[dylbert]

Surprise birthday sounds more about friend's lady being control freak... She controls him, thus, she wants to control his friends as well.

Recipe for fun and impeding disaster:

1. Invite your most lecherous male friend who has no association with your friend/acquaintance and have him put "full-court press" on control freak hostess.
2. Go Bohemian... no shower, no shave, no deodorant, no toothbrush for real friends. Nothing says short party like body odor!
3. Does friend have "old flame" or woman whose attention he could never attract? That is real catnip to new girlfriend types. Get that woman there! It is like trying to mix oil and vinegar or throwing gasoline on open flame! Stand back and enjoy "fireworks" that ensue.
4. I agree with take him out for beers/drinks BEFORE surprise event, or better yet get him sh!tfaced on prior evening. Nothing like alcohol and sleep deprivation to make for lousy party on following night.

Have fun being devious... and give us report on festivities. Don't laugh too hard!