Do-it-all Dallas theater icon Bruce Coleman passes away unexpectedly

In Memoriam

Photo by Michael Albee

UPDATE: A celebration of Bruce Coleman's life will take place on Monday, October 2, at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Doors open at 6 pm, with the celebration beginning at 7 pm. "The donning of your Bruce Coleman 'original' is encouraged" notes the announcement.

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Bruce R. Coleman, a respected director, costumer, set designer, teacher, and playwright, passed away on August 15 at age 62 from a heart attack.

The news shocked the Dallas-Fort Worth theater community, every corner of which Coleman touched in one way or another during his decades-long career. He had most recently directed and costumed Tigers Be Still at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, which opened on August 11 and runs through August 26.

Coleman's legacy includes critically acclaimed productions at, among others, Shakespeare Dallas, Junior Players, Pegasus Theatre, Pocket Sandwich Theatre, and Uptown Players, which called him “an integral part of the Uptown Players family for many years" in a statement regarding his death.

But he was perhaps most closely associated with Theatre Three, where he began as an intern in 1985. After making his professional debut there as both a director and costume designer, Coleman would return throughout the years and even assume the role of interim artistic director from 2015-2017, following co-founder Jac Alder's death.

"We’re so grateful for the creative work he shared with our community and hold his family in our hearts today as they navigate this difficult time," reads a statement from Theatre Three on its social media.

Coleman was a staunch supporter of equality, writing the play Andi Boi, about a transgender teen, for Dallas Children's Theater in February 2020.

His comedic solo play, Tales from Late Night Kroger, exemplified his storytelling skills and showcased his signature pen-and-ink sketches during its premiere in 2021. It was filmed, and there is currently a push on social media for more copies to be made. The play was scheduled to be the headliner at the Fort Worth Fringe festival in early September, accompanied by a display of Coleman's artwork around the theater.

During the pandemic, Coleman immediately jumped in to help by sewing hundreds of face masks. He often accepted commissions for 1950-style dresses, aprons, and bespoke Halloween costumes, dressing most of the area's theater community offstage as well as on.

"To say there will never be another like Bruce R. Coleman is the biggest understatement of all. We are forever changed because of him, and his absence will be significant," says actor Sheila Rose.

"He challenged me and made me a better person. No other director has given me the chance to play such a range of people and emotions. He taught empathy and infused me with the power of vulnerability. I know many others feel the same way," says Realtor and actor Mikey Abrams.

Coleman is originally from Kansas, having earned his BFA in theater from Midwestern State. He taught theater classes at MacArthur High School in Irving, Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, and for the Kim Dawson Agency.

His brother, Brian, has indicated that a public memorial is being planned — updates will be posted here when announced.

Photo by Daylon Walton

Dallas-Fort Worth theater community mourns passing of The Column founder John Garcia

In Memoriam

The Dallas-Fort Worth theater community lost one of its most recognizable contributors on May 21, when The Column founder John Garcia passed away from leukemia.

"John is at peace now. He got into places right at 2 pm for the matinee in heaven," posted The Column account on Facebook.

Born in Kerrville, Garcia made an indelible mark on the local theater community when he founded The Column 17 years ago. It began as a group email among 20 friends, and today has more than 20,000 subscribers worldwide. Many actors in DFW rely on it for audition notices, and there are currently 17 associate theater critics who write for the site.

Having so many contributors means that The Column was able to cover nearly all of the theater here, from extremely local community productions to national Broadway tours.

According to The Column's website, Garcia appeared in more than 400 productions as an actor, including two years touring with Walt Disney World Entertainment and working with such stars as Tommy Tune, Ann Miller, and New Kids on the Block. He was currently an Actor's Equity candidate, working toward full equity status.

In 2005, Garcia was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Theater from the University of North Texas.

Garcia also founded The Column Awards, a major fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the only theater awards show in DFW. It was not unusual for Garcia to entice huge stars to Dallas for the awards, including Donna McKechnie, Anthony Rapp, Max Von Essen, and Plano's own Michael Urie.

Garcia had been diagnosed with cancer in March, and on a ventilator since April. On May 20, Column Awards board member and Garcia's close friend Jason Bias posted:

"Today, we met with the palliative care doctor and made the difficult decision to take John off the ventilator tomorrow afternoon. The doctor laid everything out for us and John’s cancer would return in the future and they would not be able to provide him chemo based on his reaction, and he is not strong off enough to live off the vent. Our hearts are heavy with this decision, but we know that our sweet John would want this. He will be surrounded by close friends and loved ones."

Remembrances and condolences poured out from the theater community. Greater Lewisville Community Theatre posted on Facebook:

"Through the annual presentation of The Column Awards, John raised and forwarded all proceeds to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, making his organization one of the most effective fund raisers for BCEFA outside of the Broadway community. John Garcia's, The Column Online was one of the first effective clearing houses for theatre information, audition notices, and production notices in DFW and beyond. On behalf of the entire GLCT organization, we extend our support and condolences to John's family and friends in honoring his memory."

