A Night at The Muny That Changes Lives

By Grayling Holmes

There are certain people in St. Louis who seem to possess a rare gift.

They have the ability to bring people together.

Not just for a party. Not simply for a social gathering. But for a purpose.

My friend Kelly Burrell Bagwe is one of those people.

Many readers of Sophisticated Living know Kelly as a successful model, actress, philanthropist, and fixture on the St. Louis social scene. What they may not know is how much of her time, energy, talent, and personal network she dedicates to helping others.

For years, Kelly has quietly leveraged her relationships and resources to create memorable events that are equal parts entertainment and philanthropy. She calls them "Premiere With A Purpose," and the concept is brilliantly simple: gather good people for a great time and channel that collective energy into supporting worthwhile causes.

Recent events built around blockbuster premieres including Barbie, Wicked, Wicked: For Good, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 have raised funds and awareness for a variety of charitable organizations. Each event offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy a special night out while knowing their participation is making a meaningful difference.

It's a formula that has worked remarkably well.

The Magic of The Muny

This year, Kelly is once again turning her attention to one of St. Louis' most beloved institutions.

On Thursday, June 18, friends, supporters, theater lovers, and philanthropists will gather at The Muny for a special performance of Hairspray, with proceeds benefiting The Muny's Accessibility Program.

If you have ever attended a summer performance at The Muny, you understand the magic.

There is something uniquely St. Louis about spending an evening beneath the stars in Forest Park, surrounded by friends, family, and generations of theater lovers. The Muny is woven into the fabric of our community. For many families, attending a performance is as much a summer tradition as baseball, barbecues, and Fourth of July celebrations.

Last year's inaugural Muny fundraiser was a tremendous success, and Kelly hopes to build upon that momentum this season.

The concept is simple.

Buy a ticket.

Invite your friends.

Enjoy one of Broadway's most entertaining musicals.

And help ensure that others can enjoy the same experience.

Why This Cause Matters

Accessibility is one of those things many of us rarely think about until we need it ourselves.

I know this firsthand.

Several years ago, my wife Darlene and I attended a performance of A Chorus Line at The Muny. As we arrived, an usher met us at our vehicle with a wheelchair, escorted Darlene to her seat, and then returned after the performance to bring her safely back to our car.

The service was seamless.

It was compassionate.

And it was completely free.

At the time, we had no idea how much planning, staffing, and financial support made that experience possible.

What we did know was how grateful we felt.

That evening allowed us to focus on the performance, the music, and the joy of being together rather than worrying about logistics or mobility challenges.

Only later did I learn that services like these are funded through The Muny's Accessibility Program, supported by generous donors who believe the performing arts should be available to everyone.

This year, Kelly is raising funds to benefit the Muny’s accessibility program.

Since its founding in 1919, accessibility has remained central to The Muny's mission.

Today, the program provides nearly 1,500 free seats throughout the season, along with community access initiatives, live sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, and closed captioning services for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

These programs transform lives.

They allow children, veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families facing challenges to experience the magic of live theater that many of us take for granted.

A Community That Gives Back

Kelly delivers toys to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital with proceeds from the Barbie Premiere With A Purpose event.

One of the things I love most about St. Louis is that our philanthropic community consistently rises to the occasion.

The people who fill charity galas, support local nonprofits, sponsor community events, and volunteer their time are not motivated by recognition. They are motivated by a desire to strengthen the community they call home.

That is why I hope many of our Sophisticated Living readers will consider joining Kelly on June 18.

Not because it is a fundraiser.

Not because it is a social event.

Not even because Hairspray is one of the most joyful and entertaining musicals ever written.

Attend because somewhere in the audience this season will be someone who otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience live theater.

Someone who will laugh, sing along, become inspired, and create memories that will last a lifetime because people they have never met cared enough to help.

That is the true beauty of philanthropy.

And that is what Kelly Burrell Bagwe's "Premiere With A Purpose" is all about.

A great night out.

A wonderful group of friends.

And the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the life of someone else.

I hope to see you there.

Tickets are $300 per seat. Click here to buy tickets and get more information.