Paul Singarella

The Laguna Playhouse raised $1.7 Million at their annual gala held on May 12, 2018 at Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California. Attended by 400 playhouse patrons, the sold-out event featured a VIP Sponsors Reception, an elegant dinner, live and silent auction, entertainment and a special performance by 'Phantom of the Opera' star Davis Gaines. Honored at the event were the Moulton Family and South Coast Plaza.

381 guests filled the Island Hotel in Newport Beach for Laguna Playhouse's annual fundraising gala. This year's event, themed Theatre Changes Lives, raised a record $600,000 in support of the Playhouse's mission to enrich lives through the magic of live theatre, to provide educational opportunities for children and adults, and to create experiences that stimulate cultural and social interaction and inspire our community. Proceeds from the event help cover the operating costs of the 96-year old icon, one of the oldest continuing operating theaters west of the Mississippi.  Within the funds raised that evening, $90,000 was raised for the Suzanne and James Mellor Laguna Playhouse Tribute Fund, which will provide theatre experiences for youth by providing tickets to performances and to cover the cost of transporting youth groups to the theatre.

On Saturday, April 29, 2017 Laguna Playhouse will host its annual Gala at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach honoring longtime supporters of Laguna Playhouse and the arts, Suzanne and James Mellor.

Laguna Playhouse Board of Directors announced today that, later this month, Ellen Richard will be joining Laguna Playhouse as its Interim Executive Director. The Playhouse announced late last year that it was undertaking a national search guided by Arts Consulting Group (ACG) for an Executive Director to succeed Karen Wood who had held this position for the past eight years.

The Laguna Playhouse announced today, a key leadership transition slated for 2016.  Karen Wood, executive director will be leaving the Playhouse completing her 8th season at the 95 year old landmark institution.   As Executive Director, Ms. Wood has been instrumental in the programming and business model re-designs that successfully propelled the Playhouse through the challenging years of the deep financial recession.