Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Friends of Nevada Opera Theatre set fine tables

ELEGANT, UPLIFTING and assuredly entertaining, the recent Friendship Internationale luncheon at Caesars Palace was a most gracious affair. An annual celebration presented by the Nevada Opera Theater Guild as a benefit for the Nevada Opera Theater, the Sunday luncheon drew a crowd of supporters reflective of our community's diverse heritage. Table sponsors, among them realtor Cathy Bittinger, Eleanore Doumani with state sen. Kathy Augustine, Jeane Dileo, Liz and Gil Suckow and Isabel Pfeifer, decorated their tables in elaborate fashion to reflect favorite lands and travel destinations. Others, including interior designer Joy Bell, with her "Swan Lake" design, and Sally Quemel of Las Vegas Wedding Journal, who created "The Wedding" table, gave an extra sparkle to their interpretations.

Opening with a champagne reception in Caesars' splendid new tower, the party was musical and magical from the beginning. Honorees Eileen Hayes and Elisa Del Prado, both recognized for their contribution to the arts, were warmly greeted by Cheryl Pandellis, Helen Stock, Judge Nancy Oesterle and Susan Stamis, joined by Helene Walker, Jeri Packe with Opera Guild president Tove Allen, as well as Elaine Fish, Andrea Thomas, Syd and Colette Salts and state School Board member Lilliam Hickey. Emcee David Griego, attending with Esther Quisenberry, made welcome attendees and hinted at the richness of the musical program ahead. Nevada Opera Theater artists participating included Ben Litvinoff, Andres Visconte, Suzanne Ferace, Robin Jenness, Dr. Morton Hyson and the young, but very accomplished, Suzanne Vinnik. Their selections were varied and drew great applause.

Nevada Opera Theater, with its intended goal of bringing the beauties of opera into the reach of all Southern Nevadans, has a school outreach program which entertained more than 6,000 local students this year with easily understood and enjoyed performances of "Hansel and Gretel." Dr. Charles Vinnik, president of Nevada Opera Theater, also announced the June 25-27 performances of "Carmen" at the Hills Park in Summerlin. This is a joint collaboration with the Nevada Symphony Orchestra. Over lunch Vinik and his wife, Nancy, sponsors of the "Italy" table, further explained NOT's plans to Las Vegas newcomer Kathleen McCarthy, manager of Gucci America at the Forum Shops. Other supporters enjoying the luncheon included Jeannine Hefflin with Norm Johnson, Laurel Smith, Tony Dane, Sandy Dinsmore and Nevada Symphony Orchestra president Janice Tanno. Also glimpsed in the musical crowd were Vi and Fred Gorte, Chris and Mark Benatar, Hans Dorweiler, Joan Dimmett and Latin Chamber of Commerce president Rose Dominguez.

In the name of science

With the support of Sunset Station hotel-casino, John C. Vanderburg Elementary School raised more than $48,000 for their Biosphere Project that will build a rainforest in the desert for education and research. This first event, which included both live and silent auction offerings, has started the school off in a most positive manner and helped them look ahead to the creation of our community's first biosphere science laboratory to be built in a courtyard at the elementary school.

With 200 attendees present and great enthusiasm quite evident, the event really exploded with the excitement of a $20,000 donation to the school from Clark County's Special Projects Fund. Announcing the donation was Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury. Making welcome the guests and praising the efforts of all participants and corporate sponosrs was Ande Christenson, chair of the Biosphere Committee. A 15-member task force, comprised of parents, teachers and professionals from the Las Vegas business community, is working to secure the funding necessary for the $1 million project. At present, Vanderburg Elementary has received a $102,641 Title VI federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education for teacher training and supplemental instructional materials for use with the biosphere. When completed next year, the biosphere will house a rainforest biome for high- and low-level plant growing activities, a waterfall, ponds with frogs, algae and plankton and a weather station. Donations for this worthy project are welcomed and can be made by contacting principal Carolyn Reedom at 799-0540.

Welcoming Mission

Racing into the future with great gusto and corporate spirit are the staff and management of Mission Industries. Their enormous new facility in North Las Vegas' sprawling industrial district was recently the gathering point for Southern Nevada business leaders, who joined Mission Industries and hosts Jim Page and Doc Wiener for grand opening festivities. Arriving guests, among them Richard Moore, Commissioners Mary Kincaid and Yvonne Atkinson Gates, Phil Hernandez, Mike Bingahm and state Sen. Jack Regan, found a sparkling plant with state-of-the-art tracking systems and selections, ready for tours of inspection and questions on pricing.

Carrying out the racing theme were valet attendants in scarlet auto-racer attire as well as generous use of checkered flags, black and white balloons and racing logos. Inside the tented refreshment pavilion guests, including North Las Vegas Councilwoman Stephanie Smith, Laird Noble Sanders, George Smith, Jan Monaghan, Bob Boughner, Allen Kaercher, Scott Menke and Dick Elder, enjoyed a close-up look at vintage Shelby racing cars. Making special note was racing enthusiast Mel Larsen and his bride Marilyn, who paid particular note to the first Shelby racer ever built in Nevada.

Soirees Catering served a hearty repast while a jazz trio entertained the business crowd who entered through the commercial linen facility's main plant. Found attending the early evening party were Matt Alexander, Patricia Martinelli-Price with daughter Dominique, North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon, Milt Doyle, Karen Gordon and Neil Michaels. Also present were Margie Fields, Denny Weddle, Jack Williams, Rick Ashwood, Don Morgan, Mark Gilbert, Erna Bath and Andrew Zimmerman. Parting gifts of commemorative wine, designed with Mission Industries' distinctive red-white-and-black logo, were given to all.

Summer-izing the schedule

Super Summer Theater recently landed a triple-header for summer '98 musicals. At their May advisory board party, the producers of all three Super Summer '98 musicals were present. Settings, lyrics and performers were discussed as SST chair Adrienne O'Donoghue introduced Betty Sullivan Cleary, producer and director of "Damn Yankees." Slated to run from June 10 through June 27 on a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule, "Damn Yankees" is the first of the season's offerings. Also introduced were Jeanne Todd, who will producing the Gershwin musical extravaganza "Crazy for You" in July, and Phil Shelburne, director-producer of "Little Shop of Horrors," set for August.

The kickoff party at Regency Towers was catered by Harold and Letitia Smith, and began with a grand entrance by Woodsy Owl, accompanied by Roy Orr, regional manager of the Nevada Division of State Parks. Greetings by Alice Rissman and Cathy Wagner included Orr's wife, Linda, as well as Super Summer advisory board members Carolyn Sparks, Jeanne Costa, Joanne Blystone Terry, Maureen Little and Mary Gafford. Present as well was Sue Linda Hill, along with Carol Gibbins, Tony Campagna, Bethanie and Chris Gist, Ray Eicher and Anne Brew. Sharing their summer plans for enjoying the productions under the stars at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park were Larry Spitler, Judy Sylvan, Paul Szugzys, Cynthia Zeidner, Dan and Mary Miller, John Gubler, Todd and Susan Harbach and Jane Smith.

Tickets for Super Summer '98 are priced to start at $5, with special prices for seniors and students. Picnic suppers in the cool mountain meadow are recommended, but light refreshments will be sold and comfortable lawn chairs rented for nominal fees. Call 594-PLAY for further details and easy directions to this series of shows.

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