Hawaii Opera Theatre’s ‘Opera Ball 2007’

 
HOT PRESENTS A GRAND FUNDRAISER: Hawaii Opera Theatre President Jim McCoy, left, was a gracious host at Table 1 as HOT threw the gala benefit of the season, "Opera Ball 2007," Nov. 10 in the Hawaii Ballroom at the Sheraton Waikiki. The sold-out black-tie event included a preview of "Romeo & Juliet," one of three shows in HOT's upcoming "Star-Crossed Lovers" series next year. Joining McCoy at his beautifully decorated front-row table were Andy and Lucy Tujios, Ian Akao, Athena Adams and, of course, his wife and co-host, Pam McCoy.

 
Honolulu Chief Medical Examiner Kanthi de Alwis attended the ball with Honolulu-born European opera veteran Leslie "Buz" Tennent. Tennent lived in Germany for 12 years doing opera and musical theater, but again calls Hawaii "home."

 
Cathy Foy-Mahi, left, was joined by Anne Namba and Roxie Cassidy as she inspected items in the silent auction. Bidding was hot -- pardon the pun -- for many items, and some guests made frequent trips to the bidding area to check on their bids until the auction closed.

 
George Dyer (Romeo) gave the audience a preview of the 2008 season when he took the stage in a "Romeo and Juliet Serenade" after dinner. The "Serenade" was performed in the round and also showcased his leading lady, Kristen Stone (Juliet). The season opens with Verdi's "Don Carlo" on Feb. 1 and continues with "The Barber of Seville" and "Romeo & Juliet."

 
Opera supporters Marcia and Lenny Klompus, left, and Toni and K.C. Knudsen talked with HOT Executive Director Karen Tiller and Mark Polivka after the performance. The three couples watched Dyer and Stone from front-row seats at three different tables. The multitalented Tiller not only handled arrangements for the ball, but also will direct "Romeo & Juliet" in February.