Unifying CTG and LA
By Christopher Eckhart
The night was a collective celebration, spearheaded by Gala Chair Jana Bezdek and Co-Chairs Amy Forbes, Noah Francis, and Bonnie Vitti. We are so grateful for their dedication, as well for the support of our honorary host committee, host committee, and community leaders—all of whom played an instrumental role in the gala’s success.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the festivities began with a vibrant cocktail reception. This was followed by dinner and an energetic paddle raise led by Meghan Pressman, CTG’s Managing Director/CEO, that raised over $400k for our Education & Community Partnerships programs. With Board Member Noah Francis, we also recognized JPMorgan Chase & Co. for their unwavering philanthropy, which has advanced CTG's not-for-profit mission and core values since 2008.
The evening's main event was a show in the Mark Taper Forum featuring a headline performance by Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga and a pas de deux from Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake with New Adventures dancers Rory Macleod and Jackson Fisch. Emmy® Winner and Academy Award® Nominee Melissa McCarthy joined us at the Taper to introduce Sir Matthew Bourne and honor his profound impact on contemporary theatre.
Then, before guests danced under the stars with DJ Masha Mar on Jerry Moss Plaza, Artistic Director Snehal Desai announced his inaugural season: One CTG. One LA.
“I want us to have more pride and ownership in writing the story of our great city,” Desai said to the crowd. “Whether you work in Hollywood, in tech, for a bank or law firm, in education, or government—we all play a part. So, what comes next? The hard work of writing our next chapter. And we do that together. That is what next season is about here at Center Theatre Group. I hope you will join us.”
CTG: The Gala 2024 and the announcement of the 2024/25 Season are major milestones on an exciting road ahead. None of this would be possible without you. The support from our audience and donor community has been an inspiration and a reminder that there is only one City of Angels and only one Center Theatre Group.
To learn more about our work and ways to support Center Theatre Group, visit CTGLA.org/support.
Feature image: Snehal Desai and Meghan Pressman. Top image: Nia Vardalos. Michael R. Jackson. DJ Kurs. Saul Rodriguez. Bottom image: From left, Snehal Desai, Mathew Bourne, Lea Salonga, and Meghan Pressman. Photos by Capture Imaging.
