The Crowd: ‘Glee’ star Matthew Morrison helps celebrate OCSA’s 30th anniversary
Like just everything else in our culture that is new, the entertainment business has different standards, tastes and objectives that are far removed from what was considered appropriate a generation past. For most of the 20th century, Hollywood exported a barrage of messages to the nation and world that were centered pretty much around themes of family, faith, patriotism and “the golden girl next door.”
Never mind that much of the so-called standards were hypocritical, virtual lip service to the realities of life.
To have the slightest chance of “making it” in Hollywood or New York, talent had to have the “it” factor. Translated, “it” meant that extra something, a unique aspect of super-personality. But that was not all.
Talent needed to have looks, a voice, skills like dancing and, of course, acting. Those who truly “made it” in movies and on Broadway were trained, disciplined and utterly devoted to their ambition.
Fast forward a generation or two. The democracy of the Internet has catapulted the unknown, untrained, young wannabe into the realm of celebrity-dom. Not a bad thing. Some have real talent.
What is not such a great thing is the fact that scores of young people with dreams of becoming actors, singers and performers tend to copy the trends seen by millions online. As a result, everyone seems to look and sound alike.
If you are a fan of the plethora of talent shows on the air, you know what I mean. When a young performer stands above the fray with a unique voice and a style of his or her own, it is a wonderful surprise. It is rare.
Last month on the beachfront lawn at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, the Orange County School of the Arts Foundation held a late-summer dinner fundraiser and performance starring the talented Matthew Morrison. Upward of 400 guests converged in celebration of the school’s 30th anniversary in Orange County.
The majority of attendees came in support of their own children who attend the campus in Santa Ana. With a focus on the performing arts, the public charter school opened in 1987, serving some 2,100 children from grades 7 through 12.
The Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) offers 14 conservatories that include acting, dance, voice, writing, musical theater, and film and television production. In 2016 the school was named the second best charter high school in California by Niche. It has also received high marks academically, ranking sixth in California for its top student test scores.
The proud parents converged at sunset, sharing stories and a few cocktails while looking out over the main channel of Newport Harbor. Then they were seated for dinner at a sea of roundtables fronting a professional stage erected on the Balboa Bay Club sand. Tables were dressed in crisp white linens and centered with exquisite summer florals.
The Balboa Bay Resort culinary team, led by Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom, served a first-class dinner service, starting with an heirloom tomato gazpacho soup followed by an entrée of pan-seared filet and lobster. A Kahlúa mousse bomb with vanilla anglaise sent patrons raving.
The impressive dinner and event setup were underwritten by the super-generous Carole Pickup, the matriarch of the Pickup family who owns the hotel and club. She was named honorary producer of the night, joining fellow donors that included Burke Williams, Russian River Vineyards, Alt-Senior Photography, Audi and Farmers and Merchants Bank.
As dinner was served, the audience was treated to a performance by some 40 talented students from OCSA. The professionally staged, choreographed and produced program featured both solo and ensemble performances that included both song and dance. It ran the gamut, from classic Broadway to pop, folk, jazz, rap and new age. Applause was generous, as proud fathers and mothers snapped shots of their young prodigies onstage.
The innocence and beauty of their youth was ever-present. These kids are enjoying a time in life that will be forever cherished, especially for those who continue on in pursuit of a career in entertainment. The challenges they will face are unimaginable.
Hopefully, as these kids learn to act, sing and dance, OCSA is also exposing them to the reality of the business. They need to be prepared. And most significantly, all need to discover and nurture their unique talent. Looking like or sounding like the latest star is not a clear path to success.
Following the student production, Morrison, one of OCSA’s most successful alums, fronted the stage and delivered a full show for the most grateful audience. Morrison, best known for his role on the TV series “Glee,” has numerous Broadway, TV, film and recording credits.
He is the embodiment of the consummate, trained, talented performer of another era. He sings, he dances, his entire persona exudes show biz. From the opening number to the closer, Morrison is “on.”
Highlights of his show, which also included a number of cameos from students, were: “Finding Neverland,” Singin’ in the Rain,” “Over the Rainbow” and a closer from the show and movie “Hairspray,” which brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation.
Among the most memorable elements was a duet of original music and lyrics performed with OCSA’s founder and executive director, Ralph Opacic. The routine was something of a roast between the two men and their mutual love of the arts and performance. Opacic demonstrated he had the chops and the moves to match his star pupil.
Supporting the OCSA evening were Harriet and Sandy Sandhu, Gail and Ron Soderling, Kathy and Noel Hamilton, David Reed, Missy and Chris Callero, Cambria and Jack Cline, Maureen and Michal Mekjian, Mary Roosevelt, Natalie Pickup among many others.
B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
