"Sense and Sensibility" at Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
Dallas Theater Center
Kalita Humphreys Theater

The Travelling Toe and 2 other Jan Austen fans, traveled east to Dallas for the Sunday matinee performance of "Sense and Sensibility" at the Kalita Humphreys Theater.

As none of the 3 of us had been to this theater previously, we allotted extra time to find it and was eternally glad we had done so as when we found Turtle Creek Blvd it had lanes and roads blocked due to some sort of marathon race being held in the area.  We sought assistance from the local constabulary on duty that the cross points but they were not familiar with the location of the theater.  Therefore we drove in circles for some time until we finally found someone to assist us.   We attempted to contact the box office staff for assistance but their line was closed and not taking calls...so no help there.  It would have been helpful if the theater had notified patrons by email of the street closures and the best routes to arrive at the theater but that did not happen.  Due to the street issues and audience members on the run to arrive at the theater, the opening "curtain" was delayed by 20 or so minutes.

Finally, the lights dimmed and harpsichord music filled the hall and actors in period costume began to set the stage. Then,we were transported back to the early 1800's English countryside.  
If you do not know the story line of Jane Austen's story of love lost, love found and a lot of angst in between, then The Travelling Toe must assume you do not have a taste for English classic literature or have been living under a rock.

JANE AUSTEN

The story centers on the lives and loves of the 2 older Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Their father has recently passed away and they along with their mother and younger sister, Margaret, must leave their home and move to a small cottage in the country.  This is because of archaic English law that a man must inherit property so now the home, money and all things Dashwood belong to their half-brother John Dashwood and his wife (hiss-boo).  

In the mean time, Elinor has a hankering for a young man, Edward Ferrars, who is secretly pledged to another young lady. Marianne meets and falls madly in love with the neighborhood bad boy John Willoughby.  Alas he must marry for money as he has none.  so Marianne is out as a suitable mate.  But will stoic Colonel Brandon who loves Marianne from afar be able to save her from scandal?  Does true love conquer all?  

Well, dear readers, you will just have to read the book, rent the DVD of the movie, or see the play at Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas.

A couple of side notes regarding the theater, tote your own bottle of water in as they do charge $3.00 per bottle and if you happen to only have a $20.00 bill you will be required to purchase 2 bottles - well that was our experience.  Also the sound system is not the greatest so be prepared for that

On the positive side the actors did a marvelous job of their roles and maintained their British accents throughout the performance. This production is an accomplished representation of the fairly recent movie with Emma Thompson and of course Jane's book.  The period costumes were spot on target. Kudos to the costume and hair designers. The stage setting was very well done, often using the actors to move pieces of furniture in and out to set the next scene.   One very cleaver bit was how they replicated a coach ride...the audience loved it.  The director made inventive use of the aisles and balconies for the "gossips" who keep the story going.  

We three weary travelers agreed that the performance was very much enjoyed but the price per ticket of $50.00 was a bit much for this aging venue.


Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional theater critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposed only.

"Woman in Gold" (movie critique)

WOMAN IN GOLD
movie poster

The Travelling Toe and the Friday Movie Mavens went to the local multiplex to see a very interesting film, "Woman In Gold".   The movie starting Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds is based on true events of the two main characters Maria Altman and Randol Schoenberg.  

Helen Mirren

Ryan Reynolds

Maria Altman

Randol Schoenberg

The movie was directed by Simon Curtis.

Simon Curtis

When her sister dies, Maria Altman sorting  through her sister's belongings, discovers documentation regarding the portrait of her aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer painted by famous artist Gustav Klimt.  The portrait is sometimes referred to as  "Woman ind Gold" because Klimt used gold leaf on the painting.  When Maria decides to see what her opinions are to claim the portrait she enlists the assistance of a young lawyer, Randol Schoenberg, the son of a close friend.

Gustav Klimt

During the negotiations, the two must travel to Vienna and set up a meeting with the Director of the Belvedere Gallery where the portrait is proudly displayed .  When Maria sees the painting her life flashes back to when the portrait was being painted and how she sat on her aunt's lap, helped her fasten the jeweled collar necklace and kept her company during the sitting.  Maria also remembers the life she lived in Vienna with her sister, parents, aunt and uncle and the music, the parties, the fun and the love that they all shared with each other.  Eventually Maria grows up and marries a young opera singer and the joyful occasion is celebrated in their home with family and friends.

