Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Naked Sushi


SPICING THINGS UP
FOR THIS YEAR’S MIAMI SPICE

South Beach’s most adventurous Asian restaurant tempts food enthusiasts with a spicy signature lunch and dinner menu and a seductive selection of Naked Sushi with a “human” touch

The most audacious restaurant in South Beach, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi at The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, is taking Miami Spice to the next level with a daring and risqué, first-of-its-kind offer for food enthusiasts and sushi-lovers, that gives new meaning to the term “fishy.

During Miami Spice months of August and September, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi will be offering Naked Sushi -- a term used to describe the restaurant’s offer of an attractive male or female that can be ordered to arrive at the table, stripped of any clothing and tastefully, but scantily dressed, horizontally, in an artistic platter of sushi and sashimi for up to 10 people.

Each mouthwatering “body” of strategically arranged fish, selected from the Kung Fu sushi menu, will entice even the most famished group of friends, and for an all-inclusive cost of $500 per human platter, it may even come with polite conversation during the meal.

“We wanted to offer something different and unique during this year’s Miami Spice,” says Kung Fu restaurant manager, Morgan More. “It’s hard to find something in South Beach that goes beyond the standard prix fixe lunch or dinner menu during the two most popular summer months for eating out.

We often see large groups of locals and visitors at our restaurant looking for something fun and interesting to experience from our menu, so we thought the glamorous novelty factor of Naked Sushi would be something memorable that people could leave with and tell their friends about.”

In addition to the mystery human behind Naked Sushi, foodies are invited to experience a taste of the very best signature items from the Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi menu – brought together to form two very attractive three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, available during Miami Spice throughout August and September.

At $19 per head, the Miami Spice Lunch Menu offers a choice of appetizers, including Tuna Tar Tar Tacos; Creamy Spicy Rock Shrimp; Steamed Veggie Dumplings or the Kung Fu House Salad. Entrees include Chicken Teriyaki; “Buddha’s Delight” (garlic stir-fried Tofu); Sweet and Sour Pork or “Rock’N’Roll” (spicy crab sticks).

Those with a sweet tooth can choose from Guava Cheesecake or the Ice Cream Brownie Sundae for dessert. Each lunch entrée is offered with a suggested wine pairing.

The Miami Spice Dinner Menu at Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi is priced at $33 per head and offers a selection of signature appetizers, including Tuna Tar Tar Tacos; Rock Shrimp and Orange Salad.

Guests are invited to choose one Entrée from a choice of Coconut Curry Chicken; Pepper Steak; “Buddha’s Delight” (garlic stir-fried Tofu); Tokyo Tuna or “Kung Fu Crunch” (signature Kung Fu sushi roll with crab sticks).

Desserts include Guava Mango Cheesecake or the Ice Cream Brownie Sundae. Each dinner entrée is offered with a suggested wine pairing.

The Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menu for Miami Spice does not include tax or gratuity and is available seven days a week during August and September 2012. Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi is part of The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club and is located at 1720 Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach.

Stylish indoor and outdoor patio seating, set against one of South Beach’s most renowned boutique hotels, provides a unique and quintessentially atmospheric dining experience, considered one of the best for people-watching or just relaxing with friends.

Reservations for Naked Sushi at Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi can be made by calling 305.600.9572 or by emailing Morgan.Daly@southbeachgroup.com. General restaurant reservations can be made by calling 305.534.7905 or by visiting www.catalinasouthbeach.com/kungfukitchen. Walk-ins are also welcome

Tuesday, July 24, 2012


AIR SUPPLY
(with the Dallas POPS Orchestra)

The AT&T Performing Arts Center proudly presents Air Supply, with the Dallas POPS Orchestra
at 7:30 p.m
Sunday, July 29, 2012
at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House
in the Downtown Dallas Arts District.

This promises to be a unique and special evening with Air Supply performing all of their hits in concert with an orchestra in the Winspear Opera House. The show is a co-presentation between the Center and Dallas POPS.

Still inspiring waves of romantic frenzy across the globe three decades after their debut hit single Lost In Love, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply have been caught in a joyfully frenzied musical whirlwind these past few years, keeping a diverse international schedule.

