Dallas Summer Musicals Raises $500,000 For Community Arts Initiatives At 2018 Gala

An Evening with the Best of Broadway illuminated the historic Music Hall at Fair Park on Saturday night as Dallas leaders, philanthropists and lovers of the arts came together to support the magic of musical theatre at the 2018 DSM Gala.

Hosted by one of Broadway and television's favorite personaities, Jane Lynch, and featuring the vocal talents of four extraordinary artists, Matthew Morrison, Shoshana Bean, Joshua Henry and Loren Allred, An Evening with the Best of Broadway raised more than $500,000, which will support the growing nonprofit's mission to bring the very best of Broadway to North Texas, as well as DSM's education and community programs, such as the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards (DSM HSMTA), Seats for Vets, Seats for Kids, Kid's Club, Hear Us Now and the DSM Community Performance.

"Dallas Summer Musicals could not be more appreciative of our supporters," said Kenneth T. Novice, DSM president. "We know that it's up to us to educate and uplift students, young people, veterans and seniors with the arts, and we look forward to engaging numerous organizations and individuals in a conversation about how musical theatre can create a positive impact on our communities. Our goal is to share the gift of Broadway with as may people as we can, which would not be possible without the funds raised from An Evening with the Best of Broadway."

The evening, overseen by Gala co-chairs Cara Owens and John Clutts, began with dinner crafted by Executive Chef Christopher Patrick of Abacus-Jasper's Restaurant Group. During the meal, guests particpated in a silent auction that included opportunities to bid on a trip for two to the 73rd Annual Tony Awards in New York City donated by Broadway Across America and American Airlines, premium tickets to the performance and cast party of Hamilton when it comes to the Music Hall in Spring 2019, an experience package including box tickets to a Fleetwood Mac concert at American Airlines Center and stay at The Joule, family tickets for the Dallas engagement of Disney's Aladdin and more. Everyone attending the show had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to meet the stars following the show and the lucky winners were three very ecstatic theatre teachers.

The celebration continued with a show-stopping production directed by Ken Sawyer featuring performances from an extraordinary lineup of artists, including Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jane Lynch, who served as the evening's emcee. Lynch kicked off the festivities dressed as "the greatest showman" in a number highlighting DSM's 2018-19 season.

Broadway star and Billboard-topping jazz and R&B artist Shoshana Bean was first to grace the stage, accompanied by Alan Ferber. Bean dazzled audiences with her powerhouse vocals in renditions of "I Wanna Be Around" off of her latest album, Spectrum, and "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen.

Next, Lynch's former Glee co-star and Tony Award nominee Matthew Morrison took the stage with Brad Ellis and captivated the audience with medleys from his standout roles on Broadway including Finding Neverland and Hairspray, and Morrison showed off his dance ability during "Singin' in the Rain."

Between performances was the special presentation of DSM's newest award and highest service honor, the ANGEL Award, handed out by Novice, Owens and Clutts, to the family of Charles S. Sharp and Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler in recognition of Charles and Ruth's dedication and service to DSM. Because of their outstanding leadership within DSM and commitment to the Dallas arts community, the award will henceforth be named in their honor as the Charles S. Sharp and Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler ANGEL Award.

"Dallas Summer Musicals' annual Gala is a celebration of the many wonders of musical theatre, but it's also an opportunity for us to give back to those who helped build the organization into what it is today," said Clutts. "Without the tireless efforts from exemplary supporters like Charles, Ruth and community members all over Dallas, DSM would not be able to touch the hearts and lives of so many," agreed Owens.

The event was designed with an element of surprise which built a great deal of anticipation among guests. The audience's expectations were exceeded as were wowed with surprise performances from Hamilton alum and two-time Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry, who brought the stage to life with "Feeling Good" and "The Room Where It Happens," and Loren Allred, best known as a member of Team Adam on The Voice and for her role in The Greatest Showman, who received roaring applause for her performance of "Never Enough."

Finally, students from the Dallas Independent School District and the 2018 DSM HSMTA Best Actor and Actress winners, Noah Aguilar and Sierra Roberson of Frienship High School, joined Morrison, Bean, Henry and Allred on stage for a memorable finale performance of "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman, which received a standing ovation from the audience.

The 2018 DSM Gala Spotlight Underwriters are Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Group and Highland Capital Management. Producer Underwriters are Dr. Sami Arslanlar and John R. Clutts; Barbara and Don Daseke & Laree Hulshoff and Ben Fischer; Fears Nachawati Law Firm; Astrid Merriman; and Cara and Gary Owens. The 2018 DSM Gala Media Sponsor is PaperCity Magazine and the Digital Media Sponsor is MySweetCharity. The Official Airline for the 2018 DSM Gala is American Airlines and the official hotel for the event is The Joule. Abacus-Jasper's Restaurant Group sponsored the Patron Party. DSM'S 2018-19 Broadway Season Sponsors are Texas Instruments, American Airlines, The Dallas Morning News and WFAA Channel 8.

DSM will continue to bring the best of Broadway to North Texas in the 2018-19 season with Hamilton, Disney's Aladdin, Hello, Dolly!, Cameron Mackintosh's new production of The Phantom of the Opera, Anastasia, Miss Saigon, Fiddler on the Roof and season add-ons Elf and The Book of Mormon.

For more information about DSM'S education and community programs, please call the DSM Development office at 214-426-6333 or visit http://dallassummermusicals.org/education-outreach/.

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

For more than 75 years, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the very best in Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.

DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

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