Colorado Ballet Hosts ‘An Evening in Oz’ Gala
Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and many munchkins all graced the stage Thursday night as the Colorado Ballet presented a magical evening at the Ellie Calkins Opera House. The “An Evening in Oz” gala began with a cocktail reception featuring surprise jewelry boxes donated by John Atencio, a wine pull provided by the Colorado Ballet Auxiliary and a small silent auction.
Guests were treated to entertainment on the Ellie stage with excerpts from the world premiere tour of The Wizard of Oz, a spectacular joint production between Colorado Ballet, Kansas City Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Created by world-renowned choreographer Septime Webre, who Colorado Ballet fans remember for his spectacular production of Alice (in wonderland), this production features a line-up of world-class designers and music by Matthew Pierce.
Gala Co-chairs Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger and Rachel and Yuval Moskovich thanked supporters and gave an update on the Colorado Ballet Academy’s educational and community engagement programs. Artistic Director Gil Boggs took the stage to also share appreciation, followed by Doug Tisdale, once again serving as auctioneer extraordinaire.
Following the entertainment and auction, an elaborate dinner created by Kevin Taylor was served in the Chambers Grant Salon and the Ellie Loge. After dinner guests stayed for dancing on the stage to music provided by DJ Larry.
Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore, but in a much more magical and colorful place: The Colorado Ballet.
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- BJ Dyer/Bouquets provided centerpieces for the gala.
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- Volunteers in Oz character helped to greet guests and track silent auction items.
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- The Colorado Ballet team that put the gala together
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- Gala Co-chairs Yuval and Rachel Moskovich
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- Jan Hammond, left, Dianne Bartlett, Lorraine Salazar and Sherry Huntsinger
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- Gala Co-Chairs Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger
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- Co-chairs Yuval and Rachel Moskovich, left, JoAnne Zboyan and Board Chair Duke Hartman
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- Co-chairs Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger with Doug Tisdale
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- Rob and Michelle Applegate (board member)
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- Emily Hemming, left, and Erin Nichols
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- Jill Long, left, Tammy Rothbauer and Tammy Derouin
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- Board co-chairs Liz Katkin and Duke Hartman with JoAnne Zboyan
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- Arlene Johnson, left, Craig Fleishman and Jan Hammond
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- Guests and Oz characters
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- Lori Szymanski, left, Jacquelyn Bassett, Nancy Brandwein
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- Emily Hemming, left, Mick Ostermeyer, Erin Nichols, Adam and Silvia Sexton
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- Steve Bosley and Kay Ferry
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- Susan Stiff, left, and Allie Coppeak
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- Susan Stiff and Howard Janzen
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- Guests ready to see Wizard of Oz
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- BJ Dyer and Christin Crampton Day
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- Cari and Mary Spiecker, left, and Adam and Silvia Sexton
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- Jody Grossman and Mark Heiser
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- Ballet Auxiliary Chair Alyson and Chris Graves
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- Michael Korenblat, left, Brandon Lloyd and Lee Vickers
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- Sandi Hewins, left, Craig Fleishman, JoAnne Zboyan and Doug Tisdale
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- Allie Coppeak and Dr. Irv Arenberg, whose autographed book was one of the silent auction items
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- Rachel Moskovich, left, compares notes with Allie Coppeak
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- Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz with her daughter Zoey and Laura Greb
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- Guests toasting to Wizard of Oz
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- Curt and Nancy Hockemeier
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- Jim and Denise Sanderson (board member)
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- Pat Robinson, left, and Lorraine Salazar
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- Colleen Curran, left, Kevin and Stephanie Tung, Linda and Jimmy Yip
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- Jeremy Rau and Sarah Tryon
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- Bill Silberstein and Joanne Posner-Mayer (board member)
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- Edie Bell, left, and Denise Sanderson
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- Lark Katchur and a friend check out the silent auction items
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- Gala Co-chairs Yuval and Rachel Moskovich, left, and Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger on stage
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- Artistic Director Gil Boggs says a few words on stage
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- Doug Tisdale returned as auctioneer extraordinaire
