Jun 9, 2008

Gentry celebration shines 'Spotlight on the Arts'

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

Engaging performances and creative cuisine shared top billing at Gentry magazine's 15th anniversary celebration, "Spotlight on the Arts." For the 10th year, the Sheraton and Westin Palo Alto Hotels were the venues for the elegant May 31 party, featuring outstanding musical entertainment, dancing to the music of Big City Revue Band and culinary masterpieces by famous chefs from 30 restaurants.

For the first time, three organizations - Peninsula Youth Theatre, Ragazzi Boys Chorus and West Bay Opera - benefited from the gala's proceeds.

According to event coordinator Jodie Murphy, "Spotlight on the Arts" was beyond sold out, with a record-setting 911 guests in attendance. The evening raised more than $100,000 for the three acclaimed performance groups.

The entertainment-filled evening featured songs from Broadway shows, performed by Peninsula Youth Theatre, operatic arias sung by West Bay Opera stars, and a mix of classical and pop pieces presented by the Ragazzi Boys Chorus.

"All three organizations went above and beyond to make this Gentry gala the best celebration in our 15-year history," said Richard Acquaviva, Gentry executive publisher.

The guest list was taken from the pages of the magazine - including hotel owners Clement and An Chen, Tiffany & Co. director Bebe Kokab, Terry Brown, Lisa Barnes and Sidney Brown of Neiman Marcus, the 49ers Eric Heitman, Dave Vaas, Tony Waragge, Jeb Terry and interior designer Bob Miller.

An intimate VIP party featured a fine art gallery exhibit by Sonya Paz, a live auction and great entertainment by local perfomer Aimee Miles and composer/lyricist Tony Asaro. Performing two songs - "When Music Mattered" from "Our Country" and "Best at Everything," an original piece written by Asaro for the Gentry Gala - Miles and Asaro received a standing ovation.

Leading the applause were founding Gentry partners, executive editor Elsie Floriani and her husband Ron Wendt, and publisher/CEO Sloane Citron. Also seen at the reception were Dick and Mary Lou Johnson, Carla Befera and Bruce McCleod, Vic Befera and Joan Meyn and Teri and Gary Spanner.

Several guests took home memorable souvenirs that evening. Barry Newman from Peninsula Youth Theatre made the winning bid on a pair of diamond hoop earrings donated by Gleim Jewelers. Brian Douglas purchased a Tiffany necklace and Betsy Rose of West Bay Opera bought the winning raffle ticket for a $9,000 pave diamond bracelet, donated by Darren McClung.

Seen viewing Range Rovers from Land Rover Redwood City and having their pictures taken in the Rover photo booth were Suzanne Murdoch, Liz and Paul Nyberg, and Gentry editors Stefanie Lingle Beasley and Emily Heitman.

Following tradition, Acquaviva handed out Best of Show awards for presentation and production to the night's winners, including Leah McIntosh of Park Place at the Cypress Hotel and Classic Residence by Hyatt.

A performing arts school for children ages 3 to 18, Mountain View-based Peninsula Youth Theatre presents a variety of productions ranging from large-scale musicals to touring groups for schools. Every child who auditions gets a part.

The internationally recognized Ragazzi Boys Chorus is one of the Bay Area's premier youth performance groups, with more than 130 boys ages 7 to 18 participating in five progressively demanding choruses.

Palo Alto's West Bay Opera, named by Opera News as the foremost semiprofessional regional opera company in Northern California, presents operas sung in many languages at Lucie Stern Theatre.


"DIVAS FOR LIFE" BENEFIT

For the fourth year, South Bay musical star and Los Altos native Molly Bell produced her "Divas for Life" benefit for the American Cancer Society. This production, which raised $7,000, was a kickoff for the fourth annual Los Altos Relay for Life on June 21 and 22 at the Los Altos High School track.

The sold-out June 2 cabaret show at Los Altos High School's Eagle Theater featured leading ladies singing songs from famous American musicals. The audience gave a standing ovation to the 13 divas and one "divo."

Bell brought together Bay Area theatrical colleagues, friends and her talented student Kathryn Foley to perform a variety of songs from hit Broadway shows. The repertoire included the debut of several songs from a pair of shows that will premiere this summer.
Bell and divas Courtney Stokes and Beth Devries performed the song "Meadowlark Trio" from "Snapshots," a Stephen Schwartz musical making its world premiere at Theatreworks on June 18. Keith Pinto and Bell sang and danced to "Love of My Life (so far)" from "Becoming Britney," by Bell and David Curley, which will have its world premiere in August at the New York City Fringe Festival.

Returning divas included Riette Burdick, Angela Gunter, Carrie Madsen, Annmarie Martin, Kristin Stokes and Katherine Von Till. Newcomers included Nicole Tung, Daya Curley, Courtney Stokes and Dani Marcus, who have each had their lives touched by cancer.

"This fourth year of 'Divas' was a spectacular show and had so many magical moments," Bell said. "Each actress added their own special touch and I'm lucky to have such wonderfully talented girlfriends. My mind has already started mulling over next year's fifth anniversary concert."

A VIP post-performance party at Maltby's Restaurant offered the opportunity for concertgoers to meet the divas up close. David Respecke presented Bell with a bouquet of red roses. Dwane Roberts, Becky Bell, Anne Hambly, and Liza and Jim Getzinger toasted the divas.

The Los Altos Relay for Life has achieved national recognition since its first year in 2004, achieving first place in the state and second place nationally as Rookie Relay of the Year. In 2006 the Los Altos relay was second in the country for online fundraising with a total of $230,000.


Janet Duca Norton's society column appears every Sunday in the Daily News. Send event information to 255 Constitution Dr., Menlo Park, CA 94025 or e-mail society@paloaltodailynews.com.