OKC Events: November 14, 2001

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Nov 14, 2001 by Joan Gilmore

Once Upon a Dream VIII may be eighth in an annual series but it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of excellence for the University of Oklahoma School of Dance.

The invitation describes this benefit as an elegant evening of haute cuisine, honors and high expectations. Scheduled Friday at 7 p.m. on the stage of the Rupel Jones Theatre, the party also will recognize the contributions of Mark Allen Everett and offer special cabaret dance performances. A live auction will benefit the scholarship and touring performances of the School of Dance.

Cocktail attire is suggested for Once Upon a Dream. Reservations are $100 per person and may be obtained by calling the OU School of Dance. On the planning committee are Ann Alspaugh, Shawnee Brittan, Joanna Champlin, Riley Fitzhugh, Ann Hoover, Dick Marshall, Mary Nichols, Chip Oppenheim, Susie Symcox, Carol Wilkinson Troy, Laura Boyd, Keil Cadieux, Greg Davis, Sarah Hogan, Jill King, Brenda Monroe, David Ooley, Valerie Randolph, Chuck Thompson and Carolyn Wright.

The gala evening will begin at 7 p.m. with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, plus a preview of the items that will be auctioned at 7:45 p.m. A buffet dinner will follow at 8:45 p.m., followed by a 40th anniversary champagne toast at 9:30 p.m. (That's when the guests get to dance with the dancers.)

Top hats and tails

The Manhattan Rhythm Kings will be in the spotlight Dec. 1 when University of Central Oklahoma President Roger Webb and his wife, Jeanie Webb, welcome guests to an evening of dinner, entertainment and dancing to support UCO's Broadway Tonight series. The party will be in the Grand Ballroom of the Nigh University Center on the UCO campus starting at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will dance to the music of one of New York City's premier orchestras, The Nighthawks, conducted by Vince Giordano. Vocals will be provided by Jeanne O'Connor.

Black tie is optional and a cash bar will be available. Reservations are $65 per person or $125 per couple. Corporate tables for eight guests (including complimentary champagne) are priced at $600. Checks payable to Top Hats & Tails, Broadway Tonight President's Series, UCO, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond 73034.

Canterbury benefit

Canterbury Choral Society will present the world-renowned Vienna Choir Boys in concert at 8 p.m. Sunday in the First Presbyterian Church. Proceeds will benefit the Canterbury singers' tour of England this coming year. General admission tickets are $25 and may be obtained by calling Canterbury offices at 232-7464.

Wall of Fame fun

More than 500 guests were entertained at the annual Wall of Fame awards dinner, sponsored by and benefiting the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation. Yes, entertained. The presenters were witty; the honorees were even wittier, and Mayor Kirk Humphreys almost put his foot in his mouth. That's almost always funny.

We say almost, because honoree Vince Gill, winner of so many awards for his composing, his singing and his guitaring, took him to task. Humphreys referred to Vince as second only to Garth Brooks. Vince acknowledged the remark by saying his mother would chastise the mayor for tinkling in his Post Toasties. (Of course, that's not the word Vince used, but it's more printable.)

At Vince's request, the young singers from Special Care did two songs and it was sweet to see Vince's longing to join them on stage. Other youngsters provided music and art to hear or view.

Dave Bialis, general chairman of the awards program, turned out to be a groupie at heart. He revealed at a wrap-up meeting that he and Vince had undressed in the same room that night. Don't misunderstand. Both wore casual clothes as Dave interviewed Vince for his Cox Cable show and both had to change into their black-tie outfits in the interview suite at the Marriott Hotel, where the dinner was held.

Honored along with Vince, who was presented by his long-time buddy, Rick Buchanan, were Dannie Bea Hightower, introduced by Ann Hodges Morgan, and Lou Kerr, presented by Olympic gymnast Bart Conner.

Co-chairs of the dinner arrangements were Ann Bohanon, Anne Holzberlein and Buchanan. C. Dudley Hyde, chairman of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, spoke, as did Cliff Hudson, chairman of the school board. Mike Anderson did his usual great job of offering the invocation.

At the dinner committee's wrap-up meeting, Sherry Rice Rhodes, executive director of the Foundation, reported that well over $40,000 had been raised to benefit the Foundation's programs and activities for the Oklahoma City public schools.

It's just awesome

That's the way one woman describes the intricate glass sculpture that Dale Chihuly is in the process of creating for the new downtown Oklahoma City Museum of Art in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center. Museum director Carolyn Hill led a small group of trustees and staff to Seattle for a preview of the blown-glass sculpture, which will be the focus of the new museum.

Now just 20 feet tall, the piece will rise to an impressive 55 feet when completed. It will be brought here in segments, of course, and rise from a reflection pool. Created in vibrant colors, the original glass design will be spotlighted night and day in the museum.