Gala proceeds support mission to educate

By Haley DiFonzo

The 100th Anniversary of the Music Hall at Fair Park at Broadway Dallas’ 2026 Gala, featuring a full performance of “The Great Gatsby,” raised a record-breaking $1.2 million in support of Broadway Dallas’ education and community outreach programs. On Saturday, Feb. 21, Gala Chairs Phil and Toni Sanders, with Honorary Chairs John Quattrocchi and Joseph DeMartino, welcomed more than 380 Dallas leaders, philanthropists and lovers of the arts to celebrate the magic of musical theater. 

 The 2026 Gala holds special significance as it celebrated two cultural milestones: the centennial anniversary of both the Music Hall at Fair Park and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel The Great Gatsby. With the generous support of Centennial Sponsor Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians and 100th Anniversary Events Sponsor The Moody Foundation, these two enduring legacies converged for one unforgettable evening of music, storytelling and community impact.

 The glamorous centennial celebration at the Music Hall at Fair Park began with dual cocktail receptions in the Rolls Royce Speakeasy, sponsored by High West and Casa Noble, and the Bee’s Knees octagon bar, followed by a three-course chef-curated dinner menu created by FGF Catering and paired with HALL Wines. 

 The Music Hall’s Crystal Terrace dining room was transformed into a dazzling, 1920s-inspired dreamscape that brought the Roaring Twenties to life. Bold Art Deco elegance — sleek geometric patterns, rich metallic accents and a signature green beacon — set the tone, while cinematic projections by Lightware Labs immersed guests in the Jazz Age.

Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA), during dinner, guests were treated to a rousing Gatsby-era medley by HSMTA winning alumni Damson Chola, Jr., Haley Dortch and Shelby Griswold, accompanied by the HSMTA Performance Ensemble (pictured). 

“We are deeply grateful to every donor, sponsor and guest who made this year’s gala such an extraordinary success,” said Ken Novice, president and CEO of Broadway Dallas. “Marking a century of history in this iconic venue while investing in its vibrant future made the evening especially meaningful. Your generosity and belief in our mission ensure that we can continue expanding access to the arts and inspiring the next generation. Because of your support, Broadway Dallas and the Music Hall at Fair Park will continue to shine as cultural cornerstones for our community for the next 100 years and beyond. We are truly honored and thankful to stand alongside partners who share our passion for the transformative power of live theater.” 

Following the performance, guests headed to the Prohibition After Party, for an official centennial birthday presentation and song, and where cast members from the show joined guests and danced the night away to music by DJ Kelly in a night filled with music and merriment.  

 The evening was a culmination of a series of year-long celebrations, supported by 100th Anniversary Events Sponsor, The Moody Foundation. Gala proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to spread the gift of Broadway to thousands of students and their families each year, including up to 6,800 Dallas ISD and Dallas County students who will experience STEM to STEAM curriculum followed by their attendance at a Broadway production at the Music Hall, and more than 7,500 students from 100 high school productions who participate in the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards.