As the burlesque dancers in the celebrated musical “Gypsy” famously told Louise, “You Gotta Get a Gimmick.” To shake things up a bit at this year’s Riverside Theatre VIP Preview Gala, event co-chairs Rose Ciampa and Connie McGlynn and the Riverside Theatre Friends Committee reversed the order of the evening, inviting guests to first enjoy the production of “Gypsy,” before assembling afterward for cocktails and dinner.

Presented by the Friends Committee, the theater’s major fundraising arm, the Preview Gala is one of their biggest nights of the season, offering guests a preview performance of the show ahead of its opening night to the general public.

As they gathered for cocktails under a long tent along the patio, a few of the theater-goers shared comments about their favorite characters.

“Oh my God it was fabulous,” enthused Linda Teetz. Of Jacquelyn Piro Donovan, who plays Rose, Teetz added, “That woman can sing; what a powerful voice. I had chills; I really did.”

Ciampa said she enjoyed the character of Louise, played by Austen Danielle Bohmer, adding, “I loved seeing what she became.”

“I loved the guy who danced and ran away with the sister,” said McGlynn of Christian Probst, who plays Tulsa. “I thought he was fabulous; just like Fred Astaire.”

Decorating chair Susan Pyles and her committee, assisted by the creative talents of the Riverside staff, set the stage for dinner at tables in the Orchid Lobby and the Waxlax Theatre. A red-hot décor complimented the sizzling theme of the show, with tables set with red and purple linens that showcased a mix of centerpieces – some with towering vibrant red and purple plumes and others with bouquets of gorgeous red roses.

Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Company and her always efficient crew did another outstanding job, serving delicious entrees of fillet and grilled shrimp to roughly 350 guests, topping dinner off with a lush chocolate cake, complete with an edible red rose.

“This is a million-dollar-plus event,” raved Linda Aronberg. “We are so blessed to be able to have this in Vero Beach.”

Gypsy will remain at Riverside Theatre through March 25. For more information, visit riversidetheatre.com.