$5 MILLION PLEDGED TO LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE…
WILL SUPPORT THEATRE’S EXPANSION
Local philanthropists Jim and Suzanne Mellor have given The Laguna Playhouse a big personal vote of confidence. They have pledged a remarkable $5 million towards the theatre’s much-needed expansion. Theirs is the biggest gift in the history of The Laguna Playhouse and the largest philanthropic contribution ever made to a non-profit organization in Laguna Beach. The Mellors’ outstanding leadership will help the company create a world-class facility in which to showcase its top-notch productions. Their generosity will help the company enhance the experience of theatregoers and enable The Laguna Playhouse to expand its valuable service to the community.
“We feel so privileged to live here in Laguna Beach,” say Jim and Suzanne. “We feel it’s a small way to pay back the community that has given us so much. We’re proud of the outstanding work being done by the Playhouse and have truly enjoyed our friendships with The Laguna Playhouse family.”
The Mellors became involved with The Laguna Playhouse shortly after they settled permanently in Laguna Beach in 1997. Suzanne co-chaired the theatre’s 80th Anniversary Gala in 2000. Jim served as President of the Board of Trustees in 2003. Both currently serve on the board.
Jim Mellor is Chairman of the Boards of USEC, a global energy company, and AmerisourceBergen Corporation. He also serves on the Boards of Computer Sciences Corporation, Net2Phone, Inc., The Scripps Research Institute and The Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Previously, he was Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics, where he continues to serve as a director and consultant.
Suzanne Mellor is an advisor to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. and is a charter member of that organization.
The Mellors have three children and nine grandchildren.
“This is truly a watershed in the 85-year history of The Laguna Playhouse,” says Sophie Cripe, President of the Board of Trustees. “We are deeply appreciative of the leadership roles Suzanne and Jim play in our theatre. They have made The Laguna Playhouse a major part of their lives, and have repeatedly shown their devotion to our efforts. Now, with their extraordinarily generous gift, we are on the road to fulfilling our vision of this great theatre’s future.”
“Suzanne and Jim are beloved by all who know them at The Laguna Playhouse,” comments Richard Stein. “We will be eternally grateful for their marvelous contribution. For those of us who work in the theatre, bringing stories to life every day on our stage, this is an occasion that will long be remembered and often re-told. Thanks to the Mellors’ remarkable generosity, we know that our plan for a state-of-the-art theatre facility is achievable.”
The Laguna Playhouse built its first theatre on Ocean Avenue in downtown Laguna Beach in 1924. In 1969, it relocated to its new Moulton Theatre on Laguna Canyon Road, next door to the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. Since the 1980s, The Laguna Playhouse has envisioned the expansion of its facilities to include a second theatre space in addition to the 420-seat, city-owned Moulton Theatre. In 1998, The Laguna Playhouse purchased an office complex at 580 Broadway, considered the ideal site for expansion since it is next door to the Moulton Theatre. Thanks to the Mellors, The Laguna Playhouse is now actively engaged in planning its new facility and will announce the details at a later date.
