THE CROWD:Chapman University devotees attend gala

Chapman University hosted the 25th anniversary of its American Celebration, bringing plenty of good, old-fashioned Hollywood to Orange County. The evening, filled with music and dance, raised funds for student scholarships.

Chaired by the much-admired O.C. couple Marybelle and S. Paul Musco, the American Celebration was among the most successful and most enjoyable ever produced.

Honored guests of the evening were legendary Hollywood star Debbie Reynolds, who accepted Chapman’s lifetime achievement award, and Newport Coast couple Kristina and Larry Dodge, who were lauded with the 2006 Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award. The Dodge family donated $20 million to Chapman University as seed money for the new Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

The “who’s who” of Orange County guests arrived on campus — including Mark and Barbara Johnson, Charles and Twyla Reed Martin, Robert and Valaree Wahler, George and Julianne Argyros, Zee Allred and Drago Gligic, Doy and Dee Henley, Ron and Linda Beale, Jeff and Stephanie Gehl, Donald and Dorothy Kennedy, Russ and Susie Leatherby, and Randy and Suki McCardle. They were escorted to a reception and then to the vintage auditorium, which would come to life with more showbiz energy than even the late Louis B. Mayer could muster.

Under the artistic direction of Dale A. Merrill, with choreography by William and Robyn Brawley and musical direction by William Hall, an enormous cast of talented Chapman students put on a show worthy of multiple standing ovations. Chapman President James Doti fronted the production, adding much warmth and community connection. Doti is part P.T. Barnum, part Rudy Giuliani, the consummate showman and statesman who has led the transformation of Chapman from a local institution to international status.

The best part, however, even with the tremendous advances at Chapman, is the fact that the small, intimate and personal touch has not been lost on the impressive growth. With all the polish and finish of the program, which included a special performance by John Nuzzo, a member of the Chapman Class of ’91 who has gone on to fame on Broadway and in the world of opera, the overflow audience cheered and responded like parents, friends and neighbors getting together and sharing the best of community spirit.

This feeling and attitude is found in Chapman students, many on hand to “meet and greet” and offer direction to guests. It is all about individual character and respect for others, two of the hallmarks of personal growth emphasized at Chapman and seriously lacking in our world in general. For this reason alone, in addition to educational strides, Doti, with ardent support from his board led by former U.S. Ambassador to Spain George Argyros, has attracted big money from donors who believe in the message.

They turned out in full force to show their support. Paul and Darrane Folino, Hadi and Barbara Makarechian, Felicity and Donald Sodaro, Lynn and Otis Booth, Rebecca and Carl McLarand, Jerry Richards, Joe and Shirley MacPhearson, Ellie and Mike Gordon, and Nancy and Jim Baldwin were all front and center for Chapman.

Following the production — which included an erudite address by honoree and donor Kristina Dodge on the importance of communication in today’s society and a very elegant appearance by talented Oscar-nominated actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, who has become a dedicated champion for Chapman and the new Dodge College of Film and Media Arts — Debbie Reynolds was welcomed to the stage by Jim Doti.

The star of film, TV and Broadway, celebrating 57 years in show business, came on stage like a breath of fresh air. Candid and bawdy, Reynolds had the audience laughing as she shared the ups and downs of life in the spotlight.

“I’m too young for a lifetime achievement award,” she chided, telling the crowd that she was 75 and never was able to go to college. Reynolds added how impressed she was at seeing the new Chapman campus and recalled coming to Orange in the early days of her career “when there was nothing here!” “My college years were spent learning how to kiss Gene Kelly on screen,” she said, laughing.

Following the performance and tributes, the crowd was escorted out of the theater and into an elegant white tent for some dinner and dancing. The decor was Old Hollywood meets the 21st century. Silver art deco chandeliers hung from the rafters, setting the tone of the party. The orchestra played on as donors Wylie and Bette Aitken, Marta and Raj Bhathal, Gail and Ron Soderling, Ruth Stewart, Kathy Bronstein, and Leslie and Larry Cancellieri mingled, checked out auction items set up in the center of the tent, and then came together and sat down for dinner.

A three-course gala menu began with a filo purse filled with grilled vegetables and caramelized onions. It was the hit of the meal. Roasted filet followed, with a chocolate truffle torte on poached pear for dessert.

Celebrating into the night were Chapman devotees Joanne and Greg Bates, Sheryl and Larry Bourgeoris, Gloria Bradeson, Jo Ellen Allen, Yolanda and Ron Loder, Mona Lee Nesseth, Eric Nicoll, Victoria Prismantas, Anne Abbott and Gwen Berry.

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