Mario Lopez named gala host

Mario Lopez, host of the entertainment news show, “Extra,” and a star on Broadway and television, will add another accomplishment to his list: host of the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters 12th annual gala benefit.

Lopez will join other celebrities and Laguna Beach community members on the red carpet at the annual event, which benefits the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters Building Fund.

Lopez began his career as one of the main characters in the hit teen series “Saved by the Bell.” While hosting “Extra,” he also had hosting duties on MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.” No stranger to rigorous dance routines, he danced his way to the finals in the third season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Following up “Dancing With the Stars,” in summer 2009, he completed his first run on Broadway, starring as Zach in the long-running musical “A Chorus Line.”

He has also published three books: “Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness”; “Mud Tacos,” a children’s book he co-authored with his sister Marissa; and most recently “Extra Lean,” a guide to healthy eating that was recently named a New York Times best seller.

Lopez guest starred on the final season of F/X network’s “Nip/Tuck.” He previously starred in “Holiday in Handcuffs” on ABC and starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made-for-TV movie “Husband for Hire,” credited as the most-watched program on the Oxygen Network.

The event will offer guests an evening of music, dancing and a special performance: “Eat, Drink and Be Merry,” this summer’s Pageant of the Masters. Other guest celebrities expected to attend are A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler and Joe Mantegna — all from “Criminal Minds” — and Richard Karn, Joseph Mascolo, Jerry Mathers, Donna Mills and Charles Shaughnessy, among others.

Lopez will pull the winning raffle ticket for a 2010 Acura ZDX, valued at more than $49,000, and a silent auction will entice guests to make a purchase that will benefit the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters.

Tickets are $50 to $350. Cocktail attire is required. The $350 tickets include early entry to the event along with the celebrities, dinner at Tivoli Terrace; and Loge Center seating during the show. For more information, call (800) 487-3378 or visit https://www.pageanttickets.com.

What: Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters 12th annual gala benefit

When: 5 p.m. Aug. 28

Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road

Cost: $50 to $350

Information: (800) 487-3378 or https://www.pageanttickets.com