Our Laguna: This year’s ‘Lagunatics’ hits the high notes

“Lagunatics” just gets better and better. Most, and maybe all, of the audience at the Gala performance Sunday agreed this year’s version was the all-time high.

“The cast, the sets, the script and the costumes were the best ever,” said Festival of Arts President Wayne Baglin.

Cliff Notes in the program for “out-of-towners or locals who weren’t paying attention” and descriptions of the cast and crew were as funny as the script. If you didn’t make it to one of the seven performances at the Forum Theater, find a copy of the program and get a taste of what you missed.

The show went off-script at one point with a surprise announcement — well, it was a surprise for “Lagunatics” and No Square Theatre founder Bree Burgess Rosen. Cast members unfurled a stagewide, hand-lettered paper banner as co-writer Chris Quilter announced that the stage at Legion Hall will be named in Burgess Rosen’s honor.

Mayor Kelly Boyd read a lot of “whereases” from a proclamation honoring the diva’s contributions to the city’s performing arts — not to mention raising funds for the Susi Q Senior Center and scholarships for Laguna Beach High School graduates.

“She gives the city the gift of laugher,” Boyd said of the teary-eyed Burgess Rosen.

Burgess Rosen directed “Lagunatics” and performed in it, along with Boyd; Carol Robinson, who has been in the show for 15 years, just two less than Burgess Rosen; eight-year veterans Greg Barnette and Councilwoman Toni Iseman; Arts Commissioner Pat Kollenda, who will not discuss years; comic Lynn Espstein, Regina Hartley, Linda Haylett, Nancy Miller, City Treasurer Laura Parisi, Randy Hatfield and Marion Jacobs, who have all been in the cast for five years.

Jacobs did me proud in a blond wig and a pink trench coat — in a mock interview of the city manager, played by Hatfield, who burst into “We’re Outta Money,” sung to the tune of “We’re in the Money” from “42nd Street.”

Personally, I live for the day I see the real Ken Frank doff his superhero cape to reveal a gold lame jacket and bare chest — a la former Police Chief Jim Spriene — but I am not holding my breath.

Bill Harris narrated.

Paul Nygro choreographed the show and designed the sets. Roxanna Ward reprised as musical director.

Hannah Lawton and Susan Richardson designed the costumes. Barnette did the hair. Sande St. John coordinated the volunteers.

A pre-show buffet was catered by K’ya Bistro, supervised by owner Chris Keller. Ketel One Vodka, Kendall-Jackson and Laguna Coffee Co. provided the beverages.

Silent auction items and opportunity prizes were donated by Donnie Crevier, Leah Vasquez, former Laguna Beach Woman’s Club President Kim Salter, Barbara Painter, Katherine Stone and cast members Ron Dier, Lisa Mansour and Patrick Quilter, among others.

Watermarc, Sorrento Grille, El Ranchito, Canyon Lodge, Café Zulu and Pomodora restaurants, Laguna Beach Books, Bushard’s Pharmacy and Tight Assets donated gift certificates.

Friends of the Library President Martha Lydick went home with a lovely little photograph, a prize donated by Monica Jackson.

Other donors included Fawn Memories, Azuma Tequila, Pinky Vodka, Laguna Leather, Stalker Fine Foods and Tootsie’s.

In the gala audience: City Councilwomen Verna Rollinger and Elizabeth Pearson, Andy and City Treasurer Martha Anderson, Planning Commissioner Anne Johnson, former Mayor Wayne Peterson and Laguna College of Art & Design board member Terry Smith, Building industry executive Kris Thalman, Festival of Arts Event Director Susan Davis, Dr. Gary and school board member Betsy Jenkins, Rebecca and John Barber, Anne and Ryan Caenn, Judy Regan and Gene Gratz, Frank and Lee Winocur Field, Niko Theris, and the Quilters not on or back stage.

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE

The 11th annual Leadership Dinner honored four local woman who have made a difference in their workplaces and their community.

Half the guests at the dinner, presented since 1999 by the Laguna Beach Foundation of the American Assn. of University, rose to their feet when past honorees were asked to stand. They will be joined next year by 2009 crop: Karen Dennis, Sita Helms, Judith Jelinek and Ann Quilter.

Dennis was honored for her leadership in teaching and improving the teaching of English as second language. She was introduced by Katie Haven, co-founder with Jean Brotherton of the local branch, of which Dennis has been a member for more than 30 years.

“I am a composite of influences,” Dennis said.

One of them, Ginger Fitzpatrick, could not attend the dinner to Dennis’ dismay.

“She was my mentor in AAUW,” Dennis said.

Now Dennis is mentor to hundreds of students giving them a voice in their new country.

The California Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages presented her this year with their highest award.

Dinner founder and Mistress of Ceremonies Carol Reynolds, a 2003 honoree, introduced Helms, honored for community service.

“When you reach out a hand and that forms a link, it gives you such a sense of fulfillment,” Helms said

Helms has organized a cadre of 95 volunteers who collect food and other donations from local stores and deliver them Camp Pendleton’s 5th Marine Regiment, local food banks, senior centers and schools that serve low-income families, among other places.

“When you go into Ralphs or Albertsons thank them for us,” Helms said.

Jelinek was honored for her efforts in making music accessible — preferably live music and definitely to interest young people. She was introduced by 2004 honoree Cindy Prewitt, founder of Laguna Beach Live!, the Laguna Beach Music Festival, which Jelinek is a founding member.

Jelinek has been involved for years with the Orange County Philharmonic Society, which partners with Live! to present the festival.

“Music used to be presented in concert halls, now its radio and iPods,” Jelinek said “We have to find new methods of delivery for youth.”

Music is for enjoyment, but it also benefits students, Jelinek said.

Ann Quilter was honored for her service to the seniors of Laguna Beach and other community activities.

No surprise there — Ann Quilter invented multi-tracking. She was introduced by Darcy Loveland Bickel, Ann Quilter’s co-chairwoman in the capital campaign to raise funds for the Susi Q, the senior center on Third Street.

“What an honor!” Loveland Bickel said.

Ann Quilter is the daughter of a military pilot, the sister and the wife of a military pilot, Charles Quilter II.

As military “brats” like Pearson and performer Burgess Rosen know, it’s a nomadic life — the family goes where the military says.

Ann Quilter credited the success of the efforts to build the Susi Q to the partnership of the city and residents including the seniors who worked so long to see their dreams of senior center of which they could be proud come to fruition.

“What a ride it has been,” Ann Quilter said. “It was a lesson in faith and humanity.”

OUR LAGUNA is a regular feature of the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. Contributions are welcomed. Write to Barbara Diamond, P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, 92652; call (949) 380-4321 or e-mail coastlinepilot@latimes.com