South Coast Repertory’s 2009 Gala Ball “Nothing But Blue Skies” Opens O.C. Social and Theatrical Seasons, Nets Over $550,000
Broadway Star Douglas Sills Is Surprise Guest; Sings Four Show-Stopping Numbers
COSTA MESA, CA. – There was “Nothing But Blue Skies” for South Coast Repertory on September 12, 2009 when its Gala Ball opened the theatrical and social seasons in Orange County with a glittering event that netted over $550,000 for the theatre’s Annual Fund and featured a surprise performance by Douglas Sills.
Chaired by Bette Aitken, the evening of dining and dancing at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort began in the spirit of the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire movie Blue Skies and other films of Hollywood’s Golden Age—an era when spirits were lifted by the prospect of good times ahead—and ended with a modernistic nod to the future.
“In the same way, as we honor SCR’s past achievements, we have glorious expectations for the future of the theatre we all love so much and which we celebrate tonight,” Aitken said.
And celebrate they did with a party first envisioned by the 44-member Committee more than seven months ago, implemented through their creativity and hard work with Gala Designer Tom Buderwitz, and produced by SCR’s brilliant theatre artists and artisans.
The glamorous evening began with the popping of flashbulbs as Gala guests alighted from their cars, waved to the paparazzi, and posed for photos near a bright blue Ford roadster and its liveried chauffeur. Greeted by a smiling doorman and accompanied by genial bellhops, they swept through the entranceway and down the hall, to be welcomed beneath a dazzling panel of blue skies by the Gala Chair, her husband, SCR Board President Wylie Aitken, and artistic Directors David Emmes and Martin Benson.