"It goes without saying but John was obsessed with theater. He lived and breathed it," writes Bias in a message to CultureMap. "He was also super passionate about students learning the art and growing in their craft. He judged many UIL speech competitions, was one of the original judges for then-called Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards, and of course all things The Column/The Column Awards. You would always see him with a Diet Coke and some type of theatre show merchandise!"

Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced.

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Storied steakhouse in Rockwall to re-open following reverential redo

Steak News

An old-school steakhouse is getting a revival: Culpepper Cattle Co., formerly known as Culpepper Steakhouse, will open in Rockwall at 309 I-30 Frontage Rd. and soon: September 29.

According to a release, this will be the restaurant's third iteration, executed by UNCO (HG Sply Co., Leela’s Wine Bar) as a passion project from UNCO co-CEO Elias Pope, who ate there when he was young and says he couldn’t bear to see it close.

The original Culpepper Steakhouse opened by Michael “Dobber” Stephenson in 1982, and was purchased a decade later by Bob L. Clements who managed it for the next 30 years.

"Culpepper Cattle Co. will still have the essence of what was already magical about the place - the airplane embedded in the wall, the museum-style animals, the river rock lodge inspired fireplaces and columns throughout," says Pope in a statement. "It’s more than just a restaurant; this place is a tribute to timeless memories, authentic flavors, and the true spirit of Texas."

The menu by consulting chef Danyele McPherson will have Tex-Mex, prime steaks, and home cooking including Fried Green Tomatoes, Crab Stack with tortilla chips, and Nachos with choices of bean & cheese, chicken or steak.

Steaks include sirloin, ribeye, and a petit filet with fried lobster and mashed potatoes. Oher entrees include BBQ chicken, Cajun fried shrimp tacos, and chicken with jalapeño-cheddar sausage and mashed potatoes.

The bar will feature margaritas in many options such as the signature Muchacho Grande with Arette blanco, cointreau, citrus, and orange juice. There'll also be martinis and hurricanes, and a locker program with special perks.

Decor includes amber chandeliers, white stucco walls, authentic Mexican blankets, and 12 “marker plaques” around the restaurant to give people a chance to explore like they’re at a museum.

The 11,000-square-foot dining room seats 420 while a 20,000-square-foot patio seats another 450. Three bars include “The Beatle Bar” with a circular bar said to have originated from The Beatles’ local Cavern Club in Liverpool.

They'll be open for dinner Monday-Friday and brunch, lunch, and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

A Bennigan's-inspired list of all the Monte Cristo sandwiches in Dallas

Sandwich News

In the world of sandwiches, the name Bennigan's brings to mind one thing: their world-famous Monte Cristo. Many fans were thusly elated back in February 2023, when the chain revealed that the sandwiches could be ordered through its Bennigan's On The Fly ghost kitchen concept.

The sandwich — featuring wheat bread layered with ham, turkey, Swiss & American cheeses, battered and fried, and served with a side of preserves (most often raspberry but often lingonberry) — boasts a collision of sweet, savory, and cheesy that seems to satisfy a craving shared by many.

But Bennigan's is not the only Monte Cristo in town. There are all sorts of Bennigan's knockoffs as well as Monte Cristos that have become classics in their own right. Whether it's the influence of Bennigan's or not, the Monte Cristo is kind of having a moment. The State Fair even has one for 2023.

Here’s a comprehensive list of other places to get a Monte Cristo in DFW. Note: This list does not include any of the various Croque Monsieurs and Croque Madames found around town at places like Toulouse, La Madeleine, Mixtitos and more.

BoomerJack's Monte Cristo - said by many to be the closest to Bennigan's.BoomerJack's

BoomerJack’s Bar and Grill: Monte Cristo sandwich, $13
Sports bar chain with 17 locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, with wings, burgers, drink deals, and wall-to-wall TVs.

This Monte Cristo is said by many to be strikingly similar to the Bennigan’s classic: Deep fried with Swiss and American cheese, it's served on Wheatberry bread (a nutty, chewy, slightly sweet whole grain bread), with powdered sugar and preserves. It's a valiant effort to recreate the Bennigan’s classic, but sticklers should note that they quarter their sandwich, instead of halving it like Bennigan’s.

Armoury D.E.: Benny Houdini, $15
Low-lit exposed-brick Deep Ellum bar serves craft cocktails, Hungarian goulash, traditional Hungarian fried flatbread, and fried meatballs.

Chef spin on the Monte Cristo has house-smoked turkey, ham, Swiss and cheddar cheese, but also Hungarian bacon, which is pork fat that has either been salt or smoke-preserved (Armoury’s is smoked). The whole thing is fried in funnel cake batter and served with lingonberry sauce for a sweet and highly comforting sandwich. Perhaps the best part is that the kitchen is open until 1:45 am every day – night owls rejoice!

