Saturday, June 13th of 2026; 5:00pm

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Join us and experience a truly magnificent dinner while celebrating and supporting the historic tradition of Woodstock Summer Theatre and the rising pre-Broadway professionals of the Woodstock Playhouse 2026 Cast. 

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Be one of a limited number of special guests who will step through the doors of our region's top culinary destination, Cucina of Woodstock, right next door to the playhouse. You will celebrate in the Private Fireplace Dining Room of the historic & picturesque Riseley Farmhouse and step back in time with us to celebrate both the historic roots of the Woodstock Playhouse and the founding Elwyn family who are one of the oldest families of Woodstock, as well as the present-day leadership and theatre family of the iconic Woodstock Playhouse revival of the past 16 years.

 

In celebration of our shared history and the opening weekend of our season, thanks to Cucina of Woodstock, our host, you will enjoy:

• Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano, soft drinks, beer

• Passed Hors d'oeuvres:

  • pannelle, shaved fennel salad, pickled mustard salad

  • prosciutto & melon 

  • arancini, arrabiata sauce 

• Plated Salad First Course:

  • herbed farro, roasted vegetables, marinated goat cheese 

• Family style Main Course:

  • orecchiette, basil pesto, toasted pine nuts, pecorino romano 

  • seared trout, asparagus, beurre blanc, almonds 

  • roasted chicken, warm panzanella salad, chicories, dried cherries, pan sauce vinaigrette 

• Plated Dessert:

  • butterscotch budino, caramel, toasted coconut, whipped cream, sea salt

• American Coffee and Tea

served in the honor of all guests and the opening of the 2025 Season.

 

Join our Gala Chairpersons, Board Member, Carlene Hummell, a leader in Ulster County Business and founding family of Aqua Jet Pools, Spas and Patio Furniture and a Community Leader Sponsor of the Woodstock Playhouse, and her husband Steve Hummell, who has proudly served in the United States Military, as a New York State Trooper and is a member of the Indigenous people of this nation. They will be joined by Diane Stein, our President, who was assistant to the principal in the public school system of the New York's Shenendehowa School District for decades and is the Resident Costume Designer of the Woodstock Playhouse. As we celebrate the 88th Anniversary of the Woodstock Playhouse on its site at the Gateway to Woodstock, we also celebrate our history of leadership at the helm of the playhouse for the past 16 years, and the recognition of the Woodstock Playhouse by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, which has deemed the Woodstock Playhouse an official historic site of American Theatre and Music History; one of the first theaters ever to receive the honor.

 
The evening will begin with wine/beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and meet-and-greet beginning at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner until 7:00 pm. The performance of 'West Side Story' at the Playhouse begins at 7:30 pm. ​

 

The Dinner Event is sponsored and donated by our neighbor and premier culinary destination, Cucina of Woodstock. The evening's performance of 'West Side Story' and the full season is sponsored by Gold Community Leader Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Silver Community Sponsors Ulster Savings Bank, Carlene & Steve Hummell, High Rocks Charitable Trust, and Rondout Savings Bank.

 

About Your Host: Cucina of Woodstock:

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Cucina, opened in 2006, is situated in a restored and rambling farmhouse in historic Woodstock, NY.

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The contemporary Italian menu is based on seasonal and local ingredients. Cucina radiates a warm atmosphere in a country chic setting with modern touches. Dine with friends at the 24-seat communal table or more privately in a dining room. On warm days, bask in the sunlight on the large wraparound porch or settle in by the fireplace on winter nights.

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New York’s Hudson Valley boasts four beautiful seasons transforming Cucina year-round.

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The Barn, located next to the restaurant, is a restored 19th-century barn available for private events, weddings and celebrations.