THE CROWD:Let the arts center’s grand opera begin

It was a grandly glorious night in Costa Mesa. Police barricades directed a phalanx of limousines to the appropriate arrival destination. Red carpet lined the concrete. Paparazzi flashed cameras as guests left their shiny black cars behind and enjoyed what would become a night of a thousand stars.

Each patron attending Friday’s opening ceremonies of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa was indeed a star in their own right.

In addition to the significant donation of Henry Segerstrom and his late wife, Renée, as well as his present wife, Elizabeth — $50 million, 6 acres of land and millions more in auxiliary funding for art installation — there have been countless others who have made a remarkable vision become reality, not just for Orange County millionaires, but millions of Orange County residents.

The $200-plus-million dream came to life Friday night, as many of the people who have contributed their money, time and passion for the arts, proudly turned out.

Most important, the concert hall is spectacular. Its design is gracious and inviting. There is not a bad seat in the house.

Well, there are a few, and architect Cesar Pelli is working with crews to ensure absolute perfection as the finishing touches continue beyond the opening. The sound is phenomenal.

On opening night, maestro Carl St. Clair led the Pacific Symphony, joined by chorale master John Alexander and the Pacific Chorale and very special guest star Placido Domingo. The legendary Domingo fronted the first act, following a fine performance by the symphony and the chorale featuring Aaron Copeland’s “The Tender Land.”

The second act, concluding with Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1, Titan” was exemplary. A standing ovation brought St. Clair back to the stage for five bows before his adoring fans.

The entire affair was in hands of chair Elizabeth Segerstrom. Wearing an exquisite royal blue ball gown — classically cut at the bodice and flaring at the waist — the regal chair joined her debonair donor husband in a stage left, first-tier box just above the orchestra.

It was the perfect vantage point to experience not only the performance, but the entire crowd. On the opposite first-tier box sat donor and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain George Argyros and his bride, Julia. Julia Argyros was surely among the best dressed of the evening, wearing a very fitted and figure-flattering ball gown of copper colored fabric, layered and flared for drama.

Other major players included the lovely Dee Highby of Newport Beach, who served as vice chair of the evening, and her prominent business leader husband Larry Highby.

Gail Kirwan, ever elegant and always among the most sophisticated of fashionable Newport women, attended the affair with her dapper husband, Roger Kirwan, who has a lead role supporting Segerstrom in fundraising for the arts center expansion.

Reportedly, officials need to raise an estimated $50 million to complete the project. What is impressive and should not be overlooked is the fact that all of the money needed to create this center is coming from private and corporate funds.

Among the leaders in both the financial and creative pursuit are women who supported Elizabeth Segerstrom in producing the major opening event: Carol Wilken, Bev Sandelman, Susan Samueli, Melissa Mullins, Sandi Jackson, Betty Huang, Ellie Gordon, Lynn Freeman, Ann Conway, Sally Crockett, Gloria Brandes, Nancy Baldwin and Julia Argyros.

It was a monumental undertaking — bravo to all.

Elizabeth Segerstrom’s taste is contemporary and very forward, and the party reflected her style.

Prior to the concert, guests mingled in the courtyard. White-gloved waiters from Joachim Splichal’s Patina Group passed hors d’ oeuvres on silver trays to the some 2,000 guests.

An enormous round bar was constructed in the plaza, topped by what resembled a giant white wedding cake, festooned with more white roses than all the growers in America could provide. It was surely symbolic of the marriage between art and community.

As the concert ended, patrons went back into the courtyard to experience a massive light and media spectacular, created by artist Robert Wilson. Champagne was served as guests were transfixed by the enormous video screen stretching the entire length of the plaza.

Within minutes, fireworks began to erupt from both the roofs of the new arts center and the original performing arts center across the plaza. A dazzling pyrotechnics show showered the crowd in fiery stardust.

And speaking of stars, Hollywood notables including Dennis and Victoria Hopper, Anjelica Huston, Sara Ramirez, Cheryl Tiegs, Goran Visnjic, Sela Ward, Suzanne Somers, Matthew Lillard, Leslie Ann Warren and Michael and Pat York were all in the crowd for opening night.

At around 10 p.m., the entourage was escorted into a transparent pavilion that was large enough to house Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose.

The structure was erected adjacent to the center, and underwritten by major sponsor of the evening, Cartier, which was represented by South Coast Plaza executive Caroline Jones and Frederick de Narp. Also deserving credit was the First American Corporation, underwriters of the pre-concert reception for the enormous crowd.

Entering the dinner pavilion, the senses were tantalized by the high energy music and pulsating neon bolts of light traversing the metal rims of the structure.

Designed by the Baruch Entertainment Group, in association with J. Ben Bourgeois, it was a blending of the very latest technology and party decor. Ultra contemporary, very sleek and simple, the lower section of the party featured long banquet tables. A second level offered party rounds.

Chivari chairs were fashioned of chrome, slightly redesigned on a classic theme. Tables were dressed in white on white, with very exotic white florals mixed with green grasses and other natural blooms sitting on pads of rich earth. White carpet, white linens and an orchestra attired in white dinner jackets complemented clear Lucite and glass tables illuminated from underneath. Pure drama.

Dinner was served as the midnight hour approached by Joachin Splichal and his Patina Group staff. Crab cakes with coconut lemongrass sauce, crostina with roasted prawns, smoked ahi tuna, Maine lobster and prime filet of beef were among courses served to guests paying between $1,000 to $3,000 and more to support the opening night festivities.

Spotted in the who’s-who crowd were Ygal and Shiela Sonnenshine; the Gavin Herbert family; Bob and Terry Callahan; Hal and Cindy Harley; Andrea and David Grant; Jeanne Moriarty; center board Chairman Mike Gordon and his wife, Ellie; arts center Vice President and devoted arts patron Judith O’Dea Morr; Bill Gillespie; Ruth Ann and Eugene Moriarty; Ruth Ann and John Evans; Nancy Seltzer; Sandy and John Daniels; Sandi and Ron Simon; Doug and Lynn Freeman; Jane and Jim Driscoll; Vesta Curry; Elizabeth Vincent; Margaret Richardson; Wally Schroeder; Betty Moss; Mark Johnson; Sally and Randy Crockett; Whitney and former arts center boss Jerry Mandel; and new arts center boss Terry Dwyer.

All put their best foot forward for a momentous evening, one which marked a major transition for a community with unlimited potential.