Orange County’s Phil Anthropy House Supports Lorna & Robert Cohen Star Celebration

ORANGE COUNTY’S PHIL ANTHROPY HOUSE SUPPORTS LORNA & ROBERT COHEN STAR CELEBRATION

IRVINE, Calif.  (April 14, 2016) – Irvine-based Phil Anthropy House recently signed on as sponsor of the upcoming celebration of Lorna and Robert Cohen, presented by UC Irvine’s Department of Drama and the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. On 24 April the Cohens will receive the fourth Claire Trevor Commemorative Star, acknowledging their contributions to UC Irvine, the arts, philanthropy in the community, and education in its many forms. Robert was the Founding Chairman of UCI’s Department of Drama, and is an internationally lauded writer, director, and theatre critic. Lorna, also a UCI veteran, gives her time and talent to numerous educational and community causes. In 2010 she founded “Women Walking,” which builds partnerships with women worldwide who face gender-based violence and discrimination.

The Phil Anthropy House is a non-profit organization that provides vacant houses to be utilized for the purpose of facilitating philanthropic programs. Their mission is to encourage individuals and communities to become involved in philanthropy, while providing recipients of their various services with resources to overcome challenging life circumstances. Bruce Majeski, president of the organization, is proud to acknowledge the contributions of Lorna and Robert, and to champion the Department of Drama’s legacy of providing a high level arts education to its students and quality theatrical experiences to the Orange County community. “Culture is currently dominated by the scientific, technical, and profit-making communities,” Majeski observed. “What does it say about a culture that lavishly funds athletic programs yet underfunds the arts? The fine arts, especially the Drama Department, present our humanness and remind us that we are soulful beings. The Cohens exemplify the ethos of Phil Anthropy House, and I am proud to help sponsor this celebration in their honor.”

The tribute performance, produced by current Chair of Drama Daniel Gary Busby, will feature five decades of Robert’s former students. Among those contributing their talents are two-time Tony nominee Bob Gunton (Evita, Sweeney Todd), Sepideh Moafi (CSI, Elementary, Notorious), Quinn VanAntwerp (Jersey Boys), and Michael Dean Morgan (Amazing Grace). Additional alumni scheduled to wish the Cohens well include Broadway’s Beth Malone (Tony nominee for Fun Home and featured in the upcoming CBS series BrainDead), Teal Wicks (Wicked, Finding Neverland), Grace Gealey (Empire), Jenn Colella (If/Then, and the upcoming Come From Away), and Andrew Samonsky (The Bridges of Madison County). The performance will be preceded by a reception, taking place at 5:30pm in front of the theatre.

UCI Drama and the Claire Trevor School of the Arts are grateful to Phil Anthropy House for their support.

Claire Trevor Theatre April 24, 2016
5:30pm Reception, UCI Arts Plaza
7:30pm Performance, Claire Trevor Theatre

For tickets to or more information on the event, contact the Department of Drama at (949) 824-8062 or email lblough@uci.edu

For more information on the even, visit the Event Page

For more information on Phil Anthropy House, visiti philanthropyhouse.org.