A detailed look at Cubism at the Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth

KIMBELL ART MUSEUM PROFILES PICASSO AND BRAQUE

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady


One of the joys of being a journalist is you sometimes get into preview events with extra insight and experts. And then it is our job to share it with you.
Recently, that happened at the Kimbell Museum.

I had a chance to preview the Picasso and Braque exhibit. Along with other lucky journalists, enjoyed an introduction and tour of this exciting exhibition by Eik Kahng, chief curator at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and Malcolm Warner, deputy director at the Kimbell Art Museum. Harry Cooper, curator of modern and contemporary art, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

The High Touch Addition
NEW INSIGHTS INTO PICASSO AND BRAQUE PAINTINGS
REVEALED ON IPAD APP DURING THE UPCOMING EXHIBITION
PICASSO AND BRAQUE: THE CUBIST EXPERIMENT, 1910–1912


Visitors to the upcoming Kimbell Art Museum exhibition Picasso and Braque: The Cubist Experiment, 1910–1912 will be able to use a specially created iPad application to delve more deeply into Cubism. “Advances in digital imaging and the convenience of an iPad provide new ways to look at and understand the processes, relationships, and stylistic developments of the revolutionary art form now known as Analytic Cubism,” commented Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum. “I’m thrilled that the Kimbell is able to provide this unique opportunity to Museum visitors.”
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Kimbell have been working with MegaVision, a digital-imaging company based in California, to capture spectral images of select pieces in the exhibition. The quality of spectral imaging surpasses that of normal professional photography, and it allows options for ultraviolet and infrared, which can reveal features invisible to the human eye.
Affectionately titled iCubist, the app was designed specifically for the Picasso and Braque exhibition. It will showcase the spectral images along with three other original activities and will be made available to exhibition visitors, free of charge, on 40 preloaded iPads.

The iCubist activities allow users to:
• View and study works with a level of detail and precision never before possible for museum audiences. Users will have the ability to manipulate a succession of digitized spectral images that show the artworks at different light frequencies (ultraviolet and infrared), revealing the most minute details. Such fascinating views of the paintings uncover important decisions made by the artists in developing their compositions.

• Deconstruct a Cubist composition and attempt to put it back together. By rebuilding these composite reproductions, visitors learn first-hand about the intellectual and creative processes employed by Picasso and Braque in their paintings. The physical act of moving visual elements emphasizes compositional choices made by the artists to create, for example, a sense of balance or movement. It also highlights recognizable elements and describes their significance.

• Compare digital reproductions of paintings by the featured artists, Picasso and Braque, by clicking on markers that pop up to explain key aspects of their individual styles. This interactive activity will help visitors exercise connoisseurship to distinguish between the artists’ hands, despite their close similarity during the Cubist years.

• Explore the history of Cubism by means of an illustrated timeline that includes vintage photography of the artists and their friends and reproductions of key works of art.

The iCubist app was designed and produced by Reza Ali for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Kimbell Art Museum. Picasso and Braque: The Cubist Experiment, 1910–1912 is on view at the Kimbell Art Museum from May 29 through August 21, 2011, and at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art from September 17, 2011, through January 8, 2012. It is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

**Pablo Picasso, Man with a Pipe, 1911, oil on canvas. Kimbell Art Museum. Photo © MegaVision. © 2011 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who took art lessons at the Chicago Art Institute as a child. A painting I did was chosen to hang in the museum.. She still draws like an exceptionally talented fourth grader.
Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com

A Season Finale Performance
Not to be Missed


Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Spring Celebration Series





Regina Taylor partners with Dallas Black Dance Theatre
on The Nina Simone Project

Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Spring Celebration Series is the season finale
performance that you must see. The dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre express the emotion, intrigue, power and passion of the High Priestess of Soul in The Nina Simone Project choreographed by the pioneer dance artists and dynamic choreographer Dianne McIntyre with narration by Crowns writer and Director,Regina Taylor.

Wednesday, May 25th through Sunday, May 29th
at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.

Audiences will be escorted through the life and times of American singer, Songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist Nina Simone. The ballet interprets the life and times of Ms. Simone from early childhood, through civil rights to her later life through dance and movement of the entire company.

Distinguished SMU Alumni and hometown favorite, Regina Taylor collaborates again with Dianne McIntyre on The Nina Simone Project. Many will remember the two dynamic artists joining on the highly acclaimed musical Crowns, which continues to be one of the most performed musicals in the country.

The Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, under the direction of Bernard Gaddis, brings the power and excitement of the company to the stage of the Wyly. Known for its passionate and relatable repertoire, LVCDT will bring their classical, modern and athletic style to the season finale as they perform Gabriel’s Sorrow and Sacrifus, both choreographed by Founder Bernard Gaddis.

“I am excited about this finale performance.” says Founder/Artistic Director, Ann Williams. “This performance series is full of emotion and thought provoking dance, video, and spoken word that is sure to move audiences."

PUT DALLAS BLACK BALLET SPRING CELEBRATION SERIES ON YOUR CALENDAR

Presented by TACA, co-sponsored by Bank of America, the Spring Celebration Series will entertain the seasoned as well as the novice arts enthusiast. Dallas gets an opportunity to experience Spring Celebration Series for five performances beginning Wednesday, May 25th at 7:00 p.m. with the Wine Down Wednesday performance sponsored by Jean Baptiste “Tad” Adoue III Fund of The Dallas Foundation; Thursday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, May 27th and 28th at 7:30 p.m. sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance Agent Carlos Clark; concluding with the Sunday, May 29th
matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Supporting sponsors for the series include RBC Wealth Management and The Raytheon Company.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now and available at www.dbdt.com or by calling (214) 880-0202. Group rates are available by calling (214) 871-2390.

