Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: ‘Celebrating the Arts,’ an elegant bash, honors civic leader

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000 | 9:02 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@prodigy.net.

Jay Kornmayer, dinner chairman, was seen genially meeting his guests during the pre-dinner reception, among them Felix Rappaport, Sid and Colette Saltz, Peter and Janette Jaramillo, Jackie Gaughan, Francine Pulliam and Terry Graves, Tom and Marla Letizia, Jeanne and Dr. Monte Greenawalt, Joe and Hope Anstett, Tina and Richard Morgan, Roger Thomas and Dr. Keith Boman.

Gathering as well to extend best wishes to honoree Toni Clark and her dear companion, Larry Finuf, on this happy occasion were Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson, Ken and Carolyn Sparks, Dick and Norma Land, Peg Crockett, Jewel Brooks, Frank and Lynn Cremen, Terri Monsour, Mildred Zick and Phil and Sharon Bader. Moving into the dining room were members of this fashionable crowd including Susan and Andy Tompkins, Dr. Paul and April Stewart, Joyce Mack, Thom and Mari Landers and Linda and Gary Vause, as well as Yvette and Bob Maheu, Roger and Sandy Peltyn with Fernando Romero, Ted and Maria Quirk and Barry and Sue Becker.

Also mingling with the crowd was Nancy Houssels, founder-chairman of Nevada Ballet Theatre, who confirmed that their attendance was higher than dreamed for this special evening.

Conducting the Las Vegas Philharmonic Strings was music Director Harold Weller and associate Conductor Richard McGee. Their music provided a richness to the evening and most appropriate accompaniment to guest artist Norman Shankle, as presented by Barry Tucker of the Richard Tucker Music Foundation. They again played when NBT's artistic Director Bruce Steivel showcased the artistry of Kyu Dong Kwak and Natalia Chapourskaya in Tchaikovsky's Black Swan Pas de Deux.

Also appearing was the legendary Jacques d'Amboise, who spoke of his extraordinary dance career and recent teaching efforts as he traversed the Appalachian Trail during a seven-month trek. Concluding the program was the speech and presentation of the "Woman of the Year" award to Toni Clark by Gov. Kenny Guinn, honorary chairman of the event.

Looking on were past "Woman of the Year" recipients, including Kitty Rodman, Claudine Williams and Jeanne Hood, joined by fellow supporters Wendy and Richard Plaster, Dr. and Mrs. Al Dushman, Richard Pfiefer, Bill Marion, Bucky Buchanan with Gianna Orlandi, Betsy Weller, Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Carpi and Dr. Joseph and Paula Quagliana. Adding a lasting touch to the elegant evening for each guest were the fine crystal vases given as table favors by Cartier.

Paris delivers

"Love, lust, jealousy, betrayal, passion, Paris." All this and more were promised in the invitations issued for the private previews of "Notre Dame de Paris." And deliver on these promises they did as Paris Las Vegas opened the doors on this extraordinary production show. Settled in for an indefinite stay and presented in the Theatre des Arts, which was designed to the specifics of this generously staged and cast show, "Notre Dame de Paris" boasts a well-chosen dual cast of more than 50 players.

Singers and dancers alike, these talented performers were auditioned in seven major cities and imported to Las Vegas to create the perfect blend of sound and motion. Most interestingly, the costumes were constructed locally by Tracy Bohl, owner of Vegas Costume Works, who re-created the French designs. Her costume for Esmeralda, the tragic heroine of the piece, so pleased producer Wayne Baruch that it will be duplicated for his Paris production of "Notre Dame de Paris." Bohl's efforts have also pleased the folks at Disney World, numerous touring companies including "Victor, Victoria" and recent Penn and Teller specials.

Successful beyond expectation in France, this Las Vegas production has already had sellout nights and served as the world premiere of the all-English version with English lyrics written by Will Jennings. A Grammy and Academy award winner, Jennings wrote the ballad "Tears in Heaven" with Eric Clapton and co-authored "My Love Will Go On," the love theme from "Titanic," as well as scores of other favorites.

