Gods & Goddesses

#OhMyGoddess: Ted Pappas, producing artistic director of the Pittsburgh Public Theater, always knows how to throw an amazing party and this year was no exception! Spartans greeted guests as they ascended the staircase to (heaven, perhaps?) on Friday night inside the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Downtown. Hundreds of partygoers donned their best ethereal looks as they greeted Mr. Pappas (in a head wreath, naturally) before soaking in the sights and sounds. “I’m the god of drama of course!” he said laughing and theatrically waving his hand to the heavens to coax guests upstairs, where they were quickly seduced by Mediterranean music played by the band, Ishtar. “We love the PPT and all of the amazing performances. With Ted retiring, we wanted to be there to support one of the heroes of the Pittsburgh arts,” said event co-chair Bill Benter, with cochair and wife Vivian. (Mr. Pappas has announced he will leave after Aug. 31, 2018) Guests were also enchanted by Roman goddesses wearing white robes and rustic headpieces to take photos on the thrones and enjoy libations before settling in for dinner inside the exquisitely decorated ballroom where event co-chairs Blair Johnson and Deb Rice-Johnson stopped to take a photo. What god or goddess would they be? “I definitely think Hercules,” said Mr. Johnson laughing. Added Ms. RiceJohnson, “I think I would channel Athena, goddess of wisdom.” Clearly, she would be wise enough to support an event like this!

#SEEN: Nadine Bognar, Ann McGuinn, Curt and Kim Fleming, Jean Horne, Ron and Judy Linaburg, Alex Pecora, John and Virginia DiPucci, Tim McVay and David Bush, Paul Gitnik and Joaquin Navarro.