Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Hunt honored as Woman of the Year at NBT gala

Nevada Ballet Theatre kept true to its elegant tradition in honoring Nevada Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt as its Woman of the Year during festivities held Saturday at the Mirage.

The "Black & White Ball ... Goes Italian" took its theme from Hunt, referring to her Italian-American heritage, family ownership of The Bootlegger Ristorante and adjoining Village East Plaza -- and the warmth of her personality which has led to success in so many hospitality industry, charitable and business endeavors.

Sharing corporate sponsorship of the event were Cartier, represented by Ralph Destino, and Salvatore Ferragamo, represented by Mr. and Mrs. E. Houda and James Houda. Attending as well were Marian and Rokh Afshai, Thom and Mari Landers and Bill Martin and Heide Henley. Smartly greeted by Cartier staff in their trademark scarlet jackets were: Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, Dr. Monte and Jeanne Greenawalt, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Andy and Susan Tompkins, Colette and Sidney Saltz, Don and Madeliene Andress and Peter and Janette Jaramillo, as well as Marc and Jane Schorr, Frank and Judy Brusa representing Gov. and Mrs. Kenny Guinn, and Steven and Debra Shaiken.

Walking across the Roman bridge into the dining room were Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald, Sue and Paul Lowden, Margaret McCormick, Ann Lynch, Carol and Bob Maxey and Renee Haught with Bill Marion, who partook of a gourmet repast with music perfect for dancing between courses. The entertaining program included Nevada Ballet Theatre scenes from the richly costumed "Romeo and Juliet," lively commentary from John O'Reilly, and recognition of past Women of the Year honorees, among them: Elaine Wynn, Kitty Rodman, Claudine Williams, Thalia Dondero, Nancy Houssels, Jeanne Hood, Yvonne Franchi, Phyllis McGuire, Christina Hixson and Dr. Parvin Modaber Jacobs.

Highlights of the evening included the auction of luxury items by NBT supporters Susan and Irwin Molasky. Enjoying the action of the bidding wars were: Daryl and Jamie Martin, Frank and Lynne Cremens, Rick Ginn, Joyce and Frank Modica, Myron Martin and Brad Stith. Lending their attention as well were: Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson, Jewel Brooks, Jimmy Costello, Peg Crockett, Roger Thomas, Linda Vause, Jeff Silver and Steve and Gladys Comer.

A note from Nevada Women In History Project (NWHP) Chairwoman Rose Irwin reveals the organization is sponsoring a special Black History Month program for February.

Providing a closer look at the many contributing efforts of black citizens in Southern Nevada, "BMI and the Carver Park Experience" is the topic for a brunch slated for Feb. 6. Tickets are $15, with room for a good-sized crowd at the Elks Lodge, 4100 West Charleston Blvd. Reservations are necessary, so please call 457-4577.

Once again reality pushes away the myth that our community lacks culture. An abundance of fine arts programs abound in February, among them, Nevada Opera Theatre's presentation of Puccini's "La Boheme."

The program, at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall, will be given at 8 p.m. on Feb. 6 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 7. Solo artists of note will perform with an orchestra, and the well-recognized artistry of the Nevada Opera Theatre Chorus. Tickets are on sale through UNLV's box office and all Dillards locations.

Across town, at the Community College of Southern Nevada's Cheyenne Campus, the stage is being prepared for the Utah Shakespearean Festival's touring production of "MacBeth." Evening performances will be offered Feb. 12 and 13, with tickets available by calling 651-5483.

Dodging earthmovers and concrete trucks to snake our way through the feverish construction at Mandalay Bay, a few doubts began to arise about ever reaching our intended destination.

Soon, though, husky construction workers flagged the proper direction into the spacious garage, provided stylish hard hats for everyone, and whisked us onward to the sneak preview of "Chicago," the musical. While the sounds of construction faded across the spacious but incomplete lobby of the Mandalay Bay Theatre, guests received "Chicago" CDs and details about the state-of-the-art, 1,700-seat Broadway-style theater.

Enjoying a light luncheon before the show were many convention planners and community leaders, among them: Steve Hermann, Paul Oisboid, Jennifer Whitehair, Steve Westmoreland, Judy Robinson and Bob Macy, as well as Rob Powers of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Present to answer questions as the crowd moved through the theater shell and on to the stage, where improvised seating was arranged, was Laura Sadowitz, handing Mandalay Bay's special events. Also on hand: Michael Starr, vice president of hotel operations, and publicists Jack Leone, Bill Doak, David Kirvin and Debbie Pucinelli, who will center attentions on the resort's House of Blues venue.

Dazzling attendees with their talents were "Chicago" singers and dancers, who left us calling out for still another slice of this multi-award-winning production. Set to open to the public on March 3, "Chicago" quickly became a favorite with sneak preview attendees including: Nancy Kildore, Joanne Madronne, Bruce Spottleson, Carolyn Marriam, Mel Carter, Sarah Ralston and Suzanne and Frank Faracce.

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