Laguna Playhouse To Honor Hershey Felder At 2019 Gala Benefit

From past to present, Laguna Playhouse marches towards its Centennial honoring Hershey Felder at this year's gala on May 18, 2019 at the Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach.

Following the success of last year's gala honoring the Moulton Family for their past and continued dedication to Laguna Playhouse raising nearly $1.8 million dollars, Laguna Playhouse will honor an artistic icon, Hershey Felder, for his commitment to Laguna Playhouse bringing original content and performing to sold-out audiences for a decade, and for his work to keep regional theatres, such as Laguna Playhouse, alive and vibrant across the world.

Hershey Felder is an accomplished pianist, performer, playwright, producer, and director. He; has played over 4,700 performances of his unique solo productions at some of the world's most prestigious theatres. He has portrayed many world-renowned composers such as George Gershwin, Fryderyk Chopin, Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, bringing both their music and their stories to life. Hershey is also the writer and director for the internationally performed play-with-music The Pianist of Willesden Lane,based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane; the producer and designer Louis and Keely: 'Live' at the Sahara, directed by Taylor Hackford; and writer and director for Nathan Gunn Flying Solo.

"Hershey Felder is a unique talent that transcends traditional theatrical boundaries putting the roles of artist, writer/composer, and director into that of one. He is no less an internationally acclaimed World Treasure, and we are proud to be able to honor him on this special evening," said Ellen Richard, Laguna Playhouse Executive Director.

This year's gala, co-chaired by Trustees Lisa Hale and Glenn E. Gray, will begin with a VIP reception where Hershey Felder and special guests will perform in front of an exclusive intimate audience. The evening program will also feature a performance by Hershey Felder and a heartfelt tribute to Felder. Finally, the evening will conclude with live music and dancing. Nearly 400 are expected in attendance at the Gala and last year's gala was named in the top five net fundraising gala in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal. More on the gala can be found at www.lagunaplayhousegala.org

Laguna Playhouse will also conclude its renovation of the historic Moulton Theatre in May celebrating 50 years since it was built. Laguna Playhouse will celebrate its Centennial Season in 2020-2021.

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