News

The auction was s-s-s-smokin' hot, the scene was swanky cool and, oh, what a night. It was about food as art, flowers as art and about that artful dodger, that kleig light of auctioneering, Jim Roddey, who was practically paddled to a pulp at City Dreams ... City Theatre's benefit gala that buzzed with the same creativity and excitement we've come to expect from its plays.

Did I say food? Chairs Kirk Johnson, with Pam, and Ken McCrory stuck a fork into the cardinal rule about never challenging the kitchen at a benefit dine. Four great chefs not only orchestrated the menu, the exquisite plating and team service, but they whipped up the grand occasion menu as 300 guests looked on and each dish was bliss. Toques off to Baum Vivant/Cafe Zao's Toni Pais, Joe Nolan of Cafe Allego, Rolling Rock Club's famed (now retired) Willi Daffinger and Aramark's new whisk from Vegas Richard Marmion ... all donating their all to this one. As well as Mike Gonze of Dreadnought Wines, who chose the swell pours.

Did I say flowers? Nearly overshadowing the menu was the abfab ambience created (and donated) by floral artist Joe Mineo of Something New, Youngstown. He got things rolling in Heinz Field's clubhouse with a long, entrance-making red carpet and carried the crimson tide in streamers and swags to the dining area. Then, in every shade of red, came a blaze of roses, gerbers and red-dyed hydrangeas that peeked over and through clear lucite boxes boasting playbills. The party was here for sure, and many of the damsels did glamour-girl cocktail dresses.

Did I say auction? Try 16 creme-de-la-dreamy items topped by the week's stay at a palatial 16th-century Italian villa in the hilltops of Tucscany. J.R. never broke stride in driving that bid to $10,000 ... and (pause) sold it five times. He also got big bucks for a week's cruise of the British Virgin Islands aboard a sleek 43-foot yacht ($5,500); four cooking classes for eight with the star chefs of this party ($5,600); and an at-home cabaret for 20 with Broadway's Billy Porter, catered by Michael Lench ($4,700 ... twice).

To the stage came stars Lenora Nemetz and Anthony Rapp (think CT's smash, "Hedwig and the Angry Inch") for a set of Broadway tunes. Pity that the do went into double-overtime and many guests had departed before showtime.

The only place to be on Monday night was with such playgoers as Philip Chosky; Max and Rosa Copeland Miller; CT artistic director Tracy Brigden with Matte Braidic and managing director David Jobin with Rick Taylor; Harry Krakovsky; star of CT's "Chesapeake" David Wilson Barnes and Monica; Teri and Damian Soffer with (swoon on) son Jasper in from London; CT prez Ed Harrell and Jim Hageder; Rebeca and Bob Frankel; Toto and Jim Fisher; Barbara Barry in a fab emerald satin evening pants ensemble; Jean Anne and Dr. Brack Hattler; Sandy and Jeff Solomon; Dolly and Curt Ellenberg; Claudette and Dr. Harold Lewis; Nannette and Ira Gordon; Luci and David Massaro; Joan and Phillip Gulley; Jane Arkus; George Miles; Jamie and Bill Sarris; Nancy and Milt Washington; Caryn Rubinoff; actress Helena Ruoti and Dr. Sam Simone; and honorary chairs Cindy Engler and Stephanie Spence.

Plus Laura Kronk looking knockout in a white top and long bronze skirt; Shelly Snoddy; Gabriela and David Porges; Lora and Perry Sigesmund; Randi and Van Dauler; Nancy Sansom; Eva Blum with her lovely Hannah; Sarah Nichols and Graham Shearing; Jack and Eleanor Schano Feeney; Sarah and Joe Wilson; Sydelle Kessler and Dr. Reggie Pugh; David Bush; Betsy Wotherspoon; Beth Wainwright and Russ Kemerer; Judy and Ron Davenport; Janice and Ernie Meade; Issie and Lee Foster; Florence and Harvey Zeve; Mary and Henry Ewalt; Laurie and Bob Moser; Heather Arnet and David Shumway; Margie Romero; Sally Levin; Barbara and Harry Henninger; Norb and Carole Connors; Clyde Jones; Roslyn Litman; Sylvia Diez; Leo Castagnari; Demetria Bocella Gibson; Alexandra Hendrickson and Steve Robinson; and Karen Goldman with Efrem Grail.

