Trickery is usually afoot on April Fools’ Day, but this year the high-energy can-can will be too.
Broadway Dallas has announced the plans for its 2023 Gala, which will take place on Saturday, April 1, at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
The gala will feature a full performance of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” hosted by the gala co-chairs, Jolie Humphrey and Gail Plummer, and honorary co-chairs Kathryn and Craig Hall.
According to Dallas Weekly, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” received 10 Tony Awards in 2021, when it reopened after two years of pandemic shutdowns. Tony Award winners pepper the show’s production team: Alex Timbers is the director, Sonya Tayeh is the choreographer, and Justin Levine oversees the music, orchestrations, and arrangements.
Before the performance, gala attendees can sip a drink at the cocktail reception and enjoy a pre-show dinner with elevated wine service.
There will be cocktails at intermission and a full bar at the special after-party thrown by co-chairs Emma Coppola and Hannah Hunt.
The “After-Hours Fête post-performance party” will have a distinctly French flair and feature musical performances by Dallas natives DJ Sheka Booker and trap opera singer Madelyn Brené. Those feeling peckish will be able to nibble on food provided by Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs.
Proceeds from the Gala will go toward Dallas Broadway’s mission of spreading the music and culture of Broadway, Dallas Weekly reported. Each year, the nonprofit reaches over 40,000 families and students, including many attending schools in Dallas ISD.
It offers free Broadway tickets to students from underserved neighborhoods through the Give a Kid a Seat campaign and university scholarships to students of high schools participating in Dallas Broadway’s Jimmy Awards.
With so much going on that Saturday evening, it is no surprise that ticket options vary, along with the prices.
Single and couples tickets are available for the show and after-party ($295/$550) or just the after-party ($150/$250).
Those looking for the full gala experience can either buy a patron ticket at $1,500, a producer table ticket at $15,000, or a star of the show table ticket for $25,000.
Ken Novice, president and CEO of Broadway Dallas, explained, “We have a beautiful and exciting evening to look forward to, but it’s important to remember that beneath all the glamour, we are gathering to support Broadway Dallas’ ability to make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout our community.”
According to Dallas Weekly, Humphrey grew up participating in what was then called Dallas Summer Musicals, and that experience motivates her today.
“I want that same magical feeling for children all over the Dallas metroplex. The Give a Kid a Seat campaign is the perfect opportunity for our community to give back and make that magic happen,” Humphrey explained.
Humphrey’s fellow chair Plummer also spoke of the importance of making musical theater accessible to children, saying, “young students are given the opportunity to attend a performance, many for the first time. The magic and wonder in the eyes of these kids is something I will never forget!”
If you cannot make it to the gala, Dallas Broadway will perform “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” from March 15 to April 2.