Event Date: September 8, 2023
Location: Wortham Theater Center
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: Houston Ballet
No. in attendance: 220
Money Raised: $250,000
Chairpersons: Elise & Russell Joseph and Jennifer & Christopher Laporte
Honorees: Stanton Welch AM
Décor, Florals and Linens: Bergner and Johnson
Photography: Wilson Parish
“A Midsummer ‘Opening’ Night’s Dream” at Houston Ballet Onstage Dinner
On Wortham Theater stage, Houston Ballet marked its 2023-2024 season with an opening night performance of John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This joyous Shakespeare comedy translated beautifully for Houston’s premier dance company. Chairpersons Elise & Russell Joseph and Jennifer & Christopher Laporte and the more than 220 guests were overjoyed with the presentation.
At the finale of the company’s brilliant production, attendees gathered in the Orchestra area, where Ballet Executive Director Jim Nelson recognized Stanton Welch AM for his 20th anniversary with Houston Ballet. Welch was commended on his excellence by receiving a proclamation from the city of Houston.
When one stage closes … another stage opens! Within short order, a red curtain was lifted, and the stage had been transformed into an enchanted starry forest ambiance courtesy of Bergner & Johnson. Guests strolled through to find their seats and begin the three-course elegant seated dinner, accompanied by stunning florals and décor.
Houston Ballet’s glorious evening concluded with more than $250,000 raised. Bows and Bravo to all involved!
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Julie Kent, Executive Director Jim Nelson, Leslie and Shannon Sasser, Linda and Walter McReynolds, Jenny Elkins, Hallie Vanderhider, Kristy Bradshaw, Laura and Brannon Robertson, Macey and Harry Reasoner, Kent and Shara Schaffer, Marguerite Swartz, Margaret Alkek Williams, Yana and Warren McFatter, Zoe Cadore, Lynn Wyatt, Jay Jones and Terry Wayne Jones, Duyen and Marc Nguyen, Cabrina Owsley, Margaret Vaughan Cox, Dannika Simpson, Beth Zdeblick, Elizabeth Leykum, Victoria Gutierrez and Nick Pierce, Melza and Ted Barr, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, Allison and Troy Thacker, Richard Flowers and Angel Rios, Gary and Marian Beauchamp, Ann Trammell, Jo Furr, Elisa Stude Pye, Carolyn Sabat, Jean and Henry May, Beth Muecke, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Erika and John Toussaint, Melissa Juneau, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Tammy and Wayne Nguyen, Sandy Godfrey, Rose Cullen, Ginni and Richard Mithoff, Sasha Davis and Joe Matulevich, Martha and Marvin McMurrey, Liliana Soltero and Michael Hawkins, Susan and Gary Binney, Jamie and Mark Loveland, Jayne and Garrett Johnston
