Opening Night Gala and Opera Ball

 

 

 

By Megan McKinney

 

Opening Night Co-chair Eileen Murphy and Christopher Murphy.

 

The thrill of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Opening Night Gala and Opera Ball was intensified this year by the anticipation of the launching of the first installment of a new production of the Ring cycle. The audience of 3,500 opera guests began arriving on the red carpet in front of the Civic Opera House as early as 4:30 p.m. for the performance, which began at 6 p.m.

Yet, 4:30 p.m. was indeed when the show began. Chicago’s red carpet glamour was a compelling prelude for the power of Das Rheingold to follow.

Opening Night and Opera Ball are projects of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Women’s Board. Mimi Mitchell is Women’s Board president; Regan Rohde Friedmann and Eileen Murphy are Opening Night Gala Performance and Opera Ball Co-Chairs.

 

Lyric Opera President and CEO David Ormesher arriving with his wife, Sheila.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy  Rule.

Women’s Board President Mimi Mitchell, center, with Co-chairs Eileen Murphy, left, and Regan Rohde Friedmann, right.

Sarah and Kip Kelley.

The Morgan Family of Libertyville.

Elizabeth and Lawrence Ryan.

Jana Schreuder in a gown by Lucian Matis.

Angelica Jones and Ralph Gross.

Marlene Phillips and Shirley Ryan.

Starr Jones and Ricardo Lugo.

Kara Killmer and Monica Raymund, both  of Chicago Fire.

Joelle Carter, right, of Chicago Justice and friend.

Lyric General Director Anthony Freud, Renee Crown and Lyric Musical Director Sir Andrew Davis.

Elizabeth and Michael Cole with Eileen and Christopher Murphy.

The curtain calls begin.A special curtain call for Lyric Opera Musical Director Sir Andrew Davis.

And on to the Hilton Grand Ballroom for the Ball.

Co-chair Regan Rohde Friedmann in the Grand March of the Stars.

Christina and Ronald Gidwitz on the dance floor.

Anne and Chris Reyes.

Photo Credit:

Robert Kusel

Dan Rest

Todd Rosenberg

Jaclyn Simpson