Photos from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Annual Gala
On April 5, 2014, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company celebrated their annual gala called “The Streets of NYC 1985” at the Mandarin Oriental.
Like most non-profit fundraisers, the night included a dozens of silent auction items, including a night out on the town with writer Jonathan Soroff, a private tour of Bully Boy Distillers and tasting for 10 people and a hot air balloon ride for four—up, up and away!
The festivities continued with mini performances by CSC artists and dancers and a live graffiti art installation, depicting a spray-painted version of Shakespeare himself by local artist Percy Fortini-Wright.
Photo by Joe-K
Mid-event, the hotel’s fire alarm system went off, ushering in Boston’s bravest, but thankfully it was a false alarm. The whole ordeal was followed by the song “Burning Down the House,” by a cheeky DJ.
Though there were hints of punk-era, 80’s New York in the overall fashion that eve, most just stuck to pretty black-tie attire, forgoing neon and fishnets—not a bad choice considering how hideous 80’s fashion actually was.
Co-chairs Sam Mazzarelli and Kelly Boullet looked absolutely fabulous and kept their attire sleek and chic, with slight hints of 80’s punk. Other characters du nuit include the always charming Margret McNeill, a very preggers Ashley Karger and her hubby, Wes, SPERO founder Bryan Flynn and his bubbly wife Joanna, Mix 104.1 morning host Kennedy Elsey, forever young octogenarian Doris Yaffe, social firefly and news reporter Janet Wu, hair dynamo Nick Penna and his stunning wife, Amy, and Aisha Al Riyami, new to the Boston social scene, who also took home the portrait of Shakespeare’s head.
CNC gala style mavens include:
Animal activist Amber D’Amelio in a revealing Zac Posen gown and Graff diamonds. When we asked her who made her jewelry, her handsome husband, Michael, responded, “expensive, that’s who.”
Photo by Joe-K
Retail marketing guru, Joan Jolley in a late 70’s vintage pantsuit. She wins our vote for most creative and original. The outfit was passed down to her by her auntie Chick.
Photo by Joe-K
Boston’s own version of Sofia Vergara, Colombian beauty queen Adriana Ardila Hassan in a peach Roland Mouret gown.
Photo by Joe-K
For more information on CNC, go to commshakes.org.
