A Midsummer Night's Dream Gala Sept. 6 to Meld Traditional and Contemporary Decor in 'Organic, Ethereal Elegance' By Ann Conway
Hosting a lively twilight cocktail celebration abuzz with details of SCR's upcoming "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Gala, Pam and Jim Muzzy welcomed Patron Party guests into their art-filled home in Laguna Beach.
"The Gala is going to be fabulous!" whispered Chair Jean Weiss, as she strolled through the contemporary corridors of the Muzzy ("Pronounced Moot-zee; it's Italian!, "Jim noted) manse, its walls hung with important and colorful works by artists who include Bay Area figurative painter Richard Diebenkorn. The Sept. 6 alfresco Gala reception at the St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach will showcase the “traditional, woodsy side of our Shakespearean theme," Weiss added. "And when guests come into the ballroom they will be wowed by the theme's contemporary side—which will be organic, ethereal, elegant!"
John Tu's J.T. and The California Dreamin' orchestral band will provide the high voltage entertainment; Gala favors will be donated by Donna Karan, Kiehl’s and Rolex, and Pernod Ricard USA is underwriting the libations for the soiree that annually launches Orange County's social season, Weiss noted in her remarks to the crowd. "Of course, the dream we're celebrating is the one that took place 44 years ago when David Emmes and Martin Benson founded what has become one of the top five theaters in America!" Gala proceeds represent the first and one of the largest gifts to the Tony Award-winning SCR's $3-million Annual Fund and supports the theater's important education programs.
"Thank you to the Muzzys for hosting this marvelous Patron Party," said newly elected SCR Board President Wylie Aitken, as he welcomed guests.
It was a night that hummed with thanks, including those sincerely sent by Weiss to her Committee. "The Committee has done an unbelievable job; I am overwhelmed by the fabulousness of the Gala! I want to thank the Committee whole-heartedly," she said.
Capping the Aug. 14 party's outpouring of gratitude was SCR Artistic Director Martin Benson: "If there isn't a new way to say 'Thank You', I wish someone would come up with one! Thanks to you all for the enormous contribution you make to SCR. I know that the one sure hit that SCR will stage this year will be the Gala!"
