Broadway Brunch has quickly become one of my favorite events! Thanks to co-chairs Julie Schneider and Tracy Wade and Nashville Rep’s Amos Glass, the 6th annual was one for the books. Major props to Julie and Tracy for pivoting last year and creating a virtual event, Broadway Brunch at Night, for coming back to co-chair this year’s event and further elevating the program with an inaugural patrons party. After more than a year of postponements and virtual events, it was wonderful to see and interact with everyone in person. And so many people! City Winery was packed!

This event attracts an eclectic group. I loved seeing so many friends as well as meeting and making new friends – Vicki and Rick Horne, Dr. John Schneider, Bill Wade, Sandra Lipman, Angela Bostelman, Emily and Mark Humphreys, Rob Turner and Jay Jones, Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw, Marci and Stephen Houff, Kathy and Bob Olsen, Janet Kurtz and Ron Gobbell, Ashley and Hunter Herring, newlyweds Andrea Woodard and Scott Evans, Jeanette Barker and Dax Langford, Anne Martin, Deby Pitts, Genie James, Ken Fitzgerald and John Hoomes – I know I’ve left a few out and I am sorry – it isn’t intentional. Surprise, surprise, there was a little alcohol involved.

There was a very lively cocktail hour. Mimosas and Bloody Marys and Palomas – oh my! There was a robust silent auction that included a lot of wonderful fashion items, experiences, and memorabilia, something for everyone. Brunch was great, my favorite was the deviled eggs and the mimosas. How do you top a mash-up of breakfast and lunch food with cocktails you ask?  A mash-up of breakfast and lunch food with cocktails and show tunes! The show kicked off with a medley of Broadway show tunes that included “Be My Guest” from Beauty and the Beast and “Hello!” from Book of Mormon sung by a chorus that included Patrick Daily, Bakari King, Jennifer Whitcomb-Olivia, Steven McCoy, Tamar Smithers, and Christopher Bailey. Megan Murphy Chambers emceed the program and I can not tell you how fabulous she was. Everyone knows I love a costume change but what’s better is a reveal – she came out in a black and white coat which she removed, showcasing a fiery red dress! The performances!!! Megan was hysterical. She is the perfect mistress of ceremonies. I hope she does it again next year (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix please).

If the silent auction was robust (and it was), the live auction was spirited! Bid paddles went up quicker than hemlines did in the 60’s and 90’s. There were so many amazing items. There were two separate trips to the Virgin Islands which fetched over $10,000 apiece. There was a trip to Switzerland that I was carefully watching – I was texting with a client in Los Angeles that was interested and it went for more than $12,000. Nashville Rep’s Executive Director, Drew Ogle proudly spoke of how adaptable and creative the staff was during the pandemic. Honorary Chair, Kellie Pickler could not attend due to a last minute scheduling conflict. Nashville Rep’s Director of Community Engagement, Amos Glass graciously filled in for her and was fantastic. Board president, Robb Turner recognized Ovation award recipient, Vicki Horne for all of the work she has done on behalf of Nashville Rep. Vicki, a former board president was responsible for creating Broadway Brunch six years ago and was instrumental in changing the Rep’s name from Tennessee Rep to Nashville Rep.

While I was at the bar refilling my unfortunately empty champagne flute, John Schneider turned to me and said “This is fantastic! Why aren’t we spending every weekend like this?” Someone else chimed in and said “Seriously!” I couldn’t agree more and am looking forward to next year!