On Saturday a black-tie crowd of 450 gathered backstage at the Benedum for "Creating A Scene: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 25th Anniversary Gala." Guests were treated to a peek at "rehearsals" as they enjoyed drinks behind the curtain, then took their seats for an original musical production headlined by Broadway star Kelli O'Hara. The Duquesne Club served a wonderful fall feast that began with smoked salmon and a beet terrine, continued with braised short ribs and ended with a welcome cheese plate followed by a dessert buffet onstage. Dinner was served in intimate "dining rooms" created throughout the Benedum, from the lobby and balcony to the rehearsal rooms. Credit Nancy Byrnes Events for the creative use of space, along with the gala concept and production.

Consol Energy was the lead sponsor, with COO Nick DeIuliis stepping in for CEO J. Brett Harvey. Trust president Kevin McMahon welcomed the crowd, as did Suzy Broadhurst, who chaired the 25th anniversary committee. But the best part was seeing so many of the people who have made today's Pittsburgh what is -- the founders and trustees who were instrumental in shaping the trust -- recognized for their lasting contributions (and helping to raise $610,000).

Mackenzie Carpenter's video program, "Omnivore," is available exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.