Private Party at Dallas’ New Turtle Room Brings News of a Major Star to Come

What: Dallas Summer Musicals 2017 Gala patron party

Where: Turtle Room

PC Moment: To celebrate underwriters and sponsors in advance of its annual gala, Dallas Summer Musicals hosted a private patrons party at the newly redesigned Turtle Room at 3525 Turtle Creek, where The Turtle Club famously welcomed Dallas socials in the 1950s.

Sponsored by Dawn Mickey and April Bosworth, the festive evening proved to be indulgent and exciting as 2017 DSM Gala chairs Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld welcomed guests to enjoy hors d’oeuvres while pianist Brian Piper delivered rousing renditions of Broadway show tunes.

“We are very proud to be the chairs of this year’s gala,” von Wupperfeld said, “and feel honored to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has a special place in our hearts.”

After much suspense, Smith revealed that film and stage starlet Katharine McPhee would join Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell as a performer at the November gala, titled An Evening with the Best of Broadway. The duo replaced Bernadette Peters, who was to dazzle a Dallas audience prior to being cast in Broadway’s Hello, Dolly!

Much to the delight of all in attendance, film and Broadway legend Carole Cook rounded out the night with several classic songs, including Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries. She also shared anecdotes about growing up in Texas and revealed insight into her close friendship with Lucille Ball and Ethel Merman.

Who: Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld; DSM board development chair John Clutts; DSM president Ken Novice; DSM chairman of the board Ted Munselle; 2017 DSM Gala honorary chairs Nancy and Ron Natinsky; Lee Ann and Dave Neumann, Carole Cook, Dawn Mickey, and April Bosworth.