Fair warning: Would that we could clone Jim Roddey. Never mind a schedule that would fell a mere mortal, he comes to the aid of countless benefits with wit, grace and a generosity of spirit that's all too rare in these times. This one raised $170,000, including the $104,000 windfall he hammered down at auction.

Bravo!

If you weren't at Heinz Hall on Friday night, you might have been the only one. Every seat to the last reaches in the last balcony sold out weeks ago for Mariss Jansons' swan song weekend as music director of our Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He opened the concert with an enchanting rendition of Schoenberg's "Transfigured Night," then unleashed the PSO in a magnificent performance of Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony," a full-blooded fortissimo that packed the stage with celebrated soloists and the Mendelssohn Choir. The standing ovations came in waves and went on forever. We lost count after his sixth return to stage center.

A brilliant choice for the season finale ... and a triumphant tribute to the maestro who led the PSO to fame and hosanas from one continent to the next. For seven years, his virtuosity burnished our orchestra's sound and world-class reputation. If only a handful of musicians in an era can lay claim to greatness, Mariss Jansons is one of them.

Fare-thee-well, Maestro. Pittsburgh's music lovers will dwell wistfully on this bittersweet night as it becomes a treasured memory.

Dublin your pleasure

Saints preserve us, if'n the black-and-gold didn't team up with pure gold at Pittsburgh's American Ireland Fund gala. There was no shortage of shamrocks at Friday's reception in the Steelers locker room at Heinz Field where Dan and Pat Rooney feted Elsie, Henry and the Clan Hillman ... a dynasty which lights up these pages with their infinite acts of charity.

'Twas the first time the locker room had seen the likes of a soiree, green carpet or otherwise, but our boyo Dan has some sway with the team. Turns out he's also vice chair of the worldwide Ireland Funds. And the black-tie for 400 guests raised over $500,000 to continue promoting peace, culture and charity in all of the Emerald Isle, a wee country the size of Pennsylvania.

VIPs were ferried to the clubhouse which, faith 'n begorrah, had been transformed into the H. Hillman Pub with a skirling piper, Celtic bands and step dancers, great eats and takin' care of Guinness by such as the Hillman lassies Audrey Fisher with daughter

Nina and Lea Simonds with son Henry; Greta and Art Rooney; Bishop Donald Wuerl; AIF prez Kingsley Aikins; Mellon chair Marty McGuinn and Ann; Joanne Rogers; Susie and Bill Johnson of Heinz; Bill Green; Nancy and David Malone; Carl Grefenstette; Ann and Dr. George Magovern; County Exec Dan Onorato; Ellen and Dr. Stan Marks; Trudy and Larry Wagner; Marilyn and Tom Donnelly, Catherine and John Ryan; Debbie and Mike Barbarita; Polly and John Apostolides; Judge Mary Jane and Ron Bowes; Audrey Brourman who coordinated the Hibernian foray; and, aye, too many other smilin' Irish eyes to mention.

Banking on equality

Ring another one up for Ralph Papa, Citizens Bank/Western Region's president and most bankable asset who's committed to growing our business economy and positioning Citizens as a key benefactor in these parts.

On Wednesday, with an elite gathering of corporate, community and cultural power brokers at the Marriott City Center, Ralph was tapped with the American Jewish Committee's highest award for championing human rights and community service. So happens the native son grew up in Stanton Heights, "where we didn't know what diversity meant ... we were all friends." Still true, Ralph.

