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actsStyle

volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | thVIPa

complimentar

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10 | August 2012 | theVIPmag.c

o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s

2012-13

theaterguide

LucasBabinsexy model/actor turnedfather/lawyer

Theater-inspired looks

t 7 b plc by r r rim

addring rlispping r yr ReaL iz

Bind crin wi sympny Lg

Classicremodels

The Stedman hom

and Kirby-Hill Hous

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EaExecutive Editor

DAVID [email protected]

Contributing WritersCATHLEEN COLE

AmANDA COrbELLLArENA HEAD

grACE mATHISjANE mCbrIDE

HOLLI pETErSENCHEryL rOSE

Editorial AssistantTAmArA mENgES

PapContributing Photographers

SCOTT ESLINgErrEN SHEppArDLEE E. STINSON

Graphic DesignerDAVID CONSTANTINE

AveTo advetise in VIP,

409.880.0700

Cac UVIP of Southeast Texas

380 main Steetbeaont, TX 77701

to sUbsCribE

pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbEONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm

to disPlAy thE mAgAzinE

AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION,pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821

sUbmissions

TO SubmIT AN EVENT, OrgANIzATION Or pErSONfOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE,

SubmIT ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm Or [email protected] by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE.

A dv f hea newpapePublisher

bILL OffILL

jOIN uS ON fACEbOOK!.aceook.co/thevia

on the coverThespian Genevieve Brassard, 26, of Lumberton hammed it up in sixlooks inspired by the Beaumont Community Players 2012-13 season(page 15). The cover look, provided by Luxe Boutique in Beaumont, wasmodeled after the quirky main character in Dead Mans Cell Phone.

Photography by Ren SheppardStyling by Grace Mathis and Larena HeadShot on location at the Betty Greenberg Center for the Performing Arts

c o n t e n t s

vip magazine

06 vi hoe06 Remodeling an Oaks

Historic District classic

11 The House on

Kirby-Hill

15 vi stle15 No costumes here:

A look at theatre-

inspired fashion

20 vi oth20 The Symphony League

of Beaumont

23 viesonalit23 Sexy and Successful:

Lucas Babin26 Josh Spell: Being a

ballet dancer at 30

31 ood&dink31 7 best places to get

fresh shrimp

34 Dress&Dine: The Grill

35 vi sotliht35 SE Texas events

41 vi advise41 VIPs 2012-13 theater

guide

47 4 great dates in August

48 Calendar

49 Crossword puzzle

50 vi voices50 Shopping for your

REAL size

11

31

inside august

41

4 August 2012 | theVIPmag.com

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In 1912, Jerry and Mary Hall

Stedman commissioned the

building of a grand, American

Craftsman-style home in

Beaumont. Over the century of

its existence, the house changed

through many hands, had

additions added and stripped

away, and experienced alterations

and decay. By 1998, it was a sad

husk of former glory when an enterprising couple

saw its potential.

Treasure in the rough

The dilapidated house in the Oaks Historic

District had been empty for some time when Ralphand Virginia Jordan moved in 14 years ago. Vagrants

had squatted there until a building contractor bought

the lot for $30,000 and stabilized the condition of

the house from further deterioration. The Jordans

bought it from him, and restoring the home would

become their passion.

We love antiques and things that are old,

Virginia said. This neighborhood was such an at-

traction to us we were willing to do anything. My

husband and I work as a team and theres nothing he

cant do.

Having carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other

do-it-yourself skills made tackling an old house lessdaunting. If theyd had to hire someone for every-

thing theyve done, the costs might have been stag-gering, Virginia suspects. By day, Virginia works asa process coordinator for Total Petrochemical USA,Inc. in Port Arthur. After hours, she switches to herteam role with her husband of 26 years. We make a

pretty good team, she noted. Im his aesthetic coor-dinator. I paint and wallpaper and I tell him where toput things and what I want done.

Re-piecing the puzzle

Ralph Jordan has degrees in biology and chemis-try and is a renery supervisor for Total Petrochemi-cal USA, Inc. All of his home building skills were

learned as a child working for his father, who owneda business. He put Ralph to work at a young agehelping to x trucks, pipes and electrical and me-

chanical problems. Ralph bought and ipped his rsthouse while attending college. Though he spends 50hours a week at the renery, evenings, weekends andvacations are spent on house projects.

To me, its fascinating to work with old houses,

he said. Its a problem-solving task that I enjoy do-ing. Once its done, the house has a lot of characterand not everyone has one like it. This house probablytook two to three years to build in 1912. The crafts-

manship in this house can hardly be duplicated. Wedont have the patience any more. We are always ina hurry now. Then, they were interested in precision

and craftsmanship.

h i s t o r i c a l r e m o d e l s

vp home

Centennial

SentinelBau, cafmap ad dm ad a a xamp f pva ucctext by Cheryl rose photography by lee e. stinson

>>


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OriginsThe Jordans home was built

1912 by Jerry Clemmons Stedm

of Stedman Fruit Company. He liv

in the home for 20 years with his

second wife, Mary C. Hall. After J

rys death in 1932, Mary lived in

home another 20 years. She sold

the house in 1952 to Roline and

Ione Walker. Roline Walker owned

Walkers Beaumont Pharmacy an

Ione taught elementary school.

At one time, three generations of

Walkers lived in the home.

How Times Change

Originally, a portion of the grooor was the servants quarters.

