Things were rockin’ and rollin’ at the Bergs last night (more than usual, I should say) because we hosted a cast & crew party for Andrews Brothers. We used to host parties for the Carthage Christmas Festival when upwards of 80 people would crowd into our little cottage, so last night’s group of 18 paled numerically – but not in terms of laughter and fun. It helps that everyone knows everyone else (unlike those huge Carthage gatherings) plus there is this bracing mix of ages that adds so much spice to the stew.
Speaking of spice, my wife – the commander-in-chief / Martha Stewart of this operation – decided that a taco buffet would be the main course…. and our houseguest, cast member Andrew Lenox, whipped up a batch of Mexican Beef ‘n Bean Pizza from his new Pillsbury Every Family Suppers cookbook. (You should have seen how proud he looked as he assembled his masterpiece, like he was our own Emeril.) What a zesty banquet those two managed to create, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food thoroughly.
As wonderful as the food was, I especially enjoyed the evening’s entertainment, which began by watching some of the young guys do Wii Boxing. One of them was Sam Hoganson, who sang the role of Jesus in the Theater Guild’s recent production of “Godspell.” (He’s on the crew for this show.) I was impressed with what he could do in the virtual boxing ring, but as I announced to our guests, “I find it very disconcerting to see Jesus boxing.”
After that came a spirited game of “Taboo” – and if I ever suffer the misfortune of being marooned on a desert island but am allowed one board game, “Taboo” is the game I would choose. For those of you who’ve never played it (and by the way, I feel sorry for you!) Taboo is a game in which you are trying to get your teammates to guess a particular word, but in giving your clues you are forbidden to say the five Taboo words that are listed below it. So for instance, you might need to get your teammates to say Tarzan but you can’t say Jungle, Africa, Loincloth, Vines, or Cheetah. So you might say “this is a muscular guy with a chimpanzee for a sidekick.” Within the time limit you ge through as many cards as you can – and the team which racks up the most correct guesses wins it all. It’s a wonderful exercise in choosing your words carefully and creatively- and I might add that I’m pretty darn good at it – and any game that I’m good at is a great game! Anyway, 12 of us engaged in a game of Taboo – and people enjoyed it enough that we played well past midnight (which is like early evening for the young folks but practically dawn for my wife and me.) And in my three times as clue giver, we scored 6, 6, and 7- and never once was I beeped! (One of your opponents sits next to you and watches the cards- and pushes a buzzer if you say any of the Taboo words- or any form of them. It is no fun to be buzzed.)
One of the neatest things about the game is that everybody plays it in their own style. Some people spew words like they’re an auctioneer. . . and others will take a look at a card, say Hmmmm. . . .and think for four or five seconds, rubbing their chin, before they finally say something. Some people give their clues in beautifully crafted complete sentences- and other in little bursts of one or two words at a time, almost as though English is their second or third language. And actually, this game can almost make you feel like it is because you suddenly have to avoid words as though they’re land mines. It’s also fascinating what people will draw upon (like when the aforementioned Sam began one of his clues with “think about Umbra in physics class,” a clue which was met with bewildered stares.)
More than anything, what I appreciated by this circle of widely varied players was how patient and positive they were with each other- even the “stars” of the games as they encouraged those who were struggling but trying to do their best. (Except for the moment when our master chef, Andrew Lenox, blurted out an answer when it was the other team’s turn. It was just one of those instinctive reflexes, but boy his teammates gave him grief for that!) This world would be a much better place if he all took care of each other like these Taboo competitors did.
pictured above: Sharon, Zach, and Kelly – in mid match. In the foreground, Andrew Lenox.