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.

Another proud fellow who wasn’t on stage but was receiving pats on the back and being queried by local reporters was Bill Lively (pictured with City Manager Mary Suhm). He was the one who oversaw the fundraising efforts for the center. That was no miniscule task. There are 130 folks and companies who wrote million-dollar-plus checks after chatting with Mr. Lively for the creation of PAC. Now that the center is complete, Bill has taken on another daunting job–president and CEO of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.  No, that does not mean he’s in charge of having cookies and milk served to Super Bowl visitors. According to D CEO, his group has already nailed down “more million dollar sponsors than any other Super Bowl Host Committee in history.” Not bad for a guy who used to be a high school band leader. 

Ah, but back to PAC. Following the speeches and the reading of the proclamation on the outdoor stage, the backdrop panels turned to reveal performers from all the venues–everything from Folklorico dancers (pictured) to powder-wigged opera types (pictured). The costumes were breathtaking as they created a mammoth performing arts tableau with dignitaries looking a bit out of place in their business suits.

Then the guests headed off to their day jobs, while the PAC behind-the-scenes minions checked their cell phones (hopefully, they were using AT&T) for messages and prepared for the next activity on their schedule, while the finishing touches were completed on the Winspear Opera House and the Wyly Theatre. (If you can’t remember which is which, just think that Winnie is the one that looks like a big, old red lacquered hat box and Willy appears to be a mammoth bar code.) 

If you haven’t gotten tickets to some of the big hoop-la events or you’re trying to save pennies, the PAC organizers have got a deal for you. They have various activities and performances that are absolutely free during this opening period. If you think the two buildings are something from the outside, just wait til you see them inside. Stampede over and take them up on the opportunity to see these beauties in action. Dallas, you may have really outdone yourself this time.

Now it’s up to the performers to live up to the financial investment and personal dedication of the community which provided such facilities.

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.”

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.