ZACH Scott Theatre’s Red Hot & Soul Gala Features Black And White Theme
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Charles Quinn Photography
THE SETTING: The Zachary Scott Theatre was the recent setting for one of the city’s most anticipated fundraisers. Over 400 philanthropists, art lovers, and VIPs turned out for the theatre’s annual Red, Hot & Soul event, an evening of fun, camaraderie, and showstopping performances those fortunate enough to attend will not soon forget.
THE STYLE: The curtains rose on the black tie affair in the lobby of ZACH’s Topfer Theatre for cocktails. Patrons of the event embraced the black and white theme, a nod to Truman Capote’s 1966 Party of the Century…with many spectacular black and white ensembles spotted among the dashing crowd. During the cocktail hour, partygoers reacquainted with old friends and made new ones while sipping on their favorite cocktails in anticipation of the fun ahead.
The festivities then moved to the al fresco Bobbi Pavilion on the ZACH Theatre grounds for the main program. As revelers dined on the multi-course meal, they were treated to dazzling performances by several of ZACH’s most beloved performers, as well as performances from ZACH’s Children’s Academy. Additionally, Austin philanthropists Eric and Maria Groten were honored for their tireless work and support of the beloved theatre that has been a part of the Austin community fabric for over a century.
Next came a spirited live auction with a host of dazzling packages. Highlights of the auction included a Pick Your Paradise package where the winner got the pick of a breathtaking getaway to one of three different continents, another was dinner on the theatre stage, and a mountain escape to Park City were among the most popular. The evening’s finale was a spectacular after party where guests danced the night away on the Topfer Theatre stage. Encore!
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Cindy Greenwood and Kathy Taylor, raised over $600,000 for ZACH Scott Theatre. Each year, ZACH Scott’s community programs provide outreach and educational opportunities and offer access to theatrical performances to over 125,000 Central Texans, 55,000 of whom are children and youth.
