Gala raises funds for Anaheim Hills theater
by Anne-Margret Bellavoine
The Orange County Register - Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Chance Theater hosted its fifth annual 'fun-raiser" Saturday at the historic ranch home of Anaheim City Council member Harry Sidhu and his wife Gin, who is a theater board member.
This gala - called "Spread the Chance" - allowed patron to mingle and sample a sneak preview of the much anticipated 2007 Chance Theater season.
Company members Casey Long and Lowe Taylor emceed as the rest of the company entertained guests with a montage of song, dance and theatrics, with whimsical creations written specifically for the occasion.
Popular auction items included Chance cast events, with the opportunity to host a dinner at one's home with a sextet of Chance company members providing the entertainment, an item so popular it was auctioned three times, and a private gala event at the theater, with performance of choice for a crowd of 20.
Anaheim-raised artistic director Oanh Nguyen has led his company from a fledgling store-front shop to one of the premier groups in Orange County.
The Chance will again offer eight productions in its 2007 season and the company's long-term plan is to find a suitable 250 seat venue to accommodate the swelling crowds.
2007 season
On the main stage
- "Drood," a wildly entertaining musical with the opportunity to finish a Charles Dickens mystery novel.
- "Biloxi Blues," Neil Simon's award winning play on WWII training in Mississippi.
- "Sunday in the Park with George," a Sondheim musical inspired by Seurat's famous pointillist painting of the same title.
-"Anne of Green Gables," the other lovable red-haired and wide-eyed orphan who charms every one with her zest.
On the Evolving Stage
- "Inventing Van Gogh," a haunting look at a self-portrait with its truth and myth.
- "Frozen," an extraordinary play about forgiveness and remorse in the wake of a child's murder.
- "Shakespeare's R & J," one of the most inventive re-imaginings of the classic love story.
- "Anaheim Home Companion," episode two, a new collection of sketches written by members of the Chance Theater Repertory Company reliving the city's local history, the first episode due to premiere this holiday season.
Information: 714-777-3033 or chancetheater.com