Jamal and Armand called a meeting with Dildar, Hassan, Jim, Justin, Scotty and Harvey (on Skype) to discuss a Wooden Anniversary gala for Grant and Majid.  It would be five years since the jinn witnessed the exchanging of rings between the two lovers in a cave within a mountain in Kurdistan.  The gala would be held at the Residence as an open house for the entire staff.  Jamal and Armand would be visible to all the guests since it would only include the Crystal Rainbow staff.  And everyone would give them a gift of wood – in the form of their own “woodie” to enjoy for the day and night.

“Very interesting idea,” Jim responded. “How would two human beings survive an all-day orgy?”

“We do have physical limitations,” Scotty agreed.  “Would there be something we could arrange to celebrate the occasion that would be less strenuous on the two honorees?”

“Is anyone familiar with the musical show, Kismet?” Jim asked.  “It’s set in Bagdad and has some songs that became very popular many years ago.”  

“Grant has sung them through the years,” Harvey added from California.

“The girls could be in the show because they all have beautiful singing voices,” Scotty added. 

“How long is the show?” Hassan asked.

“It’s only two acts so the first act could be produced during the afternoon, take a break for dinner, then the second act in the evening,” Jim said. 

“It could be held in the Residence ballroom and the show could be performed like Theater in the Round style,” Scotty said excitedly as he got caught up with the idea. 

“What’s that?” Dildar asked.

“The audience sits around the stage, or performing area, and the show is in the center of the group,” Scotty explained.  “Regardless of where you are sitting, performers are facing you all the time!”

“Set in Bagdad,” Arman confirmed.  Jim nodded his head.

“With Arabian costumes and harem girls?” Jamal asked. 

Jim nodded his head again.  “There are ten or eleven male roles and four female roles.  That would leave two girls to cover the Club diner.”

“And old Arabian instruments?” Arman asked.  Jim nodded again.

“What does ‘Kismet’ mean?” Scotty asked.

“Destiny!” the two Iraqis said together.

“The Fates came together to cause Majid and Grant to meet when they did,” Dildar reminded the group. “Majid had just lost his fiancée and Grant walked into his life.”

“In between the acts, we could have a banquet in the Lodge’s private dining room,” Hassan offered.

“Are there any outsiders we should ask to come as a surprise for them?” Dildar asked.

“Maybe Grant’s best friend, Howie Staunton,” Scotty suggested.

“Oh, please,” Jim muttered under his breath.  “Do you think his sister and her husband would be interested in being here?” he asked aloud.

“If there is going to be any suck-fest I don’t think they would be interested!” Arman said firmly.

“So, that would exclude their families completely,” Jamal added.

“Harvey will be here,” Scotty reminded them.  “Just him, and Howie as Grant’s guest.”

“And for Majid?” Dildar asked.

“Don’t you have a cousin who is here in America?” Arman asked.

Dildar’s eyes lit up!  “Yes!” he exclaimed.  “Khalil!” 

Hassan got very interested.  “Where does he live?”

“I think in New York or New Jersey.”

“Arman, do you think you could locate him? What’s his last name, Dil?”

“Jubran.”

“Does he have a family here?” Hassan asked.

“I don’t know,” Dildar replied.

“How many Khalil Jubran’s would be in either New York or New Jersey?” Scotty asked?

Dildar and Hassan shrugged their shoulders.  “Not many!” Hassan guessed.

“Arman, could you help me locate him?” Dildar asked.  “Then I could invite him to join us.”

“It would be my pleasure, Young Master,” Arman replied.

With the basics taken care of, everyone went his separate way.  That evening, Scotty and Harvey chatted again on Skype.  Harvey was excited about the anniversary plans.

“I’ve seen “Kismet” several times through the years, although it’s rarely performed anymore,” Harvey told Scotty.  “I’ve got some thoughts about the production that might work well, so we can get with the group and I’ll have a setting laid out to suggest to them.  Has the cast been selected yet?”

“I doubt it.  We just talked about it today,” Scotty replied. 