Wherever they go, no matter what the language or culture of their audiences, Air Supply strikes a universal chord. They strike it by speaking the language of love and it runs through some of their greatest hits including; “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Now and Forever” and “The One That You Love.”

The ever ambitious Air Supply is about to take several generations of adoring fans to another realm entirely in 2012, with the release Mumbo Jumbo, their first studio album since 2002. The album is a combination of great melodies, strong vocals and good storytelling. The album runs the gamut from incredible, thought provoking ballads and the loud rocker Me Like You.

The mix of dance music and rock ‘n’ roll is a somewhat new direction for Air Supply but it is one that Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock pull off with the complex harmonies, and masterful arrangements that have thrilled fans for decades.

Tickets range from $35 to $85 and can be purchased online at www.attpac.org, 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 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, Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

About TCG Productions:
TCG Productions (parent company of the Dallas POPS) was started by Stephen Cook to bring top level concerts to North Texas as well as seamlessly bring strategic marketing and execution as well as top level talent buying into the entertainment and performing arts industry. The goal of Dallas POPS is to bring great music to the masses. With shows in venues throughout North Texas and at affordable ticket pricing, Dallas POPS concerts are available to the masses.

TCG Productions and The Cooking Group provides top quality producing, programming, booking, marketing, brand, and publicity services to clients and projects. With experience drawn from years of working with some of the biggest brands in entertainment and the performing arts including Feld Entertainment, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Universal Studios, Disney on Ice, Six Flags and more, TCG offers clients and partners an unparalleled range of expertise. For more information, visit www.dallaspops.com or www.thecookinggroup.com or call 972-727-7779.

Dallas POPS is a registered trademark of TCG Productions LLC. All rights reserved 2012.
Not affiliated with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Divine Sister

Uptown Players Presents the Regional Premiere of The Divine Sister

Uptown Players returns to the Kalita Humphreys Theater to continue its 2012 season with the Texas premiere of the 2011 Off-Broadway hit comedy, The Divine Sister in a 3- week limited run from July 13 – 29, 2012.

Written by Charles Busch, The Divine Sister is an outrageous comic homage to nearly every Hollywood film involving nuns.

Evoking such films as The Song of Bernadette, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Singing Nun and Agnes of God, The Divine Sister tells the story of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother Superior (played by drag-diva Coy Covington) who is determined to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent. Along the way, she has to deal with a young postulant who is experiencing “visions,” sexual hysteria among her nuns, a sensitive schoolboy in need of mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting from the Mother House in Berlin, and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows. It’s madcap, miraculous, zany fun!

The cast features drag-diva Coy Covington as Mother Superior, Lee Jamison, Kevin Moore, Janette Oswald, Mary-Margaret Pyeatt, and Teri Rogers. The Uptown Players design team includes Andi Allen (direction and sound design), Clare Floyd Devries (set design), Amanda West (lighting design), Suzi Cranford (costume design), Coy Covington (hair and make up) and
Blake Kile (stage management).

The Divine Sister runs July 13 through July 29, 2012, with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

A special Thursday night performance will take place on July 26 at 8 p.m. Performances will take place at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd at Blackburn, Dallas, TX 75219.

Tickets are $25-$35 and can be purchased online at www.uptownplayers.org or by phone at (214) 219-2718.

About this Production:
The Divine Sister
by Charles Busch
Warning: This show contains adult language and content.
July 13 – 29, 2012
Directed by Andi Allen
July 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28 @ 8 p.m.
July 15, 22 & 29 @ 2 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$35


Box Office Info:
Online: www.uptownplayers.org
Phone: (214) 219-2718


About Uptown Players:

Now in its eleventh season, Uptown Players has gathered a dedicated following with an annual audience base of over 15,000 patrons, including over 900 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 17 Theatre Critics Forum
Awards in its first ten 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 has been featured on Good Morning Texas and Daybreak on WFAA. 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.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Peter Pan still Soars



Peter Pan was the first musical I ever saw. My mother was a culture maven and she took my brother and I to children's theater, art exhibits, educational movies and more. We grew up with a great appreciation of the arts and each of us passed it on to our children.

