La Jolla Playhouse was mighty good to Pete Townshend, staging The Who's Tommy as a musical (which went on to win Townshend a Tony Award when the show transferred to Broadway). In Spring 2001, Townshend wants to give something back to the Southern California theatre company in the form of a special benefit concert.

A solid date has not been set, but Des McAnuff, La Jolla's interm artistic director and friend of Townshend, has confirmed that the legendary rock 'n' roll performer will be on hand to raise money for the company's new building program.

La Jolla Playhouse subscribers and donors will first have a chance at the Townshend tickets before the general public. Other ticket details are pending.

In the 1990's, La Jolla Playhouse established itself as a connection to Broadway - Tommy, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jane Eyre and the upcoming Thoroughly Modern Millie all got their starts in La Jolla. Season 2001 has not yet been announced, but it has been rumored that among the projects under consideration is Frank Wildhorn's Dracula, to be directed by McAnuff.

— By Christine Ehren