Quick Review: Peter Brook’s THE SUIT in Philly & Brûlée Catering

The Prince Music Theater (15th & Chestnut) presents Tony Award-winning director, Peter Brook’s production of The Suit running February 26 thru March 8, 2014.

When I did a Wiki on Brook, I was blown away by this man’s prolific career in the theater. He has practically done a production a year, spanning 1950 to 2014!

I got to attend opening night of The Suit, making the curtain by the skin of my teeth. If you go, don’t be late, the show is a tight 75 minutes, no intermission and no late seating.

Other than knowing this play was set in South Africa, I deliberately went with very little prior knowledge of what the production was about or why it was named for a man’s attire. Bottom line: no matter what country, no matter what circumstances, no matter what age or economic situation – Men can’t forgive adultery. And in this case, with good reason.

Yet, despite Matilda’s seemingly unnecessary infidelity, you still find yourself sympathetic to this character, mainly due to the glowing, commanding presence of the actress in the role – Nonhlanhla Kheswa.

Photo: Tinsel & Tine| Center: Jordan Barbour and Nonhlanhla Kheswa

The Suit does a lot with a little – colorful chairs, make believe props, a guitarist, an accordion and a trumpet player, all who double as ladies for a little comic relief, and then there is the simple, maligning presence of a man’s suit. – Tickets are on sale now at PrinceMusicTheater.org.

Photo: Tinsel & Tine| Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

But let’s talk Opening Reception! After the performance, we were treated to a little celebration in the lobby. I’ve never seen people stick around so long at one of these before, and I don’t think it was about networking and hobnobbing, I think it was due to all of the wonderful food provided by Brûlée Catering (1406 S Front Street, Phila, PA 19147).

Photo: Tinsel & Tine| Braised Short Ribs – Spinach-Horseradish Spaetzle

Every edible was the perfect cocktail party size for talking and standing while eating. The menu choices were not only interesting and aesthetically pleasing, but GOOD. Not, well, it’s free, grab something good. What we were treated to, even down to a simple roast beef slider, was pure deliciousness and quality.

The MENU

Passed Hors D’oeuvres
Maine Lobster Spring Rolls – 5 Spice Dipping Sauce
Taylor Bay Scallops
Casino
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Peppers, Herb Butter
Roasted Beet and Herb Goat Cheese Napolean
Braised Short Ribs – Spinach-Horseradish Spaetzle
Blackened Turkey Quesadilla – Applewood Smoked Cheddar, Poblano-Corn

Photo: Tinsel & Tine| Roasted Beet and Herb Goat Cheese Napolean

Relish
Peking Duck Crepe – Apricot Glaze
Maryland Crab Cake- Remoulade Sauce
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Shots- Horseradish Cocktail Sauce
Beef Pigs in a Blanket- Whole Grain Mustard Sauce (Pinwheel shaped, with a light flaky filo pastry).

Stationary Hors D’oeuvres:
An Assortment of Imported and Domestic Cheeses, Assorted Italian Meats, Crackers, Raisin Nut Bread, Sliced Baguettes, Quince Paste, Dried Fruits, Grapes & Berries
Individual Crudite with Dip
Filet of Beef Cocktail Sandwiches with Horseradish Cream
Smoked Salmon Napoleon with Chive Crème Fraiche
Ahi Tuna Poke – Sesame Dressing, Wasabi Peas, Crisp Lotus Root in an Asian Spoon
Mini Fuji Apple Tarts – Blue Cheese, Walnuts, Pomegranate Gastrique Fresh Fruit Shots
French Macarons

Passed

Photo: Tinsel & Tine| Tiramisu Cheesecake

Dessert – Individual Minis
Chocolate Passionfruit Cupcakes
Lemon Grape Tortes
Tiramisu Cheesecake – (Heaven – at the bottom were those crummy, chocolate, crunchies you only get on ice cream cakes)
Chocolate Ganache Tart
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

The U.S. tour of The Suit is produced by David Eden Productions
Based on the novel by Can Themba, Mothobi Mutloatse and Barney Simon
Direction, adaption and musical direction by: Peter Brook, Marie-Helene Estienne and Franck Krawczyk

While You’re Here Check Out This Recent Post

Philly Magazine/ Foobooz – Philly Cooks RECAP – Two restaurants that ran out quickly were on the opposite ends of the spectrum with regard to calories – Federal Donuts and Vedge…READ MORE