Thanks to his friendships, it was the largest benefit in the Pittsburgh chapter's history. And with WQED Multimedia's George Miles as keynoter, it was one of the liveliest. Here's an idea of the roll call of crusaders who raised $100,000 to combat bigotry and racism. Most especially the Papa clan: Ralph's mom Dorothy, wife Ruth Anne and daughter Jami; Mary Anne and benefit chair Hoddy Hanna; Bette and Hal Bigler; Pat and Alan Siger; Rabbis Susan and Richard Rheins; Judy and David Ehrenwerth; AJC/Pgh. prez Mark Frank and chair Harvey Zeve; the Soffers: Vi and Joe with Teri and Damian; Sheila and Milt Fine; Ken Brand; Nancy Rackoff; Ruth and Alan Garfinkel; Mike Goldstein; AJC director David Shtulman; Susie and Roy Dorrance; Richard Reed; Paula Blodgett and Carl Schlessinger; and Bill Trueheart.

Anyone who knows Ralph knows this recognition could not be more deserved. And you can take that to the bank.

Rock on

We'll blame Friday night's baby sitter shortage on the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, where 400-plus moms, dads and others left the kids at home to party grownup style at Rock on the Block II.

While downpours washed out the Pirates at nearby PNC Park, CMP director Jane Werner weathered the spring showers with her customary grace, style and million-dollar smile. Co-chairs Jennifer Broadhurst and Rick Lerach organized this final fling before the museum closes its doors in mid-August to complete construction on the new addition.

Enjoying the night on the town and an insider's look at the Maurice Sendak "Where the Wild Things Are" exhibit were Drs. Tanya Hagen and Dave McAdams; Jeannine Spinola; Tacy Byham with brother Carter and Ginger Drysdale; newlyweds Erika Montelongo and Dave Wirkkala; Deborah and Dave Holtschlag; Julie Beck and Brian Butz; Maria Wood and Bill Schlageter; Cathy Dyke; Tessa Nicholson; state Rep. Mike Turzai; Michele and Max Beier; city councilman Bill Peduto; Katy Everett; Heather McBrier; Kristen Walker; and Jessica O'Brien.

-- John Altdorfer

Fashionable touch

The Great White Way stormed the runway Friday as Moda Della Molla reigned at the Strip's swank Touch nightspot for a dazzling display of red haute fashions from local designers and clothiers. Though all eyes turned toward the glam gals and guys who prowled the catwalk, the real focus centered on raising breast cancer awareness -- and raising funds for the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure.

"We're jazzed," said Izzazu super stylist Gino, who worked the SRO crowd of 450 with co-host Emilio like Frank and Dino at the Sands. Even before a sizzling Broadway-inspired opening dance number choreographed by Lenora Nemetz, this bash buzzed with nerve and verve and created a four-block traffic jam. Loosely translated, Moda Della Molla means "fashion of the motivating force." And the driving purpose of this to-do was to help recovering breast cancer victims look and feel their best, which is why the Izzazu crew donated 15 human hair wigs -- at $1,000-plus each -- to Race for the Cure.

Quipping his way through MC duties, former "Night Talk" host John McIntire entertained a fashionable set that included Arnold Zegarelli; Marianne and Paul Scharbo; Dr. Lee Fogerty; Mary Margaret Stewart; Dr. Joseph Lagana; Violet Scarpone and designer daughter Nichole; Dawn and Chuck Osthoff; Bill Cutrone; Dr. Joe Agnesi; Constantine Scoumis; Louis Martorella; Charles Spiegel; Julie Docherty and Evan Schapira; Marianne Workman; and Craig Totino.

A cut above.

-- J.A.

Broadway bound

Pittsburgh took a bite of the Big Apple as a "New York State of Mind" brought a bit of Gotham to the Westin Convention Center hotel during Saturday's Monongahela Valley Hospital Gala and farewell party for retiring longtime prez/CEO Tony Lombardi and Barbara.

