CanStage is known for its dramatic flair, but the stage company faced stiff competition from Mother Nature during the annual CanStage fund-raising event, held at Kool Haus. A record snowfall that began only hours before the start of the gala stole the spotlight for the first part of the evening, as organizers and guests alike wondered what the turnout would be. Fortunately, 480 of the 560 ticket holders made it to the hip nightclub for the much-anticipated event, which for the first time didn't feature a theme based on one of the company's stage productions. Artistic producer Martin Bragg chose a retro party theme and labeled the evening Passion at KOOL Supper Club: A 1940s Party in Three Acts. "We wanted a fun party, to really do it up," Bragg said. "The logical production to get inspiration from would have been Rocky Horror Picture Show, but my gut said it was not the right flavour for what I wanted to achieve."MH Events, a veteran of CanStage events, provided event planning, while Designing Trendz supplied the decor, including alternate black and white dining tables with either high silver candelabra centrepieces with bouffant white feathered toppers or low centrepieces with elegant white blooms and green foliage. Another nice touch: a feather boa on every other chiavari chair. Kool Haus further jazzed up the tables with pin-spot lighting from new lighting system being used for the first time. Prior to dinner, guests were directed to browse the silent auction. Without warning, a theatre curtain pulled back, revealing the dining area. Presidential Gourmet's menu featured three jumbo tiger shrimp cocktail served in a cosmopolitan-style martini glass, and beef tenderloin with oven roasted potatoes and fine beans with butter and chives. Dessert consisted of individual banana foster pies drizzled with caramel sauce and berry coulis, accompanied by a chocolate cigarette.
Mix FM radio co-hosts Mad Dog and Billie provided M.C. services. Stephen Ranger of Ritchies auction house led the auction, which featured a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350. Swing Shift Big Band got the crowd dancing with its repertoire of swing hits. Hats off to the valets from Northern Valet, who worked hard to clear snow from the parking lot for departing guests. The fund-raiser brought in $260,000, thanks to all those who braved the elements.
—Robyn Small
Posted 04.05.07
Photos: Designing Trendz
Mix FM radio co-hosts Mad Dog and Billie provided M.C. services. Stephen Ranger of Ritchies auction house led the auction, which featured a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350. Swing Shift Big Band got the crowd dancing with its repertoire of swing hits. Hats off to the valets from Northern Valet, who worked hard to clear snow from the parking lot for departing guests. The fund-raiser brought in $260,000, thanks to all those who braved the elements.
—Robyn Small
Posted 04.05.07
Photos: Designing Trendz
Dramatic feathery decor adorned the dining room at Kool Haus for CanStage's annual fund-raiser.
Some tables featured low table centerpieces with elegant white blooms and green foliage accompanied by trios of silver beaded mini tea-light lamps.
Large martini glasses filled with clear gel and topped with lush tropical foliage and bright red roses decorated the bars.
Alternating black and white dining tables made a dramatic impact in the massive room.
