AUCTION PREVIEW

Live Auction

World-Class Evening at the Getty Mansion: Dinner for 20, including Jonathan Moscone, at the Pacific Heights home of Ann and Gordon Getty, including cocktail reception, wine tasting led by a PlumpJack sommelier, four-course dinner by a former Chez Panisse chef, and delightful conversation in a breathtaking setting.

Pebble Beach Paradise: Your foursome can play through at the exclusive, nationally renowned Monterey Peninsula Country Club in Pebble Beach any afternoon. And don’t worry about driving home or packing lunch—this package includes two ocean-view rooms at the Inn at Spanish Bay and a $200 gift certificate to enjoy a meal at Roy’s at Spanish Bay.

Here Today—Gone to Maui: You and a guest will fly first-class on Delta Air Lines to Maui, where you’ll spend a week at the Kapalua Resort, in a spacious oceanfront Gold Villa with an 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring island of Molokai. Kapalua was recognized as #1 in Hawaii for Best Golf Resort by Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine, and the winners of this package will get preferred rates and access to two championship golf courses, including the Plantation Course, host to the PGA’s Mercedes-Benz Championship. The villa itself features state-of-the-art appliances, fine linens, granite countertops, air conditioning, washer/dryer, DVD player, and private lanai are just some of the amenities; and the resort boasts full-service concierge and activity desk where you can schedule zip line, hiking, kayaking, and other adventures!

A Cal Shakes Star Is Born: One of the Cal Shakes Gala’s most consistently popular prizes, this package offers the winning bidder the privilege of a one-time walk-on role in Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband during our 2008 season. The winner will be personally directed by Jonathan Moscone, receive the full costume and make-up treatment, and get a souvenir photograph of their curtain call and four tickets to the performance for friends and family.

Ashland Awaits! Two guests will enjoy three days of theater at the celebrated Oregon Shakespeare Festival in, personally escorted by Jonathan Moscone.  You’ll stay for two nights at either the Coolidge House Bed & Breakfast or the McCall House—both lovingly restored and well-appointed Victorians just steps from the theaters—take in three or four plays from top-choice seats, go on backstage tours, and even have dinner at Chateaulin Restaurant Francais with Jonathan and Oregon Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Bill Rauch.

Vintage Italy: Every year is a great year in Italy, but 1997 was an especially good year for these twelve bottles of grapes:  Romitorio Brunello Riserva, Le Presi Brunello Riserva, Tignanello, Antinori Tenute Marchese, Castello di Ama, Tassinaia, Aldo Conterno Barolo Gran Bussia Riserva, Fontolloro, Marengo Barolo Brunante, Seghesio Barolo Ls Villa, Azelia Barolo Falleto, and Scavino Bric del Fiasc Barolo. Winner takes all!

¡Pura Vida in Costa Rica!: A Central American paradise awaits you at Casa Alegria in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica—adjacent to one of the country’s most prized national parks, and a five-minute walk from pristine secluded beach. For seven days, you and your guests will luxuriate in this lovely four-bedroom, 3600-square-foot villa featuring jungle and ocean views; fully-equipped modern kitchen; full entertainment system; maid, laundry, and concierge service; and plunge pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. Not to mention a chef-prepared dinner for eight!

Golfer’s Delight: This swinging package features rounds for four at the Orinda Country Club, The Bridges in San Ramon, Blackhawk Country Club, and Ruby Hill (Livermore); a round for three at Olympic Club (San Francisco); plus rounds for two at Castlewood (Pleasanton) and Crow Canyon (San Ramon). All told, this package includes rounds at seven different area courses—and includes meals, carts, and more at most.

Dinner on Grace Street: Get your spice on at an engaging and entertaining cooking demonstration for ten by performer and chef extraordinaire Lyle Cash at Grace Street Catering Headquarters in Alameda. Nibble hors d’oeuvres after taking a tour of the Cal Shakes Gala caterers’ historic building, followed by a fabulous dinner with wines matched perfectly to each course.

The Sweet Sounds of the Greek Theatre: Receive two tickets to every concert at UC Berkeley’s 105-year-old Greek Theatre during the 2008 season! Past performers have included Van Morrison, Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones, Paul Simon, and John Mayer; and artists confirmed for this year’s approximately twenty-show season include R.E.M., Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Mark Knopfler, and James Taylor.

