Blonde Kim Hext’s track record for throwing a fundraising party is pretty impressive. There was the 2018 Zoo To Do that at the last minute had to fall back for Plan B when rain made the outdoor event a no-go. But when the Plan B hotel ‘fessed that it wasn’t going to live up to its commitment, Kim pulled things together for a great old night at another venue with guests posing for photos with all types of glowing critters.
Then there was the Dallas Opera’s 2019 First Night for “The Magic Flute” that was pretty darn beautiful with her having penguins and flamingos greeting the black-tie types walking up the red carpet for the cocktail party. For supper it was a magnificent seated dinner in a tent that could have easily been mistaken for an elegant ballroom.
So it’s no wonder that when word went out that she was chairing the Majestic Centennial Celebration Gala on Saturday, September 18, at the Majestic Theatre, it sold out immediately.
For those who get their reservations in, they can expect quite a night, with a cocktail reception in the lobby with Dallas’ premier saxophonist David Carr Jr. providing the music as guests arrive.
When the doors of the theater open, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre will perform a world premier piece, followed by a seated, four-course, wine-paired supper orchestrated by Cassandra and floral by Garden Gate’s mastermind Junior Villanueva.
Kim reports that, “Loge entertainment during the dinner will be provided by a soloist from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Young Strings and the Dallas Theater Center.”
In keeping with the celebration of the “legacy and impact of the theater’s owner [the late] Karl Hoblitzelle and Hoblitzelle Foundation,” the Majestic Centennial Award will be presented to philanthropist Deedie Rose “for her dedication and service to historical preservation, the performing arts and the City of Dallas.”
Proceeds will “be used to establish the Friends of the Majestic Fund, an accessibility fund for Dallas education and arts organizations to utilize the theater who otherwise may not have the ability to rent it on their own.”
But the gala isn’t the only event planned to mark the Majestic Centennial place in Dallas history. The following afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m., there will a Community Open House for folks that will be held in both the Majestic and the adjacent Pacific Plaza Park. While food trucks and performances will take place at the Plaza as well as tours and music by Herbie Johnson, the Majestic will host Dallas Black Dance Theatre performances and a screening of 1921’s “The Kid” with music provided by pianist Paul Slavens.
The final event to complete the 100th anniversary will be a special concert in April 2022. Centennial Chair Lynn McBee is finalizing details, so tickets aren’t available yet. But stay tuned.
BTW, if you just landed in your private jet and are new to town, you might want to check out KERA Channel 13’s “Majestic 100: Celebrating 100 Years” that will air on Saturday, August 7, at 6 p.m.