D

Despite Tuxedos Being MIA, Center Stage 2010 was a Class Act

Creative types just know how to party. And when the Wyly Theatre is the setting, it’s a dead giveaway that it’s going to be a memorable event. That’s what happened Saturday night for “Center Stage 2010″ celebrating the Dallas Theater Center.

The invitation set up the scene with a killer line — “Anything But Black Tie.” No doubt gentlemen guests breathed a heavy sigh of relief that their tuxedos would have the night off, but then the problem of what to wear to a gala forced men to debate the answer in their closets. Evening honoree Ted Enloe (pictured), Justin Blumoff, Wyly Theatre namesake Charles Wyly, Chad Vose (pictured), Don Carty, Ken Menges, DTC angel Hal Brierley, and others opted for the “if-I-don’t-have-to-wear-a-tie, I’m-not-gonna” look.

The ladies, on the other hand, had no problem in their selection. From tight, short cigarette skirt with killer heels to one-shoulder, to-the-floor gowns, the gals like Allison Laros (pictured) had their way.

For those in lightweight silks, they did have a bit of a challenge upon arrival as Mother Nature and her buddy Mariah literally blew into town. The twosome must have been upset that they hadn’t been invited. As guests arrived, gauzy skirts looked like tethered kites. Even the sturdiest hairsprays were challenged, but after a quick powder room visit, every hair was back in place. Gals like Lisa Runyon (pictured) looked just picture perfect despite the blustery breezes.

Due to the breeze, plans for using the esplanade for the cocktail hour were readjusted for the reception to take place in the lobby. Yes, it was a bit crowded, but, shoot,

(more…)

Former Kimbell Art Museum Art Director Ted Pillsbury has Died

We regret to report the death of well-known former Kimbell Art Museum art director Ted Pillsbury.

Recognized for his building the Kimbell’s reputation within the international art arena, he worked with the Meadows Museum of Art following his departure from the Kimbell.

Lauren Bacall Delivered “The Look” and the Goods at the Nasher Salon Series

When Hollywood was legendary and the studio system was turning out the likes of Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant, a teenage Lauren Bacall was catapulted to film royalty thanks to her captivating looks, one-of-a-kind voice, sultry acting, and marriage to Humphrey Bogart, the leader of the infamous Holmby Hills Rat Pack (predecessor to Frank Sinatra‘s Rat Pack).

Last Thursday she held court at the Nasher Sculpture Center as part of the Nasher Salon Series. Arriving for a lunch with a full room of guests, she surprisingly was upstaged by her companion — Sophie, (pictured with, from the left, Lauren Bacall, Jeremy Strick, and Michael Cain) an adorable and extremely well-manned Papillion. But, no fear of female jealousies. Bacall actually enjoyed the attention that Sophie received. Once seated at Table #1 with Nasher Director Jeremy Strick and old friends Karla and Liener Temerlin (pictured with Nancy Nasher Haemisegger in center),  Sophie sat in her owner’s lap and never raised her nose above the table. Obviously, this wasn’t Dakota-living Sophie’s first rodeo. However, later as Bacall talked to the room of guests, Sophie (pictured) decided that Jeremy was her lap of choice and sat patiently. That Jeremy just has a way about him.

Leave it to the Nasher folks to set the luncheon up perfectly. With B&W movies from Bacall’s past on two of the walls and framed pictures of the lady on each table, it almost made you wish you had brought your autograph book. One table of enthusiastic fans insisted on having their group photographed around the picture centerpiece.

But once she arrived and sat down, everyone controlled their enthusiasm and made it through lunch waiting for her discussion with Dallas Film Society Chairman of the Board Michael Cain.

Poor Michael was just a tad bit apprehensive about the chat. Seems that he had gone a couple of rounds with the sharp as a tack lady when she was in town a couple of years ago for the AFI Dallas International Film Fest. Like Harriet Hubbard, the lady suffers no fools. (more…)

Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Lunch Will Blossom

When you think of the incredible art of floral design, you probably have visions of Dallas Blooms. You’re so smart. The Arboretum is an incredible showcase of flowers in their natural settings.

But the beauty of flowers is not limited to the lush beddings of the Arboretum. Think the Dallas Museum of Art.

