Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk
“The event featured a spectacular night of live music, exquisite dining and generous philanthropy,” said a rep for the orchestra. “Mercury musicians, along with performers from Houston Jazz Orchestra, delighted the crowd with a unique fusion of classical and jazz influences, bringing fresh energy to the orchestra’s signature style.” The theme was a nod to Glenn Miller’s iconic “Moonlight Serenade.”
Johnny Bravo led the auction, scoring big bucks for items such as golfing adventures and a fabulous Mexico getaway. A yellow gold necklace with diamonds and yellow beads was raffled off.
“This year’s gala was a true testament to the power of music to unite and inspire,” said Antoine Plante, Artistic Director of Mercury.
Bucks raised at the posh affair will support Mercury’s concerts, community engagement programs, and educational initiatives, which reach thousands of students across the Greater Houston area each year, Mercury says.
Jen Grigsby, Kimberly Rawlins, Anna Winter, Vanessa Weeke and Sherry Weiner
Shane and Marissa Gilroy
Antoine Plante
Kim Padgett, Sarah Leftwich and Donae Chramosta
Mary Foster and Don DeSimone
Brian Ritter, Steve Barth, June Barth and Antoine Plante
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Glenda and Russell Gordy and Alicia and Garrett Gordy (photo by Wilson Parish)
With a glittery theme — Rhinestone Cowboys and Golden Vikings — Stages welcomes a fun group of loyal supporters to a tented gala dinner on the grounds of its Gordy theater. Myrtle Jones chaired the ball, with longtime company champion George Lancaster serving as honorary chair.
“Mirrored disco balls, intricate gold chandeliers, and accents of silver and gold sequins set the stage for a chic Western ambiance,” said a Stages rep. “Dazzling floral arrangements of roses, hydrangeas, tulips, and snapdragons adorned tables draped in gold and black linens.”
The dinner menu features beef tenderloin medallion with a rich Zinfandel glace, served up with yellow squash casserole, rainbow baby carrots, and asparagus. For dessert: chocolate pecan tarts, topped with cinnamon-whipped mascarpone, blackberries, and bourbon caramel sauce.
Among many emotional moments, longtime Stages star Denise Fennell gave moving remarks in accepting an award for artistic excellence. “Best known for her role as “Sister” [in the Late Nite Catechismseries], Denise has spent 17 years in the Stages spotlight, where she has also created and premiered original works, including Lessons Learned, which will make its world premiere at Stages this May,” the rep said.
The cast of the western-flavored Das Barbecü musical performed, and Johnny Bravo officiated a boisterous auction. Popular items in the latter included Oscar watching with Elton John and a visit to a posh Montana ranch with Yellowstone cast members.
Guests included Jo Furr, Ralph Burch, Vicki West, Brad and Brenda Jones, theater namesakes Glenda and Russell Gordy, Beth Madison, Ed Finger, and new Stage execs Gwen Watkins and Derek Livingston.
Brenda and Brad Jones (photo by Wilson Parish)
The cowgirl welcome committee (photo by Wilson Parish)
George C. Lancaster and Gwen Watkins (photo by Wilson Parish)
Myrtle Jones (photo by Wilson Parish)
Dean Putterman and Ed Finger (photo by Wilson Parish)
Debra and Mike Dishberger (photo by Jacob Power)
Denise Fennell and Risk Pasqualone (photo by Wilson Parish)
Carey Kirkpatrick and Neil Hershey (photo by Wilson Parish)
Cabrina and Steven Owsley (photo by Wilson Parish)
Luis and Stacy Gomar (photo by Jacob Power)