One of the signature social events in town, the Harvard Schools Trust’s annual Dinner Theater Gala will be held Saturday, April 5. The popular event, now in its 17th year, will feature a gourmet three-course dinner with wine served in the homes of HST members, followed by a performance of Wiley and the Hairy Man by the Bromfield Drama Society in Cronin Auditorium. At the end of the play, attendees will gather in the cafeteria for a dessert buffet featuring lemon tarts, coconut truffles, and chocolate treats of every variety.
Putting together such an elegant evening is fun, said Gala Chairman Terry Symula. From getting dressed up—either a little or a lot—to enjoying a meal prepared by Harvard’s own Chef Paul Correnty, the Gala is a great community event, she said. Not only is the evening a great value for $50 per person, she added, but also everyone has a great time. Even those without children in the schools attend, Symula said, and part of the fun is getting to know so many new people. HST board member Nick Browse, who is helping Symula orchestrate the Gala, said he enjoys seeing the interiors of houses in town that he might not otherwise have the chance to see.
Correnty has put together a light, spring-themed menu for the Gala. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and marinated shrimp will be served as appetizers, followed by a choice of three entrées. The three choices include chicken with mushrooms in a light cream sauce, salmon with a maple glaze, or vegetarian lasagna. All entrees will be accompanied by a salad and a potato dish, he added. A number of Bromfield students will help hosts and hostesses in each kitchen.
There are some new features to the event this year as well, Symula explained. The HST has extended complimentary tickets to staff and teachers at both the elementary school and Bromfield. It’s a way to recognize the effort all staff and teachers make for the children every day, she added. In addition, tickets are available to Harvard’s seniors at a discounted price of $30 per person, and the Hildreth House will be open as one of the host homes, with hostesses Claire Rindenello, Bonnie Sweeney, and Carlene Phillips.
“We’re hoping to include as many members of the community as possible,” Symula said.
Funds raised from the Gala are used to support the schools, according to Browse. He pointed out that the HST has funded many significant events and projects over the last several years, including the installation of “Smart Board” technology in HES classrooms, a very popular astronomy “star party” at HES, and the purchase of pottery wheels and an electric kiln for the Bromfield art department.
“Our work is to enrich the schools,” Symula said.
Tickets for the Gala are $50 per person, of which $25 is tax-deductible. Also available is a $20 ticket for only the theater performance and dessert. Host homes can be chosen from a list, or Browse will make a seating assignment for those who would like to meet new people. Everyone is welcome to purchase tickets for the “Green & Local” raffle, which features prizes such as a golf outing for four people at Kittansett, and an iPod Nano, among others. Tickets for the raffle are one for $10, or three for $20. For more information visit the HST website at www.harvardschoolstrust.org, e-mail Nick Browse at galainfo@harvardschoolstrust.org, or call him at 978-456-8160.