About the Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, the mission of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. With an ever-expanding national and global audience, the company employs a diverse, multi-ethnic troupe of dancers,performing for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The ensemble, a contemporary modern dance company, consists of 12 professional, full-time dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern jazz, ethnic, and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers.

About Regina Taylor
With an impressive body of work that encompasses film, television, theater and writing, Regina Taylor’s career continues to evolve with exciting and challenging projects. Taylor is best known to television audiences for her role as Lilly Harper in the series “I’ll Fly Away.”

She received many accolades for her performance in the who including winning a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a TV series, an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and two Emmy Award nominating for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Taylor not only feels comfortable on the stage, she is also an accomplished playwright. Taylor’s critically acclaimed “Crowns” continues to be one of the most performed musicals in the country. It is the winner of four Washington D.C. Helen Hayes awards included Taylor’s win for Best Direction as well as Best Regional Musical. She was raised in Dallas, Texas and recently moved to Chicago.

MORE INFORMATION
All programs and artists subject to change. Wednesday and Thursday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

All performances are presented by Dallas Black Dance Theatre. 2009-2010 season sponsors are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA Channel 8, American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Downtown Business News, Elite News, The Dallas Weekly, Southside on Lamar, Black Business Directory, Dallas South News, DallasBlack.com,104.5 and 105.7 KRNB. American Airlines is the official airline of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. All performances are supported by the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who tries to see every performance of the Dallas Black Ballet.

Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com

Photo by Robert Hart

FORKS OVER KNIVES movie review

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady


I grew up eating healthy. Or so I thought.

Living in the Midwest, most people believed that beef and milk were good for you.
No one worried much about cholesterol.Salt was sprinkled on everything to make it taste better. Butter added richness. And I believed every meal should end with dessert. In fact, my family always laughed that the first thing I always asked when I sat down to a meal was, “What is for dessert?” I wanted to plan how much room I should save for the sweet ending.


The movie examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline traces the personal journeys of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist from Cornell University, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former top surgeon at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic.

Inspired by remarkable discoveries in their young careers, these men conducted several groundbreaking studies. Their separate research led them to the same startling conclusion: degenerative diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even several forms of cancer, could almost always be prevented—and in many cases reversed—by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet.

Despite the profound implications of the two doctor’s findings, their work has remained relatively unknown to the public. Bringing these scientific concepts to life, cameras follow “reality patients” who have chronic conditions from heart disease to diabetes, and are taught by their doctors to adopt a whole foods plant-based diet as the primary approach to treat their ailments.

The testimonials were impactful.

The film also features leading experts on health and tackles the issue of diet and disease in a way that will have people talking for years.

Sometimes the timing of when you see a movie effects how you respond to it. Recently, I had developed food allergies. After lots of doctor visits, over $1,000 worth of allergy testing, and a “challenge” (where a nurse watched me for several hours as I ate nuts and a doctor was available in the next room.) There was still no answer

I was not allergic to nuts. But everyone agreed something I ate was definitely causing the problem.

The problem was complicated by the fact that I review restaurants and judge food festivals. I do not always have much control over what I eat.

A friend insisted I try her naturopath. I was skeptical. After all, I had been married for 35 years to a doctor.

I had to wait 3 months to be able to see the doctor. He tested me and said my body was overloaded with sulfates—probably from taking lots of antibiotics. I was also very acidic.
He put me on a diet or no animal protein and limited me from eating tomatoes, vinegar, and anything acidic.

Five days later my symptoms disappeared. They only reappear when I “cheat” I felt great.

I decided to go to my regular doctor to have her check my progress. She drew blood and told me I had amazingly low cholesterol, very good scores for diabetes (which my dad, mother and brother had.) She left me a message when she got the results. She said what ever you are doing, keep it up. I wish I could get all my patients doing this;

All of this happened in about a month.

If I had seen the movie before having the personal experience of radically altering my diet, I would not have believed it could have that much impact. The movie reaffirmed that this was not just a lucky miracle for me. They had scientific data presented in a very interesting way. The movie is not as political as Food, Inc., but does not some fallacies in the widely accepted Pyramid that many Americans use as a guide for their diet.

I have lost weight (a wonderful side effect of eating healthy) And people keep coming up and telling me how wonderful I look, how beautiful my skin looks, etc .

What you eat is your own choice. But once you see this movie and understand the impact diet has on your health, I image you will change your eating habits. Even if you only change them a little, it will have a positive impact.

The line I remember from the movie is, “food is medicine”. My subconscious keeps chanting it. Especially when I see a brownie.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who is giving up animal based protein. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.carladynews.com and www.yogayaya.com

Naughty Chef does a Good Deed

CENTRAL 214
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
PATIO PARTY
SUPPORTS THE TROOPS


Event Debuts Chef Blythe Beck’s New Texas-Themed Summer Menu & Cocktails...Benefits USO DFW



WHAT: Central 214 Memorial Day Weekend Patio Party & Sunset Movie

In town for the Memorial Day weekend? Head on over for a taste of Chef Blythe Beck’s new Texas-themed summer menu and cocktails at the 2nd Annual Central 214 Memorial Day Patio Party, set for Sunday evening.

