Clarence Brown Theatre tops itself with move to big tent

Actors John Cullum and Carol Mayor Jenkins after she gave him the Clarence Brown Theatre Artistic Achievement Award.

Actors John Cullum and Carol Mayo Jenkins after she presented him the Clarence Brown Theatre Artistic Achievement Award.

The Clarence Brown Theatre’s annual gala last year held in downtown Knoxville at The Standard was so successful that Alan and I wondered to ourselves how in the world it could be as outstanding again. (Click here for a report on it.)

Well, here’s how. This year the event was moved to the lovely RT Lodge in Maryville. And, since it’s on a Sunday night to coincide with the Tony Awards, guests were offered the opportunity to stay overnight. It succeeded on every front.

Icing on the cake was that the event honored the beloved Knoxville actor John Cullum who himself has won two Tony Awards but is probably best known for his TV role as bar owner Holling Vincoeur in the quirky CBS series Northern Exposure. Those who spent the night could have breakfast with Cullum on Monday morning.

Cullum is a charming, generous man with a million stories about everything from growing up in Knoxville to his television, movie and stage career and all the celebrities he has known. He’s a huge fan of the Clarence Brown Theatre. “I’m very proud to receive this award,” he said when his friend Carol Mayo Jenkins presented him with the CBT Artistic Achievement Award that night. “But I’m more proud of the Clarence Brown Theatre. If I’d stayed in Knoxville, I’d be working any time I could at the Clarence Brown Theatre.”

He talked about how much he enjoyed the performance of Amadeus a few years ago, which was a collaboration between the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. “I was thrilled to see something at the University of Tennessee that was better than anything I’d seen on Broadway,” he said. Wow.

Here’s a look at the fun, fun event.

From left, John Cullum, Mary Johnson, Betsey Bush and Rick Johnson in the garden for cocktails.

From left, John Cullum, Mary Johnson, Betsey Bush and Rick Johnson in the garden for cocktails. Mary once was in a play with Cullum.

Carol and Joe Pelliccia.

Carol and Joe Pelliccia.

I told myself these passed appetizers were healthy because they have asparagus in them. Never mind that puff pastry the asparagus is wrapped in!

I told myself these passed appetizers were healthy because they have asparagus in them. Never mind that puff pastry the asparagus is wrapped in!

Georgiana Vines, the current chair of the Clarence Brown Advisory Board, left, with former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe and his wife, Joan.

Georgiana Vines, the current chair of the Clarence Brown Theatre Advisory Board, left, with former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe and his wife, Joan.

Jennifer Crake Roche and Alexander Waters attended law school together. Today, she plays french horn with the Knoxville Symphony, in addition to practicing law.

Jennifer Crake Roche and Alexander Waters attended law school together. Today, she plays French horn with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, in addition to practicing law.

Jeannie Dulaney with Gary Doyle, the general manager of RT Lodge.

Jeannie Dulaney with Gary Doyle, the general manager of RT Lodge.

Some, like me, tried to stay inside the RT Lodge to avoid the heat. Here, from left, are Milton and Mimi Turner with Maggie Erickson.

Some, like me, tried to stay inside the RT Lodge to avoid the heat. Here, from left, are Milton and Mimi Turner with Maggie Erickson.

David Byrd, the Clarence Brown's managing director, with Carol Mayo Jenkins.

David Byrd, the Clarence Brown Theatre’s managing director, with Carol Mayo Jenkins.

Gil and Edie Volk.

Gil and Edie Volk.

Cal MacLean, artistic director of the Clarence Brown Theatre, and his wife, Rebecca.

Cal MacLean, artistic director of the Clarence Brown Theatre, and his wife, Rebecca.

Maja Djorcev Roy conducted the "wine pull" inside. These affairs, where you plop down a set amount of money and pick a random bottle of wine, are increasingly popular and local fundraisers.

Maja Djorcev Roy conducted the “wine pull” inside. These affairs, where you plop down a set amount of money and pick a random bottle of wine, are increasingly popular at local fundraisers.

