La Jolla Playhouse Raises $375,000 at 2006 Gala

On Saturday, December 9, La Jolla Playhouse hosted "A Winter Fantasy," a gala benefit featuring Tony Award-winning actress and singer Patti LuPone.

Chaired by Playhouse trustee and past gala chair Debby Jacobs, the gala directly benefited The Playhouse's new play development and award-winning education programs, ensuring that The Playhouse will continue to bring adventurous work to San Diego and The National Theatre scene. The event made a net profit of $375,000.

"Six hundred die-hard fans of La Jolla Playhouse partied and danced the night away to raise funds for us.  Imagine...dining on the incredible food from Wolfgang Puck, watching a performance by Patti LuPone - true Broadway royalty - and then dancing the night away to the beat of America's best party band, Zowie Bowie.  We are deeply grateful to our patrons for their ongoing devotion to La Jolla Playhouse," states the theatre.

The evening began at 6:00 pm with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the courtyard and lobby, followed by a gourmet dinner designed by Wolfgang Puck, held in the elegantly transformed Potiker Theatre. Following dinner, a live auction commenced.  Among the auctioned items were a trip for San Francisco for two to attend the opening night of the national tour of Jersey Boys, as well as dinners, a cruise, and three Broadway debut packages, among others.  The Broadway hit Jersey Boys originated at La Jolla, as have numerous other acclaimed shows.

After the auction, LuPone took the stage with a mix of ballads and show tunes.  Following the performance, guests tore up the dance floor to the tunes of Zowie Bowie in the New Play Development Center, which had been transformed into a dessert and dance Solstice Soirée.  

Visit www.lajollaplayhouse.com for more information.

Photos by J.T. MacMillan; 1) Debby Jacobs; 2) guest and Jack Frost; 3) Des McAnuff