RSVP / ORANGE COUNTY : SCR Patrons Celebrate Selling Out : Setting

Catherine McLarand opened her Bayshores home last week to the patrons of South Coast Repertory’s September gala--a pre-party party of 50 for cocktails, snacks and thanks. McLarand’s Newport Beach home--designed by her estranged husband, architect Carl McLarand--inspired more than a few dropped jaws and murmurs of amazement. Made of Arizona sandstone and built with the clean lines of a mesa in mind, the year-old 8,000-square-foot mansion is a tribute to light, open space and muted color. “I love contemporary art,” said McLarand, on a brisk tour before her guests arrived. “The house was kind of designed as a backdrop for the art.” In addition to the large modern canvases featured throughout, the home’s visual highlights include huge indoor trees, several ancient Chinese sculptures, a “live coral” aquarium and what may be the ultimate in California decor: a glass ceiling in an upstairs office that rolls back at the push of a button. Think of a car sunroof, then think much, much bigger. And, of course, the place has views galore--of the harbor, yachts, a private beach, the lot.

Speeches

Guests arraived to the esoteric strains of a Bulgarian women’s choir (on tape, in the “media room”) and headed out to the breezy patio. After an hour of chat, they were summoned back into the spacious living room. McLarand banged a fork on her wineglass and Kathleen Allen introduced herself. “I’m this year’s ball chairman,” Allen said, then added, laughing, “which was probably a mistake.” Then she thanked the guests, who had bought tables for the fall gala (from which SCR hopes to net $150,000). David Emmes, SCR’s producing artistic director, briefly discussed productions in the coming season, which will include George Bernard Shaw’s “Man and Superman” and David Hare’s “Secret Rapture.” Finally, SCR designer Cliff Faulkner spoke enthusiastically of the regional theater’s place in the American and international theater communities.

Food

Servers circled the airy first floor rooms with trays of charbroiled swordfish, artichokes stuffed with leek frittata, red potatoes stuffed with broccoli-cheese souffle, and Spago-ish pizzas topped with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted pine nuts and goat cheese. Buffet goodies on the king-size glass dining-room table included various pastas with meat, clam and tomato basil sauces. Out on the patio, a cook prepared colorful stir-fry of steak, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. Guests ordered their drinks from a full service bar. The party was underwritten by Arden and Richard Flamson, who were unable to attend.

Faces

Marilyn and Bob McIntyre, Bobbi and Bill Stabler, Kathy and Ron Merriman, Jan and Roger Seitz, Katie and Charlie Wheeler, Barbara and Tom Peckenpaugh, Olivia and Andrew Johnson, Dot and Ralph Clock. Catherine Thyen chaired the patron party.

Quote

Saying there were no more tickets left for the fall benefit gala, Kathleen Allen smiled. “Nothing makes a chairman happier than a sellout.”