Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company is known for its fabulous plays and talented performers, but the buzz surrounding the upcoming production of Glengarry Glen Ross is bigger than ever thanks to Hollywood A-Lister Eric McCormack. The Canadian born actor, known best for his starring role in television’s “Will and Grace” comedy series, will take to the stage starting July 22. Last week, the cast was present at a fundraising pre-gala party at a private West Vancouver home. Invited guests and VIPs got a chance to meet and mingle while enjoying fabulous food from Fraiche restaurant.
01 – Canadian actress turned editor Maggie Langrick, known best for her role in “My American Cousin”, cuddles up to Glengarry cast member Vincent Gale.
02- Handsome and charming in person, “Will and Grace” star Eric McCormack will play a ruthless Chicago real estate dealer in the July production of Glengarry Glen Ross.
03 – Natasha Klein chats with Glengarry cast member John Pyper Ferguson
04 – Leah Costello and David Rowntree play the perfect hosts as they welcome fundraiser guests and celebs to their beautiful and palatial West Vancouver home.
05 – Arts Club sponsor Brenda Mendieta, left, artistic managing director Bill Millerd and board member Sandy Moore enjoy cocktails and canapes with the cast.
06 – Dressed to impress, North Vancouver’s Salma Mitha, left, and Carey Smith rock the red carpet event.
07 – Wear Else clothing store owner Zahra Mamdani, left, meets TV personality Erin Cebula of ET Canada.
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By Catherine Barr – June 30, 2010
As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on July 8, 2010
Star-studded arrivals on the red carpet, a champagne reception, beautiful gowns and real-life movie stars. The annual Leo Awards are, without a doubt, Vancouver’s best glitz and glamour night. It’s all about honouring the fabulous local talent that works both on and off the screen here in BC’s movie and television industry. But Vancouver’s “Night at the Oscars” wouldn’t be anything without the hard work of the North Shore’s own Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin – two men who have dedicated more than a dozen years to promoting and producing the best this province has to offer. Congrats to all involved.
A girls’ right to shoes is now a mantra thanks to the iconic tv-series-turned-chick-flick “Sex and the City 2”. And what better way to celebrate the movie’s debut than with a party in the shoe department of Holt Renfrew. Socialite Christie King and her Women United in Philanthropy group helped raised funds for the United Way this week as the well-heeled turned out in support. Next up, the Turning Point Society’s Gala turned up the glam with a special VIP cocktail pre-party featuring famous A-List actor Martin Sheen who was happy to donate his time. Lastly, the West Coast Fishing Club’s WCFC Culinary Series 2010 was held at the Vancouver Aquarium providing guests with an up-close introduction to the fine cuisine one can expect from this year’s culinary adventure trips to Langara Island.
Late Night funny man Jay Leno was the headliner last week at Brian Jessel’s 5th Annual Cabriolet Charity Gala. The $500 VIP ticket event was held at the dealership which was transformed into a glittering lounge complete with live music and fabulous food and beverage provided by some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. Proceeds from the night go to support the Canucks Autism Network, ArtsUmbrella and the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. Live and silent auction items galore helped raise funds, but no more so than the grand finale item – four tickets to the Tonight Show and a private tour of Jay’s own personal car collection.
If they had a million dollars . . . well, they do – and a lot more. So it’s only fitting that the Barenaked Ladies help with the VIP opening night party of Vancouver’s newest multi-million dollar property – The Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Invited guests were treated to a private concert last week in the lobby of the richly elegant building which is bound to be the new hangout for famous faces. Also last week, it was time for ball gowns and black ties at the BC Cancer Society’s Diamond Ball Gala at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Entitled “Ole”, a $400 ticket to the 14th annual event featured live entertainment, auctions and more for this very worthwhile cause.
The Olympic parties continue with even more famous faces coming out to play.
The recent tragic events in Haiti will not soon be forgotten. Yet, while we attempt to help those devastated by this earthquake, we sometimes forget that there are children in need all over the third world where flood, famine and abject poverty occur every day. Last night, the good people behind the Angkor Hospital for Children (Friends Without a Border) held their “Taste the World” wine benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel. With Haiti very much on everyone’s mind, the night was a great success and will go a long way to helping little ones suffering in Cambodia.
Stars and cars, sexy tech and some of the finest piano craftsmanship in the world are all stories that help build up this week’s excitement and Olympic countdown fever. First, Olympic sponsor General Motor’s (GM) new electronic Chevy Fuel Cell Equinox vehicles have arrived. Keep your eyes peeled because this emissions-free fleet’s duty is to get A-Listers, like David Hasselhoff, around town in style. Next, hip and hot, the gang at FCV Technologies celebrates at their five year anniversary party. And lastly, old world perfectionism and music are the topics of a special lunch honouring visiting craftsman Paolo Fazioli.
