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Costa Mesa loses civic playhouse founder

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Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- Her lifelong passion revolved around a world of

fictional characters and rehearsed dialogue. But off the stage, Pati

Tambellini would always tell it to you straight, loved ones said.

Tambellini, who founded and ran the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse for 23

years, died Saturday of cancer complications. She was 78.

Loved ones remembered the Huntington Beach resident as lively,

talented, honest and a gift to the Costa Mesa community.

Barbara Van Holt, a retired Estancia High School drama teacher who had

worked on various performances with Tambellini, described the late

performer as a “total character.”

“If you wanted straight talk, you went to Pati,” Van Holt said. “She

would not only tell you the truth, but it would make you laugh.”

Tambellini founded the original Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse in 1965 on

the Orange County Fairgrounds. There, she created various theater

programs for children and adults alike, answering a much-needed call for

the arts in the community.

In 1984, the playhouse moved to its current site at 611 Hamilton St., a location that created more room for creativity and ingenuity.

“The Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse was her creation,” Van Holt said. “Her

heart and soul went into that project, and she succeeded in creating

wonderful memories for the people of Costa Mesa both on and off the

stage.”

Tambellini touched everyone who came into her life and remembered

precious memories like no one else, her friends said. Van Holt said she

was like an auntie to all.

In addition to her charisma, Tambellini produced and starred in some

of the best performances to grace an Orange County stage, friends said.

“She had the most wonderful impact on us all,” Van Holt said. “She

created incredible memories for many people in Costa Mesa, both on and

off the stage.”

Damien Lorton, the musical director at the playhouse, said he never

had the pleasure of working with Tambellini but is grateful for her

passion for the theater every day.

“She was completely dedicated to the arts,” Lorton said. “If it

weren’t for her, the Costa Mesa Playhouse wouldn’t even be here, and

people like me, who have the opportunity to perform here, would never

have the opportunity to do this.”

Memorial services for Tambellini have yet to be scheduled.

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