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AT&T PAC is Dedicated Thanks to the Dedicated

Dallas is facing a major tsunami of activities this week with the opening of the  AT&T Performing Arts Center, U2, Komen Run for the Cure, Texas-OU, St. Jude’s gala, the final week of the State Fair, and, of course, Oprah.

First on the roster was this morning’s rise-and-shine dedication of the AT&T PAC. Despite the damp chill, the crowd of well-knowns and well-wishers seemed oblivious to the weather as they convened in Sammons Park to hear the likes of AT&T PAC President/CEO Mark Nerenhausen, Board chair Howard Hallam (pictured), Mayor Tom Leppert, Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano, City Councilwoman Angela Hunt and AT&T Global Marketing Officer Cathy Coughlin give their blessings on the 30-year project. Even U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson sat on the front row just to watch the proceedings. If an award were to be given out for happiest person among the speakers, Howard would have walked away with it. He was just smiling and smiling seeing his baby officially taking its first steps.

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Dallas Opera Will Present Former First Lady and Winspear Opera House With “Ovation!”

Photo by Peter Ross

Pity the poor folks at the Dallas Opera who were cranking out the release on its inaugural plans for the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. No sooner had they hit the “send” button than it was announced that AT&T had gotten the branding rights to the center. Make note: It’s no longer the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. It is the AT&T Center for the Performing Arts.

But back to the Opera’s plans. And make that big plans. Heaven knows Dallas opera lovers have waited long enough for this moment. Organizers have managed to land former First Lady Laura Bush as the honorary chair of “Ovation!,” the multi-faceted, grand-opening celebration chaired by Joyce and Harvey Mitchell. All the hoopla starts on Friday, October 23, with a champagne toast and opening ceremonies. Immediately following the inaugural performance, there’ll be a sumptuous black-tie dinner for VIPs and cast members.

On October 25, 28, 31, and November 5 and 8, Carol and Don Glendenning have arranged for “Champagne Dessert Celebrations” following each performance of the new Dallas Opera production of Verdi’s Othello.

But don’t put away the tuxedos yet–as if they ever stay in the closet too long around here. On November 7, the Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation will present “OnStage Gala with Deborah Voigt (pictured).”  Guests will dine on the Skokos stage and be cabareted by soprano Voigt.

Even if you don’t understand or like opera, the acoustics at the Winspear will be a musical epiphany. Somewhere in the wings will be the spirits of Juanita Miller, Larry Kelly, Nicola Rescigno, John Rosenfield,  Virginia Nick, and John Ardoin shouting “Bravo. . . finally.”

Renée Rouleau Puts On a Great Face for Dallas Center for Performing Arts

Fitting in with the hoopla of the upcoming opening of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, facial front woman Renée Rouleau is offering a “Spectacular Facial Package,” a four-act production for a simple $285. This facial buffet includes Bio Visage Lifting Facial, Eye Zone Treatment, Smoothing Hand Treatment, and Renée Rouleau Mint Buffing Beads. If you’re going to be attending the opening soirees (October 2-18) for the DCPA, you’d better get your face in shape now.