It's not often that an actor about to go on stage joins a patrons group shortly before the performance. But that's just what Hallie Foote did Wednesday on opening night of the Alley Theatre production of Dividing the Estate, written by her father, the late Horton Foote.

Typically artistic director Gregory Boyd or the opening play's director — in this case Michael Wilson — addresses the group that gathers for the pre-curtain dinner. So it was a surprise to the score or so of diners to see the actor walk in. Nominated for a Tony Award in 2009 for her Broadway role as Mary Jo in Dividing the Estate, Hallie explained that she wanted the group to know how special this play and reprising the role are to her.

Hallie's sister, Daisy Foote, made the dinner event as did a number of the play's actors including Maggie Lacey, making her Alley debut, with her groom, actor Bill Heck. The two were married just before she arrived in Houston for rehearsals.

Joining the dinner festivities were production sponsors Jennifer Smith and Peter Ragauss, Alley board president Rob Reedy and wife Susan, Gracie Cavnar, Elsie Eckert, Sidney Faust, Karen and Jonathan Finger, Patty Hubbard, Molly and Ford Hubbard, Kathryn and Jim Ketelsen, Brady Knight and Beverly and Staman Ogilvie.

Booked for fun times

It was a great night for Memorial Hermann Foundation supporters on Tuesday when Kimberly DeLape, Lucinda Loya and Alicia Smith rounded up more than 150 fans at Saks Fifth Avenue for the kickoff to the foundation's inaugural "signature event" benefiting Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The Feb. 24 fete at the Bayou City Events Center is themed "Under the Boardwalk" and promises loads of boardwalk-themed diversions including midway games.

Joining the launch party was the multi-talented Carolyn Farb, who signed copies of her charming children's book Lucas Comes to America. More than 100 books were sold with a percentage of proceeds going to the signature event.

"Under the Boardwalk" chairs Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein, Melissa King and Rachel Regan shared their personal experiences with Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital with the gathering that included Kay and Fred Zeidman, Susan Krohn and Patrick Gehm, Philamena Baird, Karen and Roland Garcia, Jay Zeidman, Sarah Jawda, Saba Jawda, Memorial Hermann CEO Dan Wolterman and Children's Memorial Hermann CEO Susie Distefano.

Sight 'ems

David Brock, Media Matters founder and CEO, and Democratic political consultant James Carville talking up progressive politics and the work of Media Matters and American Bridge at the home of Gracie and Bob Cavnar where the like-minded group included Sarah Morgan, Andrea and former Mayor Bill White and Franci Crane . . .

Virginia Steppe celebrating her birthday with hubby Dan Steppe at a romantic table for two at Da Marco . . .

Karen and Byron Hood dining at Philippe Restaurant + Lounge with Lynne and Phil Aronoff on the same night that a huge crowd gathered downstairs in a salute to Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, making his first visit to the United States.