Then the Nazi's arrive in Austria.  Maria's family is stripped of all their possessions including the portrait.   Maria and her husband manage to secure a pass for a trip to Cologne where they will then be smuggled into Switzerland.  Her sister and her uncle are already there.   Her parents are unable to leave and die at the hands of the Nazi's.  

During Maria and Randol's time in Vienna, they do make friends with a young Austrian reporter played by Daniel Bruhl.  He later tells them both that one of the reasons he is helping them is that that his father was a Nazi and he was trying to atone for his father's deeds.  

David Bruhl

When all their requests and hearings in Vienna lead to heartbreak, the two return to California. Maria decides to give up the quest.  She is tired of fighting, and just wants to return to her quite life and her dress shop.  But Randol can not let it go - even at the cost of his job.  One day he is perusing in a local bookstore and finds items for sell with Adele's portrait on them.  He decides to try the legal system one more time using the  American fair trade laws.  As the case is pending in the Supreme Court, Maria meets with the director of the Belvedere Museum but his idea of a comprise is for Maria to go away without the painting and leave it in Vienna.  Maria is told that Adele's portrait is Vienna's Mona Lisa and will never leave.  But Maria finds the will to continue the fight - she will not let "them" win again.

As by now you must know dear readers, that Maria does win her legal battles and the portrait of her Aunt Adele was once more in her care.  

Side note:  The painting was eventually purchased by Ronald S. Lauder of the cosmetics firm. for $135 million.   It is now on display at the Neve Gallerie in New York City.

The Travelling Toe gives the movie 1 big toe up with 2 layers of gold leaf.

Adele Bloch-Bauer

Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional movie critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.

Historic Homes Driving Tour - Palestine Texas

HISTORIC HOMES
Palestine Texas
photo - internet keeweechic 2004 

One of the many fun things that the Day Tripper Divas did on the driving trip to Palestine, was a self guided tour of the historic homes section of Palestine, Texas.   We did not have a map just a general idea of where the homes were located.   We took one street, then turned, came back on another street, then took another one.  

We saw large azaleas bushes just losing their blooms, iris in different colors and the most magnificent magnolia trees.  

Some of the houses could use some time and attention, some were in the process of being updated and a couple  were in great condition.  One of the updated houses had been turned into a Bed and Breakfast.   It was painted a beautiful shade of blue and had a large yard.  It looked like an inviting place to spend a night or two in Palestine.

1904 Kolstad Inn
Bed & Breakfast
832-978-4076

We enjoyed doing this so much on our own.  It was fun to see all these magnificent homes.  

City of Palestine, Texas

The pictures were taken by Day Tripper Diva Susan Blaser.

Palestine Texas - Visitor's Center

PALESTINE TEXAS
Visitor's Center

As The Travelling Toe and 2 of the Day Tripper Divas arrived in Palestine, our first stop was to the visitor's center.  It is located in a refurbished train depot.  

Upon entering the center, we were warmly welcomed.   The lady behind the desk was very friendly and very informative.   She provided us maps and marked the interesting places to visit during our day trip including a short driving tour of older homes in an historic district.  

We picked up additional brochure of other places and cities near-by.  After using the necessary facilities, we set off to explore the city.

If you decide to visit Palestine, and you should, be sure to stop by the visitor's center first before you begin your touring and you will not be disappointed.


It is located at:
    
                                               825 W Spring St

                                              903-723-3014

OLD TOWN PALESTINE

Lunch at the Oxbow Bakery & Antiques Palestine, Texas

OXBOW BAKERY & ANTIQUES
Palestine  Texas

After arriving in Palestine around lunch time, The Travelling Toe and the other Day Tripper Divas, decided that it was chow time.   The lady at the Palestine Visitor's Center gave us several suggestions and we decided to try Oxbow Bakery & Antiques.  The Travelling Toe believes that the magic words that persuaded us to give it a go was "homemade pie"!

