Nevada Opera Theatre welcomes new year in song
Nevada Opera Theatre took a musical approach to New Year's Eve with a gala celebration at the Anthem Country Club Estate of Bruce Woollen and Barbara Lee Woollen.
The opera benefit began with a cocktail reception where black-tie guests, including Toni Carpenter and Bud Pattengale, Louis Mortillaro and Pamela Moore, Christine Leftovitz, and Beverly and Mike Mykisen, were greeted at the home's entrance by the Woollens and Eileen Hayes, Nevada Opera Theatre's founder and director.
Everyone enjoyed the fabulous view of the Las Vegas Valley aglow in brilliant lights seen from the Woollen's 20,000-square-foot hilltop home.
A one-of-a-kind silent auction took place. Guests also viewed the beautiful holiday decor that included life-size silver reindeer and elaborate animated displays of English villages throughout the large living room with its inviting hearth and fire.
An elegant catered dinner took place in the fireplace-lit grand dining room overlooking Las Vegas, and more formal dining tables were set in the adjoining rooms.
Concert pianist Rosita Kanes entertained during the reception and dinner.
At 10:40 p.m., guests were invited into the home's theater for the second act of the comedic opera "Die Fledermaus" ("The Bat"). Nevada Opera Theatre artists in the lead roles were Alissa Van Camp as Prince Orlofsky, Isabella Ivy as Rosalinda, Maureen Seymour as Adele, John Wennstrom as Frank and Angela Brown as Sally. The piano accompaniment was by Marek Rachelski. Rounding out the chorus were Evan Rodgers, Karen Fallon, Don Frazer, Toni McCann and Virginia Schilpp.
Guests included Adrienne and Cranston Rodgers, Eric Castro, Wynn Schottelkorb, Len Silberman, Joan Dimmitt, Jenny and Walt Hommerding, Oliver Phillips, Marilyn O'Leary-Baker and Ken Baker, Arlene and Norman Ivans, and Michelle and Timothy Stupak, visitors from Philadelphia.
Dessert and champagne were served at midnight as all watched the fireworks light up the sky. More revelers toasting the new year were local artist Donovan Fitzgerald and Monique Fitzgerald, Michael Haws, Heidi Meyer, George Blackwell, Adele Zorn, Kyleen Cane, Staci Rachelski, Ryan Mitchell, Diana and Ken Merkey, Emily Bayer, Jennifer Layne, Josh Pawley and Don Bigelow.
