Argenta Community Theater Gala (photography by Stacy Kinzler)
The “Opening ACT” of the newly constructed Argenta Community Theater celebrated its grand opening February 17-19, 2011. The event was chaired by Oscar Winning Actress and former North Little Rock resident, Mary Steenburgen. The celebrations began on Thursday, February 17th with a film screening by the Little Rock Film Festival in the Sally Riggs Insalaco Theater, followed by an invitation-only dinner and dedication of the Sally Riggs Insalaco Theater on Friday, February 18th. The Dedication of the Sally Riggs Insalaco Theater was a beautiful event with special performances by Lawrence Hamilton and Dr. Alan Storeygard (who performed a special song that was written "For Sally"), followed by performances by Ballet Arkansas and Arkansas Festival Ballet. Vincent Insalaco (ACT co-founder) spoke about ACT and his children, Elizabeth and Vincent Insalaco III spoke about their mother's professional career on Broadway and in London. They told the audience that the theater isn't being dedicated to Sally because of her professional career, but because of her legacy and how she inspired so many students to go on and be better teachers, dancers, performers, and people. Sally was also a past President of Arkansas Dance Network. Twenty four former students, co-workers, friends, etc. then spoke about how Sally touched them and inspired them to go on to perform professionally, open a dance studio, teach dance, etc. Allison Stodola Wilson and Annie Mistak performed a musical theatre number from the Broadway musical, Chicago, and Missy Cook Brighton sang "What I Did For Love" from the Broadway musical, A Chorus Line. Judy Tenenbaum (ACT co-founder) introduced Sally's niece, Mollie Riggs, who painted a picture of Sally that will be on display in the theater. Sally Riggs Insalaco was an inspiration! She touched so many lives and taught us to be better people, dancers, and performers. Her legacy truly lives on...
The Opening ACT Gala celebration was held on Saturday, February 19th. President Bill Clinton headlined the Gala along with Mary Steenburgen. Other distinguished guests including Governor Mike Beebe, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and many others were in attendance. Mary Steenburgen spoke about the importance of arts in the lives of our young people and President Clinton gave a keynote address. Guests were entertained with performances by Lawrence Hamilton, Philander Smith Choir, First United Methodist Church Choir, Kurt Kennedy, Arkansas Festival Ballet, and Ballet Arkansas.