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What a difference a year makes |
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Thursday, 21 February 2008 |
Mammoth Lakes Arts Center raises $25,000 at second annual Valentine’s Day fund-raiser
 Shira Dubrovner, Mammoth Lakes Arts Center Artistic DirectorMAMMOTH TIMES PHOTO/SUSAN MORNING
It was just one year ago that Artistic Director Shira Dubrovner and the Mammoth Lakes Arts Center made its presence known to the community with its first annual Valentine’s Day fund-raiser. In that time the Arts Center built a stage in the former Plaza movie theater facility, installed new seating, hosted the Showboat Musical Youth Theatre, produced three stage productions to outstanding reviews and excellent attendance numbers from both locals and out-of-towners, and donated a G-rated version of its production of Dracula to the Mammoth Lakes Middle School, followed by a cast and crew Q&A session.
“Last year was definitely a good beginning, but this year will be even better,” Dubrovner said. Joined before the welcoming crowd by event co-producer Tony Barrett who emceed the fund-raising portion of the evening, Dubrovner promised more to come in the next year. “We are doubling the number of productions, beginning construction of the Brittany Marie Stotko Dance Studio and implementing our Theatre for the Youth program in cooperation with local school districts.”
The entire evening benefited the Mammoth Lakes Arts Center and its efforts to expand and support the cultural life of the Mammoth Lakes Community. It began with the Third Annual Wine Walk sponsored by the Side Door and the Village. Following dinner at the Westin Monache was Randle's performance, accompanied by Scott Harlan.
Randle disarmed the crowd with her vocal stylings, choice of material and charming patter. The audience responded especially to Randle’s renditions of “Popular” from Wicked, the duet of “Do You Love Me” from Fiddler on the Roof and her poignant encore performance of “My Funny Valentine” to close the evening.
Side Door Café proprietor Shields Richardson generously offered to donate the net proceeds from the Wine Walk to the Mammoth Lakes Arts Center. Several community organizations supported the event by purchasing tables, including the Ritz-Carlton Residences, the Village at Mammoth and MLTPA. The event also saw the largest turnout of volunteers seen by the Mammoth Lakes Arts Center to date. Betsy Randle, herself involved in a theater nestled in the mountains of Ojai, remarked that seeing so many community members supporting the event and the arts was a real “act of love.”
“John Vereuck didn’t know me from Adam, or Eve actually,” Dubrovner said to the delight of the room. “He trusted me and put his faith in me and I promise I will never disappoint him or the community. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for a long time to come.”
The purpose of Mammoth Lakes Arts Center, a nonprofit corporation, is to develop, maintain and nurture live theater and other arts in the Mono/Inyo County area by providing creative space; producing live theatre of the highest caliber, equal to any theatre in the state, and inspiring the arts while making a vital contribution to the community’s economy, culture and spirit. To become a donor or patron, or learn more about the plans for the MLAC, contact Dubrovner directly at (760) 934-1900, or by visiting www.mammothlakesartscenter.org. –Press Release
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 February 2008 )
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