Fun Acts: Stirring Up Drama for Your Friends, Family, and Co-Workers

My parents did me a wonderful favor when I was a child by exposing me to plays and musicals. Sure, I didn't always appreciate it back then, but today, I couldn't be more grateful that they planted the seeds for me appreciating drama as an adult.

Still, for a period of time, I wasn't proactive enough about making plans to attend plays. And without definite plans, far too many plays came and went without me being in the audience. I still don't find or make as much time as I'd like to take advantage of all the wonderful theatrical experiences our area provides, but I've gotten a lot better. I've also gotten into the habit of inviting others to join me. In the past year particularly, I've created a system that works well for me and others too, I think.

These are the steps I follow:

1. Find a theatre or two (or more) that you enjoy. I've fallen in love with three local theatres particularly, though I've also enjoyed plays at other venues. I fell in love with Triad Stage with the first show I saw there: "Dracula." I had read about it before then and heard positive things about it, but on my part, there was no follow through, so I missed out on seeing all the great performances that came before "Dracula." Even since "Dracula," I've missed out on seeing plays there, and I deeply regret having allowed those opportunities to pass me by. In the past year though, I've focused and planned better, and I haven't missed a show this season. (I even went back for seconds and thirds of Preston Lane's simply amazing "Beautiful Star.") I already have plans to see "Bloody Blackbeard" two or three times. At least. (It's a world premiere, and it doesn't open until June 8th, but I know in my heart that I will enjoy seeing it each time and gain something new from each viewing.) I've been glad that I've made the time to see each play that I've seen there. The same has been true with the Open Space Cafe Theatre. I have to thank Leslie Mizell for her review of "The Mystery of Irma Vep"--that's what led me to discover the OSC Theatre. What a wonderful find! Since then, I haven't missed any of its offerings either, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every visit there. I'm also a fan of the Broach Theatre--I absolutely loved "Always . . . Patsy Cline," and for his birthday, I took my brother there to see "Intimate Apparel," another great performance. The Broach Theatre is now in its 21st season of providing great entertainment for our region.

2. Make plans to attend. Sometimes, with our busy schedules, this is the hard part, but for follow-through and actual attendance to occur, you can't be half-hearted about this. You have to keep up with when plays are running, and you have to figure out a time for you to see them. Keep your calendar handy. Figure out which days of the week the play is being performed, and then determine which of those days will work best for you. If you make plans to see all the plays that a theatre has to offer, you have to stay committed to making that actually happen. Otherwise, the days will pass, and you'll discover that a play's come and gone without you witnessing the performance. (If you plan to see more than one theatre's plays, you have to plan even more ahead so that you can fit in everything that you want to see.)

3. Find out if tickets are available for the date you select. Call the box office--these theatres that I've mentioned have wonderful people waiting to work with you. They're genuinely interested in making sure that they take care of you and your needs as much as possible. When you tell them that you're hoping to bring a group of people, they'll appreciate your additional support.

3. Invite your friends and family members and maybe even some strangers to join you. To do this, you have to figure out all the information to share. Which play and what theatre? What's the theatre's address, phone number, and website address? When (date and time)? How much (including discount options)? Will you get together for dinner beforehand?--If so, where, and at what time? I've created a "Play-Goers" e-mail distribution list so that I can easily send potentially interested friends, family members, and co-workers invitations that include all the details.

4. Reserve the tickets. I sometimes have had to pay ahead of time, even before I've collected people's money. If you're able to do that, just let the people planning to attend know when they need to pay you. Once you've established a relationship with the theatre's staff members, they will often work with you, and sometimes, they'll allow individuals in your group to pay as they arrive for the performance. (Different theatres have different policies--just ask.)

5. Remind everyone who's planning to attend of all the details a few days before the performance. Again, e-mail works well for this communication. Make sure people have all of your contact information. When necessary, provide directions. If you are planning to meet to eat before the play, let the restaurant know how many to expect. (Backing up a little, it's often a good idea to select eating establishments that are in the vicinity of the theatre.)

6. Enjoy! Have a great meal! Enjoy the precious time you have to socialize with your friends and family members, and if lesser known guests attend, take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them. Enjoy seeing the fantastic performances you'll almost undoubtably witness.

7. Make plans to see the next play on your list.

8. Spread the word! Tell others about your experiences. Invite them to join you. Create your own e-mail distribution list, and create an invitation system that works best for you. Ask people in person also--sometimes, a more personal touch is even more persuasive.

