Las Vegas Society News  

Note: This is a past article from May 06, 2011
You can find the current Las Vegas Society News article HERE

NEVADA OPERA THEATRE GUILD’S LUNCHEON ON THE NILE

By Dr. Adele Zorn

The Luxor’s beautiful EGYPTIAN BALLROOM was the setting for the Nevada Opera Theatre Guild’s lovely Annual Friendship Luncheon honoring Marilyn Gillespie and Dr. Lonnie Hammargren. This is the 25^th season of the Nevada Opera Theatre, founded by General Director Eileen Hayes and The Nevada Opera Guild’s traditional 25^th Annual Friendship Luncheon with KarenScherer, Chairwoman of the Guild. Although I am usually a night person and usually bypass luncheon events, I would never miss the Nevada Opera Theatre’s luncheon events as they are superb.

This one certainly did not disappoint. The event started with a hosted Champagne Reception and Silent Auction with Len Silberman as host.

Afterwards, guests were ushered into the luncheon ballroom where The Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts Dancers performed. Sara Ives was choreographer and Fern Adair was recognized.

Luncheon was served with wine pairings.

RandySoard/OptixArt photos

Masters of Ceremonies, Denny Weddle and Dr. Morton J. Hyson introducedHonorees, Marilyn Gillespie and Dr. Lonnie Hammargren

RandySoard/OptixArt photo

Marilyn Gillespie is founding Executive Director of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, a non-profit community supported organization dedicated to educating about wildlife, the environment and world cultures. Marilyn has worked for the past two decades to develop the Las Vegas Natural History Museum into the vital educational resource it is today. The Museum has been named a Smithsonian Affiliate and has collections valued over $6million. She is currently President of the Cultural Corridor Coalition and is Co-Director of the Las Vegas Science Festival.

For those who know Dr. Lonnie Hammargren, they were not surprised when he was carried into the ballroom on an Egyptian Throne wearing Egyptian headgear. Ever the jokester, Dr. Hammargren’s bio reads like a three part eulogy on his three past lives. However, Dr. Hammargren is an outstanding neurosurgeon, with an unbelievable surgical record.

RandySourd/OptixArt photo

Along with his acceptance speech, Dr. Hammargren, who is an honorary Nevada Opera board member, acknowledged the birthday of his good pal in the audience, Bob McCaffrey, andsang his own inimitable version of Happy Birthday.

Councilman Stavros S. Anthony proclaimed Dr. Lonnie Hammargren, Marilyn Gillespie and the Nevada Opera as recipients of the day being named Nevada Day in their honor.

RandySourd/OptixArt photos

Wonderful singers, Dr. Morton I. Hyson, Bass (who can reach a low note and hold it like no one else can) and Ginger Land, Soprano, thrilled the audience.

Many acknowledgments were given to supporters and volunteers who help make the Nevada Opera so successful after 25 years of presenting cultural entertainment to Las Vegas.

RandySoard/OptixArt photos

GUESTS ENJOYING THE EVENT:

Congratulations to Eileen Hayes and Karen Scherer for their efforts in bringing about this lovely event.

NEVADA OPERA THEATRE’s UPCOMING EVENTS

JUNE 24: THE DIVAS & DIVOS RENEWAL LUNCHEON at HOFBRAU HAUS 11:30 a.m. tickets: $65.

AUGUST 25, 26, 27: THE DIVAS & DIVOS EXCURSION TO LAGUNA BEACH includes:

PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS

DEL MAR RACES and

HALF DAY AT CATALINA.

OCTOBER 16:“AIDA” will be presented at ARTEMUS HAM HALL with a pre-opera lecture at 1 p.m. Performance at 2 p.m. and a reception in the lobby following the performance. Tickets: $20, $30, $50.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE PRODUCTION OF “AIDA”:

“BACKSTAGE at the MUSEUM” Reception - Guest Artists of Aida perform

opera selections at The Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

For information call: 762 4110 or 731 3370

NEVADA OPERA THEATRE’S 2011-2012 SEASON FUTURE PLANS

Fully staged production of “CARMEN”

“OPERA UNDER THE STARS”

Opera Outreach Performances in the Elementary Schools in Clark County of

“HANSEL & GRETEL” and “ALICE in WONDERLAND.”