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Week of January 25 – January 31, 2013
Masked Merriment
12th Annual Hattie’s Mardi Gras a Smashing Success for SPAC
by Trina Lucas Saratoga TODAY It was a Bourbon Street Bash! The Canfield Casino was lit with revelry last Saturday, as Hattie’s hosted their 12th annual Mardi Gras Soirée. Well known as a kick-off to the New Year, the party benefits a different non-profit organization each winter, in festive New Orleans-style. This year, the spotlight shone on the classical programs of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Hostess and belle of the ball, Hattie’s own Beth Alexander, welcomed guests alongside Marcia White, President and Executive Director of SPAC, and honorary chairs, Michele and Ron Riggi. While several sipped hurricanes at the bar, others wandered into the parlor, where floor-to-ceiling murals brought the Big Easy to Saratoga. Skip and Colleen Carlson surveyed the scene from the perimeter with Mary Gavin. Feathers, glitter and jewels adorned masks scattered on tables and shelves, and
spilling from urns of beads. Beads, beads and more beads! Michael Panza and the team at Fine Affairs had transformed the space. Dancing atop the silent auction display were exquisite pieces by noted New York City Ballet costume designer Karinska, including some from signature Balanchine ballets like “Jewel” and “Firebird.” Bids climbed on original art, baskets of cheer, restaurant certificates and of course, tickets for the summer season at SPAC. Spotted checking out the items were Beth Smith, Bruce Schnitz, Rebecca Beers, Nehme Frangie, Melissa and Chris Zieker, Nikki Roche, Terry Lee, David Povero and Steve Bouchey with his son, Ryan. Nearby, Heath Ames, Heather Ward and Linda Toohey shared stories, while Ann MacAffer and Todd Moody laughed with Ann O’Leary and Jim DeCamp. In the corner, Heather Bohm-Tallman captured the frivolity at her ‘crazy booth.’ Newlyweds Meredith and Paul von Schenk struck a playful pose with friends AJ and Laura Palkovich, and new parents Rachel and Tommy Uccellini whooped with Cari Endres, John Witt and a band of masked friends. Heather Straughter, striking in green (the color for 2013), joined husband Brian, Susan and Jeff Halstead, Bridget and Vladimir Kraev, and Amy and Jared Cantanucci for a picture perfect group shot. Jim Condry and Cathy Lindberg were also captured in vibrant action, and photographer Rob Spring stepped in front
Event hostess Beth Alexander with daughter Zoe
cappella rendition of Ben E. King’s Pierre, Cassandra Partyka, Ardie of the camera with his wife, Rosie. Shortly after 7 p.m., Alexander, “Stand By Me,” before the band and Dan Russell, Tara Cosgrove glowing in her Rina di Montella took the stage. Then, as always, Soul and Bob Kimmerle. The party continued with gown from Saratoga Trunk, opened Session rocked the house. Spinning the ballroom doors. The rousing around the dance floor were Brian music, merriment and more pho“When the Saints Go Marching In” and Melissa Brumley, Michele tos, crazier by the hour. Beth beckoned attendees, led by danc- Jacobs, Amy Raimo, Jaime Diaz, gathered the Hattie’s crew for a ers of the Northeast Ballet, who Elaine Sillery, Jude and Colleen picture, and Christianne Smith, performed briefly before attention turned to the center of the room and the famed Hattie’s buffet. Jambalaya, beans and rice, étouffée, ribs and cheese grits were just some of the delicious specialties served. Icy tiers overflowed with oysters, crab legs and jumbo shrimp. Mini éclairs and brownies were a sweet ending to the feast. Seen enjoying the spread were Jim and Christine Mastrianni, Brad and Julie Shelsy, Jennifer and John Lefner, Cara and Toby Milde, Beth and John LaRow, Sharon Loomis, Tina and Alex Frolish, Justin Jordan, Robin Kish Jared and Amy Cantanucci with Susan and Jeff Halstead and Dr. Jon Gerber. Chef Jasper Alexander popped out of the kitchen to survey the buffet and make sure the food kept flowing. He chatted with several friends along the way, all of whom raved about the event. This year’s cause was near and dear to his wife, Beth, herself a ballerina and an instructor with Myers Dance Center. From the stage, she remarked with pride that her daughter, Zoe, had recently performed in one of Bruce Schnitz and Beth Smith her old costumes. Zoe, who had been greeting everyone near the front door, beamed up at her mother. Alexander turned the microphone over to Marcia White who thanked Hattie’s, the planning committee, honorary chairs, board members and most importantly, the record-breaking crowd that turned out for SPAC. The support was overwhelming. Transitioning as only he can, Garland Nelson inspired the group to join in an a Who are those masked women? (Amy Raimo and Gayle LaSalle)