Emerald City Ball dazzles with performances by cast of 'The Wiz'
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe’s 17th anniversary celebration featured an award presentation, performances and a special announcement.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 11:03 a.m. November 11, 2016
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Guests at the Emerald City Ball on Thursday, Nov. 10 were transported to a land of cowardly lions, dancing yellow brick roads and a sea of green (which was really just the Municipal Auditorium), all in celebration of the 17th anniversary of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
The night began with a cocktail hour before guests were seated for a gourmet meal catered by Michael’s On East. After dinner, longtime WBTT supporters Howard Millman and Carolyn Michel were awarded with the Heart and Soul Philanthropy Award, and WBTT company member Christopher Eisenberg made a big announcement shortly after. Eisenberg recently signed with Sony to sing in a pop/motown group, and he waited until the Emerald City Ball to share the news.
Afterwards, guests got the chance to bid on various auction items during the live auction, led by Michael Klauber, before the cast of “The Wiz” hit the stage to perform several songs for guests.
Donna Dooley and Debbie Partridge
Bob Carter with Gloria and Ali Bahaj
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Executive Director Julie Leach and Chair of the Board Marian Moss
Al and Sturdivant with Ian and Leslie Smith
Ariel Blue dances during an excerpt of “The Wiz” performed for Emerald City Ball guests.
Co-Chairwomen Michelle Davis and Marta Riordan
Dr. Carolyn and James Lassiter, Annette Breazeale and Lota Mushaw
Honorees Howard Millman and Carolyn Michel
Khadijah Rolle performs as Dorothy during an excerpt of “The Wiz” performed for Emerald City Ball guests.
Chrystelle Ensley, Becky Culp and Tammy Taaffe
Judy and Fred Cuppy
Dancers leap during an excerpt of “The Wiz” performed for Emerald City Ball guests.
Sharon and Ben Kunkel, Paula Murray, Frank Filipanits and Christine and Bill Johnson
Donnie Diamond and Jacqueline Paredi
Honorees watch the award presentation under a sea of emerald lights.
Gerri Aaron, Bobi Lorry and Margaret Wise
Jane and Brad Robbins
Honoree Howard Millman embraces Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs after being presented with his Heart and Soul Philanthropy Award.
Tomeika Koski and Jaclyn Brunckhorst
Roz Goldberg, LaVerne Green and Sophie LaRusso
Carolyn Michel smiles as she accepts her Heart and Soul Philanthropy Award.
Yamen Elsaid and Judit Turan
Jim Roque, Audrey Robbins and Harry Leopold
Ariel Blue performs as Addaperle alongside Khadijah Rolle during an excerpt of “The Wiz” performed for Emerald City Ball guests.
Terri and Michael Klauber with Kitty and John Cranor III
Susan Lewis and Dr. Karen Hamad
Chrystelle Ensley, Jennifer Lieberman and Kyle Turoff
Khadijah Rolle performs as Dorothy with the members of the “Yellow Brick Road” during an excerpt of “The Wiz” performed for Emerald City Ball guests.
Jon Yenari and Bill Dooley
Michael Klauber points at a bidder during the live auction.
Heather Clark and Scott Atkins
Brian L. Boyd, Brentney Stephens, Charlie CJ Melton, Jeffery Cason Jr. and Xerron Mingo
Christopher Eisenberg goes to embrace Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Executive Director Julie Leach.
Alan and Lois Schottenstein with Andi and Bob Donelly
Veronica Brady and Nord Donelly
Sue Pavlat and Gary Dickson
Dancers strike a pose during an excerpt of “The Wiz” performed for Emerald City Ball guests.
Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs with Honorees Howard Millman and Carolyn Michel and Executive Director Julie Leach after the award presentation.
