Centaur Spectacular! Gala

June 18, 2025

The magic of theatre was on full display on June 18 at the Centaur Spectacular! Gala in Old Montreal. Hosted in Centaur Theatre’s newly renovated 122-year-old heritage building, the evening raised $100,000 in support of excellent and relevant English-language theatre for all Montrealers.

Guests arrived on a red carpet that swept them from the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal into a lavish, Moulin Rouge!-inspired lobby designed by Roberto Menegati of Menegati Design. With rococo furniture, chaise lounges, and rich floral arrangements, the décor transported guests to 19th-century Paris. Photographer Andrée Lanthier captured the glamour as guests posed in front of a hand-crafted papier-mâché heart. Among the VIPs were Centaur Board Chair Susan Da Sie and husband Denis Asquini; Board Chair Emeritus Michael Baratta (representing corporate Patron KPMG); Board members Anthony Czaharyn with wife Hera Bel, Sofia Ruggiero with spouse and corporate Patron Denis Leftakis (Redemac Inc.), and Norma Tombari. Other corporate Patrons included Jean-François Dion and Nathalie Roussin (The Kent Group), Michael Fedele (Execaire Aviation) with love Danièle Simoneau, and longtime supporters such as Anna Giampà-Fiorelli with husband Matteo, Belle and Ernie Grivakis, Toni Pontarelli, Tom and Dana Velan, and Honorary Consul of Armenia Levon Afeyan with love Ana Papazian. The SAQ was represented by Francesca Torasso and partner Bruce Bessner.

After prosecco in the lobby, guests enjoyed a cocktail dînatoire in the theatre’s gallery, catered by the multi-talented Roberto Menegati. With tender medium-rare steak, juicy shrimp, and delectable mushroom penne served alongside charcuterie towers and a number of tasty hors-d’oeuvres, complemented by an SAQ-sponsored open bar, the dining portion of the evening was a hit among guests. Downstairs, “The Garden of Underearthly Delights” speakeasy featured a mixologist crafting signature cocktails.

At sunset, guests entered the newly upgraded theatre (C2), now boasting a $4.2M renovation supported by provincial and federal governments. Artistic & Executive Director Eda Holmes thanked attendees and corporate Patrons before introducing the Mistress of Ceremonies, actor Leni Parker, who stars next season in Kisses Deep by Michel Marc Bouchard. With a feather boa and top hat, Parker was joined by co-stars Yves Jacques and Lyndz Dantiste for a charming performance backed by Sarah Segal-Lazar and her band, The Tony Sopranos.

Next came burlesque performer Darragh Mondoux (Votre-Dame), whose cheeky routine coincided with the fly-tower lifting to reveal the theatre’s full transformation—a strip-tease for the stage. With excitement high, the auction launched, featuring prizes like a 5-night stay at The Crane in Barbados, Canadiens VIP tickets, and a romantic package from Maidor and L’Orignal. Enthusiastic patrons even outbid their own partners!

Guests capped off the night in the gallery with desserts from Mini Muffins MTL and Non Solo Pane. Parting gifts included gourmet Italian chocolates, provided by longtime donor Marisa Testa, and a pair of tickets to any Centaur play next season—ensuring the theatrical magic continues.

Board Chair Susan Da Sie, Chair Emeritus Michael Baratta*, Leni Parker, star of next season’s Kisses Deep, and Centaur’s Artistic and Executive Director Eda Holmes.
Gala Committee: (from left to right), Michael Baratta*, Sofia Ruggiero, Eda Holmes, Anna Giampa-Fiorilli, Susan Da Sie, Toni B. Pontarelli, Roberto Menegati*, also pictured, Centaur’s Development Team Haleema Mini and Sean Ryan.
Votre-Dame, performerand;George Nader, Vice President, Client Experience,Execaire Aviation.
(Pictured left to right)Haleema Mini, Director of Development, Centaur Theatre;Michael Fedele, President,Execaire Aviation, with loveDanièle Simoneau.

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(Pictured left to right) Michael Baratta*, Deputy Business Unit Leader, Quebec, Audit, Partner, KPMG LLP; Eda Holmes, Artistic and Executive Director, Centaur Theatre, Timothy Southam, Television Director.
Nathalie Roussin, Client Relationship Management and Service Team, The Kent Group - RBC Wealth Managementand Cherine Mitri, Client Relationship Manager, The Kent Group – RBC Wealth Management.
Denis Leftakis, Director,Redemac Inc. and Sofia Ruggiero, Centaur Board of Directors.
Westmount residents: Belle and Ernie Grivakis*.
Westmount resident: Roberto Menegati* and friend Joni Gaines-Jennings.
Centaur Spectacular! Gallery and Guests.
Centaur Spectacular! Underground Speakeasy.
Centaur Spectacular! Dinner and Gallery.
Centaur Spectacular! Photo-Booth
Votre-Dame performing at the Centaur Spectacular! show and live auction.

A BIG THANK-YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PATRONS FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT!