Lessons learned

Yesterday's cast party went better than the previous ones, but certainly had its share of dramas - John forgot to come home between the matinee & evening performances, so I had to lug all the bags out to the car without letting any kitties escape (success!) & haul out two cases of beer from the garage fridge & many large bottles of soda, then lug it all out at Gail & Scott's.  Somewhere between the house & the party site, a major food bag went total walk about - there's a possum or racoon out there having a grand old time with his booty.  Deep sixed several dishes.

It was not the party I'd planned - scratched several items from my menu due to time or lack of fridge space (Candy Bar Apple Salad).  But we had MORE than enough food.  Cast & crew were undoubtedly hungry, but they were also tired, which suppresses appetite.  

Anyhow, am now looking down the road to the spring production, THE SECRET GARDEN ~ the musical.  Plenty of notes & suggestions for the person heading up the cast party!

What I've Learned Over the Past Few Years About Cast Parties 

(an ongoing education):

MANTRA – simple simple simple

LITTLE  WOMEN was a great eye opener.   Work with a TEAM  - Jennifer Cole & Shada Sullivan were invaluable, made me realize how limited I’ve been.  Pick Kathy Pitcairn’s brain – super hostess.  

ASK!  

Get together with whoever has offered their house for the cast party.  How can B-Act help with prep?  Hire someone, if need be.  Offering the house should be their major contribution, not cleaning & set up.  Check out the socializing & prep areas.  Review expectations of available fridge/freezer space. Make sure you're all on the same page.  When is a good time for you to arrive without being an inconvenience?  The earlier, the better, hopefully no later than 7:00 (dream scenario - an hour before final curtain, you're all done & just chilling).  What can you drop off earlier in the day without it being a bother.  Is there a time they want everyone OUT of the house?  Work out with the board & the hosts details about general clean up & more in-depth (taking down extra chairs, vacuuming).  

TO  DO

At least a month before the party, check out your paper goods.  What does B-Act have on hand, what needs to be purchased – plates, bowls, napkins, cutlery,  cups – for soda & wine.  I will be doing an inventory before returning the supply to B-Act's custody, but things can disappear over six months.  Mantra #2 - the earlier the better (for most things).

At least a week before the party, visit the location.  Become familiar with the fridge & oven - especially the oven.  Learn how it works - take notes, if you have to.   Check out your prep space.  If okay to use the host’s serving spoons, how many  are available? Do you need to bring a tablecloth(s)h?  What about coasters? Are extra chairs needed?  Where will food be served?  Work out with the board & the hosts a reasonable hour to start clean up.  - -   Print out invitations with directions, ask host if okay to include their phone # or include your cell; arrange clear signage at the site;  review any parking issues. - - Check with cast & crew on food allergies.  Hand out invitations to cast & crew.  Make it clear on invitation if spouses & significant others are/are not included;  parents of minors are always welcome.

By Wednesday before party,  get a head count from the producer for who expects to come.

Have someone call at intermission & final curtain.

FOOD - lessons learned

Two  regular-sized casseroles should be fine.  Plain mac & cheese was the #1 choice.  Suggest either Company Chicken or adapt Carol Henderson’s Chicken with Broccoli (use bite-sized white & dark meat, broccoli florets.  Can't go wrong with a crock pot of vegetarian chili, with fixings.   Bake casseroles no later than the day before – two days before is optimum – and serve room temp.   Same for chili, serve hot in crock pot.  Casseroles & chili can be put together months ahead of time & FROZEN. 

Sips – Philadelphia Brewing Company variety pack was popular.  The Shocktop, not so much.  Stick with Phila Brewing.  One case should be fine. ~  Ran out of chardonay, half of the cabernet was left - Foxhorn is very affordable AND drinkable (and has screw cap). ~ Bought a full range of brand name sodas, on sale for 88 cents a large bottle.  Also had cranberry juice, sparkling lemonade & flavored seltzer waters.   The more ice the better - recommend a 22 lb bag (Wawa) & a smaller one.  Each drink location should have an ice bucket.  Be sure to have two regular size or one extra large ice cooler for the sodas (if using cans) & beer.  I prefer large bottles - people can have as much or as little of one or more non-alcoholic beverages.   Make sure NO minor is drinking.  Decaf or just skip?

Desserts – simple simple simple.  Grapes & cut up pineapple, gluten-free cupcakes, g-f brownies (Jennifer  Cole’s were popular with everyone), cookies.  Remember dessert when you're checking out plates & cutlery.

Nibbles – bag of potato chips, of tortilla chips, of Doritos, of veggie chips;  plain crackers, Triscuits, Ritz Cheddar;  carmelized onion dip was very popular (chop two med onions, sautee in 5 tbs butter with ½ tsp salt until golden brown,  add one cup of sour cream);  guacamole from Trader Joe’s;  hummus with red pepper served with veggies.  Simple simple simple

Salad – lettuce went virtually untouched;  suggest broccoli with  bacon & raisins (big hit), 7-layer salad, pasta with peppers,  deviled eggs, tomato caprese skewers (halve small ball of marinated mozz, skewer cheese-basil leaf or thin sliced pepperoni, cherry tomato)  http://www.wikihow.com/Peel-an-Egg      http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/the-secrets-to-peeling-hard-boiled-eggs.html      http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-magazine/ask-real-simple/ask-real-simple-peeling-hard-boiled-eggs;  

Sure I'll have lots more to add over the coming months!