We three travelers were standing on a street corner in downtown Palestine looking at a map tying to find where we were and where we were going, when a lovely young lady driving by saw we were sort of lost, asked if we need help finding some place.  We told her we were going to the Oxbow for lunch and she said just follow me and I will take you right to it...just a couple of blocks down the street.  So we did and she got us there.   We offered her pie but she had to go.  
The friendliness of a small Texas town can't be beat!

The Oxbow is not just a bakery, but they also serve a nice lunch and has an antique shop as well.   It is very cute, comfortable and homey inside.  After placing our orders, chicken salad all around, we sat at a farm table and enjoyed some of the best chicken salad ever.  But then it was pie time.   The Oxbow has a long list of pies that they make on site in a small kitchen.   But we three weary travelers choose coconut cream pie. - oh my!!  It was so yummy. A true slice of heaven.   The crust was flaky - not tough or soggy.   The coconut cream filling was so good, not overly sweet and had coconut included in it's creaminess.  Then the topper was a huge tower of meringue nicely browned with toasted coconut on top.  Just writing about it makes The Travelling Toe's mouth water for another slice.  

After consuming all those calories, we decided  we needed to walk around the antique shop.   We saw different types of antiques, art work, collectibles, vintage furnishings and ever metal works.

We all agreed, coming to the Oxbow was worth the 2 1/2 hour drive.


Facebook Link - Oxbow Bakery & Antiques

Outside the Oxbow Bakery

Photos by Susan Blaser

"Suspicion at the Stratford" Mystery Dinner Theater at FUMC Hurst

SUSPICION AT THE STRATFORD

On a dark and stormy night, The Travelling Toe and 7 other members of the Single Friends Sunday School  attended a mystery dinner theater production at First United Methodist 
Church -Hurst.   The play, "Suspicion at the Stratford" was presented by the Faithful Disciples Sunday School Class and was written by Elaine Plybon, David Plybon and Danny Macchietto.

The play takes place at the Stratford Towers.  The proprietor, Basil Loudon,  is not happy being the owner and neglects his duties so he can write trivia questions.  Polly is the housekeeper and wants to purchase the inn but lacks the funds to do so.  Fran Penny, a long term guest, who is behind on her payments to Basil, and tries to write a novel and uses the inn and it's guests as characters for the yet to be completed novel.  Two sisters, Betty and Judy Hayes are staying at the Stratford during their travel trip.  Betty is alwasy on the hunt for little-known tourist attractions (think largest ball of string) and they search antique shows for treasures.  Chet Robinson, a frequent guest,  is a not very good golfer and is always losing games and money to Bill Duvane, a neighbor.  The last of the group is Sherman, one of the caddies at the golf course, with a dream of becoming a pro golfer.

The mystery centers around an old German Bile that Betty and Judy find.   They think it is worth a lot of money.  When the Bible goes missing, Fran starts trying to find out who took it.   Each guest has their own reason for stealing it for monetary purposes.   Who did it?   The Travelling Toe will not reveal the ending as you had to be an audience member to name the villain.

A fun part of the play was a trivial game between scene 2 and scene 3.  The Travelling Toe does not like to brag, but a decisive victory by the "Red" team was led by yours truly, and due to an extensive knowledge of murder and mayhem and mundane things, victory was ours!!  We won beautiful plastic leis of various colors.  

The dinner was prepared by Jackie Harper and was so delicious!  

Not only did we have fun and win a prize, but the proceeds from the Mystery Dinner Theater benefited the following missions:

                     

                           Adopt-a-School

                                   African Immigrant Missions

                                          Panama Missions

Cast of Characters

Good times with good friends, sharing a delightful evening of entertainment and the joy of helping others....doesn't get any better than that!!!

Anderson County Courthouse - Palestine, Texas

ANDERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Palestine, Texas
(photo - Lori Martin)

On a cloudy, cool Spring day, The Travelling Toe and 2 other members of the Day Tripper Divas, took off down I45, then 287 and to arrive at Palestine, Texas.   One of the "touristy" things that we did while there was to visit the Anderson County Courthouse.  It is very beautiful inside and outside.  

Palestine Texas

Anderson County Courthouse

The Anderson County Courthouse was designed in 1913 by the firm of CH Page and Brother in Austin.  The courthouse  was formally dedicated in 1914.  It is built in the Renaissance Revival style and has Greco-Roman porticoes over each of the 4 entrances.    

