Unseasonably wet and chilly weather Wednesday didn't affect the spirits of the 540 guests at the Pittsburgh Public Theater's inaugural VIP Party. The decision to erect a giant tent between the O'Reilly and Theater Square turned out to be a good one -- it was packed during the patron reception that preceded a champagne toast in the lobby. While sponsors enjoyed cozy tables inside Cafe Zao (which catered the affair), patrons mingled in the tent with Broadway's brightest, composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens, who were honorary co-chairs. The third co-chair, Marlo Thomas, was a no-show.

VIP stood for Very Important Premieres, all 25 of them staged by PPT over the past 34 years. The latest made its debut during the benefit with a private premiere performance of "Harry's Friendly Service" by Rob Zellers. Then it was up to the rehearsal studio, decorated in early garage station chic by Designspace and Table Talk linens, for more cocktails and dessert. By evening's end, a grand total of $200,000 had been raised, thanks to the efforts of party chairs Andrew and Michelle Aloe.

Raising a glass of homegrown Boyd & Blair vodka with producing artistic director Ted Pappas were PPT co-founder Joan Apt (with Jerry), Nadine Bognar, Dan and Lyndell Glosser, Jim and Electra Agras, Jo-Ann and Ned Churchill, Claude and Laura Kronk, Jan and Dick Pagliari, David and Susan Matter, Joanie and Sam Kamin, Debbie and Andy Devonshire, Bill Pietragallo, Bill and Carolyn Byham, Joe and Alina Massaro, Ron and Judy Davenport, Gerri Weiss, Alex and Massy Paul, Dan Grealish, David and Colleen O'Brien and Yvonne Cook. Fab party favors -- tumblers from Tiffany!