Location: The Astorian

Saturday night was truly the “Talk of the Town” for this year’s Stages Repertory Theatre Gala. Thanks to  Co-Chairmen Debbie Festari and Mauri Oliver the fun-filled evening was the highest grossing event in the organization’s 38 year history! The crowd of 400 embraced the “Mad Men” theme for the night and were treated to a lively cocktail hour and elegant dinner by Cordua Catering. This was such great people watching with all of the fantastic outfits reflecting the Mad Men era. Guests were serenaded by the incomparable Carolyn Johnson who embraces the role of Judy Garland in the current production of “End of the Rainbow”. Late night fun followed with a breakfast buffet of chicken and waffles and dancing to the sound of DJ Senega! Some of the faces in the crowd included Board Chairmen George Lancaster, Honoree Tara Simon, and Stages founder, Ted Swindley. Also enjoying the fun were Entertainment Chairmen Mauney Mafrige and Rob Rutherford, Underwriting Chairmen Jim and Jo Furr, Nicole and James Lassiter, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Vicki and Jack Rizzo, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Megan and Chris Reed, Vivian Wise, Nixon Wheat, Neal Hamil, Dr. Roland Maldonado, Sandra Porter, Don Mafrige, Jr., Fady Amanious, Kevin Black, Tony Bradfield and Tatiana and Bob Green.

In 1978, in the damp basement of a downtown brewery, Stages Repertory Theatre burst onto the Houston theatre scene, giving voice to new ideas that demanded to be heard and daring audiences to see the newest, most audacious works written for the stage. In 1985 Stages moved to its current two-theater facility in the historic Star Engraving Building on Allen Parkway, and became Houston’s second Equity theatre in 1988.

Now in its 38th season, Stages is a professional AEA theatre that produces new work, presents established work in new ways, and nurtures talent for the performing arts field. Characterized by courage, generosity, ingenuity and intimacy, Stages remains an integral part of the Houston arts community.

Photos/Assistance by Kalyn Oden