Backstage at the Gala

While the 27,000 spectators who filled the Stadium focused on producer Tommy Walker's multimedia extravaganza last night, a separate drama was playing itself out behind the scenes.

Though most members of the cast had been practicing their parts for several weeks, Walker had time for only one full rehearsal.

"When you have people such as Walter Cronkite, the George Plimptons, all people who are giving unto Harvard--in other words none of them are being paid a penny--you can't be too demanding on rehearsal time," he said.

Communicating via headset, the man who orchestrated New York's Liberty Weekend and the Los Angeles Olympic ceremonies directed a cast of 700, coordinating stage managers, dozens of lights, music, and fireworks from a small dais at