Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stars flock to Caesars for Reynolds

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001 | 8:47 a.m.

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

Exuberantly celebrated, Saturday's Black and White Ball 2001 honored Debbie Reynolds as Woman of the Year. A significant social event for Southern Nevadans, the most elegant affair was a benefit for Nevada Ballet Theatre and was sponsored by Cartier.

A lush array of designer gowns and handsome formal wear, all in the requisite black and white, were worn by attendees who were guided to Caesars' tower and Palace Ballroom by Cartier's distinctive red-garbed employees. Hotel visitors waited patiently on the sidelines, noting the glamorous crowd while awaiting the arrival of celebrities, including Rich Little, Crystal Bernard with producer Tony Thomas, Rip Taylor, Phyllis McGuire with her sisters Dorothy and Christine, Bob Anderson, Wilford Brimley, Robert Goulet with wife Vera, fashion designer Nolan Miller, Ruth Buzzi, Shirley MacLaine and Dick Van Patton. New Las Vegas resident Tony Curtis, serving as honorary dinner chairman, was charming as he shared master of ceremonies duties with the lovely McGuire, chairwoman of the gala evening.

Wendy Plaster, Susie Perrine, Sharon Bader, Mariam Afshai, Dana Epstein and Nevada Ballet Theatre President Nancy Houssels served on the dinner committee for this most successful evening. Young volunteers, all of them seniors at the Meadows School, were Jillian Plaster, Nichole DeRosa and Jennifer Depry.

Reynolds, a veteran of more than 30 films, two television series and countless stage and television appearances, arrived with a bevy of loved ones in tow, including daughter Carrie Fisher and granddaughter Billie Catherine. Every inch the consummate performer, she came directly from her evening show at the Orleans, once again living up to her reputation as a real entertainment trouper, a veteran of 53 years in the industry.

A hosted champagne reception prefaced the dinner. Peter and Ginette Jaramillo, Dr. Al and Linda Dushman, Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, Dr. Jerold Boyers, Claudine Williams, Kitty Rodman, Pat Cavagnaro, Dr. Zev and Rivka Lagstein, Steve and Deni Conrad and Jewel Brooks were just a few of those seen in the sparkling crowd. Moving into the ballroom, many guests found their tables and then moved quickly to enjoy time on dance floor to the sounds of Johnny Haig's 29-piece orchestra. Seen dancing were Lynn and Frank Cremen, Roger and Sandy Peltyn, Dr. Paul and April Stewart, Mari and Thom Landers, Richard and Wendy Plaster, Bucky Buchanan with Gianna Orlandi, Jan and Owen Nitz and Dr. Richard and Susan Moore.

Decor was delicate with white-on-white linens and china, centerpieces of tall crystal vases filled with white branches of orchids and spring flowers. Dinner conversation was anything but idle, in particular among the parade of guests stopping by UNLV Athletic Director Charlie Cavagnaro's table to discuss UNLV's efforts to hire Rick Pitino as men's basketball coach.

Equally popular and recognized for his generous sponsorship of the benefit was Cartier International's president Alain Viot, attending with Mariam Afshai, manager of the exclusive Las Vegas Cartier store. Attendees each received handsome crystal bowls carefully packed in Cartier's signature red boxes and shopping bags.

The star-packed program included comments and songs by many of Reynolds' friends, including Joan Collins and MacLaine, her co-stars in the upcoming ABC movie, "These Old Broads." The made-for-television movie, with a script written by Fisher, will air Feb. 12 and feature Elizabeth Taylor.

Academy support

Celebrating the arts and its future, the recent International Ball was an occasion to support the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts. Part of Clark County School District's magnet schools program, this high school draws from a county-wide talent pool of motivated students wishing to study theater, dance, music, visual arts and foreign languages. The rich diversity of their needs, be it for theater props, specialized art supplies or foreign language materials, will be met in part by the proceeds of this event.

