SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Betty Huang, center, with Saks Fifth Avenue models

S.L. Huang, Dee and Larry Higby

Jane Driscoll, Nancy Baldwin, Jim Driscoll

Carol Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue Assistant General Manager of Operations; Mark Pace; Gretchen Pace, Saks Fifth Avenue Vice President/General Manager; Eric Rodriguez, Saks Fifth Avenue Assistant General Manager

SCR Patron Party an Affair to Remember
By Ann Conway

SCR Gala Ball "Affair in Shanghai,"
September 8, 2007. Call 714-708-5504

From its presentation of chic formal wear by Saks Fifth Avenue to its exotic 'Shanghai Kiss' cocktails, South Coast Repertory's traditional Patron Party Aug. 16 was an affair to remember.

Held on the pristine grounds of Blenheim Farm, a sprawling equestrian property in San Juan Capistrano owned by Gloria and R.J. Brandes, the alfresco prelude to SCR's Sept. 8 Gala, 'Affair in Shanghai,' was everything a mid-summer social splash should be: elegant, fun and new.

Not only did Saks Fifth Avenue generously underwrite the gathering, it showcased the last word in Gala-gowns—stunning, celebratory silhouettes that ranged from long to short, strapless to long-sleeved, basic black to purple, burgundy and teal. A theatrical touch: as each model posed, she twirled a colorful Chinese parasol. Gown designers included Zac Posen, Robert Danes, Naeem Khan, Carmen Marc Valvo and Carolina Herrera. (The collection remains in Saks' South Coast Plaza store until Sept. 8).

Ultra modern white sofas and chairs were set upon the rolling green lawn next to the rose garden, the perfect place for ladies to recline and cool themselves with the sandalwood fans presented to them at the beginning of the party. "Today's party is our way of saying 'thank you' to our underwriters, whose generosity makes it possible for SCR to offer a variety of wonderful education programs to our community," said Gala Chair Betty Huang, who attended with her husband, S.L. Huang. According to Betty, the Gala to be held at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel will net over a half million dollars in support of the theater's education programs.

When guests, who included members of the Gala committee, weren't rhapsodizing over the gowns or touring the picturesque property via golf cart, they were sampling scrumptious appetizers from Mark's Catering that included mini lamb chops, crab and cream cheese won tons, Oreo truffles and lemon curd with raspberry cups. (Careful! Got to squeeze into the gown by Sept.8!)

SCR Producing Artistic Director David Emmes thanked the generous crowd. "For 28 years the Gala has launched each new season at SCR, and from what Betty tells me, this year's is expected to exceed its goal. We're indebted to all of you for your enthusiasm and hard work and for your significant contribution to the Annual Fund."

Emmes noted that the Gala will officially launch SCR's 44th season, which will include Stephen Sondheim's glorious musical, "A Little Night Music" and the world-premiere of "Shipwrecked!" by Pultizer Prize-winner Donald Margulies. "But it all begins with the Gala," he added. "And I, for one, can't wait to join in the fun!"

Also on the scene: Donna and Rich Cohn, Donna and Ron Phelps and Gail and Ron Soderling.

(Proceeds from the SCR Gala constitute the first and largest donation to the theatre’s Annual Fund, in support of education programs.)

Danuta Schenke and Roric Harrison	S.L. and Betty Huang and David Emmes
Lisa and James Chen, Betty Huang	Kathryn Glassmyer and Aletha Anderson
David Emmes, Saks' Eric Roderiguez, Paula Tomei	Ernie and Gail Doe, Joyce Cathcart, Danuta Schenke
Geoff and Valerie Fearns	S.L. Huang, Lisa and James Chen
Geoff Fearns, Larry Higby, David Emmes, Paula Tomei	Gal Doe, Laurie Smits Staude, Olivia Johnson, Yolanda De La Paz
Furnishings by Classic Party Rentals	Florals by Couture Flowers
Ralph Baumann, Jan Seitz Jashinski, Roric Harrison, Betty Huang	Saks models flank, left to right: Toni Berlinger, Twyla Reed Martin, Teri Kennady, Joyce Cathcart
The "Shanghai Kiss"	Marc Levin, Linda Maggard, Nancy and Kim Kelley
Douglas and Sandi Jackson, Betty Huang, Randy Morrison Baird and Robert Baird	Joan Kaloustian
Natalie and James Agnew of Van Cleef & Arpels	Chuck Martin, Tom Rogers
Pat and Carl Neisser, Teri Kennady	Jeanne Wang and Sue Tsao

Bette Aitken...	Nancy and Kim Kelley...	Susan and Bob Ehrlich with Saks models