Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Hosts The Wallis Delivers: Al Fresco Night, A Gala under the Stars

The grounds of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will be transformed into a stunning and sophisticated supper club and blazing nightclub – with stars twinkling overhead and on stage – for The Wallis Delivers: Al Fresco Night, a gala honoring the City of Beverly Hills, represented by the City Council, for its extraordinary role in the creation and on-going support of the renowned performance venue, on Friday, September 24, 2021, 6:00 pm., outdoors on the Promenade Terrace. The star-studded soiree, which includes a gourmet dinner catered by Wally’s, is hosted by entertainment icon/Wallis Board Member Debbie Allen with acclaimed DJ Paris Hilton, considered one of the hottest DJs in the world, dropping the beats, and Broadway star Shoshana Bean (Waitress, Wicked, Hair) belting out tunes. The lively fundraiser benefits The Wallis’ artistic, education and outreach programs.

Additionally, guests will enjoy performances by Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Sheléa, a protégé of Quincy Jones; famed soprano Camille Zamora, celebrated for her “glowing sound” (The New York Times) and co-founder of Sing for Hope, accompanied by pianist Lucy Tucker Yates; and jazz pianist/Steinway artist Connie Han, a “groove merchant par excellance” (Downbeat Magazine). The nationally recognized John Burroughs High School Powerhouse Choir adds its thunderous energy to the festivities, sprinkled with video tributes from comedian and award-winning recording artist Sandra Bernhard, Wallis Board Member Nigel Lythgoe OBE, who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Grammy-nominated folk singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Honorary Chair Wallis Annenberg says, “The Wallis was created to engage our entire community in the performing arts—to show that it can be a living, breathing presence in our daily lives. That's why I’m so thrilled that we can gather safely to celebrate the stars above and amongst us, and to breathe a vibrant new life into The Wallis, too. I know this will be a very special evening—a renaissance, really, with great music and great company and a whole lot of heart. It’s a joy for me to support and take part in this event.”

Event Co-Chairs Daphna Nazarian and Stepanie Vahn add, “Al Fresco Night, which we are delighted to co-chair, promises to be an upbeat fun-filled event as people come together to celebrate The Wallis’ first in-person gala in more than 19 months. It is particularly fitting that the event honors the City of Beverly Hills for its vision and foresight to help transform its historic former post office into a state-of-the-art performance venue that has become a cultural beacon for Beverly Hills and beyond. We also recognize the City of Beverly Hills for continuing to champion The Wallis and provide vital support to help maintain its landmark building and campus, which we know will remain a source of joy and engagement for the community at large today and in the years to come.”

Mayor Bob Wunderlich and members of the City of Beverly Hills City Council are slated to attend and accept the honor being bestowed on the City.

The Wallis enjoys a remarkable history. From its origins in 1933 as the City of Beverly Hill’s historic post office, it was transformed into a world class performing arts venue, which embraces both classic and modern architecture, opening its doors to tremendous critical acclaim in 2013. The breathtaking 70,000-square-foot facility, quickly became a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences, and the eclectic programming it presents mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world.

The Al Fresco Host Committee includes John Bendheim, David Bohnett, Heidi Chamberlain, Halle Hammond, Michael Kerker, Agnes Lew, Linda May, Krista Fraioli Mullen, Arline Pepp, Giselle Sheehan, and Torie Zalben.

The Wallis recognizes the generous support of Premier Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc., which is designing the award that will be bestowed upon the City; Supernova Sponsor The Annenberg Foundation; and Zenith Sponsor Neiman Marcus. 

All guests, artists and staff must show proof of full vaccination.

Single tickets to Al Fresco Night are $2,500 per person, and patron sponsor packages are also available. For tickets and information, visit https://www.thewallis.org/AlFresco or call (310) 746-4000.

About the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: 

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences. The campus, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA, is committed to robust and distinctive presentations and education programs curated with both creativity and social impact in mind. Distinguished by its eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis has produced and presented more than 275 dance, theater, opera, classical music, cinema and family programs since its doors opened in October 2013. Hailed as “au courant” (LaLa Magazine), The Wallis was lauded by Culture Vulture, which proclaims, “If you love expecting the unexpected in the performing arts, you have to love The Wallis.” Its programming has been nominated for 57 Ovation Awards and seven L.A. Drama Critic's Circle Awards. The campus itself, a breathtaking 70,000-square-foot facility, celebrating the classic and the modern, has garnered six architectural awards. Designed by acclaimed architect Zoltan E. Pali (SPF:architects), the restored building features the original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office (on the National Register of Historic Places), which serves as the theater's dramatic yet welcoming lobby, and includes the contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Bram Goldsmith Theater; the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater; an inviting open-air plaza for family, community and other performances; and GRoW @ The Wallis: A Space for Arts Education, where learning opportunities for all ages and backgrounds abound. Together, these elements embrace the city's history and its future, creating a performing arts destination for L.A.-area visitors and residents alike. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is led by Chairman of the Board Michael Nemeroff, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Rachel Fine and Artistic Director Paul Crewes.

For more information about The Wallis, please visit: TheWallis.org.

For downloadable photos, please visit: TheWallis.org/Press.

Like The Wallis on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram