Raising a glass to South Coast Repertory

Wylie Aitken, co-host of the annual South Coast Repertory’s August

patron party with his lovely wife Bette, stood before the gathering

in his home and told the crowd, “Permit me to quote Larry Higby when

I say that I don’t want to sell chairs -- I want to sell tables.”

Newport Beach’s Higby, who with his wife Dee have been formidable

fundraisers for the repertory, was standing in a corner of the Aitken

family room, listening.

The crowd got the message. It’s certainly better to sell an entire

table for a fundraiser than to just sell a couple of seats.

Then Aitken, a distinguished local attorney and prominent Orange

County Democratic leader, added a complimentary bit of humor to

recognize the work of Higby.

“I want to be Larry Higby when I grow up,” he said, as the crowd

of South Coast Repertory supporters laughed.

Higby, one of Orange County’s business leaders, came in for the

kill.

“So you want to be a Republican when you grow up!”

The people went wild with laughter. Aitken, not to be topped,

retorted: “This is a bipartisan, nonpolitical union to benefit SCR

and the entire O.C. family. Oh -- if there are any homeless people

here -- we have room for you in our humble home.”

The Republican-versus-Democrat jokes ended, and Higby and Aitken

hugged.

It was all happening in the Aitken home in the Anaheim Hills last

Sunday afternoon. The guests experienced a preview of Encantar: As if

by Magic, the 2005 South Coast Repertory Gala Ball set for Sept. 17

at the St. Regis Monarch Bay Resort.

Bette Aitken got her laughs as well, as she thanked the guests for

“coming to North County!”

Bette was dressed in a chic, south-of-the-border inspired,

off-the-shoulder, black-and-white camisole over black slacks -- in

keeping with the Spanish theme of the party -- as she welcomed her

guests and introduced gala chairwoman Socorro Vasquez.

“I am honored and pleased to be here in this beautiful home and so

grateful to all of you for supporting SCR,” said the pretty and peppy

chairwoman, wife of Ernesto Vasquez.

Both Socorro and Ernesto have been longtime and generous

supporters of South Coast Repertory.

“It is the best regional theater company in America,” she said.

The Newport-Mesa contingent included Pat and Carl Neisser, Mary

Carrington, Linda and Bob Hovee, Olivia and Andrew Johnson, Terri

Kennady, Eric Hyman, Sue and Richard Van Gemert, and Beth and Tom

Phelps. Also in the crowd for the sultry summer get-together at the

Aitkens’ oasis were major donors Jean and Tim Weiss, Olga and

Fernando Niebla, Sarah Murr, Gary Lesser, Jan Seitz Jashinski, Ralph

Bauman, and Betty and S.L. Huang.

David Emmes, founding artistic director of South Coast Repertory,

thanked the crowd for its support, reminding patrons that the

September gala is the largest and most important fundraiser of the

season for the theatrical company.

Expectations are high. Organizers hope to raise in excess of

$400,000 at the ball -- a significant portion of the theater’s $2.6

million annual fund.

“Today signals the beginning of the 42nd season for SCR, which

will officially begin on Sept. 9 with a re-imaging of [Bertolt]

Brecht’s ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle,’” Emmes said.

Emmes then introduced a distinguished guest, playwright and

director Terry Johnson, who was in from London. Johnson’s play,

“Hitchcock Blonde,” will be produced by South Coast Repertory in the

upcoming season as well.

Patrons sampled delicacies served by Sally Ann Catering. The theme

was decidedly Latin, including freshly made tapas and white wine

Sangria -- the Aitken family signature cocktail.

Ashleigh Aitken was also on hand with husband Michael Penn.

Spotted on the veranda were Marlene Hamontree, Gail and Ernie Doe,

Robert and Susan Ehrlich, and Yolanda and Dennis De La Paz.

To participate in the upcoming Encantar gala and to support South

Coast Repertory, please call (714) 708-5500.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.