Richard Parsakian was the man of the hour on Wednesday -- a marked change from his usual role behind the scenes.

	Rebecca Droke, Post-Gazette photos Richard Parsakian, left, Lenora Nemetz and Rob Marshall at the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force benfit. Click photo for larger image.

For countless years Mr. Parsakian, a vintage clothes collector and owner of Eons in Shadyside, has created the settings for parties and benefits. Much of his effort has been as a volunteer, with the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force a frequent beneficiary of his time and talent. At its 21st Annual Benefit at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, Mr. Parsakian was honored with the Kerry Stoner Award for his dedication to the successful event.

Making it even more of a special affair was the the appearance of celebrity hosts Rob Marshall and Lenora Nemetz. Mr. Marshall (the Pittsburgh native who directed "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha") flew in for the evening to support the PATF and its fight against HIV/AIDS, and to catch up with old friends. "My inspiration, the reason I do what I do, is Lenora Nemetz. She's inspired me with her brilliant work all through the years, and I love her madly," Mr. Marshall said in his welcoming remarks. He and Ms. Nemetz (who starred in "Cabaret" on Broadway) greeted guests during the VIP reception and cocktail hour that preceded a performance of Yasmina Reza's play, "Life X 3." A dessert party followed upstairs in the rehearsal studio, which had been transformed into the Starlight Lounge.

Serving as honorary chairs for the benefit were Perry and Lora Sigesmund and Ann and Robin Fernandez. Also on hand was Miss Pennsylvania Emily Wills, resplendent in a tiara (which caused one guest to quip she wasn't the only queen in the crowd). The packed house presented a who's who of the gay, lesbian and arts community, starting with PPT's producing director Ted Pappas and managing director Mark Power, and PATF's executive director Kathi Boyle. Many longtime supporters turned out to honor Mr. Parsakian, including his creative partner Joy Sato, Richard Rauh, Wes Scott and Gordon Fisher, Steve Herforth and Peter Karlovich, Mary Beth Johnson, Dolores Bold with Dr. Elliott Kramer and Bill Modrak, PBT's Harris Ferris, Holly Brubach, Judge Robert and Vi Gallo, Carol Caroselli, Nachum Golan and Steve Hough, Karla Boos, DeeJay Oshry and Bart Rack, Hugh McGough (soon to be running for judge!), Barb Mendlowitz, Tim McVay and Mary McVay, Ernie and Janice Meade, Hugh Beswick, Marilyn Coleman, creative chair John Van de Grit, Teekie Smith and Dr. Larry Leahy.

Dirty Ball

The Dirty Ball cleaned up when it came to having a filthy good time Saturday night. The sold-out benefit bash for Attack Theatre opened with a shower scene in the penthouse of Scott Bergstein and Jessica Coup.

Attack Theatre dancers, from left, Jeff Davis, Kristin McClintock-Lebeau, Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope perform a shower dance during the Dirty Ball. Click photo for larger image.

The water dance was performed during the VIP reception to thank the generous supporters. Before principal dancers (and Attack Theatre founders) Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza hit the showers with two other dancers, they took a spin on a lazy susan at the top of a stone staircase. That was just the beginning of a naughty night filled with sensual delight. Good bad-for-you treats like candy, cupcakes and dirty martinis were bountiful. Chairing the evening, which honored Richard Parsakian, owner of Eons Fashion Antique in Shadyside, were Rosie Barton (wearing a mustache) and Linnea Glick.

More than 500 guests filed into the Bitz Building Downtown to dance and dish the night away. DJ Justin Hopper of Pandemic got the party going, and more performances by Attack Theatre kept it steamy until midnight. Among the debauched were Dr. Larry Leahy, Mark Phillis, Mark Power, Hiro Miura, Dutch McDonald and Becky Mingo, Ernie and Janice Meade, Carter Byham, Pam and Ken McCrory, Todd Owens, Cathy Lewis and Rob Long and Richard Rauh. -- Patricia Sheridan