Anderson County Courthouse
east entrance

Anderson County Courthouse
Texas Historical Landmark 

The grounds has mature trees and several park benches for visitors.  Also there are memorials and historical markers around the courthouse.  

marble staircase

marble staircase

marble staircase

photos - Susan Blaser 

Inside the courthouse, is a beautiful circular marble staircase.  Marble is featured throughout the building.

The most beautiful part of the courthouse is the atrium showcasing the stained glass dome.  When looking up at it one can see a Texas star.  On the floor is a painting of the state surrounded by pictures of the abundant Texas wildlife.

topographical map of Texas
(photo - Susan Blaser)

stained glass done
(photo - Terry Jeanson)

In Palestine over 1,800 buildings and features of buildings in the City have been determined to be so significant that they carry 3 historical designations:

National Register of Historic Places

Texas Historic Landmark

City of Palestine Landmarks

Palestine has more buildings in the National Register of Historic Places than any other Texas city except for Galveston.

The Anderson County Courthouse is beautiful and very well maintained.  The Travelling Toe says go see it yourself....it is worth the short drive.

"Red" presented by Stage West

RED
play program

The Travelling Toe and 2 other friends attended the Sunday matinee of the provocative play "Red" at Stage West, in Fort Worth. 

Stage West

The story takes place in the New York City art studio of contemporary artist, Mark Rothko, during the time period of 1958-1959.  The cast consists only two characters, Mark Rothko, played by Jim Covault and his young assistant, Ken, played by Nate Davis.  

MARK ROTHKO

The play highlights Rothko's angst about creating his work and selling mural pieces to be hung in the new Four Seasons restaurant in the Seagram Building in NYC.  He struggles with selling his work for this bourgeois setting.  There is also a lot of debut between the 2 men on many subjects ranging from the lack on light in the studio (which Rothko disliked), to other peer artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning and past artists such as Matisse.. Ken, an aspiring artist, begins to learn about art , the art world, literature, and even philosophy during their often heated exchanges.  

It is a very interesting and intense play. Sometime funny, sometimes sad, sometimes unsettling. There are a few F-bombs in the conversation but this play will expand your understanding of what makes something art and the changes within the art world itself.

The stage setting is exactly what you would picture in your mind of a famous artist's studio in NYC.  Nate Davis, the young actor in the play, was also the stage designer of this fabulous and enticing set design.  An excellent job!

During the play, the actors actually create a piece of art work - from rolling out a piece of canvas, adding the wooden stretchers, and then the 2 men begin a painting race to cover the canvas with red paint which flies everywhere.  The Travelling Toe wonders what will happen to all these interesting works of art created by the 2 men after the show ends. Perhaps have an auction to benefit the company?

Just a side note dear readers, that one of Mark Rothko's works of art is on display at the current exhibit at the Kimbell Museum of "The Collection of of Nancy Lee and Perry R Bass".   The painting on display is "Untitled (Orange and Red)" and was completed in 1960.   The Bass family purchased the piece in 1961. So go see the paining after seeing the play and you will have a better understanding of Rothko and his work.

Kimbell Art Museum

The play is about 90 minutes long and there is no intermission so a visit to the "necessary rooms'' before attending the play is recommended.   Also, The Travelling Toe and friends, found the theater to be a little chilly so a wrap might be considered.

Rothko Chapel
Houston, Texas

"Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at the Jubilee Theater

JUBILEE THEATRE
program

On a spring Saturday afternoon, The Travelling Toe and other ladies who like to wear purple clothes and red hats (AKA Chili Chicks Red Hat Chapter) attended the matinee performance of "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at the Jubilee Theatre.   The play is an all singing and all dancing show and played to a capacity audience that day.


Jubilee Theatre


The Jubilee Theater is located in downtown Fort Worth and is a small but mighty venue.  Having seen several productions there, The Travelling Toe is always happy to return.

"Don't Bother Me, I Can' Cope", first opened in 1971 at Ford's Theater in Washington DC.  It focuses on the African American experience and highlights such aspects of life as black power, feminism, living in tenements and slumlords.

The program did not list all the songs in the musical, which would have been appreciated.

