Teas In Time
During the Belle Epoque (1900-1914), the Afternoon
Tea
was the social forum for ladies. They would
often engage in lively discussions about the latest
fashions and social concerns. Rita has several tea
programs available that will take you back to those
charming afternoons. All of which can be customized
for your special event!
"Charming and animated, (Rita) Parisi brings her audience into the quaint and often humorous world of 1908."   -Sally Applegate, North Andover Citizen
1908 Tea

In 1908, the world was on the cusp of
change.  The traditions of the Victorians
were giving way to a modern way of
thinking.  The automobile, airplane,
changes in fashion, entertainment, and
social conventions were altering the lives
of people forever.  Let Rita entertain you
during her afternoon tea as she tells you
about her trip to Boston.  Then engage in
an open discussion as she shares
with you her latest issue of the Ladies
Home Journal*

*Issues discussed change monthly.

Available all year round
Rita Parisi as a character of an elegant fashionista from the turn of the last century regaled her tea time guests with her observations on everything
from the new (Filene's) Bargain Annex to the latest technologies of the time.  The underlying theme of her performance is the subtle observations
that show the more things have changed, the more they have stayed the same."  -Townsend Trilogy

Edwardian Christmas Tea

Enjoy an afternoon or evening of holiday cheer
as Rita transports you back to Christmas 1908.
Find out what ladies, gentlemen and children
wanted in their stockings that year, as well as
the holiday traditions. Take a moment from the
holiday stress as Rita shares with you her plans
for the holiday including her preparation of a
Christmas dinner.  And don't forget to bring
along your "Christmas Wish List" and Rita will
open up her 1908  Sears & Roebuck catalogue
and let you know how much it will cost you!


Available November 23 through December 23

" We loved your performance-it was fun, informative, and a
great excuse to serve a proper, fancy tea and return to a more
relaxed time. A refreshing break. Thanks."
- Susan Tallman, Director Lunenburg Public Library

"(Rita) Parisi, a charming and animated storyteller, skillfully
drew her audience back in time and led her guests in a lively
conversation, encouraging questions and comments...an
entertaining afternoon with glimpses into the lives of our
grandmothers."
-Pelham-Windham News

"Rita Parisi, as the charmingly dressed, Mrs. Gordon, a lady
from 1908, entertained and informed the audience.   There was
much laughter and all enjoyed a relaxing visit back in time.
Rita's performance would appeal to teenage girls as well as to
women of a certain age and beyond."
-Janet Loske,  Director Newburyport Library

" I found (Rita) engaging, entertaining and enthralling...I was
indeed able to sit, relax and enjoy."
-Sue Sutch, Director  Mary E. Bartlett Library
Upcoming Performances***

Blackstone Library, MA -May 8, 2008
Mill Pond Center for the Arts-May 10, 2008
Longmeadow Council on Aging, MA -May 21, 2008
Dunstable Library, MA -May 24, 2008
Peabody Institute, MA -June 11, 2008
The Cozy Tea Cart, NH - June 21, 2008
Warwick Public Library, RI - June 25, 2008
Gill-Montague Council on Aging, MA -June 17, 2008
Douglas Council on Aging, MA -August 6, 2008
Dudley-Tucker Library, NH - August 13, 2008
Portsmouth Free Library, RI -October 9, 2008
Hubbard Memorial Library, MA -October 23, 2008
Page Memorial Library, MA -October 25, 2008
West Springfield Public Library, MA -October 29, 2008
Princeton Public Library, MA -October 30, 2008
Hollis Social Library, NH - November 17, 2008
Rockland Memorial Library, MA -December 2, 2008
East Providence Library, RI -December 8, 2008
Ashaway Free Library, RI - December 13, 2008

*** If you see that I am performing on a particular day that you would like
to book me, please ask if I'm available to perform. Often, I can do several
performances in one day.

Past Performances

Monson Council on Aging, MA -May 7, 2008
Middleton Council on Aging, MA -May 5, 2008
W. Warren Library Association/Senior Center, MA -April 29, 2008
Georgetown's Women's Guild, MA -April 25, 2008
Agawam Library, MA -April 19, 2008
New Salem Public Library, MA -April 12, 2008
Wedding House, NH (Private) -April 5,2008
Brimfield Council on Aging, MA - March 14, 2008
Gloucester Council on Aging, MA -March 12, 2008
Pittsfield Senior Center, NH -February 27, 2008
JV Fletcher Library, MA -February 20, 2008
Westborough Public Library-January 6, 2008
Chicopee Public Library-December 18, 2007
Needham Free Public Library-December 2, 2007
Manchester Woman's Club-November 20, 2007
Cozy Tea Cart Open House-November 10, 2007
Edgewood-September 17, 2007
Stevens Memorial Library-September 16, 2007
Agawam Library-August 6, 2007
Methuen Senior Center-June 20, 2007
West Brookfield Senior Center-June 4, 2007
Billerica Council on Aging-May 24, 2007
Hillcrest Terrace-May 13, 2007
Merrimac Council on Aging-May 11, 2007
Whipple Free Library-May 10, 2007
Middleton Senior Center-May 9, 2007
Westford Museum-May 6, 2007
Princeton Public Library-May 3, 2007
Douglas Council on Aging-May 2, 2007
Private Party-April 16,2007
Mansfield Council of Aging-April 13, 2007
Manchester Historical Society-April 4, 2007
Peterborough Senior Center-February 21, 2007
AntiquiTeas Tea Room-February 11, 2007
Orient Heights Library-February 9, 2007
For booking info, contact Rita Parisi at  (978)-430-1357 or at
ritaparisi@waterfallproductions.com
Popular Songs from 1908---click on icon to play...
Dill Pickles                     Merry Widow Two Step               Out in An Automobile
Afternoon Tea with the Charming Ladies from the Billerica Senior Center      
                                   May 2007

All Hallows Eve Tea     New for 2008!

Join Mrs. Gordon for a ghostly tea party  perfect for
the haunting season.  Be chilled and thrilled as she
recants some of her own uncanny experiences with
the supernatural.  Mrs. Gordon will also discuss         
                                        1908 Halloween traditions     
                                           and spiritualism including    
                                                her recent attendance    
                                                             of a seance.
Summertime Tea

Summertime...and the living was easy for many at the turn of the last century.  
Ladies and gentlemen strolled the promenades of Salisbury and Hampton
Beaches. There they would enjoy the beach, bandstand music, roller
skating, dining, dancing,    vaudeville theatre and opera.  For the
latest thrill rides and          amusements,  people would jump a
train or trolley to visit         the famed Mystic City by the Sea
at Revere Beach.    
                                                     







Join Mrs. Gordon for a summertime tea in which she will give you a first           
          hand account of what it was like to spend a day at the beach in 1908.
       Available from Memorial Day though Labor Day
Courtship Tea
How did young ladies and
gentlemen get aquainted back
courtship of course!  Courtship
was a ritual in which romance,
etiquette, and  socializing  played
an essential part.  Mrs. Gordon
will recount how her husband
courted her before marriage as
well as discuss the latest trend
amongst some young people of
"dating".

Great for Valentine's Day and
Mother/Daughter Teas


Available all year round except
October & December
Centennial Celebration Westborough Library 2008