por David Dixon<\/p>\n
In order to get through the aftermath of tragedy, some people are compelled to share their experience with others. Missy Schaaf, who currently lives in Orange County, is doing just that with \u201cAn Evening for Life,\u201d scheduled for June 24 at the Horton Grand Theatre.<\/p>\n
A dancer and aerialist, who performed in Las Vegas for over a decade, the San Diego-born Schaaf and her husband suffered a tragic loss last June when she gave birth to a stillborn baby. Unable or unwilling to move on from this tragedy, and following a conversation with her therapist, Schaaf eventually came up with the idea for the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy therapist recommended that I put love somewhere, in order to memorialize and honor my daughter,\u201d she said. \u201cI realized that I could put up a benefit show, since it\u2019s in my wheelhouse.\u201d\u00a0The sequences in the hopeful show are themed to different subjects such as love, shock, anger, and friendship.<\/p>\n
She chose to put on \u201cAn Evening for Life\u201d in San Diego, mainly because of her local ties to the city.<\/p>\n
Schaaf, the co-director of the project, is collaborating on it with many talented people, including singers, dancers, aerialists, and artists involved with Cirque du Soleil. Given her artistic background and ties to San Diego, it comes as no surprise that she has drawn a variety of talented entertainers from the county and Las Vegas to work with her on this \u201cphilanthropic theatrical show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schaaf picked Natalie Walstead as the co-director of the project. The two of them have a long history of working together and have choreographed several dance pieces in Las Vegas and around the world. Since they’ve shared many experiences and success together, Schaaf loves to work with Walstead.<\/p>\n
Another San Diego-based artist involved with the project is music director Vanessa Dinning. She became involved after talking to Schaaf\u2019s stepfather, photographer Ken Jacques, who is known for photographing arts events in San Diego.<\/p>\n
\u201cSchaaf outlined what she was looking for, including music that requires particular voices, including a male tenor and female vocalists,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen Schaaf told me what her vision was, and what she needed, it became something enjoyable to put together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Proceeds from the event will go to Empty Cradle, a pregnancy and infant loss support, education and remembrance nonprofit organization located in Santee. Empty Cradle helped Schaaf in her time of need, and she contacted its president, Rachel Redhouse, to see if the organization would work with her on \u201cAn Evening for Life.\u201d “When Schaaf asked if people from Empty Cradle would like to be involved, and I said absolutely,” Redhouse said. \u201cI\u2019ve been helping a little bit, but Schaaf is the big planner, [and] is doing a great job,\u201d Redhouse said. She is aiding Schaaf by providing some items for the silent auction that will take place before showtime.<\/p>\n
Schaaf is happy to be partnering with Empty Cradle. \u201cIt is support for women and families who have lost children,\u201d she said. \u201cThey are educating the public at large about grief and loss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dinning, Redhouse and Schaaf all feel that the night will be moving and meaningful for a lot of people. \u201cIt will be a cathartic and freeing evening,\u201d Dinning said. \u201cI’m in awe of what Schaaf is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s not just going to be an event for people who have experienced a loss,\u201d Redhouse said. \u201cIt\u2019s for those who surround those people, like family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a beautiful production,\u201d Schaaf said. \u201cI really hope that people will come and enjoy it, while being surrounded by their community\u2026 I hope they help support Empty Cradle and the arts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAn Evening for Life\u201d takes place on Monday, June 24. For tickets or more information, visit\u00a0eventbrite.com<\/a>\u00a0o\u00a0aneveningforlife.wixsite\/com\/aneveningforlife<\/a>\u00a0or call 760-420-7836 or 702-541-1740.<\/p>\n