That's Entertainment
The Place: The Wyndham Grand, Saturday night.
The Purpose: Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s annual benefit gala, “That’s Entertainment with a Vegas Twist,” and to celebrate the PPT’s 40th anniversary.
The Party: “Viva La Pappas,” said emcee, KDKA’s Ken Rice. It was after Mr. Pappas and a troupe of fedora wearing young men danced to “Viva Las Vegas” as the doors opened to the ballroom. The high energy performance in the supper club setting had guests on the dance floor and in party mode instantly. From the show girls to Elvis and a wedding chapel, it was #SinCity for the PPT. The Vegas vibe was evident to the nearly 500 guests as soon as they entered the ballroom lobby. Showgirls lined the staircase as Liberace played his baby grand. The enthusiasm of the PPT’s producing artistic director Ted Pappas always insures that this is one of the best parties of the year. He can mingle with the best of them, but when the music starts he’s a dancing machine. Helping to deliver the high roller experience were co-chairs Linda and Tony Bucci and Laura Ellsworth.
The People: Among the evening’s Rat Packers swinging to the sounds of the Nick Dialoiso Orchestra were PPT board president Mike Ginsberg with Cathy, Bob and Leslie Nutting, Dr. Freddie and Hilda Fu, Kenya Boswell, Jim McDonald, Lisa Kuzma, Joanie and Sam Kamin, Pam and Ken McCrory, Jon and Tonya Adams, Julianne and David Lettrich, Jon Alioto and Michelle Malacki and Paul Gitnik and Gene Svrcek.