However, around 4:45pm yesterday, that all changed. The assistant technical director came into our office and offered the archivist and me each a free ticket in the third row orchestra level for the gala. We had both been a bit bummed we couldn't go since our office buddies already had their tickets and had been showing us their gowns for the evening. As exciting as the prospects of free tickets were, we both came to the same conclusion that could have ruined the entire plan. Neither of us had anything to wear!! The curtain went up in less than two hours, making trips home to grab appropriate dresses impossible.
We each did the next best thing. I phoned Art, who was at home, and asked him to bring me an outfit. The archivist grabbed her purse and ran out the door to Banana Republic to buy a dress. Art showed up thirty minutes later with my little black dress and Kate Spade shoes, the archivist returned with her new purchase, and we joined the other girls to dress for the evening.
When we were all primped and polished, we decided the only proper way to make an entrance was through the plaza. We stopped to admire the amazing outfits. Feathers, tulle, sequins, and silk flowers abounded, sometimes chic and classy, sometimes gaudy and eccentric, but in the end, the audience provided nearly as much amusement as the performers on stage.
The performance was fantastic, complete with glitter drops, a toreador, shadow puppets, a poodle, and a tightrope walker. The evening was wonderful, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to go. Thank goodness I had a dress in my closet appropriate for the occasion. Art and my little black dress saved the day!