Ultimate Umbria: Up to eight people are welcome for a week in La Quercia, a country estate in Umbria, Italy. Dating back to 1415, the house features four private bedrooms, two fully-equipped kitchens, and a new infinity swimming pool and outdoor loggia with 180-degree views of a vineyard-dotted valley. You and your guests will enjoy a gourmet feast prepared by five-star chef Melchiorri, and find many more reasons to say “grazie!” This beautifully appointed estate is available year-round, and the prize includes a planning dinner al fresco at the home of La Quercia’s owners.

American Idol Live: Two impossible-to-get tickets for the May 21 taping of American idol in Hollywood, including entrée to the very exclusive after-party! Sleep it off afterward in your deluxe room at the boutique Hotel Angeleno, located at the crossroads of Brentwood and Bel-Air minutes from the Getty Center and UCLA.

Cal Shakes Royalty for a Night: There’s no better way to enjoy An Ideal Husband  (July 2—27) or Uncle Vanya (Aug 6—31) than the four choice house seats, four-course pre-show dinner (served onstage!), VIP parking with cast members, hot beverages delivered to your seat during intermission, and much more included in this auction item. One person from your party will even get to do the pre-show curtain speech with Jonathan Moscone.

Better Than Bollywood—Pixar! Take a two-hour tour for six at Emeryville’s famous Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, led by Oscar-winning Incredibles producer John Walker. View a live demo of Pixar’s computer animation wizardry, and cap it off with lunch in the gourmet cafeteria on PIXAR’S 14+-acre campus.

Gala Gold 2009: If you think you're going to get your spice on at the Gala this year, wait ’til next year when you can really feel like a Cal Shakes superstar. This prize package includes limo service for ten guests to and from our ’09 Gala, with champagne and caviar en route; VIP treatment on arrival; exclusive preview on silent auction items; your own personal gala valet; and Jonathan Moscone's company at your front-and-center table for ten.

SILENT AUCTION

The Best of Boston: Have your own Boston Tea Party (and more) during your four-night stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo (originally an elementary school constructed in 1903) in Boston’s North End. The residence sleeps six people, boasts 13-foot ceilings, and is steps away from the Old North Church, the Freedom Trail, and Paul Revere’s house. Included in this package are two tickets to both the Tony Award-winning American Repertory Theatre and the Huntington.

Napa Valley Luxe: Unwind in wine country with overnight accommodations for two at Meadowood Resort, including spa treatments for two, breakfast served in your room, and a tour and tasting at Silverado Vineyards.

Head for the Sierras! Do Tahoe in style with an overnight stay for two at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino and fine dining for two at the award-winning Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village.

Stinson Beach Hideaway: Spend a week in a private two-bedroom, two-bathroom home just steps away from the ocean on Stinson Beach, with additional bedroom and bathroom in adjacent private cottage. The house features such amenities as gourmet kitchen, stone fireplace, hot tub, and more—and a stunning view of Mount Tamalpais.

Breathtaking Aptos: Spend a week in a gorgeous three-bedroom home on the sunny side of Monterey Bay, with breathtaking views of the California coast. You’re close to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, 35 minutes to Carmel and Monterey, and less than 20 minutes from Elkhorn Slough Safari’s boat tour through one of California's largest wetlands, two tickets to which are included in this package!

Award-Winning Golf: Your foursome will play a round of golf for four on the award-winning Stevinson Ranch, located just west of Merced, spend the night in two cottages, and enjoy both a beer and wine reception and breakfast.

A Week’s Retreat in Morro Bay: One week stay at Sandy Bottoms, a four-bedroom, five-bath beach house home in Morro Bay, a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County. Since the house is a short drive away from Hearst Castle, you’ll receive two tickets to tour this famously palatial estate—plus the beach, breathtaking hikes, and four-star restaurants are all nearby.

Four-Star Luxury in Your Own Backyard: Find paradise just east of the tunnel during your deluxe overnight stay for two at the Lafayette Park Hotel, including spa service (also for two) at the hotel retreat voted Best Day Spa by the readers of Diablo Magazine.

Five-Star Carneros Escape: Hide away during your two-night, mid-week high-season stay, or a two-night off-season weekend stay for two at the luxurious PlumpJack Carneros Inn—located on 27 acres between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the Carneros boasts private gardens, exceptional dining, spa treatments based on local ingredients, private outdoor showers, and more.

Monterey Bay Deluxe: You’ll get a deluxe room at the Monterey Hyatt—home to Pebble Beach Company's Championship Del Monte Golf Course, six championship tennis courts, pools, a 24-hour health club, and much more—plus dinner for two at Hyatt’s TusCA Ristorante, their award-winning Tuscan-Californian restaurant.

*** Unique Experiences ***

Day on the Bay: Sail away for an entire day aboard a beautiful 34-foot sloop with three of your guests; take your pick of a three-island tour, a sail to a secluded picnic spot, or a trip under the Golden Gate Bridge, all with gourmet box lunches provided (plus wine and other beverages).

$1,000 Shopping Spree! Get a $1,000 gift card good at any store in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza—everything from Aveda to Swarovski—and VIP reserved parking for the day after Thanksgiving 2008, when you need it the most.
Championship Links and Lessons: Help break in the new Johnny Miller-designed championship Metropolitan Golf Links Course (home to Cal’s men’s and women’s golf teams) with a round of golf for four, including carts, plus six half-hour lessons with Cal men’s golf team assistant coach Gene Bakkum.

A Bruns Birthday: Give your child the Cal Shakes treatment with a birthday party at the Bruns, featuring clowning instruction by Cal Shakes Associate Artist Joan Mankin, a shadow puppet play, and activities from Cal Shakes’ Imagination Playground classes.

San Francisco Power Brokers: Let San Francisco’s popular two-term Mayor Gavin Newsom give you and three guests a personal tour of his home away from home, San Francisco City Hall, and take lunch for four at a popular San Francisco restaurant with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, famed clothier Wilkes Bashford, and our very own Jonathan Moscone.

A Grove of Your Own: Your name will grace one of Cal Shakes’ groves for the entire 2008 season—either the beautiful “Grove Talk” grove, the scenic North Star Grove, or the popular Upper Grove—each seen by nearly 50,000 theatergoers through the season. Your name will appear in published materials throughout the season (every time your grove is mentioned) and you’ll receive VIP treatment at the Theater during all of your ’08 visits (reserved parking and picnic table, blankets waiting on your seats, and a backstage tour).

Cal Football Fans, This Is Your Chance: Do lunch for four at the UC Faculty Club with Cal Football Head Coach Jeff Tedford, and get a personal tour of Memorial Stadium!

Signed ’99—American League Baseballs: Fourteen baseballs beautifully displayed and labeled in an acrylic case—one from each 1999 American League Baseball team, each signed by the entire team, including Manager of the Year Jimy Williams, Cy Young Award Winner Pedro Martinez, MVP Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and Rookie of the Year Carlos Beltran.

*** Culinary Delights ***

A Meal for All Seasons: Dinner for two with a bottle of wine at Seasons, located in the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco.

A Feast from the East: An authentic, traditional Chinese banquet for six at a Contra Costa restaurant hosted by Rick and Rose Clark and attended by Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone or Managing Director Debbie Chinn.

A Festive Evening in Old California: Join Ellen and Joffa Dale at their Orinda home for an evening of wine and food pairings, plus a tour of this grand California Spanish hacienda: Grace Street Catering—official caterers of our Gala—will serve a sumptuous feast for ten; the Dales will work their mojo with the wine; and chamber musicians from Crowden School in Berkeley will perform.

Barrels of Fun: A personal barrel tasting for up to six people with maverick winemaker David Coffaro at his eponymous winery in Dry Creek Valley, south of Healdsburg. Includes lunch at the winery, and bottles of wine to be taken home (or enjoyed at on-site—your choice).

Al Fresco at Its Finest: Relish a professionally prepared summertime feast for eight under the stars, served in George and Kathy Wolf’s garden arbor in the Orinda hills. Prepared by former Fourth Street Grill pastry chef Kathy, this bounty of the freshest ingredients will be combined with a selection of fine wines to compliment each course.

Indian Favorites: Relive the culinary flavor of our Gala at a dinner for four at Swad Indian Cuisine located in Lafayette.

Naan For You: Use your $100 gift certificate at the Breads of India in either Walnut Creek or downtown Oakland.

*** Entertainment Exclusives ***

You’re a VIP at A.C.T. with four tickets to the performance of your choice, a backstage tour, and a bottle of wine at intermission.

How Berkeley Can You Be? Get your Berkeley on with lunch for two at Chez Panisse (including house wine), two house seats for a matinee performance at Berkeley Rep, two house seats for the Aurora Theatre, and a gift card for twelve months of coffee from Berkeley’s own Peet’s Coffee & Tea.

San Francisco Symphony Sublime: Two center orchestra seats for the San Francisco Symphony’s April 26 Haydn program— two great Haydn choral works plus one of his greatest symphonies—conducted by Bernard Labadie, one of the world’s foremost experts on baroque and classical repertoire, and sung by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Includes dinner for two at Chaya Brasserie, deluxe accommodations for one night at the Inn at the Opera, and a pre-performance Inside Music talk.

Under the Big Top with Teatro ZinZanni: Two tickets to dinner and a show at Teatro Zinzanni—quite possibly the Greatest Dinner Theater on Earth—plus a backstage tour and commemorative photo with the cast.

Birthday at the Bruns: A child’s birthday party at the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater with shadow puppet play and other activities from Cal Shakes’ Imagination Playground classes, with clowning instruction lovingly delivered by Cal Shakes Associate Artist Joan Mankin.

VIPs in San Francisco: Dinner for four at North Beach Restaurant; four VIP-only producers’ seats for Beach Blanket Babylon at Club Fugazi; a complimentary round of cocktails with Jonathan Moscone in the exclusive back room of Tosca Café; a one-night stay in two deluxe rooms at the Hotel Adagio; white-glove treatment for four at a Best of Broadway performance—curbside parking, house seats, a trip to the VIP room during intermission, and a backstage tour.

Opera a Quattro: Four orchestra tickets to a performance at the San Francisco Opera, whose 2008-09 season includes The Bonesetter’s Daughter, Three Decembers (Last Acts), The Elixir of Love, Die Tote Stadt, Boris Godunov, Porgy and Bess, and La Traviata.

Glorious Gershwin: Four tickets to a performance of Smuin Ballet’s Dancin’ with Gershwin at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek in May.

*** Fine Wines ***

Barolos from 1964, 1969, 1970: Classic Italian Barolo aromatics and flavors, ripe tannins, great length, and really focused, pure wine. Value: $750.

1975 Sassicaia: One of the most sought-after wines in the world! Value: $300.

1961 Calon Segur: From one of the outstanding vintages of the century—fifty percent Cabernet Sauvignon, two percent Cabernet Franc, and 25 percent Merlot. Value: $200.

Case of 2006 Tessa’s Blushing: Varietals of Grenache (55%) and Syrah (45%) are field blended to bring out the bucolic terroir of their Orinda, California setting; serve this Hanson California Rosé chilled. Value: $300.

2002 Aneas Reserve Aqua Dulce Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Bronze Medal Winner, Orange County Fair. Drinking nicely now, this wine will benefit from additional cellar aging. Value: $150.

2003 Duckhorn Howell Mountain Merlot: Great texture and structure, mouth-filling, yet integrated tannins, and a lingering finish. Value: $90.

Magnum of Judd’s Hill 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon: A juicy, mouth-filling wine with integrated tannins and a long finish. Value: $150.

Magnum of Happy Valley Cellars 2006 Zinfandel: Barrel-aged for eight months—half in new French Oak barrels and half in neutral barrels—this zin’s deep, complex and luscious fruit flavors which should continue to develop during bottle aging. Handcrafted from fruit grown by owners Sam and Dana Greason in Lafayette, California. Value: $150.

Duckhorn Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 from Patzimaro Vineyards: A robust and full-bodied wine with heavily structured tannins, ripe fruit and integrated oak that indicate tremendous aging potential. Value: $150.

Two Vertical Tastings of Littorai Winery: Three Chardonnays and three Pinot Noirs, all from Littorai Winery, 1998. Value: $500.

1994 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: Number nine on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2007; best from 2008- 2018. Value: $200.

Magnum of Lamborn Family Vineyards 2005 Howell Mountain Zinfandel: An easy-to-drink, easy-to-love zin featuring a deep black raspberry color, wide-open aromas of wonderful Howell Mountain ripe fruit, and a nose of jammy raspberry, spice, black pepper, currants, and hints of toast and vanilla. Value: $150.

Case of Goosecross Estate 2006 Chardonnay, Carneros AVA, Napa Valley: A bright perfume of green apple, sweet vanilla, pineapple and spice anticipates lively flavors of Asian pear, Meyer lemon and toasty oak; the creamy, lingering finish is the mark of several months of aging sur lies. Value: $350.

Two Bottles of Liparita Reserve 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon: Liparita only produces a Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon if the vintage year truly warrants the designation (last designate was 2000). This wine has 10-12 years of aging potential. Value: $160.

Collection of International Champagnes: 2004 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Brut; 2002 Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia; 2004 Champagne Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut; 1998 Piper-Heidsieck Brut; Zardetto NV Prosecco Brut; and 1999 Dom Perignon. Value: $350.

Case of Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Wine NV: Earning 91 points from Wine Spectator, this creamy, elegant sparkler combines elegance with delicious pear, vanilla and delicate spice flavors, all of which linger effortlessly on the open-textured finish. Value: $240.

Six Bottles of Freeman Winery 2004 Assorted: Two chardonnays and four pinot noirs from this family winery in Sebastopol. Value: $300.

Three Bottles of Navarro Correas Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina: “Artist’s Series” 1991, 1994, and 1995—perennial  Wall Street Journal favorites. Value: $100.

*** Treasure Troves ***

Birder’s Paradise: An avian abundance of Nikon 8x36 Monarch Binoculars, two bird feeders, books (including two Sibley Field Guides), seed (and a gift certificate for more), and more.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Better than silver bells and cockle shells are gardening books and bulbs, a wheelbarrow, extra-large titanium pruning shears, deluxe hand-pruner, gloves, hat, a garden gnome, a pair of matching ceramic pots, a gift certificate for consultation with a landscape architect, and more.

Death by Chocolate #1 and #2: What a way to go! Take pleasure in these two collections of chocolate-themed everything: a private chocolate party for ten at the Bruns, tour of chocolate factory and chocolate tasting for four at Charles Chocolates, bottles of chocolate port,  chocolates from around the country, chocolate-themed movies, books, and music, chocolate sauces and powders, fondue essentials, gift certificates, and—if you can believe it—more!

Darjeeling Express: Throw a proper tea party with the help of this extensive sampling of unusual teas, Numi Bamboo Flowering Tea Set with tea pot and flowering teas, Lenox China “Tea for Two” set, “The Tea Hour” experience for two at Orinda Village Antiques, spices, honeys, a myriad of teatime snacks, books, a tea case, and even more.

Everything Shakespeare! All that you need for your Cal Shakes picnic—two picnic baskets with supplies for four, two bottles of wine, snacks, a book of picnic recipes—plus Shakespeare books and a CD. And, of course, two tickets to a 2008 Cal Shakes performance—either Pericles or Twelfth Night—with two soft throws to keep you warm through the play (and to take home afterward!). 

*** Get Your Spice On... ***

A different kind of Silent Auction item! Here’s your opportunity to sign-up for some sensational parties at the gala—check out the date, location, and amount per guest. Then, just add your bid number to the list, and decide how many guests you want to bring along for these one-of-a-kind events. It’s party time!

Margaritaville: Hors d’oeuvres and margaritas, tacos grilled to order by Abel Lopez and his El Paisa Taco Truck, and sweets deliciosos—all served outside on a beautiful veranda by Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone, Cal Shakes Managing Director Debbie Chinn and a host of others. Plus, mariachi band Las Cascadas will serenade you.

• Date: Sat, July 26, 2008
• Time: 7pm
• Location: Private home in Piedmont
• Cost: $100 per person
• Limited to: 38 guests

Wine Lovers’ Delight: An afternoon of wine tasting, discovering new wines and great finds, accompanied by an assortment of Food Art’s sumptuously hearty hors d’oeuvres.

• Date: Sat, Nov 8, 2008
• Location: 6pm
• Cost: $75 per person
• Limited to: 20 guests

Mumbai Ladies Club—Girls’ Night Out, Indian Style! During this pre-celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, you’ll create your own version of Mumbai’s signature dish, bhelpuri; learn about a few Diwali traditions while feasting on Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani and vegetable curry; sip beautiful wines and a cup of chai; hear stories of  the Hindu goddesses and learn about the art of mendhi—how to decorate your hands and feet with intricate designs made from henna; and, while savoring dessert, be treated to a demonstration in the art of wearing a sari.

• Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008
• Time: 4-8pm
• Location: Private home in Orinda
• Cost: $150 per person
• Limited to: 20 guests