Cast members Pasha Yamotahari, Walter Belcher and David Jones join Kathleen Lang on stage to honor Pam Overton

Photographs by Ron Nachtwey and Laura Durant

Friends of Phoenix Theatre turned out for last month’s A Night of Illumination, a sophisticated gala celebrating the organization’s 90th anniversary, with the proceeds benefitting Phoenix Theatre’s artistic and educational programs.

On the evening of Feb. 5, attendees enjoyed one seriously festive 90th birthday bash, with a performance on the Phoenix Theatre Mainstage to honor nine community leaders, followed by dinner, a live auction and cocktails in the Phoenix Art Museum’s Great Hall.

The honorees included “Women Who Care” Pam Overton, Sharon Ulrich and Melani Walton; “Men of Character” Angiolo Livi, Tom Simplot and Stephen Zabilski; the organization DMB, “Angel of Art” Linda Pope; and Lifetime Achievement Honoree Betty McRae.

Pictured Above: First Row (L-R): Tom Simplot, Eneas Kane, Stephen Zabilski, Angiolo Livi. Second Row (L-R): Betty McRae, Pam Overton, Sharon Ulrich, Linda Pope, Carole Machiz, Bob Machiz. Third Row (L-R): Melani Walton, Michael Barnard.

Christi Warner Beyer chaired the event, and presenting sponsors were Carole and Bob Machiz. Ultimately, more than $330,000 was raised during the course of the evening, to go toward the further enhancement of Phoenix Theatre’s artistic and educational efforts. And a true Night of Illumination was had by all.

To learn more about Phoenix Theatre, visit the organization online here.

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