California Shakespeare Theater's Annual Gala Raises $600,000

By: Mar. 23, 2015
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San Francisco's elegant Four Seasons hotel, its ballroom transformed into a mesmerizing swirl of vibrant, electric colors, provided the dramatic setting for California Shakespeare Theater's 20th annual gala, Play It Forward, on Saturday, March 14, 2015. Led by Gala Chair Maureen Knight, the event grossed $600,000 and welcomed more than 300 attendees.

"We are so grateful for the support of so many who Played it Forward with us last Saturday," commented Cal Shakes Managing Director Susie Falk. "The impact of our annual gala is significant - opening doors to the experience of live theater, to learning through the arts and Shakespeare's timeless poetry, and to the stories and voices of all our community members."

Dazzling jewel-toned walls by Blueprint Studios and colorful costumes from Cal Shakes performances greeted the guests as they arrived. The lively crowd engaged in a number of good-natured bidding wars for one-of-a-kind packages including getaways to Glen Ellen, Stinson Beach, and Lake Tahoe; a priceless football signed by San Francisco 49er greats Steve Young and Jerry Rice; a personal tour and shopping spree from McCroskey Mattress; 18 holes at San Francisco's exclusive Olympic Club; a quintessential film noir experience at many of legendary author Dashiell Hammett's favorite haunts; plus an extraordinary array of wines and spirits, among others.

Following the cocktail hour, the party-goers joined Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone and Managing Director Susie Falk in the ballroom to dine on Delta Asparagus and Living Watercress with Baby Turnips, Pickled Beech Mushrooms, Poached Egg Emulsion and Sherry Vinaigrette; followed by Braised Beef Short Ribs with Brandt Farm Beef Bacon Hash, Pee Wee Potatoes, Rapini and Turnips, Apricot Relish, and Preserved Lemon Jus; served with 2012 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, 2012 Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2011 Pennywise Pinot Noir. For dessert the guests were treated to Black Forest Cheesecake comprised of Flourless Chocolate Cake, Cream Cheese Mousse, Brandied Cherry Gelee, and Whipped Cream; and Orange Praline Bar made of Hazelnut Streusel, Brown Butter Budino, and Lemon Verbena Ice Cream, all served with Peet's signature Major Dickason's Blend Coffee and Assorted Rishi Teas.

One of the many highlights of the evening was a tribute to outgoing Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone. Introduced by Board President Jean Simpson and Susie Falk, artists James Carpenter, Margo Hall, and Catherine Castellanos; Cal Shakes Board Member Ellen Dale; Berkeley Rep Artistic Director Tony Taccone; Carmel Bach Festival Executive Director (and former Cal Shakes Managing Director) Debbie Chinn; and Disney Channel star Zendaya and her mother, former Cal Shakes house manager Claire Stoermer, all spoke movingly of Jonathan's legacy, their gratitude for his work, and their excitement about Cal Shakes' future. The tribute was capped by a standing ovation from the guests as a visibly touched Moscone took the stage.

Moscone's inspiring speech was followed by a brief video created by Corduroy Media using Shakespeare's famous "Seven Ages of Man" speech from As You Like It, and featuring Cal Shakes community partners from RAW Talent/RYSE Youth Center, students from St. Cornelius School in Richmond, and actors Ron Campbell, Margo Hall, Danny Scheie, and Catherine Castellanos. The final exhortation from each group to "Play It Forward!" set the stage for a rousing live auction. Led by auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Quiroga, guests bid enthusiastically and generously on exclusive packages, including: trips to Italy, France, and Bali; a week's stay at a beautiful casa in Mexico with airfare provided by United Airlines; a specially-cooked Italian dinner by Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone and husband Darryl Carbonaro; a walk-on role in Cal Shakes' upcoming production of The Mystery of Irma Vep, directed by Moscone in his final production as Cal Shakes Artistic Director; VIP tours of Pixar with lead animator Andrew Gordon, and AT&T Park with the "Voice of the Giants" Renel Brooks-Moon; and dinner for four at Chez Panisse with owner Alice Waters. A highlight of the auction was the "Play It Forward" paddle-raise, which, after a rousing testimonial by Cal Shakes Director of Artistic Learning Clive Worsey, generated $200,000 in direct support for Cal Shakes' education programs and "All the Bay's a Stage" Community Tour. Finally, guests packed the dance floor and boogied into the night to the sounds of DJ Dave Tutton.

The Lead Corporate Partners for Play It Forward were City National Bank and John Muir Health; other distinguished Corporate Partners include Archer Norris, Baker Ave, Chevron, Corduroy Media, Meyer Sound, Northhighland Worldwide Consulting, PwC, and Shakespeare Vodka.



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