Out & About with Albert Dec. 15-21

On their toes

What a showing for Beaumont Civic Ballet’s 51st annual Nutcracker performances last weekend with two sold-out shows at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Under the artistic direction of Monique Zummo Steinhagen and co-director Megan Forgas Anderson, Board President Tammy Anderud was thrilled with this year’s production that included Emerie Callas, Lily Hebert and Sophie Madden, Bryan Brassard, Cole Hinson, Sienna Peterson, Olivia de la Madrid, Harper Johnson, Tenley Jaynes, Anna Stepan, Olivia Terry, Alice Montablano and Raygan Callas and so many others. It was also the debut of our very own Chad Cooper. Enjoying the holiday tradition were Jordan and Bryan Gaspard, Dawn and Gene Isabell, Amy and Patrick Maloney, Nicole and Mike Albanese, Lisa and Brian Mathews, Tara and Justin Audilet, Lisa and Ray Callas, Heather and Danny Montalbano, Gillian and Will Jenkins, Connie and Brian Hebert, Kelly and Justin Jackson, Kim and Brian Jaynes, Stephanie Daleo and so many others. Follow the yellow brick road Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. for their production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Lifelong tradition… instead of exchanging gifts, a group on long time pals decided to donate to a charity of their choice and host a chili dinner party. This year, the event was held in the beautiful home and host with the most, Paige Windham. Cooking the delish chili, as always, were Elizabeth and Mike Petit. Contributing yummy sides and desserts were Starla and Ronnie Anderson, Sue and Roy Philp (co-hosts), Jane and Joe Bob Kinsel, Cile and Chuck Childress, Melody and Pat Parsons, Nancy and David Fertitta, and Martha and Leon Hicks. The couple who conceived this unique party idea were Marsha and Lewis Hoffer, who came in from their home in Austin, and brought a scrumptious tuxedo chocolate cake. Past LU Pres Jimmy Simmons (with past LU first lady Susan) was a highlight of the evening as they tickled the ivories with amazing holiday songs. Enjoying the fellowship and gathering were Vivian and Jerry Todd, Christy (who sang a super rendition of “New York, New York”) and hubby Mike Persia, Charlotte and Jimmy Fontenot, Pat Klein, Regina Rogers, Cullen Ramsey, Betsy Clarke, Jo Vance, Jennifer Gordy, George Busceme, Terri and David Nelson, Suzanne and Don Maloney, Jan Fulbright, Ken Reed and Sarah Ussery. Enjoying lifelong friends is a great way to jump start the Christmas season!

Enchanted evening… the John Jay French Museum was the setting for a delicious gumbo dinner from Courville’s Catering plus desserts from Katharine & Co and drinks from Giglio Distributing. The band Rustic Bird took to the front porch for a night of bluegrass and Americana music. Enjoying the evening were Celia Crittenden, Marilyn Adams, Heather Bolton, Susan Pierson, Elizabeth Nesmith, Ginger Howard, Raymond Begnaud, Lane Wilson, Magda Villarreal , David Constant, Shelby and Lane Brannon, Mary and Dennis Damek, Sharon Rigsby, Debra Andrus, Rusty Chimeno, Sharri Hardin, John Kellis, just to name a few.

Holiday cheer… McFaddin-Ward House and Oaks Historic Home for the Holidays Tour was a massive success with so many folks enjoying the seasonal soirée. In the mix were Sherry Paschal, Kate Davis, Regina Land Snell, Edwina Land, Melina Pennington, Amy Bruckbauer, Bryan Tyler, Cecile Pascha and Amber Pennington enjoyed gorgeous homes of hosts Lauren Martin, Kim and Erie Huber, and Meg and Jarrod Brown in the beautiful neighborhood.

Kudos…to the Teare family, who produced the film, “Bolivar,” that premiered at Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts recently. Houston native Nell Teare wrote and produced the film and also stars in it, alongside sister Hannah. Both were born and raised in our fair city. Their aunt Kathleen Teare, still resides in Beaumont.

Happy anniversary… to Brandi and Corby Crawford (15 years).

News of I do’s… Congrats to Savannah Bond and Dave Lawrence on their recent engagement! Also shout out to Caitlin Quinn and John Paul Phelan on their engagement! Congrats!

Candles and cakes…belated best to Jeff McManus. B-day wishes to Susan Simmons, Madison Gizzi, Jenna Junell, Jordan Smith, Fred Bebeau, Mary Pat Gross, Corey Gilfoil, Dan Outlaw, Will Nelson, Cat Holtzclaw, Rashawn Webb-Locke, Brian Juncker, Linda Spencer, John Quigley, Greg Cokinos, Madelyn Messina, Melody Celli, Roy West Jr., Wade Aran, Jill Mahan, Emily Hanley, Matt Pace, Cheryle Guillet, Shayne King, Reginal Miles, Colin Moore, Gilbert Adams III, Julie Laird, Taylor Thompson and Lexie Boudreaux.

Until the next RSVP!