The open area was used for par-

ties. Around the time of World W

II, small apartment rooms were

roughed in, thought to have acco

modated the workers brought in

the shipbuilding efforts. Ione Wal

later rented these rooms to fellow

widowed school teachers after th

death of her husband.

Treasured Companions

Mary Hall Stedman was one o

the rst organizers of BeaumontHumane Society. The gravestone

of her two dogs, Bill and Mary, w

lovingly placed next to the house

on its east side with the inscriptio

Beloved pointers, treasured com

panions. The stones remain the

today. Stedman would be please

that the Jordans share her love o

animals, having adopted three do

and six cats. The dogs let us liv

here,Virginia jokes.

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As she walked back andforth to school in heryouth, Nelda Overstreetwatched the gradualdemise of the Kirby-HillHouse, once the pride

of Kountze. The abandoned, dilapidatedand neglected estate was a shadow of itsformer self.

In its heyday, the home namedfor the Kirby and Hill family who livedthere was the center of auence in thearea. The house itself was built in 1902

by Frank T. Smith, an acclaimed architectknown for his work on the Gilbert andAlamo buildings, for James Kirby, brotherto John Henry Kirby, founder of the KirbyLumber Company which ruled the HardinCounty and Southeast Texas lumber busi-ness for more than one hundred years.

It was no secret that the Kirby-Hillfamilies were auent in wealth due totheir thriving lumber business, and it issaid that parties and events were held atthe home for the whos who of Hardinand Jeerson Counties. Fellow business

owners, artists, entertainers and government ocials considered an invitationto a social event at the house to be anacknowledgement of popularity amongtheir peers.

This house has always had an allurabout it our community could not resistsaid Rose Hall, president of the Board oDirectors of the Kirby-Hill House Educational Foundation, Inc. I dont think somuch because of the people necessarilyalthough they were all well liked. It wasjust a presence of such a grand place in

k i r b y - h i l l h o u s e

vp viewing

Housetext by AmAndA Corbellphotography by lee e. StinSon

The

Kirby-Hillon


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a very small town that made people proud itwas here.

Saving a landmark

But in the late 1980s, the once grandiosehome was in disrepair. Thats when Over-street, a former teacher at Kountze ISD, hada vision to save the property. Overstreetrounded up a number of people of whoshared her sentiments for the historicalhome and they decided to do somethingabout it. Overstreet would eventually be-come the homes curator.

Originally going through the SoutheastTexas Arts Council to form the Kirby-HillEducational Foundation, the organizationeventually split o, raising $125,000 locallyto purchase the property and then raisingmore to restore it back to its original state.

When the Foundation bought the homeand plans moved forward for restoration in1992, the property had been neglected andwas in bad condition. Hall says there wereholes in the ceilings and oors and the housewas visited regularly by vagrants.

When it came under new ownership,there was not much left inside the home out-side of pictures and small artifacts. The newowners scoured antique and resale shops tobuy back the artifacts they could nd. Someof the items they were able to locate and buyback include a Jenny-Lind Youth bedroomsuit, large dresser and armoire, birds-eyemaple bedroom suit that belonged to AutieLois Hill, a Lawyers book case, several ped-estal stands, the original china and glasses, a

bed and dresser that belonged to Austin Hill,two swan-head rockers and miscellaneousartifacts.

Some of the townsfolk of Kountze whohad bought things during the time Autielived there and had estate sales to keep bodyand soul together brought them back, saidHall. Restoring this home pulled people to-gether, and they worked side by side to makethe restoration a reality.

A social center

The home has a prosperous history innot just the family, but also in the events

that took place at the home in its prime, atradition that the new owners try to continuetoday.

Hall says they oer a series of MurderMystery Dinner Theaters, small cateredgatherings called Lunch With Lucy, bedand breakfast rooms and historical tours.The house is also available to rent for wed-dings, receptions, formal catered dinners,political meetings and more, all of whichraise money for the ongoing restoration of

the house.We view the home as a business withmany venues, said Hall. The house is forrent for whatever function the renter thinksits suited forwe have done most every-thing.

During the historical tours, the guidesteach about the architectural points of thestructure, the function of dierent aspects ofthe home, and societal functionality of theera, as well as the genealogy of the families.

The Kirby-Hill High Tea presents actorsportraying Kirby and Hill family membersin vignettes that are from possible scenarios


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from a day in their life, all while you havea tea. The Traveling Trunk is when twopeople dressed in period costumes make apresentation about the house and its manyeras with artifacts to school-age children orany club or civic organization. Lunch withLucy is a catered luncheon for groups of 10or more in an intimate setting and includes atour of the home.

By far the most popular event at theKirby-Hill House, however, is the bi-annual

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.We present one in the fall and one in thespring, said Hall. We usually have betweenfour and ve hundred attendees for eachsession and it makes the lions share of ourprots each year.

Many guests choose to rent the houseduring rehearsals for the dinner theater andon show days. The bed and breakfast canonly be rented during that time if you areattending the performance.

We have quite a few repeats each yearwho do just that, said Hall. Consequentlythat makes for odd times of the year that

the house is available to rent. It is usuallyavailable during the months of January andFebruary, May, June, July, part of August,November and December.

Other events throughout the year includea Easter Egg Hunt for the community, a Hal-loween Bash and the Simpler Place and Timein the Big Thicket Christmas PhotographyExperience, where the house is elaboratelydecorated for the holiday and is open forfamily pictures with a local photographer.

