La Jolla Playhouse presents its annual gala

La Jolla Playhouse’s annual gala was co-chaired by longtime supporters and Playhouse trustees Debby Jacobs and Kay Gurtin to support the organization’s innovative New Play Development and Learning & Engagement programs. The evening featured a series of performances by two Broadway powerhouses: James Monroe Iglehart, Tony Award winner for his role as the “Genie” in Disney’s Aladdin and star of the Playhouse’s Broadway-bound musical Memphis; and Daphne Rubin-Vega, who recently starred in the film In the Heights and earned a Tony Award nomination for her role as “Mimi” in the original Broadway production of Rent. The evening also honored the philanthropic contributions of Sheri L. Jamieson and the artistic excellence of Tony Award-nominated actor and playwright Charlayne Woodard.

Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the nationally acclaimed, Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse is known for its tradition of creating exciting and adventurous new work in regional theater.