And Dallas parents must feel the same way. At a recent Sunday afternoon performance, the Dallas Music Hall was filled with happy children and adoring parents. Some of the audience even dressed as Tinkerbell and Captain Hook.

Cathy Rigby takes flight in this two-time Emmy Award-winning production, filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook. The New York Times says, "Rigby carries off the flights, fights, and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized."

As I watched the show, I wondered how many millions of zillions of people had seen Cathy as Peter Pan. Surprisingly, my guest had never seen the musical. But I know that now she will take her grandson the first chance she gets.

Buy Tickets

The best way to enjoy a Dallas Summer Musicals season is to purchase a subscription package at the beginning of the season. You will have your same seats for each show and enjoy a number of other benefits, too. For more information, click on season tickets.

Not ready to commit to the entire season? There are several different ways to purchase single tickets for individual shows. Click on single tickets for a list or, to make an online purchase from the only authorized online seller, go to ticketmaster.com. ***Please note: On the day of the performance, tickets will be available for purchase at the Music Hall Box Office beginning 1 1/2 hours before the performance.***

Do you have a group of 10, 15, or 20 friends ready for a fun night out? Then save money and make sure your group is seated together withgroup tickets. Group tickets are also perfect for family reunions, churches, offices, scouts, etc.

Another option for single tickets is to purchase seats that subscribers have posted for sale on our web site. Use this link to see what is available and to buy tickets from subscribers.

For more information on tickets, contact the DSM Box Office (located in Preston Royal Shopping Center). You can also find seat locations using our downloadable seating charts.








Wednesday, July 11, 2012


Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
June 22 to August 5, 2012
Dee and Charles Wylie Theater

I will never forget the first time I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was at a community college in San Antonio. I had never seen or heard anything by Andrew Lloyd Weber. I was mesmerized by the music, the staging, and the story.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat resonated with me and I set my personal radar for Andrew Lloyd Weber. I saw it on Broadway and one other time.

I was thrilled to learn the Dallas Theatre Center would be performing it at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater. And doubly thrilled to learn it would be starring Liz Mikel, my friend and neighbor.

AN EVENT OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS

For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes the ruler of Egypt.

In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a 1920s Charleston.

THIS IS NOTHING LIKE YOUR MOTHER’S DREAMCOAT.

I told my friend Zac about this musical and he was really interested. But the performance we saw was nothing like the biblical -based show I had described. Dallas Theater Center's rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a multi-media show with contemporary icons like ipads, hip-hop, humorous mentions of Dallas newest bridge and more.

The biblical story was reinterpreted into a party that would appeal to all generations. Forty local children add to the energy and enthusiasm. I saw them basking in their performer’s glory at the cast party and can only image the high of this opportunity.

If you dream of being a performer and would like to be in Joseph, see the Bonus below.

THIS PERFORMANCE DESERVES A TOTAL “f”

It is fun, family-friendly, fantastically staged . Call the Box Office at 214-880-0202

BONUS: Be a star

DTC is giving fans everywhere a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to BE A STAR with a walk-on role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Follow these easy steps for a chance to SHINE with the cast of Joseph*.

1. Watch the BE A STAR video

2. Learn the dance that Joseph associate choreographer and cast member Kent Zimmerman breaks down, step-by-step.

3. Get creative and show your moves on video! Make crazy costumes, design a mini-set, cast a crew of friends as back-up dancers... whatever it takes to make the video AMAZING!

