WHAT A PARTY!

The aim was to generate a little corner of oriental mystery at the good old Playhouse.  This was brilliantly achieved with the strenuous efforts of Helen Bianchi and Sylveen Smith, who provided (along with July Banner) a great deal of the props and who put the yards and yards of tulle left over from Enchanted April to excellent use to create a tent-like feeling.  The floors were lavishly carpeted with rugs (thanks Helen for dismantling your house!) and low tables dotted about with pillows on the floor for seating.  Velvet covered sofas and benches were ranged along the walls.  The set currently going up for the new production was also incorporated into the decor, with a lattice window going artistically enhanced with a fancy oriental pitcher.  All very ably lighted by Hugo Halbrich.   The food was also authentic: hummus prepared by Sylveen graced every table, accompanied by hot pita bread.  This was followed by an arab "empanada" (courtesy of Caucasia - an arab delivery place run by Susan Hilliard's son).  This was followed bysome fabulously spice kofte kebabs prepared by Helen Bianchi and husband Guillaume, accompanied by tabbouleh and a cous-cous and nut/raisin salad, followed by delicious orange and almond/honey cakes prepared by Ann Lewis.  Even though catering was originally for 40, and we got over 55 people, everyone managed to get enough to eat (though Helen had to rush home and whip up a few more kebabs at the last minute!!).  Entertainment was provided by a glittering belly dancer who gave a charming demonstration of different techniques and then got every one up to shimmy and shake and taught (or tried to teach) us all to belly dance.  Some of the results were actually hilarious! (particularly for those not dancing...)

One of the offers of the evening was a free drink to anyone who came "dressed the part".  The prize was taken hands down by George Vaz Ferreira, who came in full gear (white tunic, djellabah, and all) and even brought a stuffed camel that sang when squeezed!!  Fantastic!  It really added to the atmosphere of the evening (some people will do ANYTHING for a drink...je,je).

 One of the worries of the organizers was how to get all the food hot at the same time (particularly given tht the oven at the Playhouse is somewhat temperamental).  This was solved by two very dedicated men:  Josè Carbini ran the parrilla, for heating the bread and cooking the kofte, whilst Guillaume Bianchi fought the oven to get the empanadas ready, and taught us lesser females how a kitchen should REALLY be run.  Thank you, Guillaume and Josè.  Would never have run so smoothly without you.

Also had great help from Juan Quiñones and Valeria Lasalla at the bar, Alastair Berry as usual at the box office, and Ann Lewis who ran around helping with the serving.   Last minute panic broke out at around 7 pm when it was realized that there was no incidental music available, but luckily Hugo's extensive library includes such weird elements as arab and greek music, plus the score of Kismet, so he saved the day in that department.

A nice point was that there was a large table of 9 young teenagers who had a great time (but didn't think much of the food...).    

All in all the ambience was really great, the food was delicious, the company varied and in the mood for a good time, and the entertainment fun, so the evening was a great success!

All in all