"Catfish Moon" Will Tickle Your Funny Bone And Reel In Your Heart--Now Playing At The James F. Dean Theatre

Outside on Summerville's S. Main Street adjacent to the Town Square, the newly installed marquee of the James F. Dean Theatre brightly lit the front entrance. Inside the rejuvenated community theater, the prop lighting radiantly illuminated the beautifully prepared set--an assemblage of weathered timber fashioned into a rustic, old fishing pier overshadowed by moss-laden trees and unforgotten recollections. But the most brilliant luminary of the celebratory evening was the magical, celestial light fondly remembered as the "Catfish Moon."

The fishy sounding full moon and weatherworn pier are literally and figuratively significant  pieces in the puzzling lives of the three long-time friends featured in Laddy Sartin's touching and lighthearted play reflecting the true meaning of the words, "Let's go fishing." A resident of Rock Hill and Mississippi educated, Sartin understood small town, southern ways and catfish angling with alligators.

A favorite hangout when they were kids, where after skipping school the threesome would skinny dip, woo girls, and go on overnight fishing trips, the old pier in many ways had become the mirror image of their relationships--weather beaten, neglected and in serious need of loving care.

Successful in business but left lamenting, "There is more to life than the almighty dollar," Curley(Barry Gordon) was the big brother of the group. Sensing time was running short on their fractured friendships, he sets out on a plan to put in motion the healing process by recapturing their youthful glory days. He invites Gordon(Ernie Eliason) to meet him on the old pier where they share drinks and reminisce--no beer for Gordon who was an alcoholic.

Curley takes the opportunity to address the on going feud between fun-loving Gordon and short-tempered Frog(Chad Reuer) worsened by the fact Gordon, described by Frog as "a person who doesn't know the meaning of moderation," had developed a love interest in Frog's ex-wife Betty(Shannon Johnson); also Curley's sister. With this rendezvous, a sequel of events are thus put in motion that takes you on a trip down memory lane, stirs your passions, tickles your funny bone, and breaks your heart.

The superbly crafted props and artfully appointed scenery were mesmerizing. I had to restrain the urge to jump on stage and join Curley and Gordon on the pier, crank the top off a couple of beers, and shed a few clothes. "I spent a long evening meticulously hot gluing the grassy weeds to the stage floor," Chrissy Eliason recounted--the set designer, director and driving force behind the perfectly casted actors.

So convincing were the cast's performances, you forgot you were sitting in a theater and not observing real life unfold before you. As the goofus of the trio who couldn't control his fishing rod any better than he could his drinking habits, Ernie Eliason delivered a top notch performance demonstrating both versatility and temperament; transforming himself into a love-smitten fool one minute and a drunken fool the next.

Barry Gordon, southern boy born and raised on Savage Street in Charleston, skillfully charmed his way through his role like the dying with dignity, southern gentleman he is while tough guy Chad Reuer provided the fireworks and validated the quote, "Your acting like a big baby." See the play and you will know what I mean. And equally notable, Shannon Johnson sweetened the cast with her irrepressible smile.

So, if you appreciate the value of friendship, love to laugh, and believe in second chances, "Catfish Moon" will brighten your smile, warm your soul, and illuminate your heart. It is a must-see.

Things just keep getting better and better at the James F. Dean Theatre. You can purchase tickets at Flowertown Players.

Monica Shows-Assistant Director; Jane Batten--Stage Manager; Scenic Artist--Robert Maniscalco; JC Conway--Lighting and Sound Design; Makala Becker--Light Board Operator; Jeff Wolf--Sound Operator

8 PM shows: March 28 and 29; April 3, 4, and 5; April 10, 11, and 12
3 PM shows: March 30; April 6; April 13

The Broadway Musical That Is "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"-Now In Charleston

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even though the sound of it is something quite atrosicous! If you say it loud enough, you'll always sound precocious." Who could forget a word like that? For as long as it is, it is a simple word to repeat. Then there was "A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down."

Everyone remembers "Mary Poppins." She was the "Harry Potter" of the 1960's. Although, she did'nt fly around on broomsticks at the speed of sound waving a wand with magical powers. She floated around on a magical umbrella helping children everywhere when they were most in need and singing happy songs. Because Mary was "Practically perfect in every way."

"Mary Poppins" was a 1964 musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, produced by Walt Disney. It won the Academy Award for Best Actress and the film also won Oscars for Best Film Editing, Original Music Score, Best Song, Best Visual Effects, and received a total of 13 nominations. The movie was based on the Mary Poppins books series by P. L. Travers with illustrations by Mary Shepard.

As with all movies, the storyline sometimes goes alittle different than the book. In the movie, Mary was not only firm, but kind and gentle as well. In the book the character was strict and pompous. Not quite the kind of lead character you would see in a Disney movie unless you were casting for a cruel step mother or an evil queen with a magical mirror. And definately wouldn't be singing and dancing to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". Also, Mary Poppins was George Banks(the children's father) own nanny when he was a child, but was left out of the movie, except for few hints, you would miss it if you aren't paying close attention.

