SPOTLIGHT

RAMEAU’S ‘PLATEE’

The 2001 Eclectic Orange Festival will open Friday with a production

of Jean-Philippe Rameau’s “Platee.”

The festival, which features 47 performances of 24 productions, will

continue through early November. However, this production of “Platee”

will only be here through Saturday.

The comic opera -- which will be performed by the Mark Morris Dance

Group, members of the Royal Opera, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and

the John Alexander singers -- tells the story of an ugly marsh nymph who

is wooed by Jupiter, king of the gods. Peopled -- or should we say

“animaled” -- with dancing frogs, snakes, tortoises and more, “Platee”

has been reset into a world that combines modernity with mythology.

Members of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra will perform a free

concert with selections from “Platee” at noon Friday at Borders Books,

Music & Cafe at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa.

FYI

What: “Platee” opens the Eclectic Orange Festival

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive,

Costa Mesa

Cost: $34-$89

Contact: (714) 740-7878

A preview of the Cannery for charity

Though it’s not quite ready to reopen yet, the Cannery Restaurant will

show off parts of its restoration during a benefit for the Orange County

Technology Foundation, which seeks to better educate students through

technology. Hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beverages will be provided.

FYI

What: Fund-raiser for Orange County Technology Foundation

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Cannery Restaurant, 310 Lafayette, Newport Beach

Cost: $50, $75 per couple

Contact: (949) 597-8285

PLANNING AHEAD

TASTE OF NEWPORT

More than 30 of Newport Beach’s restaurants are expected to provide

food, wine, beer and cocktails for the rescheduled Taste of Newport.

Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 7

HARBOR HERITAGE RUN

The annual Newport Harbor High Heritage Run is just around the corner.

Saturday, Oct. 6

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

11: The number of playhouses on display at HomeAid’s Project Playhouse

at Fashion Island.