THE CROWD:

The guest list included Darth Vader, Snidely Whiplash and The Wicked Witch of The West. You remember her. A house landed on her, allowing Dorothy Gale to recover the ruby slippers so she could go home to Kansas.

They came for “A Wicked Good Time” at the Island Hotel, Newport Beach last Saturday night. Sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, some 250 music lovers dressed in their society best or donned a costume resembling their favorite villain to share in the fun.

By the end of the night the villains all turned to heroes, donating more than $200,000 to the society. Funds will benefit youth education in music.

Chaired by the glamorous Marsha Anderson of Newport Beach, the party had plenty of panache for Anderson and her husband, Darrel, would have it no other way.

When called upon to front the fundraiser, Anderson commented, “I am always happy to do whatever I can to support The Philharmonic Society. This event will raise significant funds for worthwhile programs.”

Marking the end of The Philharmonic season, President and Artistic Director Dean Corey said, “What better way to celebrate the finale of our season. We look forward to making this Philharmonic gala a new and glorious annual tradition.”

The event marked the first time in a number of years that the society hosted a major evening event.

The party began with a devilish cocktail reception as the crowd including Marta and Raj Bhathal, Laila and Bill Conlin, Sally and Randy Crockett, Carmela and Ben Du, Kathy and Noel Hamilton, Eve Kornyei and Stan Hanson, Carol and Marshall Lee, and Lilly and Paul Merage nibbled on tartlets of Woodland mushrooms and canapés of Stilton cheese. Sounds like villain vittles to me.

Sharing the fun was Michelle Rohé, Bobbitt Williams, Madeline and Len Zuckerman, Gisela and Adolf Ohmann, and Corona del Mar’s Sharon McNally.

Following the reception the patrons entered The Island ballroom, transformed by Sunny Ravanbach of White Lilac into a fantasmagorical setting overhung with massive black and gold painted branches dripping with sparkling crystals. It was like entering the proverbial enchanted forest. No flying monkeys were permitted.

Chef Bill Bracken of The Island began dinner service with a chilled smoked tomato soup and an ahi tuna mini sandwich. A truffle roasted filet of beef was presented as the main course. For dessert, a creation called “Under The Witch’s Hat:” white chocolate mousse over bittersweet chocolate with berries all shaped like — you guessed it — the old witch’s pointed black hat.

Live performances from the cast of the hit musical “Wicked” punctuated the event. Auction items helped raise the financial bar. Founded in 1954, the Philharmonic Society is the oldest music organization in the region. Its mission is to foster music appreciation through performances as well as educational outreach.

Also supporting the Philharmonic were George and Maryanne Wentworth, Jane Grier, Eleanor Anderson, Charles Margolin, Gail Romansky and Zee Allred.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.