Gathering supporters found ball chairman Lia Roberts and husband Joseph, with co-chair Gayle Anderson, speaking with the school's principal Robert Geyre and his wife Cathy. Joining their circle to welcome arrivals was Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia and his wife Gail. In the crowd were table sponsors including Lillian Sondgeroth with James Kimsey and her daughter Lillie Muije, a dance and theater major enrolled at the Academy. Festively attired students, a reminder of the school's international studies, were present to assist with check-in and seating for the dinner at MGM Grand's Conference Center. Made welcome were Vasili and Marisa Danuci, state Controller Kathy Augustine, Trina Leitler and Anie and Michael Leonte, joined by Dorothy and Donald Kemp, founders of the Las Vegas Performing Arts board.

Proud mother Sue Lowden beamed as she told us her son Will, a freshman at the Academy, was among the gifted students performing with the jazz ensemble during dinner. Sitting in as a fellow player was Will's dad Paul Lowden, a well-known gaming figure who originally came to Las Vegas to work as a professional musician. Enjoying the program with Sue Lowden were Lisa and Bill Weidner. Assisting with the evening as well was parent Brenda Holmes, wife of Harrah's entertainer Clint Holmes and mother to Cooper and Brittany, both seniors in the school's drama and music programs.

Lending their considerable support to the success of the evening were members of Nevada's Consular Corps, among them Rafael "Ray" Vega with wife Charlene (Mexico), Peter and Ginette Jaramillo (Ecuador), David Henley (Uruguay), the Roberts (Romania) and Dr. Rudy Gunnerman and his wife Doris (Honduras). Recognized with her fellow dignitaries was Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, who spoke briefly of the valuable role of Nevada's Consular Corps in developing economic diversity. Guests attending included Eileen Hayes, Drs. Richard and Joan McGee, Las Vegas Fire Chief Mario Trevino, Sondra Lynch, Yukiko and Akiyoshi Isoi and Sandra Dinsmore as well, as Margie Conway, Floss Schumacher, Blackie Hunt and Francine Pulliam with husband Terry Graves.

Art affair

A distinguished circle of guests recently enjoyed a private reception and viewing of the Phillips Collection at the Bellagio Art Gallery. Presented by I.R. "Renny" Ashleman, president of the Nevada Museums, Library and Arts Foundation, with fellow board members Marydean Silvestri (foundation secretary) and Robert Ostrovsky (foundation treasurer) and the Clark County Commission, the event celebrated the presence of this prestigious exhibition in our state.

Displayed pieces are just a slender slice of the 2,400 pieces assembled by the late Duncan Phillips and his artist wife at their home in Washington, D.C. Representative of both American and European artists, those on exhibit at Bellagio include Picasso, Hopper, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and others. The Phillips Museum, with its extensive collection, is housed in the DuPont Circle mansion once owned by the late Duncan Phillips and is open daily to the public as well.

Most appropriately, the Monet Room at Bellagio served as the gathering place prior to the tour. A lovely hors d'oeuvres buffet was served at Valentine-themed tables, each lightly strewn with rose petals and lit by small candles. The gracious reception included Nevada Assembly members Harry Mortenson, Ellen Koivisto, Richard Perkins, Mark Manendo, Kathy McClain, Bob Price and Merle Berman. Mingling with the lawmakers were Commissioners Dario Herrera and Myrna Williams, joined by Charlie Silvestri, Terry Lamurglia, Tiffany Cooper, Linda and Gary Milken and Stephan Tyler with James Jackson.

Fielding questions about the Nevada Museums, Library and Arts Foundation was executive director Beverly Carlino Banta, who planned the art-filled event. Others seen in attendance included County Manager Dale Askew, Administrative Services Director Don Burnette and Assistant County Manager Michael Alastuey, as well as Elana Hatch, Meghan and Marcus Prater, Helen Mortenson, Ben Graham, Caren Levenson, Nancy Price and Jim Spinello.

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