This year’s event will support the troops with 50 percent of proceeds going to the USO Dallas/Fort Worth, which has welcomed more than 1 million service members traveling through DFW Airport. Kick-back with bites, drinks and DJ tunes on the popular courtyard patio. Help us send a little piece of Texas to U.S. Troops overseas by signing a special USO Hello From the Home Front banner. The Central 214 Memorial Day Patio Party is sponsored by Ben E. Keith and Austin-based Deep Eddy Vodka. There is no entry fee.

Stick around after the party for the premier of the popular Central 214 Sunset Movie Series. Sunday, May 29, kicks-off a four-week-long tribute to the ‘80s, beginning with “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.” Central 214’s extensive Late Night Happy Hour food and drink menu will be offered each week for the patio flicks.

For more information, please visit www.central214.com or http://www.facebook.com/Central214

WHEN: Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day Patio Party 6:00pm- 9:00pm
Sunset Movie On the Patio 9:00pm (Dusk)

WHERE: Central 214 at Hotel Palomar Dallas
Courtyard Patio
5680 North Central Expwy. at Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75206
214-443-9339


ABOUT CENTRAL 214
Central 214’s extensive menu celebrates familiar flavors and the rich tradition of contemporary regional American cuisine. Diners experience Executive Chef Blythe Beck’s passion for food and for life through her hearty and traditional classics seasoned with rich ingredients and a famously “naughty” twist. The menu evolves with the seasons and features only the freshest steak, pork, seafood, poultry and local produce. Chef Blythe Beck practices the environmentally friendly standards of the Monterey Bay Seafood Watchlist when selecting seafood for the menu. Located adjacent to Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Dallas, Central 214 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch. Reservations are recommended. Complimentary valet parking is available. Visit us at www.central214.com or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Central214

Margarita photo by Emily Loving

ABOUT KIMPTON RESTAURANTS
Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the U.S. and the acknowledged industry pioneer who first introduced the boutique hotel concept to America. Like each hotel, all Kimpton restaurants share common cornerstones: heartfelt care; chef-driven, seasonal menus that celebrate local farms and purveyors; artisanal wines hand-selected by master sommelier Emily Wines; cocktails crafted by master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout; and striking interiors with a vibrant style and design.

Guided by company-wide EarthCare practices, Kimpton Restaurants demonstrate a dedication to preserving the environment through the use of local and sustainable ingredients, whenever possible. With concepts ranging from rustic Italian cuisine in the Pacific Northwest to oceanic fare on the Florida coast and alluring lounges and bars tucked away in the nation’s capital, each Kimpton Restaurant is as distinct and expressive as its location. Kimpton restaurants include Fifth Floor in San Francisco, Tulio in Seattle, Poste Moderne Brasserie in Washington, D.C. and Panzano in Denver. For more information, please visit www.KimptonRestaurants.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners: American Airlines, AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission and to learn more about the USO, please visit www.uso.org.

Life is an everchanging Cabaret

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

The Dallas Theater Center’s production of Cabaret is actually the third performance of this musical I have seen. And each show had its own distinctive personality and interpretation.

Dallas Theater Center’s Cabaret was the most contemporary and most adventurous. And who would have thought Dallas would introduce so much nudity (I am not sure if knowing this fact will encourage or discourage you from seeing this show.) The show is both risqué and energizing at the same time.

The Wylie allows the show to create a real cabaret feeling as drinks are served to the tables surrounding the stage. And although they are rumored to have new seats, they are still no more comfortable than chairs in a cabaret


IN HERE, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Club. Take your seat at a bar table, order a little something from your fetching cocktail waitress, and immerse yourself in the musical theater event of a lifetime. You’re not just at the show, you’re in the show as Dallas Theatre Center transform the Wyly’s Potter Rose Performance Hall into 1930s Berlin. Inside the cabaret, Sally Bowles and the beguiling Emcee live in a seedy, sexy world of delicious decadence, while outside, the gathering storm of Nazi oppression grows. Filled with hit Broadway songs and a story that still speaks profoundly to us today,Cabaret is a knock-out, once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience.

Cabaret is a musical based on a book written by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The 1966 Broadway production became a hit and spawned a 1972 film as well as numerous subsequent productions.

It is based on John Van Druten's 1951 play I Am a Camera, which in turn was adapted from the novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, it focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around the 19-year-old English cabaretperformer Sally Bowles and her relationship with the young American writer Cliff Bradshaw.
A sub-plot involves the doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor. Overseeing the action is the Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub which serves as a constant metaphor for the tenuous and threatening state of late Weimar Germany throughout the show.

WADE MCCOLLUM IS TRULY THE STAR OF THE SHOW

His body language, his voice, and his facial expressions are captivating. His performances include:
Emcee) Broadway/Tours: Jersey Boys (Chicago Co.). NYC Theatre: Jeffrey in Jeffrey (Sage Theatre); Nestor in Irma la Douce (Musicals Tonight). Selected regional: I Am My Own Wife;Santaland Diaries; Batboy in Batboy the Musical; Emcee in Cabaret; Lancelot in Merchant of Venice (Portland Center Stage); Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (L.A. Celebration Theatre - L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award; Drammy Award; and the Garland Award for Best Actor; Ovation Award for Best Musical); Woody in the workshop of Toy Story the Musical(Disney); Peter/Craig in Dying City (Portland Playhouse). This July, Wade will be playing the Narrator in the World Premiere of Fly By Night at Theatreworks. As a writer/composer, Wade’s musical One has just been workshopped at OSF’s Black Swan Lab and is moving forward.

