A Dream Come True
At the Cast Party for A Midsummer Night’s Dream — held at AnQi on Friday, January 28th — the play’s Honorary Producer Laurie Smits Staude was still talking about the production, which she had seen from the beginning, taking advantage of special benefits for underwriters by attending a “table read” of the script as well as the first dress rehearsal.
Joining her for the exciting evening were her son Kent Staude and his daughter Elizabeth (from North Carolina), and her son John-Mark Staude, his wife Laura, and their two children, Calder and Kate (from Vancouver).
Laurie had superlatives for everyone, including the set and costume designers and, especially, Director Mark Rucker. “He has paid wonderfully close attention to details in his direction, attention that highlights the characters and the plot,” she said. “The American theatre won’t, for a long time, have such an innovative and yet ‘right on’ interpretation. This is theatre history!”
“And mingling with the performers afterward was a real treat for all,” said Doug McCrea, Managing Director and Orange County Office Director, Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management, Corporate Honorary Producer.
Other First Nighters echoed those words as they arrived at the Cast Party, co-hosted by AnQi at its South Coast Plaza location. The restaurant’s venue fit right in with the play’s magical forest setting with its rocks, streams and natural woods. Puck himself would have felt at home, sipping the signature drink, “Puck’s Potion.”
Choosing among the abundant tray passed hors d'oeuvres, guests enjoyed Kobe Beef Crostini, Crispy Vegetarian Rolls, Takuwan Roll, Shrimp Mousse and Chicken Wontons as well as popcakes and Heirloom Melon Gazpacho.
Taking advantage of good food and conversation, partygoers lingered into the evening, which was a grand celebration of the play, the artists and the underwriters, whose combined support of SCR includes helping underwrite eleven productions!*
*Laurie Smits Staude: As a member of the Playwrights Circle, Mr. Marmalade, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way, The Studio, My Wandering Boy; as an Honorary Producer, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, Goldfish and Doctor Cerberus
*Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management: Honorary Associate Producer of Amy’s View; Corporate Honorary Producer of Blue Door, Hamlet and The Importance of Being Earnest. (According to Doug McCrea, Managing Director at Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management, “We are proud of Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management’s 18-year partnership with South Coast Repertory in bringing professional theatre to Orange County residents as part of our overall commitment to support of the arts in the communities in which our employees live and work.”)
