This week is your last chance to see two great theatrical offerings in Greensboro: the Open Space Cafe Theatre's "Deathtrap" and Triad Stage's "Sleuth."
The Open Space Cafe Theatre finally has the front page of its new website up, just in time for its final three performances of "Deathtrap." (There's a 1982 movie version of "Deathtrap" that starred Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.)
The OSC Theatre's last three shows of "Deathtrap" will be at 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 1st; Friday, November 2nd; and Saturday, November 3rd.
The theatre is small--if you've driven on Market Street between Holden Road and Spring Garden Road, you've passed by it. It's located at 4609 W. Market Street. (There's a coffee shop across the street. I'm not a coffee drinker, but the coffee shop has "Java" in its name, I believe.)
Tickets are $17.00 for students and seniors and $20.00 for everyone else. However, if you get together a group of 8 or more, you get $2.00 off each ticket. And if you're a college student, you can drop by the theatre 30 minutes before the show, and if there are any tickets left, you can get them for only $10.00.
Call 336-292-2285 to order your tickets for "Deathtrap." If the box office is not open, leave your name, how many tickets you need, the date you want to attend, and your phone number. For the three shows that I've already attended, the theatre's staff has been great about getting back in touch with me to confirm my ticket order.
I have not seen "Deathtrap" yet--I'm planning to see it this weekend--but if it's as good as the Open Space Cafe Theatre's last three productions ("The Mystery of Irma Vep," "Vanities," and "The Fantasticks"), then you're guaranteed to enjoy a great evening of entertainment there.
The theatre itself is casually intimate--it's small, and everyone's seated at small tables. Before the show and during intermission, you also have a chance to purchase drinks and desserts to take back to your table and enjoy during the show.
I highly recommend the Open Space Cafe Theatre. If you haven't already tried it, this weekend might be a great time to start. I hope your experience is as good as mine have been. (Let me know!)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
2 of 3 Former Commissioners Deserve To Be Council-ers
Three former Guilford County Commissioners are hoping to earn enough votes to serve on the Greensboro City Council for the next two years.
Two of those candidates deserve to win.
I sincerely hope that voters will elect Mike Barber (District 4) and Mary Rakestraw (At-Large). While both Barber and Rakestraw have run confident, competent campaigns, neither has resorted to ugliness in trying to earn citizens' votes. Both of these former commissioners bring intelligence and decency to the table, as well as the strength of their convictions, and while I do not agree with all their positions, I do believe they will try to do what they feel is in the best interests of all of Greensboro's citizens.
In contrast, while Trudy Wade probably possesses many positive qualities, she should be embarrassed by the campaign she's chosen to run against Sandy Carmany (District 5). The way she's run her campaign, she should have gone ahead and put herself on the national stage, where such tactics seem more commonplace. The cartoon-based ads she's chosen to use have been unnecessary and expose an ugly desperation. She has every right to challenge Sandy Carmany but to have treated her opponent with such disrespect is inexcusable. A similar campaign tactic was used in the not-too-distant past, and the results in that election suggested that the unnecessarily ugly ads back-fired. In similar fashion, I'm hoping Trudy Wade's ugly tactics backfire and that voters choose Sandy Carmany instead of Wade. Otherwise, I fear that Wade, like T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, may never learn the lessons that both those politicians need to learn about how to treat and represent fellow human beings.
Though I hope Trudy Wade loses, I refuse, however, to wish upon Trudy Wade what she did to her last opponent. If Trudy Wade barely wins her current election attempt, I hope that Sandy Carmany won't refuse for eighteen months to concede the election. (I think Sandy Carmany has far more class than to do something like that.) Whereas Trudy Wade only left John Parks with 2 1/2 years of the 4-year term he was elected to serve on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, with the Greensboro City Council's two-year terms, such a rude maneuvering would only leave someone with 1/2 a year of their term to serve. Such behavior would be unconscionable.
Two of those candidates deserve to win.
I sincerely hope that voters will elect Mike Barber (District 4) and Mary Rakestraw (At-Large). While both Barber and Rakestraw have run confident, competent campaigns, neither has resorted to ugliness in trying to earn citizens' votes. Both of these former commissioners bring intelligence and decency to the table, as well as the strength of their convictions, and while I do not agree with all their positions, I do believe they will try to do what they feel is in the best interests of all of Greensboro's citizens.
