SCR's 2011 Gala "Theatre Magic: The Black & White Ball" Opens O.C. Social and Theatrical Sesons, Nets $500,000
Event Honors Founding Artistic Directors David Emmes and Martin Benson
COSTA MESA, CA., September 10, 2011 – South Coast Repertory’s 33rd annual Gala, “Theatre Magic: The Black & White Ball,” opened the theatrical and social seasons in Orange County with a glittering event that netted half a million dollars for the theatre’s Annual Fund.
Chaired by the mother-daughter team of Elaine Weinberg and Nancy Dahan, the evening of dining and dancing at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel celebrated the magic of theatre as it paid tribute to SCR’s Founding Artistic Directors, David Emmes and Martin Benson.
“Tonight, as we commemorate 47 seasons of great theatre, we honor David and Martin for bringing us to this pinnacle—as one of the finest theatres in America,” Board President Tom Phelps said.
On hand to begin the evening with flair were topnotch professional magicians, who greeted guests as they stepped from their cars, guided them through a triumphant South Coast Repertory arch and then sent them—magically—on their way. At the formal entrance — a shimmering backdrop announcing the Gala’s theme, “Theatre Magic: The Black & White Ball” — they were welcomed by the Gala Chairs, along with Artistic Director Marc Masterson and Managing Director Paula Tomei.
Descending the wide outdoor stairway to the al fresco reception, party-goers were presented with Venetian-style masks feathered in black, white and silver, atop silvery wands. Two elegantly costumed mystery women delighted guests by reciting brief allusions to masks from famous plays.
Magicians were everywhere, mingling with guests during the airy all-white reception and—just before darkness fell—leading the way into the ballroom, which sparkled with black piano sequined tablecloths and glowed magically with centerpieces of tall white calla lilies and hydrangeas.
In his welcoming speech, Phelps spoke of the evening as an exciting moment in SCR’s history, as so many of the theatre’s supporters gathered to celebrate Emmes and Benson and welcome Marc Masterson, the new artistic director, to his first Gala.
To commemorate its founders, Phelps announced that SCR’s Board of Trustees has created The Emmes/Benson Endowment Fund. “This unique fund will provide the resources to support extraordinary artistic opportunities during the course of the season— now and for future generations and their leaders.”
Emmes and Benson took the podium to thunderous applause and graciously acknowledged the honor. Adding that the future of SCR will be in great hands, they introduced Masterson and Tomei, who spoke of setting out on their first season as SCR’s co-CEOs with strong support from the theatre and its always-involved community.
They were followed by two other stars of the evening, the gala chairs. Elaine and Nancy thanked their 46-member Gala Committee and the table hosts and sponsors for making “Theatre Magic” the perfect opening for a new era at SCR—the theatre their family had supported and loved from its early days. To make the event more auspicious, they announced that the Gala had achieved its goal, netting $500,000 for SCR’s artistic and educational programs.
“SCR has come a long way,” Elaine added, “and a great future lies ahead, thanks to all of you here tonight.”
Then, in black and white finery, masks held high, guests dined and danced into the night to the music of “J.T. and the California Dreamin’.”
To view photographs of “Theatre Magic: The Black & White Ball,” please visit http://www.scr.org/supportscr/specialevents/partyphotos.aspx after September 14.
Next up at South Coast Repertory, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, adapted for the stage by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan and directed by Kyle Donnelly, which had its first preview performance Friday night, September 9 on the Segerstrom Stage and runs through October 9, followed by Catherine Trieschmann’s How the World Began, directed by Daniella Topol on the Argyros Stage September 25-October 16.
The Emmes/Benson Endowment Fund
Background: As South Coast Repertory’s 2010-11 Season wound down, Founding Artistic Directors David Emmes and Martin Benson stepped back to welcome Artistic Director Marc Masterson. And the theatre began its transition into a new era.
At SCR’s Gala Ball on September 10, 2011, Board President Tom Phelps announced The Emmes/Benson Endowment Fund to honor SCR’s founders, who set down the roots of their theatre 47 years ago and worked with committed community leaders and always-engaged audiences to move SCR to the front ranks of American theatre.
Goal: Through contributions large and small, The Emmes/Benson Endowment Fund will raise $2 million in stable and permanent funds to support unexpected artistic inspirations that occur during the season and go beyond original budget plans. These include the unique visionary needs of directors, designers and playwrights that allow SCR to extend its artistic boundaries.
Donor Opportunities:
(Information about the Emmes/Benson Endowment Fund will be available in the SCR lobby and on the website at www.scr.org/seat beginning Monday, September 12.)
