"Wicked" Benefits Reach Foundation

The smash hit musical Wicked, the Untold Story of the Witches of Oz lauded as "Broadway's biggest blockbuster" by the New York Times drew 500 guests to the Pantages Theatre to benefit the Reach Foundation. The Foundation 's mission is to help substance addicted persons who are committed to recovery get their lives back on track by providing funds for treatment and education. Guests traveled by VIP buses to the theatre and en route enjoyed a gourmet meal of roast beef tenderloin with sun-dried tomato coulis and poached salmon with yogurt curry dressing while watching the Wizard of Oz to set the mood for the show.

After the magical and fabulous performance, Sandy and Bruce Levinson underwrote a private cast party and reception featuring a magnificent array of scrumptious desserts. Event Chair, Stacy Brower, who is also Chairman of the Board of the Reach Foundation charmingly and graciously thanked all the sponsors, guests, and volunteers. She introduced and honored Carl Mosen, also event chair and founder of the Foundation and his wife, Barbara. Brower added, "We would never have been able to succeed in this inaugural event without the enthusiastic support of the community. Tonight 's proceeds will help hundreds of people rebuild their lives and enjoy the miracle of recovery. "

Reach supporters in the crowd included Tony Award-winning producer Scott Nederlander, tennis star Lindsay Davenport and husband Jonathan Leach, actor and director Tim Matheson (Animal House, West Wing, and more) and former CEO & Chairman of the Chrysler Corporation Lee Iacocca. Other local guests included Shirley and Eric Pepys, Micki and George Rach, Grant McNiff, Julie and Bill Moore, and Lynn and Roger Tomalas who won one of the door prizes.

Wicked and the entire evening certainly drew an overwhelming response and emotion from the audience. The event 's proceeds of $300,000 will benefit the Reach Foundation. Not bad for its first fundraising event!

The Hamburg Ballet presents

"The Lady of the Camellias"

The Hamburg Ballet, sponsored by the Orange County Performing Arts Center, presented at Segerstrom Hall The Lady of the Camellias based on the beloved tale of tragic romance that inspired Verdi's La Traviata and Greta Garbo's Camille.

It was truly a spectacular production of ballet theatre with John Neumeier as Artistic Director. The choreography and staging was incredibly beautiful as well as the lavish and glittering costumes. When Neumeier appeared onto the stage to take a curtain call, the audience 's cheers and standing ovations lasted forever so it seemed.

An opening night reception in the OCPAC Center Room followed the performance where the cast and guests enjoyed a splendid buffet of prime rib and all the trimmings. "It was an amazing performance that conveyed so much passion and emotion," said Dev Boelkes and her husband Chris whose daughter is a dancer for the St. Louis Dance Company. Mingling in the crowd were Linda Thauer, chairman of the Guilds of the Center, Judy Fluor Runnels and Lars Sunderberg, Carol and Joel Farkas, and Jane and Jim Driscoll, International Dance Series Sponsors.

Kickoff for "Haute, Haute, Haute"

Shopping was the name of the game for The Sophisticates at the kick-off for "Haute, Haute, Haute." As guests sipped champagne and wine, and nibbled on delectable hors d'oeuvres from Quattro Caffe, some were busy selecting the perfect outfit for The Sophisticates Annual Fashion Show showcasing fashions from St. John.

Mark-Alan Harmon, celebrity stylist and TV personality, who will serve as emcee for the fashion show offered his expertise to many of the shoppers. Katherine Agnew, Lisa Hallaian, and Sarah Corrigan were elated not to go home empty handed. Debbie Newmeyer was delighted to find the perfect ensemble in shades of blue as well as Cindy Cox who chose a gorgeous black and cream outfit.

"Home with a Heart" Recognition Dinner at Bowers Museum

Because of his 29 years of loving service and dedication to single mothers and babies at Casa Teresa, Dr. James Pugh, clinical Physiologist for CT, was honored with a Lifetime Dedication Award. The 2nd Annual Recognition Dinner, "Home with a Heart," was held at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in the new Dorothy and Donald Kennedy Wing and chaired by Board Member Barbara Roppolo. Prior to the dinner, Casa Teresa's sponsors and donors attended a VIP cocktail reception and a pre-event viewing of the two newest exhibits, "Ansel Adams: Classic Images," and the "Treasures from Shangai: 5000 Years of Art and Culture."

