The PREMIERE world centered on the theater facade and interior, with red velvet ropes defining the walkable space.   Flying was not allowed.  Bold red white and blue Pepsi ads peppered the area.  The illusion of a crowd was enhanced with the use of "stand in" actors strategically placed in the environment.

The simulation was delightfully convincing, and  a bit disorienting.    When I arrived 280+ avatars were present, a high count compared to the average of 150 or so in Alpha World, which always seems to have the most avatars present at any one time. 

Stars were mingling with the crowd.  ENZO was talking up a storm about AW.  I hung around on the street for a while and got my bearings, then wandered into the theater.  I visited the 13th Floor web site, and downloaded the trailer. 

The fashion for the evening was formal, black tie and tails.  All the Johns looked like stuffed penguins, but the dames were decked out in the finest virtual evening wear. 

I scanned the chat for good gossip.  There was more confusion than insight, with newbies figuring out how to walk interspersed with scattered greetings between friends, and the usual "how do I do this" AW chat.  Despite the disjointed conversation, there seemed to be a genuine excitement generated by the event.  Comments like "This is totally cool! I feel like I'm really there" were common.

Slowly the excitement died down, and the party slimmed down to about 80 Avatars.   People gathered in small clumps recapping highlights of the evening.  I chatted with a reporter, sidled in and offered my congratulations to ENZO for putting on a great show, and then wandered out into the street.  I had a good time, and I'll be back for the next one.  I didn't drink too much, and I didn't have to drive to get home.