Richard-Kaufman

The Buzz

Sutton’s Showcase   

Kristen Rhynerson, Donna Bunce, Sutton Foster, Jerry Mandel

You have to know I am a big, big fan of Sutton Foster, as is my goddaughter Kiki Rhynerson.We have followed her career from her Tony Award-winning performances in Thoroughly Modern Millieand Anything Goes, as well as her acclaimed performances in The Drowsy ChaperoneShrek, and the 50thanniversary revival of Sweet Charity, among many other Broadway credits. Foster made a personal appearance recently through Irvine Barclay Theatre’s BroadwayCabaret Series.Her vocal performance for the sold-out crowd was mesmerizing. No singer personifies a song like this accomplished chanteuse. Her virtuosic vocal ability was on display throughout, whether performing a medley of songs from her Broadway shows, Cole Porter, Jason Robert Brown’s “Stars and Moon,” John Denver’s “Sunshine on My Shoulder” or The Drifter’s “Up on the Roof.” It took Barclay President Jerry Mandelthree years to land Foster at the Barclay. Thank you, Jerry, it was well worth the effort! Pssst…Foster continues her star turn on TV’s “Younger,”set to premiere its sixth season June 12thTheBarclay.org

Photo – Skye Schmidt

Symphony Announces Kaufman Transition   

Richard Kaufman

Pacific Symphony’s Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufmanwill be stepping down from his role with the Pacific Symphonyafter the upcoming season ends May, 2020. He will be named Principal Pops Conductor Laureatebeginning in 2020-21. The honorary title is in recognition of his 30 years of service and all he has contributed to the musical growth of the organization. He will continue to conduct on a more informal basis. For 18 years he supervised music for MGM, receiving two Emmy nominations, as well as a 1993 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. PacificSymphony.org

Gifting tickets to Vets, Senior Centers and More   

Pageant of the Masters at Festival of Arts in Laguna Beachis once again providing the opportunity for patrons to gift tickets to its world-famous performance of “living pictures” to local nonprofits with its Masters of Givingprogram. Since 2011, the program has donated more than 12,000 Pageant tickets to charitable organizations. You can purchase a group of 10-to-100 tickets in the Director’s Tier Side section at $25 each, which are in turn delivered to a charitable group on the approved list. “The Time Machine”runs July 7 through August 31. Contact Anne Mai at 949.464.4210 or visit Anne.Mai@foapom.comfor more information.

Stonewall Cooking School at Macy’s Home Store 

Award-winning specialty food producer Stonewall Kitchenand Macy’shas partnered to create an interactive retail experience at Macy’s Home South Coast Plaza. The school offers a variety of demonstration classes with chef instructors, and the space is also available for instructor-led corporate team building, unique meetings, birthday celebrations or a girls’ night out. The current and upcoming class schedule can be found at: MacysRestaurants.com/Stonewall-Kitchen-Cooking-School