If Bernadette Peters broke in Zach’s new Topfer Theatre, Brian Stokes Mitchell consecrated it. The second Broadway star to sing during the grand opening weekend talked about the sacred nature of theaters and tailored his concert more closely to the occasion than did Peters.
Erin Wendel and Aaron Bell
While top backers returned for a second night of revelry — many of them packing the first of two concerts on Saturday — this crowd as a whole proved younger, noisier and more casual. The “Bobbi” tent was cleared of most low dinner tables and turned into a glowing dance hall. Additional music was performed by local bands on the Kleberg Stage next door.
Pei-San and Daniel Brown
Frito pies helped the festive spirit — as a healing City Council Member Bill Spelman agreed. Early in the evening, people had already begun to dance. I’m sure by the witching hour the place was writhing with grand opening frenzy.
Corri and Gus Park
A baritone with an astonishing range, Mitchell, like Peters, sang show tunes, several of them keyed to the Zach “Dream” theme. Of course, there was “The Impossible Dream,” but also “Wheels of a Dream,” performed with the Zach cast of “Ragtime.” That show catapulted Mitchell to stardom and it will serve as the first full musical on the Topfer stage.
It was all smiles, cheers and tears for the second grand opening. A dream come true.