What it takes to bring O-pa’s Broadway Gala to life

Omaha Performing Arts’ Broadway Gala begins much the same way as any great Broadway production: with months of planning, countless creative decisions, and a dedicated cast working behind the scenes. The biennial fundraiser (formerly called Broadway Ball) alternates every other year with O-pa’s other signature event Stage Party. It’s hosted by O-pa’s Presenters Circle — a group of volunteers who support O-pa’s mission to enrich the community with extraordinary experiences.

Long before guests arrive at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement in their cocktail attire for dinner and enchanting entertainment in support of O-pa’s arts education and community engagement programs, the Presenters Circle has been hard at work transforming ideas into an unforgettable night of Broadway-inspired entertainment and giving.

Giving back for love of the arts

For Gala Chair Jennifer Davenport, helping lead the event is a natural extension of her love for the arts.

“I got involved with Presenters Circle shortly after we moved here nine years ago from Seattle,” Jennifer said. “I have always loved music and theater and knew this would be a great way to get engaged in the vibrant arts community we discovered here in Omaha. We bought season tickets to O-pa before we even relocated!”

Her enthusiasm fuels her event partners. From selecting the look and feel of the event, deciding on invitations, setting the menu, and deciding how to transform the space, every detail is carefully considered to craft an experience that feels both magical and meaningful.

“I am excited about so many things for this year’s Broadway Gala! Megan Hilty, an amazing menu, a gorgeous new event and performance space in the Tenaska Center…the list goes on and on!” said Jennifer.

Building a Broadway-inspired experience

The Broadway Gala is themed around an upcoming show in O-pa’s Broadway season and features a stunning guest performer. This year, it’s inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and it will bring French-inspired cuisine, dazzling entertainment, and immersive details to life in the brand new Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.

Beloved Broadway artist Megan Hilty will perform. Stunning on both stage and screen, Megan Hilty is celebrated for roles on Broadway as Glinda in Wicked and Madeline Ashton in Death Becomes Her as well as television’s Smash!

The event benefits O-pa’s arts education outreach across the region. O-pa is Nebraska’s connection to touring Broadway shows, and it provides access to transformative learning experiences for students across the entire state and into Western Iowa through the Nebraska Theater Academy. Other school programs like the Student Matinee Series, Musical Explorers, and Disney Musicals in Schools give many students their first experiences with the performing arts — and inspire confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging along the way.

And now the Tenaska Center will create even more opportunities for community members of all ages to learn, discover, and grow through the performing arts.

Cooking up something magical

For O-pa Executive Chef Michael Anderson, this year’s Beauty and the Beast-inspired theme immediately sparked ideas.

At the committee’s menu tasting, he unveiled the creative way the culinary team is leaning into French influences and the concept of “Be our guest.”

“We wanted to draw on some classic French inspiration,” Chef Michael said. “Kind of leaning into old-school dishes like beef bourguignon but elevating it and doing a short rib take on it. We’re really trying to give people a wow factor when they sit down and get served.”

Among the featured entrées is a Chateaubriand bouquetièr — a dish a lot of people have maybe heard of but have never had the chance to try.

“We want it to be a fun event for everyone,” said Chef Michael. “It’s an important event for us to highlight Broadway and our educational programs, and really we just want people to feel welcome as guests in our building.”

[Note: Vegetarian options are on the menu too, and dietary restrictions will be accommodated for all guests!]

An unforgettable night with a lasting impact

While the gala delivers an unforgettable evening filled with Broadway flair, its purpose extends far beyond entertainment.

The event serves as a major fundraiser supporting Omaha Performing Arts’ arts education and community engagement programs. For organizers, every detail contributes to a larger mission: making the arts accessible to students and communities across the region.

The combination of Broadway-caliber entertainment, thoughtfully curated dining, and a stunning venue creates a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. But organizers hope guests leave with more than just memories of a great evening.

“This year’s event will be sure to excite you,” Jennifer said. “We have so many amazing things planned, and you get to enjoy them all while supporting arts education in our schools and communities.”