Montauk Pioneer - August 8, 2008 - Harbor Lights, Oh So Nice

The Harbor Lights Gala was once again a success. This type of event shows what the community can do when committed to building something special and uplifting. Sampling wonderful wines and tasting the wonderful foods was a crowd of Montauk neighbors sprinkled with concerned summer residents, all toasting the achieved and future goals of the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation. The success of the evening, as the Foundation's President Joan Lycke said, was about the vital strides the Playhouse Foundation was making in completing phase two. In the lobby beforehand both East Hampton Town Supervisor William McGintee and Suffolk County Assemblyman Jay Schniederman took turns watching an animated presentation of the proposed swimming pool to be built below the playhouse. Also in the lobby were the silent auction items up for bid, which included a New York Jets Football helmet signed by the winning 1969 Super Bowl World Champions. After a threatening Montauk summer thunderstorm passed through in the late afternoon, the night ended up being star-studded both outside and inside the tent. This year's honorees presented by Foundation VP Diane Hausman were the Gosman's (Dick, John, Emmett, Bill and Roberta) as well as James and Lori Corless. James Corless was proud and distinct as he and his lovely wife stood before the appreciative crowd and he gave his short but distinctive talk. Roberta Gosman read a little family history in her prepared remarks flanked by her brothers, as they have done her whole life. Another highlight was the belated 80th birthday celebration for Montauk playhouse supporter and theater legend Edward Albee. Always eloquent and dapper, the 80-year-old Mr. Albee explained that although his birthday was in fact in March, he was going to be presented with a cake tonight. Then as German opera soprano singer Elke Kottmair sang happy birthday, a beautiful birthday cake with a bright sparkler was presented to the local, world-renowned legend. After the inspired rendition of the traditional happy birthday tune, Mr. Albee commented on not hearing it sung so properly for of his birthdays before.

In attendance were Frank and Candice Taubner, along with Kathleen Beckmann (she is a board member of the playhouse), Joe Gaviola, Lynda Passaretti, Rose Schwehr, Paul Monte and girlfriend, Venus Yunker. Also in attendance were Sue Lieder and John Dryer and Heather D'Agostino. Finally as a special tribute to her friends and honorees James and Lori Corless, Ms. Elke Kottmair sang four tunes, which included two of my favorites, "Love Is A Very Splendid Thing," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to warm and heartfelt applause. Afterwards the night became an evening for neighbors to catch up on how the summer has been so far. With August just beginning, many patrons exchanged their plans for the final month of the summer of 2008. Then the band cranked out some amazing tunes that had the dance floor hopping.

It was not surprising to see so many people dancing at a function that was raising money for the performing arts. It must be noted that Kathleen Beckmann displayed moves that would make Britney Spears take a second look. Also on the floor was veteran Montauk news reporter Debbie Tuma who for years has helped promote the playhouse that she attended as a child.

At the end of the night, wonderful gift bags were given to the supporters of the Montauk Community Center and Playhouse Fund. The word is that this event is going to become an annual staple in a constant program to call attention to the need to raise funds until the whole project is completed.

The stars twinkled as the crowd slowly headed for their cars, everyone was smiling. You can't beat this kind of thing. It was without a doubt a Montauk Gala Night.