October 10, 2012

Opening Night Of ‘Surviving Grace’ Raises $150k; Phillips Collection Hosts USAgainstAlzheimer’s Benefit

The evening literally played-out like one of The Phillips Collection’s annual talk-of-the-town black tie galas.

A guest list composed of members of Congress, Cabinet members, Washington business leaders, and noted philanthropists. A special performance headlined by a Hollywood/Broadway starlet. And, of course, dinner among some of the gallery’s priceless works of art.

Yet the attire at last night’s special play reading of Act I of Trish Vradenburg’s Surviving Grace, held inside the venerable museum, was a carefree business casual and the guest list was purposefully kept short to ensure a relaxing evening.

Penned by Vradenburg, a playwright/author/comedy writer-turned-vociferous advocate (writing credits include Designing Women, Family Ties, and articles for The Washington Post, among her storied career), the play is “simply the story of a mother and a daughter who are forced to learn to accept, love, and, ultimately, separate.”

Read More