The Thalians Presidents Club, founded by Dr. Irwin Lehrhof, presented a “Presidents Day Brunch Spectacular” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Event Chairperson Stephanie Hibler outdid herself by providing a sumptuous meal and entertainment was by Gary Greene, Esq. and his Big Band of Barristers. There were many celebrities including Pat Boone and Ruta Lee, and actor Paul Sorvino, who sang an operatic aria. There was also a live and silent auction featuring fabulous trips and prizes.
Speaking of opera, renowned Director of the L.A. Opera, James Conlon, was honored at the event, but had to leave early to conduct Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece, Candide, starring Kelsey Grammer as Voltaire. Yes folks, the brilliant actor also has singing chops. Among the celebrities in attendance were Thalians President Kira Reed Lorch, who recently won a Daytime Emmy; soap stars Carolyn Hennesy (“General Hospital”), and Kate Linder (“The Young and the Restless”).
Ruta Lee and Kira Reed Lorch.
Photo: William Kidson.
The Thalians Mental Health Center was created over 60 years ago by Debbie Reynolds and Ruta Lee, and one of the organization’s prime projects is Operation Mend at UCLA, which provides mental health services to returning wounded veterans. We were members for 30 years, and were thrilled to see they are still going strong.
After leaving the brunch at the Music Center, we took the elevator to the top floor to enjoy the L.A. Opera’s production of “Candide”. Bernstein’s brilliant score presents vocal and dramatic challenges, and the cast was certainly up to the task. One of the highlights included “The Old Lady’s Tango” performed by Christine Ebersole, whose Broadway credits include the new hit musical “War Paint”.
And while Kelsey Grammer is probably best known for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane on “Cheers”, he trained at Julliard and starred in “La Cage au Folles” on Broadway. This versatile performer has won six Emmys as well as a Tony Award. His performance as Voltaire/Dr. Pangloss in Candide was exceptional.
We were fortunate to get first row tickets to “Candide” and managed to even wink at James Conlon, whom we met at the Thalians brunch. This world famous conductor has won three Grammy Awards, and has led virtually every major American and European orchestra. So you see, Presidents Day was well spent at our own Music Center with extraordinary people.