Lisa Callaghan, executive director for Casa Teresa thanked and acknowledged her committee which included Patricia Carson, Mary Frome (CT Guilds Founder), Leann Marienthal, Pat Morabito, Pamela Sailor (Marketing and Special Events Manager), Jennie Thomas, Katie Dever (CT Managing Director), and Josie Traino.

A City of Orange Proclamation and a stunning Lladro sculpture, "The Cradle of Life," were presented to Dr. Pugh by CT Board President Keith Eyrich. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Tangata, part of the Patina Restaurant Group, with live music from Kobayashi Entertainment and a special surprise performance by Eric Marienthal, a world-renowned saxophonist with a fabulous rendition of the "Days of Wine and Roses."

"The Art of Fashion"

A luncheon and special presentation of "The Art of Fashion" was hosted by Neiman Marcus for The Sound of Music Chapter of the Guilds of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The very charming and effervescent Ariela Shani, manager of Neiman Marcus Fashion Island, welcomed everyone and introduced Denice Tsujioka (Sound of Music President) and the SOM Community Relations Chairs, Pamela Lowry and Irene Tomkinson. The fashion show featured some of Spring's 2007 hottest fashions and some of the "must-haves" for the season as stated by Michaele Hall, Neiman Marcus' PR executive.

Barbara Penrose, as always, looking very chic and sporting a very wide black and leopard belt--one of the BIG "must haves"--was busily chatting with Marla Patterson and Diana Sterling. Ollie Hill and Joan Stevens were especially enthralled with the fabulous shoes and handbags!

Among those enjoying the very tasty lunch were Diane Cruzen-Monroe, Tracy Martin, Patty Lance, Grace Thelen, Linda Lamitie, Rosita Brown, and Danni Good. Paula Macko was ecstatic to be the winner of a smashing Fendi evening bag from the opportunity drawing; Irene Tomkinson won an exquisite "statement ring," and Elyse Roberts a Natura Bisse Morning of Beauty for herself and three friends.

Opera Pacific Presents Carmen

A strikingly beautiful production of Carmen was recently presented by Opera Pacific at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. It was directed by Ron Daniels and conducted by John DeMain. Milena Kitic, the fiery mezzo-soprano was superb as Carmen. The most popular opera of all time, Carmen is the story of a woman whose lust and tragedy is her desire to live life on her own terms. Carmen overflows with Latin flair, featuring vibrant sun-splashed sets, soldiers, and gypsies galore.

Seen in the crowd of opera lovers were Maria and Ray Francis, Drs. Lynne and Jim Doti and Ann Stern.

Birthdays

"Be Bop" Bill Brady's 70th was quite the bash. His wife, Judy, greeted the 150 guests all decked out in a poodle skirt and 50's attire. Flo and Bill Anhood arrived as if they had motorcycled to the party, tattoos and all! The guests feasted on Cuisine by Jeanine and jitterbugged and twisted the night away to the music of Greg Topper. Having a great time were Carolyn and Maury DeWald, Fritzie and Jay Walker, Pat and Alex Sytnyk, Darby and Bill Manclark. Carol and Dr. Barry Steele, Sally and David Dykstra, Diane and Lee Bromiley, Amy and Jeff Vieth, Maria and Ray Francis, and Leslie and Dino Cancellieri among others.

Tommy Bahamas in Corona del Mar was chosen for Sharon Whipple's Big Birthday celebration. A number of her dear friends attended the soiree including Jackie Lokka, Maria Francis, Cathy Udall, Pat Sytnyk and yours truly. Orchid leis flown in from Hawaii added to the festive occasion. The table was beautifully decorated with sea shells, hibiscus, and candles. Sharon certainly enjoyed the evening with many cards and presents.

Congratulations Reenie Boyer

The city of Newport Beach recently paid tribute to its more than 800 city employees, some reaching 35 to 40 years of employment with the city, during its annual Employee Service Awards event. As part of its employee recognition this year, the city selected life-guard battalion chief Reenie Boyer to receive the annual Dorothy Palen Employee of the Year Award signifying excellence in service to citizens and exemplary conduct in performance of duties. Boyer has worked for the city for 24 years and is currently responsible for coordination of all training for lifeguards, which includes 220 seasonal and 17 full-time lifeguards. Her duties include helping to keep city beaches safe for the nearly eight million beach-goers visiting Newport Beach annually.