“Kinky Boots” was the theme of this year’s Clarence Brown Theatre Gala. Everyone got a boot-shaped cookie. Here’s Alan Carmichael tearing into his!
One of the best things about the Clarence Brown Theatre’s annual gala fundraiser is getting to see the great theatrical talent that Knoxville produces. Last year, it was thespian Dale Dickey who received the Clarence Brown’s Artistic Achievement Award at the annual gala. Other recent winners have been actor John Cullum, set designer Bob Cothran and Saturday Night Live writer Paula Pell. All Clarence Brown alums.
This year, the award went to Rusty Mowery, currently working as associate choreographer of the Broadway show “Kinky Boots.” And that little fact gave the gala organizers a chance to use “Kinky Boots” as the theme for the evening. As you will see, it was a really festive idea.
It led to many in the assemblage wearing red and black in an homage to the “Kinky Boots” logo and design elements.
First things first. A cocktail hour and silent auction, of course.
Madeline Wood, left, and her grandmother, Melanie Wood.
From left, Jacob Love, Theresa Lee, John Winemiller and R.J. Hinde.
Peggy and Ron Turner.
Terry Grove and Angela Masini.
Susan and Edmund Bolt.
Spinach puffs were passed. Yum.
Susan Farris, left, and Marty Begalla.
Lee Ann Rogers and Steve Drevik.
Georgiana Vines arrived with a new Patricia Nash purse.
Dick Raridon and Fran Scheidt.
Alexander Waters and Stephanie Jernigan.
Alan Carmichael and Lila Honaker.
Folks were asked to donate $100 to replace a chair in the Clarence Brown’s Carousel Theatre. Old one on right; new one on left. Big improvement.
The Mill & Mine made for a great location. The decorations were lovely.
Centerpieces were a hoot!
Here’s John Gill, left, with award winner Rusty Mowery.
Moira and Dan Ely. (You might know her as Moira Kaye from WBIR-TV.)
Margie Nichols with Thomas Dillon. Margie was chair of the Clarence Brown Gala Committee this year. (Great job, Margie and team.)
Loved the watermelon and feta salads!
Entree was delish.
Standing, from left, Steve and Mary Ellen Brewington, Amy Bailey, Martha Buchanan and Harry Bailey. Seated, from left, Craig Shelton, Mark Grayson and Patty Walker.
From left, Bob Marquis, Townes Osborn, Ted Smith and David Butler.
Susan Creswell and Tom Cervone, standing, with Tyler and Stephanie Wall. Cervone is managing director of the Clarence Brown Theatre.
Ruth and Joe Fielden.
Simonne and Taylor Wortham, left, with Ben and Sara Hedstrom Pinnell.
Actor David Keith with his daughter, Presley.
David Keith with actress Carlene Pochette, left, and Nazzy Hashemian.
Tony and Tonja Johnson.
Wendy and Dale Wortham.
Interim UT-Knoxville Chancellor Wayne Davis and his wife, Sylvia.
Sheena McCall and John Winemiller.
Brian and Diana Salesky. He is executive director and conductor of Knoxville Opera.
Joe Fielden with Robin Wilhoit of WBIR, one of the emcees for the evening.
WBIR’s John Becker, the other emcee, left, with Jude Carl Vincent, a recent MFA graduate in acting.
Rusty Mowery making remarks after accepting his award.
Rebecca and Alan Williams.
David and Sandy Martin.
Marianne Custer, the beloved resident costume designer for Clarence Brown Theatre who recently retired after 35 years.
Lyle and Trish Irish. He’s chair of the Clarence Brown Advisory Board.
Parker Irish and Aleia Nagle.
Lezah and Burke Pinnell.
John and Melanie Cherry.
John and Connie Tatgenhorst.
Desserts were fabulous.
Christian and Katie Corts.
Charles Fels and Susan Sgarlat.
Carol Mayo Jenkins of “Fame” fame.
Cal and Rebecca MacLean.
Brooks and Karen Clark. He’s Immediate Past Chair of the Advisory Board.
Bill and Anne May.
Don’t even THINK about leaving without turning in your name tag! Here are Charlotte Holland, left, and Robin Conklin there to take them off your hands.
John Winemiller, left, and R.J. Hinde left with a centerpiece. (I can’t wait to see what they do with it!)
The Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus provided a little surprise entertainment thrown in for good measure. Here’s a snippet.
It was a fun evening, and the cookies were good.
Of course, Alan! To you, all cookies are good!
Great report, Cynthia. You’re still the best reporter in town.
No, Sandra. You are!
Smart idea having the examples of the old and new chairs there. Bet that inspired several $100 donations!
Lauren: Yes, it was a pretty stark contrast! Here’s hoping they raised enough money to replace all of them.
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