Broadway Dallas Raises $1.2 Million for Education at 2026 Gala

Posted on February 25th, 2026

BROADWAY DALLAS RAISES $1.2 MILLION
AT 2026 GALA CELEBRATING THE
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUSIC HALL
FEATURING A FULL PERFORMANCE OF THE GREAT GATSBY

Gala proceeds support the mission of
Broadway Dallas Education: On Stage, In Classrooms and Throughout the Community
to spread the gift of Broadway to thousands of kids and their families each year.

Dallas, TX (February 25, 2026) – On Saturday, February 21, Gala Chairs Phil and Toni Sanders, withHonorary ChairsJohn Quattrocchi and Joseph DeMartino, welcomed more than 380Dallas leaders, philanthropists, and lovers of the arts to celebrate the magic of musical theater. Presented by The Addy Foundation, the 100th Anniversary of the Music Hall at Fair Park at Broadway Dallas’ 2026 Gala featuring a full performance of THE GREAT GATSBY, raised a record-breaking $1.2 million in support of Broadway Dallas’ education and community outreach programs.

The 2026 Gala holds special significance as it celebrated two cultural milestones: the centennial anniversary of both the Music Hall at Fair Park and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel The Great Gatsby. With the generous support of Centennial Sponsor Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians and 100th Anniversary Events Sponsor The Moody Foundation, these two enduring legacies converged for one unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community impact.

The glamorous centennial celebration at the Music Hall at Fair Park began with dual cocktail receptions in the Rolls Royce Speakeasy, sponsored by High West and Casa Noble, and the Bee’s Knees octagon bar, followed by a three-course chef-curated dinner menu created by FGF Catering and paired with HALL Wines. 

The Music Hall’s Crystal Terrace dining room was transformed into a dazzling, 1920s-inspired dreamscape that brought the Roaring Twenties to life. Bold Art Deco elegance – sleek geometric patterns, rich metallic accents, and a signature green beacon – set the tone, while cinematic projections by Lightware Labs immersed guests in the Jazz Age.

The design was made possible with the support of Illumination Sponsor, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, and brought to life with stunning décor and production elements by Bella Acento, Top Tier, Imperial Flooring, and Murray Media. Attendees received complimentary valet parking and shopped the silent auction for one-of-a-kind trips, concert tickets, sporting events, dining experiences, and more.

Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA), during dinner, guests were treated to a rousing Gatsby-era medley by HSMTA winning alumni Damson Chola, Jr., Haley Dortch, and Shelby Griswold, accompanied by the HSMTA Performance Ensemble. Impact videos of Broadway Dallas’ education work flanked an energetic live auction and a robust paddle raise, sponsored by The Rosewood Corporation.  

“We are deeply grateful to every donor, sponsor, and guest who made this year’s gala such an extraordinary success,” said Ken Novice, president and CEO of Broadway Dallas. “Marking a century of history in this iconic venue while investing in its vibrant future made the evening especially meaningful. Your generosity and belief in our mission ensure that we can continue expanding access to the arts and inspiring the next generation. Because of your support, Broadway Dallas and the Music Hall at Fair Park will continue to shine as cultural cornerstones for our community for the next 100 years and beyond. We are truly honored and thankful to stand alongside partners who share our passion for the transformative power of live theater.”

Champagne bubbles were passed to Gala attendees as they entered the theater for a performance of the Tony Award®-winning new musical, THE GREAT GATSBY. Following the performance, guests headed to the Prohibition After Party, for an official centennial birthday presentation and song, and where cast members from the show joined guests and danced the night away to music by DJ Kelly in a night filled with music and merriment.  

The evening was a culmination of a series of year-long celebrations, supported by 100th Anniversary Events Sponsor, The Moody Foundation.

Guests in attendance included: Calvert Collins Bratton and Vince Bratton, Dr. Adam and Margot Carter, Brad and Angela Cheves, Grace Cook, Anne Davidson and Daniel Fitzgerald, Kathryn and Craig Hall, Pepe and Gina Hermosillo, Ben Leal and Cesar Reyna, Mabrie and Marshall Jackson, Lynn Fisher and Bobby Mahurin, Craig and Josey Kennington, Dr. Joseph and Louise LaManna, Brendan McGuire, Cynt and Kenneth Marshall, Kyle and Katie Miller, Robert and Mary Lucille Quick, Lauren Reid, Abraham Salum, Kymberley Scalia and Paul Hader, Michelle Thomas, Rod and Cheryl Washington, and Donna and Herb Weitzman.

In addition to the Gala Chairs and Honorary Chairs, the 2026 Broadway Dallas ROLLS ROYCE table sponsors included Lindsay & George Billingsley, Broadway Across America, Forvis Mazars, Lance & Carrie Johnson, Catalina Gonzalez Jorba & Santiago Jorba, The Massiatte Family, Michelle & Chris Mazzini, PNC Bank, and Randy & Laura Wright/Wright Family Foundation.

BEE’S KNEES table underwriters included Mark & Elizabeth Cannon, Baker McKenzie, BSW The Voice Center, Frost Bank, Haynes and Boone, H-E-B, PwC, Sheri & Andrew Rosen, Jane & Chick Schoen, Micah & Natalie Smith, TeamIzzy Foundation, and Western Addition.

Gala proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to spread the gift of Broadway to thousands of students and their families each year, including up to 6,800 Dallas ISD and Dallas County students who will experience STEM to STEAM curriculum followed by their attendance at a Broadway production at the Music Hall, and more than 7,500 students from 100 high school productions who participate in the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards.

About Broadway Dallas
In 2022, Dallas Summer Musicals changed its name to Broadway Dallas. Since 1941, the non-profit Broadway Dallas has presented the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, Broadway Dallas 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, Broadway Dallas 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.

Broadway Dallas gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners Germania Insurance, American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Broadway Dallas, visit our website at BroadwayDallas.org.

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