DreamBuilders: From Post Office to Box Office at WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its founding with DreamBuilders: From Post Office to Box Office, a virtual benefit celebrating the landmark occasion and honoring Dreambuilders the Honorable Vicki Reynolds, Founding President Paul Selwyn and the late President Emeritus Richard Rosenzweig, on Thursday, DECEMBER 3, 2020, at 6:30 pm. Presented by Harry Winston, Inc., the benefit is hosted by Wallis Board Members Debbie Allen and Nigel Lythgoe, OBE, with Wallis Annenberg serving as Honorary Chair. The festive celebration, filled with dazzling entertainment, includes virtual red carpet arrivals plus performances by such stellar artists as Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, who starred in The Wallis' 2018 presentation of Long Day's Journey into Night; Artist-in-Residence/acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope; jazz legend Patrice Rushen; and Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Sheléa. It also features performances by Broadway star and American Idol season one top-four finalist Tamarya Gray (Rent, Once on the Island) with Lily Zager, star student from GRoW@TheWallis' acclaimed Broadway Dreams program and The Miracle Project; the nationally recognized John Burrows High School Powerhouse Choir; and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

Dreambuilders provides a fascinating 25-year look-back at The Wallis' remarkable history, from its origins in 1933 as the City of Beverly Hill's historic post office, to its transformation into a world class performing arts venue, which embraces both classic and modern architecture and opened its doors to tremendous critical acclaim in 2013. The breathtaking 70,000-square-foot facility, quickly became a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and International Artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences, and the eclectic programming it presents mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world.

Proceeds benefit the Hope @ The Wallis Resiliency Fund, a crucial source of philanthropic support for The Wallis during its unanticipated and lengthy closure due to the global pandemic.

"As we celebrate The Wallis' silver anniversary, we proudly recognize Vicki Reynolds, Paul Selwyn and the late Richard Rosenzweig for their enormous role in its founding," said benefit co-chairs Daphna Nazarian and Stephanie Vahn. "Their extraordinary vision, exceptional leadership and tireless efforts over many years helped ensure The Wallis' genesis. Twenty-five years ago, they envisioned a future where an iconic Beverly Hills post office could become a world-class performance venue, delivering the performing arts, civic life and arts education to our community. Supported by many others, including the inimitable Fred Hayman and fearless Founding Chairman Bram Goldsmith, who shared in their desire to establish a premier cultural arts destination in Beverly Hills, they made their dream an exquisite reality. It is with deep gratitude that we honor them as community visionaries and dream builders. Together we go far."

The Wallis Executive Director and CEO Rachel Fine states, "Not only does our first virtual benefit enable The Wallis to reflect on its roots by honoring the dedicated community members who made possible its very existence, but also it helps support our unprecedented and vital fundraising needs to ensure The Wallis can reopen with strength once it's safe to do so. This virtual benefit, in particular, is helping to bolster our organization and assure its future."

Patron sponsor packages and single tickets for the virtual benefit, starting at $500, are available beginning NOVEMBER 2. For tickets and information, visit TheWallis.org/DreamBuilders, call 310.746.4000 (Tues. - Fri., 9:30am - 2:30pm) or email Tickets@TheWallis.org.