“COME TO ME, BEND TO ME”
Ladies and gents,
Money, as they say, makes the world go ‘round. Every organization needs it, and lots of ways have been dreamt up to raise it. But I can think of none so thoroughly satisfying as building a gala around a very short run of Lerner and Lowe’s Brigadoon with top notch talent to raise funds for City Center Encores! I had an inspired evening at the City Center Gala on Wednesday night, honoring powerhouse producer Stacey Mindich. The meal was the first performance of Brigadoon, as directed and choreographed by the great Christopher Wheeldon. The dessert was the dinner, lasting into the wee hours at The Plaza.
Mindich split the difference between bombshell and boardroom in a smart black dress adorned with spangles. Flanked by her husband, Eric, and sons Charlie, Russell, and Danny, she gamely posed for photos on the red carpet. The crowd was a mix of New York power types from the arts, business, and government. As for the show, I’ll make any excuse to spend time (real or imagined) in Scotland, especially if the likes of Kelli O’Hara, Patrick Wilson, Robert Fairchild, Aasif Mandvi, and Stephanie J. Block will be there to entertain me. I’ve always had a soft spot for this particular show, and this resplendent production justifies my affection. Of course, the spirit of the Highlands extended to the Plaza, all done up by David Stark, with the crowd awash in tartan fabrics.
Stacey gamely worked the room, table hopping and making everyone feel special, including the likes of Jack and Linda Viertel, Kevin McCollum and Lynette Perry, Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, Ben Famiglietti, Roy Furman, and City Center honcho Arlene Schuler. It was nothing short of a love fest, underscored by the heady soundscape of bagpipers. I woke up to a different kind of heady soundscape after downing my weight in wee drams of whisky.
Tidbits from around summer towns…
Spotted Hillary Rodham Clinton finally checking out (and reportedly loving) Dear Evan Hansen (produced by the aforementioned Ms. Midich).
Witnessed Jon Stewart get into the wrong SUV outside of Polo Bar.
Overheard Mary J. Blige demure graciously when a fellow Mr. Chow diner ran up to her table to tell her that she’s going
to win an Oscar for her role in Mudbound.
As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!
Kisses,
Scoop V.
