THE CROWD:

The residence of Valarie and David Whiting was the setting to launch “Sea Change,” the inaugural Orange County event benefiting Oceana, the largest international organization dedicated to protecting the planet’s ocean environment.

The evening at the Whiting’s residence attracted the local crowd as well as two Hollywood heavyweights, actor Jeff Goldblum and producer Keith Addis, who also serves as vice chair of the Oceana organization.

Addis addressed the gathering, explaining the work of the group in California and around the world.

The recent Whiting reception was a prelude to “Sea Change,” which will be a major gala benefit that will take place in Orange County this coming summer. Julie Hill will join Valarie Whiting to chair the undertaking, which is set to unfold at the coastal hilltop residence of Bruce and Karen Cahill.

Attending the kickoff party were Newport Beach social activists Sandi and Ron Simon, Chuck and Twyla Martin, Gena and Nick Reed, Lido Isle’s Elaine Weinberg, Teddie and Michael Ray, Dick and Laurie Rodnick, Ranney and Priscilla Draper and Joan Irvine Smith.

Also attending the special kickoff presentation was British Consul General Bob Peirce, who worked under former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Peirce is presently working with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on California issues relating to the ocean environment and climate change.

Other O.C. supporters of Oceana were Tricia and Michael Berns, Elizabeth and Duffy Healey, Candy and Bill Budge, Marta and Tom Tooma, Victoria and David Collins, Shelley Hoss, L.D. and Nancy Christano, Nichole and George Polizios, Joanne and Fouad Tawfilis, John and Maryam Picard, and Bruce and Karen Cahill.

Thursday in Costa Mesa, South Coast Repertory debuted “A Feminine Ending” on the Julianne Argyros Stage.

The play, written by Sarah Treem and directed by Timothy Douglas, was welcomed in Orange County by an enthusiastic crowd. The story surrounds the life of a young oboist who puts her music on hold in order to write a symphony.

Add in the normal stresses and strains of life including a full-time job, a demanding boyfriend and parents in crisis, the script by Treem is a comedic glimpse into the barrage of choices that face people in contemporary life.

After the debut of the play, the crowd gathered at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Costa Mesa for late-night supper and to mingle with Treem, Douglas and the cast which included Brooke Bloom in the leading role, Allen Blumenfeld, Amy Aquino, Peter Katona and Jedadiah Schultz.

The evening was generously underwritten by Mary Beth Adderley, Richard Wright and Elizabeth Adderley.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.