Alice Whitaker loves classic clothing, such as plaids and circle skirts. So when the 11-year-old girl from Skamakowa was asked to model in a smart evening dress for the upcoming Midwinter Montage, a benefit for the River Theater, she knew she would be charting some new fashion territory. Still, after a practice session with student stylists at Paul Mitchell - The School and with some dress alteration courtesy of her mom, Shannon Meeker, the homeschooled youngster reminded at least one viewer at a recent fashion shoot of a young Audrey Hepburn.
"This makes me feel grownup and sophisticated," Alice said.
She's but one of more than 20 community members - some eager, some shy - who have goodheartedly agreed to model for the benefit fashion show and dance to be held at the Elks Ballroom Feb. 4. Proceeds will help to support the Astoria nonprofit community theater, said River Manager Heidie Johnson. The Portland band Tweed's Mob will perform afterwards.
Alice Whitaker, 11, models a dress supplied by Curio in Astoria.Johnson got the idea for the fashion show and dance after she and some friends got together to scare up some winter evening fun. They missed dressing up for a big to-do, the chance to wear a really special dress or suit, and to dance to music in a grand setting.
The Montage was born, truly a community affair. The 20 or so volunteer models will be wearing clothes lent by North Coast boutiques ranging from Astoria to Cannon Beach, including Curio, Deja Vu, The Garment Gallery, Gimre's Shoes, La Luna Loca, North Coast Leather, Mostly Hats, Signature Imports and Steven's Fine Clothing. Some of the outfits will be available for purchase afterwards.
The show also features the work of local designers Lauren Harkness, Shannon Meeker, Brenda Harper and Jessica Schleif. The fashion show also includes a selection of costumes from the Astor Street Opry Company, the Coaster Theatre Playhouse and the River Theater's own costume department. Emcees Theda Spracklin and Kevin Violette lead the evening's activities. Students from Paul Mitchell - The School will provide the hairstyles and makeup and dress the models.
Drew Modesitt sports an outfit from Curio.After the show, partygoers can bid in a small silent auction for items donated by local designers and businesses. Cocktails from a no-host bar and hors d'oeuvres from local businesses and community members will be served by members of the Astoria High School Thespian group, many of whom have performed onstage at the River.
The River opened in 1998 to provide a home for theatrical, visual and musical arts. It's located at 230 W. Marine Drive, under the Astoria Bridge. It is a professionally equipped, intimate 93-seat black box theater.
At the Feb. 4 Montage, theater supporters can dance to the tune of Tweed's Mob, which will perform jazzy blues in the grand Elks Ballroom.
Hair styling for the show will be done by Paul Mitchell - The School."Not only do we want to raise money for the River, but we want to have a community affair," said Johnson. "We want to re-ignite Astoria by doing something people used to do. We want to get dressed up and dance."
If You Go
The Midwinter Montage, a benefit fashion show and dance for the River Theater, is 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at the Elks Ballroom, 453 11th St., Astoria. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased in advance by calling or visiting the River Theater box office, (503) 325-7487, from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Go online to order at www.RiverTheater.com, or stop by the Astoria Co-op seven days a week. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Upcoming River Events
The River Theater has become a vital component of Astoria's cultural scene since opening in 1998.• The Palm Wine Boys share their West African palm wine music at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $10-$12.
• Valentine's Dinner and Theater features two plays by local playwright Janie Sexton, "Snippets of Love" and "Friends?" Each deals with love from a different angle. The Valentine's package is $50 per couple Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11 and 12, and includes tickets and dining for two at Cafe Uniontown. There will also be a Sunday brunch and show running $30 per couple Feb. 13. Tickets for shows without the dining package are $10 general admission and $7 for students and seniors 65 and older. Dining package reservations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9.
• "Fathers in Line" takes the stage at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18 and 19. The play is series of monologues by local writers John Kulm and Tim Hurd that explore the relationship between fathers and sons. Performances benefit V.O.C.A. (Victory Over Child Abuse) and Camp Victory.
• Troll Radio Review starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, featuring artists from the Fisher Poets Gathering. Admission is free for children and $2 for adults. Troll Radio Review is broadcast live on KMUN and KTCB.
• "The Mystery of Marie Roget," directed by Mick Alderman, comes to the stage March 11-13, 17-19 and 25-26. In adapting Edgar Allen Poe's 1841 narrative for the stage, the fictional account was interwoven with the actual facts of the case to create an intriguing puzzle that will keep audiences guessing right up until the shocking conclusion. Tickets cost $7 and $10.
