For seven years, Chelsea residents Michael Albano and Eden Edwards have organized a dinner party at their home to benefit the Apollinaire Theatre and its free outdoor summer productions known as Apollinaire in the Park. “Of all the things Apollinaire does, it’s their best service to the community,” Michael explains.
A native of Somerville, Michael relocated to Chelsea in 1995 and soon sought opportunities to contribute to the community. “My father was always a community activist,” Michael notes. “It was just what you did in my family.” He participated in the Chelsea Collaborative and Green Space (now GreenRoots) and served as chairman of the Chelsea Planning Board for four years. Following the economic downturn, Michael directed his attention toward his business. When he became available to serve the community once more, he discovered Apollinaire Theatre Company.
After funding cuts led to the cancellation of the 2011 show, Michael joined the Apollinaire in the Park committee. Together with Eden’s support, they have created an annual dinner celebration featuring Michael’s culinary skills and performances by the Apollinaire in the Park ensemble. This summer’s production is Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and cast members will perform “Pyramus and Thisbe,” the play-within-a-play from Midsummer at the gathering.
Regarding their choice to make Chelsea home, Michael states, “Chelsea found me.” Eden, originally from Nebraska and a Chelsea resident since 2001, shares that she feels “lucky to have found Chelsea.” The couple characterizes their residence as a “Victorian beach house.” Victorian architectural elements incorporate nautical touches, including banisters carved with wave patterns. Built in 1895 by a Beacon Hill shipping captain as a secondary residence, it was the first home constructed in its Chelsea neighborhood. From the property, the captain would have enjoyed an unobstructed view of the nearby beach.
Michael’s cooking journey began at age eight when he prepared his first pizza. His father, involved in the restaurant industry, was the household cook. Michael’s culinary approach draws from French, American, and Italian traditions (he spent time living in Italy). He worked at the renowned Ciro’s restaurant in Boston and identifies himself as an enthusiastic food-lover.
The menu includes hors d’oeuvres, vegetables, ravioli, New York strip steak, roasted Tuscan chicken, and au gratin potatoes, accompanied by wine, beer, and soft drinks. (Eden ensures vegetarian options are available!) Apollinaire performer Ann Carpenter frequently contributes her well-regarded vegetarian lasagna. Pan y Café will provide desserts. For wine lovers, Eden and Michael offer a mini wine tasting and pairing from their personal collection as an optional add-on.
Though organizing the dinner requires significant effort—Eden’s sister, colleagues from Michael’s real estate firm, and friends regularly assist with preparations—the couple takes great satisfaction in seeing it become an established community tradition. “When people involved with the Chelsea community are in my house, it’s the most fun nights here apart from having family,” Eden remarks. The event takes place in June to maximize fundraising for the theatre’s July performances and to coincide with Michael’s birthday. The occasion allows Michael to introduce friends outside Chelsea to Apollinaire’s mission.
This year’s dinner is scheduled for June 15th at 7:00pm at 32 Crest Ave., Chelsea. Tickets are available through the theatre’s website at www.apollinairetheatre.com, at the door, or by calling 617-887-2336.
Apollinaire’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs July 11 – 29 at 7:30pm in Chelsea’s waterfront PORT Park, 99 Marginal Street. ALL performances are FREE. Contact the theatre to learn about opportunities to get involved with the show!
Apollinaire in the Park is a program of Apollinaire Theatre Company (ATC), Chelsea’s award-winning professional theatre. ATC produces adventurous contemporary theatre and free outdoor summer shows. The ATC’s home is the Chelsea Theatre Works in Chelsea Square, which houses their three theatres: the Apollinaire Theatre; the Riseman Family Theatre, home of their youth program, the Apollinaire Play Lab; and the Black Box—a co-working rental theatre for Boston Area performing artists. Visit them on the web at www.apollinairetheatre.com.