The Lobero Theatre Associates are a Women’s Auxiliary Group that has been working together to support the Lobero Theatre since 1972, taking on a myriad different projects which continue the Lobero legacy.
The Lobero Theatre Associates’ hard work and dedication have given the Lobero a beautiful courtyard, the Steinway Grand piano that graces the stage, and they actively support Lobero youth programs, bringing thousands of students to the theatre each year.
The Lobero Associates continue to define ‘hat couture’ in what has become an institution in Montecito giving events, the annual “Hats Off” Luncheon. This luncheon is the Lobero Theatre Associates’ major outreach event created to raise needed funds for the Lobero’s youth programs. Buy tickets to the 2013 luncheon
Held at the Montecito Country club on April 19, 2012, the Associates saluted comedy writer/producer Cheri Steinkellner with trademark grace. The afternoon’s presentations were a tip ‘o the hat to good old-fashioned girl power. Associates’ president Annie Williams recognized original member Marilyn Schuermann for her diligent work in the organization over the years, and Cheri delighted the audience with hilarious stories about being a working mom in the male-dominated writer’s room of Cheers. The lead in her new-fashioned musical, “Hello! My Baby” is a young girl following her dreams.
Cheri’s husband gave a touching introduction to his wife and writing partner, who together have penned episodes of The Jeffersons, Benson, The Facts of Life, Family Ties, and Who’s the Boss? among many others. Cheri is a winner of four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, People’s Choice Award, BAFTA, Writers Guild, Parents Choice and TV Land Legend Awards. In addition to sharing her experiences in TV Land, she introduced guests to “Hello! My Baby” ‘s playful turn-of-the-century songs before its premiere at the Lobero the following weekend, sung by two of the show’s plucky lead actors.
To celebrate the opening of “Hello! My Baby,” the Associates organized an exclusive private reception held in the Margerum Tasting room, featuring Margerum wines and delectable appetizers from the Wine Cask. The “preview” at “Hats Off!” had everyone buzzing about this home-grown production, and the mood was very festive as Associates Jane Litchfield, Janet McCann, and Annie Williams raised their glasses to the success of the show with their guests.
On May 17, the Associates hosted yet another unique fundraiser, this time featuring the unmatched elegance of Christofle silver. Hosted by Holly and Bob Murphy in the Biltmore’s El Mar Room, the evening began with champagne and a viewing of Christofle’s museum collection, on tour from the Louvre. Each piece was exquisite, ranging from a stately, towering candelabra to petite pieces embellished with delicate silver dragonflies, fish, waterfowl and flowers. Christofle’s President & CEO, Nicolas Krafft, enlightened guests further about the collection pieces featured at each table. The Biltmore’s chef prepared a truly splendid menu, each course perfectly paired with a French wine. M. Krafft topped the evening with a demonstration of sabrage, a tradition of beheading a bottle of champagne with a saber, dating back to Napoleon’s time. It is impossible to overstate the sheer grace and beauty that surrounded this event. From the copious silver and flowers to the delectable food and wine, it was an evening that each guest will remember.
