Inside Look at Melinda Anderson
Posted: 10/10/2007

As the Michigan Opera Theater opens a new season with the world premier of "Cyrano", Dr. David DiChiera's original opera, there are tons of preparations underway to ensure that patrons experience the french provincial countryside from the beginning of their three day journey to the end. Heading up the design of the opening weekend's events is event designer extraordinaire and industry veteran Melinda Anderson of Colonial Party Event Rental.

If the name sounds familiar it should. In the past five years, Anderson has taken the event world in Michigan by storm by transforming local venues into flights of fancy using her signature dashes of bright, bold colors and utilizing lights in unique ways. Most recently patrons who attended the Michigan Opera Theater's Encore group's Bravo Bravo! event, which Anderson chaired were privy to not just another fundraiser, but a multi-sensory extravaganza. This year's event which included the traditional restaurant and bar buffets provided by the area's leading restaurants, but featured a wide variety of Metro Detroit talent including three DJ's, two bands, a violinist, a singer, a psychic duo all inside of what seemed to be the biggest club in the world. Using modern furniture, lighting, a dizzying array of flowing fabrics and a volunteer staff of 100, the Detroit Opera House ceased to exist that evening and the ultimate home of cool was erected.

After working with the Opera house now for nearly six year's on various projects, working on Cyrano has been a dream come true for Anderson. "For nearly eight years Dr. DiChiera has poured his heart and soul into this piece. I plan to make sure that the attendees of the Opera Ball, the opening night and Brunch with the Artists will be events to remember", said Anderson.

So what inspires this designer to create such magical events? According to Anderson it's her life. "I'm inspired by my life. My personal life is like an opera. The things I've been through, from having the opportunity to live in Berlin for a year to making the journey from traditional architecture design to events, it's been a great ride."

With so many events under her belt there are two events that Anderson would like to wrap her creative and passionate little hands around: the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council's Fash Bash and General Motors Cars and Stars fashion show. "Fash Bash is such a awesome event. It really is a great way to see the city's transformation every year, from fashion to art. I'd like to work on GM's Cars and Stars event because it's a wonderful concept. Bringing together some of the world's most famous faces with some of Detroit's pride and joy, our cars. It's one of those events that's low key, but so important. This event showcases just how cosmopolitan our city is becoming".

Looking ahead to the future, this industry veteran is looking to expand her talents in other markets as well. "I'd like to stay based in Detroit, but do events in cities like Los Angeles and New York. It's an opportunity to challenge myself and make me a stronger designer".

For Anderson, living life means living inside of her dreams. By doing so she has created events for everyone from brides, non-profits and everyone in between that have been nothing short of flights of fancy woven with bold colors, beams of light and passion.

To view Anderson's designs for yourself and support the Michigan Opera Theater 's new production "Cyrano" visit www.motopera.org for ticket information regarding the Opera Ball, Opening Night performance and dinner and Brunch with the Artists. Tickets for all three events are still available.

 

- Nicole Brown

Nicole@detroitfashionpages.com

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