A Night of Immersive Entertainment in Old Havana

On June 1st, the Oxford Community Center (OCC) will be transformed into a world straight out of Cuba in the 1950s when it hosts One Night in Old Havana. And it promises to be an event like no other. The brainchild of Oxford resident Jennifer Leps, the evening will be a throwback to a different time and a different place. This extraordinary undertaking will come to life thanks to the efforts of The Factory, a thriving community arts hub in Easton. We recently sat down with Maggii Sarfaty, Art Director of The Factory, to delve into the magic behind the scenes, one that will metamorphose an ordinary space into an extraordinary realm.

As Sarfaty explained, her role is wonderfully multifaceted: conjuring props, painting backdrops, sculpting entire environments from scratch – all with one goal: crafting an unforgettable experience. “I put my thinking cap on and use my expertise in art to capture the true vibe,” she says of her creative process. For One Night in Old Havana, that vibe is one of sultry Cuban flair from a bygone era.

Make no mistake, this isn’t some casual party setup. It’s an all-encompassing ‘takeover’ by The Factory, complete with professional actors, dancers, musicians, and more. The ‘more’ includes 4-time US Pro-Am champion and dance instructor Scott Lazarov, who will demonstrate what made him a champion (along with Leps herself) and lead the attendees in a salsa lesson. “People won’t just be entertained – they’ll be fully immersed and transported,” Sarfaty says. 

Immersion is something The Factory is well-known for doing. People might remember them for putting on the Halloween experience, Stage Fright, at the Avalon for the past couple of years. Sarfaty explains: “We are a performing arts center. We have a fabulous costume shop with a rental capability for anybody in our community who can just come in and borrow something.” Besides the extensive costume shop, they also have a wonderland of props and set pieces, rehearsal space, and educational programs.

Which is perfect for this event because crafting such an authentic experience requires an array of elements. For that, both OCC and The Factory reached out to the community to create partnerships. “We’re going to have fabulous Cuban-themed food, catered by the Ivy Cafe,” Sarfaty said. Specialty cocktails primed to set the mood are also on the menu created by The Factory’s board member, Jaime Windon, founder of Lyon Rum Distillery. Of course, what would a Havana night be without a fine cigar? To answer that call, OCC reached out to Port of Call, a cigar shop in St. Michael’s that will be providing cigars and teaching attendees how to roll their own. A lounge has been set aside for those wishing to indulge in the cigars in true old Havana tradition.

No detail is overlooked to create a fun tropical vibe. “The people from Garden Treasures have volunteered to graciously lend us some beautiful palms and tropical plants,” said Sarfaty. “I think it’ll add a lot of fabulous fun tropical vibes.” 

But that’s not all: “We’re going to keep it dark and bring some of our set pieces, lighting, accessories, lamps, and a vintage bar. And we’re going to set the rooms up sort of differently.

You’ll feel like you’ve arrived at a hotel in Havana. And there are places to go and things to see and do.”

Vintage cars will add to the nostalgic atmosphere: “You can’t have One Night in Old Havana without having some beautiful vintage cars. So the OCC Cars and Coffee guys will bring some fabulous antique cars to help set the mood.”

For this event, guests are also asked to wear their best Caribbean ‘look.’ But no worries, The Factory has you covered two ways. Look for their ‘Walk-in Costume Rental.’ “We have a great collection of Panama hats and Cuban shirts for the gentlemen, even Panama suits if you want to go the whole look. For the ladies, there are various options in all sizes. And if it needs alterations, we can do that too.”

Think you might want to take it up a notch? Then, be sure to check out their ‘Luxury Styling Session.’ “It includes hair and makeup done by the Studio Salon at the Tidewater,” said Sarfaty, “It also includes styling by The Factory’s Lead Costumer, Arianna Pistelli. We’ll work with you while you have nibbles, champagne, water, or tea. You’ll try on some of our fun, beautiful costumes and pick out your look. We’re also going to create a ‘fascinator’ (headpiece) that you’ll get to keep that will be pure fun. It won’t be a Carmen Miranda basket. But we will do some beautiful things with florals and citrus fruits and add some rhinestones and feathers. You’ll get to keep that to remind you of the evening.” 

You’ll want to look good because photographers will be there to take photos. Surprise guests may even make an ‘appearance.’ “Look for ‘Marilyn Monroe’ or ‘Katharine Hepburn’ to show up. Ernest Hemingway might be there doing some writing, and even the artist Frida Kahlo will create a painting of the event, which will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to The Factory and the OCC. There will also be mini fashion sketches of you in your look and in your headdress. It’s going to be fabulous.”

The evening will also feature live entertainment, including ” musical director Ray Nissen, working with some pre-recorded music and performing live percussion bits through the night.” There are other musical surprises that we’re not allowed to talk about. You’ll just have to come out and see for yourself.

So, One Night in Old Havana promises an extraordinary journey to 1950s Cuba for those seeking thrilling escapism and entertainment. As Sarfaty summed it up, “Some people complain that there’s not enough to do here on the Shore. And here is a night where you’ll have fun and see fun things happening. There will be dancing, some live music, and delicious food. You’re going to be entertained! Why not come out?”

And remember, what happens in Old Havana stays in Old Havana!

Tickets for this special event can be purchased at oxfordcc.org, with a portion received as a tax donation. 

For more information about costumes and styling packages for this special event, go to The Factory: https://perfectstorm.my.canva.site/havana