Local performers team up

The Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse ? or at least several elements of its recent past ? will be well represented two weeks from now at Garden Grove’s Gem Theater.

That’s when “Back on Stage ? 2: A Musical Review” hits the stage for a one-weekend run March 31 to April 2, the second annual such show for Newport Beach-based One More Productions. Proceeds from the production will benefit the company’s children’s outreach program.

The musical review will span more than 100 years of Broadway history, with performances by more than 30 singers and dancers.

Newport’s Damien Lorton ? artistic director for One More Productions and former holder of that title for the Costa Mesa theater ? works for the Orange County Performing Arts Center. He voices his enthusiasm for the current project.

“This is going to be a great event,” he said. “The show performs in Garden Grove, but the company is based out of Newport Beach, seven actors are from Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, a large number of our patrons come from this community, and many of our donors for the auction are from the Newport-Mesa area.”

Included in the performing company are Adriana Sanchez, Andrea Goldin and Lynn Reinert. Sanchez, Reinert and Lorton are among the Daily Pilot’s previously honored men and women of the year in theater, and Goldin scored as Mama Rose in Lorton’s Costa Mesa production of “Gypsy.”

“Nicole Casseso, my business partner and the most amazing performer, is from Newport Beach,” Lorton added, noting that performers Tara Rybarski and Justin Anderson are Newport Harbor High School alumni, and that Kellie LeMaster is a resident of Costa Mesa. And Nicki Peek, an alumna of the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, is one of the three choreographers.

The big weekend kicks off the evening of March 31 with a champagne gala following the 8 p.m. performance. April Fools’ Day will feature a catered silent auction and champagne reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at 8.

Closing day, April 2, will feature a champagne and dessert reception after the 3 p.m. matinee.

Each performance will include door prizes, raffles and gifts, as well as catering from some of Orange County’s notable restaurants.

Tickets for the benefit show are priced at $25 for the March 31 and April 2 stagings and $30 for the April 1 offering. A silent auction will be featured at the latter event, beginning at 6:30 and ending at the first curtain of the performance.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Lorton at (714) 425-1214 or at damien@onemoreproductions .com.