The live auction at the Bard Ball on Jan. 20 was rather theatrical -- up for bid were several items related to the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre's 2018 season, including a cameo roll for the winning bidder in My Fair Lady. Held on the stage and behind the scenes of the Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, the event was a fundraiser for the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.
Guests were greeted with a specialty cocktail, Eliza's Elixir, and directed backstage to a reception and silent auction. For dinner, guests were seated on stage at large round tables covered in white cloths and centered with a variety of tall floral and candle centerpieces. Chandeliers were suspended overhead.
Chad Bradford served as master of ceremonies for the program which, in addition to the live auction, had performances by Michelle Alves of New York including a duet with Moriah Patterson, comments by board chairman Kathleen Curie, producing artistic director Rebekah Scallet and Mary Ruth Marotte, director of community relations.
The forthcoming season -- which includes four plays -- will begin June 8 on the lawn at UCA with The Winter's Tale. More information about the season is available at arkshakes.com.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 01/28/2018