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Monday, May 19, 2003

By Marylynn Uricchio, Post-Gazette SEEN Editor

Bohemian Paris was the setting, transplanted in time and space to the stage of the Benedum Center, for Saturday's Maecenas XIX Gala de Bienfaisance.

	Guests enjoy dinner onstage Saturday at the Benedum Center. (John Heller, Post-Gazette)

The French theme of this annual affair celebrated Pittsburgh Opera's production of "La Boheme," the finale to a season general director Mark Weinstein called a success artistically and financially. Such robust health also can be blamed on artistic director Christopher Hahn and music director John Mauceri, who with Weinstein form the talented triumvirate that has pushed the fast-forward button and propelled the opera into the future.

Helping to support their efforts were the nearly 500 Americans in Paris who arrived singing in the rain for a gala evening of entertainment. Drinks in both the upper and lower lobbies gave everyone a chance to mingle before dinner. Cigarette girls handed out mints, fresh flower stands set a whimsical tone and the Benedum's wonderful staff donned berets to escort everyone onto the stage for dinner. C'est magnifique! Burnished jewel tones were reflected in the linens, and stunning plumed floral arrangements by Blooms displayed every shade of red. In the midst of it all hung chanteuse Phat Man Dee, who made a dramatic entrance on a swing while artist Kevin Wenner created his own little Left Bank by painting a giant canvas. The Duquesne Club catered an exquisite French dinner led by a seafood duo on greens with carrot raisin dressing, roasted tournedos of beef with Sauce Perigeaux and for dessert, classic Opera Gateaux. Dancing to the Encore Band followed.

A highlight of Maecenas is the presentation of the Renaissance Award, and this year's recipient was Joseph Volpe, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera. He rose from the ranks of master carpenter to head one of the world's greatest opera companies, or, as he put it, his mission has been "leading vast armies of individuals on a seemingly impossible journey." A performance by Carolyn Betty from the Pittsburgh Opera Young Artists Program made such a trip worthwhile.

Jeff Lipton, president and CEO of NOVA Chemicals, and his expectant wife, Shelley, graciously chaired the evening. Patricia and Attila Molnar, president and CEO of Bayer Corp., served as honorary chairs. Joining their partners were Susan Marsee, Betty Mauceri and Ron Booth, along with board president Woody Turner (with Mary) and staunch supporters including Joe and Carol Massaro, Nadine Bognar, Jim and Electra Agras, Pamela and Markos Tambakeras, Bob and Renee Denove, Greg and Rebecca Greenleaf, Francois Bitz, Dr. John Barber and beautiful fiancee Dolores Wilson Smith, Bill Dietrich and Jane Treherene-Thomas, Dr. Michael and Rose Kutsenkow, Barbara and Gerald Chait, Dr. Al and Mary Costa, Ross and Anita Dacal, Dr. Freddie and Hilda Fu, Jim and Toto Fisher, Kevin and Kristin McMahon, Gideon Toeplitz, Max and Peggy King, Henry and Lou Gailliott, state Rep. Dan Frankel with Debbie and Nachum Golan with Steve Haugh.

Also there were Steve and Helen Casey, Dennis and Annie Cestra, Harry and Camille Goern, Molly and Joe Walton, John and Susan Block, Sean and Elizabeth McDonald, Merrill and Miroya Stabile, Dr. Howard and Maryanne dePalma Burnett, Bill and Barbara McNees, Mulu and Elizabeth Birru, Tom and Sandy Kazas, Eric and Deborah Hessinger, Jane Werner, David and Phyllis Armstrong, Tony and Linda Bucci with Pittsburgh Public Theater's Ted Pappas, Natalie Taaffe and Dr. Bill Hoffman, Bill and Ann Newlin, Ed and Gene Smith, Gene and Renee Lichter, Mark McCormick and Karen Meyers, Steve and Audrey Richman, state Rep. Don and Julie Walko, Laura and Bill Dawson, Fred Grove and Carey Strelecki, Josh Stanton and Suzanne Mauro and the opera's John Federico, Laura Williamson and Teresa Violi, who planned it all beautifully.