Pasadena Playhouse gala fundraiser June 1

 The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran Executive Director) announced today that the “best party in Pasadena” annual fundraiser entitled PREMIERE GALA  “DESTINATION”: AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER would be held at a private club in Pasadena on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.  This year’s event will honor Playhouse Alumni/supporter and Broadway producer Kathleen K. Johnson. The Playhouse Board of Directors will be spearheading this red carpet gala event inspired by the Hollywood glamour of the 1940s and 1950s.

Gala honoree Kathleen K. Johnson’s love affair with The Pasadena Playhouse began in her teenage years where she was a student at the theatre’s dramatic arts college.  Although she never pursued an acting career, she went on to be come a successful, Tony Award-winning Broadway producer (Hair, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Best Man, The Lyons).  Her affection for The Playhouse remained with her over the years and when the theatre was in need of financial support in 2010, Kathleen was a major factor in the matching campaign tied to the million-dollar donation by Mike Stoller and Corky Hale Stoller.  Her on-going generosity and history with The Playhouse makes her designation as this year’s Gala honoree most apt and deserved.

“Our annual Gala event provides us with a welcome opportunity to celebrate our recent successes and recognize the people who help us accomplish our ambitious goals.” stated Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps.  “This year, I find it hard to find a more deserving honoree than in Kathleen Johnson, whose roots are firmly grounded in the history of our theatre. From student, to producer, to supporter, her heart has been committed to seeing our Playhouse thrive.  I am tremendously grateful for her friendship and support and for her on-going commitment to our future success.”

Sheila Grether-Marion, Board Chair of The Playhouse added, “We anticipate a festive, large crowd for our annual Gala, An Affair To Remember, to be held June 1, where we will honor Katleen K. Johnson, prolific Broadway and Pasadena Playhouse producer, donor and friend.  Her many credits include Hair, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Night in the Theatre and South Street. The following night, we will present the world premiere of Sleepless in Seattle – The Musical.  Many of us have had a sneak peak and it looks and sounds fabulous!”

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 Christine Franke, Major Gifts Officer and Kimberly Ruppert, Special Events Coordinator for Development.

For more information on the Gala sponsorship or ticket information, please contact Kimberly Ruppert in the Development Office at 626-204-7383 or gala@pasadenaplayhouse.org.