|
|
April 5, 2002/Nisan 23, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 29
Song and dance for Herberger
Leisah Namm
Assistant Editor
Scott Withers, Ben Brittain, Cay Cowie and Lanny Lahr perform in Herberger Headliners X, a two-day extravaganza of music, dining and dancing that benefits the Herberger Theater Center. The event, held March 15-16, raised nearly $320,000.
Photo courtesy of Herberger Theater Center
|
What do the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, a city councilman and a real estate broker all have in common?
All three stepped out of their professional roles and onto the stage of the Herberger Theater Center March 15-16 to participate in the theater's fund-raising event, Herberger Headliners X.
Federation president Lanny Lahr, Phoenix City Councilman Phil Gordon and real estate broker June Shapiro joined a cast of amateur actors - including Tempe Mayor Neil G. Giuliano, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and restaurateur Mark Tarbell - and professional actors in a vaudeville-themed musical sponsored by Wells Fargo.
This was the fourth year Marty Latz, founder of Latz Negotiation Institute, participated in Herberger Headliners.
"I continue to participate because of the critical need for members of our community to support the Herberger Theater and the arts in our Valley," Latz says.
"Of course, I also have a bit of a frustrated actor/dancer/singer in me, and I enjoy the opportunity to have some fun for a good cause."
It was the first year Harvey and Sandy Belfer appeared on the Herberger stage as part of Headliners. As avid theater fans, they decided to join the cast not only to support the Herberger Theater, but also to see what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for a show.
"We truly have a new respect for all the people who work to give us this form of entertainment," Sandy Belfer says.
The cast members rehearsed every night for nearly three weeks, and their work culminated in two performances at the downtown Phoenix theater.
"The best part of Headliners is the camaraderie that develops between the community (and) business members of the production and the professional cast," Latz says. "Everyone truly works together to put on the best possible show/fund raiser in a very limited period of time. This creates a special bond between incredibly diverse individuals from all elements of our community."
Lahr served as the chairman of the event, and Leah Hoffman Langerman served as the event chairwoman.
Other members of the Jewish community that participated include Marlene Lahr, Benée Hilton and Julie Holman.
|
