Playhouse will honor Sally Struthers

TOM TITUS

Sally Struthers had audiences standing and cheering three years ago

when she headlined the Laguna Playhouse’s summer production of

“Always, Patsy Cline.”

They’ll be applauding her again in April when the playhouse is

scheduled to honor the actress for her achievements both as a

performer and a humanitarian.

Struthers is best known as Gloria in the popular 1970s television series “All in the Family,” and small wonder. She received two Emmy

Awards and a Golden Globe for serving as Archie and Edith Bunker’s

straight woman.

Struthers charmed Laguna audiences in the role of Louise Seger, a

Texas housewife who adored Patsy Cline, the popular country-western

singer. The show detailed the time that Cline spent the night at

Seger’s home and cemented a friendship that endured up to the day in

1963 when

Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash in Tennessee.

She also showed her comic talents as the harridan Miss Hannigan in

the 20th anniversary national tour of “Annie,” which stopped at the

Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Struthers’ performance in “Always, Patsy Cline” won her a best

actress trophy from the Los Angeles Artistic Director Awards. She

also won the 2003 Ovation Award as best featured actress in a musical

for her portrayal of Agnes Gooch in “Mame.”

But her stage talents are only part of the reason the Laguna

Playhouse will be celebrating her life and career April 16 in a

black tie benefit at the Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach. For

the past three decades, Struthers has worked tirelessly to help the

hungry and uneducated children around the world.

She has visited these children in the United States and many Third

World countries and has filmed many public service announcements and

documentaries on their behalf. For her devotion to children and

animals, Struthers has received numerous humanitarian awards.

Sharing the spotlight as honorees at the Laguna gala will be Sindi

and Ron Schwartz, a couple who have been major supporters of the

playhouse, and longtime technical director Jim Ryan, who is

celebrating his 30th year on the playhouse staff.

Ryan currently serves as the playhouse’s production manager,

overseeing the physical production elements for every play at the

theater. He also has displayed his acting talent, most notably in the

musical “Barnum.”

Playhouse supporters wishing to underwrite a portion of the April

16 event, or receive an invitation, should call (949) 497-2787,

extension 217. Underwriting opportunities are $1,500, while

tickets are $500 per person.