Kate Graham, Mary Blair, and Renee Gallagher [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

The annual Riverside Theatre Friends Luncheon channeled the ‘Great White Way’ this year, treating guests to a delightful luncheon and a wonderful performance by the Broadway Tenors – Matt Cavenaugh, Kevin Kern and Kyle Dean Massey.

“It is a Great White Way, Stars on Broadway, Red Carpet type of theme, even though it’s a lunch. It’s elegance at noon,” laughed Mary Blair, who co-chaired the event with Renee Gallagher and Kate Graham.

“We have 510 ladies today. It’s the biggest ever, so far,” added Graham. “I don’t know where they’re going to put tables after this.”

“This was a really great year in terms of the generosity of the local businesses. We were able to offer eight gift packages instead of the usual five or six,” said Blair. “Between the raffle and the silent auction, we were given over $22,000 in prizes from 74 local businesses and individuals. They’re giving to us but hopefully we’re giving back to them too. I just thought that was a good seal of approval; that this event matters.”

The co-chairs chose a sophisticated décor that featured sparkly red tablecloths and gold napkins, highlighted by gorgeous white hydrangea centerpieces that were punctuated by gold stars. Elizabeth Kennedy and Co. catered a delicious Asian chicken luncheon that concluded with a lush flowerless chocolate dessert.

Blair said becoming involved with Riverside Theatre was a natural fit for her.

“Theater is my passion. I worked for a large regional theater in Portland, Oregon, in the literary department; that’s where my other home is. I love theatre. I see or read hundreds of plays a year,” Blair explained.

Paraphrasing David Mamet and Oscar Wilde, she added, “I really feel like theater is communion. It’s people coming together experiencing live art, experiencing emotion, experiencing stories in real time with each other. We listen to stories and we learn and we share.”

“We just want to support this wonderful asset that Vero Beach has. It’s very unique; it’s a great theater. They really give back to the community and so we want to support it,” said Graham. “It’s great; the businesses have stepped up, the people have stepped up. Vero is coming along.”

For more information, visit riversidetheatre.com.