Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Ballet pros, supporters attend premiere evening

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 29, 2002 | 8:28 a.m.

Similar to a rose in bloom, the beauty of Nevada Ballet Theatre continues to unfold with each new production, each creative venture.

Recently NBT offered an exclusive evening of dinner, followed by a world-premiere evening of ballet featuring the dances "Inner Moves," "Allegro Brillante" and "N.K.H."

The evening began with champagne cocktails at Stirling Club with guests Dr. Richard Minnear and his wife, Margaret McMillan, Sharry and Tim Quillin, Scott and Esther Wallace and Larry Finuf with his wife, Toni Clark Finuf, as well as Colette Saltz, Jeanne Hood, Melanie Bash and Lynn and Frank Cremen warmly greeted by NBT founder Nancy Houssels, her husband J.K. "Kell" Houssels and co-chair Wendy Plaster with her husband, Richard Plaster.

Dinner in the gracious Veranda Room found guest choreographer James Jeon of the Seoul (Korea) Ballet Theatre explaining how he worked with the special talents of the NBT dancers to create "Inner Moves." Nearby was NBT artistic director Bruce Stievel, creator of "N.K.H.-- a tribute to Nancy and Kell Houssels," which also premiered at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, later in the evening.

Jeon and Stievel, longtime friends from the years Stievel spent as director of ballet companies in Hong Kong and Korea, have enjoyed Jeon's six weeks in Las Vegas as guest choreographer.

Attending the elegant evening and the gourmet meal prepared by Stirling Club Chef Stefan Kauth were Dr. Leon and Faye Steinberg with Dr. Neville and Esther Pokroy, Sen. Harry and Helen Mortenson, Suzie Perrine, Richard Plaster, Janet and Harry Ferris, Ari and Akke Levin and Brad Brennan.

Hitting the trail

Bright bandanas, a fine cowboy band for dancing and a tasty barbecue dinner provided a grand farewell to Pat and Charlie Cavagnaro.

Hosted by close friends Hope and Joe Anstett at their spacious Spanish Trail estate, the catered party had a roundup theme accented by checkered tablecloths on the tables where guests, including Dr. John Payne with Joanne Feikes, Ennis Jordan with Terry McBerty, Claudine Williams, Kitty Rodman, Regina Miller and Dr. Neil Carmena, enjoyed the casual evening.

Charlie was previously UNLV's athletic director, while Pat has been deeply involved in the many community programs of the Assistance League of Las Vegas.

Dancing under the stars were Stacie and Dan Albregts, Allen and Carol Stipe, Dr. Joe Johnson with Margie Martin, M.J. and Jack Harvey, Ted and Maria Quirk and Carlos Tolosa and his wife. Among the well-wishers were UNLV men's basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour and his wife, Vicki.

Having asked the band to play "Happy Trails," host Joe Anstett spoke warmly of the Cavagnaros, his friends of seven years, recounting some very funny stories, pleasant times and some challenging rounds of golf. Fellow guests added comments and best wishes for the Cavagnaros, who will return this month to their home in the Memphis, Tenn., area.

Season kickoff

Ushering in the start of Super Summer Theatre's 27th season was its annual advisory board social at Regency Towers. Included in the gathering were the directors of this season's musicals, among them Phil Shelbourne ("Godspell"), Betty Sullivan Cleary ("Annie") and Joy and Pat Demain ("Lil' Abner").

Each of the productions, offered under the stars at Spring Mountain Ranch, are family oriented entertainment, scheduled with ample time to enjoy the beauties of the mountain meadows, picnic with friends and enjoy the musical performances.

Welcoming arrivals to the advisory board social were Bob and Sue Nutt at the guest book, with Sue Linda Hill snapping candid photos for the organization's scrapbooks. Maria Sauter, Joe Urcioli, Ray Eicher, Bill Palmer, Cathy Wagner and Cynthia Zeidner were among the attendees speaking of their involvement in Super Summer Theatre over the years.

Chairman Jerry Brooks, joined by Adrienne and John O'Donoghue and Mary Gafford, were among those listening to Harold Smith, coordinator of merchandise, who spoke of new SST logo items to be offered this season. Nearby socializing were Dean Jaeger, Heather Williams, Denny Weddle, Larry Spitler, Joanne Blystone, John Gubler and Mark Statler.

Giving some superb pointers on creative picnic meals for enjoying at the ranch was Sun food editor Muriel Stevens, who gathered listeners including Dan and Mary Miller, Inez Rambau, Jean Bramen, Todd and Sue Harbach and Bobby and Christy Miller.

Speaking on behalf of the need for volunteers to help with the many necessary tasks each production requires was retired Nevada State Parks Director Roy Orr, who announced that tickets and volunteer opportunities can be arranged by calling 594-PLAY.

The first musical, "Godspell," will open June 12 and run on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule through June 29. Gates for each performance will open at 6 p.m.

Correction

Due in part to a computer error, several names in last week's column were misspelled. My sincere apologies to Eleanore and Edward Doumani, Frank Schreck, Joannie Richardson, Paul Pusetari, Heidi and Larry Canarelli and Janet and Andy Blumen.