Oct 21, 2007

Who's who of theater characters found at gala

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

Chinese emperors, Egyptian goddesses, flappers, showgirls, generals from every era and bewigged magistrates were some of the costumed characters seen at the sixth annual "Anything Goes" benefit for TheatreWorks.

At least 270 costumed partygoers attended the Oct. 13 fantasy entertainment extravaganza in the TheatreWorks scene shop. Scenic designer Bruce McCleod employed backdrops and props to create a collage of scenes alongside theme tables from past TheatreWorks productions, including "Bat Boy," "Present Laughter" and "Vincent in Brixton." The fun-filled evening featured a silent and live auction, gourmet dinner by McCall Associates and dancing until midnight to the Pride & Joy band.

The evening raised $304,500 to support TheatreWorks productions, education programs and new works initiative.

Event chairwoman Anne Hambly, dressed as a '50s teenager in a poodle skirt, celebrated her birthday with friends, who all wore costumes from the show "Memphis." Her big present from her husband Larry was a $50,000 donation that was matched by other bidders during the night's final auction.

"My birthday was in August," Hambly admitted. "This was a belated gift."

Peggy and Yogen Dalal, who wore the lead costumes from "Emma" (the highest attended show in TheatreWorks' history), were honored for their many years of support.

"Each has brilliantly shared their wisdom and has guided us through growth and change," artistic director Robert Kelley said.

"Kelley, thank you for letting us take this ride with you," Peggy replied. "Rest assured we're not getting off yet."

Among those raising their glasses were gala committee members Kathy Bridgman, Heather Malamisura, Emily Osterman, Sara Spang, Laura Strand, Rosina Lo Sun and Mona Vertin as well as managing director Phil Santora and TheatreWorks board member Julie Kaufman.
A highlight of the night was a special performance by a pair of stars of tomorrow: Sophie Oda (who grew up at TheatreWorks) and young Julian Hornick.

Seen applauding the performers were Fran Codispoti and Ken Schroeder, Cepie and Irwin Federman, Lisa and Steve Schatz, Ray and Meredith Rothrock, Tony and Rosina Lo Sung, and Beth and Charlie Perrell.

The gala ended with a Cinderella moment as guests returned their magical wardrobes to TheatreWorks' costume closet before retiring for the night.


"RHYTHM OF AUTUMN" BENEFIT

The Peninsula Stroke Association's "Rhythm of Autumn" benefit was an evening of inspiration and music held at the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View. More than 200 guests attended the sold-out Oct. 7 evening that featured an auction, "strolling" supper, wine tasting and musical performances.

Honors were awarded to nine comprehensive stroke centers in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and presented by Santa Clara County Supervisor (and event emcee) Liz Kniss and Congresswoman Ann Eshoo.

Some of the physicians in attendance included Christine Wijman of Stanford Stroke Center, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Director Vivek Rao, Peter Fung of El Camino Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Director Jai Cho and Medical Director of Stroke Center Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Jeff Fraser.

Event co-chairwomen Annette Glanckopf and Nancy Houston Miller were thrilled the evening attracted a record-setting crowd and raised a record-setting $50,000.

Founded in 1999, the Peninsula Stroke Association serves more than 18,000 people each year through its community education and support programs for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Benefit proceeds make it possible for the association's programs and services to be provided free of charge.

The headliner at the Tateuchi Concert Hall was acclaimed mezzo-soprano Jan Curtis, who was accompanied by Susan Gross Bratman, vocalist Wendy McCain and guitarist Rick Vandivier. Curtis received a standing ovation for her renditions of American Songbook classics.

A walking success story, Curtis recounted her ongoing journey of recovery from a 1995 stroke that left her with aphasia. Her encore performance of "Somewhere" from "Westside Story," evoked an emotional response from the audience.

Applauding the performance were Dr. Anna Finley Caulfield, auction chair Kathleen Daly, and board members Leonard and Shirley Ely, Gary and Kathy Curtis, and Jeanne Kennedy and Dr. Hewlett Lee.

Executive Director Rezvan Moghaddam said, "This annual event is a humbling opportunity for the Peninsula Stroke Association to be able to highlight and showcase stroke survivors' resilience and dedication for their recovery."


Janet Duca Norton's society column appears every Sunday in the Daily News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail society@paloaltodailynews.com or call (650) 327-9090, ext. 334.