Celebrate with Berkeley Rep!
A spectacular OVATION for Monsoon Wedding
On Saturday, April 1, the ballrooms at the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel were stunningly transformed into the world of Monsoon Wedding for Berkeley Rep’s biggest night of the year! Together with over 350 of the Bay Area’s top arts supporters, we raised our glasses to toast director Mira Nair and the creation of bold and imaginative theatre over a truly unforgettable evening full of music, wonder, and joyous celebration.
In keeping with the baraat custom in Indian wedding ceremonies, an intricately costumed white horse greeted guests upon their arrival and provided the perfect photo op. While sipping specialty cocktails, guests strolled the Marigold Market, our Silent Auction featuring thrilling cultural adventures, exquisite culinary experiences, and delectable wines. The Silent Auction came to a memorable close as the reverberating beats of Deep Singh’s dhol filled the room, beginning a procession into the banquet hall.
Guests were awed as they moved into the Grand Ballroom, which exuded color with beautiful tents and vibrant table settings. During the sumptuous feast featuring oven-roasted lamb and fine wines, Mira Nair and the cast of Monsoon Wedding took the stage to give guests a special sneak peek of the new musical—including two numbers from the show. Before dessert, DawnMarie Kotsonis, fondly known as the Gavel Girl, started a thrilling live auction, all in support of Berkeley Rep. Competition was fierce for hot tickets like an adventure in India, dinner prepared by famed food and wine connoisseur Narsai David, and a trip on The World, the largest private residential yacht on earth.
The evening’s festivities came to a close as guests raised their paddles in support of Citizen Rep, the Theatre’s initiative to encourage civic engagement through community partnerships, public programs about critical issues, and teen advocacy programs. All told, the evening raised $775,000 to support the Theatre’s artistic endeavors and community engagement programs.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our guests for helping us toast Mira Nair and showing their love for Berkeley Rep. A very special thanks to our Diamond Sponsors—Fossil Group, Bruce Golden and Michelle Mercer, Hotel Shattuck Plaza, and the Roda Group—and the dedicated OVATION committee who made this event truly special.
See photos from Berkeley Rep’s 2017 OVATION gala
...Photos may not be used for commercial or personal use without written permission from Berkeley Rep, and unauthorized alteration, reproduction, or sale of these images is strictly prohibited. Journalists and other members of the media, please visit our online press room.
Berkeley Rep would like to thank the 2017 committee and sponsors
Diamond sponsors
Bruce Golden & Michelle Mercer
Pearl sponsors
Stewart & Rachelle Owen
Ruby sponsors
Emerald sponsors
In-kind sponsors
Honorary committee
Ovation committee
Opening night dinners and performances
For contributors of $2,500 and above (Artistic Director’s Circle members)
Unscripted Happy Hours
For contributors of $300 and above
Behind-the-Scenes tours
For contributors of $75 and above
