Tony Award®-Winning Actress
Christine Ebersole to Host
Washington National Opera Gala
Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 6 p.m.
in the Kennedy Center Opera House
Washington National Opera (WNO) announces the addition of Tony Award®-winning actress Christine Ebersole as host and special guest artist for its 2019 Gala on Saturday, May 18, in the Kennedy Center Opera House.
Ebersole, an iconic artist of the stage and screen—who appeared in Francesca Zambello’s 2018 production of Candide at LA Opera—joins the WNO gala cast, along with previously announced headliner Christine Goerke, another iconic American voice who is currently starring as Brunnhilde in the Ring Cycle at the Met. This year’s WNO gala concert program explores the beauty and vitality of the human voice through music ranging from Wagner to Gershwin to Irving Berlin.
Christine Ebersole is known for her wide artistic range and versatility, perhaps most notably for her work on Broadway, where she won the Tony Award® twice for her work in Grey Gardens and 42nd Street. She has a distinguished list of television and film credits to her name, including The Wolf of Wall Street, Amadeus, Tootsie, andRichie Rich on the big screen, as well as Sullivan and Son, Royal Pains, Madame Secretary, and Blue Bloods. Her concert and stage credits have taken her to renowned venues across the country, and she has made numerous recordings.
Also added to the roster of talent for the gala evening are soprano Latonia Moore, who appears in the title role in two performances of WNO’s upcoming run of Tosca.Moore joins Ebersole, Goerke, and Washingtonian bass Soloman Howard.
The Gala is WNO’s largest fundraising event and one of Washington’s most anticipated events of the year. Proceeds from the Gala play a crucial role in advancing WNO’s artistic, educational, and community engagement programs. The 2019 WNO Gala honors local entrepreneur John J. Pohanka for his outstanding contributions to the organization, features Evan Rogister leading the WNO Orchestrain his inaugural performance as WNO’s Principal Conductor.
The Co-Chairs of the WNO Gala are Jacqueline Badger Mars and Camille Biros.
Tickets for the Gala concert only, starting at $45, are on sale now.
Special packages to attend all Gala festivities are available. The Gala evening will begin with a cocktail reception on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace at 4:30 p.m., followed by the 6 p.m. Gala concert performance. The event concludes with elegant black-tie dinners hosted by Ambassadors and foreign dignitaries at embassies and residences throughout Washington, a longtime tradition of the Opera’s season-ending social gathering.
Gala Ticket Information
Tickets to the WNO Gala concert, which start at $45, are available online, in person at the Kennedy Center Box Office, and by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.
Gala ticket packages start at $500 and include the VIP cocktail party and priority seating for the Gala concert. Packages that also include seating at the private embassy dinners following the performance start at $1,000. Information is available online or by contacting the Special Events office at (202) 416-8496 or operagala@kennedy-center.org.
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the fourth annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to National Public Radio’s Nina Totenberg, with actor and performer Kathleen Turner headlining the 2019 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth Street, SW).
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by a performance and a three-course seated dinner. The performance will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Nina Totenberg, in recognition of her ground-breaking reporting in the broadcast world and her continual support of the arts. Totenberg was the first radio journalist to receive the 1998 Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcasting from the National Press Foundation. The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Newburger Schwartz in 2016, Arlene Kogod in 2017 and Muriel Bowser in 2018, and celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.
“It’s a thrill to present the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Nina Totenberg in recognition of her superb work as a reporter,” says Smith. “She has been at the forefront of Supreme Court and history-making news for decades. Our decision to present her with the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award was unanimous—her excellent reporting skills and shrewd intellect are at the top of her field.”
“I have spent decades in Washington partaking of the dramatic feast that Arena Stage offers,” Totenberg shares. “Arena has entertained me and made me think; it has taught me about history, science and the human condition and so it is a special honor to receive this award.”
Kathleen Turner is a Golden Globe Award-winning, Academy Award-nominated and Tony Award-nominated actress who has made her mark on both the film and stage scenes. She has appeared at Arena Stage in The Year of Magical Thinking (2016), Mother Courage and Her Children (2014), Red Hot Patriot (2012) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1989). She debuted her first cabaret performance, Finding My Voice, last year, and her new book, Kathleen Turner on Acting was recently published.
All proceeds will benefit all Arena Stage artistic and educational programs.
