The Laguna Playhouse recently was presented with the first annual Orange County Arts Award as "Outstanding Arts Organization in the discipline of theatre." Orange County Arts presented awards to organizations and individuals "for their examplary work in the arts during 1999." The Playhouse was honored for its recording of a CD of Gunmetal Blues, the film-noir musical it produced in 1999. The recording marked the first time a professional resident theatre outside of New York City had ever recorded a cast album.Founded in 1920, the Playhouse is the oldest continually operating theatre company on the West Coast. Its mainstage season and Youth Theatre and Education programs serve well over 100,000 audience members and students each year. The Playhouse will celebrate its 80th anniversary season this fall.

Information about Arts Orange County or the Arts Awards can be obtained by calling (714) 556-5160. For information of the Playhouse, call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent