Honeymoon Tragedy Benefit Concert Brings Out Stars

Celebrities will step on stage for a one-night benefit concert to raise funds for Victor Rodriguez and his family. Rodriguez survived a June 16 when the parasailing harnesses he and his wife were wearing snapped mid-air. The couple plunged to the water below; Victor survived the fall and spent time recovering in the hospital. His wife of 12-days, Crystal, did not.

The heartbreaking story caught media attention nationally and internationally. The story reached Pasadena, near Los Angeles, and a benefit concert is now planned. The "Concert for Victor" will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at The Pasadena Playhouse. Broadway stars like Melora Hardin of "The Office" and Broadway’s "Chicago," Steven Weber of "Wings" and Broadway’s "The Producers" and Anneliese van der Pol of "That’s So Raven" and Broadway’s "Beauty and the Beast" will perform in the concert.

All proceeds from the benefit show will go into the Rodriguez Family Care Fund. Victor and Crystal did not have health or life insurance and the money raised will help cover some of those expenses.

Directed by Jordan Kai Burnett, featuring accompaniment by Dr. James Lent and produced by Sacramento-area native Jonathan White, the show will also feature other Broadway talent.

“It is always an honor to be able to provide space in our beautiful facility for worthy and important causes,” said The Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps, in a statement. “The Playhouse stage is there for the creation of our art, yes … but it also exists to support important fundraising efforts as we have often done in the past, and do again with great pleasure for this valuable event."

Tickets are $99 (plus a $4 ticketing fee) and include admission to the post-show reception in The Playhouse’s VIP Lounge. All tickets are General Admission and seating is limited. All of the proceeds including the $4 per ticket fee, which has been donated by the patron manager, will go toward Victor’s medical and recovery expenses.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 626-356-7529, by visiting www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or in person at The Playhouse Box Office, located at 39 S. El Molino Ave. in Pasadena.

Additional donations will be accepted the night of the performance as cash or check only (made out to Rodriguez Family Care Fund). Donations can also be sent via mail to:

• R. W. Baird
• 300 University Ave.
• Sacramento, CA 95825

Checks should be made payable to R. W. Baird; c/o Rodriguez Family Care Fund.