The theatrics were all playful in Deana and Larry Blackburn's River Oaks swankienda when they opened their expansive home for the Alley Theatre's Artists Dinner during which Alley patrons were invited to get up-close and personal with members of the resident company.
Alley artistic director Gregory Boyd and managing director Dean Gladden were front and center as were theater favorites James Black, Josie de Guzman and Todd Waite, among others. Special guest was Sanford Robbins, director of You Can't Take It With You, the Alley's season opener.
City Kitchen provided the sustenance for diners who were seated at elaborately dressed tables, thank you Jonathan Andrew Sage, in the dining room and the wine cellar. As the plates were cleared and conversation peaked, guests moved to the loggia where a lavish dessert buffet beckoned.
Among those breaking bread with the Alley team were Cornelia and Meredith Long, Nanette and Jerry Finger, Jessie Marion, Brian Teichman and Andrew Cordes, Beth Madison and Ralph Burch, Mady and Ken Kades, Kathryn Ketelsen, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniel.
Deana Blackburn, left, with Dean and Jane Gladden at the Alley Theatre Artists Dinner.
