Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Buddy Holly show prompts rockin’ reception at Hilton

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 1, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

Never forgotten, the music of Buddy Holly lives on more than 40 years after his untimely death in 1959. "Buddy ... The Buddy Holly Story" at the Las Vegas Hilton is a lively musical telling of his metoric rise in the early days of rock 'n' roll. His string of hits, among them "Peggy Sue," "Everyday," "That'll Be the Day," and "Rainin' In My Heart" are cleverly entwined in this tribute to the '50s legend, complete with amusingly detailed costumes and terrific choreography.

The Las Vegas Hilton, host to "Buddy" through Sunday, gave a royal welcome to cast and crew on opening day by arranging a classic car cavalcade from the airport, a special treat possible through the kindness of Jim Rogers, who lent his vintage car collection to the project.

Their post-performance party, complete with a nostalgic '50s menu and malt shop, was created by Las Vegas Hilton Catering Manager Victor Mortazavi. Cast and guests danced to the music of Forward Motion until the wee hours. Glimpsed in the crowd were Chrisse White-Waddell, Tom Bruny, Andrea Roqueni, Breck Wall, Jim and Helen Sax and Las Vegas Hilton Public Relations Manager Alan Hopper.

Fatali art shown

Realtor-broker Cathy Bittinger recently gave over her Green Valley offices for "An Afternoon With the Arts." In designing and decorating her new business quarters last year, Bittinger fell in love with the art photography of Utah artist Michael Fatali. Cathy hosted an extensive showing of Fatali's colorful vistas of regional treasures, among them Bryce and Zion National Parks, Lake Powell, White House Ruins and Monument Valley. Helping host were many of Bittinger's team, including Danelle Digilio Naegle, Jeffrie Light, Vivian Riley, Debbie Quesada and Tammy Rouff. Guests mingling at the wine and cheese table included Mary and Tony Scodwell, Charlette and Elliot Krane, Jeannine Hefflin, Sue Morrow, Norm Johnson, Jim and Kathy Landers and Michael and Marie Charles.

Heart of Gold Ball

Successful beyond wildest expectations, Ande and Glenn Christenson and Lisa and Dr. Wiencek, co-chairs of the "Heart of Gold Ball 2000," were delighted to welcome nearly 900 guests to the gala evening at Paris Las Vegas. Champagne flowed while bidders crowded to the treasures of the silent auction tables with Dr. Keith Boman (who purchased a deluxe trip to Paris) just one of the joyous top bidders. Swirling in the crowd nearby were Helen Foley with Brian Nix, Andrea Thomas, Selma and Tom Bartlett, Shenandoah Merrick and husband Ed Janov with Michael and Theresa Minden, Dr. Lonnie and Sandy Hammargren and Dr. Rob and Lynne Hunter.

An evening to benefit the heart research and educational outreach programs of the American Heart Association in Southern Nevada, it was also an occasion to celebrate the efforts of three stellar contributors who have given selflessly of their skills and volunteer hours. Accepting "Heart of Gold" awards were Edward Zub of Southwest Gas (business), Michael and John Morrello of Royal Printing (communications) and Dr. Karen Arcotta of Cardiovascular Consultants of Nevada (medical).

Planned to please the eye, ear and taste buds of every guest, the dinner dance used every inch of the Paris grand ballroom to create "An American In Paris" experience. Choreographer Papote Varet worked with entertainment chair Sandy Peltyn to devise a romantic program of dance and song performed through dinner and into the evening.

Complementing the mood were the soft gold and creme table settings selected by Jon Tullis and Sandy Spaccavento. Seen attending with friends were Peggy and Michael Johnson, Carolyn Stephens, Bob and Laura Frankenberg, Duane and Barbara Dykstra, Dr. Moniz Dawood and Jackie Arcana. Sadly, this was the final event planned by Donna DeVries, social events director for the Heart Association, who will leave the agency on March 31.

Philharmonic premiere

The community response to the Las Vegas Philharmonic's premiere season has been increasingly wonderful, with Saturday evening's program drawing a crowd of nearly 1,800. The throng of patrons flocked to UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall to enjoy the artistry of guest pianist Vladamir Feltsman, who appeared with the Las Vegas Philharmonic under the direction of conductor Harold Weller. A program rich in diversity included John Adams' "Short Ride In a Fast Machine," Beethoven's "Seventh Symphony" and Rachmaninov's "Piano Concerto No. 3," and the evening ended with the audience on their feet calling for more.

Mary Ann and Paul Steelman of Paul Steelman Companies were the gracious sponsors of this night with the philharmonic and were seen in attendance with fellow season sponsors Jim and Beverly Rogers, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Lou and Jerry Emmert, Steve Schorr, Jeannie Greenawalt, Mari and Thom Landers, Patrick Clary and founders Andrew and Susan Tompkins. Also in the audience of music lovers were the Rev. Mel and Lillian Pekrul, Sharon Bader, Emmett and Saundra Munley with Maureen Kane, Bernice Fischer, Kurt and Judy Mische and Vassili Sulich with Norman Cain. Also seen were Sharon and Larry Schmitt, Dr. Richard McGee, Paul and Char Hejmanowski, Susan Russell and Dr. Doug Petersen, as well as Sylvia Taub, state Sen. Joe Neal, Sharon Carelli, Yvonne Franchi and M.J. and Jack Harvey. For details on future events with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, please call 25 8-5438.

Hospice affair

The Golden Monarch Council of the Nathan Adelson Hospice will host an elegant afternoon tea Saturday at Spanish Trail Country Club. The benefit event will begin at 1 p.m. and supports the hospice's "Families in Focus" program, a six-part series for bereaved families with children ages 6 to 16. Tickets to the tea are $45 each with reservations and details by calling 796-3133. The Golden Monarch Council is a group of professional women from diverse fields who combine their skills and volunteer efforts to support the Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Scott featured

Susie Choice Scott, western district governor of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, was the keynote speaker for a recent Black History Month celebration. The dinner dance at Nellis Air Force Base's NCO Club was hosted by the African-American Cultural Association. Mrs. Scott spoke on "A Legacy of Leaders" as well as how to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

An educator for the Clark County School District's Alternative Education Division, Scott has lived in Las Vegas since 1972. Her position as western governor of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women encompasses a membership spanning 15 states including Alaska and Hawaii. Scott, well-recognized for her professional successes through the years, was recently selected as an International Who's Who Among Professional and Business Women for 1999.