Applause, applause for Theatre Under the Stars gala chairs for their deliciously riotous take on the charity fundraiser. Philamena Baird, Leisa Holland-Nelson and Roxann Neumann pulled out the stops for Friday night's bash that featured dinner on stage at the Hobby Center, a stage within a stage and loads of lively theater entertainment.
Playing primarily off of TUTS' upcoming presentation of La Cage aux Folles, the dinner entertainment featured a continuous stream of 16 singers and dancers including George Dvorsky (who played Daddy Warbucks in TUTS' Annie) in full La Cage drag.
The ever-generous Margaret Williams was honored for her ongoing support of the arts and was feted at a lengthy head table that stretched in front of the performing stage. Among those joining her were Randa and Charles Williams, Jim Daniel, Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron, Janet and Paul Hobby, Joella and Steve Mach and Tara and David Wuthrich.
Following the dinner by City Kitchen, the real party animals adjourned to the theater's second level foyer where pink feather boas were distributed to all. The dance floor was packed thanks to the irresistible tunes provided by Richard Brown and his singing team of Sharon Montgomery, Bob Luna and Kamil.
Giving this gala an A+ for its lively musical programming were Robert Davenport, Tim Neumann, Arthur Baird, Vicki and Jack Rizzo (celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary), Sophia Adrogué and Sten Gustafson, Diane Lokey Farb, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Helen and Jim Shaffer, Ellen and Paige Cokinos and TUTS founder Frank Young.
