Some day, an impartial arbiter will sort it all out. Meantime, Austin social givers were forced to choose among eight galas on Saturday. I made three, all within walking distance, which helps immeasurably.
Will and Idannia Penny
The biggest by far was Celebrando Austin, given by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It fills the large banquet room at the Hilton Austin. The only larger gala venues are the Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center, which are used for this purpose only a half dozen times a year.
Foundation board member Will Penny and I talked about the rhythms of serving such an active group. Pianist Reuel — just one name these days — brought me up to date on his crescendoing career. Pauline Dow, chief academic officer for the Austin school district, told me a tantalizing bit about her journey from El Paso and her current gig.
Pauline Dow and Alex Sanchez
Over at the Four Seasons Hotel, meanwhile, the Rawson Saunders School gala overlapped spaces with a sweet spring wedding. The educators of dyslexic kids chose a nervy theme: “Animal House.” So folks were dressed as nerd, frats, freaks, etc. Businessman and philanthropist Richard Topfer toted around a full bottle of Jack Daniels to go with his “College” sweatshirt.
This excellent school has really stepped up the fundraising of late and the move to the Four Seasons signaled a fresh seriousness, despite the charming tomfoolery of the costumes.
Richard and Kelly Topfer
Over at the Long Center, the Purple Party was in bloom. We missed the food and drinks, but weren’t a second too late for the main attraction, Broadways and television star Kristin Chenoweth in her first Austin appearance. The totally ingratiating and undeniably tiny performer sang show tunes, gospel, cabaret, country and light opera. Her high, polished soprano is less familiar to audiences than her comically nasal patter and belting.
Chris and Donya Dahmann
Among the high points, audience members agreed, were Chenoweth’s nods to her parents and her Oklahoma background, but also when she invited a random fan onstage to sing “For Good” from her big hit, “Wicked,” with her. The 26-year-old singer, whose name I missed, received a standing ovation!
Opinions split on picking the talent for these theatrical gala events. Some backers want pop singers. Others Broadway or classical artists.
Among the finest Broadway divas to serenade Austin, Chenoweth joins past visitors Liza Minnelli, Elaine Stritch, Eartha Kitt, Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Bea Arthur, Idina Menzel, Betty Buckely, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters (3 times), Patti LuPone (2 times, once with frequent sojourner Mandy Patinkin).
Coming soon to the Long Center, another top diva: Audra McDonald.
Get used to the idea that we’ll probably never see these Broadway babies perform here: Barbara Cook, Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury orBarbra Streisand. Ah well.