Maybe the Bronx is up and the Battery down, but Manhattan was all around as 650 guests mingled among Broadway marquees and sipped vino in a "Little Italy" cafe. Inside the ballroom, projected images of the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building and other NYC landmarks added a big-city atmosphere. Best of all, the event raised nearly $140,000 to fund Mon-Vale's ER expansion.

Let's start spreading the news about notables such as MVH board chair Dr. Julia Ann Ansill; incoming CEO Lou Panza and Debbie; Nadine and Dr. Scott Baron; WTAE's Sally Wiggin; Highmark's Dr. Ken Melani and Tracy; Dr. Sheila Hewie; Sara and Carl Crawley; Veronica Duda; Terry and Jerry Fedele; Veronica and Lou Guarino; Rosie and Thomas White; Sara and Alan Guttman; Gloria and Don Ivill; Georgia and Patrick Mazzolla; and Rebecca Lombardi with Pablo Linzoain.

We'll take Manhattan.

-- J.A.

Majors league

NFL Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett rushed into town Saturday to pay tribute to former Pitt coach Johnny Majors (with Mary Lynne) during the McGuire Memorial "Special Auction for Special People" gala at the Heinz Field East Club Lounge. And while TD racked up some big-time numbers during his college and pro careers, these days his top stat is the $2 million-plus he's raised for the New Brighton-based center for the physically and mentally challenged.

With Coach Majors in the hot seat, Dorsett led an all-star lineup of celeb roasters who grilled the Tennessee native -- and raised $80,000 -- including current Panther coach

Walt Harris (with Barbara Stern); author Jim O'Brien (with Kathy); Majors' successor at Pitt Jackie Sherrill (and Peggy); and former NFL defensive guru Foge Fazio (and Norma). Co-chairs Larry Dorsch (with Karen) and ex-Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Rains (with Debbie) assembled an impressive group of talents such as Olympics hopeful Roger Kingdom; up-and-coming boxer Verquan Kimbrough; and former Pitt and NFL QB Matt Cavanaugh.

A game winner.

-- J.A.

Quick Takes

Cabaret high. From rigatoni to Rigoletto, fans gathered at La Strada's back room Wednesday for wining, dining and a little night music by several of the beautiful young voices of the Pittsburgh Opera Center, one of the nation's leading training programs. Although the musical fare was more Broadway than Boheme, the delizioso menu was pure Italia. Among those toasting the stars of tomorrow in the delightful cabaret setting were POpera's Mark Weinstein and Christopher Hahn; Carol Neyland; Ruth and Wes Parry; Audrey and Steve Richman; Louisa Rosenthal; Cecyl and Murray Thaw; Bob and Loretta Barone; Kathy and George White; Gracia Sheptak; Pam and Ken Dunn; and Marilyn and Howard Bruschi.

-- J.H.

Sneak peek Attack. Previews don't get better than Saturday's Attack Theatre grand opening in its new Penn Avenue digs. Performing in a transformed former industrial laundry in Bloomfield, AT founders Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza showcased the revamped space with a little help from friends such as Quantum Theatre's Karla Boos, accordionist Steve Pellegrino and songstress Dina Fanai. Enjoying the show were Hilda and Dr. Freddie Fu; Fran and Jim Abraham; Pam Golden Lee Ferraro; EONS' Richard Parsakian; Caryn Rubinoff and Craig Dunham; Jamey and Lynn Coleman; Catherine McConnell and National Geographic filmmaker Mark Knobil.

-- J.A.

More Fanfare headlines

• The Monster Mash
• Magic Act
• Sucker Punch
• Fanfare: Pointe in Time celebration a ball
• Fanfare: Touch Down
• Fanfare: Piece de Resistance
• Fanfare: Wild Things
• Fanfare: Botanic Gardeners know the best dirt

Subscribe to the Tribune-Review today

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News