Kerry Butler to Host 'Moon over Morocco' Benefit at La Jolla 10/24

On Friday, October 24, 2008 La Jolla Playhouse hosts Moon over Morocco, a gala benefit featuring the Tony-nominated star of Xanadu on Broadway, Kerry Butler. The annual gala will take place in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse.

Proceeds will directly benefit La Jolla Playhouse New Play Development and Educational & Outreach Programs. This will ensure that the Playhouse continues to bring adventurous work to San Diego and the national theatre scene.

Experience intrigue amid Moroccan scents, pillows, garb, henna art, belly dancers and gourmet morsels by Wolfgang Puck Catering. The evening begins at 7pm with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. At 8pm dinner is served with exquisite wines. The live auction starts at 9pm. At 9:30pm, Broadway’s Xanadu goddess Kerry Butler, who The New York Times says “sings gloriously” performs. Continuing the exotic flair, the “Bazaar” dessert and dance party featuring Las Vegas band, Zowie Bowie will take place from 10pm to 12:30am.

“I am absolutely delighted to have Kerry Butler performing here at La Jolla Playhouse – the next home of Xanadu,” says Artistic Director Christopher Ashley. “Not only is she a great friend, Kerry is also an electrifying, hilarious and enchanting performer.”

This year’s Gala is chaired by: Debby Jacobs, Sheri Jamieson, and Jeanne Jones. All of whom are generous supporters who decided to join forces this year to host Moon over Morocco.  Gala individual ticket prices range from $75 to $2,500. Dinner tables are available from $3,000 to $25,000. The dress is cocktail or Moroccan-themed attire.

“What could be more exciting than an evening in Morocco with all of the fabulous colors and textures, the sights, sounds, intrigue and glamour of this mysterious country,” says gala chair Jeanne Jones, “and it is all coming to you on Friday, October 24th at the La Jolla Playhouse Gala!”

For additional information or to purchase tickets: please call 858-550-1020 x154 or go online to www.lajollaplayhouse.cmarket.com.

The nationally acclaimed, Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse is known for its tradition of creating the most exciting and adventurous new work in regional theatre. The Playhouse was founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, and is considered one of the most well respected not-for-profit theatres in the country.  Numerous Playhouse productions have moved to Broadway, including The Farnsworth Invention, Big River, The Who’s Tommy, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, A Walk in the Woods, Dracula, Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, the Pulitzer-Prize winning I Am My Own Wife, and the currently running Jersey Boys.

Kerry Butler (Clio/Kira in Xanadu on Broadway) starred as Audrey in Broadway’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS where she was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award.   She originated the role of Penny Pingleton in HAIRSPRAY, earning the Clarence Derwent Award  as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. She also originated the roles of Shelley in BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL, Maddy in PRODIGAL, Isabelle in MIRACLE BROTHERS at the Vineyard Theater, and DeeDee in the musical version of THE OPPOSITE OF SEX.   Kerry has enjoyed other long runs on Broadway as Belle in BEAUTY IN THE BEAST (DORA nomination), Eponine in LES MISERABLES and Ms. Jones in BLOOD BROTHERS. Other New York roles include Barrow in THE “I” WORD at Ensemble Studio Theatre, Claudia in THE FOLSOM HEAD at the Currican Theatre, and the workshops of THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT, PANDORA’S BOX, L’AMORE and BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY.  On television Kerry played the lead role in a Fox television pilot.  She has also appeared in a CBS television movie with Roma Downey entitled SECOND HONEYMOON. Kerry has had featured roles on several other television shows including ANOTHER WORLD, SESAME STREET, HOMETOWN, and most recently Claudia Reston on ONE LIFE TO LIVE.  Kerry’s film credits include Lion’s Gate independent film, BOROUGH OF KINGS and a horror film entitled CAMPFIRE STORIES.

Photo Credit Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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