The scene? 1920s English high society. The characters? All from great novels of the era. The audience? Thirty of the fifty-plus from the Town of Chestermere. And adding to the lovely atmosphere, beautiful decorations and ‘downstairs’ maids who never let your tea cup get empty, the finest tea and cut sandwiches, with butter cake, cream and fruit for after. Such was the scene for the Town of Chestermere Seniors Tea on Tuesday June 3rd where guests were hosts of Cora Crawley, or Lady Crawley as we would know her from the Downton Abbey.
Thanks to the organizers for making this a very enjoyable afternoon. Guests were greeted by The Mad Hatter, a cheery fellow who saw people to their seats, and as everyone was served tea and goodies, the real entertainment began for this Downton Abbey style author reading. First there was Frances Hodgson Burnett, reading from her book The Secret Garden. A bit of discussion on that reading and who should appear but Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind. Her reading was so realistic that some of the characters from the book actually appeared including Scarlett herself in her dress made from curtains, along with her maid Prissy. The Mad Hatter was getting anxious so following quickly behind Miss Mitchell was author Lewis Caroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson). He read from Alice in Wonderland, a passage not surprisingly about the tea party. The Mad Hatter could not keep to his seat and kept interrupting poor Charles! How awful to have your characters upstage you! Alas, three thirty came and all magic had to be put aside for real life. Going home. But the camaraderie and laughter will stay with those who attended for days to come.
An extra for the afternoon was a chance to acknowledge and celebrate two special anniversaries. Congratulations to Donna and John Timmermans on their 50th wedding anniversary and Eleanor and John Semochuk on their, hold onto your hats, 74th wedding anniversary! Donna and John have lived in Chestermere since 2007 and Eleanor and John since 1994.
Kudos to the organizers and the costumer for this production. The cast looked superb, and created an atmosphere of really being at a 1920s literary event. Special appreciation goes out to the work done by the following people who played roles in this fanciful afternoon tea. Frances Hodgson Burnett author of The Secret Garden played by Megan Matthies. Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind played by LaRae Ellis. Scarlett O’Hara played by Tara Zawyrucha. Prissy from Gone with the Wind was played by Danielle Dekort. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Caroll) author of Alice in Wonderland played by Chuck Renkas and Cora Crawley, the hostess with the ‘mostest’ from Downton Abbey played by Patti Brown. And who could forget the Hatter! He was played by Greg from www.gregentertainment.com . Well done Nancie Huneault and everyone involved, looking forward to next year!