Sally Bowls was nowhere near as effective, allowing Emcee to steal the show.

TiME IS GETTING SHORT
Just like the numbered days of Berlin, the show is closing soon. But at least we know what is coming next. The Wiz will be playing July 8 to August 7, 2011


PEACE OF MIND

Don’t miss a moment of the 2011-2012 season.
 Purchase a Full-Season Ticket Package for as low as $90 or one of the new Series for as low as $45 and guarantee yourself best seats for the best prices with the peace of mind of guaranteed access–even for sold-out shows.


Along with an entire season of unforgettable, world-class theater right here in Dallas, you’ll get:


BEST SEATS: Subscriber seats are reserved before tickets go on sale to the public.

BEST PRICES: Subscribing means a savings of nearly 20% individual ticket prices.

FREE & EASY TICKET EXCHANGE: Can’t make a show date? NO PROBLEM. Exchange your tickets for another date without an exchange fee.

SUBSCRIBER-ONLY DISCOUNTS: Exclusive savings on additional tickets for family and friends with up to 15% off individual ticket prices for any DTC production, including priority ticket access for our annual holiday tradition – A Christmas Carol.

VIP BOX OFFICE: Access to subscribers-only ticket concierge service. 
Just contact our Subscriber Courtesy Department at (214) 252-3927 or Subscribers@DallasTheaterCenter.org.


*Contains adult themes, language and brief nudity. Appropriate for mature high school-age children and older.


Photo compliments of Karen Almond

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves theatre and particularly enjoys seeing performances of the same show by different companies

Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com

Two Broadway shows at the Winspear

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

“Best Musical of the Decade” and 5-time Tony Award Nominee Both Make Their Dallas Debut as part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Lexus Broadway Series

Two of the most popular and award-winning Broadway shows currently on tour. Billy Elliot The Musical-with music by Sir Elton John and Rock of Ages, a musical comedy featuring hit songs from the 1980’s are coming to Dallas

Both shows feature recognizable actors in leading roles: Billy Elliot features TV and Broadway actress Faith Prince, and Rock of Agesfeatures American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis.

Performances of Rock of Ages will run from May 17 through May 29 and Billy Elliot The Musical will run from June 8 through June 19. Both shows are part of the Center’s Lexus Broadway Series at the Winspear Opera House.



About Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages is a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake and many others. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl meets a big city dreamer in one of Los Angeles’ most legendary rock clubs and they fall in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.

Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame will reprise his acclaimed performance as Drew in the first national tour of the 5-time Tony Awards nominated hit musical.
Rolling Stone magazine said: “Rock of Ages has found a perfect lead in Maroulis,” who was among the show’s Tony nominees.

Maroulis was a finalist on American Idol during its fourth season and went on to perform in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, including The Wedding Singer and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.

Rock of Ages opened April 7, 2009 at Broadway’s Brook Atkinson Theatre to critical acclaim. The production was nominated for Best Musical of 2009 and a New Line/Warner Bros. film of Rock of Ages is scheduled to be released later this year.

The show will run from May 17 through May 29 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Performances of Rock of Ages will be at 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. There will be additional performances on Sunday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Single ticket prices range from $25 to $150 with prime location orchestra seats available for $75 for select performances.

About Billy Elliot The Musical

Billy Elliot The Musical, featuring an original score by music legend Sir Elton John, is a joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dream come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community.

Based on the international hit film, Billy Elliot is brought to life by a phenomenal cast, including Faith Prince, who has been dazzling Broadway audiences since she swept the theatre awards, winning The Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance as Adelaide in the revival of Guys and Dolls.

Faith guest starred on the Lifetime hit series, Drop Dead Diva, and also has appeared in guest starring roles this year on Ugly Betty,Medium and CSI. She had a recurring role for five seasons on Spin City and has appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, House, Monk and Law and Order.

Her other Broadway credits include The Little Mermaid, Bells are Ringing, Nick & Nora, Little Me, Noises Off and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. She was nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her performances in Bells are Ringing and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.

Billy Elliot The Musical was created by – director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet.”

Time Magazine has declared Billy Elliot “the best musical of the decade” and the show won 10 Tony Awards in 2009.

The show will run from June 8 through June 19 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Performances of Billy Elliot The Musical will be at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. There will be additional performances on Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 9 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Single ticket prices range from $30 to $150 with prime location orchestra seats available for $90 for select performances.

Due to changes in national touring plans, the run of Billy Elliot The Musical has been shortened to a limited, two-week engagement at the AT&T Performing Arts Center with 16 performances.

Tickets can be purchased at www.attpac.org/broadway, by phone at 214.880.0202, or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box Office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.


