SCR’s Gala Ball: Wrapping Up and Moving On

It’s a wrap!  On November 4, 2014, South Coast Repertory thanked “Grand Illusions” Chair Olivia Johnson and her committee with a luncheon generously hosted by Scott’s Restaurant and Bar, represented by General Manager Robert Redaelli.

The upbeat event included a special gift bag from Diptyque, represented by Dustin Gordon, who invited everyone to stop by the store—where 10% of their purchases would be donated to SCR.
SCR Artistic Director Marc Masterson and Managing Director Paula Tomei were on hand to welcome committee members.  Praising them for the successful Gala, Masterson said, “Since joining SCR, I’ve learned one thing for sure:  you really know how to throw a party—and to plan it, so I don’t have to do anything but go and have a good time.”

As for the planning, Tomei thanked the Gala Committee and its “dynamo chair,” Olivia Johnson, presenting her with a heart-shaped crystal bowl from Orreffors, filled with an Olivia favorite—Godiva chocolates.

Olivia reminded everyone to get set for the next Gala, coming up on September 12, 2015.  Details to follow!

Addendum:  Among the enthusiastic Gala committee members who shopped at Diptyque after the luncheon were Sarah McElroy, Socorro Vasquez, Barbara Cline, Jane Taylor, Olivia Johnson and Mimi Holcombe.  Their purchases will brighten many homes over the holidays—and add to the SCR coffers!



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"Grand Illusions:" An Evening of Extraordinary Things

September 13, 2014.  Just as Gala Chair Olivia Johnson predicted, South Coast Repertory’s “Grand Illusions” Gala lived up to the subtitle she gave it months ago—when planning first began.

“It’s going to be an evening of extraordinary things,” Oliva told the Gala Committee—and she (along with her talented committee) made that happen—from the moment guests walked through the white-carpeted “hall of mirrors,” dramatically lit with contemporary chandeliers, until they danced a final number beneath the swirling lights of Club Argyros.



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A Magical Gala Opens With A Sensational Patron Party

Every season at South Coast Repertory begins with two special events.  The first is a Patron Party to honor those who contribute significantly to the second—SCR’s Gala, which traditionally opens both the social and theatre seasons in Orange County. 

On August 21st,  SCR Trustee Sarah McElroy and her husband, Thom, opened their home to major Gala donors with a Patron Party that kicked off the 51st Season spectacularly.

Part of that spectacle was news of the upcoming “Grand Illusions” Gala and part was the McElroy’s mid-century modern home, designed by Steven Ehrlich at Ehrlich Architects, and built around a central open-air courtyard.

Strolling from one beautiful setting to another, guests sampled an array of scrumptious Crème de la Crème fare, set out in the expansive open kitchen, and gathered beside the pool to sip martinis, courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Later, they joined Board President Sophie Cripe, Gala Chair Olivia Johnson, Managing Director Paula Tomei and Artistic Director Marc Masterson to applaud the Gala Committee.  “They continually put their hearts into planning ‘Grand Illusions’ to make our most fanciful visions become reality,” said Olivia, reminding guests that even the McElroy home reflected the Gala theme with its glass doors that pocket to reveal dramatic ocean views and create the illusion of being both outside and in.

“We’re all about illusions!” she added.  “And just wait until you see the surprises we we’ve conjured up on Saturday, September 13, when we bring you a Gala inspired by SCR’s imaginative production of The Tempest.”



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It's the Gala Prep!

A picture really is worth 1,000 words when it comes to South Coast Repertory’s annual Gala, its biggest and best fund-raiser of the season.  Photos of the Gala, taken by SCR’s professional photographer Debora Robinson, are posted on Party Play every year and are among the theatre’s most treasured images.

However, some of us non-professionals run around the theatre when the Gala Committee is here, shooting “candids” of members at work and play.  (We even caught a quartet of members enjoying the Annual Dinner reception.)

In anticipation of the upcoming “Grand Illusions” Gala, here are a few of the photos which—we hope—will encourage you to find out more about the event that everyone is having so much fun planning.  It’s happening right here at SCR on Saturday, September 13, 2014.  For further information, please contact Director of Development Susan Reeder at (714) 708-5518.



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