Red Mountain Theatre presents “Roaring Twenties: An Immersive Theatrical Experience” from July 8 to 31

 

Red Mountain Theatre reopened in their new

space on  Southside in the Parkside district with an "immersive theatrical experience." This was also a chance to tour the new campus.  There were six scenes with each one taking place in/on  different stages throughout the building. In various scenes the audience participated. Audience participation was the immersive part.

  NOTE:  the audience was asked not to photograph or video the performances and I complied. Therefore only 3 personal photos. But, I have copied those from Bham Now and given recognition credit to the photographer, Nathan Watson.

Added fun was having to give the password (Bees Knees) to the gangster  peering through a slatted door before being allowed into the Speakeasy. 

The storyline was similar to Romeo & Juliet but, without its mortal ending.   A young couple in love must keep their love a secret due to their families being rival mobsters.  There was action, drama, and comedy. 

Once inside the adventure began.  All music was live. 

The first act was a magician

who jumped on top of my table and performed a magic trick using large metal rings. A young boy in the audience who looked to be maybe age 12, came up and assisted and tried his hand at the trick.

Some of the other acts  throughout the night included tangoes, gymnastics,

 Photos via Nathan Watson & Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now
singing, flapper dancing,

Excitement awaits you at Roaring Twenties: An Immersive Theatrical Experience. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

psychic mediums,

This mystic appears to be conversing with the dearly departed—or is she? Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

 Cole Porter interpretation done by a performer who was an excellent pianist,

Cole Porter composing a tune inside his famous Waldorf-Astoria apartment. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
gangster fight

 Photos via Nathan Watson & Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now
and finally a live band with two female singers.

A live Jazz band will cap off your visit to the speakeasy at Red Mountain Theatre. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
The audience was welcomed to get up and dance. Since this was the last scene you could leave whenever.   Availing oneself of the giggle water (bar drinks) for sale was encouraged.  I surprisingly noticed that some of the songs were modern but with a 1920's beat and tempo. The lady above was singing, "Living My Life Like It's Golden."

Costumes, music, scenery, acting, lighting etc. was superb.  Social distancing was observed with there being only a small amount of guests allowed inside of each scene.

What a great evening. 

That's it***

Ebony and Ivory Sassy Hatters

Red Hat Society (RHS) members strutted their favorite Red Hat Costumes and Regalia at Queen Bridget’s, Ebony and Ivory Sassy Hatters (EISH), meet and greet luncheon.  This was also an event to sign new chapter members and give insight into what the RHS is about.  Scheduled were talent, dancing, dining and most of all meeting other ladies who were there to have fun.

Hatters are known for tea and tea parties. At each place setting was a box containing, a tea cake, two candies, a tea bag and a honey stick. 

There were hooped skirts, pirate costumes, pajamas, poodle skirts and general Red Hat regalia.

Cash prizes were awarded to 1^st and 2^nd place costume winners.

 EISH members dressed in 1950’s poodle skirts, fitted sweater tops, hair scarves and head bands, bobby socks, tennis and I even saw a pair of red, high-heeled sneakers.

One member of the Flamboyant Prima Donnas sang  Help Me Make It Through the Night. Members of Fellowship of Friends did a coordinated dance routine.  Members from the Red Hot Mamas had us all laughing and participating in their exercise routine done to Tooty ta

Lunch included savory, skinless, baked chicken breasts, spring greens salad with fruit and cheese, seasoned baked vegetable medley, rolls and iced tea. For dessert, red velvet cake (which is the RHS signature dessert) along with a dollop of lemon mousse inside a chocolate candy shell.  

    

Of course every RHS event has the 50/50 cash drawing. Attendees purchase tickets for a set price. The money goes into a pot. If a person’s number is called she wins half of what is in the pot with the other half going to the hosting chapter. Since RHS is a non-profit, this money is used toward sponsorship of future events. Other funding efforts include auctions, and ticketed gift basket drawings. Of course members pay a fee to attend the various events.