Maggie Erickson, left and Brenda Glanville, right, with Robin Wilhoit, of WBIR-TV who, with her co-anchor, John Becker, emceed the evening and provided periodic updates on Tony winners as they were announced.

Maggie Erickson, left and Brenda Glanville, right, with Robin Wilhoit, of WBIR-TV who, with her co-anchor, John Becker, emceed the evening and provided periodic updates on Tony winners as they were announced.

The inside soon became packed. I found an air conditioning vent on the floor in a corner and stood over it for a long part of the cocktail hour!

The inside soon became packed. I found an air conditioning vent on the floor in a corner and stood over it for a long part of the cocktail hour!

Elegant nibbles were placed about the rooms.

Elegant nibbles were placed about the rooms.

Soon, we were called to move to a huge tent in the back of the lodge. Fortunately, there was good air flow. Our table, "lucky 13," was on the edge and there was a breeze. Yay.

Soon, we were called to move to a huge tent in the back of the lodge. Fortunately, there was good air flow. Our table, “lucky 13,” was on the edge and there was a breeze. Yay. Aren’t all the tables simple but elegant?

Each centerpiece featured a cute little bird.

Each centerpiece featured a cute little bird.

I told you it was a big tent!

I told you it was a big tent! Screens were set up to let us tune in to the Tony Awards from time to time, including the big opening number.

From left, Steven Smith, Alan Carmichael and WBIR-TV's John Becker.

From left, Steven Smith, Alan Carmichael and WBIR-TV’s John Becker.

Victor Ashe and Katharin Pearson Criss.

Victor Ashe and Katharine Pearson Criss.

From left, Patricia Robledo, representing the city of Knoxville, and Christine Jessel and Michael Grider, representing Knox County.

From left, Patricia Robledo, representing the city of Knoxville, and Christine Jessel and Michael Grider, representing Knox County.

Amanda Middleton, center, of Clarence Brown Theatre, greeting Tom and Konomi Wolf.

Amanda Middleton, center, of Clarence Brown Theatre, greeting Tom and Konomi Wolf.

I thought the place cards were clever.

I thought the place cards were clever.

Executive Chef Trevor Stockton, who honed his skills at Blackberry Farm before joining RT Lodge in 2010, chose to serve dinner family style, which worked well. Here's the delicious summer melon salad with lime-chile vinaigrette and mint. A green salad also was passed and a plate of house made charcuterie, pickles and sourdough was placed in the center of the table.

Executive Chef Trevor Stockton, who honed his skills at Blackberry Farm before joining RT Lodge in 2010, chose to serve dinner family style, which worked well. Here’s the delicious summer melon salad with lime-chile vinaigrette and mint. A green salad also was passed and a plate of house-made charcuterie, pickles and sourdough was placed in the center of the table.

Townes Osborne and her fiance Bob Marquis. Don't they look happy? She's a past chair of the Clarence Brown Advisory Board.

Townes Osborne and her fiance Bob Marquis. Don’t they look happy? She’s a past chair of the Clarence Brown Theatre Advisory Board.

 

From left, Tom and Melanie Wood and Russ and Florence Johnston.

From left, Tom and Melanie Wood and Russ and Florence Johnston.

Rebecca and Nick Cazana.

Rebecca and Nick Cazana.

Back at our table were Brooks Clark, the chair-elect of the advisory board, and Lacy Wallace.

Back at our table were Brooks Clark, the chair-elect of the advisory board, and Lacy Wallace.

Here's more from our table: from left, Terri Lelardy, Janette Burgin, Valerie Privette, Lacy Wallace and Laura Slyman.

Here’s more from our table: from left, Terri Lelardy, Janette Burgin, Valerie Privette, Lacy Wallace and Laura Slyman.

Just look at this! It was cooked perfectly, which was surely a challenge for this many folks. Whole roasted Wagyu eye of ribeye.

