Mayor Rawlings Enjoys “Chicago” at Winspear, Meets With Actor John O’Hurley

 

Photography Credit: Carter Rose (From AT&T Performing Arts Center)

While meeting with the mayors of Dallas and Fort Worth, television and stage star John O’Hurley had nothing but praise for the premier performance venues in both Dallas and Fort Worth.

“In my career, I’ve performed in theaters in cities across the country,” said O’Hurley, who is starring in Chicago at the nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center. “I can tell you that both the Winspear Opera House and Bass Performance Hall are hands down among the finest stages in the country. Both cities should be proud.”

 

O’Hurley met Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price backstage at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House before last Friday night’s performance. Chicago, part of the Center’s Lexus Broadway Series runs through Sunday, August 26. O’Hurley has performed the role of slick criminal defense attorney Billy Flynn in both cities.

Mayor Price was attending Chicago at the invitation of Mayor Rawlings. They wanted to highlight the growing depth and diversity of arts programming in North Texas. Both mayors are strong supporters of the arts and feel the combined cultural assets of the two cities make North Texas the cultural centerpiece of the Southwest.

Mayor Rawlings was joined by his wife Micki, and Mayor Price was joined by her husband Tom. Both were hosted by the chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors, Roger Nanney and his daughter Jessica.

“It was a pleasure and an honor to have both mayors here at the Center,” said Nanney. “We have always envisioned that the Center would be a cultural gathering place enjoyed by everyone in North Texas,” said Nanney.

“Across the board, our region has a tremendous amount to offer,” said Mayor Rawlings before Friday night’s show. “Whether we’re talking about Broadway and dance or fine art and sculpture, the arts improve the quality of life. That’s why companies are moving here, that’s why generous donors support the arts here, and that’s why all of us enjoy living here.”

“Both cities have made tremendous investments to advance and sustain the arts, so I would encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the best of both cities,” said Mayor Price. “No one in North Texas should let city lines or a few miles keep them from enjoying the arts