Magically ‘Mikado’

The event: A Night in the Emperor’s Garden, the 15th annual opera ball benefiting Opera Pacific. The black-tie gala that traditionally launches the opera season took place Saturday at the Newport Beach Marriott.

Mikado Magic: Inspired by Opera Pacific’s upcoming production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” party organizers turned the ballroom into a Japanese garden complete with a teahouse festooned with paper lanterns. “ ‘The Mikado’ sets a magical theme for the ball,” said Gayle Widyolar, ball chairwoman.

The 360 guests entered the ballroom to a rousing performance of taiko drums by Kishin Daiko. At tables decorated with bamboo and blossoms, they dined on swordfish in plum wine sauce and seared veal loin. Between courses, cast members from “The Mikado” gave guests a taste of the opera.

Quote: Standing before the thundering taiko drummers, Patrick Veitch deadpanned: “Behind me is the new fund-raising committee for Opera Pacific. If you don’t give, they make early morning house calls.” He was accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra.

Opera buffs: Opera Pacific saluted board members of the Orange County Performing Arts Center as a thank-you for their support. Board president Mark Johnson accepted the award.

Others attending were David DiChiera, Opera Pacific’s artistic director; Christa Bartels, gala set designer; David Scott; Patrick and Mary Dirk; Karl and Conny Bergstrom; George and Arlene Cheng; Maggie Murdy and Dick Lusk; Petrina Noor; Edward and Helen Shanbrom; Patrick and Sonja Seaver; Jerry and Maralou Harrington; Ruth Ding; Charlie and Maggie Price; Robert and Carole Follman; William and Laila Conlin; and Anwar Shah.

Bottom line: The $200-per-person ball was expected to net $100,000 for Opera Pacific. Funds will go to production expenses and youth education programs.

What’s ahead: The Opera League of Laguna Beach will stage its annual Christmas Boat Parade Party on Dec. 19. (714) 494-8620.

For information about “The Mikado,” which opens Nov. 11 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and other upcoming productions by Opera Pacific: (714) 474-4488.