THE CROWD:

Gangsters, gamblers, “Grohowski’s Speakeasy” and even the gargantuan flames of the 1871 Chicago fire.

The Pacific Symphony Orchestra’s 2008 Gala, “A Chicago Story,” took the crowd on a romp through the history of the “Windy City.” Arriving at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, many of the guests donned period costumes, from flappers to gangsters to the ubiquitous Mrs. O’Leary and her cow — all were greeted by a set that was ablaze with flames to recreate the Chicago fire of 1871.

The Chicago theme was a natural this year for the Pacific Symphony Orchestra inasmuch as the honored guest was John Forsyte, a Chicago native son who is celebrating 10 years as president of the local symphony orchestra.

By coincidence, the executive chef at the Hyatt, Greg Grohowski, also happens to be a Chicago native son, helping to make this one of the great parties of the spring social calendar.

Symphony party planners even decorated the entire ballroom as a speak-easy and named it in Grohowski’s honor. The talented chef used the evening as an occasion to present some of his family’s treasured recipes.

Classic steak Diane was served, as was a seafood potpourri that included Monk fish, salmon and ahi tuna. They even had that wonderful old standard Chicken Oscar, served with crab meat, asparagus and the richest hollandaise this side of Michigan Avenue. Dinner was served “family style” at each table with an abundance of side dishes from creamed spinach, to sautéed mushrooms, risotto and roasted cipolini onions.

Chaired by Kate Peters and Doug Simao, and supported by a committee that included Corona del Mar’s Roberta and Howard Ahmanson, Michelle and David Horowitz, Robin and Allan Lubitz, Elizabeth and John Stahr, Valaree and Robert Wahler, John and Sandra Segerstrom Daniels, Janice and Ted Smith, Sally Segerstrom, Lynn and Doug Freeman, and Sally Anderson and Tom Rogers, the event was the “talk of the town.”

Also front and center for the Pacific Symphony were Jo Ellen Allen, Virginia and Richard Boureston, Catherine and Jim Emmi, Joyce and Ron Hanson, Ed Selich, and Valerie and Peter Van De Zilver.

Naturally, the big auction item of the night was a special trip to Chicago accompanied by guest of honor Forsyte for an insider tour of the real life of the Midwestern capital.

Party planners also secured a private luncheon with Andre Watts, an opportunity to conduct the Pacific Symphony and two very big prizes — a private summer dinner with Carl and Susan St. Clair and an even bigger prize, a trip to Berlin with conductor St. Clair and tickets to world-class performances featuring the opera and symphony of the European capital.

The evening included gracious tributes to Forsyte for his inspirational guidance that has helped the symphony to grow and prosper during his leadership in the last decade.

Contributions to the Pacific Symphony have increased some 300%, including an addition $15 million pledged to its endowment. Artistically, the orchestra has also prospered.

Under Forsyte, two new series have blossomed: the acclaimed American Composer’s Festival, and the American Composer Competition, which has helped give rise to the next generation of classical composers.

Further, the expansion of the Pacific Symphony Chamber Music Series, through more than 100 annual concerts and programs, reaches more than a quarter-million young people in Orange County each year.

Accolades were also bestowed upon Kate Peters and Doug Simao for their selfless contributions and hard work associated with promoting the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and raising funds in support of its program. This was their third year as co-chairs of the major fundraising gala. Both Kate and Doug serve on the Pacific Symphony’s board of directors.

The lively evening was filled with incredible music, comedy skits, and dancing into the wee hours. Eric Marchese made the ragtime piano come alive, and comedic actor Lynn Roberts impersonated the late great Jack Benny on stage. Byron Stripling delighted the crowd with his Louis Armstrong impersonation.

Spotted in the crowd were Valerie and Hans Imhof, Tom Silk, Jill and Mark Bolton, Carol and Marshall Lee, Mary and Phil Lyons, Mel and Marcia Rogers, Mark and Barbara Johnson, Vina and Tom Slattery, Barbara Foster, and Marshall and Jacinta Kaplan.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.