By Joyce Johnson
Special to the Beacon Journal
The show will go on, thanks to the 175 supporters who stepped into the 1920s for a night to experience Miss Millie’s Speakeasy at the Weathervane Playhouse annual gala.
Honorary chairs were Margaret Dietz and Helen Fleming. Fleming’s family and friends who were there to show support included Kevin Fleming, Martin Fleming, Rachel Bean, Brian Bean, Beirne and Mary Konarski and Gizelle Fleming.
“If we wanted to see our parents [when we were] growing up we came to the Weathervane,” Gizelle said.
Aimee Lambes donated her photographs for the auction.
“This is one of my favorite places in the world,” she said of Weathervane.
Ian Haberman has done shows at the theater since 1982.
“I love the people, the facility and the audiences that come here,” he said.
Tessa Gaffney, dressed as a flapper, sold raffle tickets for the gala. Ellen Garrett wore a real bow tie, opting not to wear a clip-on.
“My outfit is off the rack,” she said.
The Roaring ’20s theme included food, drinks, silent and live auctions, music by the Angie Haze Project and WKSU’s Jeff St. Clair, who served as master of ceremonies. Larry Janchar was the auctioneer.
Guests had a chance to bid on a Carolina beach condo as well as a Walt Disney World four-pack in the live auction. The evening started with a Ritz Soiree Patron Party, followed by dinner on the stage.
Tom Stephan and Scott K. Davis welcomed guests at the registration table. Tim Champion brought his mother, Dorothy Champion. “The theater is always so exciting and I love it because it keeps older people feeling younger,” she said.