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2026 Spring Gala: A Night in the Piazza

Saturday May 9, 2026

Pack your bags for an Italian Holiday! Inspired by our 2026 production of The Light in the Piazza, this unforgettable evening will transport you to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, celebrating Opera Theatre’s rich legacy and our next 50 years. At Edward Jones’ Headquarters – North Campus in Maryland Heights, guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and special guest appearances.

Attire is vintage-inspired elegance, black-tie optional — channel your favorite mid-century movie star, like Aubrey Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Sofia Loren, and more!

Mailed invitations and additional information coming soon. For questions or early registration, contact Tori Rezek at trezek@opera-stl.org or (314) 963-4223.

Event information

Program
6 p.m. Cocktails
7 p.m. Dinner

Location
Edward Jones St. Louis Headquarters – North Campus
130 Edward Jones Blvd, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043 

Attire
Vintage-inspired elegance, black-tie optional

Sponsorships & Tickets
Tables sponsorships start at $5,000
Single tickets start at $500

Featured Artists

Jana McIntyre

Soprano

Carrie St. Louis

Soprano

Daniel Luis Espinal

Baritone

Photo Galleries

2025

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2024

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2026 Spring Gala Committee

Penny Pennington, Chair

Mary Randolph Ballinger
Pam Belloli & Dave Shimek
Marie-Hélène Bernard
Phoebe & Spencer Burke
Paul Cambridge & Amanda Trudell Cambridge
Crystal Allen Dallas & Patrick Dallas
Mike & Susan Darcy
Adrienne Davis
Arnold & Hazel Donald
Kim & Tim Eberlein
Lelia & David Farr
Robert & Jane Feibel
Alan Fiddleman
Cheri & Ron Fromm

Mr. & Mrs. Walter J Galvin
David & Miran Halen
Carolyn Henges
Dr. Jim Hinrichs & Mary Schoolman
Mrs. Ron Holtman
Jeannette R. Huey
Margaret & Martin Israel
Gayle P.W. Jackson
Bettie S. Johnson
Ken & Nancy Kranzberg
Jim & Pam Krekeler
Karen & Mont Levy
Rosalyn & Charles Lowenhaupt

Liz & Brian Mischel
Noémi K. Neidorff
Ryan & Amanda Niehaus
Tammy O’Donnell Whalen
John H. Russell
Bob & Martha Scharff
Annemarie & Matt Schumacher
Steve & Janice Seele
Kenneth & Amber Simpson
Stephen W. & Linda* Skrainka
Ann McFarland Sullins
Franklin F. Wallis
Matthew & Sara Wheeler

*In Memoriam

Sponsor list complete as of as of 2/2/2026

2026 GALA SPONSORS

Opera Theatre is profoundly grateful to these early gala sponsors whose generous support will support an unforgettable celebration.

HOST SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Noémi K. Neidorff

LEAD SPONSORS

Penny Pennington & Michael Fidler

UNDERWRITERS

Kim & Tim Eberlein
Lelia & David Farr

BENEFACTORS

Phoebe & Spencer Burke
Karen & Mont Levy
Stephen Trampe & Jenny Gupta

GUARANTORS

Jim Berges & Elizabeth Mannen Berges
Cheri & Ron Fromm
Gina & Lee Hoagland
Barry Kirk & Andrew Martin
Ken & Nancy Kranzberg
Josephine & Richard Weil
Roma B. Wittcoff

DIRECTORS

Mary Randolph Ballinger
Marie-Hélène Bernard
Liz & Brian Mischel

PRODUCERS

Paul Cambridge & Amanda Trudell Cambridge
Crystal Allen Dallas & Patrick Dallas
Mike & Susan Darcy
Jeffrey & Lotta Fox
Mr. & Mrs. Walter J Galvin
Jeannette R. Huey
Margaret & Martin Israel
Gayle P.W. Jackson
Bettie S. Johnson
Jim & Pam Krekeler
Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D.
Bob & Martha Scharff
Annemarie & Matt Schumacher
Steve & Janice Seele
Stephen W. & Linda* Skrainka
Ann McFarland Sullins
Franklin F. Wallis