Tall Stacks partying got under way Tuesday, a day before the festival even opened, when Children's Theatre previewed its 35-minute Tom Sawyer musical.

It capped it off with a party in a tent that bravely withstood Tuesday's blustery winds.

About 50 guests - Children's Theatre was expecting more than 100 until the rain hit - bundled up and braved the chill.

And they were glad they did - though much of the talk at the mix 'n' mingle was people apologizing for their hands.

"I'm sorry they're so cold," said Edyth Lindner, one of the show's sponsors, after shaking hands with a guest.

"But this is so special tonight, the children I mean, in spite of the cold.

"Carl and I have supported Tall Stacks since the beginning, and we'll be down here many more times this week. We'll just dress warmer."

Co-sponsor Fran Carlisle, clutching a cup of steaming coffee, said pretty much the same.

"This is such a terrific opportunity for the theater to get its name out to more of Cincinnati," she said.

Guests chowed down on munchies from Benson's Catering - mini-ham, beef and turkey sandwiches, meatballs, veggie roll-ups, pastries - and sipped cocktails from a full bar while chatting it up with the young, scruffy cast, still dressed in their tattered river rat costumes.

Among the mingling guests were show composers David Kisor and Joseph McDonough (his One is currently running at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); florist Dennis Buttelwerth; Rick Greiwe, director of the first Tall Stacks, in 1988; current Tall Stacks director Mike Smith; set and lighting designer Jay Depenbrock; and Children's Theatre directors Jack and Susie Louiso.

Tom Sawyer the musical repeats on the Great American Insurance Stage at Yeatman's Cove at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. today-Friday; and 11 a.m., 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Admission is free with your Tall Stacks pin.