Guests at the 30th annual Summer Theatre Gala stepped into an enchanted world to enjoy “a tale as old as time” — “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”
The production capped an evening of good food and fellowship for supporters of the professional summer theater that makes its home at Saint Vincent College in Unity.
Keeping with the theme, guests entered the pre-show reception by passing under an arbor decked with red roses — to be greeted by Belle, the Beast, Lumiere and Mrs. Potts portrayed by actors from Stage Right in Greensburg.
Theater-goers might have spied a familiar face or two among the cast. Playing Belle is Erika Strasburg, a Carnegie Mellon University graduate and veteran of Pittsburgh CLO and Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown. Pittsburgh’s own Tim Hartman fills the role of Lumiere.
Gala night is never complete until the show lets out and guests filter onto the Carey Center terrace for the theater’s signature popcorn-and-hot-dogs cabaret.
Co-chairs for the 2019 event were Terry and Chris Linville.
The committee included SVST producing artistic director Greggory Brandt, George and Linda Austin, Terry and Nina Daughenbaugh, Angelo and Pam DeMezza, Bill and Phil Dymond, Karl and Carmen Eisaman, George Fetkovich, Rose Flodin, Judy Kovach, Jim and Maureen Laffey, Tom and Diane Luscombe, Paula Maloney, Anita Manoli, Michael Philopena and George Shaner, Lou and Barbara Steiner, Richard and Joanna Stillwagon, Stephanie Tomasic, Andy and Aliesha Walz and Marie Zanotti.
Presenting co-sponsors were First Commonwealth Bank and R&L Development Co.
Seen: Conductor Thomas Octave, John and Malinda Sherid, Gertude Myers, Barbara Ferrier, Debbie Woods, Dave Hollenbaugh, Father Paul Taylor, Brother Norman Hipps, Shirley Ratner, Teresa Baughman, Monsignor Bill Rathgeb, Lauren Buches, Joe and Ann Nemanic, Chuck and Nancy Anderson, Terry Graft and Linda Brown, Dr. Mike and Terry Zorch and Al and Sally Ann Novak.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” runs through July 7. For information, call 724-537-8900 or visit saintvincentarts.org.
