Inauguration Over, Group Must Turn to Fund Raising

The cast of “Graffiti Blues” is home after a five-day trip to the nation’s capital, where the youthful group performed to a full house--and a standing ovation--as part of President Clinton’s inaugural festivities.

The triumph was in stark contrast to the disappointment of having to close their show after opening night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium because of poor box office sales.

“We had a fabulous performance” in Washington, said Ron Mokwena, co-founder of the nonprofit group Save Our Youth, which produces the “rap opera” on the plight of inner-city youth.

More than 600 people--including 12-year-old Chelsea Clinton and Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole--watched the performance and cheered the 19 actors, dancers and singers.

“They were at their best. Tops,” Mokwena said of the cast, whose members range in age from 10 to 23.

In addition to their Monday morning tent-covered performance as part of “America’s Reunion on the Mall,” the group attended Clinton’s Inauguration and three inaugural balls in donated tuxedos and gowns.

The group left for Washington with only about half of the estimated $21,000 needed to finance the trip. But Mokwena said he is not worrying about debts yet.

“Right now, it’s like, forget it,” said the 29-year-old actor, who founded the group 10 months ago with his wife, actress Misha McK, 27.

Save Our Youth is a theater arts program with an anti-gang, anti-drug theme.

The group first performed “Graffiti Blues” at the Civic Auditorium in November but was forced to close after opening night because only 385 seats in the 3,200-seat house had been sold and other sales were dismal.

Save Our Youth is trying to raise money to cover a $12,000 debt to the Civic Auditorium and the remaining expenses from the Washington trip.

Information: (818) 577-4091.