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Best Onstage

The 7 most memorable onstage moments in Dallas-Fort Worth theater 2016

Lindsey Wilson
Dec 26, 2016 | 2:30 pm

The Dallas-Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum (of which I'm a member) already honored its favorites from the August 2015-September 2016 season, but there are a few onstage moments from this calendar year that I personally can't shake.

Rather than declare an overall best shows list, here are seven of those moments within the play or musical that made it especially clear that we were experiencing live, raw, human theater.

The stagnant cigarette smoke, 'Night, Mother at Echo Theatre
When Jessie tells her mother that before the night is over she will kill herself, she's sitting at the kitchen table calmly folding tea towels and smoking a cigarette. After Jessie drops her bombshell, she forbids her housebound mother, Thelma, to call friends or family to stop her and then heads off to find her father's old gun.

Marsha Norman's Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a struggle of power and emotion between these two women, who were embodied fiercely by Jessica Cavanagh and Amber Devlin in Echo Theatre's production. As we watched Devlin cycle through panic, fear, desperation, and sadness, a cloud of Cavanagh's cigarette smoke hung, in a barely moving cloud, above the table as a reminder of Jessie's presence.

I can't say for certain if this happened at every show, or if the one I attended just happened to avoid the air conditioner at just the right moment, but it was a haunting, almost menacing, addition to the scene.

Mary Tyrone's morphine haze, Long Day's Journey Into Night at Undermain Theatre
​Joanna Schellenberg's fragile performance was only one part of Undermain's excellent production, but anyone who's familiar with Eugene O'Neill's intense family drama knows that there's a difficult scene that can make or break an actor's portrayal of Mary Tyrone. Near the end of the three-hour play, the Tyrone matriarch finally succumbs fully to her morphine addiction and appears in her wedding gown, disoriented and glassy eyed and finally beyond the reach of her family.

It's easy to go heavy handed here, making Mary into a cartoonish ghost, but Schellenberg and director Katherine Owens made sure to retain recognizable bits of the Mary we saw earlier. With the eerie fog rolling at her feet, Schellenberg dipped in and out of reality with just the right touch of otherworldliness.

The twist in The Nether at Stage West
I'm still not going to ruin this techno-thriller's surprise, because it was so satisfying to hear all the gasps and exhales when the audience figured out the truth. In a mere 70 minutes, director Garret Storms and his cast created an immensely detailed and superbly creepy dystopian world wherein people could assume an online identity, enter a "realm," and commit gruesome acts that have no real consequences (think Westworld but with avatars instead of robots).

You could feel the audience shifting uncomfortably in their seats each time a character leapt into this online world, and hear a murmur of concern for each dreadful emotional and physical act, but when playwright Jennifer Haley's big reveal happened the reaction was priceless.

Audience participation at Ghost Quartet presented by Flora Off Broadway
AT&T Performing Arts Center's experimental season of smaller, quirkier shows expanded all the way into Deep Ellum for the tour of Ghost Quartet, which was unlike anything DFW audiences had seen or heard before. Composer Dave Malloy currently has a hit on Broadway with his Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, but he was here in the spring with two Natasha cast members and a fourth musician to perform this circuitous meditation on death.

It was a weird show for sure, with music that wasn't always pleasant to the ear, but it also defied audiences' preconceived notions about theater. The performers would interact with the spectators, some of whom were seated on cushions right beside them, by passing off instruments for them to play and at one point doling out a few bottles of whiskey. Watching the confusion, then disbelief, and finally delight on people's faces as they poured themselves a stiff drink was a fitting reaction for this show.

Familial generations in The Big Meal at WaterTower Theatre
​Dan LeFranc's 90-minute play had a complicated structure that flowed effortlessly thanks to Emily Scott Banks' precise direction. In short bursts we saw Nikki and Sam meet, fall in love, break up, get back together, marry, reproduce, receive grandchildren, and live out their lives together. Not a particularly unusual story, but the emotions — and there were a lot of them — came from the unique way it was told through the eight-person cast.

The six adult actors each took a turn at playing the couple at different points in their lives, but when Lois Sonnier Hart as the elderly Nikki glanced around at the family she had created, something about the wonder in her realization softened this mean critic's heart and brought on the waterworks.

Preacher with a secret, Bootycandy at Stage West
Each of the vignettes in Robert O'Hara's scathingly funny play about race, sexuality, and class had at least one laugh-out-loud moment and several truth bombs. But Djoré Nance truly grabbed the audience early on as an impassioned preacher delivering a sermon about the "questionable" behavior of some of the choir boys. He says that he received a letter signed "by the folks who pay your salary" that expresses concern that these boys may be homosexual or engaging in improper behavior.

