As Roma Mehta, one of the volunteers at Stage Time and Wine oh so many years ago told me, each Red Room event is organic, and has its own chemistry, which depends on the composition of the participants. Our July Stage Time and Juice: Midsummer Magic turned out to be a charming, laid-back affair.

Jennifer Chau emceed this time, her second time, because as she explained to me: “this is my year for pushing boundaries.” She did a fabulous and seamless job, despite having come down with a cold that morning.

The show opened up with young Ciara, who loves to sing and is not at all afraid to get up in front of the microphone. Trevor then led the group in a few call and response songs he learned in boy scouts, to get things rolling. Next up was Tina Ma, whom we see often at Aside events. She told me a while ago that she has always had a desire to work with children, and this is the first time she has attended and performed at one of our Stage Time and Juice events. Accompanied by her classical stringed instrument, Tina introduced some lines in ancient Taiwanese and invited the audience to sing them along with her. She was a little worried that her performance was a bit too esoteric for the children, but as it turns out, our little Red Roomers pretty much catch whatever you throw their way!

Throughout the afternoon, many other treats unfolded, and I am not just referring to the drinks, snacks, and cakes of our potluck buffet! Kyle Hsieh, one of our regular performers, brought two of his new friends, Sean and Steven, who sing Broadway tunes for their theater company. These two young men serenaded the crowd, and Jennifer Chau apparently fell head over heels in crush with them.

Kyle was not the only one who brought along a friend: Arsene, who has appeared at Juice in a previous incarnation as The Dream Magician, put on a warm and humorous show with his companion, using rings, coins, and newspapers. His friend seemed to be an earnest and incompetent student of his, which caused Arsene to shake his head in despair, but of course the joke was on us!

Apart from that, Hannah sang a song, accompanied by her father who played the guitar. Hannah and Kyle had the audience guess some extremely challenging riddles, and handed out prizes. Julian sang a comical “Dramatic Song”, Kyle sang a David Bowie song, and the show closed with Mimi the Puppet who apparently had sneaked out of the house in violation of her curfew to perform for us, explaining why her brother is a wimp and why she bit the teacher’s finger, among other things.

Carol Yao

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