The stellar performances on the stage of the beautiful Rose Hall showcased the talents of Dalton's students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and parents of alumni -- including lots of comedy, singing, dancing, percussion, and rapping. Emceed by Dalton parent Neil Patrick Harris, with an adorable assist by his Dalton second graders Harper '29 and Gideon '29, the audience also enjoyed performances by Parent of Alumni Neil Sedaka singing "Waking Up is Hard to Do" with pajama-clad 2nd and 3rd grade singers, and Alums Tessa Albertson '15 (singer), Chief Ayanda Clarke '94 (percussionist), Chase Croft '17 (rapper/dancer), Barrett Foa '95 (singer), Ashley Gavin '06 (comedian), Tash Neal '04 (musician), Gaby Niederhoffer '18 (dancer), and Victoria Stewart-Frommer '17 (singer).

Remarks by Board President Alan Klein touched upon Dalton's history. He said, "We celebrate our past --- the teachers, administrators, students and parents who have made this school one of the leading lights of education for the past century. And we celebrate all that we are doing to ensure that this school will remain at the forefront of education for the next century." While Jim Best, in his first year as Head of School said, "So much of my time at Dalton -- and so much of my first year as Head of School -- has been about gratitude....I'm grateful to lead a school that's unafraid to experiment, to explore, to be ambitious on behalf of its students, its city, and its world." Seniors Mia Freund '19 and Elijah Henderson '19 reflected on their experiences as Dalton students. 

The show culminated with singers going through an arch surrounded by 100 candles -- a nod to Dalton's traditional Arch and Candlelighting ceremonies -- while singing the poignant Sondheim song "Our Time." Tash Neal '04 played the Beatles's "Birthday" song for the electrifying, lights-flashing, Jimi Hendrix style finale.

Afterwards, mingling guests enjoyed cocktails, savory plates, dessert, and dancing to songs curated by DJ Milo McBride '08. Displayed on the screens throughout the venue were Dalton history milestones, along with an e-Journal featuring warm birthday messages from community members, and alumni sharing Dalton's impact on their lives. 

A big thanks to Dalton parents Julianna Margulies and Mikey Day who appeared in a charmingly funny video "Centennial Chat" interviewing students. Jim Best had a star turn with Neil Patrick Harris in a video
touring the 10th floor construction site. Thanks also to current Dalton student dancers, singers, and instrumentalists who also shared their formidable talents with the audience. 

An enormous thanks to Event Chairs Anita Pamintuan Fusco, Holly Speyer Lipton '91, and Arielle Tepper Madover '90, and the Auction Committee, for their vision, creativity, and diligence in helping to make this evening a success.

A standing ovation to Artistic Director/Producer Randi Sloan who pulled together this massively impressive show with help from faculty/staff members Justin Greer, Ernie Johns, Linda Lawrence, Nick Murphy '08, Craig Sculli, Bob Sloan, Charles Forster Stewert (Lighting Director), Jessica Torres-Rosa, and Meg Zeder. Thank you to Parent Neil Patel (Set Designer), and the entire Development, Alumni, and Communications teams for their invaluable contributions.

Last but not least, thank you to everyone who made this celebration an epic success -- as a ticket buyer, underwriter, auction/raffle supporter, performer, and alums who shared video vignettes on Dalton's influence. 

If you were unable to be there, be sure to check out the videos (links to the right) featuring Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Best, Juliana Margulies, Mikey Day and students that were screened at the gala; alumni vignettes; along with a lovely rendition of "In My Life" by Renee Fleming, her daughter Sage Ross '13, and Curtis Green '14.