Crafty irishman Monte Cristo Monte Cristo sandwich at Crafty Irishman.Crafty Irishman

Crafty Irishman Public House: Monte Cristo sandwich, $17
Downtown Dallas pub owned by a Dublin native features Irish whiskeys, scotch, and bourbon, plus burgers, wings, and Irish classics: Scotch eggs, Irish bread pudding, and a traditional Irish breakfast with bangers and black & white pudding.

Unsurprisingly, you'll find some Irish touches on this Monte Cristo: There's smoked turkey, ham, Wexford cheddar, and Swiss, on sourdough bread. It's dipped in beer-batter, giving the outer shell an extra-satisfying texture and golden-brown hue. Dusted with powdered sugar, with raspberry preserves. Pair with a nice Guinness for the ultimate experience.

Note: The same basic sandwich is served at Crafty Irishman's siblings: Cannon’s Corner Irish Pub in Oak Cliff, or the new Patrick Kennedy's Irish Pub downtown, or The Playwright Irish Pub in Dallas' Arts district where it's only $12.50.

The Biscuit Bar: Monte Cristo, $8.80
Fast casual DFW chain serving – you guessed it – biscuits has six DFW locations from Deep Ellum to Fort Worth, with biscuit sandwiches, tater tots, salads, and cocktails. Two locations (Deep Ellum and Arlington) serve coffee from DFW chain Ascension Coffee.

At $8.80, TBB’s Monte Cristo is a bargain and is also the sweetest on the list. You’ll find the usual smoked turkey + ham + Monterey jack cheese, but done biscuit-style, with their twist of French toast: biscuit halves dunked and pan fried in vanilla custard. Served with strawberry preserves, some liken this sandwich to the Bennigan’s classic, while others conclude that it’s just too sweet.

Ida Claire Monte Cristo definitely has the drippy cheese factor covered.Ida Claire

Ida Claire: Monte Cristo, $15.50
Part of the Whiskey Cake Holdings group (Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, Sixty Vines), Ida Claire specializes in Southern dishes like shrimp & grits and fried green tomatoes.

Ida Claire’s Monte Cristo is one of the more savory options and does some surprising variations on the classic recipe. Southern country ham and peppered bacon with aged white cheddar are served on thick brioche French toast, and grilled, not deep fried. While still dusted with powdered sugar, the house-made apple jam is more peppery and savory than the typical berry preserves.

Vickery Cafe: Breakfast Monte Cristo, $13
Retro-style diner near TCU in Fort Worth serves morning staples like Texas-shaped Belgian waffles and a five-meat omelet. Make sure you come hungry (or at least hungover).

Similar to Ida Claire, this Monte Cristo comes on brioche French toast and swaps out the more common turkey for bacon. Ham, Swiss cheese, and fried eggs finish it off and it’s topped with powdered sugar and cut into quarters. It’s served with chipotle raspberry jam for an extra kick, and includes one side, which most popularly seems to be hashbrowns – what a dream!

Cheddar's Monte Cristo: almost as tall as it is wide.Cheddar's

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen: Monte Cristo, $15.95
Irving-based chain with more than 90 locations including seven in the DFW area is noted for homey dishes like chicken pot pie.

The Monte Cristo served by Cheddar's is a love-it-or-hate-it deal with fans and detractors debating its merits. It's a strange bird, distinctive for its bulky shape, with its smoked ham, turkey, and two cheeses stacked high but not wide. They promise it's "hand-battered," then deep-fried, served with the standard raspberry preserves and powdered sugar.

Vida Cafe Monte Cristo Vida Cafe's vegan version of a Monte Cristo sandwich.Vida Cafe

Vida Cafe: Monte Cristo Panini, $15
Vegan Italian spinoff of Belenty’s Love Mexican Vegan Restaurant features pastas, minestrone, and Italian staples, plus baked goods and brunch.

Fort Worth restaurant does a vegan rendition of the Monte Cristo with vegan ham they say they make themselves, and vegan cheese similar to the Chao label; they won't say what brand name they're using but it has the same melty consistency as Chao. It's served on French toast, stacked tall at three slices, and has a touch of heat. Powdered sugar and agave syrup.

State Fair of Texas Monte Cristo State Fair of Texas is getting in on the Monte Cristo action.SFOT

State Fair of Texas: Fried Monte Qristo
In recent years, the annual State Fair of Texas has transformed its food program into a moderately trendy event and right on cue, it'll make its 2023 debut on September 29 with a Monte Cristo as one of its 40-plus new options.

Their Texas BBQ spin on the sandwich is served up by Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ and comes layered with brisket, American cheese, smoked turkey, and Swiss, fried, powdered sugar, and raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce.