About the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum, JAZZ ROOTS and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

Madelyn Miller is travel and lifestyle editor who loves live theatre. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com

Great thing to do after work this week

Diana DeGarmo ties up Michael Jenkins, boss at Dallas Summer Musicals


The First National Tour of
9 to 5: The Musical


Edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady



The producers of 9 to 5: The Musical have announced the cast for the First National Tour, brought to the Music Hall at Fair Park by Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, May 18-29. Tickets, priced from $20-$85, are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, or any Ticketmaster outlet; online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-982-ARTS.

9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This is the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do -- even in a man's world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business... it's about getting credit and getting even.

This new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton's original hit title song along with her new Tony Award® and Grammy-nominated score. The book is by Patricia Resnick (co-writer of the original screenplay). The touring production
will be directed and choreographed by Tony nominated, Jeff Calhoun. "I met Dolly Parton as a chorus kid dancing in the film ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ only a few years after ‘9 to 5’ was already a hit movie. It was a thrill to work with her then and an honor and privilege to be entrusted to direct and choreograph this exciting new tour of 9 to 5: The Musical” said Mr. Calhoun. The co–choreographer is Lisa Stevens, scenic design by Ken Foy, costume design by five time Tony Award® winner, William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award® and Drama Desk Award winner, Ken Billington, sound design by Steve Kennedy, orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin music supervision by Stephen Oremus and casting by Telsey + Company.

9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. The tour is produced by special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and by Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Fox Theatricals and Theatre Under The Stars. For more information, visit www.9to5themusical.com.


Starring DEE HOTY MAMIE PARRIS JOSEPH MAHOWALD, KRISTINE ZBORNIK and DIANA DEGARMO

Dee Hoty will play the role of Violet. She has earned three Tony nominations for her starring roles in Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and The Will Rogers Follies. Dee starred on Broadway and in eight major U.S. cities as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! Performing on and off-Broadway, she toured the country and has been involved in many pre-Broadway workshops. She has appeared in “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and numerous television and film appearances.

The role of Judy will be played by Mamie Parris whose Broadway credits include the Tony-Nominated revival of Ragtime, 110 In the Shade and the Tony-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. She turned the road pink in the First National Tour of Legally Blonde the Musical, has sung with the Radio City Rockettes, toured with country music icon Kenny Rogers, and participated in over a dozen readings with students of the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

Joseph Mahowald is the unsuspecting Franklin Hart, Jr. Joseph has appeared on Broadway in title roles in Jekyll & Hyde, Javert in Les Miz and Chiefton O’Flaherty in The Pirate Queen. He has performed off-Broadway and in several national tours, was a soloist with major symphonies around the world and has been on all the NY soaps. Some of his extensive regional credits include being a founding member of the artistic company of Tennessee Repertory and appeared in leading roles in numerous productions.

Comic, actress and cabaret performer Kristine Zbornik has been cast for the role of Roz. Kristine performed on Broadway in A Catered Affair and Off-Broadway in Forbidden Broadway, Mama Mia and Man of LaMancha.

“American Idol” finalist, Diana DeGarmo has been cast in the role of Doralee Rhodes, made famous by the queen of country music and iconic songwriter, musician, movie star and entrepreneur Dolly Parton. Diana gained overnight fame, at age 16, as a runner-up on the third season of television’s No. 1 series, “American Idol”. Broadway credits include Hair, Hairspray and Brooklyn: The Musical and starred in the off-Broadway musical The Toxic Avenger. DeGarmo was born in Birmingham, AL, raised in Snellville, GA, and currently has a home and resides in Nashville where she continues to co-write and perform in and around the area.

Rounding out the cast is Jane Blass, Patrick Boyd, Paul Castree, Holly Davis, Janet Dickinson Madeleine Doherty, Marjorie Failoni, Gregg Goodbrod, K.J. Hippensteel, Jesse J.P. Johnson, Michelle Marmolejo, April Nixon, Ryah Nixon, Rick Pessagno, Wayne Schroder, Micah Shepard and Travis Waldschmidt.

The following shows are also part of the DSM 2011 season at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Pick A Packs that include any three DSM shows are still available, starting as low as $36. For more information, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.

STOMP, June 7-12, 2011. This one-week special returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park with new surprises! Explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, and utterly unique, STOMP appeals to audiences of all ages.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, June 14-26, 2011. The second coming of Broadway’s #1 Musical Comedy Smash, called “A No-Holds-Barred Smash Hit” by The New Yorker. The funniest show on earth is back to taunt Dallas for a second time. Winner of the 2005 Tony® Award for Best Musical, SPAMALOT, the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” now returns to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom.

GUYS AND DOLLS, July 19-31, 2011. Big League Productions is proud to announce a sparkling new production of the timeless Broadway classic, GUYS AND DOLLS. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy—considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy—soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to the cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon. The New York Times calls it “The show that defines Broadway dazzle!”

WEST SIDE STORY, October 4-23, 2011, is also the 2011 State Fair of Texas musical. More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it's back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by David Saint, using Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, WEST SIDE STORY remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of WEST SIDE STORY recently won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway's finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."

“So exciting IT MAKES YOU ACHE WITH PLEASURE” –John Lahr, The New Yorker

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments. For more information about DSM, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves musicals. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogaaya.com, www.chcocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com

This art show will make a big splash

HOTEL ZAZA’S ART HOUSE & SOCIAL GALLERY TO HOST ART SHOW ENTITLED “WET”

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Two Artists from Turner Carroll Gallery to Show “Water-Inspired” Artwork

Continuing their partnership, Hotel ZaZa has announced its third collaboration with Turner Carroll Gallery and Art Advisors to bring the next show to the Stay ZaZa Art House & Social Gallery. The show is titled “Wet” and will feature new works by painters Eric Zener and Conrad Kern. The exhibition featuring water-themed works of art will be open beginning May 18 and running through August 30, 2011.

