“A brilliantly hued glass vessel by Whidbey glass artist David Levi is one of the pieces of fine art on the auction block at Theatre Amid the Stars.Joan Soltys/staff photoDine and bidTheatre Amid the StarsWhidbey Island Center for the Arts dinner auctionSaturday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m.Champagne reception and silent auction outside in the large tent, live auction and dinner inside, served theater-styleTickets are $65; call 221-8262. The stars will be coming out again on Saturday evening, Sept. 23, in Langley, when the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts stages its annual fund-raising dinner-auction, the festive Theatre Amid the Stars.The fourth annual event is earlier this year, said auction organizer Debra Waterman, in the hope that the balmy weather traditional in September holds true for the date. We start outside the theater with the silent auction items displayed under a large tent, and it is so much more enjoyable for everyone to enjoy their champagne and browse all the offerings if the skies are clear and the weather is warm, Waterman said.The champagne reception and silent auction takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., when guests receive the red carpet treatment, including live entertainment, and an opportunity to also view items for the live auction on display in the theater’s lobby area.Inside the theater, the elegantly attired troupe from Tuxedos ‘n’ Tennis Shoes Catering will serve a gourmet dinner that includes foods distinctively Northwest and also embraces the harvest season: field greens with cranberries and pumpkin seeds, breads and vegetables, halibut, a savory roast pork with dried fruits. (The chocolate mousse served for dessert knows no regional boundaries.)Dinner will be served theater-style, on the stage itself as well as in the auditorium, where diners will find the copyright arrangement designed and built by Langley musician (and carpenter) Michael Nutt: tabletops set on alternate rows, providing what become gently curved dining spaces overlooking the stage. That’s where auctioneer Kip Toner will take up his position for the evening to encourage ever higher and higher bids from his audience for a collection of 60 items and services donated by both individuals and businesses. There are vacation stays in Provence or Maui, special dinners, original art, sports tickets, custom designed jewelry and even a truckload of gravel.Sports enthusiasts can play golf, fish for trophies, go trap shooting or spend a day at the races. For the home, there is furniture, candelabra, antique prints and fine art. The adventurous can get experience as a Fighter Pilot or in a Boeing flight simulator; or take a quieter bird watching trip or garden tour. And for those with an epicurean bent, the offerings are tempting: brunch, a tea party, wine tastings, dinners and, for after dinner, port and cigars. And there’s the rare chance to be seated at the head table for the 2001 auction.Proceeds from this major fund-raising project go toward operations and programming at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. Tickets are limited, and early reservations are encouraged. “