Sophie Tucker, a 13 year old African Grey Parrot had the party of a lifetime, a BIRD MITZVAH. Life partners, Raymond and Edward, were talked into a three day extravaganza by this feisty male ruler of their household.

An initial “hold the dates” tee shirt was sent to all prospective guests. Then a specially designed commemorative plate with Soph’s picture on the front and the actual invitation on the back was sent. A formal invitation was also mailed which contained brightly colored “parrot” feathers.

Friday night was an informal affair consisting of an Italian Buffet served under the guidance of Sophie’s watchful eye. A fifties musical group entertained.

Three hundred and fifty of Sophie’s nearest and dearest friends appeared on

Saturday evening, a Black Tie affair, for which the women were requested to wear red or gray and the men to wear brightly hued bow ties and cummerbunds. The place cards were parrot cookies with each person’s name and table number written in frosting.

An ensemble from the Broadway play, The Lion King, played during cocktail hour. The procession into the ballroom was announced by Heralds and led up the staircase by eighteen violinists. The room was festooned with elegant birdcage centerpieces, no two alike, filled with magnificent floral arrangements. The first course was Sophie’s choice, a mélange of pizza, chicken and cherry tomatoes served in an oversized Martini glass.

Each napkin ring consisted of a bird in a nest.

A completely edible, four foot high bird cage cake designed and made by one of New York City’s most notable pastry chefs, Colette Peters, took center stage during the candle lighting.  The honorees called upon to light each of the candles had previously been bitten by the Bar Mitzvah Bird and were given a gift to commemorate the occasion of the injury.

The evenings entertainment was topped off by a forty-four-piece orchestra and four opera singers, who wore outfits custom designed by Soph’s caregivers.

The guests were guided to a magnificent Rain Forrest for the finale of dessert and dancing. Surrounded by jungle animals and wait staff dressed in jungle print shirts, the tables laden with every imaginable treat lured revelers to eat and drink to the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday Brunch topped off the weekend with a more subdued party.

For more of Sophie Tucker’s fantastic escapades at this once in a lifetime celebration you can read all about it in Bird Talk Magazine.