Fred Feller

Berkeley's acclaimed Aurora Theatre Company, now in its 17th season, celebrated both the company's start of construction on its expansion and the commencement of the public phase of its $2.1 million capital campaign with a wall-breaking ceremony held on January 12, 2009. Over 100 VIPS and local luminaries attended the event, including Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, Berkeley City Manager Phil Kamlarz, and City Councilmembers Jesse Arreguin, Laurie Capitelli and Kriss Worthington. After enjoying cocktails and a sumptuous buffet of Ahi tuna tartar, Saumon Poch?e, and Quenelle Souffl?, courtesy of Bistro Liaison, guests watched lead donor Deborah Ruth, hammer in hand, break through the ceremonial brick wall constructed especially for the event; the expanded space will be named The Nell and Jules Dashow Wing in honor of Deborah Ruth's parents. The new expansion is the final project of the late acclaimed theater architect Gene Angell (with his partner Brian Rawlinson). Construction by general contractor Oliver & Company, Inc., with construction management by Edward Van of E.J. Van Company, Inc., began January 13. After opening remarks from Aurora Theatre Company Board President and co- capital campaign committee chair Robert B. Hetler, guests listened to heart-warming speeches about the history and future of the Aurora from Artistic Director Tom Ross and founding Artistic Director Barbara Oliver, as well as an enthusiastic proclamation from Mayor Bates officially declaring January 12th 'Aurora Theatre Company Day.' Aurora Theatre Company Technical Director/Production Coordinator Chris Killion led guests on a tour of the new space, where co-campaign committee chair Carolyn Weinberger gave a rousing champagne toast. On hand to lend their support were Rawlinson along with Gene Angell's widow, Pat Angell. Also attending were campaign committee members John Caner, Alison Teeman, and Muffy Thorne, as well as Board Vice President and President-elect Ellen Levine and Board members Joel Altman, Fred Feller, Jim Fowler, Tony Hawthorne, Wendy Markel, Carol Neil, Hillary Reinis, Leigh Robinson, Cindy Snow, and Diane Verducci.