“Okay, love.  Let’s get together with the production and music people when I’m there this weekend.  So Howie’s going to be one of the invited?”

“He is.”

“I’ll call him tomorrow and make the arrangements with him as a surprise appearance.”

“What’cha got in mind?” Scotty asked.

“Howie and Majid’s cousin will be the surprises, right?”

“Yeah,” Scotty replied, tentatively.

“I’ll tell you when I see you.  It will be clearer then,” Harvey countered.  “Now you have a reason to want to see me!”

“As though I don’t have enough reason already, love!” Scotty replied.

Harvey’s flight was an hour late Friday night, but Scotty was at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport waiting for him.  Harvey had a portfolio of sketches to show the guys who were putting the show on, plus three copies of the libretto and score of “Kismet.”  The next morning, he met in Scotty’s office with everyone involved in the production. 

The musical would be in the ballroom with the instrumentalists between the organ and piano.  A sheer curtain would separate them from the arena-style stage and audience.  Sheer, colorful curtains would line the ballroom and be draped from the ceiling to create a “tent” effect.  Grant and Majid would be seated at the far end of the room, Dildar and Hassan would be seated on one side of the ballroom, Jim and Justin on the opposite side, and Scotty and Harvey up near the “orchestra area.”  Arabian style chairs would be around the entire room, except for the foyer and sunroom entrances for the cast to use.  The members of the chorus would be seated between and behind these couples and perform from their seats.  Everyone in the audience, including any special guests, would wear “Aladdin” style costumes.

“How will we get Khalil and Howie here for the surprise?” Dildar asked.

“I’m glad you asked!” Harvey said.  “The eight of us and any guests Grant and Majid will know about will take our seats, followed by the Chorus.  Those guys will take seats randomly, leaving empty seats on either side of ours.  Howie and Khalil will be among that group and take their seats next to Grant and Majid.  There’s the surprise.  The rest of the cast will finish taking their seats.”

“How will we get them here without Majid and Grant seeing them?” Hassan asked.

 “They will spend the night before at the Lodge then come up here with you and Dildar.  They will gather over at the dorm with the cast then come across as the honorees are being seated.”

“What about the local guests that Majid and Grant know about?” Jim asked.

“They will be escorted to their seats in pairs by the members of the chorus.”

“When will you tell them about the performance?”

“In a couple of weeks.  That will leave a couple of weeks for the local guests to be contacted and schedule it,” Harvey replied.

“What about the ‘out-of-towners?” Scotty asked.

“I’ll call Howie as soon as we finish here because he might have a scheduling issue.  As soon as Dildar can locate Khalil, he can call him.”

“Forgive the interruption, gentlemen,” Arman spoke up.  “Masters Majid and Dildar’s cousin has been located in Paterson, New Jersey.  He resides with his younger son, Ahmed and the son’s friend, Dale.”

“Very interesting!” Harvey commented, stretching the comment out like Artie Johnson on ‘Laugh In.’

“Thank you very much, Arman,” Dildar said.  “I’ll contact him this evening – and find out more about Ahmed and Dale!  Maybe we’ll invite all three of them for the party.”

“Then the son and friend can sit with you and Hass,” Scotty suggested.

“Maybe some of the local guests can be seated with Justin and me and others with Scotty and Harvey,” Jim mentioned.  “That way, none of the local guests are without a personal host.”

“Very good, Jim,” Harvey said.  “I’m hoping we can get some of the musical instruments that are unique to the Arab world, and particularly Iraq since this is set in Bagdad.”

“We can arrange that, Master Harvey,” Jamal assured him.  “And we will ensure the musicians are proficient on each one.”

“Okay!  Here are the scores for instrumentals and music for the vocals,” Harvey summarized.  “This batch has designs for the ballroom, including seating arrangements.  Here are sketches for the costumes and women’s hair styles.  Whoever is going to cast the main characters, please get with me sometime after lunch with your suggestions.”

Harvey’s cellphone rings and he sees it is Grant calling him.

