Last Monday evening’s Supper Club at Riverside Theatre was a bittersweet affair, combining the wonderful talents of award-winning Broadway star Sutton Foster with the announcement that Riverside’s longtime supporters Nancy and Mel Goodes will be relocating this summer to Palm Beach.
“It’s sad, but just something that has to be done; it was a tough decision,” said Nancy Goodes, noting the move will allow her to better care for both husband Mel and her mother as they battle the effects of Alzheimer’s.
“I think it’s hard when you lose a great friend and amazing supporter. I’ve known her for a long time now,” said Allen Cornell, producing artistic director and CEO. “She came up with the Supper Club idea and I loved it. I designed the room and then we save the pieces every year and the Friends group helps set up the room. It’s a night when you feel like you’re in New York and Nancy is a New Yorker.”
That swanky supper club aura, and of course the wonderful talent Goodes has invited to perform these past six years, have guaranteed sold-out crowds every time. She has sought entertainers who can interact with audiences in an intimate setting and, after learning that Foster was on the Supper Club circuit, knew she would be a good fit for Vero’s Broadway devotees. “We’re very lucky to have her here,” said Goodes.
Foster is a two-time Tony Award winner; as Reno Sweeney in the 2011 revival of Anything Goes, and in 2002 for her performance as Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She also received Tony nominations for her roles in the musical Violet in 2014, Shrek: The Musical in 2008, The Drowsy Chaperone in 2006 and Little Women – The Musical in 2005.
The Waxlax Theatre was again transformed into the elegant Riverside Theatre Skyline Room, with liquid silver garland shimmering down black curtained walls, long lines of tables topped with candlestick lamps, and dramatic arched lights to backlight the stage. Before the performance, Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co. and her efficient staff worked their magic with a dinner featuring chicken français, and finishing with a chocolate hazelnut gelato parfait.
After supper, and before introducing Foster, Cornell prompted a standing ovation for Goodes, who he said had left an indelible mark at Riverside Theatre. “We are so proud of you and Mel. Nancy, you’re a star.”
Presenting her with a Memory Book of the six successful fundraising evenings, Cornell added, “We dedicate this Supper Club event to Mel and Nancy Goodes.”
Sutton, wearing a sleek, sleeveless LBD, charmed the appreciative audience from the relaxed opener, “Nice N Easy” to the snazzy finale “Anything Goes,” which she dedicated to Goodes. Foster related that the role of Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes was one of her favorites; getting to share the stage with Joel Gray, sing great Cole Porter music and first work with music director Michael Rafter, who accompanied her that evening.
Thanking the audience, she said she was thrilled to be in Florida, especially in January, before treating them to a display of her engaging versatility, performing selections from her many Broadway credits, as well as songs featured on the CD’s she has produced.
Photos:
Anne and Herb Gullquist with Teresa and Bill Winslow
Dick and Diana Stark
Joe and Jan Mollmann with Ed and Fran Mellett
Lisa and Jon Moses, Sherry Brown, Linda and Mel Teetz
Judy and Allen Cornell with Nancy Goodes
Sherm and Barbara Hotchkiss with Rita and Dr. Bernie Murphy
Duke Habernickel, Kathy Hendrix, Gael Habernickel and Heidi Waxlax
