THE CROWD:Masquerade ball benefits arts center

Proceeds are expected to exceed $400,000 from the recent Water and Fire Masquerade Gala benefiting the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Produced by the Sound of Music Guild, the lavish party unfolded at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa in Fashion Island. Chaired by Shawn Cunningham and Laura Baratta, some 350 arts center donors came dressed to kill and definitely ready to party. One gent, Tim Marshall, husband of dedicated Sound of Music patroness Patsy Marshall, was overheard calling for help in the men’s room. “I’m going to pass out from the heat,” Marshall exclaimed from behind a closed door. “What’s wrong?” called out another gent standing at the vanity in black tie. “I’m wearing a fireman’s uniform that is so insulated and heavy that I’m unable to breathe,” responded Marshall. “So take it off,” replied his friend. “I can’t. I’m not wearing anything underneath!”

So much for safety in disguise at a masquerade ball!

Sound of Music has a reputation for extravagant affairs and this year’s event was among the most glamorous. Marsha Orlin, a Sound of Music patroness, was charged with designing the party, which was a show stopper. Orlin joined Gouel-Pine Corp. in creating the fire-and-water themed decor. Most notable was the table arrangement that featured water reflecting pools in the center of each setting. Guests, including major underwriters Sally and Randy Crockett, Eve Kornyei and Stan Hanson, Harriet and Sandy Sandhu, Lori and John Loftus, Kathie and John Porter, Danni and Dan Good and Kelly Hague, escorted by Chad Smith, were transfixed by the creative display.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and massive silent auction display. Donor Rodnick Vodka made sure that the martinis were chilled to perfection, each glass displaying a red or blue flashing ice cube and smoking with dry ice. Mercedes Benz of Anaheim displayed a new C230 automobile as an opportunity-drawing lure.

Sound of Music chairwoman Denice Tsujioka welcomed friends arriving in costume as well as traditional black-tie attire. Leslie and Dino Cancellieri were on hand as was Tiffany & Co.’s Jeff and Barbara Bennett. Irene and Joe Tomkinson, Shelley and Michael Elam, Donna and Ronald Phelps, Debi and Rusty Brown, Diane Palumbo, Caroline Jones, Carol and Rich Dalton, Kimberly and Ross Feinberg, Karen Harden and Josh Swickard, Linda and Rick Lamitie, Patty Lance, Debbie Newmeyer, and Debra and Mac McMurry were all front and center for Sound of Music.

Guests were astonished at the decor. Water and fire were everywhere. Along with the floating candle centerpieces at the underwriters’ tables, the wall behind the band was transformed by five glistening waterfalls. The effect was magical.

The Marriott staff served a dinner that began with a fresh Bibb lettuce wedge dressed in bacon, cheese, tomato and cilantro vinaigrette (the latest salad on the social circuit) followed by pan roasted filet mignon. Enjoying dinner and table-hopping were Sound of Music guests and committee volunteers including Grace and Patrick Thelen, Paula and Michael Macko, Honeybee and Mark Hyatt, Lisa Hallaian, John Coelho, Susan Alison-Hemme, Tracy Martin, Diane Cruzen-Monroe, Beth Hart and Ron and Beth Smith.

As a decadent dessert of white chocolate creme brulee was served, an extraordinary live auction raised the charitable bar — and the heat in the crowd. Party goers danced until Cinderella’s hour to the sounds of Splash.