The Stay ZaZa Art House & Social Gallery, located at 2400 McKinney Avenue, will be open to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For private showings by appointment, please call (214) 912-7143.

“After the success of the last two shows by Turner Carroll, we are excited to see what the next show brings,” said Benji Homsey, president of Z Resorts Management and Development, LLC. “This partnership has proved to be an excellent use of the space in the Stay ZaZa Art House & Social Gallery. This event space has many uses, but hosting curated exhibitions by well-known artists definitely aligns with our vision for this creative extension to the hotel.”

Californian artist Eric Zener's paintings portray his fascination with water. Sunbathers, swimmers, children playing in the water, and the movement of the water itself, upon impact, are consistent Zener themes. The concepts of water as life-giving force, the place of first home, and as an element of energy are compelling aspects which preoccupy Zener.

“I use our relationship with water, nature and each other as a metaphor for transformation, refuge and renewal," said Zener.

Zener's paintings are the subject of a new, 250-page monograph. He will be present at the opening reception at the Stay ZaZa Art House & Social Gallery to sign the limited edition monographs. His paintings are also featured in the current exhibition at the Long Beach Museum of Art in California. Zener’s work has been exhibited internationally in Australia, Japan and Spain and is included in numerous corporate, private and museum collections. His work has been featured in the Robb Report, Juxtapoz, Art & Antiques, Travel & Leisure, New American Paintings, American Art Collector, New York Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle and ArtNews Magazine.

Conrad Kern is a New Mexico artist. His color field paintings glisten with their layers of color and sheen. The Turner Carroll Gallery has coordinated large-scale public and privately commissioned works by each of these artists.

The Stay ZaZa Art House & Social Gallery is available for events such as art exhibits, business meetings, social events and many more. Private events may be scheduled for 16 to 150 guests. Through this venue, Hotel ZaZa is able to showcase its full-service hotel and catering services, while also offering creative freedom to the guest. For more information, or to book a meeting or event, please call (214) 468-8399 or visit hotelzazadallas.com.

For more information on purchasing the artists’ works, please contact Tonya Turner Carroll at the Turner Carroll Gallery at (505) 986-9800 or by email at tcgallery@aol.com.

Eric Zener
Pool Diver
mixed media on panel
41 x 34" (finished size)
2010


About Hotel ZaZa
Hotel ZaZa is a sensory experience that is refined yet relaxed. Its sophisticated and sensual interior design and culinary excellence is completed by a staff that pays impeccable attention to each and every guest, making them feel at home. Whether for business, a romantic weekend, or world-famous celebrities, both hotels blend intimate comfort with Stay ZaZa-style to create inspired accommodations, one-of-a-kind themed suites, and award-winning restaurants and spas.
Nestled in the fashionable Uptown neighborhood and next to downtown, Hotel ZaZa Dallas is a creative mix of warm, Mediterranean elegance and comfortable chic. This exceptional boutique hotel offers 4,500 square feet of function space, 152 rooms, 17 concept suites, the Magnificent Seven Suites, the award-winning Dragonfly Restaurant and Lounge, the relaxing ZaSpa and the Art House & Social Gallery. Reservations may be made at hotelzazadallas.com or by calling 888.880.3244.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Museum District and minutes from the world renowned Texas Medical Center, Hotel ZaZa Houston boasts 17,000 square feet of function space and is the perfect backdrop for any business meeting - not to mention home to some of Houston’s most memorable weddings and galas. Monarch Bistro and the tranquil ZaSpa combine to create the hotel’s breadth of impressive amenities. With more than 300 rooms, including Pool Villas, Concept Suites and The Magnificent Seven Suites, ZaZa exceeds all expectations. Reservations may be made at hotelzazahouston.com or by calling 888.880.3244.
Hotel ZaZa, a member of the Preferred Hotel Group™, was created by Charles S. Givens and Jeff Records and is owned by Givens-Records Developments. Operations management and marketing are provided by Z Resorts, LLC, led by Z Resorts President Benji Homsey.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who once studied at the Art INstitute of Chicago. She still draws like a very talented fourth grader. (Although a picture of a waterfall that she did hung in the museum for about a year)

Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com

Anyone love Pizza? this is your weekend

Grapevine Main Street Days – A Pizza Experience
May 13, 14 & 15


Edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Attention foodies everywhere: you haven’t died and gone to heaven. Rather, Historic Downtown Grapevine is serving you slices of heaven on earth! Grapevine’s 27th Annual Main Street Days, A Pizza Experience, May 13, 14 & 15, celebrates this year one of America’s favorite foods accompanied by bountiful sides of live music, family fun, carnival rides, midway games and much, much more.





The official kick-off to summertime in Grapevine, Main Street Days invites visitors from near and far to spend the weekend in a city full of history, homegrown hospitality and outstanding tastes.

