Out & About: Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala marks 30 years

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, July 1, 2019 12:01 a.m. | Monday, July 1, 2019 12:01 a.m.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Gala co-chairs Chris (left) and Terry Linville of Unity pose for a photo during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala, held June 28 at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Lisa Poole poses for a photo during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala, held June 28 at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Pam and Angelo DeMezza pose for a photo during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala, held June 28 at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Gretchen and John Kline of Greensburg pose for a photo June 28 during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Carmen and Karl Eisaman of Greensburg pose for a photo June 28 during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Richard and Joanna Stillwagon join Linda Brown and Terry Graft for a photo June 28 during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Stage Right performers Savannah Bruno of Leechburg (Belle), and Joe Ganchuk of Irwin (Beast) welcome guests to the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala, held June 28 at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Greggory Brandt (left), director of Stage and Summer Theatre at Saint Vincent College, and Thomas Octave, associate professor of music at the college, pose for a photo June 28 during the 30th Aannual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Brother Norman W. Hipps (left) , O.S.B., and Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., pose for a photo June 28 during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: George Shaner, Shirley Ratner, Teresa Baughman and Michael Philopena, all of Greensburg, gather for a photo June 28 during the 30th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala at the Carey Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

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.