Thank you Donizetta for giving Elizabeth Abraham, Isabel David and Ashley Wehrly something to smile about.

As chairs of Houston Grand Opera's opening night gala, the trio embraced the romance and frolic of the composer's Elixir of Love. No tragic operatic ending and dark moods to dampen party spirits. The romp and playful mood at Wortham Theater Center carried over to the dinner tent on Fish Plaza.

A record-breaking crowd of 500 enthusiastically poured in to continue the on-stage celebration. The big difference -- the opera's protagonists were peasants. In the plaza, the players represented the creme-de-la-creme of Houston society. And in their lavish black-tie finery, partygoers provided a rich and welcome counterpoint to the rather bland costuming of the production.

Dressing up HGO general director Anthony Freud's table were social icons Margaret Williams and Lynn Wyatt. Across the dreamy landscape, we encountered HGO board chairman Glen Rosenbaum, senior board chair Bob Cavnar and wife Gracie and chairman emeritus John Scott Arnoldy and his glam sidekick Jana Arnoldy. The evening honored the Cavnars as President and First Lady of HGO.

Perhaps the best table in the house was that of HGO patron Beth Madison. She had the honor of hosting the night's leading lady, Russian soprano Ekaterina Siurina. A great night for all at the table including University of Houston president Renu Khator and husband Suresh Khator, Dick Kuriger, Betsy and Rick Webber and Mike Rierson.

Everywhere you looked, there were beautiful people -- 2010 HGO ball chairs Denise Bush Bahr and Philip Bahr hosting Joanne King Herring, Kathy and Marty Goossen, HGO music director Patrick Summers and Olga and Gerald Bush at their center stage table.

Jennifer and Doug Bosch, in addition to being top underwriters of the evening, provided their signature glam factor. Kevin Liles, executive vice president with Warner Music Group, added a high note to the Cavnar table.

Adding to the rich tableau -- Donna and Robert Bruni, Karen and Harry Pinson, Lucia and Justin Hamilton, Karen and Mike Mayell, Diane Lokey Farb, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

All were tempted by the dessert from the night's caterer, Tony's restaurant. Waiters topped the chocolate confection with a dreamy cherry and Barolo "elixir." Did the love potion heat up romantic inclinations? We're not telling.