“A Streetcar Named Desire” closed with a matinee at the Clarence Brown Theatre yesterday, capping a run that boasted many sold-out performances and box office revenue that exceeded projections by a comfortable margin.
Dr. John Purvis chats with actress Dale Dickey at gala Sunday night
And last night the theater celebrated its 35th anniversary with a gala at the Foundry that easily exceeded its $35,000 fundraising goal. It was successful in more ways, as well:
- Showing huge support from the University, UT’s acting president Jan Simek and his wife, Mary Ann; Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and his wife, Ileen; Bruce Bursten, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and several members of UT’s development office, including Linda Davidson and John Dinkens, all attended.
- Showing huge support from the local artistic community, Maestro Lucas Richman from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Brian Salesky from the Knoxville Opera Company, and David Butler from the Knoxville Museum of Art, all attended.
- The major cast members of “Streetcar,” most of the Clarence Brown’s advisory board and more than 200 others attended and bid on props, costumes and other goodies in an atmosphere that mimicked New Orleans at Mardi Gras – a nod to the setting of “Streetcar.”
Centerpieces featured New Orleans-style street lamps
One of the most touching parts of the evening was the presentation of the Accomplished Alumni Award to Dale Dickey, a Knoxville native and successful TV, film and stage actress, who returned to play the part of Blanche in “Streetcar.” “The Clarence Brown gave me my life in theater, which I desperately love,” she said through tears as she accepted the award.
Dickey is perhaps best known recently for her recurring role as Patty, “the daytime hooker,” in the televison series, “My Name is Earl.” Although she was weeping at the time, Dickey was able to get a laugh, nonetheless, when she quipped, “If I ever get an actual job as a daytime hooker and make a lot of money, I’ll give some of it to the Clarence Brown Theatre!”
Proceeds from the evening will go towards renovation of the theater’s lobby and, hopefully, bathrooms. (Every performance generates complaints about the ladies’ room which has way too few stalls and is cramped, hot and poorly designed.) The theater was built in 1970, following an endowment by beloved director Clarence Brown to his alma mater. Brown, who is well-known as Greta Garbo’s “favorite director,” directed 52 films. Of those, 38 were nominated for Academy Awards, with eight winning.
Some of the more interesting bids placed during the evening Sunday included $1,100 bid by Ann Furrow for the cape and headdress of the character Fakir from “The Secret Garden;” $2,400 bid by Dr. Kent and Susan Farris for dinner for eight with Bill Landry and his wife at their cabin on Abrams Creek; and $1,100 bid by Dawn Ford to buy a walk-on part in “A Christmas Carol,” for her husband, Richard, who adores that play.
Richard Ford, left, whose wife purchased him a walk-on part in "A Christmas Carol" and Jed Diamond, who typically plays Scrooge
Among others in attendance: Georgiana Vines and her mother, Helen Fry, Rusty and Carla Winchester, Barbara Apking, Dr. Richard and Stephanie Briggs, Brooks and Karen Clark, Dr. Joseph and Jayne DiFiore, Sheena McCall, Bill Landry, Robert and Margie Parrott, Stephanie Piper, Ellen Robinson and Peter Acly, Erin Donovan, Janet Testerman and Bart Mitchell, Dr. John and Patty Purvis, Rev. William Pender, Judi Starliper, Liz and Wes Stowers, Peggy Turner, Robin and Joe Ben Turner, Hank and Margaret Dye, Sherri Gardner Howell, Nancy Duckles, Steven Smith, Katharine Pearson Criss, Kim Midkiff, Betsey Creekmore, Carol Mayo Jenkins, Lorayne Lester, Terry Weber, Townes Osborn and Art Lavidge.
Melanie Wood was chair of the event. Calvin MacLean, who heads the department and is artistic director of the Clarence Brown Theatre, was master of ceremonies with help from managing director Tom Cervone. Sam Furrow was auctioneer and Becky Massey donated check-out services. Musicians Ben Dockery, David Slack and David Whitaker entertained during the cocktail hour.
Alan Carmichael and Erin Donovan model the masks guests all received as favors
Brooks and Karen Clark pose with Matthew Ventura, center, who played Stanley in "Streetcar"
That guy with Erin Donovan looks a lot like Bart Simpson.
What a great night! Missy Dickey commented on how honored Dale was to receive the recognition and said, “This is all she has ever wanted to do. I just can’t figure out where she got her talent!” Don’t know about your acting ability, Missy, but we all know where she got her charm and grace!
And Mox, get that Darin’ Erin woman off my boyfriend!!
Hahaha! Sherri, you are so funny!
I’m still jealous Richard outbid me for the walk-on part in A Christmas Carol. And it should be duly noted, too, that I am his official understudy. Does that mean I get to go to rehearsals? Or better yet maybe they’ll create TWO walk-on roles. I’m obviously eager to feed my inner actress. Great event. Thank you and thinking about my next costume for my new mask. Don’t know if I can wait til Halloween!
This was one of the best galas we’ve attended for a while. Lots of fun. Obviously too much as I temporarily lost my mind during the bidding! Richard has now decided he needs a stage name and he likes the sound of Shafer Morgan.
Shafer Morgan???? I think Richard Ford is a pretty good name!
I didn’t go to the gala but I went to the play Friday night and it was wonderful. Looks like I’m going to have to be sure and go to A Christmas Carol to see Richard.
Absolutely! We’ll let you know which night he’ll be walking on!
Yes, we are all looking forward to rooting for Richard the Lionhearted. Those walk-on parts are fun to do; I’ve done several at Knoxville Opera over the years. So, if he wants to contact me, I’m volunteering to give Richard the benefit of my experience with some pointers on “how to be a great walk-on.” (The most important one is not to fall over.) Break a leg!!
So good to see CBT still flourishing after 35 years.
While a student at UT in the 70s, I was there when the theatre opened with “Look Homeward Angel”
I worked box office and stage managed many a show at CBT…and, knew the talented Dale Dickey when she was but 10 years old!
She was a charmer then and now.
Here’s to 35 more, CBT!
It was a great night. Can’t wait to see Richard in Christmas Carol.
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