Rob Giardinelli
Stages Houston Gala At The Gordy Fête Honors Retiring Artistic Director Kenn Laughlin In $1.2 Million Night
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Jacob Power
THE SCENE: The Gordy in Houston was the recent setting for a record-breaking night that feted one of Houston’s most beloved creative arts visionaries. Several hundred of the city’s most beloved sociables, philanthropists, and arts patrons turned out for Stages Houston’s Gala at the Gordy. This was a fond farewell and thank you to Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin, who recently retired after 23 years at the organization.
THE VIBE: The black-tie and fuchsia flair-clad crowd brought fashionable fun by featuring a mix of classic formal wear while others made bold color statements. Upon arrival, patrons walked the pink carpet to pose for photos in front of the floral Step and Repeat to commemorate the evening. Next, guests cozied up to the bar for their spirit of choice during the cocktail hour while perusing the impressive lot of silent auction items that included an exclusive Paris package.
The festivities then moved to inside the theater for a performance and tribute to Kenn McLaughlin. Patrons were treated to a series of dazzling performances with numbers from classic works that McLaughlin has directed over the years including Grey Gardens, Godspell, and Sundays in the Park with George, to name a few.
Next, revelers gathered in the tent on The Gordy grounds for an elegant three-course seated dinner. Jackson & Company transformed the tent into a dazzling spring palette of white and fuchsia florals elegantly displayed throughout. The evening was capped off with dancing where partygoers cut a rug on the dance floor underneath a series of disco balls to the tunes of DJ Mohawk.
THE NON-PROFIT: Gala at the Gordy was co-chaired by George C. Lancaster, Kay Bruce, Judy and Jim Nickols, and Cabrina and Steven Owsley. Sally and Phillip Edmundson, Glenda and Russell Gordy, and Becca Cason Thrash and John Thrash served as honorary chairs. The event raised a record-breaking $1.2 million for Stages Houston. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit Stages and its ongoing impact on the Houston arts community
