Go Gaga, Golden Gammage Gala
ASU Gammage, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed performing arts center at Arizona State University in Tempe, has grown into the top touring venue for Broadway and is nationally known for its mission of “Connecting Communities.” In 2014, the center turns 50, and the celebration kicks off with Go Gaga, Golden Gammage Gala on Oct. 13, the first of three major social events leading up to the golden anniversary.
ASU Gammage opened in 1964 and is believed to be the last Frank Lloyd Wright public commission. It has a capacity of 3,000-plus seats, depending on the needs of the show, and is wheelchair accessible.
This red-carpet worthy event will take place onstage at ASU Gammage with cocktail and conversation beginning at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and Broadway entertainment right on stage. The gala will also include unique, edible dessert centerpieces provided by the culinary department of the Art Institute of Phoenix. The event is chaired by Scottsdale resident Leslie Rich.
Go Gaga chair Leslie Rich
“My husband Jeff and I have supported the arts in every city we have lived in, and since we have lived in the Valley, we have fallen in love with ASU Gammage. Now is the time for the community to come together and support this iconic venue and let it have another amazing 50 years,” Rich says.
Go Gaga is an opportunity for ASU Gammage supporters old and new to come together for a grand celebration. Performers will include the remarkable young musician/composer and first-ever Gammage Residency artist Daniel Bernard Roumain and critically acclaimed Broadway star David Burnham. While guests enjoy a fabulous evening, ASU Gammage’s profound cultural impact will also take the stage to celebrate Connecting Communities and look toward a star-studded future.
Paradise Valley resident Mary Way co-chairs the 50th Anniversary Leadership Board. “ASU Gammage’s commitment to contemporary performing artists is unlike any venue in the Southwest. My family supports ASU Gammage because of its true commitment to the artists themselves. I welcome the challenge of co-chairing the 50th Anniversary Leadership Board so the programs ASU Gammage presents can continue in perpetuity,” Way says.
The community is welcome to join ASU Gammage at the Go GaGa Gala. For single tickets and table sponsorship packages, contact Peter Means at 480-965-6059.
Submitted by Dana McGuinness, public relations manager, ASU Gammage
Photos courtesy ASU Gammage
