
The Gathering Place for Great Performances at the Gateway to Woodstock, New York; Uniting Country Living with Fulfilled Expectations of Great Quality Performances; Rooted in the Founding of Woodstock: The Town, The Festival and The Destination
The Non-Profit Iconic Site of American Theatre & Music History Established 1938 as One of the First Rural Extensions of Broadway
by Robert Elwyn, A 5th Generation Member of One of Woodstock's Oldest Families
Opening Weekend 87th Anniversary Benefit Dinner
of the 2025 Summer Theatre Festival Season
Sponsored by Cucina of Woodstock
Saturday, June 14th of 2025; 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 2025 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 15 years.
In celebration of our shared history and the opening weekend of our season, thanks to Cucina of Woodstock, our host, you will enjoy:
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Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano, soft drinks, beer
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Passed Hors d'oeuvres:
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Salame calabrese, onion jam, cornichon, crostini
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Roasted cauliflower, romesco sauce
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Caprina pizza, fig-rosemary spread, goat cheese, mozzarella, pear, arugula, truffe oil
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Plated Salad First Course:
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Antipasto salad, crispy chickpeas, ricotta salata, italian dressing
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Family style Main Course:
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Farfalle a la norma, eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil
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Herb roasted chicken, potato puree, haricot vert, lemon, capers, jus
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Slow roasted salmon, fregola, wild mushrooms
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Plated Dessert:
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Mixed berries and Chantilly Cream
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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 owner of Aqua Jet Pools, Spas and Patio Furniture with her family for decades - 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 is the assistant to the principal in the public school system of the New York's Shenendehowa School District. As we celebrate the 87th Anniversary of the Woodstock Playhouse on its site at the Gateway to Woodstock, and we, too, celebrate our history of leadership at the helm of the playhouse for the past 15 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 'Grease' 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 'Grease' and the full season is sponsored by Gold Community Leader Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Silver Community Sponsors Aqua Jet Pools, Spas & Patio Furniture and Ulster Savings Bank, and Bronze Community Supporters High Rocks Charitable Trust, Rondout Savings Bank and Woodstock Infusions.
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.


Benefit Dinner Sponsored by