Photo Flash: Arena Stage Celebrates Grand Opening

Following on the heels of Arena Stage's wildly successful public opening with the Homecoming Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, October 23, 2010, the company celebrated the completion of a decade-long journey to reopen its new home in Southwest D.C. with an Opening Gala Celebration Monday, October 25, 2010. This black-tie gala kicks off the inaugural season at the breathtaking new Mead Center theater complex and supports all of Arena Stage's programs, including the exciting work on our stages, our investment in new play development and our wide range of community engagement activities.

 The evening featured cocktails, dinner and an exclusive one-night-only performance featuring Alice Ripley and The Manzari Brothers and headlined by Tony Award-winning Broadway actor Brian Stokes Mitchell. Award-winning journalist and ABC7/WJLA-TV lead anchor Leon Harris emceed the evening. The Opening Gala Celebration is further distinguished by the support of Honorary Chairs Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as Honorary Co-Chairs D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and Michelle Fenty.

Photo Credit:Lisa Helfert