Scene & Heard: A theater festival fundraiser and planning for L.A. Phil’s gala

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Before the Tony-nominated Michele Lee began her performance at a fundraiser Saturday, host Scott Adler advised guests to “get a passport” and head for Calabasas this summer for the California International Theatre Festival. The 10-day event, which takes place July 16-25, will this year feature works from countries such as China, Israel, Canada and the United States -- and will include Lee’s cabaret show.

Festival director Linda Purl, who plays Helene Beesly in “The Office,” said the festival’s mission is to promote cultural understanding. “It’s the arts that civilize us. It’s what speaks to our common humanity,” she said.

Also on the society scene, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s gala committee met for a luncheon and fashion show at the Valentino boutique in Beverly Hills, where they talked enthusiastically about the Oct . 7 season opening gala, which will feature a concert with Gustavo Dudamel conducting and tenor Juan Diego Florez singing traditional arias and contemporary Latin songs.

Look for my report here and in Scene & Heard in the Image section on Sunday.

-- Ellen Olivier