“Morning, Grant!  How much is up?  All five inches?”

“Bitch!  That’s when I’m uninterested.  When I’m interested, I’ll rattle your G-spot any day.  But that’s not why I’m calling on a Saturday morning when you’re trying to get your energy for the day.  When are you going to be back here?”

“That depends.  If it’s to rattle Scotty’s G-spot, this afternoon.  If it for Scotty to rattle my G-spot it’ll be a couple of hours later!  What can I do you out of, cousin?”

“Are you here this weekend?”

“Sho-nuff!  Just wrapping up a meeting in my weekend office.  At the risk of being redundant, what can I do you out of, cousin?”

“You got plans for lunch?”

“Yes.  Sleeping through most of the afternoon after woofing down a burger and a beer.  I’m worn to a frazzle, as Grandma used to say.”

“What about dinner?” Grant asked.  “I’d like to run some plans by you and get your perspective about them.”

“I’ll have to make it up to Scotty afterward,” Harvey commented.

“You’ll have all night to do that, including having a tasty Canadian éclair,” Grant said as a retort.

“Deal!  Six-thirty where?”  Harvey asked.

“Here.  The  residence.”

“See you then!”  Harvey turned off his phone and looked at Scotty.  “Sorry, babe.  We’ll have to have dessert later this evening in the form of a Canadian éclair.  Boss said so!”

“Fuck!” Scotty cursed under his breath.

“That too!” Harvey quipped.  “Can you take a nap with me after a burger and a beer?”

“As long as I can snuggle back against a jousting pole while we nap!”  Scotty smirked.

“Either that or I snuggle on a hard “Mountie!”  Harvey replied.

That evening, Harvey showed up at the Residence several minutes before the appointed time.  Grant and Majid welcomed him with hugs and kisses, which he reciprocated.  When they went into the dining area, Grant took him into the alcove for privacy, where they were served immediately.  Majid ate with the rest of the crew.

“Something’s going on,” Harvey said.  “What’s so private that Majid is not with us?”

“Majid knows about this but I wanted some alone time with you,” Grant assured him.  “He and I will both be gone for at least a week in October.  Nobody else know about this but Dildar and Hassan.  And they may go somewhere together also.  That means that half of the Administrators would be away at the same time.  What I would like to find out is when you will come on board full time and move back East.”

“As a matter of fact, I am planning to wrap everything up in California before the middle of September.  I’ve got two weeks’ vacation available which I’ll take to close out the condo and drive back here, so I should be here by the first of October full-time.”

“I could kiss you right now!” Grant exclaimed.  “But I’ll save that for when you claim my ass for your pleasure!”

Harvey nearly choked on a slice of meat from laughing.  When he could recover, he commented, “I’ll take you up on that before you leave on vacation.  Can you tell me where you’re going?”

“I cannot.  That is for Maji and me to know and no one to find out!  We will tell everybody at the same time that we’ll be gone when you get settled in.  What I would like for you to do while we’re gone is to cover for me at The Club and for Hassan at The Lodge if he and Dil are gone at the same time.”

“Wow!  You’re putting me to work instantly, huh?” Harvey asked.

“Between now and then, we’ll indoctrinate you in what you’ll need to know about both operations.  Tonight and tomorrow I’d like to introduce you around to the bartenders, dancers, and security staff who work the Club.  And also the staff for the diner upstairs.  If that won’t work with your schedule, we’ll put it off until you’re here the next time.” 

“We’ve got some time until you leave, so I can bone up on that stuff over the next couple of months,” Harvey clarified.  “Scotty is already up on the financial stuff for both locations so it’s mostly the PR stuff of keeping the staff happy – right?”

“Mostly, yes,” Grant replied.  “The staff know their jobs and yeah, it’s mostly letting them know they have backup from Administration.”

“And when they get things right, I give them a blowjob, like you do, and then I fuck ‘em if they screw up!”

“Pretty much, except the Munchkins keep everybody happy with irregular sexcapades!” Grant clarified.  “The little guys are waiting to welcome you to the group in their own inimitable way.”

