For Immediate Release
March 28, 2016
Press Contact: Marilyn Langbehn
510.809.3290
[email protected]
California Shakespeare Theater’s “O Brave New World”
Garners $472K at Annual Gala
“Make a Difference” paddle-raise earns $149K
for Cal Shakes’ work in classrooms and with communities
Berkeley, CA – Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the iconic San Francisco skyline at City View at
Metreon provided the dramatic setting for California Shakespeare Theater’s 21st annual gala, “O Brave
New World” celebrating the arrival of new Artistic Director Eric Ting on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Led
by Gala Chair Maureen Knight, the event grossed more than $472,000 and welcomed more than 250
attendees.
A vintage-style marquee with Cal Shakes’ name in lights, dramatic uplighting, and colorful costumes
from Cal Shakes performances greeted the guests as they arrived. The lively partygoers engaged in a
number of good-natured bidding wars for one-of-a-kind events including VIP tickets to Outside Lands
Music and Art Festival, including exclusive Polo Lounge access; getaways to Granada, Tomales Bay, and
Wilbur Hot Springs; unique theater and restaurant packages; plus a stunning jewelry ensemble from
Neiman Marcus Walnut Creek and an extraordinary array of wines and spirits, among others.
Following the cocktail hour, the sounds of Olive Mitra and his band ushered the guests into the dining
room, where they feasted on Mixed Chicories with Shaved Piave Cheese, Cerignola Olives, and Red
Wine Vinaigrette; followed by Boneless Lamb Loin with Spring Baby Carrots, Baby Artichoke, Roasted
Garlic Potato Puree, and Thyme Jus, or Chevre Ravioli with Pear and Celery Root Puree, TrufflePistachio Relish, and Citrus Butter; paired with 2013 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay and 2012
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Domaine De Valmoissine. For dessert the guests were treated to White
Chocolate Pistachio Parfait with Dark Chocolate Bark Chips, served with Dolce Vita Prosecco and freshbrewed Peet’s signature Major Dickason’s Blend Coffee.
Cal Shakes favorites Stacy Ross and Liam Vincent served as emcees for the evening; they delighted the
assembled guests with an audience-participation version of the “Pyramus and Thisbe” scene from
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring Associate Artist Margo Hall, Conservatory
student Sylvia Abrams-Wolffsohn, Box Office Manager Derik Cowan, Director of Artistic Learning Clive
Worsley, and Board member Jim Roethe, whose droll performance as “Moonshine” had the audience in
stitches.
Following a brief video highlighting Cal Shakes’ 25th anniversary at the Bruns Amphitheater, Cal Shakes
new Artistic Director Eric Ting took the stage to rousing applause. A first-generation American-born son
of Chinese immigrants, Ting’s moving account of his family’s journey from China to the United States, his
own journey with his wife and baby daughter to the Bay Area, and his dreams for Cal Shakes’ future
drew cheers from the guests and set the stage for an exciting live auction.
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Led by auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Quiroga, guests bid enthusiastically and generously on exclusive
packages including: trips to Italy, Bali, and Scotland; a Napa Valley getaway including a trip to French
Laundry with private reservation service; a walk-on role in Cal Shakes’ upcoming production of Much
Ado About Nothing; a one-of-a-kind glass-blowing demonstration and cocktail party, courtesy of
Glassybaby and Grace Street Catering; VIP tours of Pixar with lead animator Andrew Gordon,
and KQED’s “Check, Please! Bay Area”; the chance to unleash your inner Mario Andretti at the Sonoma
Raceway; a foodie’s dream weekend in Seattle with master chef Maxime Bilet; and an intimate dinner
for four at Chez Panisse with owner Alice Waters and Cal Shakes Artistic Director Eric Ting. A highlight
of the auction was the “Make a Difference” paddle-raise, which, after a heartfelt testimonial by Artistic
Learning Programs Manager Beverly Sotelo, generated $149,000 in direct support for Cal Shakes’
education and engagement programs.
Finally, guests packed the dance floor and boogied into the night to the sounds of DJ Dave Tutton.
The Lead Corporate Partners for O Brave New World were Baker Avenue Asset Management and John
Muir Health. Other distinguished Corporate Partners included Chevron, Meyer Sound, North Highland
Worldwide Consulting, and PwC; corporate sponsors included Archer Norris, Fremont Bank, Hanson
Bridgett, Neiman Marcus, and Shakespeare Vodka.
Photos available at www.DrewAltizer.com.
ABOUT CAL SHAKES
California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes), under the leadership of Artistic Director Eric Ting and
Managing Director Susie Falk, is now in its 42nd season as a nationally-recognized leader in drawing on
the power of authentic, inclusive storytelling to create more vibrant communities. Serving more than
43,000 people annually, Cal Shakes invites people from all walks of life to make deeply-felt connections
with our shared humanity through its work onstage, in schools, and with people in non-traditional
settings throughout the Bay Area who have little or no access to theater. In 2016 Cal Shakes will
celebrate the 25th anniversary of its artistic home, the magnificent Bruns Amphitheater, named “one of
the most beautiful outdoor performing spaces in America” by the Wall Street Journal. For more
information, visit www.calshakes.org.
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