Anthony Freud, Renee Fleming and Ted Chapin.
Welcoming The King and I
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s The King and I Celebration was a benefit like none before; however you may trust there will be many similar evenings in the future. Organized in a first time collaboration of the Women’s Board and the Guild Board of Directors, the festivity began with an elegant cocktail reception in the Civic Opera House’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer.
An exotic theme was established at the reception with Thai-inspired hors d’oeuvres, ginger-infused bourbon cocktails and a surprise performance by dancers and drummers from the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute of Chicago. Illuminated golden sculptures and cascading floral arrangements by Kehoe Designs further extended the Asian atmosphere.
The dinner that followed, curated by Embeya Executive Chef Mike Sheerin and executed by Calihan Catering, was served to 475 guests in the William B. and Catherine Graham Room, the American Airlines Mezzanine, and within all 30 boxes in the Ardis Krainik Theatre. This was another first, a regular mainstage presentation had never before been preceded by a pre-performance dinner served for sponsors in the boxes.
The 3,500-seat theater was virtually sold out for the evening’s show, with regular ticketholders joining celebration guests for the glorious musical classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein. During intermission, petite green-tea cupcakes, coconut truffles and chocolate spring rolls with peanut sauce were served to Celebration guests.
Following the performance, the Celebration continued on the Ken Pigott Stage, where DJ Matthew Harvat played dance music for the after party. The unprecedented event was co-chaired by Caroline Huebner and Frank DeVincentis.
Greg and Mamie Case, left, with Caroline and Charlie Huebner. Caroline Huebner was Celebration co-chairman.
Stephanie DeVincentis and Celebration co-chairman Frank DeVincentis.
Maggie and Rod Rock.
Bill Fauntleroy, Nancy Searle, Mindy Fauntleroy and Susan Noyes.
Shirley and Pat Ryan.
Dining in the boxes before the performance: guests of the lead sponsor and premium sponsors.
Another view of guests dining in the boxes.
Left to right, David and Lauren Clark, Aby and Nick Farwig and Alex and Kate Staley.
Left to right, Craig and Ashley Alcorn, Deana and Joe Miron, and R.J. and Lauren Lange.
At the after party, Sheila and Mike Foley, left, with Kate Baldwin, who star as Anna in The King and I.
Guild Board President Oscar Tatosian, left, with Paolo Montalban, starring as the King in the popular Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, center, and Mike Kayon at the after party.
After party guests Cathy and Brien Wloch, with their daughter Catie, right.
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Photo Credit:
Dan Rest
