Roughly 330 elegantly attired guests climbed the red carpet-covered steps to attend the Riverside Theatre Premiere Benefit Gala for “Hello Dolly!” The annual event, presented by Riverside’s Friends Committee, was co-chaired this year by Heidi Waxlax and Gail Williams.
“I love every minute of it. Oh my gosh; it’s so special,” said Williams, who serves on the board of trustees, has had a home in Vero Beach for about 30 years and has watched Riverside become one of Florida’s largest producing professional theatres. “I’ve enjoyed watching this theater grow over the years.”
She and Waxlax had watched rehearsals earlier in the day and were both enthralled with the show. “It’s fabulous. The costumes are amazing, and the voices; just the whole thing,” said an enthusiastic Williams. “Allen (Cornell, producing artistic director and CEO) does such a great job.”
“I had a lot of fun doing this with Gail,” said Waxlax, president of the board of trustees. Her two favorite moments in the enduring musical were when the quintessentially optimistic Dolly Levi makes her triumphal entrance on the stairs of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant in Act II and in Act I, when Dolly resolves to move on with her life and sings “Before the Parade Passes By.”
“It’s so appropriate beyond a certain age,” laughed Waxlax, adding with a smile, “It’s my song.”
Guests gathered in clusters for cocktails outdoors under a tent and the setting sun, while listening to show tunes played by the Rowdy Roosters, before heading inside for a gourmet dinner featuring sumptuous braised short ribs prepared by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Company.
Channeling the stylish flair of the era, the dedicated members of the Friends committee had worked with the creative staff to fashion a plush version of Harmonia Gardens. The décor at tables set up in the Orchid Lobby and Waxlax Theatre, featured ruby red tablecloths highlighted by tall centerpieces topped with red, purple and white feathers. The Waxlax Theatre was particularly dramatic, with deep red lighting and baskets of ferns hung from the ceiling amid twinkling strands of lights.
After dinner, guests were treated to the first viewing of the beloved musical ahead of its opening night to the general public, and closed out the evening with a champagne reception with the cast.
