Customer #1: OC Business Marks Anniversary with Salute to SCR

Irene Hutton, Martin Benson and Jimmy Ray Hutton.

South Coast Repertory grew up with Orange County—and many businesses grew up with SCR.

In 1982, when California Stage & Lighting, inc. opened its doors near Harbor and MacArthur in Santa Ana, its first order came from SCR for light bulbs, totaling $2,619.91.  Yes, theatrical lighting is very expensive!  Founding Artistic Director Martin Benson, who served as production manager at that time, probably placed that first order.

Flash forward to October 2012, as California Stage & Lighting marks its 30th anniversary,   Company founders President Jimmy Ray Hutton and Chief Financial Officer Irene Hutton welcomed back Customer #1—South Coast Repertory.  And to show their gratitude for the faith and trust SCR placed in a fledgling new business, they presented Benson with a check for the amount of that first invoice.

 “This is a chance for Jim, me and the C.S.L staff to say ‘thank you’ for that first sale and your continued support,” said Irene Hutton, as she showed Benson the hand-written ledger entry for the light bulbs—invoice #1001.

California Stage and Lighting's first ledger entry.