Take a Bow

Spectacular gala whisks theater patrons off to France for fanciful night of music

WaterTower Theatre lifted a red — and purple — curtain on its 2023 gala recently with a French-themed evening of song, dance, dinner, drinks, dancing, and even a drag queen.

Called Le Fete Rouge et Violette, or the Red and Purple Ball, the celebration raised funds for the nonprofit theater's general operations as well as its education fund — WaterTower partnered with Garland ISD to create a magnet program for music theater students there.

“The pandemic taught us a lot about who we are at our core and what part we can play in ensuring that the next generation of theater professionals have access to the tools they need, especially here in our local community,” says WaterTower's associate producer Elizabeth Kensek.

Students from Rowlett High School joined professional performers Morgan Mabry and Max J. Swarner on the runway-like stage for several numbers from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, while WaterTower favorite John-Michael Marrs emceed the evening.

A spirited live auction drew generous bids for getaways to Napa and Chicago.

But prior to the big show, supporters of the Addison theater browsed silent auction items while enjoying cocktails from sponsor Angel's Envy. The Josh Parker Trio played while a gourmet meal from chef Blythe Beck was served.

“The gala is an opportunity to celebrate the return to arts and live theater in our community,” says Shane Peterman, producing artistic director of WaterTower. “The pandemic really took a toll on the arts industry, but now we’re seeing full houses and sold-out shows. It’s really something special. We’re ready to celebrate that with the whole community.”

Peterman also took time to honor longtime WaterTower Theatre friend, contributor, and employee Delynda Moravec by naming the lobby after her.

Heels came off and hair was let down during the after-party, which was hosted by beloved drag performer Ginger Layne. Several guests and WaterTower staff members strutted their stuff on the runway with beats from DJ Chris Brown in the background.

WaterTower Theatre's upcoming production of The Manic Monologues, directed by Ashley Puckett Gonzales, runs April 19-30 on the Terry Martin Mainstage. View the entire 2023 season here.

Photo by Jessica Paris/Zoe Communications Agency

WaterTower Theatre supporters donned red and purple for the night.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

Jazz and classical mix at Dallas Symphony Orchestra's New Orleans-style gala

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Patrick Means, Laura Harris-Means, Cassandra Johnson, Avery Johnson.

For one night only, Dallasites got to pretend they were in the Big Easy without ever leaving Texas. More than 420 guests gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on September 28 for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's gala, themed this year around the colorful culture of New Orleans.

The evening began with a champagne cocktail reception featuring the David Washburn Jazz Band playing New Orleans-style jazz on the Meyerson’s radial staircase. When the time came to transition to dinner service, members of the DSO Young Musicians played “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In” and led a second-line-style procession down the steps and through the lobby.

DSO gala 2024 It'd be impossible not to follow them.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Gala chairs Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means, along with honorary chairs Cassandra and Avery Johnson, followed with umbrellas waving above their heads to signal to guests that it was time to be seated for an elegant dinner. The New Orleans theme continued with a Creole-inspired menu that included filet of beef, blackened Gulf prawns, asparagus, dauphinoise potatoes, and tricolored carrots.

DSO gala 2024. Patrick Means and Laura Harris-Means led the second line.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Spotted at the tables were Venise and Larry Stuart, Marena and Roger Gault, Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, Rachel and John Koryl, Chuck Steelman, Nancy A. Nasher, David J. Haemisegger, Grace Cook, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, and District 14 Councilmembers Paul Ridley and Jamie Resendez.

After dinner, guests moved into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall to enjoy world-renowned pianist Lang Lang in his first appearance with the DSO orchestra since the 2016 DSO gala.

The sold-out concert begin with Dallas Symphony Association chair of the Board of Governors Cece Smith thanking the 1,700 concert attendees. Smith then introduced Michelle Miller Burns, the DSO’s new president and CEO, who reminded the crowd that proceeds from the evening support the DSO’s education programs, including the Young Strings and The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs. These programs touch the lives of more than 243,000 North Texas residents annually, including more than 30,000 children.

DSO gala 2024 Laura Harris-Means and Young Strings student Patrick Miranda.Photo by Kristina Bowman

The 28 Young Strings, Young Musicians, and Teen Council students who were in the audience then stood to thunderous applause.

And with that, the legendary Lang Lang took to the stage on piano alongside the DSO, conducted by music director Fabio Luisi. On the program were Rachmaninoff’s expressively virtuosic Second Piano Concerto and two encores, Charlotte Sohy’s "Romance" followed by his own arrangement of the Disney/Elton John hit “Can You Feel the Love Tonight."

DSO gala 2024 Lang Lang during the performance.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

After the performance, guests returned to a lobby that had been magically transformed into Club Toulouse, an Cajun-flavored after-party experience with savory snacks, sweet desserts, and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Endolena.

DSO gala 2024 Guests danced their hearts out at the after-party.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Patrick Means, Laura Harris-Means, Cassandra Johnson, Avery Johnson.

Next year’s gala is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

fundraisers classical music dso concerts galas