Paul Singarella with Daniele Struppa, and Bill Eldien Photo

From: Photo Flash: Laguna Playhouse Annual Gala Raises Record Amount as it Honors Suzanne and James Mellor

381 guests filled the Island Hotel in Newport Beach for Laguna Playhouse's annual fundraising gala. This year's event, themed Theatre Changes Lives, raised a record $600,000 in support of the Playhouse's mission to enrich lives through the magic of live theatre, to provide educational opportunities for children and adults, and to create experiences that stimulate cultural and social interaction and inspire our community. Proceeds from the event help cover the operating costs of the 96-year old icon, one of the oldest continuing operating theaters west of the Mississippi.  Within the funds raised that evening, $90,000 was raised for the Suzanne and James Mellor Laguna Playhouse Tribute Fund, which will provide theatre experiences for youth by providing tickets to performances and to cover the cost of transporting youth groups to the theatre.