SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Patron Party Previews SCR's 'Encantar...as if by Magic'
By Ann Conway

"Romantic. Musical. Enchanting. Mystical." These are the words Socorro Vasquez used to describe 'Encantar...As if by Magic,' the South Coast Repertory Gala set for Sept. 17 at the St. Regis Monarch Bay Resort.

Gala guests will enter "a world of enchantment," Gala Chair Vasquez said, as she sipped an icy white-wine sangria cocktail during the Gala Patron Party held August 7 at the Mexican-style mansion in Peralta Hills of prominent Orange County attorney and SCR trustee Wylie Aitken and his wife, Bette.

Not only will guests feel like they've arrived at an "elegant Mediterranean home—with tables decorated as if they were attending their own private dinner party," said Bette Aitken, Decor Chair. "They will experience a night of surprises," chimed in Vasquez, "from the cuisine (where tasty tapas will be served as a first course—other menu items are being kept under wraps) to the entertainment (featuring exhibition Flamenco and tango dancing and the opportunity for guests to make some magical moves of their own)."

Ashleigh and Michael Penn; Olga Niebla, Socorro Vasquez with Sally Ann Catering server; and Tom and Beth Phelps

Not to mention the romantic decor, where, among other high-style visual elements, hundreds of live-flame candles, festival lights and multi-cultural lanterns will light up the night.

And while guests spend one of the Orange County theatre scene's most elegant evenings—and the launch of its social season—they will also be contributing to the Tony Award-winning theatre's $2.6 million Annual Fund, noted SCR Producing Artistic Director David Emmes. "We are indebted to all of you for your enthusiasm and hard work and your significant contribution" to the fund, Emmes told Gala patrons as he stood on the breeze-swept patio of the one acre 'Cuernavaca'-named property. "Today signals the beginning of SCR's 42nd season, which will open officially on Sept. 9 with a re-imagining of Brecht's 'Caucasian Chalk Circle,' staged by the inventive young director, Kate Whorisky."

As they were serenaded by the soothing guitar strains of Andres Carrasco and the sounds of a gushing pool-side waterfall, patrons enjoyed appetizers such as chicken sopas created by Sally Ann Catering as they buzzed about the upcoming season. "Here we go again—I can't wait!" said longtime SCR supporter Teri Kennady.

Linda Hovee, Mary Carrington, Susan Ehrlich and Dee Higby; Dennis De La Paz and Bette Aitken; and Larry Higby and Wylie Aitken

After the alfresco reception, guests were invited into the Aitken home to cruise a buffet featuring paella, filet of beef with mushrooms, beef empanadas and exotic fruits—all of which were proffered up on a silk Spanish shawl-spread pool table in the plush game room.

"Wylie and I are honored to honor the Gala patrons who work so hard to support South Coast Repertory," said Bette Aitken. "We are thrilled to open up our home to the arts."

Party Players on the scene: Mary Carrington, Yolanda and Dennis De La Paz, Ernesto Vasquez, Susan and Bob Ehrlich, Patricia and Max Ellis, Marlene and Sam Hamontree, Dee and Larry Higby, Linda and Bob Hovee, Betty and S.L. Huang, Jan Seitz Jashinski and Ralph Baumann, Teri Kennady and Eric Hyman, Sarah Murr and Gary Lesser, Pat and Carl Neisser, Olga and Fernando Niebla, Ashleigh Aitken and Michael Pen and Beth and Tom Phelps.