“An orgy with me as the centerpiece?”  Harvey asked, amazed.

“Sure!  Why not?”

“Will Scotty have to fight them off?”

“No, but he might join in if you want him to!” Grant quipped.                   

After dinner, Grant and Majid took Harvey over to the Club and began introducing him to everybody who was on duty.  They went backstage and downstairs to the dancers’ lounge, practice room, shower.  When the dancers saw the three ‘visitors,’ they screamed, yelled, pretended to be embarrassed at being caught nude while stretching for their performances later in the evening.        

“Get out!  I don’t have my makeup on!”       “Where are my panties?”      “Don’t look!”     

“Mmm-mmm, you tryin’ to hide those nipples, baby?  My tongue is reeaaady for them!” one dancer said while waving his tongue like Gene Simmons.

After being introduced to Harvey, they welcomed him as a new member of the staff with hugs and kisses.  Some of them had already met him with Grant and also Scotty as a Club newbie life member. 

The three took the elevator up to the diner and got the tour of the place, meeting hostesses, servers and kitchen staff.  Everyone was very welcoming to the new P.R. man.

Harvey was back at the Crystal Rainbow a couple of weeks later for the “Kismet” performance.  Jim had arranged a charter plane to pick up Dildar and Majid’s cousin, his son and ‘friend’ in Paterson, NJ, at the Essex County airport, then stop off at College Park (MD) Airport to pick up Howie.  They arrived at Fulton County Airport – Charlie Brown Field in time for dinner at the Lodge after checking in.  Dildar and Hassan were at the airport to pick them up in the regular limousine.  Howie rode shotgun with Hassan so Khalil and Dildar could be together in the middle seat and Ahmed, who prefers to go by Mick, and Dale in the third row.  The cousins got caught up on their years apart and how life in America was so different from Iraq.  Hassan had one ear on the Arabic and the other helping him converse with Howie in English.  It’s a wonder he could find his way home!  Lol

After dinner, Howie and Khalil wanted to just relax in their rooms.  Mick and Dale asked about the Club. 

Fabio was working the desk.  “Your Lodge room key is your pass into the Club and also your charge card for your drinks.  That will be added to your bill when you leave.”

“Do we have to walk over there?” Mick asked.

“No, you can use one of the golf carts to take you over and back,” Fabio replied.  Make sure you remember the number of your cart and keep the key with you while you’re in the Club.  Any gratuities for the bartenders or dancers are cash only.  Large bills can be changed here, at the entrance or from the bartenders.  The Club closes by three a.m.  Your room key will activate the doors to this building 24-7.  Rajesh will probably be on duty when you return.  Anything else I can help you with?”

“I don’t think so,” Mick replied.

“Thanks for all your help, Fabio,” Dale added.

The two visitors got a key to a golf cart and went to the club for the evening.  At the entrance they told Halldór they were staying at the Lodge and he asked them to slide their key for verification.  Their information popped up on the screen and it told him they were eligible for free, lifetime memberships at Hassan and Dildar’s authorization.

“Gentlemen, my information tells me you are to be given lifetime memberships at the owners’ request.  May I scan your driver’s licenses and take a picture for your membership cards?”

The two visitors looked at each other, “The owner’s request?” they said together.

“Yes, Mr. Faisal and Mr. Hassan are two of The Crystal Rainbow’s owners, along with Mr. Mustafa and Mr. Richards,” Halldór replied.

“Oh, shit,” Mick said quietly.  “Okay.  Shoot away,” he added as he looked the Security Chief in the eyes and grinned.

“Next,” Halldór said as Dale took his lover’s place.

Dale looked the big man in the eyes also and said “Pusseee.” 

All the security guys behind the counter laughed at the way he said it, but they got the picture.

“Your Lodge card will identify you this evening, then you can pick up your membership cards when you leave.  If no one has mentioned it ….”

“Dil, Hass and Fabio have stressed that to us,” Mick interrupted.

