Hollywood Shore Leave Party 1988-1994
Like many parties/ benefits throughout the 80’s they created a tradition that lasted through the years. Hollywood Shore Leave is one…
The Hollywood Shore Leave party was the brainchild of a group house at 439 Sail Walk. The house was known as “Sailors House.” This being the fourth it had a 1940’s Big Band music theme and a military motif all for AMFAR ( American Foundation for AIDS Research), and PWAC ( People with AIDS Coalition.) Hosted by Aldyn McKean, David Merrill, Patrik Moreton, Robert Donnelly, Kendall Lynn,and Tom Signorelli as everyone from Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich, Ann Miller, Carmen Miranda, to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The idea of Shore Leave was based on the USO Shows that were held during the war. Movie stars would donate their time to entertain the troops.
Music was provided by the Hot Lavender Swing Band and Broadway star Larry Kert entertained. Drawing at least one thousand guests at $20 each to attend it was a sea of white sailor caps ,navy blue uniforms, a wash of army fatigue greens, and a battalion of privates, lieutenants, and generals.
Patrik Moreton
The stars of the show were the housemates dressed as the stars of the golden age of Hollywood. David Merrill as Rita Hayworth and Robert Donelly as Ann Miller. One of the creators of the party Patrik Moreton played a key role as star Marlene Dietrich. Patrik Moreton was a master hairstylist / makeup artist creating wigs for many movies and Broadway shows.
In 1994
the party was brought back after a six year hiatus. Held at Realtor Bob Howard’s bayside home with guest Charles Busch it was a benefit for the Center.
Charles Busch