A vision seen

Now, twenty years after beginning therestoration project, one womans vision anddesire to keep a local treasure from destruc-

tion has triggered an ongoing restoration ofone of the most historically rich propertiesin Southeast Texas. More than just a placeto bring the local elementary kids for eldtrips, the Kirby-Hill House has brought acommunity together and has provided mem-bers with a beautiful background setting forsome of their best memories.

I think for a long time the project (ofrestoration) became the reason for the proj-ect, said Hall. What I mean is, the people

were so enthused to work together as a body,the reason why became less important. Itruly believe that everyone who worked onthis project in the beginning is very gladthey did.

The home Winding staircases, beveled glass windows, wrap-around porches and full-lengthwindow screens are a breathtaking reminder of life in the Colonial revival period when the home was built. Usingthe nest materials money could buy (much of the lumber came from the Kirby mills), the home still retains a highdegree of both historic and structural integrity and is the only one of its kind in Hardin County. The house features48 columns, four replaces and eight rooms that all open onto the porch through eight-foot, double-sash windows.The most outstanding architectural features include the curved walls and oval grand staircase. On the grounds tothe right of the mansion is a state champion Crepe Myrtle tree that is more than 100 years old.

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Cmt h e a t e r f a s h i o n

p style

text and styling by Laren

Head andGraCe MatHis

Theatre sparks

the imaginati

and takes us

another world

Be inspired b

the 2012-13

line-up of shows from Beau-

mont Community Players an

share your sartorial drama w

those around you. In this lifeyour ensemble is your costu

and everyday is your stage.

Whatever character you may

be, play it to the fullest, for

there are no costumes here.

d MCll Ph

Just like the quirky main character

in Dead Mans Cell Phone, you

can express your individual-

ity through unique pieces and mix-

matched accessories. You can mix

patterns when you keep a ow with

similar colors throughout your look.Unlike Jean, you dont have to wait

for life to take you on an odyssey of

change. Experience change through

personal style.

From Luxe Boutique, Beaumont: Polka

dot dress, $40; Taupe foppy hat,

$43; Red bow belt, $23; Floral print

bracelet, $13; Leopard fats, Dolce

Vita, $90. (Cat eyeglasses courtesy of

Beaumont Community Players)

photographry byren sHePPard

photo staging bytaMara MenGes

modeled byGenevieve Brassard anddorian MCCaLL

males costume styling byGLadys tHoMas, BeauMoCoMMunity PLayers

shot on location atBetty GreenBerG Centerfor tHe PerforMinG arts

n

H


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Hay Fever

Set in the 1920s, the comedy Hay Fever features a family of self-ab-

sorbed eccentrics. Show off your classic eccentricity in a fun way with

20s-inuenced pieces in complementary colors. In this ensemble,

youll surely charm those around you and not run them off like the charac-

ters in this comedy of manners.

From Luxe Boutique, Beaumont: Bow tie blouse, MM Couture, $60; Navy

sailor skirt, Aryn K., $68; Cloche hat, $58; Gold stretch bracelet, $20;

Gold geometric earrings, $11.

The Importanceof Being Earnest

You will be as memorable as the wit in Oscar Wildes comedy, The

Importance of Being Earnest, in romantic attire with Victorian-inspired

elements. Just as this play leaves the audience quoting it indenitely,

so will elements of lace, owers and femininity leave an indelible impression.

Romance and wit are here again.

From La-Tee-Da Boutique, Beaumont: Lace button down with slip, Blue

Pepper, $52; Gauzey shawl, $39; Brown lace-up boots, $29; Grey

pearl earrings, $10; Rose ring, $10; Embellished handcrafted purse,

Mary Frances, $225


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A Funny Thing Happenedon the Way to the Forum

Unlike the funny folks in Sondheims musical comedy Forum, theres no

joking around in this show-stopping updated Grecian ensemble. Work your

goddess magic wherever you go with a beautiful look that is suitable for

anything from a cocktail party to the symphony to opening night. And remember,

a little cheekiness always makes things more interesting.

From Luxe Boutique, Beaumont: Pleated Grecian dress, MM Couture, $118;

Braided headband, $65; Chandelier earrings,$20; Long hammered ring,

$10; Braided wrap bracelet, $10; White Grecian sandal, Dolce Vita, $65


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Camelot

Become a modern-day Guinevere with an updated queenly look. Draw

on the romance and fantasy of Lerner and Loewes timeless musical

Camelot with elements such as sparkling accessories, luxurious fabric,

and a headpiece t for a princess. Your beauty will no doubt catch your prince

when you slip into this royal ensemble.

From Luxe Boutique, Beaumont: One shoulder founce dress, MM Couture,

$90; Rhinestone oval earring, $28; Beaded headband, $37; Two-tone

stretch bracelet, $50; Oversized rhinestone ring, $25; Nude pumps,

BCBG, $90

Rabbit Hole

There is no way to describe what its like to lose a child, as playwright Da-

vid Lindsay-Abaire deftly expresses in Rabbit Hole. Just as he uses humor

to convey sadness, so can a simple ensemble such as this be appropriate

in various circumstances. Powerful and to-the-point is often difcult to achieve,

but is done here with elegance.

