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SPOTLIGHT:
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE By Eva Trieger
I
first discovered North Coast Repertory Theatre in 2000, the very same year I got divorced. After attending a show, I read in the program that they were looking for help with a set strike the following Sunday. I arrived at 2 p.m. and was given a ballpeen hammer and the direction, “See that wardrobe structure? It has to fit into that dumpster. Go!” Great therapy for an angry woman who was looking for an outlet. But that was just the beginning of my love affair with this very intimate, incredibly special theater. I encourage you to come to NCR’s Spotlight Gala to see just what I’m talking about. In 2003, David Ellenstein came on board as the Artistic Director. He has grown the theater in so many tangible and critical ways. Every season Ellenstein elevates his audiences’ artistic appreciation by introducing some groundbreaking world premieres and employs actors of the highest caliber to perform in this cozy platform. Of course, the seven mainstage productions offer something to suit everyone’s taste buds, but I love that Ellenstein challenges people to move just a tad beyond their comfort zone to be moved and provoked. I spoke with the Artistic Director about the upcoming Spotlight Gala which will feature his friend and Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss and wife Svetlana, who will be serving as Honorary Chairs. In addition to these standouts, the theater will be honoring champions of the arts, Julie and Jay Sarno, and the event is chaired by Laura Applegate and Co-chairs Sarah King and Martin Davis. There is an additional throng of volunteers and other committee members who will make the event magical.
RICHARD AND SVETLANA DREYFUSS. PHOTO COURTESY ABC NETWORKS 24
L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2020