You think you know where this speech is going, but director Akín Babatundé conceals the preacher's true message until the last possible moment. Nance steps out from behind the pulpit to reveal he's wearing high heels (and a fabulous gown, when he sheds his robes), then basically tells the congregation they can shove their judgmental concerns where the sun don't shine. Commitment doesn't even begin to describe Nance's performance in that scene.

Mother Holly in Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time by The Drama Club
The latest original work from this collective of DFW theater artists was uneven, with three of the four short plays failing to gather much steam. But Mother Holly, penned by Michael Federico, wove a dark tale about a kind-hearted girl who's desperate to save her family and the forest witch who grants her wish. Jeffrey Schmidt's simple set — three large W's that could illuminate when needed — and Amanda West's lighting started the creep factor before Korey Kent's costume for the witch, played with terrifying physicality by Nicole Berastequi, truly began to inspire nightmares.

When Berastequi finally revealed her face, a twisted mask with glowing red eyes, and climbed onto the middle W like a creature stalking its prey, it was a chilling visual that lasted long past Halloween.

Lois Sonnier Hart and Alex Duva in The Big Meal at WaterTower Theatre.

Lois Sonnier Hart and Alex Duva in The Big Meal at WaterTower Theatre
Photo by Karen Almond
Lois Sonnier Hart and Alex Duva in The Big Meal at WaterTower Theatre.
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Closure News

Dallas-based art store chain is calling it quits after 71 years

Teresa Gubbins
Oct 28, 2022 | 3:43 pm
asel art supply
Asel

They were a local institution for art supplies.

After 71 years, a revered Dallas-based art store chain is calling it quits. Asel Art Supply, first founded in downtown Dallas in 1951, is closing all its stores as of December 31.

That includes locations in Richardson, Arlington, Fort Worth, two in San Antonio, and one in Lubbock.

The chain previously closed its Plano store as well as its erstwhile flagship location on Cedar Springs Road in Dallas in September.

A spokesperson said the closures were due to a variety of reasons.

"There were a lot of factors, it was not just one thing," the spokesperson said. "COVID for sure. It started with COVID, and the impact that had on supply chain issues and manufacturing problems. But also the consolidation of the industry overall."

Asel was founded by Kenny Asel and his brother Herb, who then sold the business in 1973. In 1987, a trust was created to transfer the company to employee ownership. There are 60 employees.

"It was a decision made by our management team, with advice from our accountant," the spokesperson said.

The closure feels reminiscent of the demise of record stores, another industry whose very environment had the potential to stimulate inspiration.

And for stationery addicts, it was heaven, a treasure trove of colored pens, shiny pens, Parisian sketching crayons, woodless graphite pencils, modeling clay, tracing paper, soft pastels in a rainbow of colors, rulers with cork backing, sketch pads with a fine-tooth surface, chalk, nice wooden easels, so much to like.

The chain is offering 40 percent off all merchandise.

In its heyday, Asel was a source not only for artists and schools, but also for commercial customers such as ad agencies and printing companies. At one point, it had 10 locations.

Art Simmons worked as an art director at Bozell Advertising, back in the 70s, when graphics production was done by hand and required an artillery of paste-up materials like rubber cement, Bestine thinner, Spray-Mount, waxers, gum erasers, and blue pencils.

"We used to have two good art stores back in the '70s: Asel and the Rush Company, where you could buy art supplies," he says. "Rush was more on the commercial side, for art studios, with mounting boards, Exact-O blades, that kind of stuff. This was back in the day when you did everything by hand. With computers, most of that work went online."

"Asel was more for traditional painting and drawing," he says. "They had a good painting section with oils, acrylics, drawing paper, tablets. I think that helped them hang on as long as they did."

Their departure seems likely to benefit Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies & Framing, a North Carolina chain that opened a store at Preston Valley Shopping Center, in 2021, selling art supplies and materials, custom framing, canvas-stretching, demonstrations, and special events.

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First ladies who lunch

Laura and Barbara Bush lend presidential panache to cherished Dallas luncheon

Stephanie Allmon Merry
Oct 28, 2022 | 1:59 pm
Laura and Barbara Bush lend presidential panache to cherished Dallas luncheon
Photo by Atali Samuel Photography

Barbara Bush and Laura Bush

What: Austin Street Center Humble Beginnings Luncheon

Where: Hilton Anatole Hotel

Austin Street Center Humble Beginnings Luncheon 2022

Photo by Atali Samuel Photography

Barbara Bush and Laura Bush

The 411: Former U.S. first lady Laura Bush and daughter Barbara Bush — the two "quietest" members of the Bush family (neither having been a politician nor a TV talk show host) — stepped into the spotlight on a rare public outing together to help raise funds for a beloved Dallas organization.

Just how beloved? The 22nd annual Austin Street Center Humble Beginnings Luncheon drew a crowd of 897 attendees to the Hilton Anatole's Chantilly Ballroom on Friday, October 14.

