On Theater: Broadway revue boosts Playhouse
The Costa Mesa Playhouse will be giving its regards to Broadway this weekend, hoping that musical theater buffs will be giving their regards to the playhouse.
For its annual fundraiser, the 45-year-old theater will offer “Broadway, the Best of Times,” a potpourri of show tunes from hit shows of past (“West Side Story,” “Guys and Dolls”) and present (“Hairspray,” “Spring Awakening”).
The show’s cast of 20 singers will include a pair with real Broadway credits: Megan Hilty, who’s performed in “Wicked” and “9 to 5,” and Steve Kazee, from the company of Monty Python’s “Spamalot.”
Hilty and Kazee also will conduct an “Audition Intensive” musical theater workshop, sponsored by Broadway Knights, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the playhouse, 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa.
The workshop is open to the first 40 people to register, all ages and types. Those attending should prepare two contrasting musical theater numbers (16 to 32 bars), and there also may be some cold readings.
Cost of the workshop is $125 per person. Those seeking registration details or more information should contact David Blair, vice president of the playhouse board of directors, at (714) 717-9971.
“We’re excited that Broadway Knights chose to partner with the Costa Mesa Playhouse on this musical theater workshop,” Blair said. “Broadway Knights was founded to assist non-profit organizations and charities in raising money and gaining exposure, which is what we aim to do with this workshop.”
All proceeds from the weekend event will go toward furthering the theater’s productions. The program will include a silent auction Saturday — offering items such as show tickets, restaurant and store gift certificates, artwork and jewelry.
“It’s still not too late to donate,” playhouse board member Mike Brown says.
Anyone who would like to donate an item to be auctioned, please contact the playhouse at (949) 650-5269 or by e-mail to backofthemind@comcast.net.
Tickets for 8 tonight and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday are $20. For Saturday’s gala, which includes the silent auction, the cost is $35.
“The show is being dedicated to Melanie McBride, the playhouse’s former board president, who passed away June 4,” Brown said. “She loved musicals.”
TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Fridays.
