Rennie Gibb, Catalina Pines and Kristen Yoshitani. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

With much fanfare, Riverside Theatre played host to the annual Fall Luncheon hosted by the Friends of Riverside, bringing together hundreds of theater supporters.

The event, themed Let the Party Begin, set the stage for a day of celebration to support the arts, with guests treated to an exclusive showcase featuring talented actors and actresses from past Riverside Theatre productions.

Vibrant decorations and an atmosphere brimming with excitement greeted attendees, not only setting the tone for the luncheon but also celebrating the theater’s Nov. 7, 1973, birthday, and heralding anticipation for the upcoming season.

“Today we’re celebrating Riverside’s 50th birthday,” said Sandy McManus, Friends executive committee member, thanking everyone for being the “icing on the cake.”

“I just want to thank you all for your support, dedication to the theater, and being here today with us. It means the world to me and to everyone at Riverside,” said McManus, before introducing luncheon co-chairs Rennie Gibb, Catalina Pines and Kristen Yoshitani.

“They’re a great team that brought all kinds of fresh, young energy, spirit and creativity to this day. You’ll see it, and you will want them to run your birthday parties,” said McManus.

Not even stormy weather could dim the vibrant excitement that filled the air as guests were treated to the show and a lovely lunch catered by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co. Moreover, in addition to a stunning necklace donated by Veranda for the raffle, the trio of co-chairs got creative with the auction items, including walk-on roles, and tap dancing lessons with theater professionals.

“When I came here in 1983, I wasn’t thinking I was going to spend the next 40 years of my life here in Vero Beach,” said Allen Cornell, RT artistic director and CEO. At the time, he said, founders and board members thought they would never be able to afford a professional theater in Vero Beach.

“Well, dreams do come true, and we not only have a professional theater, we have an amazing professional theater,” continued Cornell.

With music director Bruce Barnes, the exclusive showcase cast included Abby Church from “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Anthony Festa from “West Side Story,” David Felty in “Les Miserables,” Kathy St. George in “Peter Pan,” and Kate Baldwin, who performed in the world premiere of our own Allen Cornell’s “Midnight Clear.”

Each performed a selection of their favorite songs, including George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” “Suddenly Seymour” and a slightly rewritten version of “Old Cape Cod,” that went, “If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air; Quaint little Village Shops here and there; You’re sure to fall in love with Vero Beach.”

“One of the great things that regional theaters do is they provide a training ground for the next generation of theater artists,” said St. George. “As we know, our children are our future.”

Several Riverside Theatre for Kids participants showcased their talents with St. George, performing “I Won’t Grow Up” from “Peter Pan.”

During the luncheon, many guests pledged their support for the educational programs so that the theater can continue offering scholarships and programs to underserved youth, providing opportunities they may not otherwise have access to.

Funds raised during the luncheon and other special events, such as the Feb. 26 Spring Gala, supplement general operating expenses.

For more information, visit RiversideTheatre.com.

Photos by Joshua Kodis