THE CROWD:

The incredibly talented Mandy Patinkin, most recently recognized as the star of the television series “Criminal Minds” (he’s not returning to the show this season), will be in Newport Beach Dec. 5 for an intimate concert to benefit the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.

Patinkin, who starred on Broadway as Che in “Evita,” among numerous other credits including “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy” and “The Princess Bride,” will deliver his emotional one-man tour de force for an audience of just 100 guests at Temple Bait Yahm, Newport Beach. Organizers have minimized attendee numbers to maximize the intimacy of the experience. Funds will be collected and donated to the Arava Institute, the premiere environmental teaching and research program in the Middle East, preparing both Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region’s environmental challenges.

A few tickets may still be available. Call (949) 644-1999 for information on the show as well as the Arava Institute.

The fashionable Women of Chapman University were treated to fabulous fashions thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue South Coast Plaza store manager and trend setter Gretchen Pace and fashion expert Kari Miller, who helped design and present the show in store. Newport’s Leslie Cancellieri led the ladies’ day with support from fashionable women including social star Donna Bunce, Kathy Hamilton, Joy Owens, Phillis Shafer, Adrienne Brennan, Carol Lee and Rusty Hood.

Also supporting Chapman at Saks were Donna Bianchi, Eve Kornyei, Sally Crockett, and Joanne Jurczyk. Today the ladies will be gathering at the Ritz, Newport Beach for their annual holiday luncheon benefiting Chapman. “Christmas at the Ritz,” a long-standing tradition, raises significant funds in support of various university projects. The gala event was the brainchild of the late Mildred Mead and Chapman activist Mary Lou Hornsby. Both ladies led lives of major community involvement. “Christmas at the Ritz” continues in their memory as the tradition grows wider and stronger in support of a university that spreads its wings on an increasingly national and international platform.

Wednesday is a big event day on the Riviera. The Lido Isle Women’s Charitable Foundation is throwing a charity luncheon, home tour and holiday shopping experience. Three exceptional Lido residences will be featured, each serving luncheon prepared by a local caterer. The Lido Clubhouse will also be open for guests from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for dessert, coffee, holiday shopping and plenty of good cheer.

The $40 donation will benefit Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and Children’s Hospital of Orange County, specifically going to their Robotic Telemedicine Technology Program. Tickets will be available at the clubhouse door on Wednesday, or reserve in advance (and save $5) by calling Debbie Benedict at (949) 675-7168 for more information.

Speaking of CHOC, Executive Producer Gloria Zigner is holding a second call for auditions today at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. If you are reading your Pilot this morning and you get the urge to sing and dance to help the children at CHOC, throw on the sweats and head to Fashion Island at 10 a.m. and be prepared to become a star. If you want a solo role, bring sheet music for your audition. If the chorus suits you just fine, then just come!

The CHOC Follies, now in its 11th season, will present “Waiting For Chocman” a “musical mockumentary” on March 13, 14 and 15, 2008 at Chapman University’s Memorial Hall. For more info, call Lois Augustine at (714) 532-8690. If you can’t make it today, call Lois for a private audition.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.