The Valley Line: Silver anniversary gala for A Noise Within unfolds like a well-scripted play
The elegant California Club in downtown Los Angeles was the setting for A Noise Within’s 25th anniversary gala that raised more than $275,000, breaking a previous single-event record for the nonprofit theater and its many educational programs.
The story of A Noise Within is remarkable in itself, from its humble beginnings in a deserted Masonic lodge in Glendale and a makeshift stage to opening a $13.8 million state-of-the art theater in Pasadena that was funded with donor contributions.
The gala, held April 29, was an exciting evening not only for founders Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, but for the donors who shared their dream that this theater would become recognized as an award-winner, a dream that has been fulfilled. It continues to challenge audiences and further expands its commitment to education and to building a diverse, theater-loving community in the Los Angeles basin.
“From the beginning, we knew that the story we were presenting is the star,” said Rodriguez-Elliott. “A mark of true artistry is to be able to tell the story with the bare minimum — and we have always had a scrappy imagination! We’ve always been interested in transformational environments that pulled your attention to the actor, the words and the story.”
The 25th anniversary gala unfolded like a well-scripted play, beginning with cocktails and passed appetizers while the well-dressed guests visited with one another and viewed vignettes of costumes and representations of playbills from past plays. They were then seated for a lovely dinner and an awards ceremony honoring the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Ahmanson Foundation and Verbum Dei High School.
A Noise Within dedicates 30% of its resources to educational and outreach programs. Through foundation and government support, it provides support to schools in need, including transportation for students to the theater, reduced cost tickets to attend a live on-stage performance, post-show discussions with the artists, in-class workshops and standards-based study guides. During its history, more than 250,000 students have been served; in the 2015-2016 season, 15,400 youth from 204 schools across 28 school districts participated in the program. Nearly 900 students have also participated in its camp, “Summer with Shakespeare,” as well as other activities.
Among some of the La Cañada Flintridge residents attending the gala were Jeanie and Terry Kay, Gale Caswell, state Sen. Anthony Portantino and his wife Ellen, Molly and Peter Bachmann. Paul Haaga, a new member of the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation board, accepted the award for the Foundation. He was there with his wife, Heather. Terry Kay was president of the theater’s board of directors for 11 years and was also part of the development committee and guided the completion of the new theater building.
Co-chairing gala were Barbara Goen, Lyn Spector, Kathy Drummy, Lynda Jenner, Sheila Lamson, Terri Murray and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. Honorary chairs included Annette Bening, Claire and Bill Bogaard, the De Pietro Family, James Drummy, Sharon and Rick Ellingsen, Heather and Paul Haaga, Alice S. Huang and David Baltimore, Jeanie and Terry Kay, Sheila and Alan Lamson, Barbara and John K. Lawrence, Denise and Joe Lumarda, Joanne and Gene Masuda, Terri Murray, Niki Nikias and C. L. Max Nikias, Trevessa and James Terrile, Marilyn and Eugene Stein, Andrea Van de Kamp, and Julianne and David Worrell. The late John Van de Kamp, who died March 14 following a brief illness, was also listed as an honorary co-chair of the event.
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Puccini’s opera “Tosca,” which was staged this spring at the Dorothy Chandler, closed this past week. For several young singers from the Foothills, it was a thrilling experience as they sang some of the exquisite music in this grand production conducted by James Conlon.
Dressed in costumes of the 1800s at the end of Act 1 and again appearing in white choir robes in another scene taking place in a Rome church, these enthusiastic singers experienced drama of grand opera in a very personal way. As did some adult singers from our area who are part of the L.A. Opera Chorus.
This L.A. performance of “Tosca” was a co-production of the Houston Grand Opera and The Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Singing the title role of Tosca on opening night was soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, who brought the audience to its feet when she sang “Vissi d’arte,” one of the most heartrending arias in the grand opera repertoire. Also receiving accolades on opening night for his role of Cavaradossi, Tosca’s lover, was tenor Russell Thomas.
The young choristers were directed by Anne Tomlinson and the L.A. Chorus directed by Grant Gershon. Foothill area members of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus who performed were Esme Saltzman, Micah Luna and Finn and Sydney Brakeley, with many others from the Pasadena area. Foothill area members of the L.A. Opera Chorus in this production included Lisa Crave, Ariel Pisturino, Sara Campbell and Sal Malaki.
Local singers that are part of the L.A. Opera Orchestra include Ryan Darke, Terry Cravens, Kate Vincent, Daniel Kelley, Jenny Kim, Al Veeh and Grace Oh.
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Speaking of singing, this is a perfect segue into the California Women’s Chorus’ 48th annual public concert that was held April 30 at the Glendale Hilton Hotel. Local choruses, Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus and Burbank Singers, entertain independently in their own communities but joined together this year to sing at the event.
Their performance of “Rainbow Connection” from the Muppet Movie and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, arranged by Roger Emerson, were well received. The audience showed its appreciation for the musicians and the singers numerous times during the two-hour concert with standing ovations. Emcee John Musker of La Cañada Flintridge kept guests entertained with his comments and great sense of humor.
Members of the Assistance League of Flintridge ALFie Singers attended the concert. Coming to hear the performance from ALF were Yvonne Dickey, Jeanne Broberg, Laura Wiley, Nancy Abbott, Liz Messner, Molly Brockmeyer, Ginny Kelly and Margot Simpson. The League members were also there to cheer fellow ALfie singer Gale Musker, who also sings with the Women’s Chorus.
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.