Society for the Performing Arts toasts 50 years
Patrons embraced the festive “Under the Big Top” theme for the Society for the Performing Arts’ 50th anniversary celebration at Wortham Theater Center. Phoebe Tudor — she and husband Bobby are dedicated supporters of SPA — wore a crimson gown. Hallie
Vanderhider wore red, too — a Monique Lhuillier ballgown. Margaret Alkek Williams, Melanie Gray and event co-chair Stephany
Olsen LeGrand rocked the hot hue as well. And Fady Armanious’ black-and-white-striped tuxedo pants personified ringmaster chic, if such a thing exists.
“Fifty years — it doesn’t seem like it’s been that much time,” co-chair Curt Karges observed from the stage. He and LeGrand shared host duty with Janet and Bill Swanstrom. “Thank you for giving these young audiences the types of opportunities that, without you, they wouldn’t be able to experience.”
Since 1966, SPA has reached more than 100,000 students and educators through its award-winning education and community-engagement programming. It’s the Southwest’s largest independent nonprofit of its kind. This year’s efforts raised a record-breaking $600,000.
A trio of performances demonstrated the organization’s range during the three-course dinner service by Jackson Hicks. Aerialists from the Austin-based Blue Lapis Light dance company dangled from the ceiling as duckstuffed caramel apples were served, “STOMP” cast member Carlos
Thomas wowed the crowd as braised short ribs made the rounds, and High School for the Performing and Visual Arts students presented choreography even sweeter than the mousse au chocolat desserts.
Next, it was the galagoers’ turn to show off their moves. Skyrocket! kept attendees on the dance floor for hours in an homage to honorees Brenda and Marc
Watts, and SPA’s next 50 years.