Wow. Wow. Wow.
Christina and Louis Messina
Austin social and theater history was made on Thursday night. The Topfer Theatre opened grandly with an intimate concert from stage star Bernadette Peters and a Broadway-sized onstage orchestra.
So Austin’s oldest theater company launched its newest theater building with its most significant show to date. (Set aside previews.)
David Kurio and Willa Kaye Warren
And what a space to hear a diva belt, croon and trill Broadway tunes, especially those of her idol, composer Stephen Sondheim. (She has starred in “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods” and “Follies,” along with Sondheim tributes.)
Looking fabulous beyond her years in a sparkling, form-fitting gown, Peters hit a few slightly rough vocal patches, revived old patter and mispronounced the name of the theater, but otherwise blew the lid off the acoustically sensitive room. It felt like she was singing just for you.
Brett and Debra Hurt
Much earlier, evening began grandly with a black-tie procession past costumed performers, up a purple carpet to the classy, modern lobby, which could just barely fit in the formally attired guests (tickets: $1,000 apiece).
They then descended to the especially acquired sailcloth tent that swoops up into a dramatic interior. (Zach plans to rent the plaza tent when not otherwise in use. Marquee Events will take it up and down when need be and maintain it.)
Inside the translucent expanses we beheld the purple-tinged visions of party dreamer Bobbi Topfer and her eager team, which included veteran planner Victoria Hentrich and florist David Kurio, who attached dainty orchids to long, transparent rods. (The tent was christened that night in Bobbi’s honor.)
The tables buzzed with top Austin socials. Few big names were missing. (I stopped counting cumulative net worth at several billion dollars.) Most dressed in restrained but stylish Austin fashion, although a few Dallas or Houston types flashed big jewels, bigger hair and even bigger gowns. One even trimmed in fur. (Very bizarre.)
After a splendid dinner, the guests trotted back to the Topfer for the concert, then later trickled to the tent again for dessert and another sparkly toast.
Can’t tell you if the valet parking worked out, because I didn’t drive. Oh so sweet to live within walking distance of the Topfer, ACL Live, Long Center and the Paramount, along with the rest of downtown. Living for it.