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ORCHESTRATEDT Smpn Lagu f

Baumnts fundaising

and ducatin ffts mak

classical music accssibl

text by CheryL roSe

Ihonestly think Harvard Business School needs to study our busi-ness model. Its amazing how successful we are, asserted CindyDishman, the immediate past president of the Symphony Leagueof Beaumont, Inc.

Fifty-seven years after a group of local women gathered for thepurpose of maintaining and growing the Symphony of SoutheastTexas, their league is as strong as ever. Those women, led by


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the rst president, Mrs. H.B. Williford,pledged to promote the symphony byorganizing benets and social aairs.Current president Kelli Trevino saidthe founders, then called the BeaumontSymphony Womens League, held gardentours, fashion shows and golden teas asfundraisers. They were headquartered inthe Hotel Beaumont, handling the admin-

istrative tasks of the young symphony,which was formed in 1952.Only a few short years after establish-

ing this new organization, some enter-prising members hit on two fundraisingideas that would become powerhouserevenue streams, thus positioning theSymphony League as the single larg-est contributor to the symphony. Lastyear, the league donated $77,000 tothe symphony in addition to fundingseveral music education programs. CraigEscamilla, the executive director of theSymphony of Southeast Texas, said thecontribution is approximately 20 percentof the organizations annual income or

the equivalent of two concerts.

Financial support and advocacy

Trevino said the nonprot SymphonyLeague has a dual purpose. The rst isto support and promote the growth of theSymphony of Southeast Texas, she said.The second is to foster and encouragemusical education, participation andappreciation of the public in classicalmusic.

Trevino accepted the gavel from Dish-man in May, culminating fteen years ofvolunteer work in the league. There are

currently 420 league members. Any-body can join if youre willing to pay

the $35 annual dues and have a passionfor culture in your city, Trevino said.Our members work in various roles asvolunteers, she explained. Some areout front and some are behind-the-scenesworking. Its an upbeat, positive organi-zation.

Dishman, who now serves on theboard of directors for the symphony, saysthat being president of the SymphonyLeague was an easy job because all thevolunteers are perfectionists. It is themost dynamic group of women you willever meet, she said.

Income earners

In 1957, the league sponsored aViennese Ball as a fundraising event.The Symphony Ball is now one of thehighlights of the winter season in Beau-mont and the leagues largest fundraiser.The next ball will be held February 2,2013 with the theme Secret Garden.The evening includes live music, dinner,dancing, a silent auction and the presen-tation of the Symphony Belles, eighth-grade girls participating in a juniordebutante program.

In 1962, the Symphony Leaguepresented the rst debutante class. The

members name who thought to tie acommunitys debutante program to

support the symphony is lost to historybut she was a genius. The SymphonyDebutantes program brings in more thmoney, it brings in a renewable sourceof talent. Both Trevino and Dishman intially became involved in the symphonthrough their desire for their children tparticipate in the debutante program.

The Symphony League has made paticipation in the debutante program noabout social status or wealth, but aboutvolunteer commitment by parents andchildren to the Symphony of SoutheastTexas. To be nominated as a debutantefor her senior year in high school, a girmust be the daughter of a SymphonyLeague member who has been activefor at least four years and committed tovolunteer projects. The daughter musta member of the Youth Guild and activparticipate in their volunteer activities

Once selected, the family pays a feefor the debutantes season, but the caledar of parties and events is heavily sposored by Symphony League volunteerswho provide owers, food and muchmore. The highlight of the season is thdebutante presentation ball in NovembThe season ends with a luncheon

Volunteers welcome!Membership in the Symphony League of Beaumont is open to all. (Yes, there are some men in theleague.) Membership forms can be downloaded at their website, www.slbmt.com. Annual duesare $35 for adults or $20 for youth and seniors.

photographybyrenshepparda

ndbeaumontenterprisestaff

Leftpage:BeaumontSymphonyLeaguem

embersMelanieHeartfeld

,KelliTrevino

,RachaelRoane

,BarbaraBarronandTracyBean

.

2012 Symphony Ball

>>


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where butteries are released.

The debutante program teachesetiquette and career skills, said FrancesBethea, the immediate past president ofthe Symphony of Southeast Texas anda former president of the SymphonyLeague. The girls learn a lot of skillsthat will stand them in good stead notjust at tea parties, but in the real world.

Symbiotic relationship

Bethea, a partner at Benckenstein& Oxford LLP in Beaumont, has nowserved as president for both the Sympho-ny of Southeast Texas and the SymphonyLeague of Beaumont. A member of theleague since the mid-1980s, she was rst

drawn in to leadership by a close friend,Sandra Mason, who was then presi-dent. A few years later, she was herselfpresident during 2005-2006, the yearof Hurricane Rita. In May, she nisheda two-year term as the president of thesymphonys board of directors. Havingworked closely with the two separatenonprots, Bethea has a special perspec-tive.

With the Symphony League, I cansee results, and I like that, she said. Ilike that everyone does their job. Thereis a great deal of scal responsibility. TheSymphony League members are good

fundraisers and also very good stewards,very careful with the money, which is re-freshing. What I admire the most is thatthey arent afraid to make hard decisionsif it is for the betterment of the organiza-tion.

Having viewed the leagues work fromthe perspective of the recipient agency,the Symphony of Southeast Texas, sherealizes how dependent the symphonyis on the league for nancial support.Additionally, she said the league providesvolunteer-power for many tasks that thesymphony would otherwise have to pay

for.

Relations between the two boards arefull of mutual respect and admiration.

