Two Evening Galas Planned to Celebrate Performing Arts Center Opening

The Wallis Annenberg Center for The Performing Arts celebrates its eagerly awaited debut with the announcement of a second opening gala fundraiser, Friday, Oct. 18.

A dedication was held Tuesday and the first evening gala is planned for Thursday night.

Friday's gala is limited to 500 guests and the evening will feature a cocktail reception, buffet dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck and a performance created especially for the event and featuring a surprise guest star.

Guests will have an opportunity to tour the new venue which transforms an entire Beverly Hills city block into a vibrant arts destination and a major cultural and education hub for audiences of every age.

Highlighting the complex, two distinct, elegant buildings: the renovated historic 1934 Italianate-style Beverly Hills Post Office and the new, contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Bram Goldsmith Theater.

Together, these two structures aim to embrace the city’s history and future, creating a new artistic and visual landmark, and an entryway into Beverly Hills’ fabled shopping district. Within the treasured post office, existing spaces are transformed into the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater, a theater school for young
people (opening in 2014), a café and gift shop.

An elegant promenade, educational courtyard and sculpture garden are among the dramatic outdoor elements.

Tickets for the Gala Oct. 18 are priced at $500 and $1,000. To purchase tickets, call Levy, Pazanti and Associates at (310)201-5033.