Unusual but Harmonious Mix

Resplendent in evening gowns by Bob Mackie, opera diva Frederica von Stade and comedian Carol Burnett joined the William Hall Master Chorale to star in a concert titled “Broadway Meets the Met.”

The performers thrilled the standing-room only crowd at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with numbers that ranged from Irving Berlin’s “There’s No Business Like Show Business” to Borodin’s “Prince Igor.”

Hall issued a warning to the audience before Saturday’s show got underway: “You can tap your feet, snap your fingers--even whistle a little--but do not sing!”

After the concert, chorale supporters joined Hall and Von Stade in Founder’s Hall for a wine and dessert reception. Burnett--who hopped a limo back to L.A. after the performance--sent party organizers regrets, blaming a tight schedule.

Mingling with fans, Von Stade, a mezzo-soprano, said doing a duet with the comedian presented a challenge: “I forget my words because I get caught up watching her,” she said. “She’s magic. I probably saw every ‘Carol Burnett Show’--one of the greatest TV shows ever.”

If not for the encouragement of chorale member Bob Wright--a producer of the “Carol Burnett Show” and a close friend of the comedian’s--Burnett might not have appeared in the production.

“She always says, ‘I’m not a singer; I’m an actress who sings,’ ” he said. “She won’t do a solo, unless it’s part of a Broadway show.”

When Wright suggested that Burnett join Von Stade for a concert with the chorale, she loved the idea.

Said Hall: “It was a different show to put together--but so easy with stars like Burnett and Von Stade. The whole concept was fun.”

Also on the bill: A solo star turn by philanthropist Judie Argyros of Newport Beach.

Outfitted in diamond ear bobs and a scarlet Nolan Miller gown--and wearing a shade of lipstick to match--Argyros sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

“I have an acting background, not a singing background, and I could have stood a thousand more voice lessons, but it was great fun,” she said.

Argyros said the highlight of the experience was the opportunity to observe “the mechanics that go into the center and the energy of the performers.”

Ann Conway can be reached at (714) 966-5952 or by e-mail at ann.conway@latimes.com.