More than 170 costumed celebrants filled the Canfield Casino for the inaugural “All Hallows Eve Dark Faerie Tale Masquerade Ball” on Oct. 26, a benefit for SaratogaArtsFest.
“We had originally capped the attendance at 150… because we wanted those who came to feel like they were at something exclusive,” said Tas Steiner, ball chairman. “But when people walked up to the event, all dressed for a masquerade ball, we managed to accommodate them.”
The event paid homage to Grimm’s Fairy Tales, with an immersive twist. A sabre duel between Little Red Riding Hood (Stephanie Ward) and the Big, Bad Wolf (Michael John Gilbert) and other vignettes were acted out during cocktail hour.
“We wanted to create an immersive theater experience that invited our guests to be part of the action,” said Ellen Beal, board chairwoman of Arts Fest Fridays. “The audience quickly got into the spirit of the evening — they cheered the performers and loved being treated as members of a royal court.”
Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose served dinner medieval-style at three long tables. Jacqueline Goldstein’s remarkable rendition of Phantom of the Opera’s “Think of Me” was presented at the rear of the dining room instead of onstage, another creative touch. Nicole Coady was the ball’s artistic director, and Sidney Martin designed the décor.
“Everything worked together to make for an amazing night,” said Beal. Next year’s theme? “We’re not giving that away yet!”
