La Fete du Poisson Raises Funds for Revels' Langstaff Artistic Fund

On April 13th, 2002, 135 guests joined Revels to celebrate at La Fete du Poisson at the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Cambridge. As Board member Corey Boniface wrote: "Creativity shimmered at the fishy-themed event, derived from the French 'Poisson d'Avril,' or April Fish, known to most of us as April Fools." Guests were encouraged by party captains David and Elizabeth Torrey to fish for special prizes from the stunning Fontaine des Poissons, designed and built by Revels' own Woody Nussdorfer, and to marvel at the gorgeous table centerpieces created by costume designer Heidi Hermiller. Each centerpiece took its theme from a different Revels production, represented with props and sheet music from that show. Guests arrived in fishy-themed costumes ranging from one gentleman whose face was painted like a fish to another who was decked out in bright yellow waders and a tuxedo jacket!

On the evening's menu were savory crab cakes, scallops wrapped in bacon and an entrée of salmon followed by a delectable dessert of individual chocolate cakes filled with chocolate mousse. As coffee was served, music director George Emlen introduced the evening's entertainment, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana. Party-goers leapt to the dance floor to boogie to the waltzes, two-steps and driven Zydeco fast-tempo numbers delivered by the five-person band whose reputation as "the best" did not disappoint. When the band took a break an hour and a half later, it was time for artistic director Patrick Swanson to welcome everyone and to share some corny jokes (such as "What sits at the bottom of the ocean and shivers?" "A nervous wreck!") before introducing board member Jamie Jaffe, who eloquently described the Langstaff Artistic Fund and its importance to Revels. Then it was back to the music, and party-goers hit the dance floor once more, enjoying the music until the evening was over.

La Fete du Poisson was a wonderful evening with a combination of great people, fun costumes and irresistible music, and, best of all, raised close to $10,000 for the Langstaff Artistic Fund. As Corey Boniface wrote, "Celebrating the francophone April fool with the inspired zanies from Revels turns out to be fun-raising at its best, too." Keep your eyes open for next year's Fête du Poisson, which will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2003!

Photos: 1) Party captains David and Elizabeth Torrey fish from La Fontaine des Poissons 2)Tudor Christmas Revels table centerpiece 3) Jeff and Christine Meller and guests 4) the dance floor 5) Board president Michael Kolowich, board member Steve Solomon and guests 6) Woody Nussdorfer and Beth Pendery. Photographer: Janice Fullman