Planning an organization's only major fund-raiser on a holiday is a bit of a risk. But Bonnie Mouck, marketing and development manager for the Factory Theatre, was confident that Toronto's love of the old neighbourhood theatre would translate into a successful benefit, so the "From Russian With Love—Factory Theatre 008" event was set for Valentine's Day. “We decided to hold the annual gala on Valentine’s Day because there’s such a passion for theatre around here and we thought this was such a great way to spend the day,” Mouck said.
The theatre, a heritage building, provided the backdrop for the event, which included a performance of Hannah Moscovitch’s The Russian Play, the theme of which is unrequited love. After the play had been selected, the Russian theme for the evening snowballed, Mouck said. “We thought Russia, and then we thought James Bond, and then we added a casino,” she said.Guests had the choice of visiting three rooms in the theatre prior to the 9 p.m. performance. A games room on the second level featured blackjack tables, roulette, and a fortune-teller. Outside in the hallway guests could try their luck at the Russian roulette martini bar, where the bartender decided which of three martinis to serve. Additional casino tables were set up in a third space on the upper level where Peckish provided a mashed-potato martini bar, complete with sour cream, chives, and cheddar-cheese toppings.
“We want to keep people here in our space,” Mouck said. “It's a heritage facility, and it has its issues, but it's where the work happens. We always want to keep the theatre as part of the event because it's always about the work. Our galas are fun. We want people to feel happy to be here.”
Decor was kept to a minimum for the benefit. Instead, Mouck focused on the entertainment, which included a wandering accordion player, and musicians in each room. A silent auction was held while guests mingled before the play. Afterward, Peckish served biscotti and Russian tea cookies at an espresso bar.
The theatre, a heritage building, provided the backdrop for the event, which included a performance of Hannah Moscovitch’s The Russian Play, the theme of which is unrequited love. After the play had been selected, the Russian theme for the evening snowballed, Mouck said. “We thought Russia, and then we thought James Bond, and then we added a casino,” she said.Guests had the choice of visiting three rooms in the theatre prior to the 9 p.m. performance. A games room on the second level featured blackjack tables, roulette, and a fortune-teller. Outside in the hallway guests could try their luck at the Russian roulette martini bar, where the bartender decided which of three martinis to serve. Additional casino tables were set up in a third space on the upper level where Peckish provided a mashed-potato martini bar, complete with sour cream, chives, and cheddar-cheese toppings.
“We want to keep people here in our space,” Mouck said. “It's a heritage facility, and it has its issues, but it's where the work happens. We always want to keep the theatre as part of the event because it's always about the work. Our galas are fun. We want people to feel happy to be here.”
Decor was kept to a minimum for the benefit. Instead, Mouck focused on the entertainment, which included a wandering accordion player, and musicians in each room. A silent auction was held while guests mingled before the play. Afterward, Peckish served biscotti and Russian tea cookies at an espresso bar.
A martini bar
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Nightlife Inc. provided casino games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Fortune-teller Brooke Stubbing offered guests a glimpse into their future.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Dominique Rabideau juggled balls to entertain guests.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
An accordian player and violinist entertained guests prior to the performance.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Chef Elizabeth Peck of Peckish continued the Bond theme with a mashed-potato martini bar.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Peckish created a sprawling cheese platter that included a selection of nuts and fruit.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Hors d'oeuvres included beef tenderloin with horseradish cream canapes.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
The Russian roulette martini bar had guests taking their chances, with the bartender choosing which of three cocktails to serve.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
