He’s a man with many talents. Harry Saltzgaver, the former executive editor of the Grunion Gazette, once again wrote a fun script for the annual “Radio Show” that was performed on June 11 at the law offices of Keesal Young & Logan.
There were around 65 people attending the fundraiser that supports the Long Beach Playhouse, one of the oldest continually operating community theaters this side of theMississippi. The humorous event raised around $6,000, money that is earmarked toward the next Mainstage season and roof repairs.The Port of Long Beach sponsored the evening.
The cast and the audience had a great time. The performers were former Rep. Alan Lowenthal, state Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal, City Auditor Laura Doud, City Prosecutor Doug Haubert, Councilmember Kristina Duggan, Long Beach Symphony President Kelly Ruggirello and Rancho Los Alamitos Executive Director Tim Roberts.
Seen at the Scene: Long Beach Playhouse Executive Director Madison Mooney, Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, Playhouse board President Roxanne Patmor, Lisa Haubert, Beth and Steve Keesal, Marlene Temple, Carl and Kathy Dasilva, Kristi Fischer and Ray Smith.
Long Beach Play House Radio Show, photo from left, Harry and Maria Saltzgaver with Lisa and Doug Haubert. (Courtesy photo)
Musical Theatre West Footlighters scholarship recipients, photo from left, (Back Row) Zoe McLaughlin, Brenna Popp, Max Sanders, Connor Pelonis, Nathan Andreas, William Pearce, Collin Higgins, Robbie Muñoz. (Front Row) Aylania LeBlanc, Eric Sillas, Samantha Pressey, Marisa Martinez, Avery Santore, Sophia Romo, Andromeda Bruschke, Noah Peralta. (Courtesy photo)
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Long Beach Play House Radio Show, photo from left, Harry and Maria Saltzgaver with Lisa and Doug Haubert. (Courtesy photo)
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Musical Theatre West’s Footlighters
Sixteen talented students received scholarships from Musical Theatre West’s Footlighters during the annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Grand on June 20. Each year, after a rigorous audition procedure, MTW recognizes high school students for their achievements in vocal performance, dance and technical theater.
Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $120,000 in scholarships. Many of the recipients have gone on to perform across the country and several have appeared – or are currently appearing — on Broadway. MTW Executive Director and producer Paul Gaman welcomed the 200 attendees. MTW board President Suzie Price described the event as a “showcase of talent – with lunch.”
Footlighters President Marnos Lelesi welcomed parents and sponsors of the awardees, as well as MTW trustees and members of the MTW Guild. She explained the Footlighters’ goalof supporting education outreach through free student matinees, classes and community events, serving more than 21,000 students last year.
The MTW Footlighters scholarship for stage management was presented to Connor Pelonis. Marisa Martinez was presented with the scholarship for costuming; a number of hercostumes for a recent production were on display for all to admire. Recent MTW scholarship recipients were assigned to guide and advise the new awardees. They gave a rousing ensemble performance of “Be the Hero” from the musical “Big Fish.”
Receiving Footlighters Scholarships in dance were Andromeda Bruschke and Brenna Popp, who gave individual performances, including in modern/jazz dance.
Vocal scholarship recipients gave stirring individual renditions of their chosen songs, including those from “Phantom of the Opera,” “My Fair Lady,” “Les Miserables,” “Little Women” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The audience was moved and inspired by the passion and talent of the young performers — who sang as though they had years of experience.
Following individual performances, scholarships were awarded to vocalists Nathan Andreas (Mu-ZAK Scholarship); Collin Higgins (Garman Family Scholarship); Aylania LeBlanc(Footlighters Scholarship – Vocal); Zoe McLaughlin (Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship); Robbie Munoz (Stevi Meredith Scholarship); William Pearce (DAAG Scholarship); NoahPeralta (James H. Ackerman Scholarship); Samantha Pressey (Jane Netherton Scholarship); Sophia Romo (Don Knabe Scholarship); Max Sanders (John Bisom Scholarship); AverySantore (Maloney and Spiegel Families Shining Star Scholarship); and Eric Sillas (Don Temple Family Scholarship).
The program finale was an inspiring ensemble performance of a number from the popular musical “Bright Star,” which apropos, starts with the line “I’m Ready for My Life to Begin,” and appropriately speaks to holding on to hope, maintaining vision and trusting in the future even in difficult times.
Following enthusiastic applause, Footlighters Scholarship Committee Chair Deborah Smith acknowledged the committee: Lee Conduti, Stephanie Gliebe, Chris Huff, JananJohnson, Roxanne Korzeniowski, Claire Rand, Robert Sciortino, Ami Silverman, Sandy Wells and Penny Wilds. She also acknowledged Footlighter Ginny Pace, and MTW Education Outreach staff, (including Dana Leach, Kaylee Brubaker, and Samantha Parker).
The event ended with the pulling of the ever-popular opportunity tickets sold by Footlighters members Steve Hicke and Jack Gesner for the beautiful gift baskets assembled by Lisa Maloney and Diane Spiegel. A MOMA scarf and handbag were won by Marilyn Gabel; a lovely green jewelry set went to Jackie Stanfield; Cathy Crane won the coveted custom greeting cards by created by Marno Lelesi; and Marnos won a lovely spring floral wreath.
Note: MTW’s upcoming production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will run from Saturday, July 11, to 26.
Seen at the Scene: Kimberly Bemowski, Bonnie Castrey, Gloria Deukmejian, Pam Dingwell, Jan Foster, Nancy Koblensky, Cheryl McNulty, Beverly Silverman, Cynthia Terry, Joan Wells, and Jan Hall Zolin. MTW staff present included Associate Producer Bren Thor, General Manager Douglas Senecal, Special Events Coordinator Yadira Del Rincon, DevelopmentCoordinator Taylor Presnall, and Marketing Coordinator Courtney Kaia.
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.