A Star Brings Her Dog Onstage When the Best of Broadway Takes Over Dallas: Talk About a Smash Gala

What: Dallas Summer Musicals 2017 Gala, “An Evening With the Best of Broadway”

Where: Music Hall at Fair Park

PC Moment: Although legendary songstress Bernadette Peters was slated to perform at this year’s DSM gala (she landed the lead in Broadway’s Hello, Dolly! and thus was called away), the musical powerhouses who replaced her provided dazzling entertainment to guests of the theatrical affair, which raised a record $500,000 for DSM education and community programs.

Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell (you might have seen him on Broadway in Kiss Me Kate or, more recently, Shuffle Along) and American Idol alum Katharine McPhee each delivered moving performances.

McPhee — who even brought her Chihuahua, Larry, on stage — sang The Wizard of Oz classic “Over the Rainbow” and “Don’t Forget Me” from her role on NBC’s TV show Smash, while Mitchell tugged at heartstrings with numerous songs, including his version of What A Wonderful World.

For gala co-chairs Andy Smith and husband Paul von Wupperfeld, the evening was special not only because it raised beaucoup bucks for the DSM, which operates as a nonprofit, but also because it meant something personal to them. “Our love of musical theatre was kindled in this hall,” Smith said, “and we are grateful to join with others to keep that flame burning as we pass the torch to another generation.”

Presenting sponsor Ruth Altshuler wasn’t able to attend; nevertheless, honorary chair Brad Cheves delivered her message that revealed an excitement for the future of the DSM following the April hire of Ken Novice as its president.

Prior to the show, well-heeled guests mingled in the halls outside the theater, sipping cocktails, sitting for caricature portraits, and bidding on silent auction items (jewelry, sports and pop culture memorabilia).

The seated dinner was a showstopper itself, with Culinaire International serving dishes of pan-seared garlic butter sea bass; rosemary grilled lamb chops; and Dr. Pepper-braised short ribs with wild mushroom risotto, all while a jazz trio played softly in the background.

Broadway’s Best: Dallas Summer Musicals president Ken Novice and wife Kouy Novice, gala chairs Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, and honorary chairs Angela and Brad Cheves; Nancy and Ron Natinsky, Bart and Jolie Humphrey, Laree Hulshoff, Calvert Collins Bratton and Vince Bratton, Avin Black, April Bosworth, Bebby and Tony Grimes, Zach Hess, D’Andra Simmons, Will Kolband, and Lewis and Valerie McMahan.