Can you feel it? It’s in the air and it’s spreading. And with less than 30 days to go, it seems like everybody has suddenly come down with a big case of Olympic fever. Everyone’s getting into the act – from real estate to restaurants to politicians. We’re sprucing up and getting ready to welcome the world. So buckle in, because judging from my email and twitter feeds, we’re in for one heck of a good time. Be sure and stay tuned . . .
This past year has been lots of fun, yet sadly it’s over and done. So it’s time to review, all those great things we do; but it’s hard just to focus on one. It’s the last of the holiday cheer. So remember, when midnight draws near; grab a glass, raise a toast, hug your friends, kiss the host; and yell it out . . Happy New Year!
You know how they say time flies when you’re having fun? Well, trust me when I say that it’s true. The last decade has flown by at the speed of light and in looking back, I realize just how wonderful, yet fleeting, life can be. In the last seven years that I have had the privilege of writing for The Outlook, I estimate that I have taken 11,653 photos of close to 34,959 faces at more than 3,640 local events. To this day, I never forget a smile (even though I sometimes forget the name – wink). So here’s to you – the people of my community, my neighbours and my new found friends. It is an honour to be here to share in all your special memories. I thank you all for your heart-warming smiles and look forward to ten years more – at least.
Two great Saturday night galas make headlines this week. First up, Wine on the Mountain was quite literally a “feast for the senses” as guests rode to the top of a snow covered Grouse Mountain to enjoy food and wine, live music and auctions in support of Adoptive Families Association of BC. Next, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Rockin’ for Research gala with a spectacular night at the Hyatt featuring live performances by Loverboy, Chilliwack, Bill Henderson and Paul Hyde.
Country music, Bhangra drums plus celebrity chefs and wine helped wrap up the last week of Summer 2009. First up, the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) brought big name singers to the city with a festival that included live concerts, fan parties and a fabulous live awards show that was broadcast across Canada. Next up, West Vancouver musician Ash Sood and friends were among the VIPs at a special private dinner to raise funds for the Bhangra International Festival Celebration. And when it comes to celebrating, no one does it better than the Wine of BC people with their annual Chef Meets Grape charity event in support of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.
Words almost can’t describe it. At first, it was sheer excitement at the site of the colourful Moroccan themed private tent suites. Then, it was pride as opening acts like the Sarah McLachlan Foundation Choir took to the stage and cruise ships sailed past Ambleside beach. Finally, as night falls on a near perfect day, it was magic as Sheryl Crow, Neil Young and Sarah McLachlan, three of the biggest names in music, performed to a sold-out crowd the likes of which we have never seen here in West Vancouver. It was a once in a lifetime VIP experience that I hope we get to do all over again next year, and next, and next. Congrats to everyone involved.
Ralph, Elena and Deb (R.E.D. Management) are no strangers to talent agency management. In fact, between them they’ve got over 35 years experience here in Vancouver representing some of the best and brightest in the biz on familiar shows like Battlestar Galactica, Intelligence, 24 and more. So when it finally came time to strike out on their own, they made it look easy. Now, with a floating barge for a home here in North Vancouver’s Mosquito Creek Marina, they can celebrate their first anniversary in style. Invited guests and local celebs came out to party aboard the Queen of Diamonds on a sunny Sunday afternoon and toast the trio that helped make the famous.
West Vancouver’s The Bay was bringing sexy back this past weekend as they launched the new Justin Timberlake and Givenchy men’s perfume line called Play. Cast as the face of Givenchy last year, Timberlake’s youthful image literally “plays” off the iPod movement and features the sexy star lounging with his music and his music player shaped cologne bottle. It’s a groove that hits well with customers as curious shoppers stopped by to dance to the live DJ and sample with staff as a Justin Timberlake look-a-like played the part and posed with his models.
SOIRÉE! The Whistler Film Festival Society Gala & Auction was the place to be as the Four Seasons hotel in Vancouver hosted some of Vancouver’s most influential Hollywood North movers and shakers. Hosted by Corner Gas star Brent Butt, the evening was filled with live music, auction items and fabulous food by new Four Season chef Oliver Beckert. Held in the first week of December, The Whistler Film Fest is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the premiere film festivals in the country and, thanks to fundraisers like this, it just might be world famous some day. 
It was time for cocktails, cars and catwalks at the 4th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Fashion Gala. Benefitting BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital for prostate research, the evening featured fashions by Hugo Boss and Harry Rosen as well as a fabulous martini / wine bar, four-star food by some of Vancouver’s top restaurants and more beautiful accessories than you can imagine. Va Va Vroom!