The Marco Polo Restaurant in East Hartford was a-glitter with stardust when over 90 members and guests of the Connecticut Prime Timers walked the red carpet on Saturday, March 28.
Lights, camera, action! The Marco Polo Restaurant in East Hartford was a-glitter with stardust when over 90 members and guests of the Connecticut Prime Timers walked the red carpet on Saturday, March 28. This 3rd anniversary celebration, entitled "Hooray for Hollywood - A Night At The Oscars," was held in the restaurant's grand ballroom decorated in true movie-magic style by Frank and Earl and their committee.
Spotlights hung from the ceiling, sprays of tinsel and shiny black acetate movie cameras sparkled in the table centerpieces, and a "Hooray for Hollywood" sign, along with "Oscars" in a shooting-star design, helped to complete the illusion of being at a real movie industry gala.
Cocktail hour offered the best pizza ever, expertly sliced into bite-size pieces, and a handsome bartender manned the cash bar, while the glamorously dressed crowd had time for meet, greet, and photo ops. Prime Timers members from Boston and Rhode Island mixed and mingled with their Connecticut colleagues.
Before dinner and the Oscar Show, Rev. George Chien of the Metropolitan Community Church gave an upbeat invocation. Then it was showtime!
Interspersed with the presentations and entertainment, and during dinner, the recordings of Eartha Kitt, Al Martino, Rosemary Clooney and Dean Martin evoked the mood of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
MC and VP of CT Prime Timers Roy Moeckel once again took center stage as the host with the most in his elegant tux and matching tie and cummerbund. Charles J. (Chuck) Anthony, President joined Roy onstage wearing a dazzling jeweled pin on his tux.
Hugh Jackman - eat your heart out!
Both affable personalities introduced Oscar presenters Ms. Misty and Ms. Francoise who awarded Oscars throughout the afternoon and evening for Mr. Neatness, Mr. Shy, Mr. Sexy, Mr. Humorous, The Horniest Couple, and even Oscars for the most laid-back person - the Turtle Award - and for Mr. Looks Best in Jeans. Quite an eye-popping category.
Many extra awards, mimicking the "Cecil B. DeMille" special prize of the true Academy Awards show, were presented. Treasurer Allen Novakouski also was honored with a framed certificate and Marco Polo owner Ray took a bow as he was awarded a special plaque for his continued support of the Prime Timers. The outstanding wait staff also got a round of applause.
Entertainment and awards were staged between courses of a dinner worthy of Wolfgang Puck. The Marco Polo signature salad, served family style, was garden-fresh and the dressing just the right balance of oil, vinegar, and herbs. A dish of penne pasta followed, napped by a rustic marinara sauce that "tasted just like grandma's." Our prime rib was perfectly prepared and the flavor rocked! Garlic rolls were warm and delicious. A gift bag of Brach's mints was at each place setting. Good thinking - a mint always helps the kissability factor after garlic!
And what Oscar show has ever gone on without production numbers, songs, and jokes?
Supplying all of the above, Ms. Misty introduced her co-presenter, Ms. Francoise, who did a soft-shoe routine in flat heels, exposing just enough leg to keep it decent. Venerable entertainer Will Charlton sang "As Time Goes By" from "Casablanca," and many from the audience sang along.
Board member Gary Collier kept popping up (singing and vamping) as Miss Tina, in elaborate gowns, headgear, gossamer and jewels. Gary also won an Oscar for being the most Humorous, and upon accepting he thanked so many people and deities that the DJ had to play him off the stage! Some things are consistent in every Oscar ceremony!
With feather fans flying, Misty and Francoise whirled around the stage to Bette Midler and Linda Ronstadt's version of "Sisters." Such bosom buddies!
Boffo, bold and brassy singer Patrique Hurd wowed the audience with her country western songs, specially picked for the occasion. She is not a shy lady by any means, and thunderous applause met each of her star turns. And, speaking of ladies, many of our sisters were in evidence: daughters, mothers, and beautifully styled female couples graced the dining tables and kept MC Roy from misbehaving! Even though the CT Prime Timers is a group for senior gay men it was nice to see allies of all genders.
Our table-mates, Tom and his daughter Heather, kept us laughing whenever there was a lull in the program or between acts. Heather's devoted support of her dad and his membership in CT Prime Timers is great evidence of the social and familial support system that the organization gives to gay men of "a certain age" and their admirers.
As proven by its past events, CT Prime Timers gives mature gay and bisexual men a place to enjoy events, brunches, meetings, picnics, theater and other venues for companionship and enjoyment. www.ctprimetimers.org
Looking toward their social future, more men will be looking for a group in which to find others who share similar interests and to form new friendships.