Pasadena Playhouse's PREMIERE GALA: DESTINATION is Tonight, May 19

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Charles Dillingham, interim Executive Director) previously announced that the "best party in Pasadena" annual fundraiser entitled PREMIERE GALA: DESTINATION would be held at the private home of Playhouse Board member Stephen Bennett and his wife Chantal Bennett in San Marino tonight, May 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. This year's event will honor two "jewels" – Playhouse Board Chair Michele Dedeaux Engemann and The Pasadena Playhouse. Gala Chair Sheila Grether-Marion and The Playhouse Board of Directors will be spearheading this gala event which will sparkle with cocktails, a seated dinner catered by The Kitchen For Exploring Foods, dancing and live entertainment provided by Wayne Foster.

"The Playhouse Gala is tremendously important to us in terms of our yearly fundraising efforts," said Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. "In this case it becomes of even more vital importance as it gives us the opportunity to honor and celebrate Michele for her many valuable contributions to our theatre. I am so happy that this year's grand and glorious party will serve the theatre's efforts, while we also honor Michele for all that she has done and continues to do to keep The Playhouse alive and thriving."

"I'd like to invite everyone to join us at "the best party in Pasadena"-our largest annual fund raising event-and to honor our outgoing Board Chair, Michele Engemann. Under her outstanding leadership over the past three years, The Playhouse has successfully emerged from a period of reorganization free of debt, strong and excited about our future!" stated Gala Chair Sheila Grether-Marion. "We plan to celebrate our two "jewels" with this special, theatrically festive evening."

"It has been an honor and privilege to work with a gifted group of individuals who truly love The Pasadena Playhouse and who celebrate the importance of dramatic arts in our worldwide community," said Playhouse Board Chair and Gala honoree Michele Dedeaux Engemann. "We have and will continue to foster the cultural and artistic legacy represented in the works performed here and I am truly honored to have played a small role in a time cherished cast of fellow supporters of the performing arts."

Corporate, patron, underwriting and other sponsorship opportunities are available from $1,000 - $25,000 and single tickets are $275 per person. Print media sponsorship for the Gala will be provided by Outlook Newspapers and online media sponsorship will be provided by Pasadena Now.

PREMIERE GALA: DESTINATION is overseen by The Pasadena Playhouse's development department led by Jennifer Berger, Director of Development together with Patti Eisenberg, Director of Individual Gifts and Beth Lewis, Development Associate.

For more information on the Gala sponsorship or ticket information, please contact the Development Office at 626-921-1156 or gala@pasadenaplayhouse.org.