The event, which will honor outgoing artistic director Des McAnuff with performances by Melissa Errico, the Red Dirt Band and other special guests, will now take place Dec. 8.
"We are highly sensitive to the profound effect the wildfire tragedy has had on our patrons and the San Diego community as a whole," said managing director Steven Libman in a statement. "We are postponing Saturday's celebration and will instead be concentrating our efforts on creating a plan to aid fellow San Diegans in their time of need."
"We have yet to get a full picture of the devastation this disaster will leave in its wake," added new artistic director Christopher Ashley, "and our hearts go out to the countless firefighters, rescue workers, law enforcement officials and victims of these fires."
The event will take place at the California company's Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre in the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center. The title refers to the Playhouse's 60th year (and diamond anniversary) of presenting.
Proceeds from the gala will directly benefit the Playhouse's new play development and education programs. McAnuff has brought his La Jolla stagings of Dracula, 700 Sundays, Jersey Boys and The Farnsworth Invention to Broadway. He leaves his post to become one of three artistic directors at Canada's Stratford Festival when his California contract ends in 2007. He will hold the title of Director Emeritus for the California stage.
A Tony Award winner for his direction of Big River and The Who's Tommy, McAnuff's Broadway credits also include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and A Walk in the Woods in addition to his numerous productions as producer with Dodger Theatricals. He staged the musicals Zhivago, The Wiz and next handles the Broadway run of Aaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention. His directorial film work includes "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle" and "Cousin Bette."
For more information, call (858) 550-1020 x117 or visit lajollaplayhouse.org. The Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse is located at 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, CA.