4. Post the video to the Facebook wall (facebook.com/DallasTheaterCenter) by 10:00am (CST) Monday, July 23 and use the Facebook message feature to send your contact information

5. DTC will announce the Grand Prize Winner on July 27. Happy dancing!Grand Prize: A walk-on role in Dallas production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plus 4 VIP tickets for family and friends to attend the performance in which the winner appears.
*Please read the contest rules and regulations, available for download at
For tickets call the Box Office 214-880-0202

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat


June 22 to August 5, 2012
Dee and Charles Wylie Theater
I will never forget the first time I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was at a community college in San Antonio. I had never seen or heard anything by Andrew Lloyd Weber. I was mesmerized by the music, the staging, and the story.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat resonated with me and I set my personal radar for Andrew Lloyd Weber. I saw it on Broadway and one other time.
I was thrilled to learn the Dallas Theatre Center would be performing it at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater.
And doubly thrilled to learn it would be starring Liz Mikel, my friend and neighbor.
AN EVENT OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS
For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes the ruler of Egypt.In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a 1920s Charleston.
THIS IS NOTHING LIKE YOUR MOTHER’S DREAMCOAT
I told my friend Zac about this musical and he was really interested. But the performance we saw was nothing like the biblical -based show I had described. Dallas Theater Center's rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a multi-media show with contemporary icons like ipads, hip-hop, humorous mentions of Dallas newest bridge and more.
The biblical story was reinterpreted into a party that would appeal to all generations. Forty local children add to the energy and enthusiasm. I saw them basking in their performer’s glory at the cast party and can only image the high of this opportunity. If you dream of being a performer and would like to be in Joseph, see the Bonus below.
THIS PERFORMANCE DESERVES A TOTAL “f”
It is fun, family-friendly, fantastically staged. Call the Box Office at 214-880-0202
BONUS: Be a star
DTC is giving fans everywhere a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to BE A STAR with a walk-on role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Follow these easy steps for a chance to SHINE with the cast of Joseph*
1. Watch the BE A STAR video
2. Learn the dance that Joseph associate choreographer and cast member Kent Zimmerman breaks down, step-by-step
3. Get creative and show your moves on video! Make crazy costumes, design a mini-set, cast a crew of friends as back-up dancers... whatever it takes to make the video AMAZING!
4. Post the video to the Facebook wall (facebook.com/DallasTheaterCenter) by 10:00am (CST) Monday, July 23 and use the Facebook message feature to send your contact information
5. DTC will announce the Grand Prize Winner on July 27. Happy dancing!Grand Prize: A walk-on role in Dallas production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plus 4 VIP tickets for family and friends to attend the performance in which the winner appears. *Please read the contest rules and regulations, available for download at http://dastheatercenter.org/ For tickets call the Box Office 214-880-0202

Friday the 13th freebies

Who says Friday the 13th is unlucky
Here are some special deals that will make you feel lucky

On July 13 only, buy one dozen doughnuts and get a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for 75 cents. A little thanks for a lot of years.http://ow.ly/c4o7c

Starbucks special Refreshers are here!! Try a free tall hand crafted Refresher of your choice on us Friday noon to 3pm. http://sbux.co/OuG93l

Free Chicken Time is running out for you to create your best cow costume for Cow Appreciation Day® this Friday, July 13th ! Go online for your cow costume starter kit and make sure to visit your local Chick‑fil‑A® restaurant on Friday dressed head-to-hoof for a FREE meal. Partial costumes receive a FREE entrée. Present your bovine best!

Monday, July 09, 2012

What do Broadway Superstars do on their day off



I am a Liz Mikel groupie. I have seen every musical she appeared in during the past five years. And she sang at three funerals I attended. No matter what she does, or where she sings, she adds joy to everyone around her.

She is the Storyteller in Dallas at Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The show is dark on Monday, and Liz performed at Southside on Lamar. And some of her cast members came and danced as she sang. Pretty exciting to have all these performers in the building where I live.
Liz Mikel sang in the Blue Room at Southside on Lamar for Blue Monday. It was a chance to come out of the summer heat and chill with the toe-tapping, infectious hand clapping and song styling of Lucky and Tam Peterson. This dynamic duo has been moving crowds across the world performing Lucky's latest Grammy award nominated CD, Every Second a fool is Born. Liz joined them on stage.
And cast members from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat came and some of them even danced as the others sang.

Ir might never happen again.
Until August 6 when Liz sings again on a Blue Monday.

Great music. Great singing. And free wine and food.
Mark your calendar now.
And sign up for the Liz Mikel Fan Club on facebook.