Actors Take Active Role in Benefit

A sign of the times: For the first time in South Coast Repertory history, the theater has asked members of its company to perform in the annual spring fashion show presented by its guild support group.

On March 20, actor John-David Keller will not only model fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue at this “Simply Irresistible” fashion show, he will perform ditties composed by Noel Coward. (Not to mention the fact that Keller is coordinating all of the entertainment for the $40-per-person benefit.)

“With economic times the way they are, fund-raising is very important to those of us who are part of the company,” said Keller, who will play Uncle Willie Tracy in SCR’s upcoming production of “The Philadelphia Story.”

“At first, because of my role in the play, I was afraid I might not have the time to become involved in the fashion show. But then I realized the play would be open by then and my days would be free.”

Keller promises to sing Coward’s “I’ve Been to a Marvelous Party” (a song about the inanities and insanities of merrymaking) and Coward’s “In the Bar on the Piccolo Marina.” Keller begins to howl when he-- archly --trills the first line: “In the bar on the Piccolo Marina, love come to Mrs. Wentworth Brewster . . . “

Keller also hopes to present musical selections by Cole Porter and George Gershwin at the benefit, which is being co-chaired by Mary Knott and Kay McDonald.

“I will be picking the performers and music to key into the ‘30s,” Keller said. “I think it would be great to present a finale where all of the models are singing one of those great old numbers.”

The show will unfold on the set of “The Philadelphia Story,” a lighthearted tale about the traps and trappings of high society in the ‘30s.

“It’s a happy coincidence that we’re doing the fashion show during our run of that play--a play all about glamour and high fashion,” Keller said. “A very happy coincidence.”

And having members of SCR’s company participate in the fashion parade will heighten the production’s sense of fun, Keller said. “The Orange County community has a familiarity with the performers. So, they’ll not only be watching models, but old friends making asses of themselves.”

Festivities will also include a drawing for prizes, the highlight of which is--you guessed it--a trip for two to Philadelphia.

Twins Doris Pascale and Daphne Walker are co-presidents of SCR’s Theatre Guild, presenters of the event.