The Muckenthaler previews annual RagFest

People of all ages snuck around the east side of The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Thursday night to whisper the words "orange juice" to the doorman, in hopes of getting a glimpse of the 1920s.

The venue was transformed in to the Ragtime Speakeasy, which came with all the essentials of the prohibition era.

Flappers and gangsters gathered around the "coffee bar" ordering drinks like the "Thumbscrew Driver," "Bloody Maurice" and the party favorite, the "Orange Hitman."

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center prides itself on its artistic exhibitions, engaging performances and it's first-rate educational programs. The 18-room establishment was built in 1924 so it was only fitting to have a "Roaring Twenties" themed event.

"Tonight's affair is a preview for RagFest, which is a festival we hold every spring. It's all ragtime music with 1920s style singers and performers. It's a lot of fun," The Muckenthaler's Director of Marketing said.

The Age of Intolerance was alive inside the historic building with men sporting the dapper ensembles of gangsters and bootleggers and women dressed as dazzling dames in their flapper costumes.

Lauren Gary of Placentia heard about the event at a job fair at her school (Cal State Fullerton) and decided to check out the event.

Gary wasn't the only one dressed to impress, Miles Bruner of La Mirada was outfitted in full mafiosa gear, sporting a trench coat, fedora and even a fake machine gun.

"This is the exact opposite of who I would be in the 1920s. I'd probably be one of those bohemians in the coffee shops like you would see in Midnight in Paris," he said with a laugh.

Bruner has been interning at The Muckenthaler over the summer for the administrative and educational departments and has been given the many great opportunities, including organizing the Ragtime Speakeasy event.

"The camaraderie among the staff and seeing how everyone has dug deep into character has been great. It's been really fun realizing that this is a job. This is what I get to do every day, it's pretty amazing," proudly stated Bruner.

The event was based around the live entertainment and authentic atmosphere. There was a gambling room in the back with a sign displaying "Private Party" and even a "doctor" giving out "prescriptions. " Those who received these illicit prescriptions were "very sick, and could only be cured with alcohol. "

Everyone seemed to be having a great time with their coffee and enjoying the jazz music.

"This is my first time at a Ragtime event here but I've been to other Muckenthaler events and they've all been great," said Orange native, Kristy Gill.

"There is always wonderful music here. The art they display and all the different exhibits they have are always really interesting. There's just always a really fun, exciting vibe here."

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center holds events frequently, ranging from music festivals to art exhibits and special theatrical performances. For those interested in 1920s specific events, RagFest is on Sunday, April 15 of this coming year and is the only ragtime music festival in Southern California.