Zach Theater’s “Limelight” Gala In Austin Shines Brightly In The Spotlight

Annual Gala Provides New Twist To A Longtime Favorite Event

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography By: Charles Quinn Photography

THE SCENE: Austin’s Zach Theater was the stage for a fabulous night of fun and fundraising. A sold-out crowd featuring 420 of the Capital City’s most notable theater patrons, music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for “Limelight.” With a new name, succeeding the highly successful Red, Hot & Soul, “Limelight” raised the stakes for one of Austin’s most revered artistic organizations and ushered in a new era.

THE VIBE: The theater-chic attire crowd featured a range of fun ensembles. In the crowd, one could spot a festive mix of traditional black-tie and cocktail attire, as well as colorful dinner jackets, sparkling ball gowns, bright colors, feathers, boas, sequins, and more. The result was a festive atmosphere for all attendees.

Guests began the night by entering through a door behind the Topfer Theater stage, where staff guided them to the main stage, which made everyone feel like a Broadway star as they entered the event. Upon arrival at the stage, they were treated to a lively cocktail party where guests sipped on their favorite spirits while mingling with other partygoers. The stage curtains were drawn down in anticipation of a special surprise to kick off the next part of the evening. Shortly before 7 PM, the curtains lifted, and they were treated to a performance from members of the Zach Theater Company.

Partygoers then gathered in The People’s Plaza for the next part of the evening. The tent was adorned with a beautiful mix of red and purple hues, with icicle lights covering the ends. This created an elegant, glamorous vibe for patrons as they reached their seats for dinner and the main program. David Kurio Designs supplied his fan-favorite winning finesse to the event’s luxe décor.

Trevor Scott, host of KEYE-TV’s We Are Austin, served as emcee, keeping the festivities flowing at a happy, energetic, and brisk pace. As guests dined on their delectable, multi-course meals courtesy of MML Hospitality, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders thanking them for being part of a special evening and offering a sneak peek into the theater’s next phase.

Next, Fred Northrup, Jr. helmed a spirited live auction and Paddles Up, where the paddles went up for an array of luxury items and experiences. In between each auction item, members of the Zach community performed a variety of musical numbers that kept the energy high throughout the room.

Upon the conclusion of the live auction, revelers returned to the Topfer Theater stage for the “Limelight” after-party. Guests mingled and danced the night away, toasting a successful launch to a new era for one of Austin’s most beloved artistic organizations.

THE NON-PROFIT: Limelight raised over $710,000 for Zach Theater. Proceeds from “Limelight” will go toward funding Zach’s theater, education, and training programs, which fulfill the organization’s values to pursue excellence, foster belonging, embrace innovation, act with integrity, and be bold. Funds will also support the Zach Academy, a year-round student training program.