Viva La Vegas! Fundraiser Set for 1/30 at Moody Hall in Lexington, VA

Kim Renz, executive director of Theater at Lime Kiln, today announced the entertainment an auction items featured at Viva Las Vegas casino night gala, Saturday, January 30th at Moody Hall on the post at VMI. "This is going to be a fantastic evening," said Renz, "with local talent volunteering their time and with area individuals and businesses donating their time, services and goods to help sustain the theater."

"This is the third year we have a cabaret in the upstairs lounge area for those who are looking for an alternative to or a break from gaming. Mary Harvey has put together a beautiful group of singers, including Lexington community theatre veteran, Ginger McNeese, Liz Shupe, Associate Director of Career Services at Washington and Lee and owner/proprietor of Salerno's, Anne-Marie Altenburg." Renz noted that McNeese and Shupe created original characters in The Ghosts of Music City, USA in 2008, and Shupe and Altenburg were featured in Good Ol' Girls last summer.
Rockbridge artistic entrepreneur Mark Cline will reprise his interpretation of Elvis Presley, performing several of The King's greatest hit, including "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" "Now or Never," "All Shook Up," "Don't Be Cruel," "Can't help Falling in Love," and "Teddy Bear." Renz said he hopes Elvis will perform "Viva Las Vegas," too.

"These and a few others have been the backbone of our productions over the last couple of years. They give their time and their talent, and we truly appreciate it. If we are going to grow as a viable community theatre in the area, we need more just like them to come out," Renz continued. "In return we offer opportunities for actors to perform, to work with directors like Rob Mish and Tommy Conway, to be involved in bringing to life new plays and to be an important part of a creative community."

Mish, former chair of the Lime Kiln Board of Trustees, director of the Lenfest Center at Washington and Lee University, will serve as the auctioneer at the live auction. Mish recently starred with Cline in the hilarious spoof Dracula, or How's Your Blood Count? He also directed the return of Stonewall Country in July.

Renz disclosed the hosts of this year's Wine Stroll, one of the most popular auction items. "Traditionally several owners open their homes in the historic district, serving wines and food selections and offering tours. This year the hosts are "Cap" Mattie, Susan and Wayne Thompson, Carol and Ben Grigsby and Katie Letcher Lyle.

The oldest home on the tour, "The Pines," was built in 1819. the home was owned by, among others: J.B. Dorman, a major in the Mexican American War and a Virginia Appellate Court Justice and General William N. Pendleton, a classmate of Robert E. Lee and who was instrumental in Lee's coming to Washington College. At one stage, General Pendleton's daughters, Mary and Susan, perhaps with another daughter Rose, ran an "English and Classical School" at the Pines, teaching "Latin, Greek, and Advanced Mathematics" with the aid of W&L graduates.

Silent auction chair David Jimenez, interior designer and co-owner of Frog Hollow, created several packages with area Inns and Bed and Breakfasts, including golf at Lexington Golf and Country Club paired with lodging at Stoneridge Lodge; two packages of tickets to Garth newel Music Center paired with brunch at The Inn at Gristmill Square or lodging at the Hummingbird Inn; and dinner for two at the new tapas restaurant, brix, paired with lodging at Whistle Creek Bed and Breakfast.

Several area visual artists donated visual art, including Ryan Russell, MaryAnn Triplett, Billy Fitzgerald, Sharan Simkins and Mark Cline. Jan Jarrad donated pottery, and Greg Sandage donated a silver necklace with green pendant. "This community is amazing, with all it has to offer and all of the generosity of its residents. I wish I could list everything we have and say thanks to each person who gave something," said Renz. "So, thanks to you all, and thanks to those who organized this event: Joanne Peretti, Nick Charles, Kay Lera, David Jimenez, John Loomis and George Huger."

Viva Las Vegas opens at 6pm with live entertainment, cocktails, stationed buffet and silent auction. The live auction runs at 7:30pm, with gaming from 8pm to 11pm. Tickets cost $60 for one and $110 for two, purchased at Lexington Visitors Center at 106 East Washington, or interested parties can call the Lime Kiln office at 540-463-7088. Chances at a $2000 diamond raffle are $20 apiece.

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.