The lucky ticketholders at the sold-out Riverside Theatre Friends Fall Luncheon last Tuesday were treated to an enchanted afternoon, featuring the incomparable opera and stage performer David Pittsinger. Pittsinger last melted Vero Beach hearts as Emile de Becque in the 2014 Riverside Theatre production of “South Pacific,” and returned to thoroughly entrance the audience once again.
“This is the fourth year that we’ve put together our own musical entertainment for the luncheon,” said producing artistic director Allen Cornell, who created and produced the show with musical director Ken Clifton. “We’re very excited about having David Pittsinger; we’ve crafted the whole program for him. David, who’s from the world of opera, also has a deep passion for the musical stage and the American Songbook. He’s really interested in music that speaks to the American spirit, from Broadway to the American Songbook to Americana.”
Prior to the performance, ladies lunched on entrees of cold poached salmon with a Lemoncello parfait for dessert, catered by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co., at tables positioned in every possible space of the Orchid Lobby and Waxlax Theatre. Event chair Barbara Stockton and her committee had chosen a fall-toned décor, with centerpieces featuring vibrant yellow flowers arranged by Monti’s Floral.
“We’re completely sold out with 500 guests,” said Friends committee chair Emily Sherwood. “It continues to be sold out every year. We’re just so thrilled with the support we receive from the community.”
Against a mood-lighting backdrop, the simple stage setting had Pittsinger center stage, fronting superb pianists Clifton and Anne Shuttlesworth. As they did last year, two evening performances were added for all to enjoy.
The audience was spellbound; mesmerized from the very first note of “Some Enchanted Evening.” Their delight continued through a Cole Porter medley and a variety of melodies from Broadway musicals including “Camelot” and “The Sound of Music.” Songs of Americana included “The House I Live In,” with its timely message of racial and social unity and the hauntingly beautiful “Ole Man River.”
One of the pieces, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” had been added to the arrangement by Cornell at the behest of patron Sue Marik in memory of her late husband of 62 years, the two of them having so enjoyed Pittsinger in the Riverside production of “South Pacific.”
The Friends Committee is the theater’s major fundraising arm, generally netting more than $500,000 through special events such as the Fall Luncheon, Supper Club and Preview Gala.