“We’re from Newark and passing through on our way home,” Dale said.

The security guys laughed again.  “Your cards will be ready in about an hour,” the big Norseman told the two and buzzed them through the entrance to the bar.

When Mick and Dale stepped inside, they couldn’t believe their eyes.  The hot man behind the bar, the cute barbacks milling around, and some of the hottest men they had ever seen talking with guests.  The men were built like brick shithouses, and their Bikinis left very little to the imagination.  They thought, ‘These must be the dancers!’  The music playing was of a Middle Eastern tone, very sultry and absolutely erotic.  The dancers were swaying to the music, although no one was on stage yet.

“Mick, am I just imagining it, or is the stage designed like an erect dick between a pair of balls?” Dale asked his lover.

“It is!” Mick replied.  “Oh, we’re going to make good use of our memberships in the years to cum!”  He emphasized the last word by wiggling his eyebrows, like Groucho. 

“Let’s get a drink,” Dale suggested.  “This C-note will get used up tonight!”

“I’ve got one to match yours,” Mick replied. 

They stepped over to the bar and each laid their cash on the counter. 

“Can we each get a Coors and change?  The guy at the Lodge said we could break these here,” Dale asked. 

“Of course, sir!  Here are your Coors, and I’ll be right back with your change,” the bartender told them.

“Did you see the size of that dude?” Mick asked his partner.

“Is he a bouncer or a bartender?” Dale asked.

Just then he returned with the C-notes cashed.  “Here you are gentlemen.  Please count them for me.”

They counted out one hundred dollars in twenties, tens, fives and ones. 

“Do you want your tab on your room card?”

“That would be fine,” Mick said.  “Here’s mine.  Everything can go on that and I’ll take care of it when we check out.”

“Very good, sir.” 

Dale asked the big guy, “Are you a bartender or bouncer?”

“Yes!” he replied.  “Usually I’m a bartender but have been known to bounce a few guys around occasionally.  My name is Gunner.  If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.  I see that might be another Coors each!  It’s on the tab!”

The two guests laughed.  “Thanks, Gunner,” Dale said.  “I guess you get your name from the guns you carry with you!”

Gunner laughed and flexed both ‘guns’ that measured a good nineteen inches when flexed.  “Get Majid to show you the video of Rajesh’s and my wrestling match.  It took nearly forty-five minutes before one of us submitted.”

“Wow!” the two guests said together.  Just then the door opened and two men walked in.

“Speaking of Majid, here he is with Grant,” Gunner said.

“Talking about me behind my back again?” Majid asked.

“We were just talking about my match with Rajesh and how long it ran,” the bartender explained.  “Majid, Grant, these are first time visitors, Mick and Dale.”

The men shook hands and Majid and Grant welcomed them to The Crystal Rainbow. 

“What brings you to Atlanta?” Grant asked.

“We were passing through the Atlanta area, saw the billboard on I-75 and decided to spend the weekend here,” Dale explained. 

“And after seeing what we’ve seen so far, we’re glad we did,” Mick added.

“You’re staying at the Lodge?” Majid asked.

“Sure are,” Dale replied.  “And I cannot believe this place.  I’d be in favor of extending our trip for at least a week.”

“And they ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” Gunner added, chuckling.  “They haven’t been here long enough for more than a beer and a half, or for the dancers to hit on them yet!”

“Well, enjoy your visit.  There’s a lot to see,”  Grant told them. 

“We’ll see you guys later,” Majid added as they shook hands again and moved on.

“That went well,” Gunner commented.

Both guests gave him a thumbs-up as they moved off into the Club area to meet some of the dancers who were milling around before the show started.  Harley had the music setting the pace for the evening and the dancers were becoming very friendly – basically warming up the audience!

Sahi, one of the dancers that evening, came up to the two guests recognizing them as newbies to the Club.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” Sahi said.  “You’re new here this evening.”

“Yeah, we just got into town,” Mick replied.

“Staying at the Lodge?” the dancer asked.

“Room 321, if you really want to know,” Dale offered.

