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Alley Theatre celebrated the start of its 2022-23 Season with its 76th Opening Season Dinner on Monday, September 12. The special evening, chaired by Board member Rob Thornton and his wife Nicole, attracted members of the Alley Board and many Theatre patrons. Joining them were members of the Alley’s Resident Acting Company who mingled with guests before and during dinner.

The Meredith J. Long Theatre Center was beautifully transformed by Blooming Gallery with a magnificent sea of red roses, tulips, and orchids to celebrate the 76th Opening Season Dinner. Board President, Ken Kades, emceed the evening which included a delicious dinner catered by The Four Seasons Hotel Houston.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director, began the program by sharing that the evening celebrated two important women in Theatre, Anna Deavere Smith and Nina Vance. As the founder of the Alley and its first Artistic Director, Nina was inducted as the inaugural member of Alley Theatre’s Hall of Fame. A video tribute was shown to the audience that captured the history and legacy of Nina, a pioneer in the regional theatre movement.

Anna Deavere Smith - actress, playwright, teacher, and author – was presented with Alley Theatre’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. Anna’s career has spanned mediums from the written word to beloved performances. Through it all, her work has maintained a civic focus using her art to engage audiences in public dialogue working toward social change.

To conclude the program, Dean Gladden, Managing Director, introduced Alexandra Silber, who entertained the audience with two songs: “Carmen” and “Lost in the Stars”. Alexandra will appear as a lead in Alley Theatre’s production of Ken Ludwig's Lend Me A Soprano opening at the Alley on September 21.

Guests:
Rob and Nicole Thornton
Anna Deavere Smith
Ruth Simmons
Dean Gladden
Rob Melrose
Lynn Wyatt
Cynthia and Tony Petrello
Kathryn Ketelsen and Markley Crosswell
Ken and Mady Kades
Lois and George Stark
Phil and Josephine John
Steve and Christina Morse
Craig and Angela Jarchow
Valerie Jalufka
Alexandra Silber
Eileen Morris