SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Director Martin Benson (left), Board member Jim Jaeger and his wife Michelle

Actor Bill Brochtrup and Honorary Producer Joan Kaloustian (Citygroup Private Bank)

Actor Natacha Roi with Wanda and Mide Hernacki

LOVE OF SCR IS 'THE REAL THING'
By Ann Conway

The underlying question of British playwright Tom Stoppard's intense, thought-provoking romp about marriage and infidelity, The Real Thing, is: "Well, is it love or isn't it?"

Well, there are all kinds of love, natch, and many of the First Nighters at SCR's revival of the play—directed by Martin Benson—on Segerstrom Stage were living proof that a love affair with theatre cannot only be the 'real thing,' but the 'on-going thing.' (In fact, eminent English critic Sheridan Morley alluded to that when he said of the play that made its London and New York debuts in the early '80s: "It reminds you of why you go to the theatre and why you fall in love.")

With longtime supporters such as Gail and Peter Ochs, Olivia and Andy Johnson, Elaine Weinberg and Teri Kennady in the crowd, theatre lovers swept into a May 26 post-performance party on Ela's Terrace that was both theatrical and romantic: shimmering scarlet satin dressed the stylish cocktail and buffet tables—featuring fare from Mark's Catering—and lighted red paper lanterns swayed overhead. Not to mention the cupid statuary holding court under a romantic, leafy tree.

SCR's season finale was partially underwritten by Jean and Tim Weiss and The Citigroup Private Bank. Observed SCR Artistic Director David Emmes: "Between them, Jean and Tim Weiss and Citigroup have underwritten 12 plays at SCR. It is this kind of support that allows us to produce great renditions of great works, like The Real Thing."

The Weisses have underwritten seven plays, one for each season Tim has been on the SCR board. They are major contributors to SCR's "The Next Stage" Campaign, members of the Playwrights Circle, subscribers to both SCR stages and Gala table hosts. Citigroup has helped produce five plays at SCR.

Now that's 'the real thing.'

Also on the scene: Mary Beth Adderley, Toni Berlinger, Linda and Bob Hovee, Gail and Ernie Doe, Dori and Jamie Caillouette and Tom Rogers and Sally Anderson.

Actor McCaleb Burnett, Adrienne Allen and Mark Bauer	Gene Hancock, Michael Meyer, actor Martin Kildare, Pat Hancock, Ernie Doe
Joanne Keith and actor Amanda Cobb	Richard Reisman, Dina Garnatz, actors McCaleb Burnett, Natacha Roi, Martin Kildare, Amanda Cobb