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Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse

By: Apr. 27, 2017
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Donors, VIPs, subscribers and Hollywood celebrities were captivated by the musical genius and complex personality of Roger Miller during the opening night of King of the Road, the Roger Miller Story. Scroll down for photos from the star-studded evening!

"It was a magical evening at the theatre. Our audience knew they were in for a treat from the moment they arrived. They're an extraordinary company of artists and, in their hands, King of the Road, the Roger Miller Story soars," said Ann E. Wareham, Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director.

The star-studded opening included guests Patti D'Arbanville, Melanie Griffith, Blake Anderson Hanley, Tom Irwin, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson, and Emily Wickersham. Laguna Playhouse Board of Trustees Cody Engle, Ken Fischbeck, Glenn Gray, Lisa and James Hale, Melinda Masson, Dr. Gary Jenkins, James Mellor, Justin Myers, and Nicholas Yrizarry, along with The Playhouse's 96thseason sponsors Bill Eldien of Nolet's, Tim Muldeady of Gelson's, Victoria Strombom of Surterre Properties, and Toni Tartamella of First Republic Bank also enjoyed the festivities.

The evening began with 120 major donors enjoying an exclusive pre-show VIP reception featuring Nolet's signature cocktails, and catering by Justin Myers themed after the culinary favorites of Roger Miller.

On stage, Ms. Wareham welcomed the audience and provided special recognition to Trustee Lisa Hale for underwriting the show. Ms. Wareham added, "It's been nearly two years since Director Andy Barnicle brought the project that is King of The Road to my attention, and I'm proud to stand with him and co-authors Mary Miller and Cort Casady in presenting this World Premiere musical. This production not only gives us Roger Miller's amazing music, but insight into the brilliant and complex man himself. And what a delight to see Jesse Johnson (Still Getting My Act Together) back on our Moulton stage in the role of Roger Miller!"

Ellen Richard, Playhouse Executive Director noted, "All the hard work in rehearsals and previews made this one of the best shows yet, and the audience went wild at the curtain call when the music started. We are grateful to everyone who had a hand in bringing the show to our stage."

Throughout the show a very responsive audience hummed, sang, clapped, tapped their feet, snapped their fingers and jumped to a standing ovation and singing "King of the Road" along with the hand-in-hand cast at the end of the show.

Post-performance, patrons waited in the lobby with champagne in hand for a toast to the actors as they swirled down the spiral staircase to well-deserved accolades. Desserts provided generously by Gelson's were also a huge hit while patrons enjoyed the music of Kerry Getzeman on The Playhouse patio, courtesy of KX93.5 FM.

Adds Wally Ziegler, Playhouse House Manager, "It was one of my most memorable and enjoyed Opening's... and it was my 159th!"

King of the Road, the Roger Miller Story continues through Sunday, May 14; tickets are available at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Photo Credit: Ryan Miller, Capture Imaging, Inc.
high res photos Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse  Image
KING OF THE ROAD cast, crew, producers and Laguna Playhouse staff responsible for bringing the show to the stage. Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse  Image
Hollywood celebrities and Jesse Johnson's (Roger Miller) family congratulating him on a stellar performance include Dakota Johnson, dad Don Johnson, mom Patti D'Arbanville, Jesse Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse  Image
Laguna Playhouse donors Dorothy Bendetti, Michelle Bendetti (Laguna Playhouse Women co-chair) with Toni Tartamella, Managing Director of First Republic Bank, a Playhouse season sponsor. Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse  Image
Laguna Playhouse Board of Trustees and their spouses enjoying the festivities include Cody and Deborah Engle, Dr. Gary & Betsy Jenkins, guest Kaira Rouda, Ken and Lynda Fischbeck. Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse  Image
Laguna Playhouse Board of Trustee James Mellor and wife Suzanne, ready for the show to begin. Photo Flash: Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Don Johnson and More Celebrate KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY Opening at Laguna Playhouse  Image
Victoria Strombom of Surterre Properties with Martha Simkins-Davis.


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