The Secret Sessions: Casablanca Event Revival Bar Toronto

We arrived at Revival Bar event space in Toronto and knowing only a few things in advance. The theme was the  1940‘s Casablanca; we needed to dress film noir style. Mono-colours Black, white and gray were encouraged and we had to provide our travel identity papers at the door to enter. Thus began our evening at The Secret Sessions: The Movie Experience. Revival Bar had been transformed into 1940’s Morocco, and we were now patrons of Rick’s Cafe Americain. The movie we were now a part of was Casablanca (the classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman).

The Secret Sessions: The Movie Experience Casablanca

The actors were in complete character and were always interacting with the guests. There was the cynical Rick Blaine, the mysterious Ilsa Lund, the shady Ugarte, the tough Captain Louis Renault and the talented Sam. We were serenaded with songs from the movie, and later on, we were encouraged to sing along to “As Time Goes By,”and participate in group dances as well.

There was a sensual belly dancer who brought up guests to dance with her. The casino was set up on the second floor and guests could watch the actors gamble (just like in the film).

The Moroccan cuisine (provided by Saucy Affairs& Catering) featured a couscous station ( couscous with apricots and fresh herbs), roasted grilled vegetables, spiced roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, beef seekh kabab, ras el hanout spiced chicken seekh kabab, pitas with sweet potato hummus, white butter bean dip, and eggplant dip. It was all very delicious and authentic

Rick’s Signature cocktails were named “Here’s Looking at You, Kid” ( rum, cherry liqueur, triple sec and lime juice), “Of All the Gin Joints” (gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and orange and mint), “Play it, Sam” ( bourbon, lemon, simple syrup,, orange and mint) and “The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship ” (citrus vodka, peach schnapps, lemon and a dash of cranberry juice).

fter the reception, guests were seated, and the screening of Casablanca began. During the movie, the actors would periodically reenact the scenes, which made it all seem so real and helped to understand the characters even better.
The Secret Sessions: The Movie Experience was such an authentic and fun experience. The actors were so talented and engaging, and we were constantly entertained throughout the night. We look forward to future editions.