Devotees of The Phoenix Theatre laughed and applauded to the tune of $8,600 this past Thursday night during the comedy theatre’s first-ever fundraising gala.
The words, “By Invitation Only” bannered the event, staged in the dazzling lobby of Edmonds Center for The Arts.
The gala, a brainchild of Artistic Director Melanie Calderwood, featured a tribute to “The First Five” Theatre Angels; both live and silent auctions; “Susan Connors and her Mondegreens” and plenty of other opportunities for celebration and laughter. Dan Jacoby, sporting a crisp tuxedo and a cool cat demeanor, ably hosted the affair.
Theatre Angels and “The First Five” were explained in the evening’s program as “One of theatre’s grandest traditions and biggest blessings are people called Theatre Angels. They come from all walks of life and whether they offer much-needed funding, inspire us with their brilliant performances or spend hours volunteering, Theatre Angels leave an indelible mark.”
Calderwood introduced Phoenix Theatre’s “First Five” honorees. Recognition went to Eric Lewis, who was described as, “our very first Resident Director and who remains our main Director (Lewis’ wife Vicki was also honored during the program); Lexie Knull for her graphics designs and poster art; board member Cristina Jensen was honored for her fundraising efforts and financial support to the theatre; hairstylist for productions Judy Anne was honored for surprising the Board with a check for $1,000 one financially-strapped year in the theatre’s history; and Debbie Palomera, who played an integral part in the development of the theatre company Edge of The World (the precursor to The Phoenix Theatre) was honored as well.
The Mondegreens portion of the program drew the biggest laughs as Susan Connors and Dan Jacoby scurried, flapped and scuttled from one misunderstood song lyrics of top 10 tunes and holiday classics to another.
During the live auction portion of the program Dan Jacoby egged on Phoenix Theatre loyalists in fevered bidding for such auction items as
· A Walk-On Part ~ won by “Head Master Engelking,” who has attended the theatre productions at the Firdale theatre since the marque days of Edge of The World;
· Tickets for Life For Two ~ for which Debra and Rod Boswell outbid the ferocious competition.
The Raise Your Paddle portion of the program raised one $1,000 pledge, two $500 pledges and other gift amounts totaling well over $3,000.
As attendees sipped wine and nibbled on desserts, Caitlin Francis (most recently was seen in “Blithe Spirit”) entertained along with Laurie Bialik, and members of the upcoming “Hallelujah Girls” cast.
Founded in 2008, The Phoenix Theatre regularly fulfills its mission, which is “To actively produce dynamic, top quality entertainment emphasizing humor to illuminate our common humanity and develop a fundamental appreciation for the magic of live theatre.”
Billed as “The First Annual” Dessert and Laughter, I’m sure that The Phoenix Theatre has added a new tradition to its rich – and intentionally hilarious – history.
— By Emily Hill
I really shouldn’t be posting this, it will mean tickets will go faster and seats harder to come by but… if you haven’t been to one of their productions, your missing out on some great fun! When was the last time you had not one but many “laugh out loud” moments?
Cast and crew do a great job putting these shows together. We thoroughly enjoyed the Dessert and Laughter evening and hope the Phoenix Theater does it again next year.