“Is that an invitation?”

“Are you taking it as an invitation?” Dale responded.

“If you don’t mind being awakened about three o’clock in the middle of the night.”

“We don’t mind, if you’re still ‘up’ for it.”

“Oh, I’m always ‘up’ for some action, easy and erotic or rough and tumble.  The beds at the Lodge are designed for either.”

“What do you think of a three-way?” Mick asked?

“That’s the best of both worlds,” Sahi replied. 

“What’s the rate?” Mick asked?

“One and a half for the three-way, or whatever you think it’s worth – whichever comes last!” Sahi snarked.

“What’s the rate for the sampler here?” Dale asked.

“Twenty for ten minutes ….”

“Or whoever cums last?” Dale quipped?

“Pretty much.”

“Where are the lap-dances held here?”

“There’s a private lounge on the other side of the DJ’s booth,” Sahi answered.  “Sampling on stage and at the tables are whatever they’re worth to you.”

“Later, stud!” Mick said. 

Sahi leaned in and offered his tongue to them both while groping them both.  He turned away smiling as big as the two young men were.

“I hope that’s what they call ‘Southern hospitality!’” Mick said.

All six of the dancers for the evening greeted and chatted with the two guys from New Jersey before the show began.  Then at nine o’clock, the music increased in volume and the six men came on stage, gyrating and being as erotic as they could in shorts and Tees.  The initial show lasted ten minutes, then all but one left the stage and he began the stripping.  Ten minutes later a second dancer joined him but five minutes later, the first man left the stage after stripping to his T-bar.

Backstage, Sahi and the other dancers were talking about the special new members.  Chipo commented that he got the feeling they were coming on to him.

 “You know who they are?” Sahi asked.

“Sure.  The special guests this weekend,” Chipo replied.

“You want to get together with them with me as a two-fer?” Sahi asked.

“Why not?  Should be fun — and when it comes to guests like these, what’s money?” Chipo quipped.

“We’ll get a quick shower right after lights out and head down to The Lodge.”

“I’m with you, bro!”  Chipo agreed.

As the night went on, the show got more and more raunchy. About eleven o’clock, one dancer had a rainbow pouch that isolated the fully erect cock and a pouch to hold ‘the boys.’  As he came on stage he went up behind the dancer who was wearing a standard supporter and rammed him in the rear end.  The receiving dancer looked shocked and began hollering and yelling,  “Get that fuckin’ battering ram out of me or I’ll break it off in there!”  The other dancer grabbed him around the chest and proceeded to pinch and twist his nipples until the victim began to expand inside his pouch.  The guy who was being fucked and pinched soon calmed down, leaned back against his attacker, wrapping his arms around the newcomer’s neck.  They swayed together for a minute or so, when the man in front bent forward, taking his rapist with him, flung him over his head directly and he landed seated on the stage with his legs on either side of the brass pole used in the shows. 

After the laughter and applause died down, he looked around and commented, “Fuck it!”  He got up and stomped off stage as the next dancer came on to more laughter and applause.

By one a.m., the dancers began stripping all the way.  Some wore cock rings, some with ball separators, and others had the heavy leather straps.  But all of them were fully erect and ready to rock-and-roll!  They had straps on their legs and arms for the tips.  Mick and Dale were front and center for the lights-out closing where the dancers sat nude on the edge of the stage for the up-close-and-personal finale.  As they came up to Sahi and Chipo, they tipped them, kissed them, and reminded Sahi of the room number, then left.

When the couple got back to The Lodge, they met Rajesh, who was behind the counter, and told him they were expecting visitors and to send them up.  They left their room door ajar so the dancers would know to come in, then they jumped in the shower.  As they were stepping out of it, the dancers softly called to them, then closed and bolted the door. 

