Fanfare: Attack Theatre's One Night Stand at the Ace Hotel in East Liberty

Chances were ridiculously slim that Attack Theatre would err on the side of the thinly veiled innuendo when it came to choosing a name for its new performance fundraiser.

“It's a One Night Stand,” said co-founder Michele de la Reza as guests began filtering into the Ace Hotel on Feb. 13.

So, no chance of a long-term relationship? Not even a spring fling?

“There's a certain amount of spontaneity that's important in the creative process, and we wanted people to feel that tonight,” she explained.

Lest anyone arrive still in a cloud of confusion to the event that had been created to replace the now-retired Dirty Ball, decor inside of the gymnasium of the former East Liberty YMCA included a chalkboard asking, “What was your first kiss like?” and a bed vignette set up in the corner. Meanwhile, rumor had it that, prior to the party's start, VIPs had been upstairs enjoying a mobile cocktail party that went from room to room with ensembles that were fit for the occasion.

“I was going for discreet,” quipped Murry Gerber with his wife, Cindy, both clad in silk pajamas. “Now I might blush.”

Midway through the evening, guests were advised to clear a path for what eventually would be the debut of dancers Kaitlin Dann, Nile Alicia Ruff, Dane Toney, Ashley Williams and Anthony Williams, who rolled through the crowd of 200 riding hoverboards. And, by eve's end, it was clear that the organizers should have set up confessional booths.

“Next year,” laughed co-founder Peter Kope.

Spied were Rebecca Himberger, Marina and Ken Lehn, Mark Flaherty and Mary McKinney, Veronica Corpuz and Alex Thomson, Mark Phillis, David Onufer and Paul Purdy, Steve Mendelson, Anna Baird, Brian Siewiorek, Eileen and Patrick Jordan, RichardParsakian andKate Colligan.

Kate Benz is a Tribune-Review contributing writer. Send news to Fanfare@tribweb.com.