In contrast, while Trudy Wade probably possesses many positive qualities, she should be embarrassed by the campaign she's chosen to run against Sandy Carmany (District 5). The way she's run her campaign, she should have gone ahead and put herself on the national stage, where such tactics seem more commonplace. The cartoon-based ads she's chosen to use have been unnecessary and expose an ugly desperation. She has every right to challenge Sandy Carmany but to have treated her opponent with such disrespect is inexcusable. A similar campaign tactic was used in the not-too-distant past, and the results in that election suggested that the unnecessarily ugly ads back-fired. In similar fashion, I'm hoping Trudy Wade's ugly tactics backfire and that voters choose Sandy Carmany instead of Wade. Otherwise, I fear that Wade, like T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, may never learn the lessons that both those politicians need to learn about how to treat and represent fellow human beings.
Though I hope Trudy Wade loses, I refuse, however, to wish upon Trudy Wade what she did to her last opponent. If Trudy Wade barely wins her current election attempt, I hope that Sandy Carmany won't refuse for eighteen months to concede the election. (I think Sandy Carmany has far more class than to do something like that.) Whereas Trudy Wade only left John Parks with 2 1/2 years of the 4-year term he was elected to serve on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, with the Greensboro City Council's two-year terms, such a rude maneuvering would only leave someone with 1/2 a year of their term to serve. Such behavior would be unconscionable.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Help Greensboro Honor Three Michael Caine Roles By Attending Two Local Plays
I haven't seen either play yet, but I have plans to see both Triad Stage's "Sleuth" and the Open Space Cafe Theatre's "Deathtrap."
In movie versions of these two plays, Michael Caine has played three different roles. In 1972, Caine starred in "Sleuth" opposite Laurence Olivier. Ten years later, he shared the screen with Christopher Reeve in "Deathtrap." Currently (though not yet in Greensboro), Caine appears in a 2007 version of "Sleuth"--this time he plays the role originally inhabited by Olivier, while Jude Law now fills Caine's original role.
Running from October 14th through November 4th, "Sleuth" is being performed every day except Monday, with 7:30 PM shows Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00 PM shows Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM shows every Sunday (except November 4th, which only has a 2:00 PM performance).
Triad Stage is one of downtown Greensboro's true treasures. The only regret I have regarding Triad Stage is that I didn't discover it sooner--I hate even thinking about all the shows I missed before "Dracula" provided me an introduction.
Triad Stage tickets range from $10.00-$42.00. A few tips: 1) the gallery seats overlooking the stage from both sides are only $10.00 a piece, are comfortable bar stools, and provide a fascinating perspective on the action and 2) educators only have to pay half price for their tickets. To get your tickets, call the box office at (336)-272-0160, order your tickets on-line, or just drop by Triad Stage at 232 South Elm Street. (Box office open 1:00-6:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, and you can visit the box office an hour before any production. You can't order the gallery tickets on-line.)
The Open Space Cafe Theatre is a more recently added jewel to Greensboro's theatre scene. I missed its first four plays, but I've been very fortunate to have enjoyed its last three. And I'm planning to see "Deathtrap," its current production. "Deathtrap is running from October 18th through November 3rd, with 8:00 PM performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2:00 PM Sunday matinees.
I've loved all three of the productions I've seen at the Open Space Cafe Theatre: "The Mystery of Irma Vep," "Vanities," and "The Fantasticks." Located at 4609 West Market Street, this theatre can almost be entirely missed from the outside, but once you're inside, you're treated to an atmosphere that's a cool blend of intimate and casual. Seated at small tables, you can eat desserts and sip on drinks while enjoying a great show.
Adult tickets are $20.00, and tickets for students and seniors are $17.00. If you get together 8 or more people, there's a $2.00 discount off each ticket. (14 of us got together at Elizabeth's Pizza on Market Street prior to "The Fantasticks," enjoying a wonderfully entertaining evening together.) Also, students who arrive half-an-hour before the show can get tickets for $10.00 if there are any seats available. Call the box office at (336)-292-2285 and don't be afraid to leave a message if you get the voice mail. The theatre's staff is great about calling back to confirm your order.
While I haven't yet seen "Sleuth" or "Deathtrap," I feel fairly safe recommending both productions for local theatre-goers. If you haven't tried out Triad Stage and/or the Open Space Cafe Theatre, you're missing out on two of Greensboro's best entertainment offerings.
In movie versions of these two plays, Michael Caine has played three different roles. In 1972, Caine starred in "Sleuth" opposite Laurence Olivier. Ten years later, he shared the screen with Christopher Reeve in "Deathtrap." Currently (though not yet in Greensboro), Caine appears in a 2007 version of "Sleuth"--this time he plays the role originally inhabited by Olivier, while Jude Law now fills Caine's original role.
Running from October 14th through November 4th, "Sleuth" is being performed every day except Monday, with 7:30 PM shows Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00 PM shows Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM shows every Sunday (except November 4th, which only has a 2:00 PM performance).