Ol' South Pancake House: Big Tex Cristo $9.99
Beloved Fort Worth restaurant with diner food and low prices is a favorite for all walks of life.

Speaking of the State Fair, that's the inspiration for Ol' South's entry into the Monte Cristo field. Called the Big Tex Cristo (and hats off to them since the SFOT is quite litigious about its various trademarks), it's a triple decker sandwich with turkey, Swiss, American, and mayo, and their special touch: Dipped in their buttermilk batter, for a springy, pancakey outer shell. Powdered sugar and lingonberry preserves.

Snooze an A.M. Eatery: Monte Cristo Brioche Toast $15.25
Buzzy, boozy breakfast-and-brunch chain from Denver with six locations in the DFW area.

Just announced for fall '23 is Snooze's Monte Cristo Brioche Toast: like a deconstructed version featuring French toast dipped brioche smeared with raspberry pepper jam, with Havarti and Gruyere cheeses, shaved ham, sunny-side egg, prosciutto, with a side of raspberry pepper jam and a salad. On this list because it's trendy.

Seven Mile Cafe: Monte Cristo sandwich $18.50
Small locally owned funky-upscale chain from Denton specializes in bodacious breakfast and brunch, and is a particular favorite among vegetarians and vegans.

Seven Mile recently added a Monte Cristo to the menu, and it's a creative and decadent rendition. Brioche bread gets stuffed with Canadian bacon, turkey, and smoked Gouda cheese; then dipped in their French toast batter, fried, a dust of powdered sugar. They serve it with blackberry coulis, vanilla Anglaise, and a fruit cup.

Dallas' Crow Museum of Asian Art names new curator ahead of second outpost opening

arts news

The Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas has found its new curator. Natalia Di Pietrantonio, Ph.D., hails from the Seattle Art Museum and was selected after a nationwide search.

There, she served as inaugural curator of South Asian art, caring for the museum's South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Islamic art collections while also serving as an affiliate art history faculty member at the University of Washington.

Di Pietrantonio arrives just as the Crow Museum is preparing to debut a second museum next fall.

Designed by global architecture firm Morphosis, the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Athenaeum is being constructed as part of a 12-acre cultural district on the UT Dallas campus.

Over the next year, the 38-year-old curator will work closely with architects, interior designers, academic faculty, and museum staff to select the artworks that will be on view when the new museum opens its doors. She will also guide the 10,000 square feet of gallery space at the original Crow Museum, which was founded in 1998 and is in the downtown Dallas Arts District.

In addition, Di Pietrantonio will serve as a faculty member in the arts department at UT Dallas.

“Natalia brings a wonderful vision, a fresh and energetic perspective, and a proven track record in elevating Asian American art and culture in compelling ways,” says Amy Lewis Hofland, senior director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas. “With her background in South Asian and Islamic art, she also will help build the Crow Museum of Asian Art collection, strengthening it to better reflect the growing diversity of our region.”

A first-generation Mexican American whose first language was Spanish, a release says that "Di Pietrantonio brings over 10 years of professional and academic experience, ranging from highly lauded museum exhibitions and university cultural events to innovative collaborations and unique community outreach experiences."

From 2014-15, she served as a Jane and Morgan Whitney Fellow for the Islamic department at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. She is multilingual and speaks Spanish, Persian, Urdu and English.

At the Seattle Art Museum, she harnessed her expertise of modern and contemporary art to curate two diverse exhibitions: "Embodied Change: South Asian Art Across Time" (January 2022), which focused on the body and female representations in South Asia; and "Our Blue Planet: Global Visions of Water" (March 2022), which addressed climate change and water access.

During her tenure at the Seattle Art Museum, she grew their South Asian collection by 25 percent. She also was the lead curator on the mid-career retrospective of the performance artist Anida Y. Ali that debuts in January 2024.

Recognizing that North Texas has one of the fastest-growing Asian American populations in Texas, Di Pietrantonio is excited to pursue exhibitions and programs that are topical both locally and globally to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. She also intends to bring performance art into the cultural mix at the Crow Museum.

"As the Crow Museum embarks on a new era with a second museum on the horizon, I am honored to be part of its storied history known for dynamic and innovative exhibitions and programs,” says Di Pietrantonio. “My first major goal is to learn more about the North Texas region — from UT Dallas students and museum supporters to neighborhood organizations and our increasingly diverse populations — so I can help align and tailor the museum programs for its communities.”

In 2018, Di Pietrantonio completed her Ph.D. in the history of art at Cornell University, studying under the contemporary artist Iftikhar Dadi with a focus on calligraphy and book arts. Prior to that time, she received a master’s degree in South Asian studies from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of California, Davis. It was during her years at UC Davis that a dynamic professor introduced her to Islamic art and ignited her interest.

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