Thread: LA DIVINA COMEDIA (3-26; by invite only))

The Arcadia Theatre. Renovated most recently by Lazarus Arch and his efforts here do not disappoint. Opulent finery is found everywhere, from the lush carpet to the molded ceilings. Soft lighting seems to give it an aire of old time Victorian grace, peppered by modern amenities.

Almost fifty people are present, not including the kindred of the city. The High Society elite mingle about with each other as toga clad waiters and waitresses walk barefoot and pale faced by make up with trays of Hors Du Vours. They look near ghostly in their attire but their smiles and customer
detailed eye contact clearly shows these are not the restless dead.

Orchestral music is piped through the speakers, giving a soft canvas upon the air with which to paint. Soothing tones clearly put people at ease and the aire of finery is in full swing.

The soft bell chimes gently, alerting that the first act is about to begin, prompting those present to move to their seats. Ladies grab the hem of their gowns to shuffle along in heels as the gentlemen press a hand to the small of their backs, ushering them along.

The theatre itself has been spared no expense as well. Large hanging cloths from floor to ceiling create an illusion of Grecian pillars yet the wind blown by silent fans gives them a wraithlike feel. The lighting that is set below the cloths throws soft tones of cooler whites and blues across the raw linen. The set seems Spartan but has a strange feel of discord to it. The pit is filled with a full Orchestra who softly tunes their instruments and prepare for the nights performance. To the left and right, small bleachers begin to be filled by a choir, dressed in similar ghostly robes.

The seating is the standard of its theatre type and most of the seats are empty. The front row center seating has been velvet roped off for four seats. Two rows behind that, the fourth row is as well cordoned off and two rows further back, the seating is open. Those Kindred who have arrived per their invitations are escorted to the fourth row.

As the actors take the stage, those with a keen eye will perhaps recognize several of the Camarillas denizens. Lisette. Corin. Maharet. Stepping forward,the narrator comes forth and walks to the center stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending this one night only production. For those of you unaware, this evening’s entertainment comes to us from an adaptation of Dante's Divine Comedy as hosted and performed by Eternal Echoes Recording Studios. I know, I know...its gothic and it seems to be what all the kids are into these days...but, it's probably just a stage..." The crowd laughs heartily and a few claps come forth and he continues, "And for now, we'll use this stage, so please...join us, for the Divine Comedy."

As the last word hits his lips, the lights in the entire theatre shut off. A few seconds later, a single spotlight shines down on the stage. The Toreador Elder known as Cocteau stands in the Greek robed costuming with whitened face paint. As the orchestra begins playing a low foreboding tone, the choir joins in breathing life to musical tones. The choir of angelic voices bring forth the Opera in its original intended form; Italian.

((Here are some pieces of music that will hopefully set the tone for your mental imagery))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFB3PbD4-Lk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAvixX9uHYw&feature=related

((Please consider this posting here, the end of the first act, if you wish to describe your PC's entrance, by all means...then, if you wish to mingle and whatnot, please do...))

Ash, dressed in black (http://tinyurl.com/yd9fcjm), and Lydia, dressed in blood red (http://tinyurl.com/y967v5w) sweep into the main hall of the Arcadia. Stopping to speak to several of the prominent kine of the city. Ash can be seen shaking hands and speaking to a few as if they were old friends and introducing his escort for the evening. They make eye contact with several of the kindred in the room and nod, but refrain from speaking as the doors open and they are led to their seats.
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After the first act Ash escorts Lydia back to the main lobby and has only attention for the kindred gathered.

Upon seeing Mackenzie, "My dear Mackenzie," Ash looks up and down the young lady before him, "You look absolutely breathtaking. Where is the shy girl I met so few nights ago?" He then smiles at Kendov, "I must say, sir, that you clean up quite nicely as well." Noticing Boone standing there as well, "Mr. Boone, quite the striking figure as well. I am glad that you decided to add a little color to your usual black. The red adds so much." Ash glances around the room to see if any others had come out of the theater yet. "So what did you all think of the performance?"