We have an extremely wonderfulworking relationship with the symphonyadministration, Trevino said. Craig andChelsea (Tipton, the symphony musicdirector) attend our meetings and are ourbiggest cheerleaders.

Escamilla, in his sixth year as execu-

tive director of the symphony, is equallypositive. Its really become a partner-ship where we are constantly bouncingideas o each other; an ideal symbioticrelationship with a donor, he said.

The support of the Symphony Leagueis a consistent source of revenue thatallows the symphony to thrive. If youcharged the end user a price for yourservice at what that service actuallycosts, it would put the price too high, sononprots rely on fundraising to osetcosts, Escamilla said. What the Sym-

phony League has done is develop earnrevenue streams that relate to their mision. The way theyve done that is realremarkable.

Time to celebrate

For a professional symphony to ceebrate 60 years is remarkable, Escamisaid. Orchestras are folding left andright, but ours is growing and strong.

Trevino and Dishman both echoed hcomments, remarking on how unusualis to have a symphony in a city of Beaumonts size. Both credited the symphonadministrators and musicians for creating such as strong program.

Dishman, who with 20 years of voluteer work for the two organizations hasseen economic ups and downs, maestrocome and go, and leadership turnover,feels very positive about the current staand future prospects of the Symphony Southeast Texas. Its a shining star inour community, she said.

Educating and supporting young musiciansThe Symphony League sponsors several major programs to support the appreciation of music.

Youth Education Concerts

An annual event, Trevino said that 4,000 local children came by the busload this year to hear aspecial youth-oriented, free performance by the symphony at the Julie Rogers Theatre.

Side-By-Side Concerts

A $10,000 commitment from the Symphony League sponsors this program where local studentsperform on stage with the members of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. About 1,300 youngmusicians participated this year.

String Competition

To encourage and support students to pursue prociency with stringed instruments, the Sym-phony League organizes and sponsors this annual event, awarding the winner a $200 musicscholarship. Eighty children in grades K-12 participated last February.

Youth Guild

A group of high school-age volunteers, boys and girls, who usher at symphony concerts, workwith the string competition, and assist with other symphony projects throughout the year.

lEft:SymphonyBelleswaittobepresentedd

uringthisyearsSymphonyBall.

RIGHT:Astringquartet

performsduringthe2012SymphonyBall.

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consider himself a jock. An important part ofhis childhood included the hunting and shingoutings he made with his father, Brian, and hisbig brother, Leif.

During his Woodville days, coming to Beau-mont was a big deal. Beaumont was a hugecity for me, he remembered.

Was he image-conscious back then? No,not at all, he replied, noting that his custom-ary ensemble was a T-shirt and jeans. Iftheyd had an election for the worst dressed, Imight have won that.

Hollywood dreams

After a year at Stephen F. Austin Univer-sity, Babin set out for California in 1999. Hisoriginal goal was to enroll at the University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles as a lm major. But hedidnt know anyone in L.A., so he convincedhis parents to let him live with his brother, Leif,who had just graduated from the United StatesNaval Academy and was stationed in San Diego.He enrolled in a local community college and

worked nights singing and playing his guitar atrestaurants, dreaming of the day he would makeit to L.A. and become an actor.

Babin soon decided to make his move. Hedrove to Ford Models in Beverly Hills, walked inand oered some Polaroid snapshots. Since Fordalso represented actors, his idea was to get anagent for acting. My rst interest was movies,he said. What I really wanted was to get anacting agent.

But he knew that if he started modeling, hecould parlay that into an acting career, so he gota modeling agent and an acting agent. Withintwo weeks, at age 20, he was in Miami doing a

photo shoot for the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog

with legendary fashion photographer BruceWeber. The job lasted eight hours a day for fourdays, but it felt more like play. That type of

shoot doesnt feel like work, he explained.Soon after the Abercrombie & Fitch shoot,

his Ford agent called and told him he had a

casting call for a Gucci ad campaign that wouldstart in January 2000. He got the job and knewhed have to withdraw from school. His father

understood that it was a great opportunity andgave him his blessing. That was the year Babinstarted getting acting parts.

From Paris to Brazil

Yes, Babin dated Paris Hilton briey

when he was 23. We were just really friends,he said. The relationship aorded him his rstopportunity to deal with paparazzi. It also

led to shooting a music video with the richsocialite a few years later. I was really gladto get that job, he said of his role as the sexyboyfriend frolicking with the reality starlet othe beach in Stars are Blind. I had a good timdoing it. It was pretty easy work.

The young model/actor lucked into his ro

as Nick the cowboy on the Brazilian televisioseries America that ran in 2005. He was livinin Los Angeles in 2004 when a friend intro-duced him to Luciana Bressane who was fromRio de Janeiro and worked as an event coor-dinator for fashion designers. Babin told herhe wanted to go to Brazil. She returned homeand then called him to say she had gotten hima modeling job for a runway show during RioFashion Week and a print campaign.

It was backstage during Fashion Week thahe met a screenwriter for the telenovela whosaid the show needed an American who spokPortuguese. Bressane, who became his agentBrazil, told him it was a huge opportunity anhired a tutor to help him with the language.

He memorized about four pages of lines, wento the studio to audition for the part and washired on the spot. (He now speaks Portugueuently.)

