, Lois and George Stark

Steve and Christina Morse

Jonathan W. and Margaret Vaughan Cox

Suzanne and Siggi Meissner, Dina and Tony Chase

Parties
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Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

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Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Al Torres

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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Leadership in Action: For Bianca Bucaram, ‘Strong Network and Family’ Are Essential

Sofia van der Dys

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

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