A standing ovation was in order Saturday night not only for the incredibly-talented Linda Eder but also for Alley Theatre gala chairs Carol and Mike Linn for divining the delicious "Supper Club" theme and for moving the gala from traditional venues to the historic lobby of the JPMorgan Chase Bank Building.
The elements added up to an energized evening for which the dress-up crowd was so enthused that no one wanted to be seated. They perused the auction items, sipped on '50s-era cocktails and ardently socialized amid the lavish Art Deco environs of the lobby of the historic building that was completed in 1929.
Eder held the audience in rapt attention (unusual for such a party-happy crowd) as she sang a variety of tunes ("Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "I'm Not Julie") showcasing her enviable versatility and reprising her Jekyll & Hyde role with "Someone Like You." The latter especially meaningful for this crowd, many of whom remembered when she starred in the Alley's Jekyll & Hydeproduction from 1990. Few could have enjoyed this homecoming more than Alley artistic director Gregory Boyd, who directed the musical.
Alley managing director Dean Gladden and board president Robert Reedy conducted the brief program that led into the musical entertainment. Receiving thanks on this night were JPMorgan Chase's Marty Goossen, who arranged for the Alley to hold its fundraiser in the historic space and building manager Mark Vecchio, who pulled it all together.
Swooning over the music, the fragrant gardenia centerpieces and the City Kitchen filet dinner were guests including auction chair Karen Aspromonte with husband Bob, Lynn Wyatt, Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniel, Cornelia and Meredith Long, Beth Madison and Ralph Burch, Dancie and Jim Ware, Cathy and Jesse Marion, Karen and Byron Hood, Clayton and Shel Erikson, Connie and Roger Plank and Trini Mendenhall Sosa and Frank Sosa.
In an unusual turn, the Linns would accept chairing the ball only if the 2014 ball chairs were named. Indeed, Reedy announced that Brian Teichman and Andy Cordes have signed on for next year's gala.
Michael and Carol Linn, from left, Gregory Boyd and Josie DeGuzman at the Alley Theatre gala.
