The Crowd:

Tradition in the Newport-Mesa community dictates that the inauguration of the fall social calendar begins with the South Coast Repertory Gala.

The 2009 ball will kick off the season in Newport Beach, unfolding Sept. 12 at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort.

The dynamic gala chairwoman, Bette Aitken, wife of the mega-successful Orange County attorney and all-around nice guy, Wylie Aitken, is planning a party to top all South Coast Repertory parties.

Bette Aitken and her committee are calling it “Nothing But Blue Skies,” and a large contingent of the community is backing the massive effort.

Big-name donors, including George and Julianne Argyros, Paul and Daranne Folino, Larry and Dee Higby, Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom, and Tim and Jean Weiss, are among those who will step up to the plate again to help raise significant funds in support of the repertory’s annual budget.

Blue Skies is the biggest and most important fundraiser of the year for the theatrical company.

Additional major support will come from Debbie Simon, Danuta Schenke, Barbara and Bill Roberts, Elaine Weinberg, Ardelle St. George, Nadine and Bob Hall, and Toni and Steve Berlinger, to name only a few.

Last week in Newport Beach, the Berlingers welcomed the repertory’s gala committee to a pre-event reception at their swank contemporary waterfront estate.

The crowd arrived at sunset to share cocktails on the terrace prior to enjoying a sumptuous buffet supper hosted with style by Toni and Steve Berlinger.

Gracious speeches by repertory Principal David Emmes and the Aitkens expressed sincere thanks to the gathering for their unwavering support.

Spotted in the crowd were donors Gail and Ernie Doe, the fabulous Olivia Johnson, Mary Ann Brown, Stephanie Simovich, Tom and Susan Rogers, Kim Kelley, Pam and Jim Muzzy, Mel and Marcia Rogers, and Tod and Linda White.

In addition to news on the upcoming gala, South Coast Repertory is planning a production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” to launch the company’s 46th season on the Orange Coast.

The gala is almost sold out; however, there are a few tables available.

Individual tickets are priced between $1,250 and $5,000, with tables for 10 selling for $12,500 to $100,000.

The gala promises to be a most elegant introduction to the 2009 social season.

For more information and/or reservations for the upcoming event, go to www.scr.org.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.