South Coast Repertory receives $5-million gift from Newport Beach philanthropists

Under the Christmas tree for South Coast Repertory this year: $5 million.

The gift comes from Julianne and George Argyros, who have been leading supporters of the Costa Mesa theater company since the 1970s. The prolific Newport Beach philanthropists have made major contributions to both the Next Stage Campaign, which led to the naming of the Julianne Argyros Stage, and the Legacy Campaign to build the theater’s endowment.

Julianne Argyros, an honorary trustee who in 2013 served as honorary chairwoman of the company’s 50th-season gala, announced the gift Saturday during the matinee curtain call of “A Christmas Carol.” She and her husband have supported the annual production, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, as honorary producers for 13 consecutive years.

“South Coast Repertory’s magical holiday tradition is as near and dear to us as it is to the more than 600,000 people who have experienced it over the past 40 years,” Julianne Argyros said in a statement that referenced the actor who plays Scrooge. “The best way to pay tribute to Hal Landon Jr., and the other wonderful artists who have entertained us for all four decades, is to ensure that this incredible tradition continues.”

Julianne and George Argyros are recognized during a 2017 ceremony for the plaza that bears their names at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

(File Photo)

Part of the gift will go toward a new production of “A Christmas Carol” for 2021. The money also will strengthen the company’s “strategic capacity-building initiatives, which include increasing the endowment to support programming,” the company said.

“So much of our work over the years has benefited from their support, and we are humbled by this extraordinary gift,” Managing Director Paula Tomei said of the Argyroses.

Added Artistic Director David Ivers: “‘Thanks’ does not begin to cover the gratitude we owe to them. It has been an honor to dream, plan and circle in the orbit of such selfless, giving people.”

Ashley Lee writes for the Los Angeles Times.

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