Chaired by Frank Mihalopoulos and Jay McAuley and led by Austin Street Center CEO Daniel Roby, the luncheon and presentation celebrated the center's successes (including a large new facility) and underscored its mission to serve the homeless population of Dallas.

Popular party group Emerald City Band set a celebratory mood by entertaining guests as they arrived and sat down to an autumnal lunch of butternut squash soup and seared chicken breast salad.

Legendary local radio personality and Austin Street Center supporter Norm Hitzges presented Carolyn Lacy Miller the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award for her many contributions to the organization, including the creation of its Sisterhood Program, which serves women who are homeless, have been victimized, traumatized, and suffer with mental illnesses and/or substance use illnesses.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson was presented the Public Service Award. In his acceptance remarks, he became emotional when he talked about how homelessness has affected his family personally.

The highlight of the day was a conversation with Laura and Barbara Bush, moderated by former ambassador, Hon. Jeanne Phillips.

The theme being "service to others," much of the talk focused on the Bushes' initiatives to reach people around the world — from the women of Afghanistan to AIDS victims in Africa. Barbara said a trip with her parents to AIDS-ravaged parts of Africa, in fact, helped change her career trajectory from architecture to global health.

There were light-hearted moments, too. Barbara shared funny stories about growing up, sharing a name with her grandmother - former first lady Barbara Bush. (One laugh-out-loud tale involved an email from a cousin about bikini waxing.) Laura revealed the best advice her mother-in-law gave her: Don't criticize your husband's speeches (advice she didn't always follow, for better or worse).

Laura, along with daughter Jenna and Jenna's daughters Mila and Poppy, she said, recently had been welcomed back to the White House by President Biden and Dr. Biden. During a later concert at the White House, singer Elton John recognized the former first lady for her work on behalf of AIDS causes around the world, she said.

From stage, it was announced that George W. and Laura Bush will receive the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Global Leadership Award on December 1, World AIDS Day.

In total, the Austin Street Center raised nearly $800,000 at the Humble Beginnings Luncheon.

To end the inspiring afternoon, each attendee took home a luxurious Xela Aroma candle hand-poured by women of Austin Street Center's Sisterhood Program. Candle proceeds go directly to support the Sisterhood Program and are for sale at xelaaroma.com.

Who: Nearly 900 Austin Street Center staff, board members, patrons, and supporters including Abim Bola, Mary Danz, Bianca Davis, Priya Murphy, Britt Carman, Katelyn Muñoz, Carolyn Arnold, Gail Turner, R. Gerald Turner, and many, many more.

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Pastry News

Acclaimed pastry chef to open sweet shop on foodie East Dallas corner

Teresa Gubbins
Oct 28, 2022 | 12:51 pm
diana zamora
Nena Postreria

Check out those Gansitos.

An acclaimed Dallas pastry chef is opening her own place: Called Nena Postreria, it's a new shop to be located in East Dallas from Diana Zamora, with a goal of opening by late 2022.

The shop will. open at 4219 Bryan St., in a vintage brick building at the intersection of Peak, across from Bangkok City and Vietnam restaurant.

Zamora has extensive experience doing desserts for restaurants including her most recent gig at the acclaimed East Dallas restaurant Cry Wolf. In 2020, she won Best Pastry Chef in CultureMap's annual Tastemaker Awards.

She's also entrepreneurial, having founded Nena Postreria first as a pop-up concept, which she did out of a commissary kitchen. Now the time has come for a retail shop.

"Nena is named for my mom, who had cancer and passed away a month and a half ago," Zamora says. "Now I can go full force. I figured, I can either go destructive or super productive. 'Nena' was her nickname, and she's the inspiration behind all of the food I make. I started doing Nena as a pop-up and have built the brand for the past year. It was time."

She says she'll do the shop in stages, unfolding new aspects as she gets her footing.

"I still have my commissary kitchen so this will start out as a retail storefront, but we'll slowly build a kitchen," she says. "Eventually, it will evolve into a bakery-coffeeshop-cafe."

The menu will incorporate bestsellers from her pop-ups.

"First and foremost, we'll do Gansitos, they're Mexican snack cakes, like Little Debbie layer cakes with cream and fruit, and a candy coating, in a variety of flavors - those will always be available," she says. "We'll also do cakes including tres leches and carrot cake, and a lot of different conchas, and empanadas. both savory and sweet."

The storefront was previously a jujitsu place.

"It's a cool old building, they managed to keep the original ceiling and it has beautiful natural lighting," she says. "My sister and my older daughter are both artists, and they're doing a mural that's a tribute to my mom. Her middle name was Margarita which means daisy, so that will figure in the mural."

She'll also use the space to showcase local Latino artists and chefs. Giving back to the community is always part of her mission.

"It's not just about the pastry shop but about sharing our culture, and providing opportunity for young chefs," she says.

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