The TPAC Gala Creates an Evening of Art and Whimsy

The energy at the Four Seasons Nashville on a blustery Saturday evening wasn’t created by the storm raging outside, but by the throngs of supporters that arrived for the annual TPAC Gala. Throughout the reception space, oversized flowers framed captivating tableaux. Think performance artists clad in metallic attire holding shafts of neon light that created pops of luminescent color throughout the room. Each piece felt like a commentary on the collision of the natural and man-made worlds — and how the two can work in tandem to make something truly beautiful. As the room continued to fill, guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres before entering the ballroom for the main event.

Host Christopher Hanke took the stage to welcome and delight the crowd with stories of how richly theater has impacted his life. Board chair Melvin Malone discussed the impact of theater in any community, noting that “theater nurtures creativity in future leaders.” One of the most impactful moments came when guests heard from Spotlight Award winner Jayden Murphy. “I still remember the excitement, the nerves and the feeling of stepping into the spotlight that, in many ways, has never faded,” he shared.

All enjoyed a brilliant performance by New Dialect. Then, anticipation built as guests waited for headliner Matthew Morrison to take the stage. Instead, a spotlight appeared at the back of the room, and Matthew emerged singing “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. 

For the rest of the evening, guests watched in awe as Broadway stars Rachel Potter, Bryonha Marie and Telly Leung alternately drew guests into the enthralling world of theater, performing songs like “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin and “Go the Distance” from Hercules. In a particularly special performance, the Spotlight Award winners and Broadway stars came together to sing a mash-up of “The Story of Tonight” from Hamilton and “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen — released as a single by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt called “Found/Tonight.” The collaboration immediately brought the crowd to their feet.

As always, the party did not stop there, instead concluding with the Late Party at the Nashville City Club.