Did you know that American’s eat 100 acres of pizza a day? That’s 350 slices per second, according to the National Association of Pizza Operators. At the Main Street Days Pizza Piazza, guests will have a chance to sample fresh-baked pies from many local restaurants and vote for their favorite. Whether fans of New York-style thin crust or deep dish Chicago-style, there’ll be something to please all appetites at this year’s festival. Order a premium wine, a slice of your favorite pizza or perhaps an ice-cold craft beer and relax at a table “al fresco.” Enjoy the sounds of strolling musicians, and experience what Italians call “la dolce vita” - the sweet life.

Non-stop live entertainment is always a staple of Main Street Days. Whether it’s the party music of Greaseband, famous for their choice of Rock ‘n’ Roll favorites from the 50s through 90s, the Memphis-based pop rock trio Ingram Hill, the alternative Celtic Killdares, cover bands like Back in Black, or Hudson Moore who’s stirring the Austin music scene, this year’s lineup will have you dancing in the streets!

Of course, what festival is complete without favorite carnival foods like funnel cakes and corn dogs? Main Street Days vendors boast tasty treats to tempt all taste buds. The event also includes vintages from Grapevine and Texas, for those who want to sample homegrown wines, as well as wines from both the West Coast and Italy. If wine doesn’t satisfy your palate, then seek out any number of beer booths hosted by Budweiser. The ultimate resource for ice-cold drafts awaits you with an array of beers to quench your thirst. Craft beer lovers will find their epicenter around the gazebo, with brews on tap from Widmer, Red Hook, Kona and Real Ale Brewing Company.

Main Street Days organizers also invite you to come out and get your grill on! Serious backyard enthusiasts and pit masters can try their hand in the Central Market Grillin’ Competition. Six sessions will culminate in a championship grill off on Sunday afternoon. All contestants will compete using Big Green Egg grills provided by BBQ Outfitters Southlake. Session winners will receive a $100 gift card to Central Market and one Big Green Egg that they can pick up after the championship on Sunday. The Championship winner will receive an additional $500 gift card to Central Market. Registration and competition information is available at www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/MainStreetDays/WF/Grill.

A variety of arts and crafts, exhilarating carnival rides presented by Time Warner Cable, and short runs on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad all await festival-goers. Children love the KidZone presented by Baylor Regional Medical Center of Grapevine, and shopping ‘til you drop is always an option. Whatever your desire, you’ll find it here in Grapevine.

Main Street Days, A Pizza Experience, will open on Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m., and as an added bonus, on Friday, admission is free to everyone until 5 p.m.! Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission prices are $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors (62+) and children (6-12). Weekend passes are available for $15 and souvenir weekend passes are $20. Admission is free for children five and under. Free shuttles run continuously from the free parking lots. For more information, please call 800-457-6338 or visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/MainStreetDays.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who tries to never miss a pizza or a food festival. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeAtlas.com

Complexions Comtemporary Ballet plus a Bonus

May 13: Complexions Contemporary Ballet (presented by TITAS in association
with AT&T Performing Arts Center)

Complexions has been described as the future of contemporary ballet based on its
technique, virtuosity and cutting-edge choreography. The company, embracing diversity with 16 dancers of different ethnic and dance backgrounds, is pure excitement to watch.
With its dazzling range of work encompassing everything from big, dynamic ensembles to poignant duos and solos, this performance will have something for everyone.
Complexions was founded by two former Alvin Alley American Dance Theater stars, Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden. The New York Times called Richardson “one of the great modern dancers of our time,” and Rhoden “one of the most sought-out choreographers of the day.”
Featured on the program will be the world premiere of a new work commissioned by TITAS.

At 6:45pm, this Friday, TITAS will present a pre-show conversation with the key artistic players in the TITAS commissioned work Testament having its world premiere Friday night at the Winspear Opera House. TITAS entered into a year-long residency with Complexions Contemporary Ballet to develop a work centered around old Negro Spirituals sung live and choreographed with a cutting edge contemporary ballet company. The work, already garnishing much international attention, will have its premiere on Friday and marks the beginning of a new initiative by TITAS to foster cultural collaborations and new works.

If you can't attend, this 40 minute talk will also be streamed live onto the Web and promises to provide insight into the creative process with one of the world's most interesting contemporary ballet companies.

What’s coming up Next

May 17 - 29: Rock of Ages (AT&T Performing Arts Center Lexus Broadway Series)Tony Award Nominee and “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis reprises his acclaimed performance as Drew in the first national tour of the five-time Tony Award nominated smash hit musical, Rock of Ages.

Rock of Ages is a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake and many others. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl meets a big city dreamer at one of Los Angeles’ most legendary rock clubs and they fall in love to the greatest hits of the ‘80s.

Rolling Stone magazine said: “Rock of Ages has found a perfect lead in Maroulis.”
A New Line/Warner Bros. film of Rock of Ages is scheduled to be completed later
this year. Don’t miss this awesomely good story about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.

Performances will be at 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on
Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. There will be additional performances on Sunday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $150 with prime location orchestra seats available for $75 for select performances.

June 8 - 19: Billy Elliot The Musical (AT&T Performing Arts Center Lexus
Broadway Series)

Billy Elliot The Musical, featuring an original score by music legend Sir Elton John, is a joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dream come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community.

Thrilling audiences worldwide and winning 10 Tony Awards in 2009, including Best Musical, Billy Elliot The Musical has been called “The best show you will ever see” by the New York Post. This feel-good celebration of one boy’s triumph against all odds wins rave reviews wherever it plays. Ben Brantley of The New York Times said it was “the most inspiring show I’ve seen in years.”

