SCR's 2015 Gala: Taking an (Almost) Final Bow

SCR’s 2015 Gala season officially came to an end on Thursday, October 29 with a wrap-up and thank-you luncheon for Chair Socorro Vasquez and her “Encore!” committee, hosted by David Yurman at Marché Moderne in South Coast Plaza.

On hand to offer their thanks were SCR Artistic Director Marc Masterson and Managing Director Paula Tomei. Gift bags at the celebratory event included a (beautiful) jewelry box from David Yurman; and a (beautifully-framed) photo of the committee, along with a split of Le Grand Courtage champagne, from Socorro.

So much to unwrap!  But everyone agreed that the party highlight was watching Socorro unwrap her gifts—a hand-dyed silk jacket and matching enamel necklace and a commemorative book of photos, which she held up for everyone to admire, page by page.

Did we say that the Gala officially ended at the luncheon?  Our mistake!  On November 12th from 6 to 8 pm (just in time for the holidays) Yvonne and Damien Jordan will host a special in-store shopping spree at David Yurman, with a portion of the proceeds going to SCR’s education and outreach programs.  Tell your friends—and shop ‘til you drop!

Finally, Socorro reminded everyone to get set for the next Gala, coming up on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Details to follow!



Having trouble viewing the slideshow? Try watching it here.

"Encore! Encore!"—Revisit the Dazzle of the 2015 Gala

Guests stepped onto a colorful runway as they arrived at South Coast Repertory’s 2015 Encore! Gala last weekend. Treated to lively jazz music played by Jet Set Quintet in the park, followed by a sumptuous meal and swanky sounds of NOVA Music LA in The Westin’s Plaza Ballroom (where the Bling Divas literally kicked things into high gear), the evening wrapped with dancing in Club Encore! on The Westin’s rooftop.

Costume vignettes at the ballroom entrance greeted guests. The costumes, bright shades of blue, came from SCR’s 1998-99 production of Tartuffe; and that was paired with an “encore” costume from the 2013-14 production of Tartuffe. Many guests enjoyed taking pictures with the costumes.

The beautiful teal and fuchsia colors of the event complimented the array of colorful black ties and exquisite gowns. The evening began as guests sipped on Le Grand Courtâge champagne and signature cocktails created by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and enjoyed tantalizing hors d’oeuvres, such as caviar-topped purple potato crisps and petite lamb chops. Stunning floral centerpieces on the dinner tables were custom creations from Floral Creations by Enzo. The three-course dinner featured a duet of filet mignon and rosemary-skewered shrimp, capped by a decadent trio of desserts that included a pomegranate sorbet and flourless chocolate cake with white chocolate truffle garnish.

During the dinner, cheers erupted when Gala Committee Chair Socorro Vasquez announced that the Gala had raised a projected net of $350,000 to support SCR’s education and outreach programs.

Not to be outdone, Club Encore! on The Westin’s rooftop glittered and rocked as guests danced into the night, with conga and line dancing only part of the fun. Laser lights, Extreme DJ mixing tunes, sweet treats and endless libations made for a memorable affair. Clubbers lounged on the stylish and comfortable furnishings courtesy of Room & Board, indulged in mouthwatering macarons by ‘Lette and cooled off with gelato from Mangiamo Gelato Caffe.



Having trouble viewing the slideshow? Try watching it here.

See even more photos here.

Rising to the Occasion with "Encore!"

Question: When does the encore come before the show?

Answer: When the show—SCR’s annual Gala (this season, theatrically named “Encore!”)—is preceded by a Patron Party to honor its major donors.

On Aug. 12th, the Patron Party was hosted by SCR Emeritus Trustee Tod White and his wife, Linda, at their bayside home in Newport Beach. The buzz that summer evening was all about the upcoming “Encore!” Gala, which traditionally opens both the social and theatre seasons in Orange County.

Board President Sophie Cripe, Gala Chair Socorro Vasquez, Managing Director Paula Tomei and Artistic Director Marc Masterson spoke briefly to the gathering, applauded the Gala Committee and thanked the generous supporters, who included Bluewater Grill’s Jim and Julie Ann Ulcickas, generous donors of wine for the Gala; Room & Board, providing luxury furniture vignettes at Club Encore!; Diptyque, sponsor of the Gala favors; and David Yurman, host of the Gala wrap luncheon and site of a shopping spree to benefit the Gala, hosted by Yvonne and Damien Jordan on Nov. 12.

Then, as the sun set over the bay, it was time for partying. To music by singer/guitarist Mike O’Bryan, guests sipped Tito’s Handmade Vodka Martinis, sampled hors d’oeuvres—and admired the White’s home with its stunning art collection, much of it by Linda, who works in several media, and keeps a studio in their home.

Everyone agreed that the art-filled setting the perfect place for thanking the Gala Committee and supporters of “Encore!” which will be held in three venues around, inside and atop The Westin South Coast Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015.



Having trouble viewing the slideshow? Try watching it here.

Parties Parties Parties—Revving Up for Gala Season

The Committee: (l. to r.) Jan Seitz Jashinski, Sue Murphy, Sarah McElroy, Patricia Ellis, Sue Hecht, Laurie Smits Staude, Elaine Krajanowski, Socorro Vasquez, Barbara Cline, Mimi Holcombe, Shannon Kennedy, Monica Guillena, Beth Phelps

On Wednesday, July 29, SCR’s always exuberant Gala Committee members got together as a group for the final meeting (and a quick photo) before the official Gala season begins.

And what a season it will be, starting on August 12 with a Patron Party to honor major donors at the beautiful bayside home of Emeritus Trustee Tod White and his wife, Linda.  Exactly one month later (September 12), Orange County’s most fun-loving movers and shakers will congregate around, in and atop The Westin South Coast Plaza for the big event itself, “Encore!,” SCR’s 37th annual Gala.  And that’s not all.  The official “wrap” luncheon—a fun party itself—will be hosted by David Yurman’s South Coast Plaza jewelry store (October 29).  And—specially for Gala committee members in the mood for a shopping spree—Yvonne and Damien Jordan will host an in-store event at David Yurman’s on November 12 to benefit the Gala.

All of this celebratory news was shared with the Committee at its final meeting, which featured lots to ooh and aah about, including Tom Buderwitz’s designs for cocktails in the park, dining and entertainment in the plaza ballroom, and lounging and dancing in the pavilion and under the stars.

For 36 years SCR’s Gala has opened the social and theatrical seasons in Orange County, and the 37th shows signs of eliciting the most applause of all—that’s why it’s called “Encore!” 

Creative Sparks For SCR’s “Encore!” Gala

On June 17, SCR’s always exuberant Gala Committee members got together as a group to riff on everyone’s favorite subject “Encore!”, the Season-opening Gala, planned for Saturday, September 12. According to Chair Socorro Vasquez, while much work on the event takes place at sub-committee meetings, when everyone gathers at the theatre to share plans and brainstorm new ideas, a special synergy ignites.

And there were lots of great sparks at the recent meeting. Leading off, Designer Tom Buderwitz showed his preliminary designs for the three spaces—the cocktail reception area in Plaza Park with colored elements overhead and the SCR building as a backdrop, the elegant ballroom for dining and dancing, and the vibrant rooftop pavilion and pool deck, dubbed “Club Encore,” where guests will enjoy an after-hours club.

Among the exciting news briefs, Socorro announced that South Coast Plaza’s David Yurman will be a Gala sponsor, hosting the traditional wrap luncheon in the fall, as well as a special in-store event in November. Hosted by Yvonne and Damien Jordan, a percentage of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Gala—just in time for holiday gifts!



Having trouble viewing the slideshow? Try watching it here.