Coming home

When Babins commitment to the show wover in January 2006, he headed back to LosAngeles and landed a role on The Young and

Restless. He was young, but he wasnt restlesHe wanted to settle down. He and Bressanestarted dating and married in April 2007 athis parents house in Woodville. The coupledrove away on an all-terrain vehicle after the


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nuptials but quickly returned for a crawsh-boil reception.The couple resided in Los Angeles and had twin boys, Luke and

Philip, in 2008. They were the impetus for the move back to Texas. Idenitely wanted to raise them here, he explained, not in L.A.

He also wanted to be closer to his parents and other family mem-bers who still live in the area. Hes into the important things, saidBlythe Babin Fiedler, his aunt who lives in Beaumont. His family

comes rst. Fiedler also noted that her wild-prankster nephew hascalmed down considerably. From his teenage years to now, hes mel-lowed, she said.

Babin and his family moved to The Woodlands in 2009, and hegave up acting and modeling to earn a history degree at Sam HoustonState University and start law school at the University of Houston. Ican go back to the pursuit of acting any time, he said. My kids areonly going to be young once, and I wanted to raise them here.

Older and wiser

How is Babin dierent from the young kid who got lucky andbecame a famous model? In some ways, the world doesnt seem like abig place anymore, he said. I feel really fortunate for the opportuni-ties Ive had.

And what about designer clothes? Are they a must-have? No, hesaid. I wear whatever my wife gets me.

To relax, Babin spends time with his family. For fun, I spend asmuch time with my wife and kids as I possibly can, he said, addingthat he enjoys heading to Woodville to visit his parents, too. Beingout in the country is my favorite thing to do.

New adventures

Occasionally, Babin gets a call about a modeling job, but hes notpursuing that career anymore. And he doesnt miss it. My priority isbeing the best dad and husband I can be, he said, adding that doingwell in law school is also important. He might be open to producing,acting and directing in the future if the right opportunities arose.

Looking back on his modeling and acting career, hes satised withthe outcome. I wouldnt have done a thing dierently, he said. I hadgreat adventures, and there are a lot more to come. VIP


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j o s h s p e l l

vpersonality

At the age when most children are learn-

ing to ride a tricycle, Josh Spell was

becoming increasingly enchanted by

the power of music and movement. Theformer Beaumont boys grandmother,

Frances Bonura, lled the living room

with the sounds of Tchaikovskys Firebird as Josh danced

around the room. When he saw the ballet, The Nutcrack-

er for the rst time, Josh wasnt old enough to enroll in

kindergarten, but was totally mesmerized.

Frannie, as Josh called her, was a member of the Happy

Steppers, a Beaumont dance group for seniors. Josh would

accompany her to classes, and when one of the members

was absent, step into that role.

Aft a a o atoal stag,

Baumot atv a ballt a

hoogaphs xt stps lf

text by JAne McBride


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I quickly picked up choreogra-phy and knew that I had somethingspecial, Josh said. I enrolled in tapat Marsha Woodys Academy of Dancewhen I was 10. For two years theytried to convince me to take ballet.Finally, at 12, I gave in.

At 16, Josh was accepted into theprestigious School of American Bal-let in New York. At 19, he became amember of Seattles Pacic NorthwestBallet troupe, where he danced profes-sionally for 10 years.

By 29, Josh thought he might haveaccomplished about as much as hewas going to on the stage. Perhaps,he decided, it was time to move on to

another career.I was not 100 percent happy andI knew that I did not want to becomecomplacent, he said from his home inSeattle. Doing research on retirementin dance and also on the history ofdance made me grateful for my careerand allowed me to move forward.

By age 30, most professionals arejust beginning to move up in theirchosen careers. In June, 2011, theyear before he turned 30, Josh alreadyhad retired from the Pacic North-west Ballet. He went back to school

to study Interior Design. Immersinghimself in an academic environmentwith peers ten years younger wasbrutal, he acknowledged.

My life as I had known it since theage of 16 was completely transformed.I really had to focus on who I was asa person and not just who I was as adancer. It was the most dicult chal-lenge of my life thus far. I had beensaying that I wished that my friendsknew what I knew now while theywere still dancing. Then I got a call inMarch to join the Kansas City Ballet.Now I get that second chance to expe-rience my career dierently.

For ballet dancers like Josh, the

20s often mark the pinnacle of acareer. Turning 30 means decidingwhether they can continue to meetthe intense physical demands for afew more years, or whether its timeto accept one last thunderous round ofapplause as the curtain falls.

To stay in good physical shape,Josh depends on swimming, strengthtraining, and teaching Pilates classesto keep him in dancing condition.

I have had my fair share of inju-ries and as a mature dancer I knowthat I must keep my body conditioned>>


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LL RE

BEN191496901

WELCOME!

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in Port Arthur and Sabine Pass.The National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administrationreports that 19.6 million poundsof commercially caught sh with adock value of $47.4 million werebrought to the Port Arthur docksin 2010. And 99 percent of that

haul was shrimp. The shrimpindustry has a tremendous impacton our local economy, says TerrieLooney, Texas Sea Grant Exten-sion agent for Jeerson and Cham-bers counties.

