Brian Stokes Mitchell, a Broadway star that The New York Times once described as “a bona fide matinee idol,” brought the wow factor to last Saturday’s black-tie gala that celebrated the completion of the $23 million Lone Tree Arts Center.
The songs he performed earned several standing ovations, the most enthusiastic one coming when the baritone who received a Tony Award for best actor in a musical in 2000 for his portrayal of Fred Graham in “Kiss Me Kate,” paused to compliment architects Paul Westlake and Bradford Watson on the excellent acoustics in the 500-seat Main Stage Theater.
Mitchell then put down his microphone and sang, without amplification, “This Nearly Was Mine” from “South Pacific.” The applause was such that it led one guest to observe: “I think they can hear us all the way up in Denver.”
Following cocktails, a silent auction and a look around the LEED-certified facility at 10075 Commons St., guests adjourned to a giant tent for an Epicurean Catering dinner served at tables adorned with flowers from Bouquets.
Executive director Lisa Rigsby Peterson joined Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning in welcoming such VIPs as Dan Ritchie, chairman of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and DCPA trustee Joy Burns; donors Richard and Gayle Spelts, Don and Betty Winslow and Joyce and William Lew; retired judge Larry Naves and his wife, 7News anchor Bertha Lynn; Jena Dickey, founder and artistic director of Young Voices of Colorado; Linda and Phil Buckley; and Dawn and Eddie Braswell of Vectra Bank.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also twitter/GetItWrite
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