Chapman’s Arts Get Plenty of Somethin’

About 600 people spent “An Evening With George Gershwin” Saturday when Chapman University paid a multimedia tribute to the composer at its 11th Annual American Celebration.

The theatrical showcase and fund-raiser featured 120 participants--Chapman students, faculty and alumni--performing Gershwin favorites at the Anaheim Marriott. The $250-per-person event raised about $250,000 for the university’s School of Communication Arts and annual scholarship fund.

They Got Rhythm

“I complimented the producers for hiring George Gershwin to do the music,” joked Roger Schnapp, who co-chaired the event with his wife, Candice.

Said Candice Schnapp: “They do an incredible job. It’s like going to a show at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.”

Students erected an Art Deco-style stage inside the ballroom, where they used computer-generated graphics to simulate the New York City skyline for the show’s backdrop.

A program highlight came when Chapman alumni Michel Warren (Mic) Bell, a former member of the Fifth Dimension, and Jennifer Smith, resident artist with the Los Angeles Music Center Opera and concert soloist, sang a medley from Gershwin’s 1935 “Porgy and Bess.”

Members of the Chapman University Singers and the Chapman Orchestra performed a repertoire of songs from Gershwin’s 21-year career.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the talent of our students and alumni,” said Chapman President James Doti, who attended with wife, Lynne, and 12-year-old daughter, Cara.

“We have students from dance, film, television and music--all areas except the school of business,” Doti said. “Although you may see some of our business students in the choir.”

On Broadway

The hotel ballroom was transformed into a Broadway dinner theater, with tables draped in black and silver cloths and set with black and white napkins and centerpieces of white orchids and roses in black vases. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner featuring a shrimp and scallop appetizer, salad of mixed baby lettuces with a raspberry vinaigrette, seafood fettuccine and macadamia nut chocolate mousse.

Hard-working students had their own party after the show.

“They’ve spent the last three or four days staying up all night every night to put this on,” said Janell Shearer, co-producer. “This show allows them to work on a real production. It’s not a class project.”

Ron Thronson, Chapman communications professor, produced and directed the show; William Hall, professor and dean of the music school, conducted.

Those attending included George and Judie Argyros, Richard and Hyla Bertea, Robert and Andrea Byrnes, Irvin and Edy Chapman, Richard and Roberta Cheshire, John and Donna Crean, Tom and Pat Elliott, Doy and Dee Henley, Bill and Rusty Hood, Tak and Sandra Ishida, Bob and Norma Lineberger, Tony and Marion Montapert, Edgar and Libby Pankey, Robert and Helga Pralle, Harry and Diane Rinker, Walter Schmid, Don and DeeDee Sodaro, Charles and Nea Wickett and Betty Hutton Williams.