Belles of the Masquerade Ball

By: Kyle Christensen
Features Editor

On Saturday, Feb.10, the Highlander Room on top of Stockdale Center will be bustling with music, dancing and winter merriment as Crimson Masque, the theatre troupe of Monmouth College, hosts its Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball from 8 p.m.to 11 p.m.

This event, once an annual celebration sponsored by the troupe, is being revived after a two-year hiatus and serves as an opportunity for the organization to fundraise, as well as giving the campus a chance to cut loose and have a little bit of fun this weekend.

“We’re really bringing back this tradition,” stated Valerie Key, secretary and treasurer of Crimson Masque. “We want to bring awareness to who we are and what we do. You get to hang out with the theatre people, and theatre people are wild, crazy and free types.”

Key, a junior, and Chris Walljasper, a senior and vice president of Crimson Masque, have led a 10-15 member committee which has been meticulously working and planning the logistics of the occasion, including advertising, music and decorations.

The general look of the dance area will be that of a typical party setting, but with a romantic holiday mood, with balloons, streamers and an array of heart-shaped images ornamenting the walls and ceilings. In addition, a slide show is being prepared which will highlight many of the accomplishments of Crimson Masque over the years. Food and drink will be provided, and a collection of zany raffle prizes (including, but not limited to, rubber chickens, whoopee cushions and other novelty treats) will also be distributed.

The dress code for the Masquerade Ball is left completely up to the discretions of its attendees, and participants are encouraged to wear whatever attire they feel most comfortable in, be it casual or more formal in nature. “[It’s] anything from jeans to a suit,” Key commented.

Tickets may be purchased this afternoon or evening during lunch and dinner at a reduced price of $4 for single party and $7 per couple, or may be bought on Saturday at the door for $5 for single party and $9 per couple.