Southern Rep touted its new home on Bayou Road at its “Annual Gala 2019”. The Audubon Tea Room, decorated in candles and pink and orange rose petals, reflected the refreshed Southern Rep logo that accompanies the change to headquarters at the former St. Rose de Lima church.
Board President Bruce Gordon with Melissa Gordon and Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes delivered opening remarks and a welcome to the more than 200 guests in attendance. Special mention was made of longtime Southern Rep board member Mary Reidy, who passed away a few weeks earlier and whose son Kilty Reidy was present.
Serving as Emcee was Hallie Sheck, who has helped launch a series of comedy shows on Southern Rep’s Lagniappe Stage. Popular guitar duo Julio & Cesar provided cocktail hour in the Tea Room garden as hors d’oeuvres were served. Tap Truck NOLA provided and served both wine and sparkling wine.
During the event, Troi Bechet sang selections from her hit show Flowers for Halie, which she developed for world premiere at Southern Rep. A three-course dinner featured delectable entrees followed by a chocolate pot de crème for dessert.
The evening concluded with a rousing appearance by drag performer Latonia, a frequent guest on Southern Rep’s Lagniappe Stage, performing “I Will Survive,” in testament to the theatre’s tenacity in getting into its new home.
Top live auction items included two international trips, a New York City theatre insider package, and an autographed Drew Brees jersey donated by the Saints Auctioneer, David Gilmore. A silent auction featured special experiences ranging from sunset cruises on Lake Pontchartrain, a flight in a World War II biplane and Florida and Caribbean vacations in addition to beautiful pieces from Symmetry Fine Jewelers, a framed Matisse print and a host of fine wines. Raffle items included 2019-2020 all-access season tickets for Southern Rep programs, a swashbuckling/stage combat session with Southern Rep Technical Director and Fight Choreographer Alex Smith, a VIP parking pass for Southern Rep’s lot during Jazz Fest 2020 and a season-long pass for the theater’s new Care for Creatives program.
Event at a Glance
What: “Southern Rep Annual Gala 2019,” benefiting Southern Rep Theatre
When: Thursday, May 23
Where: Audubon Tea Room
Board Members Alma Dixon and Renee Zack
Board president Bruce Gordon and Director of Philanthropy Charlotte D’Oogee
