OUR LAGUNA: Stars light up Pageant of the Masters gala

The Pageant of the Masters is an ongoing love story between the staff, crew and cast.

“I can’t think of a better theme for this year’s program than ‘A Passion for Art,’ because that is what is so apparent backstage,” said television star Teri Hatcher, host of the Pageant’s 2006 Gala, held Saturday night.

“You can find people who have made volunteering a tradition for more than 30 years, or families — sometimes three generations’ worth — pitching in. I am sure that kind of passion is a big part of the equation that has kept this show alive and well for almost 75 years.”

Hatcher lit up the grounds in a gown the color of fiery fall leaves, as warm as her glowing comments about the pageant. Saturday’s event was Hatcher’s second season as a walk-on cast member and host of the gala.

Hatcher values sharing the experience with her daughter, Emerson, and wrote about it in her book, “Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies of Life,” now in bookstores.

Turning 40 played a big role in her decision to write the book, she says. But being a working mom trying to give her daughter the best possible start in life was even more important.

“That’s how we ended up in the pageant last year and again [Friday],” Hatcher told the sold-out audience at the special gala performance.

“It is one of those rare experiences you can share with your children, or for that matter everyone in your family, and you’ll come away with magical memories.”

Hatcher admitted how nervous she got last year when she started to think about standing still for 90 seconds.

“All these thoughts were racing through my head,” Hatcher said. “I was looking out at the audience from inside a painting! And the more I thought about it, the more amazing it seemed. And one of the things I think makes this so special is the chance it gives us for contemplation. It encourages us to stop time and experience what art looks and feels like. In this hyped-up, pressure cooker world, I think that’s the Pageant’s gift for all of us. I know it has given me the opportunity to share something with my daughter that we won’t soon forget.

“So I am really glad you could be here with me tonight. I like to think we’re all here because we believe in the value of art in our lives, and especially in our children’s lives. And thank you again for joining me this evening in supporting the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters.”

Hatcher, who won Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for her starring role in the hit television series, “Desperate Housewives,” was not the only luminary at the gala.

Mayor Steven Dicterow, his wife Catrina and daughter, Taryn, had the pleasure of dining with hunky, young actor Justin Baldoni and his equally gorgeous guest, Melissa Ordway.

Baldoni was recently seen as Reid Bardem on “Everwood.” He has also guest-starred on “Charmed” and “JAG,” and played Stephen on the “The Young and the Restless.

“I am hopefully making the transition to the big screen,” said the darkly handsome and personable 22-year-old.

He will be seen as Peter in an upcoming film, “The Tribe,” filmed in Costa Rica.

Ordway will be seen in an upcoming “Victoria’s Secret” catalogue.

“I’ll look for you,” Dicterow said.

“You won’t be able to miss her,” Baldoni said.

Other celebrities on the guest list included Barry Williams, the eldest brother of “The Brady Bunch,” which also starred Laguna’s own Eve Plumb; and Marisa Coughlan, most recently seen on “Boston Legal.”

Also, Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna, almost incognito in beard and mustache; Moon Bloodgood, best known for her starring role as Katie in “8 Below;” James Avery, who has the recurring role of medical examiner on the hit show, “The Closer,” Camryn Manheim and Veronica Bloom from “The L Word’ and a 1998 Emmy Award winner for her performances in “The Practice.”

Along with Hatcher at the entry to the festival grounds, were colorfully garbed four seasons: Shannon Waegner as spring; Kasey Perry, summer; Agata Formato, fall; and Nina Rietsch as winter.

“This is the most we have worn all summer,” Rietsch said.

All four were among the nudes in the show.

This year’s show displayed not only a passion for art, but passion in art.

The artwork chosen by Director Diane Challis Davy for 2006 ranges from a depiction of a heavily costumed La Belle Dame San Merci to Jean Leon Germones’ oil of the passionate kiss between “Pygmalion” and the nude statue of Galatea that comes to life; to statues of the Hindu God Vishnu fondling his wife, Lakshmi, and the passionate embrace of “Eternal Spring” by Auguste Rodin.

Other highlights of the gala included music by James Torme, dancing, hors ‘d’oeuvres by Chef Molly’s Gourmet Solutions, a silent auction, a seated dinner catered by Tivoli Terrace and a Mercedes Benz SkL280 give-away.

Among the diners: Council members Toni Iseman, Cheryl Kinsman and Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider; Arts Commissioners Mike Tauber, Pat Kollenda, Jan Sattler and Nancy Beverage; Festival Foundation board member John Campbell and his wife Lu; Festival board members Wayne Baglin, John Hoover, Bob Henry, Fred Sattler and board President Anita Mangels.

Carolyn Reynolds was on duty at her festival booth. Also among the attendees were Michael Kinsman, former county CEO Ernie Schneider and festival staffers Cindy Perdue and Marketing and Public Relations and Merchandising Director Sharbie Higuchi.

More than $250,000 was raised at the gala to benefit the Festival of Arts Building Fund.