I already have plans to see at least three plays over the next couple months. These are plays I think you too might enjoy, at theatres I highly recommend. Next week, "Almost Maine" opens at the Open Space Cafe Theatre, and I'm planning to get together with at least 8 friends and family members for dinner-and-"Almost Maine." (If you haven't seen a play at the OSC Theatre yet, now's the perfect time to start. I really think you'll enjoy this uniquely intimate theatre and its productions.) At the same time, "From the Mississippi Delta" opens at Triad Stage. At least four of us are looking forward to seeing that play. And as I've already mentioned, I'm planning to see Triad Stage's "Bloody Blackbeard" at least 2-3 times when it opens. At least 24 of us are planning to see it one evening, and I'm trying to get others to join us as well. (I love everything about Triad Stage, including its commitment to constantly evolving excellence.) The Broach Theatre is also offering "The Dixie Swim Club"--if I can fit it in, I'll be there too, with at least a friend or family member or two. Care to join us?

Mixing Races Led To Mixing Animals

I don't think this school's mascot would fly now. (No wonder kids used to think smoking was cool!)

Today, Rocky Mount High School's mascot is the Gryphon.

A little history to explain why the school's mascot changed:

The Rocky Mount High School of today actually took its present form in the 1968-69 school year. By then the decision had already been reached to close Booker T. Washington and to educate all of Rocky Mount’s high school students at an enlarged RMSH facility. If the actual merger in the fall of 1969 was to be a marriage of two fine traditions into a new entity, the 1968-69 school year was the engagement period. Significant construction took place at RMSH to accommodate the influx of students from Booker T. Also, student, faculty and community committees from both schools worked hard to meld the two into one new school while preserving the best of each. The old mascots, the Blackbirds and the Lions, were not cast off or discarded; rather they were reverently retired in favor of a new mascot – part bird, part lion – that symbolized the continuation, rather than the termination, of both hallowed traditions. The royal blue and gold of Booker T. Washington and the black and gold that Rocky Mount Senior High had inherited from the old Rocky Mount High School on Marigold Street were combined, not discarded. The color “blue-black” (actually, dark navy blue) was adopted by the student body to go with the gold that was already common to both schools. Student government, cheerleading, and similar activities were to be shared between students from the predecessor schools by a formula that strove for equitable apportionment. The principalship was to be shared and the faculties combined. The stage was well prepared for a merger that incorporated, respected and preserved both traditions.

My Dad and his siblings were Blackbirds, and in their lifetimes, the world sure has changed a lot. I wonder if current students know and appreciate the history behind their mascot.

Open Space Cafe Theatre Has One More Show Left In Its 2007 Inaugural Season

Timing hasn't allowed me to see the Open Space Cafe Theatre's last two productions prior to their closing shows, so I was only able to recommend "The Fantasticks" and "Deathtrap" based on my positive experiences with the theatre's two previous plays, "The Mystery of Irma Vep" and "Vanities." Having just seen "Deathtrap" last night, I thank the Open Space Cafe Theatre for providing yet another highly satisfying evening of entertainment. My only regret is that I missed the theatre's first four plays.

Before 2007 ends, I'm looking forward to seeing "Plaid Tidings," the theatre's last production of its inaugural season. And though I haven't yet seen it, I'll go out on a limb and suggest that if you're looking for high-quality entertainment, you too should make plans to see "Plaid Tidings." If it's on the same level as the other Open Space Cafe Theatre productions I've seen, you'll get more than your money's worth and have a great time as well. Right now, local theatre goers who haven't yet discovered the Open Space Cafe Theatre just don't know what they've been missing. As the theatre closes one season and prepares for its next, now's the perfect time for you to experience your first OSCT production.

"Plaid Tidings" runs November 29-December 15 and December 27-31. Shows run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and on Sundays at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are $17.00 for senior citizens and students and $20.00 for everyone else. You can get $2.00 off each ticket by getting together a group of 8 or more. Also, if any tickets are still left, college students can drop by the theatre 30 minutes prior to a show and get their tickets $10.00 each.

Call the box office at (336)-292-2285. Just leave a message with your name, phone number, how many tickets you want, and which date you want your tickets. The theatre's staff is great about returning calls and confirming orders.

The theatre is located at 4609 West Market Street.

For more information about "Plaid Tidings," visit here.

This Weekend's Your Last Chance To See "Deathtrap"

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!)

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.

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.

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."