Costa Mesa loses civic playhouse founder
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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