See Worthy

The Event: An Evening on the Titanic, a re-enactment of a gala dinner aboard the ill-fated ocean liner held at the iceberg-free Bloomingdale’s Court in Fashion Island Newport Beach. Saturday’s dinner, which included performances by unsinkable comedians Milton Berle and Sid Caesar, was staged by the Islanders to benefit the Orange County Museum of Art.

Bon Voyage: More than 200 guests boarded the R.M.S. Titanic and were greeted by the ship’s captain, played by Dick Stevens. Many dressed like passengers setting out for a voyage in 1912; women wore turn-of-the-century gowns and fabulous hats, while some men sported spats and ascots with their tuxes. Committee member and former Orange County Supervisor Harriet M. Wieder had the most appropriate accessory: a life preserver. Party-goers dined on fare served aboard the real Titanic, including chilled vichyssoise and le poulet lyonnaise, prepared by the Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

On a stage decorated to look like the ship’s grand staircase, the Barry Cole orchestra played waltzes, ragtime and other music popular during the Titanic era.

Birthday Boy: The gala served as a belated birthday party for Berle, who turned 90 on July 12. “I got a call from [event chairwoman] Ann Stern,” Berle told the crowd. “She said, ‘Do you believe in free speech? Well, you’re making one on Aug. 22.’ ” Berle was joined briefly on stage by Sid Caesar, who delivered a nonsensical lecture in French on the “seaworthiness” of the Titanic.

Bottom Line: The event was expected to net $40,000 for the Orange County Museum of Art, beneficiary of the group’s fund-raisers. Proceeds will go to the museum’s education programs for children.

Quote: “Art education gives children an opportunity to exercise their creativity,” said Naomi Vine, museum director. “Children truly need art. Everyone needs to be in touch with greatness now and then.”

Faces: John and Donna Crean, honorary chairs; Mary Lou Hornsby and Mary Ann Wells, Islanders founders; Don Olsen, emcee; Lana Chandler, Mike Farah, John Francis, Ron and Gail Soderling, Marsha Orlin, Eve Kornyei, James and Jeanne Quigg, Pam Arnett and Renate Carlsson.

What’s Ahead: Feast on Art, a weeklong benefit craft show and sale at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach, begins Sept. 28. Information: (714) 759-1122.