Gala Hits New Heights with Peek!

Peek!, the 2025 gala, held Saturday, Oct. 4, was an extraordinary evening of immersive theatrical experiences. Under the leadership of Gala Chairs Harmon and Lea Kong, the event raised more than $551,000 to support SCR’s educational programs and the artistry onstage.

Guests arrived to an al fresco champagne reception, with passed hors d’oeuvres and a step-and-repeat, before embarking on guided backstage tours through the scenic, wardrobe and wig and makeup shops. Then, it was on to the theatre’s dressing rooms, where Gold-level sponsors were treated to private music performances by the rock-and-roll legends featured nightly in our production of Million Dollar Quartet. Following the backstage tour, guests dined from five gourmet food stations created by Chef Nick Weber of Catering by Mix Mix on the lawn outside the theatre’s stage door entrance and enjoyed live music from the Elite Show Band’s jazz trio.

Following dinner, guests stepped onto the Julianne Argyros stage, which had been transformed into a glittering cabaret illuminated by crystal chandeliers. After a short program featuring welcomes from SCR Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel, Gala Chairs Harmon and Lea Kong, and U.S. Bank OC Market President Joe Hensley, actor Michelle Veintimilla (Audrey from last season’s Little Shop of Horrors), accompanied by Tom Griep, entertained guests with two songs. A live auction and paddle raise followed, and the cabaret performance concluded with two more songs and the news that the evening’s fundraising goal had been exceeded.

Finally, it was on to the Nicholas Studio for an after party featuring dancing with a DJ, an ice cream station and espresso martini bar. Guests were sent home with freshly baked cookies from Mix Mix, an ACCESS Suite pass from South Coast Plaza, and an invitation to return to SCR soon for an upcoming Opening Night.