Inside CTG The Gala 2026 Led by my amazing friends Jana and Trevor Bezdek – thanks for being so kind !
An evening of theater, legacy, and celebration unfolds as Center Theatre Group prepares for its most glamorous night under the stewardship of LA’s Super Philanthropists Jana and Trevor Bezdek.
The invitation arrives with a sense of occasion that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary, an elegant declaration from Center Theatre Group that signals a milestone moment for one of the nation’s most respected cultural institutions. CTG The Gala, set for Sunday, March 29, 2026, is conceived as a luminous gathering that honors artistry, philanthropy, and community in equal measure, with Jana Bezdek and Trevor Bezdek guiding the evening as gala chairs.
At the heart of the celebration is a sense of continuity. Center Theatre Group stands on the eve of its 60th anniversary, and this gala serves as both tribute and threshold, acknowledging decades of theatrical excellence while ushering in a new era of engagement. The tone is celebratory, yet grounded in purpose, reflecting the organization’s enduring role in shaping the cultural landscape.
The leadership behind the evening reflects the strength of the institution itself. Snehal Desai, serving as the Brindell and Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director, continues to shape a bold creative vision, while Meghan Pressman, as Managing Director and CEO, ensures that ambition is matched with thoughtful execution. Together with the Board of Directors, they frame an evening that is as meticulously curated as any production staged on their celebrated platforms.
Jana Bezdek, named as Gala Chair, brings a poised sense of stewardship to the occasion, joined by Trevor Bezdek in a partnership that underscores both personal commitment and shared civic responsibility. Their leadership is not merely ceremonial but deeply engaged, setting the tone for a night that embraces both refinement and vitality.
The structure of the evening unfolds with a rhythm that mirrors a well-crafted performance. Guests will gather at the Jerry Moss Plaza for a cocktail hour and dinner, a setting that invites conversation and anticipation beneath the open sky. As the evening progresses, attention turns to the Mark Taper Forum, where the gala performance promises a singular artistic experience, designed for this one night alone.
The celebration continues back at the plaza with a closing party that leans into a spirit of joy. The event’s creative direction draws from a sequined and disco-inspired aesthetic, encouraging guests to embrace a playful elegance that reflects both nostalgia and modern flair. The suggestion of bell bottoms, jumpsuits, and platform shoes is less about costume and more about participation in a shared moment of exuberance.
Subhead: Honoring Icons of Stage and Screen
Central to the evening is the recognition of two figures whose contributions to the performing arts have shaped generations. Phylicia Rashad and Joel Grey will be honored, their careers representing a remarkable breadth of achievement across theater, film, and television.
Phylicia Rashad’s presence carries a quiet authority, built on decades of performances that combine technical mastery with emotional clarity. Her work continues to resonate with audiences who recognize in her performances a rare balance of strength and subtlety.
Joel Grey brings a legacy that is equally enduring, defined by a distinctive stage presence and an ability to inhabit characters with precision and depth. His contributions to musical theater in particular remain influential, setting standards that continue to guide performers today.
The gala’s performance program reflects this duality of legacy and innovation. Selections from Here Lies Love and Mamma Mia! will be featured, offering a dynamic range that bridges contemporary storytelling with beloved musical traditions. The promise of surprise guests adds an element of anticipation, reinforcing the sense that this is an evening shaped by both planning and spontaneity.
Subhead: A Community of Support and Celebration
Beyond the spotlight, the gala is supported by a network of individuals and organizations whose contributions ensure its success. The Gala Committee, including Nancy and Patrick Dennis, Jay Marcus, Jeanne and Gary Newman, and Marsha Tauber Sallai and Imre Sallai, reflects a collective commitment to sustaining the arts through active involvement.
The Host Committee further expands this circle, with The Ahmanson Foundation, Diana Buckhantz and Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation, Center Theatre Group Affiliates, Amy Forbes and Amy Murr, Fox Entertainment, Cindy and Gary Frischling, Patricia Glaser and Samuel Mudie, Robert Greenblatt, Thomas L. Safran, Bonnie Vitti and The Louis and Harold Price Foundation, Dana and Matt Walden, and Kim and Bill Wardlaw contributing to the evening’s realization.
An Honorary Host Committee adds yet another layer of distinction, with names such as Debbie Allen, Sutton Foster, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lea Salonga, Michael Urie, and Ben Platt signaling the breadth of support that extends across the entertainment community. Their involvement reflects a shared recognition of the importance of institutions like Center Theatre Group in fostering artistic expression.
The inclusion of celebrated culinary talent also elevates the evening. A dinner prepared by celebrity chef Suzanne Goin promises an experience that aligns with the gala’s overall sensibility, attentive to detail and rooted in quality. The meal becomes part of the narrative, reinforcing the idea that every element of the evening is thoughtfully considered.
Subhead: A Night That Reflects a Legacy
What distinguishes CTG The Gala is not only its scale but its clarity of purpose. It is an event designed to celebrate, yet it remains anchored in the mission of supporting theater as a vital cultural force. The interplay between performance, philanthropy, and community creates a sense of cohesion that defines the evening.
The choice of venues, from the Jerry Moss Plaza to the Mark Taper Forum, reinforces this connection to place. These are spaces that have hosted countless performances and gatherings, each contributing to a broader story of artistic engagement in Los Angeles.
As guests move through the evening, they become part of that story, participating in a continuum that extends beyond a single night. The gala serves as both reflection and renewal, acknowledging what has been achieved while investing in what is yet to come.
Jana and Trevor Bezdek’s role as chairs encapsulates this dual focus. Their leadership reflects a commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring that the gala resonates with both longtime supporters and new audiences.
The evening’s aesthetic, its programming, and its structure all converge to create an experience that feels cohesive and intentional. There is a sense that every detail, from the lighting to the music, has been calibrated to support a larger vision.
As Center Theatre Group approaches its 60th anniversary, CTG The Gala stands as a defining moment, one that captures the organization’s spirit and its aspirations. It is an evening that celebrates not only individual achievements but the collective effort that sustains the arts.
In this context, the gala becomes more than an event. It is a statement of values, a reaffirmation of the role that theater plays in bringing people together and in shaping cultural conversations.
The anticipation surrounding the evening reflects this significance. It is understood that what unfolds on March 29, 2026, will be remembered not only for its elegance but for its meaning.
Through the combined efforts of its leadership, its honorees, and its supporters, CTG The Gala emerges as a testament to what can be achieved when vision and dedication align. It is an evening that honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks confidently toward the future.
