“Joust” Another Party for Mark Twain House

If you happened to have a kyrtle or cote hanging in your closet, or perhaps that suit of armor lying around the house, you were in luck Saturday night. It was just the outfit for the Mark Twain House & Museum’s “A Knight To Remember Gala” at The Hartford Club.

It was a red carpet with attitude that greeted costumed guests who were serenaded by period performers from The Connecticut Renaissance Faire, and greeted by staff who did their best to offer welcomes that oozed Middle Age merriment.  Then it was on to relish fine meads and ales, as well as harp and minstrel music before all were summoned to the Feast of Kings.

Attendees included a host of lords and ladies and serfs and royalty with a couple of wizards thrown in for good measure including Merlin, courtesy of trustee Dr. David Haddox and Hagrid, otherwise known as museum public relations guy, Jacques LaMarre.

There were those who just showed up in their regular clothes, including Gov. Dannel Malloy who stopped by onhis way to his brother-in-law’s 70th birthday.

“I didn’t know there was a theme,” lamented Hartford stage artistic director Darko Tresnjak who wore a mere suit to the festivities. “I’ve been so busy with the show, I didn’t know,” he explained, referring to “A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder,” currently playing at the theater.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Southington resident Dan DelBuono who along with his wife and friends wore contemporary cocktail outfits. “But next time we’ll know what to wear.”