Photo Flash: Chris Bauer, Lillias White and More at Bay Street Theatre's ROCK THE DOCK

Bay Street Theatre showed the Hamptons a fantastic party last Saturday, July 21, 2012 at its annual Rock The Dock Summer Benefit Bash. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction, while guests arrived dressed to party on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. Special guests included Bay Street Board Members Chris Bauer (True Blood) and Broadway, film and television actress Mercedes Ruehl; Tony Award winner and star of the upcoming BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES Lillias White, and the show's writer and director Paul Levine, and more. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Guests also included legendary actors Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson and their daughter; Aida Turturro (The Sopranos); playwright of Bay Street's current running play MEN'S LIVE Joe Pintauro; Robert Zimmerman; Lorraine Boyle; Stephen Flaherty and many more of the Hamptons' best. The waterfront benefit is held annually, and it is the theatre's biggest fundraiser of the year.

After the cocktail hour, Artistic Director Murphy Davis was the master of ceremonies. The night started off with a special thanks to Frank Filipo, Bay Street's Board Chairman, for being, as Davis describes as " Bay Street's most gracious supporter and biggest cheerleader" throughout the years. Chris Bauer also came to the stage and said "You have picked a winner if you're supporting Bay Street Theatre. Thank you for your money, support, and applause."

Guests were asked to compete in groups at their tables donating to the theatre's Literature Live fund. The Summer Benefit Bash supports Literature Live, kids' camps, college internships, and other educational programs that keep Bay Street as a cultural gem in Sag Harbor.

Immediately following, Tony award winner Lillias White brought down the house, as she performed three songs including "Candy" as a teaser to the one woman show BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES. Bay Street and their audience were also happy to present Ms. White with the "Happy Birthday" song and a birthday cake, as the event coincided with Ms. White's birthday.

Davis also officiated over an exciting live auction as guests bid on everything from a walk on role in the theatre's 2012 season closer BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES, a luxurious St. Bart's vacation provided by Wimco Villas, VIP Yankees tickets, golf with Richard Kind at The Bridge and the East Hampton Country Club, incredible getaways to New York City, Miami, New Orleans and the Dominican Republic, catered cocktail party for 25, and a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to innovative educational programs that highlight the power of live theater. It is our mission to be an artistic haven for an extended family of artists and audience, while continuing to provide a gathering place to share in the unique collective theatrical experience.

Photo credit: Barry Gordin