CONNECTING FOR CULTURE: A GALA OF VIRTUAL TABLES

It's Only Intermission

Published: Jun 1, 2020

More than 300 guests attended our first-ever virtual gala, presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation in conjunction with a nation-wide initiative introduced by Lincoln Center called “Connecting for Culture: A Gala of Virtual Tables” on May 21. Across the country and here at home, guests participated by Zoom, enjoying intimate live performances and conversations with stars from stages near and far. The evening ended with a performance of “Here Comes the Sun” featuring award-winning artists from South Florida.

At 7:00 PM, Foundation President Lisa Kitei and Broward Center President & CEO Kelley Shanley, seated socially distant from each other in the Au-Rene Theater, greeted arriving guests as they appeared by Zoom in the room. Following a virtual cocktail reception, everyone was whisked away to their designated Zoom rooms to enjoy private performances and lively Q&As with the artists. The entire audience came back together for an inspiring virtual finale, an uplifting performance of “Here Comes the Sun” by an ensemble of local artists singing from their homes - but blended in perfect harmony.

Of the 19 performers who participated in our event, 11 were Broadway veterans secured by Lincoln Center and eight were featured actors frequently seen here in Slow Burn Theatre Company productions. Artisan Foods, a long-time Broward Center partner, offered special gala dinners for pick-up for those who wanted to enjoy a pre-show catered meal. In the words of guests at the end of the evening, it was “awesome.”