Invited to preview the new production show were members of the media, key employees from all of the Hilton properties and local guests including Laura Cyr with husband Jeff Valardi, convention planner Karen Gordon, Hal Ober, Helen Foley with her mother, Betty Foley, Rick and Joanne Watson, Dr. and Mrs. Art Charles, Rick and Lydia Zeller, Bill Moore and Dr. Frank and Betty Roqueni. Producer Wayne Baruch, who gave an informal speech prior to the performance, was later seen accepting compliments from guests including state Sen. Valerie Weiner, Mary Jo and Rossi Ralenkotter, Debbie Gold, Carol Chabre and Helen Sax, to name just a few. All audience members were given response cards which were collected and later read most carefully by production staff and cast.

Opening festivities concluded on Friday with an after-hours party in the Paris Las Vegas ballroom. Cast members appeared and were met with delight by attending theatre-goers. Present for the gala were Dr. Charles and Nancy Vinnik and daughter Suzanne, state Controller Kathy Augustine, Sandy Windom, Maria Gladowski and UNLV Runnin' Rebel coach Bill Bayno. Others who enjoyed the lavish buffet and libations included Clint Holmes and his family, Mac and Jennifer King, Sue and Barry Becker and Paul Pusateri, president of Paris-Bally's.

NAA benefit

NAA -- Nevada Arts Advocates -- is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing cultural arts in our state through education and advocacy. Members, drawn from many cultural organizations and the community at large, recently met at the Bellagio for an informative luncheon meeting. Executive director Angie Wallin arranged the gathering, selected a delectable menu and arranged for an appearance by the Green Valley High School string quartet, which played prior to and during the luncheon.

NAA president Roger Peltyn introduced Charlotte Carrier, director of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Carrier, who has been with the Bellagio Gallery since its inception, and spoke of its recent expansion and newest acquisitions. In her remarks she also spotlighted Bellagio's educational programs, which assist school children, college students and elder learning classes. Her specific emphasis was on the significant leaps in American attendance at cultural events and exhibitions. This growing hunger in our population is well illustrated by the rising number of visitors, both local and tourists, who tour the Bellagio Gallery.

Guests in the audience included Joyce LaGrange with Robert Toti, Persia Golden, Lynn Thome, Gale Colton and her sister, Dale Meyer, Sherry Quillin, Julie Gilday-Shafer, Assemblyman Mark Manendo and Claire and Sam Prezant. Representing the Las Vegas Art Museum, which has begun to prepare for the prestigious Salvador Dali exhibition, were Jerry Ehrens and Joe Palermo. Active members at the luncheon also included Assemblyman Harry and Helen Mortenson, Georgia Neu, Eileen Hayes and Dorothy Kemp, who provided literature concerning the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center.

Assisting with the luncheon were Gwen Den Dooven and Sally Wathen, who greeted supportive Nevada Assembly members Gene Segerblom, David Goldwater, Barbara Cegavske, Vonne Chowning, Kathy McClain and David Parks. Others glimpsed in the filled room included Bernice Fischer, Caryn Gott, Edea Trapletti, state Sen. Mike and Candy Schneider and representatives of Tate and Snyder Architects and Southwest Gas, both corporate sponsors of the luncheon.

Heart of gold

Ande and Glenn Christenson and Lisa and Dr. Robert Wiencek are in the final planning stages for "Heart Of Gold Ball 2000." With a theme of "An American In Paris," the annual gala is slated for Feb. 5 at Paris Las Vegas. Lending their talents to the planning are a host of most capable committee chairs, among them Sandy Spaccavento, Claude and Dede Rosenthal, Anita Hart, Allison Newlon and Kim Strachan, as well as Gina Morrello, Sandy Peltyn, Kathy Wittaker and Scott Larsen. Get details and necessary reservations by calling 367-1366.