According to Sinclair Oubreof the Port Arthur Area Shrimp-ers Association, there are about70 commercial shrimpers in PortArthur and Sabine Pass. Thatsdown from about 300 in 2000. Acombination of factors put manyof the shrimpers out of businessincluding the urry of hurricanes,the rising cost of diesel fuel andthe inux of cheap, foreign, farm-raised shrimp. Oubre advocateseating local, wild-caught shrimpbecause he says it helps the localeconomy, and its healthier thanthe foreign, farm-raised alterna-tive. Foreign shrimp are oftenfarmed in unsanitary conditions,so producers must use high levelsof antibiotics, pesticides and otherchemicals to prevent disease.(Farm-raised shrimp and shin the United States are subject

to stricter rules, according toLooney, who is a member of theTexas Aquaculture Association.)If people knew what they wereeating, Oubre says of the foreign-farmed shrimp, they would notfeed it to their cats.

Oubre encourages restaurantpatrons to ask their servers if the

shrimp being served is wild caughtor farm-raised in a foreign coun-try. Do you want quality or quan-tity? he asked, adding that if youwant quality, you may have to paymore, but it is worth it in termsof fresh taste and healthfulness.It is also important to support thelocal shrimpers, he believes. The

shrimping community is part ofmultifaceted maritime industry which our Southeast Texas economy is built, he said, noting thathe Beaumont-Port Arthur area the fourth-largest maritime centin the country. We could lose thshrimpers. It would underminethat foundation.

Floyds Cajun Seafood

and Texas Steakhouse

This casual restaurant serves seafood

straight out of the Gulf. Start with

the superior shrimp cocktail and a

cup of shrimp gumbo. For the main

course, you can have your shrimp

grilled, fried, stuffed or served in

etouffee. Theres no wrong choice

here.

409.842.06862290 I-10 South, Beaumontoydsseafood.com

J. Martin

Seafood Market

Come in for fresh shrimp right off

the boats from local shrimpers. The

market has a deli too, so you can

ll up on shrimp dishes and then

take some home to cook later.

409.729.88993324 Nederland Ave., Nederland

The Schooner

A local tradition, the Schooner

has been in business since 1947.

Shrimp cocktail, shrimp gumbo,

shrimp salad, shrimp scampi,

shrimp alfredo, shrimp au gratin,

stuffed shrimp, the shrimp platter

with half fried shrimp and half

shrimp etouffee it sounds like

Bubba Blues list of shrimp dishes!

409.722.23231507 South Hwy. 69 at Hwy. 365,Nederlandtheschoonerrestaurant.com

great places

to get fresh

shrimp inSE Texas

7

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Larrys French Market

& Cajun Restaurant

Looking for great shrimp dishes

with an authentic Cajun atmo-

sphere? You dont need to go to

Louisiana. Just head for Larrys

French Market where you can get

the perfect shrimp po boy or a

heapin helpin of boiled, fried or

grilled shrimp.

409.962.33813701 Atlantic Hwy. (FM 366), Groveslarrysfrenchmarket.com

Sartins Seafood and

Sartins West

Sartins has been preparing fresh-

caught seafood in the Golden

Triangle for decades. From the

shrimp bisque to the shrimp dinner

offering boiled, fried, grilled or

stuffed shrimp, youll be swimming

in delicious shrimp dishes.

409.721.9420,

3520 Nederland Ave., Nederland

409.861.34741990 I-10 South, Beaumontsartins.com

The Seafood Lover

The Seafood Lover likes keepin

it fresh with catches from the

coastal bays and Gulf waters. You

can buy shrimp fresh for your own

home-cooked recipes, or you can

purchase prepared dishes such

as shrimp pasta in wine sauce,

shrimp gumbo, shrimp dip, shrimp

potatoes, boiled shrimp and

shrimp quiche.409.892.10934389 Calder Ave., Beaumont

Zydeco Louisiana

Diner

Zydeco Louisiana Diner, open for

lunch on weekdays only, serves

home-cooked Cajun food including

shrimp po boys, shrimp salads

and shrimp platters. Tres bien!

409.835.4455270 Crockett St., Beaumontzydecolouisianadiner.com


COBB CONSTRUCTION

Building on the Bolivar Peninsula since 1972!

2290 Highway 87

PO Box 1429

Crystal Beach,Texas 77650

409.684.3791

With over 40 years of experience building on the Bolivar Peninsula, Cobb Construction is a family-owned custom

home builder with hundreds of completed projects since 1972. Want to build in the Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach,

Caplen, or Gilchrist area? Give us a call! If you are looking for a quality home, mixed with a wonderful experience in

building, Cobb Construction is the right builder for you!

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styling and text by Larena Headphotography by scott esLingerclothing provided by beLLa beLLamodeled by tayLor baiLey of Beaumont

dSet yourself apart from the crowdin this striking coral tunic dressthat can seamlessly transitionfrom dinner table to patio. Thetunics bold, bright pattern andembellished boat neck are thestatement makers, leaving roomfor a few key accessories. Sleekhair and elegant earrings accentthe face, while a set of goldbangles and an ornate turquoisecocktail ring add some air andpolish the look. A structured goldclutch completes the ensemble. Alux evening awaits.

From Bella Bella: Boat Neck TunicDress, Hale Bob, $186; Multi-StoneDangle Earrings, $28; Gold Bangle Set,$28; Embossed Rhinestone Clutch,$62; Turquoise Stretch Ring, $38

dDelicious food, a warm ambi-ence and top-notch servicecome together for a wonderfuldining experience at The Grill.The elegant-yet-cozy atmosphereprovides a relaxing setting toenjoy a meal. Roasted Lamb,Blackened Tilapia Pontchartrain,and Filet Mignon, which can beenhanced with asparagus andlump crab, are just a few of the

delectable items on the menu.An extensive wine list is sure toplease wine lovers of all types. Inaddition to the formal dining, TheGrill provides a comfortable andcasual atmosphere at The Cabanaand Patio. Weekly live music andgreat lounge spots make TheCabana the perfect haven forhappy hour. If youre looking todine and unwind in style,The Grillby Arfeen, Smith, and Payne isright on the mark.

