Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: New Ritz-Carlton puts on a show at Lake Las Vegas

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

Doug Brooks, general manager of Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, gave a glorious Valentine's party to celebrate the opening of this luxurious spa and desert golf resort destination.

Architecturally inspired by the sunny waterside towns of Europe, the property was opened in courtyard ceremonies with praised-filled comments by Lake Las Vegas developer Ron Boeddeker and Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, who chairs the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board. The select crowd, many of them personally greeted by Kitty Boeddeker, included residents of the emerging Lake Las Vegas community and their families.

A lavish dinner reception in the well-appointed ballroom gave guests a true taste of the resort's culinary prowess and superior service. In the mix of guests were Janet and Harry Ferris with Desiree Myada and Mark Childs, Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and his wife, Connie, Susan Houston, Dawn Kearns, Einit Barowsky, U.S. Air Force Col. Gerald Sanders of Nellis, Mari and Thom Landers and activity planner Karen Gordon with Charlie Tennstedt.

Equally dazzling was the "Diamonds and the Power of Love" collection, a global exhibit of jewels and their legends, on display through Sunday as part of the Ritz-Carlton's opening festivities. Incorporating both the museum-quality showing of historic pieces and a second, ultramodern presentation that transcends description, this is one free offering not to be missed.

Taking an early look at the priceless gems were Thomas Meyer, Patrick Duffy, Adrienne Dionne, Alice Lewis, Eileen Hayes with Patricia Martinelli-Price and Dr. Victor and Yolanda Muro with Sharon Cristal, who discussed the pieces with Farid Mataki of FRED Paris.

Sweet soiree

The recent Las Vegas Philharmonic Soiree at the MacDonald Highlands home of Claire and Rich MacDonald provided guests with a heady mix of sound and vision.

The MacDonalds' multi-tiered home was designed in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, sited on the hillside to embrace the views of our sparkling city and accoustically perfect for the classical performances by guest artists Eric Ruske (French horn) and Barbara Riske (pianist).

Now in its fourth year, the philharmonic has elected Richard Plaster as president and recently hired Phillip Koslow as executive director.

As is customary with the more intimate settings of each soiree, a pre- and post-reception was enjoyed with attending supporters including John and Nancy Apple, Troy Miller with Sheila Hansen, Helga Zachbauer, Lynn and Richard Kaufman, Wendy Plaster, Thom and Mari Landers and Michelle Garver and Damon Parker, both representing Cartier, sponsor of the soiree series.

Others enjoying the evening included Jack and Nichole Fisher, John Witmer, Hugh Roberts, Sandra Dinsmore, Kay and Allen Browne, Tony and Mary Jane Reed and Sondra Lynch.

Abba revisited

Mandalay Bay spared no expense when rolling out the red carpet for the hundreds included in the opening celebration for "Mamma Mia!"

Woven through a most engaging story are the beloved hits of Abba, sung with great enthusiasm by a beguiling cast who show the costumes, sets and choreography of the award-winning stage show to great advantage.

Applauding the musical's arrival on the Strip were Siegfried & Roy with protege Darren Romeo, Lou and Linda Silvestri, Ed Bernstein with Jaki Baskow, Tom and Misty Kaplan, Debbie and Brian Munch and Tom Bruny.

Humming their favorites and discussing the show's merits were Lovee and Bob Arum, Eric Blank, Jennifer and Blake Bradley, Laurie Taylor, Robin Leach and dozens more who were ushered from the comforts of the showroom into a private party at House of Blues.

Included in the post-performance party were select hotel guests and local VIPs who enjoyed the chance to compliment "Mamma Mia!" cast members. Gene Nakanishi of Osaka Japanese restaurant provided fresh sushi and other delectables on both levels of the spacious nightclub.

Departing guests were given special "Mamma Mia!" T-shirts, each bearing pink ribbons and a note explaining that the shirts were purchased by the producers to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The T-shirts, part of the offerings from the "Mamma Mia!" shop, will be offered for sale on an ongoing basis for this worthy cause.

Party Mardi

A beloved tradition that dates back nearly 50 years, the St. Rose Dominican Hospital's annual Mardi Gras Ball will be celebrated March 1. Decidedly elegant in nature, the charity gala will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, with Jim and Lora Gibson to reign as king and queen.

The hospital's ongoing mission is to provide compassionate health care in Southern Nevada, and in this spirit this year's gala has been themed "The Bridge to the Future." Featured will be dancing to the music of the Peter Duchin Orchestra, a five-course dinner and auctions, including a one-of-a-kind interactive video auction with items to include resort weekend getaways, a world premiere dinner party, fine art and more.

Mardi Gras 2003 will be co-chaired by Joni and Howard Mann with Kitty and Ron Boeddeker. For reservations to the gala as well as information about the special room rates, golf and spa packages and other special offerings to guests of the Mardi Gras evening, please contact St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation at 616-7630.