Event Schedule
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. Award presentation and one night only performance
8:00 p.m. Seated dinner
For additional event details visit arenastage.org/gala
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce Lavern Chatman, vice president of business development at EDJ Associates and Arena Board of Trustees member as the chairwoman, and Annie Simonian Totah, Armenian Assembly of America’s Board of Trustees member and recipient of their 2018 Distinguished Humanitarian Award, as the honorary chairwoman of the 2019 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth Street, SW), and will include the presentation of the fourth annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to National Public Radio’s Nina Totenberg. Actor and performer Kathleen Turner will headline the Gala, as well as host an intimate reception the evening before for select event sponsors.
“As a trustee of Arena Stage, I am pleased once again to chair this season’s Gala,” says Chatman. “The evening has garnered a reputation for honoring influential women and we are thrilled to continue this tradition, along with our Honorary Chair Annie Simonian Totah, to recognize the extraordinary journalist Nina Totenberg. Gala guests will also have the opportunity to experience the iconic Kathleen Turner in a special one-night only performance at this year’s event.”
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by a performance and a three-course seated dinner. The performance will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Nina Totenberg, in recognition of her ground-breaking reporting in the broadcast world and her continuous support of the arts. Totenberg was the first radio journalist to receive the 1998 Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcasting from the National Press Foundation. The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Beth Newburger Schwartz in 2016, Arlene Kogod in 2017 and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2018, and celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.
Kathleen Turner is a Golden Globe Award-winning, Academy Award-nominated and Tony Award-nominated actress who has made her mark on both the film and stage scenes. She has appeared at Arena Stage in The Year of Magical Thinking (2016), Mother Courage and Her Children (2014), Red Hot Patriot (2012) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1989). She debuted her first cabaret performance, Finding My Voice, last year, and her new book, Kathleen Turner on Acting was recently published.
All proceeds will benefit all Arena Stage artistic and educational programs.
Event Schedule
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. Award presentation and one night only performance
8:00 p.m. Seated dinner
Event sponsors of $15,000 or more are invited to attend an intimate reception with Kathleen Turner on Monday, May 20.
For additional event details visit arenastage.org/gala.
Lavern Chatman (Gala Chair) A tireless advocate, staunch supporter, dedicated community leader, and firm believer in giving back to others, Ms. Chatman has been involved with philanthropic efforts in the Washington, D.C. region for more than two decades. Ms. Chatman is currently vice president of business development at EDJ, a leading national professional and technical services consulting firm, responsible for guiding EDJ across all markets, further strengthening their growing portfolio of Federal, private, and nonprofit clients. Prior to joining EDJ, Ms. Chatman served in senior leadership positions in marketing and business/fund development for non-profit and community organizations. She worked for decades as an advocate and promoter for minority and small businesses, developing strategic partnerships, fostering community engagement and advancing diversity and inclusionary initiatives. Ms. Chatman was also a former candidate for the United States Congress 8th District of Virginia. Ms. Chatman served as the pulse of the Northern Virginia Urban League (NOVAUL) for almost a decade, first as a volunteer, then as a member of the board of directors, serving as the president and CEO of NOVAUL from 2003 to 2011, leaving a legacy of excellence and empowerment for generations to come. Under Ms. Chatman’s leadership, NOVAUL became one of the preeminent organizations in Northern Virginia, addressing issues of youth empowerment, financial literacy, affordable housing, closing the education achievement gap, and social justice. While there are myriad highlights from her tenure at the NOVAUL, one of her lasting contributions was her steadfast development of the Freedom House Museum. Out of commitment to her community and a dedication to its history, Ms. Chatman spearheaded a development campaign for this two-year project, raising over $400,000 to build, design and create a permanent memorial that tells the story of the domestic slave trade in Alexandria, VA. Today, this historic memorial is the headquarters of NOVAUL. Her efforts have been recognized on the local and national level with a series of awards, including the 2009 National Urban League Woman of Power Award for distinguished leadership. Ms. Chatman has served on the board of directors for Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C.; The Campagna Center, Alexandria, VA; Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce; INOVA Alexandria Hospital; The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia; and WETA Public Broadcasting; and chaired the Diversity Council for AARP Virginia. In 2008 Ms. Chatman convened over thirty-two grass roots organizations to form the Nova Coalition to lead voter education and empowerment efforts throughout Northern Virginia and promote civic engagement on nonpartisan issues in the community. Ms. Chatman served on The National League of Cities, Council on Youth, Education & Families, the World Bank’s D.C. Community Outreach Grants Committee, and the Cardinals Circle for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C, and