Triad Stage is one of downtown Greensboro's true treasures. The only regret I have regarding Triad Stage is that I didn't discover it sooner--I hate even thinking about all the shows I missed before "Dracula" provided me an introduction.
Triad Stage tickets range from $10.00-$42.00. A few tips: 1) the gallery seats overlooking the stage from both sides are only $10.00 a piece, are comfortable bar stools, and provide a fascinating perspective on the action and 2) educators only have to pay half price for their tickets. To get your tickets, call the box office at (336)-272-0160, order your tickets on-line, or just drop by Triad Stage at 232 South Elm Street. (Box office open 1:00-6:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, and you can visit the box office an hour before any production. You can't order the gallery tickets on-line.)
The Open Space Cafe Theatre is a more recently added jewel to Greensboro's theatre scene. I missed its first four plays, but I've been very fortunate to have enjoyed its last three. And I'm planning to see "Deathtrap," its current production. "Deathtrap is running from October 18th through November 3rd, with 8:00 PM performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2:00 PM Sunday matinees.
I've loved all three of the productions I've seen at the Open Space Cafe Theatre: "The Mystery of Irma Vep," "Vanities," and "The Fantasticks." Located at 4609 West Market Street, this theatre can almost be entirely missed from the outside, but once you're inside, you're treated to an atmosphere that's a cool blend of intimate and casual. Seated at small tables, you can eat desserts and sip on drinks while enjoying a great show.
Adult tickets are $20.00, and tickets for students and seniors are $17.00. If you get together 8 or more people, there's a $2.00 discount off each ticket. (14 of us got together at Elizabeth's Pizza on Market Street prior to "The Fantasticks," enjoying a wonderfully entertaining evening together.) Also, students who arrive half-an-hour before the show can get tickets for $10.00 if there are any seats available. Call the box office at (336)-292-2285 and don't be afraid to leave a message if you get the voice mail. The theatre's staff is great about calling back to confirm your order.
While I haven't yet seen "Sleuth" or "Deathtrap," I feel fairly safe recommending both productions for local theatre-goers. If you haven't tried out Triad Stage and/or the Open Space Cafe Theatre, you're missing out on two of Greensboro's best entertainment offerings.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Can Trudy Wade Sleep Nights?
Somebody is probably proud of having developed Trudy Wade's campaign ads (1, 2, and 3) against Sandy Carmany for the District 5 seat on the Greensboro City Council. I myself would be embarassed to be associated with such a campaign. Even if you happened otherwise to be the better candidate, to rely on such ugly campaigning brings into question a person's moral values, as well as their fitness for elected office.
Trudy Wade claims that "integrity" will be one of the positive qualities that she will bring to the council, but to my knowledge, she has never apologized for denying John Parks a good portion of his elected term on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. Even when they feel that they have been denied a victory that they think they deserve, athletes and coaches accept the outcome of athletic contests. Al Gore had a better case than Trudy Wade to question an election's outcome, but with more class and dignity, he conceded the presidential election. Having been an incumbent candidate, Wade should have simply acknowledged that for some reason, a considerable number of voters did not want to return her to office. Instead, she behaved immaturely and rudely. (I don't begrudge Wade her initial appeal; my problem is that she continued to refuse to just let go and graciously accept defeat.)
I'm reminded of a favorite Prince song, "Positivity." It has some lyrics that I think apply:
"Is that all your gold?
Where did it come from? What did U have 2 do? (did U have 2 do)
Can U sleep nights?
Do U dream straight up or do U dream in W's?"
Also: "I said, hold on 2 your soul, U got a long way 2 go."
And finally:
"Don't kiss the beast
Be superior at least."
Trudy Wade claims that "integrity" will be one of the positive qualities that she will bring to the council, but to my knowledge, she has never apologized for denying John Parks a good portion of his elected term on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. Even when they feel that they have been denied a victory that they think they deserve, athletes and coaches accept the outcome of athletic contests. Al Gore had a better case than Trudy Wade to question an election's outcome, but with more class and dignity, he conceded the presidential election. Having been an incumbent candidate, Wade should have simply acknowledged that for some reason, a considerable number of voters did not want to return her to office. Instead, she behaved immaturely and rudely. (I don't begrudge Wade her initial appeal; my problem is that she continued to refuse to just let go and graciously accept defeat.)
I'm reminded of a favorite Prince song, "Positivity." It has some lyrics that I think apply:
"Is that all your gold?
Where did it come from? What did U have 2 do? (did U have 2 do)
Can U sleep nights?
Do U dream straight up or do U dream in W's?"
Also: "I said, hold on 2 your soul, U got a long way 2 go."
And finally:
"Don't kiss the beast
Be superior at least."
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