At the ‘Prom,’ poking fun

Suzie Harrison

Having Senior Prom in July might seem a bit unusual. However, since

it’s Lagunatics -- the annual, original, musical roast of life on the

coast -- locals know that anything goes.

Usually held in October with sold-out crowds, the 13th annual

production, “Lagunatics 2005: Senior Prom” will be performed July 29

through July 31 at Laguna Beach High School’s Artists Theatre with

proceeds to benefit the Susi Q Senior Center capital campaign.

Longtime Laguna Beach resident and Lagunatics creator Bree Burgess

Rosen creates a different theme each year, using politics, issues and

controversies that have affected Lagunans as material for parody and

satire.

“Senior Prom” will have one of the biggest Lagunatics casts, 52,

ranging in age from 14 to 75, including movie critic Bill Harris and

the local talents of Police Chief Jim Spreine, Mayor Elizabeth

Pearson-Schneider, council members, former Mayor Paul Freeman, Lynn

Epstein, Tony Paoletta, Lagunatics veteran favorites and virgins.

Burgess Rosen wrote “Senior Prom” with the help of seasoned

Lagunatic and writer Chris Quilter, “Susi Q’s” son.

Laguna’s parking and traffic problems, El Morro, “noise” at the

concerts in the park, MTV’s Laguna reality show, Montage Resort, the

escalating real estate market and nude public art are among this

year’s spoofs.

“We have a number with daddies and their teenage daughters,

‘Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Dress Up Like They’re Call Girls,”

Burgess Rosen said. “It’s a scream; all the daughters are lookers, va

va va voom.”

The bit makes fun Laguna’s scantily clad teens.

“We have girls and boys in drag; Laguna made it safe for straight

men to come out of the closet,” Burgess Rosen said.

Burgess Rosen said they’ll appropriately have a couple of tributes

to the aging population with “Hot Flash” sung to the song “Heat Wave”

and “Are You Older Tonight?” rewording an Elvis Classic.

Spreine will be making his final curtain call with this show. He

has become a Lagunatic favorite, comfortably able to poke fun at

himself and other police matters.

“All intents and purposes, how do I feel? It’s sad for me,”

Spreine said. “I have had an opportunity for the last five years to

work with some very beautiful, wonderful people, and very diverse.

They’ve added a tremendous sense of camaraderie and friendship.”

He said it has given him an opportunity to experience something he

wouldn’t have experienced if he hadn’t been police chief and part of

the community.

“It’s certainly not for my talent,” Spreine said laughing. “It’s

really a challenge. I remember the first night I sat with a group of

[Lagunatics] participants and was listening to Bree -- she spoke a

language I didn’t understand. I think I’d rather face six armed

robbery suspects than get on stage.”

Spreine remembered during his first public dress rehearsal, his

knees and hands were shaking badly. That’s a thing of the past.

An all-time favorite of his was “Montage Cash” sung to the song

“The Monster Mash.”

“It’s not every day the police chief has most his clothes off and

is on a gurney being pushed around by a masseuse,” Spreine said.

This year Spreine will be doing an encore piece among others.

“Basically it’s a song about Laguna Beach that makes fun of the

police department,” Spreine said. “But Lagunatics makes fun of

everything and everyone, nothing is unscathed or untouched.”

One of the reasons Spreine has been a part of No Square Theatre’s

Lagunatics is because of their fundraising efforts.

“When I was first drafted into Lagunatics, I did it because they

have been raising money for community programs,” Spreine said. “It’s

all worthwhile to get involved in a program that gives back to the

community. What’s a greater gift?”

The idea to support the senior center fund came from Chris

Quilter, whose family donated the seed money for the senior project

to be named after his mother.

“I thought it would be an incredibly great idea,” Quilter said.

“The idea predated the naming gift.”

He said the senior center would serve as a community center for

people of all ages to gather.

It’s Quilter’s third year with Lagunatics.

“You can’t be a son of ‘Susi Q’ and not love to write,” Quilter

said. “No Square is tons of fun. I love working with Bree; she’s a

great colleague.”

To have a complete prom experience, pre-parties are a necessary

part of the evening; each fete will provide fine wines, hors

d’oeuvres, dessert, a raffle and more. The parties will be held at

Legion Hall, 384 Legion St. The parties are included in the price of

a ticket.

Friday’s opening night is a “Sock Hop” from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

followed by Lagunatics at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75.

Saturday’s matinee theme is “Class Reunion” from 12 to 1:45 p.m.

with Lagunatics at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $50.

Saturday Night is the Ketel One Gala Night starting with a “Senior

Prom” from 6 to 7:45 p.m. and Lagunatics at 8 p.m. Tickets are $125

and include valet parking, Ketel One martini’s, fine wine, a gourmet

buffet, raffle and other surprises.

Sunday is closing night. Sunday’s theme is “Summer Picnic” from 5

to 6:45 p.m. and “Lagunatics” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75.

The high school’s Artists Theatre is located at 625 Park Ave.

Hearts of Montage will match a portion of proceeds for the senior

center fund. For tickets, call (949) 497-8853 or visit

https://www.nosquare.org.