With a small venue and limited decor, the Obsidian Theatre Company relied upon R&B singer Jully Black and Project Runway Canada contestant Kendra Francis to attract guests to a fund-raising gala on Sunday. The benefit, held to raise money for two upcoming productions, followed a matinee performance of Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel.
Following the production, guests filled the lobby of the Berkeley Street Theatre, a cozy space with exposed-brick walls and large arched windows, for a performance from Black, the gala's special guest. The singer performed songs from her new album, Revival, on a small stage at the front of the room. The crowd parted to watch a spring fashion show by Francis, a local designer and Project Runway Canada contestant, between Black's two sets. Local bridal shop Soulful Brides staged a finale with a presentation of ethnically influenced wedding dresses.Servers in revealing cabaret costumes passed shots of Amarula and simple finger foods like spring rolls and mini quiches throughout the evening. The limited decor consisted of two mannequins dressed in lingerie and a flower-covered "Franke" sign promoting Francis's clothing line.
Obsidian Theatre representatives circulated the packed room to sell tickets for six raffle packages. A small silent auction also contributed to the fund-raising efforts for Born Ready and Smokescreen, two plays about youth violence and drug abuse debuting at the Theatre Passe Muraille next month.
Following the production, guests filled the lobby of the Berkeley Street Theatre, a cozy space with exposed-brick walls and large arched windows, for a performance from Black, the gala's special guest. The singer performed songs from her new album, Revival, on a small stage at the front of the room. The crowd parted to watch a spring fashion show by Francis, a local designer and Project Runway Canada contestant, between Black's two sets. Local bridal shop Soulful Brides staged a finale with a presentation of ethnically influenced wedding dresses.Servers in revealing cabaret costumes passed shots of Amarula and simple finger foods like spring rolls and mini quiches throughout the evening. The limited decor consisted of two mannequins dressed in lingerie and a flower-covered "Franke" sign promoting Francis's clothing line.
Obsidian Theatre representatives circulated the packed room to sell tickets for six raffle packages. A small silent auction also contributed to the fund-raising efforts for Born Ready and Smokescreen, two plays about youth violence and drug abuse debuting at the Theatre Passe Muraille next month.
Photo: Mark Lukacs
Photo: Mark Lukacs
Photo: Mark Lukacs
Photo: Mark Lukacs