The Mysterious Elephant Trunk Show

On Wednesday the 7th of May we tried something new. A benefit for the company to raise funds for our upcoming summer production of The Mysterious Elephant and the Terrible Tragedy of the Unlikely Addington Twins (*Who Kill Him). Yes, we've had benefits in the past however they have always been low key affairs with a quirky theme (bingo, wizards, bands etc.) hosted in such varied locations as bars, bars, and even more bars. This year we decided to try something a little different and a lot harder. The idea sprung up in the spring of 2007 to have a fund raising event where in the company of actors split into teams to perform original scenes by the company's resident playwright (me, emily schwartz). Thusly we'd have a fun benefit and a performance as well. With the valiant efforts of Delia, Jenifer, Kate and Kara we pulled out something we like to call The Mysterious Elephant Trunk Show. And what a wonderful evening it was! Our delightful friends at The Chopin Theatre (one of the most beautiful and eclectic venues in the city and the home of our upcoming production of the Mysterious Elephant) allowed us to use both the upstairs and downstairs lobby of their little bohemian paradise. Level one included a fortune teller and tarot card reading station, the stupendous silent auction and raffle, which included items such as amazing original elephant art, burlesque workshops, the ability to get a name check in an upcoming production, an opening night VIP ticket package, fab seats at Lookingglass and passes to concerts at the fantastic congress theatre, and many other cool things that i'm not going to take the time to list at the moment. Level two, contained drinks, music by our own monstrous Mozarts "The Afterlife", delicious vittles, and scenes performed by your friends and mine, the strange trees.

Six original scenes were directed and performed by company members and associates. Attendees got a sneak peak at a brand new scene staring the sisters from the dastardly ficus, a deleted outtake from Funeral Wedding (The Alvin Play), A Boat At Sea (last seen at Collaboraction's Sketchbook 7) and 3 other pieces that had never before seen the light of day.

A big thanks goes out to Goose Island for donating a sizable amount of delicious beer that will have me craving the summertime ale for months to come.

Another big thanks goes out to you our dear friends. Thank you for coming! We're planing next years benefit and promise an even bigger, even better party. (Even though this one pretty much kicked it old school).

Glorious. Indeed.