Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Super Summer Theatre winds down season with 'Horrors'

"LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS," now in production at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, is a splendid show made even better with Super Summer Theatre's new state-of-the-art sound system. This latest enhancement to theatre under the stars, in the cool meadows near Red Rock Canyon, was made possible by a gift from the Reynolds Foundation. The new sound system includes a mixing console for pre-programming the show's musical cues, a microphone system for clearer sound and delay speakers which evenly distribute sound throughout the outdoor theatre.

Enjoying the magic of opening night were Super Summer supporters Phillip Varricchio, Mark and Alice Denton, Carmen Ross, Sparty and Marilyn Kaufman, Missy Mills and Betty Sullivan-Cleary. Alice Rissman, longtime board member for Super Summer Theatre, attended with her son, Nick Rissman, musical director for "Little Shop of Horrors." Nick, who leaves shortly for a new position as Professor of Music at LaMar University in Beaumont, Texas, will be greatly missed by the theatre community for his unflagging energy and creative mind.

"Little Shop of Horrors" continues Wednesdays through Saturdays through Aug. 29. It is a tale of love and a huge carnivorous plant. The musical is the final production of Super Summer '98. Don't miss this one. Call 594-PLAY for advance tickets and driving directions.

Birthday celebration

United States Naval Captain and local physician Jeffrey Brookman and his wife, Monterey, recently hosted a "seventy-something" birthday party for Dr. Brookman's father, Mr. Michael Brookman. Thirty-four guests were treated to a menu designed with the Philadelphia-born delicatessen man's favorites in mind.

The party opened with luscious Belini's, both of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic type, perfect for the summer evening gathering. Appetizers of humus and mushroom pates were enjoyed while conversation spanned the global travels of the assembled guests. Michael and Bette Brookman and their daughter, Susan Thimansson, recently returned from a lengthy jaunt through Thailand and Puket and are already preparing for an early fall departure to India.

Anna Maria and Gilbert Barbieri were just home from their summer excursion to Germany, where record-breaking heat waves made them long for the comfort of our city's universal air conditioning. Dr. Fred and Susan Totigh were joined at the party by Susan's sister, Jasmin, who's here from Iran for a visit. Her entertaining comments about life in the former Persian land were intriguing.

The formal dinner began with a serving of Monterey's own Cobb soup, a chilled dish she has created as a tribute to the Brown Derby's famed salad and served with fruited bagel quarters. Pupi Campo, who has entertained generations of Las Vegas visitors and is often called "The Mambo King," had wonderful stories to share over dinner, discussing fondly many legendary show biz figures.

Monterey kept the courses coming as guests dined on Surf 'n' Turf kebobs, as well as spicy bulgar and zesty potato brussel sprout salads. For the occasion -- and in tribute to her father-in-law's enormous sweet tooth -- this adventurous hostess also created a special dessert: Pistachio halvah ice cream with raspberry sauce was served on almond butter pound cake. Peggy and Somer Hollingsworth with fellow dinners Judge Mark and Carol Gibbons, ranked the dessert at "swoon" level. Chocolate-covered plums and caramel nougats were offered with coffee and tea on the patio after dinner. Champagne toasts and many best wishes were bestowed upon Mike who has declared himself ready for the next century!

Fashionable lunch

Don't miss fall's most fashionable event. Tremendous response has already been received by The Alzheimer's Association, Southern Nevada Chapter for their luncheon and fashion show slated for Sept. 24 at Bally's. To date, more than 500 seats have been sold.

David Cordoza of Neiman Marcus will present an extraordinary runway show featuring a beautiful selection of fashions for fall, winter and the holiday season. Audiences will enjoy an afternoon of elegance when Maureen Reagan and Tova Borgnine team-up with master of ceremonies John Daly of "Real TV." The charitable event will begin with a wine reception and a silent auction of treasures. A raffle of luxury vacations and designer goods will also be held.

Luncheon tickets are priced at $75 per person or tables for 10 at $650; call 248-2770 for reserved seats and other details. All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association, whose local chapter provides support and assistance to Alzheimer's patients, their families and care-givers.

Wedding wishes

Wedding bells rang out this month for Las Vegan residents Wayne Palbaum and Bonnie Kleinman, who exchanged vows in double ring ceremonies held at Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Guests enjoyed a formal dinner and dance reception in the temple's social hall, which had been decorated with exquisitely fragrant tea roses and the bride's chosen color of navy blue.

Rabbi Alan Greenbaum officiated in the traditional Jewish ceremony, which began with the formal signing of the marriage contract or "ketubah." This document describes the rights and obligations of both bride and groom and after signing is given to the bride for safe-keeping and display in her home. Serving as witness to this contractual ceremony was Glenn Raynes, who along with his wife, Rene, befriended Wayne through UNLV's "Home Away From Home Program," a partnership of community and students.

Wayne, the son of Phil and Joyce Palbaum, is a UNLV hotel administration graduate who went through the hotel management program at the Mirage, served as their assistant front desk manager. He was recently named business services center manager for Bellagio. Bonnie, the daughter of Larry and Gail Kleinman, is a graduate of both California State University at Humbolt and California State University at Sacramento, and is employed as a third grade teacher by the Clark County School District. Following a honeymoon to Kauai, Hawaii, the couple are at home in Las Vegas.

archive