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.