On Friday night, approximately 600 local arts philanthropists headed to the Civic Opera House for the Lyric Opera of Chicago's 25th-anniversary Fantasy of the Opera gala, a fund-raiser put on by the Lyric's guild board.
The evening's "Be Dazzled" theme translated into sparkles that decorated everything from centerpieces to guests' attire. "Rather than floral centerpieces for the tables, the Fantasy committee opted for sparkling crystal centerpieces and cool blue lighting," said Janice Shucart, director of chapter and guild board activities. "We also encouraged guests to wear 'black tie and diamonds' in keeping with the theme."
Along with the guests' formal attire and Heffernan Morgan's sleek, crystal-strewn decor, the gala's diamond-centric theme inspired some tongue-in-cheek elements: Light-up, diamond-shaped pinkie rings sat atop mirrored light boxes at each dinner table, and during the evening's cabaret-style performance, Lyric opera singers sported shimmering sequined gowns.
Shucart maintains that current economic conditions didn't keep Lyric supporters from showing up to this year's $400-a-head event: "Ticket sales were excellent and in keeping with our expectations," she said, crediting e-blasts, mailed invites, and promotions on the opera company's Web site for the evening's as-good-as-hoped-for turnout. Also, "our guild board members have special lists of friends and supporters who can be counted on to turn up," she said.
Among those tried-and-true Lyric supporters were sponsors such as Harris Bank and American Airlines, who received recognition throughout the evening by way of oversize signage at the ball's entrance, onstage announcements during the cabaret, and specially designated sponsor tables set up inside theater boxes and in private rooms throughout the Civic Opera House.
