ON THEATER: Playhouse honoring playwright

Playwright Mitch Albom has earned a plethora of honors over the last several years. The next one will come right here in Laguna Beach.

The Laguna Playhouse will honor Albom — whose plays “Tuesdays With Morrie” and “And the Winner Is” have been produced at the playhouse — during its 87th season gala May 3 at the Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna.

“We’re delighted that Mitch Albom had time in his very busy schedule to be the guest of honor at this year’s gala,” said Ilona Martin, who’s co-chairing the event with Sindi Schwartz. “His presence highlights the Laguna Playhouse’s artistic achievements.”

Albom has written nine books, including a blockbuster first novel, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” which became the most successful U.S. hardback first novel ever upon its publication in 2003. It has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.

His most famous work, “Tuesdays With Morrie,” also was made into a television movie in 1999 with Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria. The dramatized tale of Albom’s time spent with a beloved but dying college professor earned four Emmy awards.

Based in Detroit, where he began his career as a sports writer, Albom was an award-winning journalist and radio host before venturing into writing for the theater. He founded three charities in the Detroit area to assist children, the homeless and the elderly.

Albom has put his musical talents to good use.

He’s raised money for literary projects with a band called the Rock Bottom Remainders — made up of fellow writers like Steven King, Dave Barry, Scott Turow, Amy Tan and Ridley Pearson.

The playhouse’s celebration of Albom’s achievements is scheduled from 6 to 11 p.m. At this event, the theater will hold a drawing for a two-year lease on an SUV hybrid from Newport Lexus. Tickets, at $100 each, will benefit the playhouse’s programs.

TOM TITUS covers theater for the Coastline Pilot.