Based on the international hit film, Billy Elliot is brought to life by a phenomenal cast, including Faith Prince, who has been dazzling Broadway audiences with her award winning performances.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. There will be additional performances on Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 9 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, June 15 at 2 p.m.

Single tickets prices range from $30 to $150 with prime location orchestra seats available for $90 for select performances.

Tickets for all of the shows can be purchased online at www.attpac.org, by phone at 214.880.0202, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box Office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4m), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.

About the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum, JAZZ ROOTS and, in association with TITAS,
contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

The Dallas Fort Worth Lexus Dealer Association is the title sponsor of the Center’s Lexus Broadway Series. Lexus is the official vehicle of the Center and its resident companies, the official valet sponsor and the naming rights holder for the Center’s two underground parking areas.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who tries to attend every Titas performance when she is in town. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com

calling all Cowboy Wannabees

Time Left To Buy
12:29:19
27 bought
Under 50 bought
A favorite of many famous folks, Wild Bill's has been completing Western wardrobes from hatted head to booted toe for more than 40 years. Wild Bill’s offers apparel for men and women, denimizing dudes in Wrangler jeans ($39.99) and wrapping lasses in Texan pride with a Ruddock button-down flag shirt ($49.99). Cotton chaps are supported by a selection of eye-catching belt buckles ($12.99–$19.99), and a Charlie 1 Horse Tulum hat ($39.99), made of brown distressed raffia with a turquoise chip band, boasts a crown with a pinch deep enough to stash a tinier hat. The shop also carries gifts and accessories, such as the cameo wine-bottle stoppers ($15.99), which prevent dud desecration by scaring off rival grape guzzlers.

The deal is on! Tipped at 9:36AM with 15 bought



The Fine Print
Expires Sep 11, 2011
Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for option purchased. In-store only. Not valid for sale items.
See the rules that apply to all deals.

Highlights
•Western apparel & gifts for men, women & children
•Handmade custom boots
•Wrangler, Stetson & Resistol
The original American ranchers switched from powdered wigs to cowboy hats after spooking the horses, which mistook their toupees for ghost hay. Celebrate functional fashion with today’s Groupon to Wild Bill’s Western Store on North Market Street. Choose between the following options:

•For $25, you get $50 worth of Western-themed apparel and gifts.
•For $50, you get $100 toward custom boots.


With the second option, dirtkickers remain distinctive with a pair of custom boots ($469+), handmade to measure with a steel arch for support and comfort. Dictate each detail, including material, color, stitch pattern, scallops, toes, heels, wingtip or foxing, inlay or cords, and additional personalization, such as initials, insignias, or memorial portraits of recently deceased boots.

Broadway Our Way

Uptown Players Presents Annual Broadway Our Way Fundraiser

Uptown Players continues its tenth season with its annual fundraiser Broadway Our Way: Divas Rising! running May 6 - 15, 2011. The Uptown divas return for another entertaining evening of Broadway music with plenty of twists, laughs and surprises.

This is the third year I have seen this show and it gets better every year

Providing host duties for this year's festivities will be the incredibly funny Paul J. Williams. This year’s divas will sing and dance to nearly 30 songs from new Broadway hits such as Sister Act The Musical, Memphis, Hairspray, Wicked and Thriller Live, as well as classic favorites like Chicago, Sweeney Todd, Sweet Charity and On The Town.

This year’s cast includes Michael Albee, Beth Albright, Lon Barrera, Kayla Carlyle, Coy Covington, Sergio Garcia, Carlos Gomez, Whitney Hennen, Drew Kelly, Summer Kenny, Natalie King, Jeff Kinman, Denise Lee, Linda Leonard, Kelly McCain, Chad Peterson, Darius Robinson, Thomas Renner, Sara Shelby-Martin, Amy Stevenson, Rick Starkweather, Angel Velasco and Wendy Welch. Broadway Our Way is written and directed by Andi Allen with music direction by Kevin Gunter and Adam Wright and choreography by Kelly McCain and Michael Albee.

The evening also features nearly 100 terrific auction prizes, including theatre tickets, restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays, artwork and much more. A reception follows each performance.The production runs May 6 through May 15, 2011, with shows at 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Performances take place at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd (entrance off Blackburn), Dallas, TX 75219. Tickets are $40, including the post-performance reception, and can be purchased online at www.uptownplayers.org or by phone at 214-219-2718.



About Uptown Players

Now in its tenth season, Uptown Players has gathered a dedicated following with an annual audience base of over 15,000 patrons, including nearly 1000 season subscribers. The response from the community and critics has been remarkable, including over 25 Leon Rabin Awards from the Dallas Theatre League, several hundred “The Column” Awards and 15 Theatre Critics Forum Awards in its first seven seasons. In recent years, Uptown Players has also been named the best theatre company by the Dallas Voice Readers Awards, and the Dallas Observer, and has appeared on the WFAA-A list and Best of Big D - D Magazine. Uptown Players is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, presenting plays and musicals that challenge audiences artistically, build cultural bridges, and strive to create greater positive public awareness and acceptance through the performing arts. There is no other theater group with this unique mission in the Dallas area.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who tries to see every Uptown Players performance.
Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com