COSTUME DRAMA
Malibu’s Marisa Coughlan was among the many mask-eteers attending the John Wayne Cancer Institute’s Odyssey Ball. The ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel was transformed into a dreamy Italian street scene complete with strolling minstrels, colorful banners, flags and even gondola poles. Each of the 900 guests was presented with an elaborate disguise for the Venetian costume gala.
Instead of the usual rubber chicken dinner fare, revelers savored a sumptuous Italian spread of antipasto, spinach and ricotta ravioli, filet of beef with seasonal veggies and a rich, chocolate tartufo. After a few words of praise for the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary, guests danced the night away to the music of Wayne Foster. The annual Duke Award went to the family of Sandy Cohen, who spent the remaining years of her life as a dedicated force in the fight against cancer.
LOOKS LIKE HE MADE IT
Sentimental tunester Barry Manilow was the man of the hour in Bev Hills the other night. That’s where the Beverly Hilton was transformed into a lively palm-filled Copa Room. The dandy Mandy man was honored by the Society of Singers with this year’s Ella Award.
Comedian Phyllis Diller, fifties songman Tony Martin, veteran actor Ernest Borgnine, and Malibu’s Ginny Mancini were among those on hand. Mancini founded the Society of Singers 19 years ago as a way to provide financial aid to artists who have fallen on hard times. It also provides scholarship programs for tomorrow’s rising stars.
Manilow, who started out writing commercial jingles and playing back up for Bette Midler in the 1970s, says he never dreamed he’d attain superstar status and thanked music man Clive Davis for his help and support over the past 30 years. “If it weren’t for Clive,” he told the gathering, “I don’t know if I would have had this career. But the music just kept coming and I couldn’t stop.”
Brian McKnight and Suzanne Somers were among those paying tribute to the singer with Somers crooning “I Was a Fool to Let You Go” and McKnight belting out “Even Now.” The all-star evening also featured performances by Diane Schuur and Michael Feinstein.
After being presented with the Ella Trophy, Manilow wowed his friends, fans and fellow singers with a surprise 30 minute set. Barry knocked out a string of old favorites like “Mandy,” “Let Freedom Ring” and of course, “At the Copa.” He wrapped up the evening with “Could It be Magic,” telling the crowd “You are the magic.”