That’s right  — the DMA. It’s all a part of the Dallas Museum of Art League’s Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Luncheon on March 29 at the DMA.  With the theme “East Meets West,” Japanese designer Mami Ogata and Dallas’ own Howard Eckhart will provide presentations of floral design representative of Asian and western cultures.

With DMA Board of Trustee President John Eagle and his wife Jennifer serving as honorary chairs, Lunchen Chair Barbara Bigham says, “We are thrilled to have two designers who will bring such diverse backgrounds and talents to the event. Every aspect of the day offers an enticement for all tastes.”

In addition to the flora design demonstrations, other activities during the will include:

• A seated luncheon featuring a fashion presentation by upscale retailer Betty Reiter with Jan Strimple producing the show.
• New York’s Billy Pry of BBJ linens, discussing not only  table top trends but also providing linens for the luncheon pro bono.
• A specially-created boutique offering floral containers for purchase.
• Travel guru Jim Strong donating copies of his newest book, Craving for Travel: Celebrating Life’s Moments for luncheon favors.

“Barbara has done an excellent job of creating a fresh and exciting event that captures the entertaining and educational components of a successful event,” said DMA League President Marilyn Willems.

If you can’t make the Monday event, you might be interested in the two half-day workshop on March 24 at Magic Moments Parties and Events. Debbie Jordan is opening her Magic Moments for a morning workshop conducted by Howard, and Mami will present an afternoon workshop following a formal Japanese tea ceremony.

Shakespeare Dallas Gets a SO for Successful Six-Year Debt Relief Campaign

Don’t you just love stories with happy endings? For instance, how does this scenario sound: “On the brink of financial disaster, a dedicated group of theatrical types and supporters tighten their belts and manage to save the day for the local theater group!”

Sounds like a Judy Garland/Andy Rooney story line? Think Shakespeare Dallas.

Years ago, Shakespeare Dallas was literally on the edge of financial ruin, when a six-year debt relief campaign was put into place to save the local theatrical company. It worked.

Celebrating the success of the campaign and to thank the SD patrons, supporters, and board members, “The Defining Moment” was held at Diane and Hal Brierley‘s home.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to announced a new advisory board with Dolores Barzune, Carole Brandt, Don Stone, Diane Brierley, and Jim Moroney as founding members.

Photo provided by Shakespeare Dallas

“This is the dawn of a new day for this amazing organization,” said SD artistic/executive director Raphael Parry (pictured right with Roy Turner III, Connie Gold Parry, and Bonnie Strauss, from the left). “Few things are more important to a community than affordable access to the arts, and Shakespeare Dallas will provide that for years and years to come.”

TACA Silver Cup Luncheon Gets People Like Kenny Goss Thinking and Talking

What do international art collector/hottie Kenny Goss (pictured) and former JCPenney President and COO/Dallas Opera General Director John T. Cody Jr. have in common? Later. . . But first, let’s cover the 32nd TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon.

If you just arrived in the area, you probably don’t realize that this luncheon is the pinnacle gathering of the area art groups and those who tirelessly support them. Each year a man and woman are honored for their efforts. This year the luncheon recipients were Cindy Rachofsky and John T. Cody Jr. (pictured) at the Anatole.

But before the luncheon, which is an artistic occasion in itself, past Silver Cup recipients, VIP’s and honorees gathered for a “catch your breath” reception. It also allowed for a group picture to be taken of past recipients with the “new kids on the block.”

After the official photos were taken, Cindy and John were presented with boxes that would have been too big for Santa to fit in his Christmas sack. Like two eager children, the two pulled off the ribbons, dug through paper stuffing, and discovered their silver cups (pictured).

But before you go off thinking that this heady group of art lovers was only involved in discussing the intellectual side of the arts, back up and rethink. (more…)

Go On the Carpet for the Resource Center Now!

You know it’s always more fun to watch the Academy Awards, the annual Super Bowl of celluloid, with a crowd of film lovers. If you hurry, you can still make it to “On the Carpet” to watch the distribution of the Oscars tonight. The annual fund raiser for the Resource Center is taking place at the Rose Room. General admission is $10 and VIP tickets are $25.

