BEST BET : Benefit Seeks to Conquer Girl’s Illness

The Patio Playhouse Community Theatre is staging a benefit performance tonight of its current production, “She Stoops to Conquer,” to help a 6-year-old girl whose arms and legs were amputated due to illness.

All proceeds raised from the event will go to the parents of Jessica Esquivel to help defray their medical and personal expenses. Additional donations may be made at the door.

Jessica, a petite, brown-eyed Imperial Beach girl who liked to tap dance, has been in Children’s Hospital since April 1. Her illness was initially diagnosed as chicken pox, but a streptococcus infection set in and triggered a toxic shock reaction that led to the amputation of parts of all four limbs.

Michael Dominguez, the publicity director for Patio Playhouse, said he initiated the benefit for Jessica because he wanted to help at least one child at Children’s.

“My nephew was a drowning victim who was brought to Children’s Hospital for treatment, and I spent three weeks in their waiting room, watching so many kids go in and out,” Dominguez said. “I thought that the theater was a perfect vehicle to help one of these children if I could. Jessica’s story really got to me.”

Admission price for the benefit performance is $20.

General admission for regular performances, which run through Sunday, is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for students.

What: “She Stoops to Conquer”

Why: Benefit performance for 6-year-old amputee Jessica Esquivel.

Date: Today

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Patio Playhouse Theatre, 1511 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido

Price: $20

Calls: 746-6669