Sonja Kostich, Margaret Alkek Williams, and Jim Nelson
HOUSTON BALLET’S 2025–2026 season opened in high style with a double celebration. After the curtain fell on Onegin — John Cranko’s tale of love and rejection — more than 220 patrons gathered on stage at the Wortham for the annual Opening Night Onstage Dinner, one of the company’s most anticipated traditions.
The evening paid special tribute to Executive Director Jim Nelson, who is beginning his final season with the company. Nelson, who took the helm in 2012, guided the Ballet through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the challenges of COVID. During dinner, Nelson was honored with a proclamation from the City of Houston. Even Nelson’s mother attended and received a special shout-out during his dinner toast.
The night’s second milestone belonged to Margaret Alkek Williams, Houston Ballet’s beloved benefactor, who celebrated her 90th birthday on the very day. Guests raised flutes of Madame Zéro champagne and shared slices of her favorite indulgence — chocolate cake — served in her honor.
Designed by Bergner and Johnson, the transformed stage offered an enchanting backdrop of mahogany lattice chairs, gold vases of spring blooms and whimsical details. Dinner from City Kitchen matched the setting’s elegance: heirloom tomato tartare with basil sorbet, followed by pan-seared chicken with Madeira jus.
As Nelson introduced Houston Ballet’s new Executive Director, Sonja Kostich, and guests toasted both him and Williams, the evening marked more than an opening — it was a celebration of legacy and philanthropy. This year’s Opening Night Onstage Dinner raised a record-breaking $500,000.
Angel Rios, Richard Flowers, Duyen and Marc Nguyen
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Shara and Kent Schaffer
David Groover, Sasha Davis, C.C. Conner, Jessica Collado
Deborah Koehler and Julie Kent
Jonathan and Margaret Cox, Anne and Albert Chao
Marguerite Swartz and Jane DiPaolo
Marianne Geagea, Sayako Toku, Joe Geagea
Marsha Bourque, Gary and Marian Beauchamp
Melza and Ted Barr
Richard and Kris McGee
Stephen and Kelley Lubanko, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw
Steve and Mignon Gill
