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| TOTR! |
I began planning the "Speak Easy" a couple of months out as I knew it had the potential to be quite a production with the right things in place. As the last weekend of October closed in on me, the weather finally ooled off, the days began and ended earlier and the smell of fall was in the air. We made several blue prints for how to gut the house and what supplies we would need to completely recreate the 1930's infamous Speak Easies. I did a lot of research and spoke to anyone I knew to help me capture the ambiance. It turns out speak easies weren't quite so elegant as I previously thought. O' contrare' they were rather dim and dusty and the spread closely resembled a child's menu with hot dogs or mac n cheese! However, they were the host sites to some of the richest and badest mobsters as it was privelage to know where these libation lairs layed! The speak easies were found usualy on the outskirts of town in likely an abandoned library ( a mask to exonnerate a busts) only recognized by a single light usually of different coloring. Easy to say, our decorations were also minimal! Green bulb on the front porch- Check!
My best friend of a hundred years drove into town from Austin on Friday to help me manufacture the decor. Prior to her arrival I deep cleaned every knook and cranny ( my birthday gift to myself - sick I know) only to find myself rehanging spider webs and vintage photos! I made simple tables and covered them with beautiful, white, PLASTIC table cloths topped with a single votive- the real deal! I also managed to think up a way to make plush drapes that would keep all the light out of the house. Again ,I bunched up some serious purple table cloths and hung them on curtain rods, I dont think anyone could tell they were faux- it was much too dark! Three last minute trips to the local WT store to get suspenders, garters and white flowers and we were set!
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| Nicole getting into character |
T-2 hours:
Nicole and I jumped into costume and on our way to transformation! Nicole wore a purple flimsy hat, LONG black dress and elegant white gloves. Her costume was spot on and her hair was totally behaving that day (sigh) so I can say that she easily had an awesome transition time! My dress and hat were both custom made via mylil' bro ad his company Orange Jacket Fashions! I can not believe the amount of work he did or the precision in detail. It was truly breath taking!
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| Somehow I managed not to get a full shot of my costume |
T-1 hour :
Dressed to imress, we lit the indoor and outdoor fireplaces, votives, and set the mood. Gentle 30's jazz was playing in the back ground and a slight wind had picked up making for a great addition to our swoire. Finally, our brooding bouncer, Carter and a charming yet edgy bartender, Tyler had arrived! After a very short briefing my two main men fell right into character as they harassed guests who didn't have secret password and pacified the ones who did! Both of them did an excellent job keeping the the riff raff out and the ritzy in!
Showtime!
7 pm came so quickly as our first guests began to arrive. They were heckled at the door but once through welcomed to enjoy their evening. Mobsters and flappers came in full force with their tommy guns, bras knuckles, fedora's and altered attitudes. Feather boas and saltwater pearls adorned the arms and necks of the mobsters maidens and a few special guests arrived giving the 30's bash a new twist. I was amazed at the costumes that my braniac friends came up with: Chris Dolence came as a candy striper, like Mr. Peppermint from our childhood, complete with creepy curly mustache that he grew for the occasion. Next up: Dorothy and those ruby slippers (not to mention the cake balls she made!) and by her side was Charlie Chaplain who I mistaked as Hitler initially- sorry Curtis! The final couple to arrive, a real favorite of mine, Lucy and Desi! Yep, the Ricardos were at my party and in full character. I couldn't get "Lucy" to actually smile for the pictures- all Lucy all the time! I loved Lucy!
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| Dorothy and Hitler...Charlie Chaplan! |
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| Mr. Peppermint |
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| Lucy and Desi Ricardo |
The evening was quiet for the first hour or so, when I was told that my playlist, ahem, sucked! Ohhhh, Dolence you're so eloquent! In a matter of minutes the 30's thrive was out te window and new age playlist, that shall remain nameless, had this speak easy speaking LOUDLY! Out came the hip hop, the booty busting- literally, and the little rockstars in all of us. I shot a video but it's a bit dark. See if you can identify any of the dancers!
after 46 seconds you can actually see people
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| The MEN |
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| The LADIES |
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| Dance Break! |
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| After Dolence changed the music! Notice the curtains? |
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| Even Bella and Mason partied! |
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| The hosts with the mosts! |
All in all I'd say it was quite a hit on many levels. Nicole, Stephen, Gretchen, Carrie and I pulled together to make this production and I think it was enjoyed by everyone. I'm thankful all my friends came and that I am alive another year to celebrate. I'd be even more thankful if I hired a clean up crew, but that is a good sign it was epic! Thanks to everyone who came and played with us. A special thanks to The Stitts for letting us use their kids as actors and servants, thnks to G for picking up all that ceviche, to Carrie for making a Mondrian backdrop for photo fun, and to Stephen for running all over town to make this happen. Also, a thanks to our neighbors although don't think we're froends anymore! Kidding. Love you guys!
Next up, ending the season with a bang: Oilman is this weekend so wish us LUCK, our team TRI not 2 Suck!
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| A GREAT capture! |
JJ
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