Every year, the Nevada Ballet Theatre selects a great lady to honor as Woman of the Year, at the annual Cartier-sponsored Black & White Ball.  So, you can imagine that NBT was pretty psyched to announce that the 2013 recipient of this honorarium would be star of stage and screen, Mitzi Gaynor.

The Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated Gaynor became known the world-over for her portrayal of Ensign Nellie Forbush in the film adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific.  This, after starring roles in such “Golden Age” Hollywood musicals as Les Girls, Anything Goes, and There’s No Business Like Show Business.

Debuting on-stage in Las Vegas, in 1961 at the legendary Flamingo Hotel, Gaynor became a major attraction, receiving the “Entertainer of the Year” award from the AGVA, for her high-concept stage spectaculars, concisely called Mitzi.  Over their decade-long run, Gaynor received 17 Emmy nods, winning six.

“We are thrilled to recognize the multi-talented Mitzi Gaynor as our 2013 Woman of the Year,” said NBT’s much-loved co-Founder and Board co-Chair, Nancy Houssels.  “From her early beginnings as a ballet dancer and then a movie star, to her nightclub debut at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Mitzi’s impact on the entertainment industry is unparalleled and her contributions to the world of dance continue today through her work with the Professional Dancers Society, where she serves as President.”

Gaynor’s new one-woman show (currently on tour) Razzle Dazzle!  My Life Behind the Sequins: An Intimate Evening of Laughs, Love & Music helped garner the legendary entertainer the Mary Pickford Award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Entertainment Industry” at the 2011 Satellite Awards (the highest honor bestowed by the International Press Academy).  Most recently, Gaynor read ‘Twas the Night before Christmas at a holiday fundraiser benefitting Desert AIDS Project, in Palm Springs.

Now, Mitzi Gaynor will join the esteemed ranks of previous Woman of the Year honorees, including Miss Ann-Margret, Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Bette Midler, Carol Channing, Celine Dion, and (most recently) Eva Longoria – honored by NBT for their dedication to the arts and entertainment, as well as a special connection to Las Vegas.

There are still tickets available to what is, arguably, the grande dame of Las Vegas’ philanthropic season.  The attire is self-explanatory, the accessories sparkle, and the atmosphere is joyously effervescent.  This year, with famed fashion designer, Bob Mackie chairing this event honoring his dear friend Mitzi Gaynor – it’s gonna be a humdinger!

Mitzi Gaynor named 2013 Woman of the Year
with Honorary Chair, Bob Mackie
Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black & White Ball
Saturday, January 26 – Bellagio
Click HERE for tickets and info

Get into it!