Fr. Joseph O'Brien, O.P.
Chippendales Bonnet
Mamma Mia! Opened the Competition
Vegas' Arts & Entertainment Corner
Spring has sprung and Las Vegas had Easter bonnets that brought us into the future and beyond!
Where else but in Las Vegas would you see Borg’s strutting around to the tune of Easter Parade. The Borg's from the Star Trek
Experience took over the Easter Bonnet competition March 16th by winning 1st place with their futuristic Easter bonnet. They came on
stage to the tune of to Easter Parade and laughter of the audience.
The other Easter bonnets presented by various shows in Las Vegas, businesses, and outreach programs showed that the spirit of giving.
Proceeds from the event went to St Therese Center HIV Outreach a local charity and Broadway Cares.
The event was a great success due to the hard work of Amelia Prentice-Keene and Tim Tucker. Also a job well done has to go to the hard
work of all the volunteers and Father Joseph O'Brien who gave a heartwarming speech about St. Therese Center.
The Easter bonnets were all very creative and the presentations for some were quite amusing and one in particular heartfelt.
Mamma Mia! opened the event with an original song called "Project Easter Bonnet (On the Runway) written by Keith Thompson and
recorded by the "Mamma Mia!" cast and orchestra. It was a lively number and very amusing. The rummaged through large laundry
baskets for things to put on a mannequin that was part of the opening number.
The Phantom cast sang a lovely song for a cast member's mother who recently died of cancer. I was drawn to tears by this presentation.
The group walked on stage with candles and red roses. The model for the bonnet Jessica Walker (a dancer with PHANTOM Las Vegas)
came on stage you could only see the front of her bonnet. She wore a black dress with red accessories. When the group would walked on
stage they handed the red roses to one man who then would turn and put them on the back of the bonnet. The last person walked out with
red feathers.
The feathers were added to the bonnet and Jessica turned around to display the back of the bonnet which had a sequined looking Phantom
mask in silver, surrounded by the red roses and the feathers were off to the side. The final touch of her turning around drew oohs from
the audience. The back of the bonnet then made you think of the Red Death costume the Phantom wears in the show. This presentation
was something everyone was talking about afterwards. It was very touching and I think represented what the evening was about, caring
and remembering those who have not only passed away.
The event ended on a high note with a group photo and then everyone chatting with the various groups and getting a closer look at the
bonnets. They also auctioned off the bonnets to further add to the charity funds.
PHANTOM Las Vegas cast members Brent Barrett (one of the Phantoms) and Tina Walsh (Madame Giry) were two of the judges for the
event.
The event was held at Chippendales Theatre inside the Rio Hotel...They also had an entry in the competition and helped with the event.
This should become an annual event, as Father Joseph said they are looking forward to doing it again next year.
Where else but in Las Vegas would you see Borg’s strutting around to the tune of Easter Parade. The Borg's from the Star Trek
Experience took over the Easter Bonnet competition March 16th by winning 1st place with their futuristic Easter bonnet. They came on
stage to the tune of to Easter Parade and laughter of the audience.
The other Easter bonnets presented by various shows in Las Vegas, businesses, and outreach programs showed that the spirit of giving.
Proceeds from the event went to St Therese Center HIV Outreach a local charity and Broadway Cares.
The event was a great success due to the hard work of Amelia Prentice-Keene and Tim Tucker. Also a job well done has to go to the hard
work of all the volunteers and Father Joseph O'Brien who gave a heartwarming speech about St. Therese Center.
The Easter bonnets were all very creative and the presentations for some were quite amusing and one in particular heartfelt.
Mamma Mia! opened the event with an original song called "Project Easter Bonnet (On the Runway) written by Keith Thompson and
recorded by the "Mamma Mia!" cast and orchestra. It was a lively number and very amusing. The rummaged through large laundry
baskets for things to put on a mannequin that was part of the opening number.
The Phantom cast sang a lovely song for a cast member's mother who recently died of cancer. I was drawn to tears by this presentation.
The group walked on stage with candles and red roses. The model for the bonnet Jessica Walker (a dancer with PHANTOM Las Vegas)
came on stage you could only see the front of her bonnet. She wore a black dress with red accessories. When the group would walked on
stage they handed the red roses to one man who then would turn and put them on the back of the bonnet. The last person walked out with
red feathers.
The feathers were added to the bonnet and Jessica turned around to display the back of the bonnet which had a sequined looking Phantom
mask in silver, surrounded by the red roses and the feathers were off to the side. The final touch of her turning around drew oohs from
the audience. The back of the bonnet then made you think of the Red Death costume the Phantom wears in the show. This presentation
was something everyone was talking about afterwards. It was very touching and I think represented what the evening was about, caring
and remembering those who have not only passed away.
The event ended on a high note with a group photo and then everyone chatting with the various groups and getting a closer look at the
bonnets. They also auctioned off the bonnets to further add to the charity funds.
PHANTOM Las Vegas cast members Brent Barrett (one of the Phantoms) and Tina Walsh (Madame Giry) were two of the judges for the
event.
The event was held at Chippendales Theatre inside the Rio Hotel...They also had an entry in the competition and helped with the event.
This should become an annual event, as Father Joseph said they are looking forward to doing it again next year.
PHANTOM - Las Vegas Bonnet
SPAMALOT Bonnet
| Star Trek Experience Bonnet and winning entry |
| Tiger Lilly Flower Shops Bonnet (Fresh Flowers Used) |
| Office Max Bonnet with a little help from a Chippendales Dancer |
Menopause (Musical) Bonnet
| Brent Barrett (Phantom Las Vegas) was one of the Judges |
Tina Walsh (Phantom Las Vegas) was one of the
Judges, pictured with Amelia Prentice Keene
one of the Producers of the event.
Judges, pictured with Amelia Prentice Keene
one of the Producers of the event.
| For more photos and comments about the Easter Bonnet Competition go to the BroadwayVegas |