Each room in the facility was built to be totally soundproofed from the room next to it.  However, the security camera was working perfectly in case security was needed.  And Rajesh was glued to the security monitor for the next two hours.  In those two hours, the four men were in every position possible.  In the first hour, the guests gave up a load of semen each to the dancers and received a load of antibiotic semen orally from each of them.  In the next hour, the dancers provided another injection through the southern entrance, ensuring that both guests were fully immune from any sexually transmitted disease.  Before the dancers left, they received another load each from the Jerseyites. 

The dancers also refused any payment, but the two out-of-towners insisted and gave them each a very generous reward.  Down in the lobby, the dancers spoke to Rajesh who was just cleaning himself up from viewing the live feed coming from upstairs.

“Hope you enjoyed it, elephant!” they kidded the security man.  “Let us know if you need any more lessons.”

Rajesh flipped them a bird, and they responded with, “You name the time and place!  We’ll be ready!”

The two young guys slept through breakfast, as much as Mick’s dad tried to awaken them.  They did show up for ‘brunch’(?) at noon and were ready for the musical performance by one. 

At one o’clock, the cast began arriving at the dorm beside the Residence.  The out-of-towners each rode with a separate cast member to the staging area.  Jamal and Arman were setting up the ballroom with appropriate draping and décor.

At two o’clock, the musicians took their place between the organ and piano, shielded from the stage and audience by a sheer curtain.  A few minutes later, they began playing the overture to ‘Kismet’ on period instruments.  The chorus escorted Grant and Majid, Dildar and Hassan, Jim and Justin, Scotty and Harvey to their seats around the room.  Their escorts taking seats behind each.  Then two more chorus members escorted Mick and Dale to their seats beside Dildar and Hassan.  Finally four cast members escorted Howie and Khalil to their seats next to Grant and Majid.  Pure shock showed on the honorees’ faces.

They stood as they recognized the two who were dressed in Aladdin style costumes.  Then everyone shouted, “Happy Anniversary!” to the founding couple.  The orchestra had to replay the Overture a few times before everybody shut up!  Grant even planted a kiss on Howie’s cheek — no lips or tongue!  Majid and Khalil exchanged the formal cheek kisses typical of Mid-Eastern men.

Then the show began — with the jinn hosts making the opening remarks.

Jamal and Arman walked in from each entrance, dressed as they were five years ago.  Everyone could see them and see through the sheer pantaloons — except Khalil and Howie, both being straights.

“Gentlemen!” they said together.  Then Jamal continued.  “Five years ago, Grant Richards and Majid Mustafa met in Bagdad where there was an obvious, instant attraction to each other.”

Howie closed his eyes and stuck his fingers in his ears.  “I don’t want to hear this!” he said as the room full of people burst into laughter.

“Majid was coming off a period of mourning, having lost his fiancée in a terrorist bombing.”

“And Grant was coming off a long airplane flight.”

Arman continued.  “They worked together for several months, gradually acknowledging the affection for each other until they realized that attraction was true love.”

Jamal picked up the story there.  “One weekend they were hiking in the mountains along the Iranian border, where we met and the four of us decided we were all meant for each other.”

“We helped them find a pair of rings to seal their commitment and were with them as they accepted the rings from each other, leading to this gathering today!”

“Since all of this took place in the area of Bagdad, this production seemed appropriate to celebrate this happy occasion.  The word ‘Kismet’ means ‘Destiny.’  And it was destiny that brought us all together.”

“Please enjoy the Crystal Rainbow production of ‘Kismet!”  Arman concluded, then he and Jamal took seats at either entrance and the music continued.

Kismet Cast

Marsinah (Mezzo-Soprano) — Avra

LaLume  (Mezzo-Soprano) — Kesi

Bangle Man (Tenor) — Caleb

Pearl Merchant (Baritone) — Filip

Ayah — Ceri

Master Brigand Jawan —Ratan

Hassan Ben — Alvin               

Yusef — Avri

“Hajj” The Poet (Baritone) — Dawit

Wazir (Baritone) —  Zuberi

Caliph (Tenor) — Ryan

Policeman (Baritone) — Viktor

Princess Zubbediya — Juana            

Omar — Bret

Imam — Jason

Chorus — seated around the room