Co-hosts for the soirée include CW 33′s Roni Proctor, Dallas Morning News style master Jason Sheeler, and Kraddick Foundation – Kidd’s Kids and board chair Beaux Wellborn.

What can you expect? According to Resource Center’s Rafael McDonnell, how about –

Hosted by master of ceremonies Paul J. Williams and honorary event chair Hector Garcia, attendees will enjoy a night of fun, games, laughs and memories from the best movies of the year. Williams is an award-winning actor/comedian who has made his mark on scores of theater, cabaret and stand-up comedy stages across Texas, as well as New York City, Provincetown, Aspen, Key West and other cities. Garcia, a well-known Dallas restaurateur, also held a series of legendary Academy Award ©-watching parties in the 1980s and 1990s. They were held first at his home, then in Fair Park and finally the Lakewood Theater. At times, the parties also gathered food and donations for the Center’s food pantry. Garcia held the last of these parties in 2002.

Dallas Opera Seeks High Falutin Men for Moby-Dick

If you’ve ever had the acting bug or wanted to appear in an opera, now’s your chance. Just two things:

1. You can’t be afraid of heights.
2. You’ve got to be a guy. Now, ladies, don’t get all huffy. There’s a reason that even NOW would understand.

Here’s the scenario: The Dallas Opera is looking for some stout-hearted men for its upcoming world premiere of Moby-Dick. According to Dallas Opera’s Suzanne “The Voice” Calvin:

“We need men with a slim to medium build, ages 16 and up who are able and willing to climb a truss up to 30 feet in the air without hesitation.  They should have absolutely no fear of heights. No previous opera/theatre experience necessary.

“As the supernumeraries or ‘supers’ (non-speaking, non-singing extras) you would add height to the workings of the ship by appearing in the crow’s nest and other various parts of the ship above the rest of the “Ship’s Crew” throughout the show.”

Ladies, you’ve probably calmed down by now knowing that there weren’t any women on whaling ships in the 1850′s and besides what woman would be crazy enough to climb up in the crow’s nest?

The open casting call  (“just bring yourself, no equipment necessary”) is Tuesday, March 16, between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. at the Karayanis Rehearsal Production Center, 4301 S. Fitzhugh. That’s on the edge of Fair Park off of Gaisford Street. Please park at the back of the building and enter through the back door.

Dallas Contemporary is Alive and Well and Making Music with Tubes and Pipes

Remember back on January 7 when the opening of Dallas Contemporary was canceled at the last minute because the proper permits weren’t obtained? Okay, so you’re right. It was canceled 48 hours before, not a minute beforehand. My, aren’t we picky!

Then there was the February 17 announcement that DC longtime director Joan Davidow would retire.

DC evidently got their permits and had their opening on February 6.

Now moving ahead, on March 24 at 7 p.m., DC will launch its inaugural music performance for its adult programs with “New Sounds for a New Space.” According to DC Exhibitions Coordinator Erin Cluley,

“In the raw setting that inspired the music, young Dallas composer Christina Rusnak unveils the first movement of her original composition 161 Glass Movement I: The Floor (Premiere) for Percussion Ensemble, played by a selected group of performers.”

Just how inspired was Christina by the raw setting of DC’s new home. Well, she has incorporated glass, pipes, blocks, tubes, metal, and wood along “with traditional percussion instruments to articulate her sound piece.”

In the meantime, James Gilbert‘s “Warnings & Instructions” exhibition is up until April 18.

Oh, if you’re counting pennies, it’s all free!

Dallas Dozen’s Cindy Rachofsky to be Honored Friday at TACA Silver Cup

If you haven’t had a chance to read about the Dallas Dozen in this month’s issue of D, you might not know that Cindy “Homecoming Queen” Rachofsky (pictured) is one of the DD’s.

Photo provided by Dallas Opera

This Friday Cindy’s also going to chalk up another honor. She’ll join the illustrious list of recipients of TACA’s Silver Cup Award along with the Dallas Opera’s main man John T. Cody Jr. (pictured) at the Anatole.

The luncheon is presented by Chase and Neiman’s. Ticket info is available by calling 214-520-3930.

Just in case you’re wondering who are the people behind the scenes making this shindig happen, here you go: (more…)