Metro Theater Company’s After Dark a Virtual Success

Photos by Jennifer A. Lin –

Metro Theater Company’s (MTC) major fundraising event, After Dark, went virtual Sept. 24 to celebrate the company’s impact locally and beyond. The virtual gala raised more than $90,000 for Metro’s programs, including in-school arts integration residencies, violence prevention program and theatrical productions.

Actors Jamie McKittrick and Alicia Revé Like, who have starred in previous productions, hosted the live-stream celebration alongside managing director Joe Gfaller and artistic director Julia Flood.

Naretha Hopson and Suzie Nall served as co-chairs of After Dark, with Nall hosting a small, socially distanced gathering at her Ladue home for guests to experience the virtual gala together.

After Dark featured a range of fun video surprises, including a special video appearance by Grammy Award-winning composer Terence Blanchard and award-winning playwright Idris Goodwin, as well as a highly curated online silent auction and a major announcement connected to MTC’s new strategic plan. Gala guests also enjoyed a three-course meal from Butler’s Pantry and an After Dark party bag, which was delivered directly to their doors prior to the start of the live stream.

Emerson and Centene served as the event’s lead Luminary sponsors. Additional Spotlight table sponsors include Bayer Fund, Edward Jones, Susan and James Gamble, Nancy and Tom Garvey, Karen and Lawrence Goering, Marcia Kerz, Ellen Livingston and Edward Levitt, Annemarie and Matt Schumacher, and Susan Sherman. Matching challenge support for the event’s fund-a-need was provided by Crystal and Patrick Dallas, Margaret Onken, Annemarie and Matt Schumacher, Susan Sherman, Cort VanOstran, and Kathie and Richard Winter. Additional support was generously provided by Eagle College Preparatory Schools, Gazelle Magazine, Tree 9 Films, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Sara and Jack Burke, Susan and Ed Grooms, and Susan and Mike Gibbons.

For more information, please visit metroplays.org.

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2_After Dark emcees Jamie McKittrick and Alicia Reve Like_Option 1_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

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After Dark emcees Jamie McKittrick and Alicia Revé Like

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After Dark emcee Jamie McKittrick

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3_After Dark emcee Jamie McKittrick_2_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

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After Dark emcee Alicia Revé Like

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5_After Dark Co-Chairs Naretha Hopson and Suzie Nall_Option 1_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

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After Dark Co-Chairs Naretha Hopson and Suzie Nall

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After Dark attendees Nancy, Tom and Lauren Garvey

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After Dark attendees Teri and Roger Cohen

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After Dark Co-Chair Naretha Hopson and Chuck Stewart

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After Dark Co-Chair Suzie Nall and Eleanor Kelly

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After Dark Co-Chair Naretha Hopson and Natina Hopson

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10_After Dark Co-Chair Naretha Hopson and Natina Hopson_Option 2_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

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1_MTC Artistic Director Julia Flood and Managing Director Joe Gfaller_Option 1_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

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MTC Artistic Director Julia Flood

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11_MTC Artistic Director Julia Flood_Option 2_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

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MTC Managing Director Joe Gfaller

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12_MTC Managing Director Joe Gfaller_2_Photo by Jennifer A Lin

Gazelle Staff