Welcome to one of my favorite nights of the whole year! I look forward to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala months in advance. This was my fourth consecutive year and the most exciting for me because Kristin Chenoweth – GALINDA WITH A GA HERSELF – was the featured artist at gala. The past three years it’s been a famous classical performer (Yo-Yo Ma was incredible!) but this year they chose Kristin, whom I’ve adored since I was a teenager.

My friend and I made it a staycation at nearby Fairmont Dallas and had dinner at Fairmont’s Pyramid Restaurant before making our way to the DSO gala. The Fairmont is just four minutes from the arts district so I highly recommend a mini staycation when you go see a show. It was such a treat to not have to drive back to Rockwall at midnight! Fairmont Dallas review coming soon.

The concert was incredible. Kristin is so witty! The crowd was honest to goodness guffawing during each of her fast food anecdotes. She told the most charming story between songs about meeting her idol Julie Andrews. Julie opened the door to meet Kristin after a Broadway show and a man behind her said, “Who ordered what the cluck chicken?” Kristin said in horror, “This isn’t how [meeting you] was supposed to go!” to which national treasure Julie Andrews replied something along the lines of, “Why the cluck not?” If that’s not an anecdote worth a gala ticket, I don’t know what is.

Kristin sang some of her favorite songs such as Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. And then it happened. She was telling a story about Mariah Carey and she said, “Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I…” and off she went into Popular from Wicked. Wicked, my favorite musical of all time. Wicked, the soundtrack that I wore out in high school. Kristin Chenoweth was right in front of me singing Wicked! I had tears in my eyes.

After the show we walked out to the lobby for the after party. Picture the best wedding reception you’ve ever been to. There are sky high floral centerpieces, buffets full of pastries and cakes and tarts and macaroons, coffee bars, complimentary foot massages by the Ritz-Carlton, rhinestone flip flops for when your heels are too much, dancing and a DJ, a photo booth, and no shortage of champagne.

It was an evening to remember and I felt like a princess in this ballgown. Can you believe I bought it on Amazon? Custom measurements, free shipping with Amazon prime, and a price tag of about $95 (as of the date I purchased it). I keep joking to my mom that I’m going to write an article titled “How to be a Princess for $100 or Less.” I decided to include this because I want everyone to know that you don’t have to spent thousands of dollars to feel like the bell of the ball.

Buy it for yourself (affiliate link):

My dress was not very practical, as it has about a four foot long train, but it was so worth it. I felt like Cinderella in red! I let it drag at the Fairmont and before the concert but I did have to hold it during the after party. Y’all should have seen me dancing the night away while holding my dress! Wendy kept getting the giggles. As for the styling, I opted for comfortable, strappy nude heels, vintage earrings I borrowed from my mom, and my hair curled and pulled partly back and secured with a sparkly clip.

It was the loveliest evening and I so hope you can experience it for yourself someday. Until next time! I already have next year’s gala on my calendar: Saturday, September 28, 2019. To reserve your table or get tickets for a concert this season, visit mydso.com.