Musical Theatre West recently held its sixth Community Connects event at the MTW rehearsal hall.
“In the Belmont Heights” was inspired by MTW’s upcoming production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights,” which opens April 10 at the Carpenter Center.
“These events have been so successful,” said event planner Samantha Parker, “they plan to continue the series.”
On March 21, the sunny event drew a neighborhood crowd of 220. There was something for everyone, and it was a lot of free fun for the whole family. Highlights included salsa dancing lessons led by the Cal State Long Beach Salsa Club, instrument-making workshops with Martín Espino and live music by Los Calicubanos. The latter is a high-energy Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz/salsaensemble from Los Angeles, blending the rhythms of Cuba with the vibrant spirit of Southern California.
“In the Heights,” the MTW show, focuses on the everyday lives of residents in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in New York City. Washington Heights is predominantly Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban. The musical highlights the importance of community ties in shaping individual identities — their perspectives, hopes and dreams.
The MTW Educational Outreach event focused on Latin cultures and highlighted the same cultures here in Long Beach. The group created and displayed timelines showing how demographics have changed since the 1950s.
The day included food vendor Tacos Uziel bringing street food flavors to the event. The Aquarium of the Pacific brought an activity for all ages that explored the oceanic inhabitants of the countries and communities being celebrated. The Museum of Latin American Art was a key contributor in planning along with the Historical Society of Long Beach, which was also paramount in helping MTW draw similarities between Long Beach and Washington Heights by displaying educational findings linking the communities and shared dreams for a better world. Friends of the Long Beach Public Library passed out free books, written in English and Spanish, about different Latin cultures.
“The Slim Reaper Light Show” featured a display using CRT TVs, showing educational findings from HSLB, as well as some history about “In the Heights” and MTW.
Seen at the scene: Samantha Parker, Yadira Del Rincon, Erim Kardes, Juan-Carlos Perez, MTW Executive Producer Paul Garman, Reed Sharp, Daryl Leach, Taylor Leach, Mary Dixon, Martin Espino, Barbara Sosa, Tevykah Pouv, Joseph Moore Raygoza, Dana Leach, Lily Graff, Brittany Fisheli, Kaylee Brubaker, Suzie Price, Marnos Lelesi and Diane Spiegel
Musical Theatre West, photo from left, Back Row: Dana Leach, Sam Parker, Lily Graff. Front row: Daryl Leach, Brittany Fisheli, Kaylee Brubaker, Yadira Del Rincon. (Courtesy photo)
Children’s Benefit League, photo from left, Denise Piazza, Kathy Peterson and Mary Bell. (Courtesy photo)
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Musical Theatre West, photo from left, Back Row: Dana Leach, Sam Parker, Lily Graff. Front row: Daryl Leach, Brittany Fisheli, Kaylee Brubaker, Yadira Del Rincon. (Courtesy photo)
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Children’s Benefit League
Polynesian Paradise, “Aloha Inspires Giving,” was the theme of the Children’s Benefit League’s fundraiser March 21 at Old Ranch Country Club. The fun event drew a crowd of 175 supporters. The day was full of delights, and a true aloha time was had.
“Uke and be Happy” featured members of the Kolohe Ukulele Club with Hula and Ukulele performances and vocals in Hawaiian and English languages. More than 100 baskets and 10vacations trips were up for bid in the silent auction; a wine pull, 50/50 draw and cash prizes gave everyone an opportunity to get involved.
Very competitive bidding in the live auction went on for a Gondola Getaway, including a floating pizzeria and salad dinner from Domenico’s Restaurant; ABC tour and live broadcast, plus a viewing of “Eyewitness News” and a meet-and-greet of the news anchors; a Duffy Ride and Boathouse Fireside Seafood Pasta Dinner and a tour of Alamitos Bay; a private tea party with an elegant setting of vintage China, curated linens, fine tea and beautifully presented sweet and savory delicacies; and a two-hour Duffy holiday lights cruise of Naples, for a party of six.
Record funds were raised to support the five clinics the Children’s Benefit league supports: the Guidance Center, Ability First, The Children’s Clinic, The Children’s Dental Clinic and John Tracy Center. Delicious salad, Teriyaki chicken and shrimp, macaroni salad and a white yam was the meal — with heavenly coconut cake for dessert.
Seen at the scene: Jona Howe, Rachael Campbell, Mary Bell, Kathy Peterson, Jan Barcus, Carols Black, Lorie Franck, Lauren Garcia, Susan Laffiche, Donna McFarland, Amy Palafox, Andrea LaVela, Elaine McKay, Nancy Perkins, Debbie Welding, Pat Leue, Judy Nichols, Nancy Brazo, Madden Michele Nygard, Zelda Rice, Sylvia Desmond, Susan Livesay, Judy Nichols, Donna Luciene, Donna Buntrock and Denise Piazza.
News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.