Mary Poppins is now one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London and New York in recent years. It is now appearing at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center for a four-day engagement, February 1 to 4. The New York Post gives it a 4 out of 4 star rating. Variety raved about it saying, "This is the rare touring production that over-delivers on every level." So, gather up the kids and join in the fun. They will forget about Harry Potter, at least for a short time, and will be singing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Tickets and times.

Disney's Timeless Tale Of Beauty And The Beast-Don't Miss It

It's a story that has been around since the 1700's. It has been told and retold countless times since its inception and has never lost it's enchantment. Several varying versions of the tale over the years have been produced in the form of prose, stage, and in the twentieth century, screen and television. Its most notable rebirth came in 1991 when Walt Disney Feature Animation produced a musical animated film based on an abridgement of the original work published in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont. It was entitled "Beauty and the Beast".

"Beauty and the Beast", the musical animated film, won Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Original Score, in addition to becoming the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and and also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy. Adding to its success was the musical version produced in 1994, which ran on Broadway for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming one of Broadway's longest running productions in history. It has been topped only by the likes of "Cats", "Les Misérables", "A Chorus Line", "Chicago", "Oh! Calcutta!", and another Disney production, "The Lion King". The longest running musical ever is "The Phantom of the Opera".

I have had the opportunity to see five of those Broadway shows at the historic Cleveland Playhouse Square, including the Phantom of the Opera at the famous Plantages Theater in Toronto, Ontario. They are all worth the money you pay for the tickets and then some. Residents in the Lowcountry of Charleston will have the opportunity to be enchanted and mystified by this timeless tale of "Beauty and the Beast" at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Two performances are scheduled for April 26 and 27 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $62.00, $52.00, & $32.00 plus applicable fees. You can buy tickets now.

So, take the family, take the wife, or just take a friend and be enchanted by "the most beautiful love story ever told". This eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide and will win your heart too. Coutesy of Vacation Rick Travel.

The Dock Street Theater-Where Charleston Meets Broadway

"Tickets please." "May I show you to your seat." "Enjoy the performance." There is something nostalgic and exhilarating about attending live stage performances at old theaters. Originally from Northeastern Ohio, I periodically took the short, thirty mile trek into the theater district of Cleveland called Playhouse Square and saw performances like the Lion King, Phantom Of the Opera, Cats, Starlight Express, and the Invisible Man. The architecture was stunning, the atmosphere was electric, everything exudes the feel of cultural distinction and gratification.

If you are willing to step out of the box when it comes to movie entertainment and cinema to try some live theater, look no further than the Dock Street Theater in the French Quarter of Charleston. The Dock Street Theater had been closed since 2007 and for the past three years underwent a multi-million dollar transformation and re-opened March 2010 ready to dazzle and gratify its patrons with a taste of Broadway.

The original Dock Street Theater opened in 1736. It was the first building designed for theatrical use in the Americas. Quite a privileged distinction that sets it apart from all other theaters. One month after the theater was opened, Dock Street was officially changed to Queen Street, but the theater retained its original name. The site had numerous uses during the next 200 years. The original Dock Street Theatre was probably destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740. In the early19th-century, it was replaced by Planter's Hotel where wealthy planters stayed during Charleston's horse-racing season, but in time became a derelict building and nothing more than a shell. In the 1930's it went through a restoration and the theater was in business again until it closed in 2007 when a full-scale renovation brought the historic theater into the 21st century with state-of-the-art lighting and sound.

There will be a benefit performance for Charleston Stage July 31st starring Michael Emerson of ABC's "Lost" and Carrie Preston of HBO's sizzling show "True Blood" in the Broadway hit "Love Letters". This will mark their return to the theater and kickoff the 2010-11 season with a full list of scheduled performances such as "Hairspray" in September, Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" in October, "Blue" in January, and "The Original Peter Pan" in March and April of 2011.

Put on your best, rent a limo, pop some bubbly, and strut your stuff for an evening of enchantment at the historic Dock Street Theater. Make it a complete package by reserving a place at one of the tables of Charleston's fine restaurants such as Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Mercato, Halls Chophouse, Bocci's, High Cotton Maverick Bar and Grill, or Magnolias to name a few. Dock Street Theater is located at 135 Church Street.

The Wizard Of Oz Coming To Charleston

This family classic is coming to the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center January 9th and 10th. We have all seen the iconic 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz at one time or another and probably countless times through the years. We loved it when we were kids and still love it as adults. "There is no place like home" is a memorable phrase repeated often by many. The movie is colorful and spectacular and this Broadway version is also. This Best of Broadway feature will present all your favorites from start to finish. Re-live the experience of The Wizard of Oz with your family and friends. More information go to The Wizard of Oz.

The North Charleston Coliseum is the largest entertainment venue in the Lowcountry for over ten years with over 7 million visitors. Concerts, sporting events, and family shows arer scheduled every month throughout the year. The Coliseum/Convention Center area is located between International Blvd and Montague Avenue at Interstate 526 in North Charleston, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC. Vacation Rick Travel