Ballet troupes convene; dignitaries rejoice

Three internationally recognized ballet companies came together Oct. 13 to perform George Balanchine's three-part masterwork "Jewels" at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

The special evening began with a reception featuring models wearing "jewel"-colored couture gowns as they greeted guests Nancy and Kell Houssels, Dee and Don Snyder, Christina Hixson, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Madeleine Andress, Toni and Victor Chaltiel, Kim Sinatra, Doris and Ted Lee, Sharon Jenkins, Melissa and Warren Clark, Paul Beard, and Dana and Myron Martin.

At the performance dinner, Nevada Ballet Theatre CEO and Executive Director Beth Barbre introduced dignitaries from the local troupe and visiting ballet company guests including Adam Sklute of Ballet West and Peter Boal of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Barbara Horgan of New York City represented the Balanchine Trust.

During the two intermissions, a dessert reception in the Founders Room attracted guests Ezra Bekhor, Shienni Houlzet, Leslie Kobrin, Domenick Allen and Leigh Zimmerman, Jennifer Cornet, Lynn and Frank Cremen, Angela Quick, Helene Walker, Lorin Wolfe, Phil Peckman, Lauri Thompson and Alan Bracken.

Nevada Opera Theatre: The company entertained opera devotees with "An Evening in Tuscany" at the Mansion at MGM Grand Oct. 16.

Guests including Tracy and Robert Eglet, Carolyn Sparks, Lali and Chris Publow, Susan Houston, Len Silberman, Janice and Steve Fish, Alexander Stojanoff, Starla and Darrell Lacy, and Cranston Rogers were greeted by Punam Mathur, Nevada Opera Theatre's honorary chairwoman; Denny Weddle, chairman of the board of directors; and Eileen Hayes, event coordinator.

Pianist Rosita Kanes played throughout the evening. Nevada Opera Theatre soloists John Garafalo, Isabella Ivy, William McCullough and Carrie Wachsberger, accompanied by pianist Jonathan Gorst, also entertained.

A silent auction that included a Judith Leiber evening purse, artwork and jewelry took place in the Mansion's Great Hall.

Guests included Jillian and Michael Pontoni, Jackie Zaretly, Lance Stratton, Maxine McCurry, Tomas McGrath, Eileen Martin, Don Harten, Annette and Kevin Judice, Mitch Harrison, Virginia Schipp, Ruth and Vincent Shank, Theresa Moorhead, Kimberly Shea, Drew Zidzik, Kelly Brockman, Nicole Magann, Erin Elliott, Bella Rodriquez, Donna Boutin, Paula Perez, Karen Fallon, Karen Scherer, Janet Ryan and Emily Bayer.

Overseeing the event were Leslie Young, vice president of the Mansion, and Bob Benzo, the Mansion's director of operations.