The First Annual Princess Tea fundraiser stood among the grandest productions of the 2020 season for Live Oak Theatre; one that featured and starred the young ladies of Hernando.
“We were happy to seat over 70 guests last year and were thrilled with the response. The girls were enchanted by the singing, skits, crafts and special attention from the princesses and the families escorting them were appreciative of all the fun and food,” explained Kris Mitten, a Live Oak director, and performer.
And now, it’s time for an encore. Live Oak Theatre is pleased to announce that it will host its Second Annual Princess Tea, presided over by her majesty “Princess Scheherazade.” She and her princess friends will sing songs, play games, teach young princess guests proper princess etiquette, help each guest make a special bracelet, and will present them with their very own tiara.
Grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles are invited to take their favorite princesses to this royal event, which was sold out last year. The royal tea menu will include the choice of tea sandwiches, tea, lemonade, and special desserts with an Arabian theme. “Princess Sheherezade of One Thousand and One Arabian Nights fame will host our tea with her friends who are princesses from around the world. Children will enter an Arabian bazaar and will enjoy chai and mint tea, lemonade, Mediterranean chicken salad in pita bread, (also peanut butter and jelly rolls for younger taste buds) grapes, baklava bites, parfaits as well as middle eastern sides such as pita chips, olives, cream cheese dates, and other yummies for American tummies,” said Mitten. “Sheherezade will lead her friends in a small show and story for their guests, and will have prepared a craft for each young guest, who will also receive special princess training and will be presented with a tiara upon arrival.”
The tea will be hosted in the Grand Ballroom of the Carol & Frank Morsani Center, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34601, with two seatings: 11:30 and 3:00 on April 24th. Regular tickets are $20 each. Fancy dress is optional but not required for this event, this is an important fund-raiser for Live Oak Conservatory, where children and adults study ballet, jazz, tap, art, chorale, improv, and other skills.
“Live Oak Theatre, like so many organizations, was hit financially this past year due to public health concerns surrounding COVID. We are so grateful to all of our patrons who have supported us this year, enabling us to keep our doors open,” said Mitten. “This year’s tea will go toward operating expenses so we can continue to keep our doors open as we provide excellent acting opportunities for our youth.”
Organizers ask that the public RSVPs by April 16 if interested so that enough tiaras can be purchased for princesses in attendance. Special safety measures will be taken at this event. “At this time social distancing will be maintained by placing families together in their own tables that are distanced from other tables,” said Mitten. “We hope to return to normalcy soon as the virus numbers continue to diminish in our area.”
To purchase tickets, call the box office at 352-593-0027 or email [email protected] or go to www.LiveOakTheatre.org.
“This year we are updating the theme of our tea to better represent the purpose of Live Oak Theatre. We hope to provide edifying entertainment that will enrich our children’s lives,” said Mitten. “This year our princesses will be teaching and exemplifying the idea of contentment. This theme of contentment will be represented in a skit, in a craft, and in the modeling of our princesses.”
