According to The Dallas Opera Board of Directors Chair Lynn McBee,
“If you have been looking for a fresh and exciting way to support the performing arts in Dallas, I have just the ticket! Two, in fact, as The Dallas Opera launches each brand-new season with a pair of electrifying events that combine fashion, friends, fine food, and a festive atmosphere with some of the most thrilling music ever composed for the stage!
“It’s The Dallas Opera’s First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon on Thursday, October 11, chaired by the dynamic Joyce Goss, and First Night Reception, Dinner and After Party — our Opening Night Celebrations taking place before and after the October 12th performance of Wagner’s ‘The Flying Dutchman,’ hosted by ultra-sophisticated Co-Chairs Shelle and Michael Sills.
“It gets even better: the honorary co-chairs for these events are two of The Dallas Opera’s best-known and most dedicated civic leaders: Marnie and Kern Wildenthal. Kern recently volunteered to serve, pro bono, as interim general director and CEO of TDO while the Search and Executive Committees identified and hired the new face of the organization, Ian Derrer. The couple have donated their time and treasure to a host of worthy causes over the years, but their shared love of opera keeps them coming back to support the world-class opera company we enjoy right here in Dallas.
“Right about now you’re probably asking yourself, ‘What can I expect for the price of a ticket?’
“Morning mimosas are just the eye openers. During the First Sight Fashion Show on the set of ‘Carmen’ in the Winspear Opera House, dazzling opera costumes will share the spotlight with cool and contemporary designs by CH Carolina Herrera giving us lots to talk about at the beautiful, seated lobby luncheon that will follow.
“First Night on Friday, October 12, commences with elegant red carpet arrivals, a lively reception and a magnificent formal dinner inspired by Wagner’s early masterpiece about one woman’s faith in the saving power of love.
“When the curtain falls on the opera, the party doesn’t merely pick up where it left off – It’s going to introduce you and your guest to a new definition of “overdrive” with musical selections performed by Downtown Fever, an eleven-piece dance band with a high-energy approach to standards, classics and current hits. As one of the area’s most popular ensembles, Downtown Fever is guaranteed to get everybody — even acclaimed Music Director Emmanuel Villaume and the cast of international stars —out on the dance floor. It’s a great excuse to support a very worthy cause while working up an appetite for an assortment of delectable midnight treats.
“Gorgeous gowns, fabulous fashions, superb cuisine by Wolfgang Puck Catering, incredible music and unforgettable drama: these are just of few of the highlights that make The Dallas Opera’s First Sight and First Night — second to none!
“Won’t you join me? We’re going to have a grand time!”
* Photo credit: Brandon Lyon