All the performers were outstanding both in their individual parts and together has a cohesive group.   Their voices blended beautifully.   The working stage is small and the stage setting was creative allowing the actors to move, dance and sing easily.  The second act is especially fun - think disco, platform shoes, go-go boots, etc.

This is a fun and entertaining play. And no matter what your "nationality" may be, anyone can relate to this material as we all struggle in our own way.

Very, very much worth the price of the ticket.

One last note, as we were leaving the theater, the entire cast came out to the lobby and lined up on each side and greeted  audience members as we departed.  That was so exciting as you had the opportunity to tell this amazing cast how wonderful they were!


Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional theater critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.

"Furious 7" (movie critique)

FURIOUS 7
movie poster

The Travelling Toe and a friend who also enjoys action flicks went to an early afternoon showing of "Furious 7".  Having seen several of the previous "Furious" movies plus number 6, we had to see how the franchise could come up with an ending to this film.  One of the original leading cast members, Paul Walker, died in a tragic auto crash while this movie was being completed.  

Paul Walker
Brian

The movie was directed by James Wan.  He used CGI and Paul Walker's brothers to complete the remaining scenes that required an appearance by Paul. It was nicely done, just about a transparent job.

James Wan
director

Number 7 picks up where number 6 leaves off  with Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) in a hospital and Deckard Shaw (Jason Stratham) out hunting the rest of the team as he wants revenge for what they did to his brother.  Dominic (Vin Diesel) is trying to get on with his life back in LA and re-connect with his girl friend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) who is suffering from amnesia.

Jason Stratham
Shaw

Dwayne Johnson
Hobbs

Vin Diesel
Dominic

As the movie progresses, it seems each team member has issues that they are coming to grips with when Shaw starts hunting them.  Throw in a secret agent (Kurt Russell) who tells the team that he will help them find Shaw if they will find a hacker named Ramsey who has compiled a program that syncs up all electronic transmissions.   This software program would help them track Shaw where ever he surfaces.

Kurt Russell
Mr. Nobody

Jordana Brewster
Mia

Michelle Rodriguez
Letty

Ludacris
Tej

Tyrese Gibson
Roman

Lucas Black
Sean

Needless to say there are amazing car chases, car crashes, cars flying out of an airplane, cars jumping from one building to another one and just plan ole street racing.  Plus hand to hand combat and lots of gun action.

The Travelling Toe was duly impressed with the way the movie ended with a moving tribute to the friendship of the 2 main stars Dominic and Brian.  It was a nice send off for Paul and his character, Brian O'Connor.

A rating of 1 big toe with racing stripes is awarded this movie by The Travelling Toe.


Disclaimer: The Travelling Toe is not a profession movie critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Cirque De La Symphonie"

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

On Sunday, April 12th, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Music Director, was on the podium to lead the Fort Worth Orchestra as they performed musical selections to accompany acts of the "Cirque De La Symphonie".  There was almost a full house in Bass Hall for this event.


Fort Worth Symphony

Bass Hall


All the acts were very enjoyable to watch as the music performed reflected and played to their act.   One example is that as the the waltz from Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty", played, "The "Lady in White" Elena Tsarkova,  performed acts of contortion, balance and dance moves on hand stilts.  Aloysia Gavre,  performed aerial acrobatics on a swinging hoop. She and a male partner had opened the first half with a balancing act and he did a hand stand on her stomach.   It was an  marvelous display of strength and balance.   Another very fun act was a fast change artist.   As various hoops and curtains were dropped down over her, she would magically appear in another new outfit.   The music to accompany her act was "Tico Tico" which is fun and fast paced.  Her assistant was the juggler, Vladimir Tsarkov, dressed as a clown.  Alexander Streltsov, using long red silk scarves, flew out over the audience who were awed and delighted with his skills.  The program ended with a balancing act of 2 men, Jarek and Darek, totally covered in gold paint.   On the a platform, their slow and deliberate moves of strength and balance were amazing and audience members were enthralled with their performance.

Cirque de la Symphonie
performers

Cirque de la Symphonie 


The orchestra played several pieces without the performance artists and did a fabulous job, as always.  

The whole experience was if "Cirque du Soleil" had came to Bass Hall.   But we got to see the same quality acts with out the expense of going to Las Vegas.  We got to see it right here in Fort Worth.  How great is that!!