Valley Youth Theatre Hosts Fairy-Tale Inspired Gala
First row: Laura M. Stover, Patrick Vance, Sara Dial (chair), Hope Ozer (founding board chair, chair emeritus), Catheryn J. Avalos, Erin Huston, Gina Salazar Hook
Second row: Jennifer Pescatore, Colleen Gautam, Joe Chandler, Leo Dressel
Top row: Christopher Houk, Greg Gnapper, David Carruth
PHOTO BY ANDREW UILKIE
More than 300 guests attended Valley Youth Theatre’s VYTal Affair on Aug. 19 at the Herberger Theater Center. Themed Soirée in the Swamp after VYT’s season 2017-18 opening production of Shrek The Musical, the gala staged an array of happenings throughout the center. Avant-Garde, William & Company Floral Design Studio created the decor. The evening started with a live banjo player, hosted bar, passed hors d’oeuvres from Santa Barbara Catering, barbecue favorites by BOBBY-Q and a silent auction.
Gina Salazar Hook (KTVK Channel 3) and John Hook (Fox 10 Phoenix) emceed the second part of the night. It included musical performances by stars of Shrek The Musical, a live auction with a red carpet meet and greet in Los Angeles with VYT alumna Emma Stone and the VYTality awards presentation.
For 17 years, VYT has presented its VYTality awards (Valley Youth Theatre Applauds Leadership Impacting Today’s Youth) to significant individuals and organizations for their remarkable leadership. VYT board chair, Sara Dial, presented the 2017 Corporate VYTality Award to Fennemore Craig Attorneys for their long-standing commitment to the youth theater.
The VYT board of directors awarded the 2017 Individual VYTality Award to the trio whose dedication has made VYT a success. Bobb Cooper, producing artistic director, Karol Cooper, resident costume designer, and Mark Fearey, resident musical director, have served VYT for 21 years, carrying out its mission and vision.
Several VYT alumni took the stage with a surprise salute for the honored trio, singing the inspirational song “Because I Knew You” from the musical Wicked.
The gala chaired by Traci Chandler raised more than $193,000. Proceeds from the VYTal Affair directly support VYT’s mission and vision though its education and outreach programs and main-stage productions for the 2017-18 season.
Galina Mihaleva, Bobb and Karol Cooper. PHOTO BY ANDREW UILKIE
Dr. Robert McCulloch, Camerone Elise Parker, Billie Jo Herberger, Oscar De las salas, Mayor Greg Stanton, Gary Jackson, Casey McCoy, Robin Sewell and guest. PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY
Stage decorated by Avant-Garde, William & Company Floral Design Studio. PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY
Lucas Coatney, Katie Casey, Bobb Cooper and Joe Casey. PHOTO BY ANDREW UILKIE
Susan Wissink, Erin Goodnow, James Goodnow, Joe and Traci Chandler. PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY
Tim Martin and guest (left), and Deb Bacorn. PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY
VYT alumni: (left to right) Ashley Stults, Lucas Coatney, Megan Murray, Joel Cransen, Brandi Bigley, Jenny Reiner, Christine Margo Merrow, Tyler Service, Taylor Poweziak, Mark Fearey, Bobb and Karol Cooper, Katie Casey, Carly Copp, Ira Hill, Rebecca Joslyn, Cooper Hallstrom, Channing Cooper, Magan Pfaffenberger and Hannah Bentley. PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY
