The Muses and Patroness Circle of the McCallum Theatre proved that all that glitters is gold at its annual “Solid Gold” gala.
Two-hundred guests decked out in gold sequin, silk, leather, lace, satin, and embroidered finery filled the theater with shimmer as the McCallum’s lobby jukebox filled it with 1970s sound. A Champagne reception with elegantly plated hors d’oeuvres was indicative of the dazzling evening to come.
Welcomes and thank yous — from Mitch Gershenfeld, president and chief executive officer of the McCallum; Mary Latta, event chairperson; and Linda Weakly, Muses president — preceded a dramatic opening of the curtains that revealed a stage set with tables adorned in black sequin cloths with gold sequin overlays.
Silver and black centerpieces made by hand by a 35-member committee added to the wow factor at the sold-out event. The crowd was eager to enjoy the first gala to be hosted onstage at the McCallum Theatre.
Carousel Caterers presented a three-course dinner with a grand finale lemon mousse and lemon dacquoise cake topped with a tiny edible gold record. As guests marveled at the party’s panache, their attention was directed backstage where musical group Four by Four was set up to perform. Singing hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, the Bee Gees, and a selection of Motown greats, the young and very handsome performers had guests singing along and dancing onstage.
Sponsors included Harold Matzner, JoAnn McGrath, Jaishri and Raju Mehta, Barbara Waddell, Peggy Jacobs and Bob Howard, Edeltraud and Patrick McCarthy, Jan Salta, Sally St. John, and Nancy Stone.
McCallum Theatre
73000 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert 92260
760-340-2787
www.mccallumtheatre.com
Photos by Loretta Vlach
