Irvine’s fledgling Backstage Theatre netted about $400...

Irvine’s fledgling Backstage Theatre netted about $400 from a benefit held earlier this week, according to the theater’s artistic director, Al Valletta. But publicity was “more important” than the money, he said, noting that the event drew about 100 people. Backstage, which has staged one musical revue to date, will mount a second by mid-October, Valletta said. Its first, “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,” closed Friday and “has done so well,” he said, “that something tells me people want us to stick to a cabaret-style show rather than leap into a drama.”

Valletta said he is considering two possibilities: “Starting Here, Starting Now,” a 1977 revue with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire or “The Me Nobody Knows,” a 1970 rock musical adapted by Robert Livingston from a collection of children’s writings with music by Gary William Friedman and lyrics by Will Holt.

In the meantime, Valletta has decided to seek a new location for the theater because he wants to double its capacity, which is limited to 45 seats. “I will keep this place till the lease runs out in February and then I’ll look for a bigger place,” he said. “I’ve got 50 seats in storage.” Valletta had contemplated renovating the theater, now in an industrial office park at 2691 Richter St., but changed his mind. He said he prefers to stay in Irvine, where he believes he has developed an audience, but would also consider moving to Costa Mesa.

Compiled by Kenneth Williams