Tony Tony Tony...
Well, Hello Theater Fans...As we we all know, the Tony Awards were this past Sunday (LOVED LOVED LOVED....Neil Patrick Harris' Opening Number!!!). I had the privilege--along with my partner David Paul-- of being invited to THE West Coast Party: The Actors Fund Tony Awards Party--a yearly Viewing Party/Fundraiser to benefit a very WONDERFUL Organization, The Actors Fund.
The Actors Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition.
For the 15th Annual event, held at the Skirball Cultural Center, the host was none other than the ever-so-fabulous (and boy does she remember what happened on June 12, 1968 or 1986...or 1992...pick a date any date!) Marilu Henner. She was a fabulous host and the party was so much fun. Loved her gown too!
The Actors Fund Party began with a "Cocktail Hour" and and a great Silent Auction in the Foyer area of the theater. There was SOOOO much to bid on--from "Priscilla Queen Of The Desert" (above photo) and "Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" signed posters, vacations in Costa Rica, a basket of Playbills, Gold's Gym Trainer Sessions, to...
A FAB poster sized photograph of Carol Channing in a full-length "Siren" sequin gown and fur (see above). Soon the party moved onto the main room, to watch the Live Feed of the Tony Awards and a delicious dinner and dessert.
Sean Penn, Hal Holbrook, Marilu Henner and Brian Stokes Mitchell, The Actors Fund 15th Annual Tony Awards Party
The Fund honored actor Hal Holbrook with the Julie Harris Award for Lifetime Achievement. And the one-and-only Sean Penn was on hand to make a special presentation to Mr. Holbrook.
His speech was so moving; funny and enlightening all at the same time. I actually put my fork down, got away from the Tiramisu Dessert, stood up and moved away from my table to listen to THE Sean Penn!! That's how good his speech was--and just the fact that I was sitting there listening to Sean Penn!!! Cut to...Hal Holbrook and a retrospective of his career. What an amazing man and life! It was a great end to a wonderful night.
Afterward, I said "hello" to the GORGEOUS Anne Jeffreys, Hollywood Legend Thank You Very Much! She looked DIVINE in a rose pink floor-length crystal sequin-and-satin coat with fur cuffs. DIVA. She was THE very definition of a Hollywood Star! It was a serene ending to a FAB event.
And in case you are wondering, I did "win" one of the bids of the Silent Auction--cannot tell you which one but it is one of the photos I posted above. You will just have to be invited over to my house to see it....