It was my delight to attend the Curtain Up performance and a new play by Sean Abley directed by Lara D. Haberberger. Starring Andrew Zuccari, Bob Rusch, Kaylie Horowitz,and John DellaContrada: Tea Party.

     The Plot took me back to my childhood. My mother made sure that each of us girls – me and my two sisters – had a porcelain tea set. We spent hours dressing up in Mom’s high heels and Auntie Maddie’s makeup becoming whatever, whoever we wanted. It was that freedom that kept us coming back. Imagine what that experience would be like for a married heterosexual recreational cross-dresser who decides to become a student at Miss Olivia’s Finishing School for Girls. 

    From the moment I entered the theater the show began I was greeted and made to feel generally welcome. The pre-show music was upbeat and period correct there is a moment in the play that “It’s My Party” rang out and bought the audience to laughter music was designed by Kaylie Horowitz. Lighting by David Guagliano was simple and direct which did not interfere with the performance as some lighting designs may have a tendency to do and it was complemented by the correct period props thanks to prop masters Sarah Waechter and Mariangela Mercurio.

    Costumer Smirna Mercedes chose items that called for a seamless change which also supported the action. The set had to encompass two different locations and was brilliantly done right down to the wallpaper peeling from the ceiling designed by Sarah Waechter.

        From the first hello to the final curtain an ensemble of the highest quality. So if you’ve never had an opportunity to attend a tea party consider this your formal invitation. The show runs hour hour and 45 minutes with a 15-minutre intermission. The rest of the season will be performed at First Look Buffalo’s ‘home’ theatre at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center in Williamsville.

Tea Party is produced by First Look Buffalo and is onstage at the Allendale Theatre (home of Theatre of Youth) in Buffalo until October 5. Find tickets and season information at https://www.firstlookbuffalo.com/copy-of-readings.