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STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK It’s not unusual to see those with The Spot don masks for such plays as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” But this week the tables were turned as supporters of The Spot donned masks for a Masquerade Soiree. Patrons sashayed into the Sun Valley Culinary Institute for The Spot’s first winter fundraiser, their eyes peering behind lavish masks boasting peacock feathers and more simple masks featuring intricate designs and luscious ribbons.
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Louise Noyes helps herself to a crusty lamb chop.
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One man even wore a red mask to go with his red checkerboard tie. At first, some seemed to have trouble figuring out how to have a conversation behind a mask, not to mention how to eat polenta shrimp bites out of big spoons. And name tags were definitely mandatory given the difficulty of figuring who was who. But soon they settled in, seemingly enjoying their night behind masks. “I love the chance to dress up and this is the first masquerade I’ve been to. I think the masks make everybody feel like they’re on the stage,” said Annabelle Lewis, who grew up taking part in The Spot’s program for young people and now continues to work with them as an adult.
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Terry and Kathryn Hulbert found some snazzy masks—and jewelry, too!
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Patrons nibbled on Baby Artichokes Pan Seared with Caper Lemonade Aioli and Taleggio and Mortadela Cubes prepared by The Sun Valley Culinary Institute, while taking in entertainment from Lewis, Lizzie Loving, Yanna Lantz and Kevin Wade. This has been an ambitious season with six projects, Brett Moellenberg told the audience. And one of those projects involves expanding Spot Young Company to include a middle school component featuring an upcoming performance of “Beetlejuice.” “They’ve inspired me since I moved here when I was 7,” said Loving. “I feel like I’ve been raised in the family.” “It’s a safe space for all the kids in the valley,” added Lewis. “It offers an amazing free education and gives most amazing opportunities to perform.”
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Lizzie Loving, Brett Moellenberg and Annabelle Lewis were among those providing entertainment, with Lewis and Loving singing “Someone Like You” from Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde.
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Meg Vorm co-chaired the event with Susan Flynt. “I’ve been a fan of The Spot ever since I saw their first production—‘Next to Normal.’ When I saw that, I was hooked. I have two daughters who have been involved and what The Spot gives young people is unlike any other organization. It teaches them empathy, confidence, public speaking… They tell the kids, ‘Leave the drama at the door. Leave it for the stage.’ ” The Spot is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, having been created by a handful of young professionals—a few who had just returned from studying theater in New York. They started their theater company with just a few dollars and 10 years ago they have established themselves as a highly talented theater company with something to say. “Most gratifying to me is the mission they’ve created 10 years ago,” said Mike Wade, Kevin Wade’s father. “They wanted to create a theater in central Idaho and they wanted to create fearless theater and here we are.”
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Susan and Kevin Kniffen know the value of arts, given that their son is in Los Angeles working in the record industry.
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Susan Flynt said she hopes this is just the beginning of many winter fundraisers for The Spot to come: “I’m super excited about this event. It’s so in line with fearless theater because who doesn’t like to get dressed up and put on a mask. And to think they provide tuition-free theater for youth. That’s so important because we really do want to touch the lives of young people, and not everyone wants to be an athlete.”
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