Dancing, entertainment, door prizes, food and innocent mayhem is definitely a part of the fun at all of the events I have attended. We were all surprised at being gifted a selfie stick from EISH as we left the event.

That's it ***

Best Wishes on Your 30th Wedding Anniversary

I'm about to break my own rule about blog posts without pictures.

This past weekend was a busy one starting Friday evening.


Attending my brother and his wife’s 30th wedding anniversary was fun. Since my brother likes antique cars specifically Chevys, each table had a framed picture of a particular Chevy along with it’s year on each table. Guests were seated according to make of car and the year. I was seated along with other family members at the 1957 Bel Air table. (I think it was a Bel Air. I know it was 1957). The tables and chairs were draped in white with each chair having a lime green ribbon sash around the back. It was absolutely beautiful.

The reflections the children gave of their parents were hilarious. All three expressed love, gratitude and thanks to their parents.

The band played music from the 1970s as well as a good bit of jazz. They were magnificent. After guests were allowed to serve themselves, a DJ took over the entertainment. We wobbled, bunny hopped,and did the cha cha slide. I really enjoyed myself and I wish them good health and happiness always.

I don’t have  pictures out of respect for their privacy.

THAT'S IT***

Friday-My First Red Hat Society Meeting

Sunday-Local Comics Perform at a Benefit

June 2, 2012  I thought stating my posts for the next few days would make me more timely.                 It didn't.

Party with a purpose

 Ensley held  a community festival October 1st. This festival was sponsored by Councilor Steven Hoyt who is the rep for that district. Below is a quote taken from the B'ham News website.


The four-hour event, headed by Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt, is a combination job fair, educational initiative and community festival. (copied from al.com)

The article indicated that over 10,000 people attended, up 4,000 more than previous years. Originally the event was brought about in an effort to have residents more involved in their community after a number of homicides. In addition to wholesome activities, the festival allowed families to spend time together.

There was more than one group of dancers. Also, positive rappers with positive messages.

There were numerous community service tents available for the public to visit. Among them were Project Rebound, to help tornado victims with recovery. Various church and non profit agencies were also there. Hopewell Church will be sponsoring a Women's workshop next weekend which I plan to attend. The subjects that got me interested were edible landscapes and practical business skills. The seminar is free as was EVERYTHING at this festival.

McWane Center's rep in the children's area showed how to make slime or goo. In the container above is about 3 TBS of ordinary white glue that has been colored with food coloring.


To that is added a little water that has borax in it. When the two are stirred together you get the gooey slime you see above. I can see how this would be a fascinating activity for children. As the rep pointed out it was also a great, safe chemical reaction experiment.

There were also airbrushed tattoos. I stood in line to get one also. I wanted mine to be fierce.



Can't get any fiercer than this snake. I'd like to see what I'd look like with a full sleeve and the reactions I'd get?

Not sure what type of owl this is but it was also in the children's section.




 

If You Cook it, they will come. 

 Cooks prepare the tasty meal given to the festival goers.

Everyone is served by adults as well as a Boy Scout troop. I remarked to the den mother how proud I was to see young men performing community service without selfishness.
There were hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, chips or cheese curls, ice cream, soda pop. The Scouts and their mentors had everything moving smoothly.



These kids are gearing up to play Simon Says. The winner gets a bicycle.

Not to be outdone, those over age 40 were challenged in a game of Red Light, Green Light. The prize was a new vacuum cleaner.

The statue of Vulcan in  Birmingham, Alabama was made of iron since iron and steel was the primary industry at one time in this state. The Vulcan statue was also a feature at the 1904 World's Fair. It is thelargest cast iron statue in the world. You can read more about Vulcan and his history as it pertains to Alabama . 

Strength and stamina were tested when partakers did as many chin ups as they could within a given amount of time. Before that it was weight lifting. 

The weather for this event was beautiful . Not too hot and not too cold. A perfect fall day.

THAT'S IT