By Ann Conway
Voltaire would have loved it!
Ditto the 18th century noblewoman Emilie, La Marquise Du Châtelet, around whom SCR's latest work on the Julianne Argyros Stage revolves. We're talking about the delectable fare served up to First Nighters at the French bistro, Marché Moderne, following the world premiere of 27-year-old playwright Lauren Gunderson's two-hour dramatic feast about the saloniste's struggle between affairs of the scientific mind and heart.
There were poufs of crisp toast topped with ocean-fresh ahi tartare, mini beet and goat cheese eclairs, morsels of duck, mouth-watering servings of shortribs, foie gras, cheeses, an array of charcuterie (ooooh, that Salami Rosa!)—and so much more—along with rivers of champagne and wine. Helping set the romantic mood were flickering votives and bouquets of scarlet roses.
Marché Moderne was thrilled with the opportunity to stage a fete for First Nighters after they'd enjoyed a play set in France. "It seemed a wonderful segue," said Amelia Marneau, who, with her husband, Florent, owns the popular eatery on the Penthouse Level at South Coast Plaza. “And we know all of you; you dine with us often! We're always so happy to have you here."
Underwriting Emilie, directed by David Emmes, were SCR Board President Wylie Aitken and his wife, Bette, who, for the second time in three years, is chairing SCR's upcoming Gala Ball in September (with the upbeat title,"Nothing But Blue Skies....." ). "We both loved the idea of helping to present a play that offered an opportunity to showcase an intelligent woman!" said Bette.
Intelligent, indeed. Emilie was an 18th century scientist who not only challenged Sir Isaac Newton's equations but also pondered philosophical questions with Voltaire, a paramour. "I have always loved reading historical biographies about scientists," said Gunderson, who took a breather at a bistro table as the high-octane party on April 24 whirled about her. "And when I read about Emilie I knew I wanted to write a play about how her scientific life converged with her love life. I hope the play is received not only as strong, sexy and fun, but, in the end, meaningful—you want people to lean forward in their seats; tonight, I think they did!"
