Masked Ball Theme Builds Major Excitement for Houston Theatre’s Blowout Gala
Who Will be Hiding Behind Which Mask?
BY Shelby Hodge // 04.18.19
The Alley Theatre has commissioned Holland Vavra to create masks for special guests at the April 27 masked ball.
The excitement is palpable as the countdown to the Alley Theatre gala is closing in with only a few days to go. The exceptional anticipation of the April 27 fête is fueled by the theme: “La Grande Mascarade au Palais Royal.” Think masks and a playful spin on Versailles-inspired decor.
We know that the Alley throng by its very nature leans toward the theatrical. No surprise then that whenever a ball theme is particularly inspiring, supporters dress for the occasion.
One of the most unforgettable being the Alley’s tacky costume ball in 2011. Lynn Wyatt arrived in jeans with curlers in her hair while Kirby McCool fashioned an ensemble from white trash bags and carried a sweet potato can as a handbag. The previous year’s gala was held in the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport, inspiring a few Red Baron impersonators. In 2016, the “Peace, Love and Rock N Roll” ball inspired a day-glow battalion of “hippies.”
With the more sedate 2018 gala in the rear view mirror, 2019 promises to deliver the height of drama queen (Marie Antoinette?) merriment. Consider that gala chairs Heide and Douglas Shanda have commissioned a surprise 18th century French act guaranteed to wistfully transport guests to the era of the Sun King. Richard Flowers and The Events Company have been tasked with transforming the Post Oak Hotel ballroom into something trés Français.
In the spirit of the evening, the Alley has commissioned local artist and actor Holland Vavra of Freddie & David to create masks for the evening’s special guests. While the Alley has shared images of several of those, the Shandas are keeping their veils of showmanship a surprise.
The live auction is particularly interesting with a castle tour through Ireland, a trip to Iceland for viewing the Northern Lights, a weekend in Vegas with tickets to see Lady Gaga and a stay at the Wynn, plus several other enticing travel opportunities. More than 60 silent auction packages will be offered and bidding has already begun on line.
SHOP
Planning to attend? We repeat the anonymous quote from the back of the auction book: “Find a mask and wear it well, your true identity none can tell.”