Just look at this! It was cooked perfectly, which was surely a challenge for this many folks. Whole roasted Wagyu eye of ribeye.

Grilled Scottish salmon with grape tomatoes, lemon and basil was excellent, as well.

Grilled Scottish salmon with grape tomatoes, lemon and basil was excellent, as well.

I loved the grilled early summer vegetables. We also had skilled potatoes with Vidalia onions.

I loved the grilled early summer vegetables. We also had skillet potatoes with Vidalia onions.

Alice and Dean Michael Wirth of the College of Communications and information Science.

Alice and Dean Michael Wirth of the College of Communication & Information.

Deb and Dr. Joe DiPietro, the president of the University of Tennessee.

Deb and Dr. Joe DiPietro, the president of the University of Tennessee.

Doug and Melissa White. Their car dealerships, Toyota of Knoxville and Lexus of Knoxville, were major sponsors of the gala.

Doug and Melissa White. Their car dealerships, Toyota of Knoxville and Lexus of Knoxville, were major sponsors of the gala.

Theotis and Jonida Robinson.

Theotis and Jonida Robinson.

Jeff Stanley, left, with David Byrd. Jeff had one of my favorite lines of the night when he walked into the tent. "It's like a Tennessee Williams play in here," he cracked, referring to the heat.

Jeff Stanley, left, with David Byrd. Jeff had one of my favorite lines of the night when he walked into the tent. “It’s like a Tennessee Williams play in here,” he cracked, referring to the heat.

Dessert was a skillet of strawberry rhubarb crumble served with a big bowl of whipped cream.

Dessert was a skillet of strawberry rhubarb crumble served with a big bowl of whipped cream.

Here's John Cullum receiving his award.

Here’s John Cullum receiving his award.

And making his sweet remarks.

And making his sweet remarks.

Auctioneer Blake Wilson sprang into action next, selling everything from a seven-night stay in a home in Costa Rica to a walk-on appearance in a Clarence Brown play.

Auctioneer Blake Wilson sprang into action next, selling everything from a seven-night stay at a home in Costa Rica to a walk-on appearance in a Clarence Brown Theatre play.

Robin Conklin, left, and Jullie Summers of Clarence Brown tried to keep track of all the bids.

Robin Conklin, left, and Julie Summers of Clarence Brown Theatre tried to keep track of all the bids.

After dinner, Alan, left, posed with Sherri Gardner Howell, a columnist for the News Sentinel, and Chef Trevor Stockton.

After dinner, Alan, left, posed with Sherri Gardner Howell, a columnist for the News Sentinel, and Chef Trevor Stockton.

Here's Chef Stockton, left, with Becky and Bob Luper and John Cullum. The Lupers, as you probably know, own Naples restaurant on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Becky is Cullum's niece.

Here’s Chef Stockton, left, with Becky and Bob Luper and John Cullum. The Lupers, as you probably know, own Naples restaurant on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Becky is Cullum’s niece.

It was time to say goodbye to those who were not spending the night. Kat Stoutt and Howard Filston bought one of the centerpieces.

It was time to say goodbye to those who were not spending the night. Kat Stoutt and Howard Filston bought one of the centerpieces.

Board member Charlie Brakebill with his granddaughter, Erin Pate.

Board member Charlie Brakebill with his granddaughter, Erin Pate.

Carol saying goodbye to Neil and Maureen Dunn McBride.

Carol saying goodbye to Neil and Maureen Dunn McBride.

Cal made a quick change of clothes and he and Rebecca decided to take a load off for a few relaxing minutes.

Cal made a quick change of clothes, and he and Rebecca decided to take a load off for a few relaxing minutes.

Komoni Wolf had other priorities. The fire pit was set up for s'mores!

Konomi Wolf had other priorities. The fire pit was set up for s’mores!

She and Tom got right to it!

She and Tom got right to it!

Looking good!

Looking good!

Yum!

Yum!

Jeannie took hers inside. In fact, I think she sent someone out to make it for her!

