Shelley Duvall: Princess at Westwood Playhouse

The Los Angeles Children’s Theatre took two adult-size steps forward Monday night. The 2-year-old LACT presented its first award to Shelley Duvall and celebrated the company’s move to a new, permanent home in the Westwood Playhouse.

As the creator of cable-TV’s “Faerie Tale Theatre,” Duvall was honored because she “had done so much more for children’s entertainment than anyone we could think of,” said artistic director Patricia Gaul. Added producing director Aviva Whiteson, “She’s consistently put quality entertainment for children on television.”

For her part, Duvall said children need live theater “because it brings their imaginations to life. It’s a place where dreams become real.”

“I was amazed at how little children’s theater there is in this town,” Gaul said. “There’s so much talent here. That’s what we’re trying to do--pull in from the talent, the celebrities, the directors to get them to contribute. They want to do it because their own children can come and see it.”

Duvall, who describes herself as “the Imelda Marcos of Converse tennis shoes,” decided to dress up for the occasion in a pre-World War I, Poiret-style outfit, complete with cloche hat, for the party in the Playhouse courtyard. The event was catered by Ambrosia and the California Pizza Kitchen.

The Playhouse lobby is unsuited for parties because it serves a curious double function. During the day it’s a Contempo Furniture showroom, so food and drink are prohibited inside. “It’s always been like this,” said one guest, eyeing the coffee tables. “You don’t know if you’re going to the theater or out pricing a new living room.”

There was no doubt of the Playhouse’s use as a theater once the tribute to Duvall began. The evening’s show was a collection of poems, songs and acting that centered on the theme of comforting Duvall as a child. Duvall was played by Laraine Newman. Also onstage were Ed Begley Jr., Mary Kay Place, Dan Gilroy, Richard Moll, John Glover, Esai Morales, Catherine Cummings, Bob Hiltermann, Bernardo Rosa and Cyndi Lauper.

It was an evening, in the words of Little Richard, “that was a lesson and a blessin’.” Plus it raised $85,000 for a good cause. “After all,” said Little Richard. “If you can’t enjoy working for children, then baby your life is over .”