Pig Farm, Hit Comedy opens at South Coast Repertory

Pig Farm, a farcical comedy by Greg Kotis, the Tony Award-winning author, opened on the Julianne Argyros stage with the playwright in attendance and the audience of first nighters in stitches. During his curtain speech, artistic director David Emmes spoke about SCRs commitment to a season of plays that include classics and modern masterpieces as well as new works by hot young writers like Kotis.

Its a pleasure to have Greg Kotis with us tonight, he said, and to have assembled such a great cast for Martin Bensons staging of this hilarious new play. We encourage those who enjoy new work like tonights production of Pig Farm to share their enthusiasm by supporting SCR and reminding their friends that this is where great theatre happens.

After the show, first nighters gathered in the lobby of the nearby Deloitte building. They enjoyed hors doeuvres, a tasty buffet, and desserts from Marks Catering and applauded the playwright, director, cast, and other Pig Farm artists. Also enjoying the play were longtime SCR supporters Barbara and Bill Roberts, and Mary Roosevelt.

The Sound of Music Previews Summer 07 Collection

Members of The Sound of Music Chapter of the Guilds of the Orange County Performing Arts Center were recipients of a magnificent Champagne luncheon hosted by Christian Dior of South Coast Plaza and catered by the always sumptuous Patina Restaurant Group. The 60 members attending were treated to informal modeling of a preview of their Summer 07 Collection. Among the members enjoying the wonderful day were Sound of Music Chairman, Denice Tsujioka; Gala Co-Chair, Shawn Cunningham; Marsha Orlin, Grace Thelen, Shelley Elam, Kelly Hague, Harriet Sandhu, Linda Lamitie, Caren Lancona and Donna Phelps.

Tracy Martin was the lucky winner of a special drawing of the beautiful Argentinian, a Limited Edition saddle bag especially designed by John Galliano for its 10th anniversary.

Most recently with its 20th Anniversary celebration and openings of the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater, the very dedicated Sound of Music members have raised over three million dollars for the Center and its nationally recognized educational programs and have been honored as The Chapter of the Decade by the Guilds.

Wedding Bells for Manclark Family

Wedding bells will soon be ringing at the Manclark home on Balboa Island. Bill and Darbys daughter, Heathyr Manclark, is engaged to Scott Easton. Its going to be quite a grand and festive affair given that the USC Marching Band will be there to add to the festivities and help send the new couple off to a rousing beginning as only the USC Marching Band can do.

Heathyr is a USC graduate and is involved in sales, marketing, and event production. Scott is the son of Mrs. Cher Giardi and Mr. John Easton. A graduate of the University of Miami, Scott is in sports marketing and the production of sporting events. The couple is planning a spring wedding April 7 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

A Romantic Tradition

What a romantic tale of courtship for one of Newport Coasts most glamorous couples, Mindy and Glenn Stearns. Turns out that Glenn proposed to Mindy on a gorgeous designer bench covered with rose petals that he had positioned in their master suite of their new home. Photographers and camera crews all caught the staged surprise, which later aired on the news...and news it was. From that moment forward, Mindy & Glenn have captured their signature bench-mark all over the world. Starting with the cover of their wedding invitation, their collection of wooing on benches is captured in a photo album as a lovers tradition.

Luckily Love at Lucky 7

It is quite a love story for Bethany Netro and Ryan Flowers when they met at the initial membership event for the Assessment and Treatment Services Centers (ATSC) new support guild, Lucky 7. But lets back up and see how the special union was staged. Sharon Paisley and Christy Netro are synonymous with ATSC as these two dedicated staff members have been instrumental in its continued success for many years. Once again trying to find new ways to broaden ATSCs volunteer base, they initiated a new young professionals guild called Lucky 7 for a social at Blue Water Grill. Sharon Paisleys son asked to bring friends to help build the group. Good family friend Ryan Flowers set eyes on Christy Netros daughter Bethany and the rest is history. As new charter members of the guild, they were married last year and continue today to be loyal supporters for ATSC. In fact, Mom shared that in lieu of centerpieces at their wedding, they made a donation to ATSC.

Special Valentines Day Performance

Lovers will not want to miss a Valentines Day concert by renowned theatrical vocalist, Linda Eder, whose spectacular voice landed her a lead role in the 1990 hit Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde, from Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 15 to 17, at 8 p.m., in the Renee and Henry Seger-strom Concert Hall. Eder joins Pacific Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman as perhaps the most popular new interpreter of theatrical songs to emerge during the 90s. Linda brings amazing power and clarity to music made famous by her own personal idol, Judy Garland. The first half of the concert features music of classic romantic films by composer Franz Waxman, including Prince Valiant, Katsumi Love Theme from Sayonara, Sunset Boulevard, and Ride of the Cossacks from Taras Bulba.

Ski Bunnies

Seen on those glamorous slopes in Aspen, Colorado, for the famous ski week between the holidays were Danica and Louie Sabatasso, Hope Brown, Mike Smith, Tica and Jack Choumas, Laura and Jackie Choumas with boys Jackie Jr. and Frankie. Everyone survived the extremely cold weather (never above a chilly 20*F), while bundling up at the posh Caribou Club and cozy Little Nells lounges. Other second home residents in the crowd were Wendy and Kurt Lyon, and Irena and Bill Wilkerson.

Every winter a very dedicated group of ski bunnies go on an annual ski trip. This year, they are off to the Huntley Lodge in Big Sky, Montana, for one week. Among the local gals going are Donna Anderson, Ev Parrella, Sylvia Burnett, Priscilla Selman, Diane Schultz, Judy Bernstein, and Nila Trider.

Fun Trips

Deanann Dierks and Tim Tindell are cruising the Tahitian Islands in celebration of Deananns birthday. What a nice surprise. Charlene Prager was on board as well. Way to go, Deanann! Happy Birthday!

Eve Kornyei and Stan Hanson are sipping Margaritas on their beautiful new boat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, enjoying romantic sunsets and avoiding our Newport Beach winter.

Costa Rica was the recent destination for the families of Shawn and Scott Cunningham, Carol and Rick Dalton, and Patsy and Tim Marsh-all. They stayed a week exploring the rugged and beautiful terrain of Costa Rica. Kudos to the Marshalls 12-year-old daughter, Darcy Marshall, for making the illustrious Mammoth Ski Team. We wish her the best of luck.

Congratulations are in order for delighted first-time grandmother Paula Lingelbach and elated Bud Lingelbach upon birth of Julia Elizabeth to Jacqui and Luke Mitchell.

Its Almost Here!

The Irvine Companys opening of its long-anticipated destination golf resort, the new Pelican Hill, at Newport Coast, is right around the corner! Greats like world-renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio, will enhance the golf courses and Andrea Palladio, a 16th century-styled Italian architect considered one of the most accomplished in history, will design the hotel. Pelican Hill will include a hotelcomprised of 204 roomsa residence club with 128 villas, a new golf clubhouse, restaurants, a luxurious spa, meeting rooms, and specialty shops. The clubhouse and villas are expected to open in late 2007, followed by the other elements of the resort.