Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Attack Theatre’s One Night Stand

- — Patricia Sheridan

I#RockOn: It was a One Night Stand to remember at the Ace Hotel in East Liberty Saturday night. The Attack Theatre benefit was a three-way-kind-of party because this dance company knows how to leave an impression. Supporters could attend it all with the Rock Legends ticket, or opt for Ballroom Blitz, or simply dance the night away with Gym Class Heroes. Hardcore partiers began the evening with Rock Legends, which had guests room hoping on the hotel’s third floor for cocktails and canapes. Chairing the party were Paul Purdy and David Onufer and Dawn Davies with Francois Bitz (with twin daughters Zoe and Agnes). Board chair Jeff Bergman and Christie Siebert Smith hosted a party in the Green Room, while Mary Beth and Dave Johnson helped Richard Parsakian celebrate his 70th birthday in his room. Other room hosts included Gail and Steve Mosites and Jerry Morosco and Paul Ford. “I just love seeing not only how everyone is dressed but the different themes the room hosts have created,” said Michele de la Reza, cofounder of Attack Theatre with her husband, Peter Kope. “This is a time for people to unleash their creativity and the rooms are personal and artistic and rocky.” She added, “This year’s One Night Stand has just been really tremendous because there is such an outpouring of support for our programs and our vision.” Guests came dressed as rock stars through the decades, or just as fanatic groupies. Nearly 200 gathered to help support the theater’s arts and education programs. Performanc­es by Attack Theatre during a sitdown dinner in the ballroom comprised the Ballroom Blitz portion of the evening, which was followed by a dance party in the gym for those who bought the Gym Class Heroes ticket. Among the nearly 200 rockers enjoying Kathryn Heidemann & The One Night Band (with Robin Prasad and Josh Verbanets) were executive director Rebecca Himberger, Pam and Ken McCrory, Drs. Alan and Tammy Murdock, Mark Flaherty and Mary McKinney, Larry Leahy, Francine Abraham, Monica and Adam Hertzman, Becky Mingo and Dutch MacDonald, Suz Falvey, Joy Sato, Allan Philp, Geoff Bond and Elizabeth Frame and Daniel Fleegle.

 ??  ?? Attack Theatre dancers perform.
Attack Theatre dancers perform.
 ?? Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette photos ?? Event chairs David Onufer, left, and Paul Purdy.
Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette photos Event chairs David Onufer, left, and Paul Purdy.
 ??  ?? Event chairs Francois Bitz and Dawn Davies with their twin daughters Zoe and Agnes Bitz.
Event chairs Francois Bitz and Dawn Davies with their twin daughters Zoe and Agnes Bitz.
 ??  ?? Samantha Levinson and Judd Poeske.
Samantha Levinson and Judd Poeske.

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