Oct 29, 2006

'Anything Goes' at TheatreWorks annual gala

By Janet Duca Norton

At the fifth annual "Anything Goes" benefit for TheatreWorks, ringmasters, Chinese emperors, samurai warriors, Egyptian goddesses, can-can dancers and elegantly dressed people in period costumes dined and danced with star look-a-likes from the plays "Into the Woods," "Ragtime" and "Baby Taj."

At least 245 costumed partygoers attended the Oct. 21 fantasy entertainment extravaganza, and raised $205,000 to be used toward mounting outstanding productions, educational programs and the creation of new stage works.

The gala, held in TheatreWorks massive scene shop, was a unique production.

Act 1: A cocktail reception featured fantastic costumes showcased against the backdrop of a set designed by scenic designer Bruce McCleod. Ann Bowers dressed as the "Queen of New Works," while John and Sandi Thompson, Mark and Deborah Leslie, and Jeff and Amy Crowe had fun posing with a vintage car and the sets from "Into the Woods"and "Ragtime."

Act 2: A gourmet dinner was served by McCalls Associates at tables named after - and decorated with props from - productions spanning the company's 37 seasons.

Act 3: A special song was performed by Molly Bell in honor of Lynn Szekely-Goode.

Final act: The evening concluded with a live auction and raffle, dessert buffet and dancing until midnight to the music of David Martin's Houseparty.

Committee members Jennifer DeGolia, Stephanie Agnew, Laura Strand and Rosina LoSun led the list of festive, costumed characters.

It was a big night for co-chair Julie Kaufman, who wore a costume from "Learned Ladies." And Anne Hambly, who was Rapunzel, had everyone at her table dress in costumes from "Into the Woods."

Kaufman and her husband Wally Niemasik won the chance to spend a day on the set of the ABC hit show "Boston Legal." Hambly and her husband Larry will attend the 59th annual Primetime Emmy Awards with Patricia Barry, a two-time Emmy winner and longtime actress on "All My Children."

"I think 'Anything Goes' is the best party around because the costumed attendees become someone else. They are less inhibited and really have fun. What happens at Anything Goes stays at Anything Goes!" Hambly said.

Auction coordinator Sara Spang applauded auctioneer Ren Reynolds' fast pace and enthusiasm, which helped sell two trips to New York with TheatreWorks director of new works Kent Nicholson to see new musicals at the National Alliance of Musical Theater Festival, and Ray and Meredith Rothrock and Deborah Freehling made the winning bids. Lynne Starke, who dressed as a bug, and her husband Paul Romeo, who was a character from "Auntie Mame," will be going on a glamorous trip to India.

"This is fabulous. I was overwhelmed, shocked and delighted when they called me," Lynn Szekely-Goode said when she accepted her glitzy black TheatreWorks jacket. She was honored for her years of work as a producer and founder of the Emeritus Board.

"I didn't consider it work. It's interesting to see how far we have come," she said.

Szekely-Goode hopes TheatreWorks will receive a Tony. And the chances are good; half of the shows selected for this year's new musicals at the New York festival were developed at TheatreWorks.



HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK BARBECUE

The annual Atherton Barbecue at Holbrook-Palmer Park had a new look this year, including lots of young children and a first-time fundraiser for the "Footbridge into the Park" project. At least 300 people attended the sold-out Oct. 15 family fun day.

Rides on a pair of miniature horses, a bounce house, fencing demonstration, traditional barbecue dinner and toe-tapping music by the Pork Belly Band (a group of local residents) were some of the highlights.

"It was a fabulous day for Holbrook- Palmer Park," Atherton Dames president Jennifer Jeffries said. "The day was about bringing everybody together."

She was also pleased with the financial results, saying a successful raffle for an LCD TV, donated by Marylue Timpson, helped with ongoing efforts to raise the required matching funds for a state grant to build a new, safer footbridge entrance that will connect the park to Watkins Avenue and Dinkelspiel Station.

Past Atherton Dames co-presidents Sandy Ferrando and Nadine Franceschini, who initiated the footbridge project, passed the baton to Jeffries and coordinated the raffle, enthusiastically encouraging last-minute ticket sales.

Leonard and Cathie Petersen purchased the winning ticket for the LCD TV, although donor Timpson bought $200 in raffle tickets in hopes of winning it back after her own set had given up the ghost.

Jeffries said it was a group effort and thanked Veronica Kogler, Edna Mae Bower and Shirley Carlson for their special contributions.

Guests included Atherton Mayor Charles Marsala, master plan designer Denise Kupperman, Elsie Floriani and Ron Wendt, Bob Franceschini, Joe Ferrando, and Steve, Michael and Kate Jeffries.



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.