Fantasy tea added to Azalea festivities

You can join the Mad Hatter, Queen Elizabeth I, and a host of other fictional characters at the April First Fantasy Tea at the Tyler Civic Theater Center from 2-4 p.m., on Sunday, April 1, in the lobby of the Braithwaite Theatre. This special event is one of the Tyler Azalea Trail festivities.

"This teatime will be unlike any other," says Joyce Paro, a member of the Fantasy Tea committee. "Guests can expect zany fun, witty surprises, and great food." The Tea -- with all the fun and food -- is offered for only $12 per person.

Throughout the come-andgo event, costumed young actors will be guiding guests and serving food. Plus they will be continuously performing brief and amusing bits of stagecraft, as well as short scenes from plays. Laughs are guaranteed.

Among the surprises awaiting guests are the whimsical centerpieces on each table. Where else can you expect to see a lady with a crocodile or a bird's nest on her head or a rabbit emerging from her hair?

The menu is also dramatic with traditional high tea items, such as finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Chocolate covered cherries, multicolored stuffed sweet peppers, bitesized cheesecakes of various flavors, and miniature pecan pie are just the tip of the treats at this tea.

The April First Fantasy Tea is a fund-raising activity for the Tyler Civic Theatre Center's London Troupe, a group of 10 young thespians who have distinguished themselves at the Theatre Center. The Troupe has been hard at work for almost a year to earn enough money to make their dream trip to England this summer.

The London Troupe will be accompanied by their directors, DeAnna Hargrove, education director for the TCTC, and Felicity Enas, resident director for the Rogers Children's Theatre.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets for the April First Fantasy Tea on line at www.tylercivictheatre.com or to call the box office to reserve tickets at 903-592-0561.