Golden Hour

It was a sold-out affair that kept its 400-plus well-heeled guests entertained well into the night. After all, 50 years of South Coast Repertory theater is worth celebrating. And it was, indeed, a sensational soiree-from the golden-glittered aerialists who greeted partygoers like Jane and Mike Noble on SCR’s terrace, to the alfresco dinner, to the Club Argyros afterparty where late-night bites and cocktails were served aplenty. It was also an evening full of surprises. The cultured crowd learned this year’s gala-themed Theatrical Gold-raised a record $1 million. Then came the rededication of the Folino Theatre Center, which is now named after SCR’s founders, Martin Benson and David Emmes. And the most pleasant news of all came when Julianne Argyros pledged another $2 million. And that’s an anniversary gift to treasure!