is the immediate past president of the Arlington chapter of Links, Incorporated and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Annie Simonian Totah (Honorary Gala Chair) For more than 40 years, Annie Simonian Totah has been recognized for her effective leadership, philanthropy and untiring commitment on behalf of many important political, cultural, and academic, health, women- and children- related and religious causes. Her many contributions and accomplishments have helped organizations and communities on the local, national, and international level. Ms. Totah is often spotted at the District’s many charitable functions, likely because she is involved in so many of them. She and her late husband Sami have been instrumental in donating and expanding the Magen David Sephardic Congregation. Ms. Totah is a major donor, mover and shaker in the nationwide Armenian Community. Through her fundraising and advocacy efforts, she has helped raise, in the last two decades, more than $3 billion in foreign aid for Armenia, her ancestral homeland. She is a breast cancer survivor and a supporter of Sibley Hospital. Through the Totahs’ generosity of $1.0 million, the Sibley Hospital has dedicated the Executive Wing of the Hospital in the name of the Sami & Annie Totah Family Foundation. A major donor and supporter of the Democratic Party, Ms. Totah has hosted in her beautiful home several fundraisers for Democratic candidates on the county, state, gubernatorial, federal and presidential levels. Ms. Totah’s fame and success have not been only in her charitable giving but in her ability to mastermind and produce spectacular and unique events for dozens and dozens of charitable causes. She donates, networks, elevates the cause of the organization and raises millions of dollars for organizations and events such as Israel Bonds Ambassadors’ Gala, Sibley Hospital Gala, Susan G. Komen Honoring the Promise Gala, Best Buddies with Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Washington Performing Arts Society, and the list goes on. Ms. Totah serves on the boards of many non-profit organizations including the Armenian Assembly of American, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Marshall Legacy Institute, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Magen David Sephardic Congregation, Washington Performing Arts Society, Washington Ballet, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Sibley Hospital, CARE Humanitarian Organization, Young Concert Artists, Youth Orchestra of the Americas, Heifitz International Music Institute, Post Classical Ensemble, Hope of Light Foundation, Phillips Collection, Strathmore Hall Foundation, and more. She is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the Medal of Appreciation from the President of the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian Assembly of America’s Distinguished Humanitarian Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Shining Star Award, and the Medal of Appreciation from the President of Nagorno Karabagh Republic, among others.
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the fifth annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, with actor and performer Heather Headley headlining the 2020 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street, SW).
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by the award presentation, a three-course seated dinner and performance. The dinner will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, in recognition of her efforts for women’s rights and her continual support of the arts. She is currently the executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Verveer served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues to which she was nominated by President Obama in 2009. Previously, she was the chair and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international NGO that she founded to invest in emerging women leaders. She also served as assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady during the Clinton administration.
“Arena Stage, under the exceptional leadership of Molly Smith, has become a national hub for the best in American theater in our nation’s capital. The theater company has made it possible for the public to access innovative, engaging and transformative productions that not only entertain, but also inspire and even move us to action,” shares Verveer. “It is an honor to receive the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award as Beth has set a high and exemplary standard throughout her life as an entrepreneur and civic leader. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for her many contributions to our community.”
The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Beth Newburger Schwartz in 2016. Other recipients include Arlene Kogod in 2017, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2018 and Nina Totenberg in 2019. The award celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.
“Melanne Verveer is an international champion for girls and women. She is dynamic, she is brave and she is unabashedly driven about creating a better world with women, girls and vital voices,” says Smith. “A collaborative leader, Ambassador Verveer has been successful in changing attitudes and building bridges while promoting the critical role of women in establishing peace internationally. She is a huge proponent of the arts and we are thrilled to honor her with the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award.”
All proceeds will benefit all Arena Stage artistic and educational programs.
The 70th Anniversary Gala is presented by Ourisman Automotive Group and generously sponsored by Diamond Sponsors AT&T and Hoffman & Associates and Platinum Sponsor Exelon.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
6 p.m. Cocktail reception
7 p.m. Award presentation and seated dinner
8:30 p.m. One-night-only performance with Heather Headley
For additional event details, visit: arenastage.org/gala.
