Finally Friday - West Side Story

 I do my part to support local businesses, museums, and any of the arts. Last Thursday, I enjoyed a local theater production of West Side Story at The Artisan in Hurst. 

Originally conceived by Jerome Robbins, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is a challenge. I have to say the young cast was up to the task. The Artisan is a theater in the round with a small up close audience. We were treated to decent dancing and acting. As for the singing - Maria's voice soared. Anita's voice was rich. And this skinny young man who played Tony had a pure tone that cut to the heart. So kudos all around. 

It's a Romeo and Juliet theme story set in 1957 New York City. A tale of the "old" immigrants (Poland, Italy, etc) versus the "new" immigrants (Puerto Ricans). Rivalry, hate, and love. 

Classic songs - the Jets, Something's Coming, Maria, America, Tonight, Somewhere

I was glad I ventured out on a Thursday evening and filled my soul with the arts. 

Local Theater Laughs

 Time to venture out last Friday and catch some local theater. Onstage Bedford presented a one woman show Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End.  The authors, Margaret Engel and Allison Engel, had done another show I liked about the columnist Molly Ivins, so I had high hopes. And they did not disappoint. 

In ninety minutes, the actress (Judy Sizemore) gave us Erma - the housewife, the writer, the syndicated columnist, the book author, the feminist, the wife, the mom, the everybody's next door neighbor. The actress gave us the wit and  wisdom of Erma all while folding laundry, ironing, dealing with kids and husband, and answering the door to life insurance salesmen. 

Laugh out loud funny and also poignant too. This was a tight little production and kudos to Onstage Bedford. I was happy to "shop  local" and was entertained. My mom loved Erma Bombeck and I have too. She's one for the ages and this show, At Wit's End, does her justice. 

Disaster! in Bedford

 Support your local theater. I am ashamed of myself. I go to Dallas and Fort Worth for various theater shows and musicals. But I've never been to Onstage Bedford in my own backyard. Well, Ray and I remedied this on Saturday July 8th. First dinner at La Bistro in Hurst - yummy Italian food. Then off to the show for what turned out to be quite a fun evening.

Disaster! is a musical based on every disaster film you can think of. It spoofs The Poseidon Adventure, Titanic, Towering Inferno, etc.  A variety of characters are attending a casino opening on a floating barge. Of course explosions ensue, an earthquake causes a tidal wave, there are piranha loose from the aquarium, and meanwhile the actors are singing and dancing away to an 80s soundtrack. The application of these song in times of dire disaster prove hysterical.

The actors give it there all and enthusiasm abounds. At times a teensy pitchy singing, but the end result was just an enjoyable time. The theater is quite nice -seats 100 people, so intimate. Sound, sets, and lighting, etc are all quite professional.  I will be back for more shows.

If Disaster! strikes your local theater, go check it out. You will survive!