THE CROWD:Dramatic setting for supporting theater

In a spirited speech, South Coast Repertory founding partner and artistic director David Emmes told the crowd gathered to celebrate the theater’s upcoming 2006-07 season that, “Being the best comes with tremendous responsibility and challenge.”

Emmes went on to say that striving for excellence is South Coast Repertory’s goal with every production, every aspect of the company’s existence. Applause rang out from some 100 patrons who had gathered for sunset cocktails and light supper catered by Mark’s of Laguna Beach at the exquisite European-inspired villa in Emerald Bay of generous South Coast Repertory patrons Nadine and Robert Hall.

The mid-week get-together was themed around a preview of the theater’s upcoming 2006 gala, set for Sept. 9 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

The event will be the 43rd opening-season gala, this year chaired by the lovely and dedicated Bette Aitken with support from husband Wylie Aitken — both major supporters of the theater’s legacy.

Wylie Aitkin, a prominent Orange County attorney and a Democratic political leader, wanted to become an actor as a young man. Today, the Aitkens are prominent members of the theater’s Platinum Circle of donors and subscribers to “First Nights,” in addition to contributing to the $50-million fundraising campaign that was labeled “SCR: The Next Stage.”

The 2006 gala is heralded as All Aboard the Orient Express and will be designed to reflect the days of “glamorous intercontinental travel,” Bette Aitken said. “The Hyatt lends itself perfectly to the theme of a bustling train station filled with romance and intrigue — where anything can happen. No one will want to miss this party.”

Meanwhile at the Hall’s patron party, Nadine and Bob welcomed the crowd in their home named Villa Contenta.

Sipping champagne overlooking the shimmering evening water of Emerald Bay through the branches of costal stone pine trees and palms were distinguished guests and South Coast Repertory donors Dee and Larry Higby of Lido Isle, Olivia Johnson, Carl and Pat Neisser, Donna and Ron Phelps, Nola Schneer, Elaine Weinberg, Barbara Glabman and prominent Orange County publisher N. Christian Anderson.

Jan Seitz Jashinski and Ralph Baumann were on hand, joining Tom Rogers and Sally Anderson. Teri Kennady and Eric Hyman were spotted in the chic main salon, along with Linda Hovee and best-dressed gal of the night, Marlene Hammontree, wearing a dramatic black and white striped silk cocktail ensemble.

As a pianist filled the Hall residence with elegant music, speeches were short and sweet, conveying the importance of the gala fundraiser to the overall South Coast Repertory operating budget for the season.

Various hard-working committee members took their bows (in person and in abstention) including Hammontree, Nancy Kelley, Socorro Vasquez, Teri Kennady, Ashleigh Aitken, Caroline Kelley Gray, Elaine Weinberg, Yolanda de la Paz, Dori Caillouette, Gail Doe, Donna Phelps and Dee Higby.

To join the fun on the Orient Express Sept. 9, contact Madeline Porter at (714) 708-5562.