Zürcher Theater Spektakel is an annual summer event on Lake Zurich, an anticipated event that sprawls along the shore for two weeks in August. We went on a cool Monday evening, three Swiss ladies and me. That's right, it was Ladies Night for this group. Before walking out to view the outdoor performances, we started with wine and hors d'oeuvres alfresco. It was fine; and I mean that in the best sense of the word.

The Theater Spektakel is truly entertaining. For me it was a bit unique; at least it had been awhile since I was walking under the stars and strung clear lights until late in the evening. The personalities of the performers were what should be expected: loud, cheerful, sarcastic, dramatic . . . you name it and you could find it by the Zürchersee that night.

Our strolling led us to another restaurant, where--alfresco, of course--we ordered wine and dinner--Spaghetti Napoli for me.

As we began to walk, something caught my attention. Fire flying above heads of dark shapes of people entranced by the spectacle. This became my favorite act; two young men who played with fire, certainly made more dramatic by the blackness surrounding both performers and audience. Watching them, I wanted to clap like a little child. Maybe I did.

Should I find myself in Zurich another August, I will return to the Zürcher Theater Spektakel for more enchanting, entrancing showmanship.