parties

With Buenos Aires Theme and Warm Goodbye to a Longtime Leader, Alley Ball Takes the Stage

With Buenos Aires Theme and Warm Goodbye to a Longtime Leader, Alley Ball Takes the Stage

Derrick Shore, Tom Mays and Owen Conflenti (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

THE ALWAYS MEMORABLE Alley Theatre ball took on special significance this year, becoming not just a sexy Post Oak Hotel soiree — with “A Buenos Aires Affair” as the theme, nodding to the company’s production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives — but also an emotional sendoff to retiring longtime Managing Director Dean Gladden. It raised $1.3 million to boot.

“Guests walked into the Grand Ballroom transformed into the colorful streets of Buenos Aires,” noted a rep for the Alley. “The Events Company pulled out all the stops and had guests gasping at Argentine-inspired centerpieces in differing shapes and sizes on banquet-laden tables. The gorgeous florals were designed by Walker Chancey, along with iconic Argentine landmarks and even tango dancers from Marcone Dance Studio.”

Guests loved a video highlighting Gladden’s contributions, and Gladden’s heartfelt remarks, with wife Jane at his side. Dean is the longest-serving director in the Alley’s storied history. Others who took to the podium included chairs Michele and Dheeraj Verma and Artistic Director Rob Melrose.

The live auction was stirring, including items such as a walk-on role in a performance of the Alley’s annual production of A Christmas Carol and one in the upcoming season’s production of Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d.

“Other live auctions included a trip to see The Queen of Versailles in New York, a week-long trip to Buenos Aires, and a 4th of July long weekend at the Ritz Carlon, Grand Cayman,” explained the Alley rep. “The big auction winner of the evening was titled “Seared at Home with Justin Yu”, where the winner’s kitchen will be taken over by James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Yu alongside Resident Acting Company Member Christopher Salazar and Seared Director and Alley Associate Brandon Weinbrenner.”

Guests included Sen. Ted Cruz and Heidi Cruz, Grant and Angie Dorfman, Beth Madison, Derrick Shore, Cynthina and Anthony Petrello, Connie and Roger Plank, Susana Brener de Stern, Juan R. Stern, Ford Hubbard III, Michelle Elaine, Chris Hutchison, Melissa Molano and David Rainey.

Michele and Dheeraj Verma and Ted and Heidi Cruz (phot by Daniel Ortiz)

Kristen Cannon and Edward Sanchez (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

(Beth Madison, Steve Hamilton and Denise Monteleone (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Tina Raham Stewart and Bob Nowa (photo by Alida Bonifaz)

Michele Verma and Amanda Austin (photo by Alida Bonifaz)

Julie Goytia, Mignon Gill and Kathy Mann (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

George Stark, Kathryn Ketelsen and Lois Stark (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Kelly Provenzano and Cynthia Petrello (phot by Daniel Ortiz)

Dean and Jane Gladden (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

From Your Site Articles
Art+Culture
promoted

Pelican Builders Welcome Residents To First New Upper Kirby Condo Offering In Years; Boutique Midrise Adds To Pedestrian Appeal Of Sought-After, Inner Loop Neighborhood

Pelican Builders Welcome Residents To First New Upper Kirby Condo Offering In Years; Boutique Midrise Adds To Pedestrian Appeal Of Sought-After, Inner Loop Neighborhood

WITH ITS INAUGURAL set of residents newly moved in, Pelican Builders’ mid-rise condominium Westmore at 2323 W Main Street in Upper Kirby is already seeing the blossoming of a tight-knit community. Designed by Houston-based Mirador Group the Westmore is the first new condominium product to be introduced to the in-demand, inner loop neighborhood in more than three years. And with remaining two-bedroom homes starting at $895,000, it’s a remarkable value for this increasingly pricey area, where condos can easily climb to several million dollars and more.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate
dining

Dine Out and Give Back: Three Delicious Ways to Make Your Meals Count this Month

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep Reading Show less
Food
promoted

As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less