Is there anything that Lynn McBee is not chairing? Word just arrived that she and legal eagle Nick Even will co-chair the Dallas Opera’s First Sight/First Night this fall.
Dallas Opera General Director/CEO Keith Cerny said, “The Dallas Opera is truly grateful for the support and involvement of Chairs Lynn McBee and Nick Even. It is only through the dedication and commitment of these generous philanthropists that organizations like ours can thrive to successfully serve our audiences and community. With the enthusiasm and wide range of experience these accomplished individuals bring to our season-opening events, we are prepared to be both dazzled and delighted!”
According to Lynn, “I’m truly delighted to be a part of the wonderful events that open the Dallas Opera’s 2014-2015 Season! It’s a pleasure to work with and represent an organization that not only brings magnificent opera to the stage, but also enriches our community by touching thousands with its education and outreach programs.”
The two-day fundraising activities will kick off Thursday, October 23, at 11 a.m. with First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Winspear with a Rhonda Sargent Chambers-produced fashion show featuring “the iconic Italian designer Roberto Cavalli.” In addition to the Cavailli fashions will be six “custom-made gowns created by nationally renowned Dallas based designers — each reflecting the theme of one of the operas to be presented during the 2014-2015 ’Heights of Passion’ season.” The gowns will be auctioned off later by Heritage Auctions to benefit the Dallas Opera.
The next night (Friday, October 24) the First Night Pre-performance dinner will take place starting at 5:30 p.m., with the red carpet arrival of VIP guests and models displaying the six designer gowns unveiled at the Thursday luncheon.
Following a three-course supper prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering in “a beautifully appointed tent on the approach to the” Winspear Opera House, the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro will take place.
To close out the evening, DJ Lucy Wrubel will supervise the music at the First Night After Party following the performance.
Nick added, “There is something for everyone to enjoy with the season kick-off events from the fashion show and luncheon, to the pre-opera dinner, the performance itself and the after party. If you haven’t yet experienced the fun and inspiration that comes from the extraordinary events that the Dallas Opera produces, this is a great season to get involved!”
It should be a very fun and fashionable two days with Lynn and Nick at the helm. Last year’s luncheon proved to be a surprise when an “operatic flash mob” surprised guests at their tables. There are presently tickets and sponsorship opportunities available, so now is a good time to lock down a table.
Oh, you’re probably wondering what the 2014-2015 DO season will offer. Good question. The answer is:
- October 24, 26 (m), 29, November 1, 7 and 9 (m), 2014 — The Marriage of Figaro
- October 30, November 2 (m), 5 and 8, 2014 — Salome
- January 30, February 1 (m), 4 and 7, 2015 — La Wally**
- January 30, February 1 (m), 4 and 7, 2015 — Everest**
- March 13, 15 (m), 18, 21, 27 and 29 (m), 2015 — La Bohème
- April 10, 12 (m), 15 and 18, 2015 — Iolanta
* Photo provided by the Dallas Opera ** Double bill