Jeannie took hers inside to enjoy. In fact, I think she sent someone out to make it for her!

After a great night’s sleep, we got up Monday to a bountiful buffet — and lots of coffee.

From left, me, Alan, John Cullum and Georgiana Vines at breakfast. It was a very memorable event. (Photo by David Byrd)

From left, me, Alan, John Cullum and Georgiana Vines at breakfast. It was a very memorable event. (Photo by David Byrd)

The Clarence Brown Theatre has an excellent season coming up. There still are good seats. Click here to read about the season and buy tickets online.

Also, Cullum and his wife, dancer Emily Frankel, have a series of 6-minute videos that they post to YouTube every week. In them, they discuss everything from politics to the theater scene. They are really sweet and interesting and make you feel as if they are talking just to you. Click here to see those.

 

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16 Responses to Clarence Brown Theatre tops itself with move to big tent

  1. Alan Carmichael, on June 23rd, 2015 at 7:24 pm said:

    John Cullum is one of the most generous people I have ever met. His stories are great.

  2. Carol Mayo Jenkins, on June 23rd, 2015 at 8:07 pm said:

    Always love reading The Blue Streak, but it’s even more exciting reading about an event when I was there! So many people I didn’t get to see. It’s an entire new prospective on a big evening for me. Thank you, Cynthia….

  3. Becky Paylor, on June 24th, 2015 at 8:01 am said:

    A wonderful event that continues to surprise year after year. And yes we spent a lot of time inside with the air conditioning too until time for dinner!

    • Cynthia Moxley, on June 24th, 2015 at 9:04 am said:

      Thanks for your comment, Becky. We love seeing you all at all the fun things. I did love the event. But I think if it’s going to be outside again next year, we need to ditch the formal attire and go with “garden party clothes” or something like that.

  4. Steven Smith, on June 24th, 2015 at 10:20 am said:

    Great pics and great time. I am delighted to be serving on the CBT Advisory Board. And, yes, Carol did a wonderful job introducing the great John Collum.

    • Cynthia Moxley, on June 24th, 2015 at 11:07 am said:

      You are perfect for that board, Steven. I very much enjoyed my time serving on it. Look forward to seeing plenty of you during the coming season.

    • Whitney Ray-Dawson, on June 24th, 2015 at 3:04 pm said:

      John Cullum certainly was the consummate honoree, and Carol’s introduction was
      sublime…just like her! CBT is so lucky to have so many wonderful people involved in the organization including its great audience/supporters, staff, faculty, actors, designers, and board members. Knoxville is so lucky to have the CBT in its midst. And thanks Cynthia and Alan for being there, along with sharing you thoughts and photos from the evening in the Blue Streak.

    • Cynthia Moxley, on June 24th, 2015 at 4:46 pm said:

      Whitney: You did a fantastic job chairing this event. Congratulations!

    • Whitney Ray-Dawson, on June 24th, 2015 at 5:27 pm said:

      Thanks Cynthia. It took a village, of which I was but one of many. There are so many people to thank for creating this event! David and Amanda at CBT for starters! Great committee. RT Lodge is amazing to work with. Fabulous and generous Sponsors. And of course, so grateful to all who attended and dealt with the heat with good humor.

  5. Georgiana Vines, on June 24th, 2015 at 11:00 am said:

    Love Blue Streak’s report on the Gala. You captured the spirit of this marvelous event. Thank you so much.

  6. Gay Lyons, on June 24th, 2015 at 2:18 pm said:

    Looks like a wonderful event–with amazing food. Sorry to miss it this year. I guarantee I’d have joined you in looking for the air conditioned spots.

  7. Janette Burgin, on July 20th, 2015 at 6:41 pm said:

    Fantastic, enchanted evening. Twinkle lights, fabulous adventures for auction, and the food was sheer perfection! So much fun to roast smores, lift a glass, and enjoy the honor of Mr. Cullum’s company. Could not be a more perfect evening, event, or venue.

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