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is excited to announce The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday, July 26, 2020. A centerpiece of the summer, The RAMMYS are presented in collaboration with top sponsor Events DC, and bring together culinary artists and hospitality professionals from across the region for one of the top black-tie events of the season. The long-standing awards honor the ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations that make the region’s restaurants and foodservice community thrive.
“Our diverse and vibrant restaurant scene across the region continues to flourish and we’ve added so many exciting new restaurants and new talents to the mix,” said Kathy E. Hollinger, President and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. “The July 26th RAMMYS will be, as always, a perfect way to showcase all of the incredible chefs and restaurants and throw them a celebration to remember!”
Nominations for 20 awards categories will open in early January, with finalists announced in April. For more information on The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards, email therammys@ramw.org or call 202-331-5990.
WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2020
5pm to 6pm Reception
6pm to 7pm Awards Ceremony
7pm to 11pm Dinner & Party
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt Vernon Pl NW
Washington, DC 20001
2020 Shakespeare Theatre Company Gala
SHAKESPEARE EVERYWHERE
Saturday, October 3, 2020
6:30 p.m. VIP Virtual Pre-Show Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Virtual Performance
One night only! Join in to experience the magic and joy of classical theatre with an international lineup of celebrities, singers, families, and young people. Celebrate Shakespeare’s passion, vision, and humanity with D.C.’s Sidney Harman Hall as a stunning backdrop. Become part of this remarkable hymn to theatre, community, and transformation with an unforgettable performance, private virtual rooms for you and your guests, international cuisine and specialty drinks delivered to homes, a silent auction, and more! Artistic direction by LeeAnet Noble and Alan Paul.
Tickets and sponsorships begin at $1,000.
This year DC-based, national non-profit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Blue Hope Bash goes nationwide welcoming an entire nation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to unite and confront present-day challenges. The free virtual event will be a live national broadcast that will help raise funds to reverse the pandemic’s tremendous effect on the colorectal cancer community in addition to addressing the health disparities with the disease in Black communities. The event will feature special guest appearances, celebrity entertainment, and inspiring patient stories. The Alliance has a goal to raise $2 million from the broadcast to support its three core programmatic pillars: Screen, Care, and Cure.
WHEN: Saturday, October 24
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Virtual Event. Registration is free to enjoy the broadcast.
EVENT THEME: One Need. One Night. One Nation.
BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, News Anchor, NBC News’ TodayCo-Host, 3rd Hour of NBC News’ Today and Anchor of MSNBC Live. In 2017, Craig shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 39 in 2017. (Today Show Link) Melvin has been an active supporter and ally of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: By Grammy-nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams
CELEBRITY APPEARANCES & SPEECHES BY: Katie Couric, Stand Up To Cancer Co-Founder and renowned journalist
Ruth Carter, Emmy-award winner Black Panther costume designer
Amy Robach, Good Morning America Co-Host
and many other special guest appearances.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Porsche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2021 Porsche Macan S. Only 1,000 tickets were printed and the winner will be announced during the broadcast.
Rolex Raffle – Reserve your raffle ticket to win the Rolex 44mm Oyster Perpetual watch with a “No Date” design, valued at $7,900. Featuring an elegant dial in the legendary watchmaker’s classic black, the timepiece is framed by a modern stainless steel case. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, this Rolex performs with flawless mechanics and sophisticated style. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Thanks to the generosity of donors Jay and Lyn Ferriero, every dollar benefits the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s life-saving programs.
To register for the free event and to learn more visit BlueHopeBash.org
F-2020 NYE “Mask-‘O’-Rade” BallReserve: omuseum.org/nye Tickets: $450/person Where: O Museum in The Mansion, 2020 O Street NW When: December 31st
Dress to impress and immerse yourself in the mysterious world of a Venetian “Mask-‘O’-Rade” Ball where extravagant dress, decadent masks (over COVID ones) . . . silk gloves, top hats and creative tuxedos set the stage to ring in the new year (we are DONE with 2020)! |
 |
|
(Limited tickets available)
PARTY INCLUDES:
*upper floors close at 11:30pm *this is a 21+ event.
PRIVATE SECLUDED DINING AVAILABLE (additional fees apply) VIP UPGRADES AVAILABLE (additional fees apply) |
