Fashions Take the Stage at SCR Benefit

Theater and fashion proved a “Simply Irresistible” combination at the South Coast Repertory Theatre Guild’s fashion show on Friday.

An audience of 350 saw fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue come to life on the set of “The Philadelphia Story,” the current SCR Mainstage production at the Costa Mesa theater. The $40-per-person event was expected to raise about $10,000 for the theater.

Dramatic Fashions

The show unfolded on a revolving stage that alternated between the elegant salon and the veranda of the fictitious Lord family of Philadelphia. There, models struck theatrical poses wearing everything from swimsuits in rich jewel tones to sparkling evening wear in the palest of pastels.

To add drama to the show, SCR resident actor John-David Keller and Teri Ralston performed songs from the ‘30s, with John Ellington on piano. Keller sang two witty Noel Coward numbers, “In the Bar on the Piccolo Marina” and “I’ve Been to a Marvelous Party,” while Ralston sang a medley of Rogers and Hart songs and Irving Berlin’s “Lost in His Arms.”

The most surprising performance, however, came after the show when when twins Doris Pascale and Daphne Walker--former show-business performers--did a musical number of their own, belting out “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Afterward, guests headed to Saks Fifth Avenue for a buffet luncheon that included chicken salad sandwiches, fruits and salads.

Theater Buffs

Speaking of her support for SCR, Walker said: “Man’s nature is inspired and fed by the arts. It’s a civilizing influence on our world.”

Honorary chairwoman Deborah Britton, wife of SCR board president Tom Britton, said she liked the intimate quality of the smaller, nonprofit theater.

“What’s nice about the repertory is you get to know the actors. You can meet them, go to lunch with them, and on opening night you can attend a seminar with the director and sometimes even the playwright,” Britton said.

Other repertory supporters: co-chairwomen Kay McDonald and Mary Knott; Joyce Griffith, general manager of Saks; Patricia Houston; Janice Johnson; Olivia Johnson; Joyce Justice; Stephanie Lewis, fashion coordinator for Saks; Marilyn Lynch; Hedda Marosi; Peggy Martin; Patricia Neisser; Jan Roberts; Melody Schultz; Janet Seitz; Katie Tool; Elaine Weinberg, and Barbara Wertin.