Coronavirus Comeback

Pools make a splash in the newest list of attractions reopening in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Texas Pool in Plano has reopened with reduced capacity.

Texas Pool/Facebook

Households that are choosing to get out and about have plenty of options now around Dallas-Fort Worth. Even though the coronavirus pandemic is not over, restrictions on entertainment hot spots have loosened enough that they're ready to open their doors to smaller crowds, with many safety protocols in place. Here are the latest pools, museums, theaters, and other amusements that are back in business. (Previous reopenings are here.)

WhoaZone at Grapevine Lake (formerly Altitude H20) reopened for the summer on Saturday, June 13. Guests can enjoy an on-water obstacle course, beachside chairs and umbrellas for relaxing, fun land-based games, private birthday parties, and more. Guests must be at least 7 years old, at least 45 inches tall, and capable swimmers. For more information and tickets, check the website.

Dallas Heritage Village reopened to visitors on Monday, June 15. The museum has adjusted summer hours of 9 am-2 pm daily (plus 6-9 pm Thursdays), and a reduced admission of $8 for adults and free for children. For safety reasons, the buildings on site are closed, but the walkable grounds are open. Social distancing is enforced, hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the property, and there's a contactless ticket booth. More information at the website.

Southfork Ranch in Parker, the famous home of the Ewing family on TV's Dallas, resumed public tours on Tuesday, June 16. In addition, trail rides and private lessons have resumed. Staff is screened each day and social distancing is required to protect public health. For more information and tickets, visit the website.

The Texas Pool in Plano reopened to the public on Tuesday, June 16. Hours are 11 am-8 pm Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday, and 12-6 pm Sunday. Capacity is limited to 50 percent, but reservations are not required and there's no mandatory time limit. Enhanced safety measures include providing soap and sanitizer to staff and guests; staff will wear masks, but they are not required for guests. Members have first priority while capacity is limited. For information about memberships and more, visit the website.

Billy Bob's Texas will begin reopening in phases, starting Thursday, June 18. The Fort Worth honky-tonk will open for daytime admission ($3) — including the Honky Tonk Kitchen, retail store, pool tables and games, bar, and ticket office — June 18-21. House bands will return to the Honky Tonk Stage, June 22-28. Free line dance lessons will return, along with larger scale concerts, beginning June 29. To read about the COVID-19 safety measures, purchase tickets, and more, check the website.

Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth becomes the first DFW theater to resume performances when How I Got Over opens Friday, June 19. The company had previously postponed the production, a musical review by Nate Jacobs that celebrates the life of Mahalia Jackson and other gospel greats. With Gov. Abbott's permission to reopen with limited audience capacity, Jubilee is now presenting the show from June 19-July 19 — with opening night landing on the theater's 39th anniversary. More information in this story.

Urban Air Adventure Park reopens all DFW locations on Saturday, June 20. New safety protocols include hand sanitizing stations throughout, temperature of all guests and employees taken upon entry, employees wearing masks, limited capacities, and social distancing measures. Guests are not required to wear masks or gloves, but they are available for purchase. Ahead of reopening, Urban Air is offering a free day for all essential workers and families on Friday, June 19. Also, tickets purchased before June 20 will be 50 percent off. For more information and tickets, visit the website.

Jack Carter Park Pool in Plano will be open to the public June 29-August 9, then weekends only until Labor Day (September 7). Reservations are required and may be made up to two days in advance. Each three-hour block of time is limited to 250 guests; each reservation made is limited to six passes and one shift per day. For details on summer hours, memberships, and more, visit the website.

Meadows Museum (including gift shop) on the SMU campus will reopen to the public July 7 at reduced capacity but with regular hours. Healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers will receive free admission throughout the month of July. Timed tickets will be available for purchase through the museum's website beginning July 1. Social distancing will be enforced, staff will wear masks, and guests are encouraged to wear face coverings (both cloth and disposable masks will be available for a small donation). To see what's on view through the summer, check the museum website.

Four major Fort Worth museums are reopening soon. First out of the gate will be the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, which will officially open on Friday, June 19, following member-only days, June 16-18. The Kimbell Art Museum will be next up on June 20, following two members-only days. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will open on June 24, with a members-only day on June 23. Finally, the Modern Art Museum will open on July 1. Find out more about their safety protocols, exhibitions, and more in this story.

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Movie Review

The Invite delivers smart, sexy laughs with an all-star cast

Photo courtesy of A24

Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton in The Invite.

Once upon a time, well before scandal embroiled him, Woody Allen made great comedies aimed at adults. That type of film - which is different from the raunchy, R-rated comedies of the 21st century - has fallen out of favor in Hollywood, but as the new film The Invite proves, when done well it can be as funny as anything else out there.

Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) are an unhappily married couple living in San Francisco. As we meet them, Joe has arrived home to Angela preparing for a visit from their upstairs neighbors, Hawk (Edward Norton) and Piña (Penélope Cruz), who have moved in relatively recently. Their impending arrival starts a new round of arguing between Joe and Angela, something they can barely contain once the other couple comes to their door.

What proceeds is a getting-to-know-you process that is mostly awkward as Joe and Angela continue sniping at each other while Hawk and Piña put in their two cents in a much calmer manner. A sticking point between the two couples - the loud sex Hawk and Piña have on an almost nightly basis - turns the film on its head with an unexpected invitation.

Directed by Wilde and written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the film is a fast-paced chamber piece that takes place almost entirely in Joe and Angela’s apartment. Wilde, the writers, and the actors speed the story along not with action but through almost non-stop dialogue that often has the characters overlapping each other’s lines. The rapidity of the speech fuels the humor of the situation and establishes the differing personalities of each person.

Sex is very much top of mind for each of the characters for most of the film, but the filmmakers approach the topic in such a way that it never feels salacious. Each of the characters is a rational adult who can talk about sex in a mature manner while also acknowledging their unique feelings on the matter. And it’s the discoveries each of them makes along the way that brings about the most comedy.

But, like any comedy for adults, the film also has a dramatic tilt to it, and Wilde edges the story back-and-forth between the two tones extremely well. Joe and Angela fighting is played for laughs at times, but the sadness of their relationship comes through loud and clear. Hawk and Piña are much more intimate with each other, but the funniness of their openness is juxtaposed with a depth that arises through their conversations.

In the 2020s, Rogen has managed to make the transition from goofy stoner to stoner with real acting chops. In a stacked cast, he is the one who sells every moment the best. That’s not to say that Wilde, Norton, and Cruz don’t measure up, though; each of them inhabits their respective roles magnificently. The four actors play off each other as if they had been working together for years.

While The Invite will likely play better to those who have experience with long term relationships, its insights - and occasional bawdiness - make it a comedy that can be appreciated universally. With four actors at the top of their games and a razor-sharp script made even better by some well-done improv, it proves that you don’t need to go low to get great laughs.

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The Invite is now playing in theaters.

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