SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Betty Huang accepts flowers from David Emmes

Martin Benson Betty and S.L. Huang, David Emmes

A jubilant committee

'Affair in Shanghai': Social Theatre
at its Most Romantic
By Ann Conway

In an exotic blur of Chinese lanterns and flashing neon, old and new Shanghai collided in a glittering black-tie rendezvous at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, netting more than $600,000 for South Coast Repertory's Annual Fund.

Beginning with an alfresco cocktail reception in the breeze-swept hotel courtyard — replete with towering gold and red pagoda and the exotic strains of trilling Chinese divas — and culminating in a ballroom abloom with white orchids perched atop gold manzanita branches, 'Affair in Shanghai' on Sept. 8 proved that Gala fund-raising can not only be ultra-romantic, but a thrilling night of theater.

Before it was over, 400 guests had sipped Shanghai Kiss cocktails, watched dancing Chinese dragons, dined on Peking duck, twirled to John Tu’s J.T. and The California Dreamin' symphonic band and ecstatically jumped to their feet to applaud the surprise announcement that arts philanthropists Julianne and George Argyros had committed a breathtaking $10-million to SCR's Legacy Campaign.

"We have one major fund-raising event each year and this is it!" said SCR Artistic Director, Martin Benson, after guests were seated in the ballroom. "This gala is of enormous importance to us because it provides the largest gift for our annual campaign. And what amazes me.... is that it never fails to be a smash hit!"

Artistic Director David Emmes was grateful " to see so many wonderful friends, old and new, who have been part of this great odyssey of bringing SCR to the forefront of American theater," he said. "We really, truly appreciate your support tonight."

Introducing gala Chairman Betty Huang, Emmes called her fund-raising leadership "above and beyond the call of any duty." "Tonight marks the beginning of our 44th season. We have an extraordinary gala committee to thank and our extraordinary chairperson, Betty Huang."

Huang, a study in purple with her flowing violet gown and amethyst pendant, humbly told the crowd she "just happened to be the chairman," and graciously thanked her committee, asking members to stand. "We have netted more than $600,000. Every penny is going to SCR’s artistic and educational programs. I am very, very happy," she said.

David Emmes, Paula Tomei, Betty Huang, Roric Harrison	Larry Higby, David Emmes, Betty Huang, Martin Benson
Roric Harrison, Danuta Schenke, Betty and S.L. Huang	Bette and Wylie Aitken, Ann and Bob Conway
Chris and Aletha Anderson	Anton and Jennifer Segerstrom
Actors Richard Soto and Christine Tanabe read David Emmes' (right) Chinese horoscope	Bob Hovee, Gail Doe, Linda Hovee, Ernie Doe
Lion Dancers	James Fearns, Chelsea Clapper, Danielle Ehrsam, Michael Fearns
Robert and Nadine Hall	Sam and Marlene Hamontree
Larry and Dee Higby	Hawa Hokoki, Khalid Hussain
Susan and Bob Ehrlich, Teri Kennady, Eric Hyman	Linda Maggard, Marc Levin
Gala table in modern Shanghai	Ron and Donna Phelps
Robert and Randy Morrison Baird	James and Natalie Agnew
Julie and Chris Schulz	Tom Sutton, Elaine Weinberg, Nancy Dahan, Jan Seitz Jashinski

Valerie and Geoff Fearns	Actor Ryan Beard and Olivia Johnson	Jennifer and Nick Dauderman

Tim Weiss, Larry Higby, George and Julia Argyros, David Emmes, Martin Benson	George and Julia Argyros, Dee and Larry Higby
George and Julia Argyros	Martin Benson, Julia and George Argyros, David Emmes
George and Julia Argyros	Martin Benson and Julia Argyros