The Grill by Arfeen, Smith, and Payne,6680 Calder Ave, Beaumont, (409)866-0039, Cabana hours: 3 to 11 p.m.Tuesday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnightFriday and Saturday; Main dining hours:5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

d r e s s & d i n e

food dining


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s e t x e v e n t s

vip spotlights

Babe Zaharias Dinner

Hester and Milton Bell

Jim Fetters, Larry Tidwell, Carol Fetters, Dean and Mike Conwell

Patti Calder,Ann a Calder, Jennifer Orr and Grace Gearinger

Keith and Denise Henke,Tracy and RB Maxwell, Barbara and ButchWennerRick and Amy Williams Barbara and Dick Burris

Helen and Al Miller

Shirley and Rhonel Didrikson Jason and Kim Siegelin

Cassie and Greg Guy

John and Dolly Payton and Bob and Jeannie WestBuddy and Martha Foxworth and Jimmy FertittaW.L. Pate, Toye Babb and Hal Ross

Marian and Mike Ruiz

RENSHEPPA


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Miranda Lambert

MeganOlivier,Miranda Nuez, Kim Hobbs,AnnalieseGerhardt, AmandaMinick Jennifer and Miranda Rogers, Jami Balser, Taylor Clakley

Jacelynn Price, Makenze Stephens Jennifer Ford,Trish and Don Miller Brandi Dressler,Melanie LaFleur,AoishaA

Tasha Gonzalez, April Dickerson and Tessa HumbleJohn Hughes, Rod Carroll

Baylee Tupper, Maddie Price, Cassie Simon and Makenzie Martin Laura Snook, Sandy Richardson, Julie Hargraves and Kelly Anderson

RaGena McNeely, Kayla Hobson Cara Manley, Michael Nall Miranda Jackson, Robert Johnson, Sarah Tyrr

scott esling


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ook!

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Tanya Tucker at Nutty Jerrys

LEE E. STINSON

Tammy Dallard, DarbyMeguess,DLisa Mitchell,DarbyeGarrard

Errol and Debra Wilder

Dakota Harper, Stephanie Hebert and Cassie Dickerson

Kristina Schisler,Alina Holley and Jessica Weldon

Kayce Rezsutek and Kevin, Lesley and Courtney Fitch

Alex and Ray Thompson

Carley Williford, Ivan Lemus

Casey Tankersley, Tyler Leonard

ScOTT ESLINgEr

Michele and Peggy Bean

Raulinda Rice, Khiem Nguyen

Southern Summer Nights

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Excellence inMedia Awards Breakfast with the Bishop

American Red Cross Hurricane Party

LEE E. STINSON

Kate and Rod Carroll

David and Marsha Lisenby

Steve Williams and Vanessa Holmes

Kalie Desimone and Jimmy Blanchard

Scott and Joanie Lawrence

SCOTT ESLING

Betty Davis and Kelly Pruitt Jay and Tina Johnson Mark Guzman and Sharon Tyler

Laura Warson and Alton Cherry Julie and Paul Funchess and Heather Petkcovsek

Stuart and Jeanette Sepaug

Amanda and Jodi Mitchell, Carol Fernandez

Adilene and Julisa Loera

Zack and Kara Hawthorn and Bishop Curtis Guillory Rose Granger, Frances Bryant, Ethel Granger and Esther Harrison

Becky and Rodney Ames, Regina Rogers Patrick and Andrea Donart

Sharon Ailes, Don Petry and Michelle Moore Morgan and Pam Elkins

LEE E. STINS


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Concert with a Cause

LEE E. STINS

Ricky and Angela Wells

Kim Kidder and Wendy Poole Gabby and Billy Snyder Laren and Katie Ganderson Kristie and Rodney Young

Angie Morril, Bryan LaCroix Vicky Costanzo, Linda Pas sou and Kenzie Lockie

April Duplantis, Stefanie Guy and Lizette Benico Ashlee Chambliss, Kristen LaFleur and Lacey Marks


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First Thursdaysat the Mildred

Donna Farrell, Milt Prewitt, Janet McClendon and Steve Stoma

Joseph and Libby StomaDorothy Sells CloverJesse Gomez, Debbie Dugas, Becky Wilcox, Lin

Marie Garsee, Debra Padilla and John RobertsKaitlin Forrest,Jenna Broussard

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Y

ou dont have to

go far to enjoy

quality theater in

Southeast Texas.

Just look in your

backyard, down

the street, or maybe head to

Houston for an evening. Check

out our source for whats going

on in community and profes-

sional theatre for 2012-2013.

An Intimate Evening with

Lindsey Buckingham

Lutcher Theatre, Orange

Aug. 19

Savor this intimate evening with

Lindsey Buckingham, in this solo

show as he sings and plays severalelectric guitars. Earning a spot in

the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with

Fleetwood Mac, winning countless

awards, selling out venues around

the world and helping dene the

sound of rock for the last three

decades, he is the predominant

musical force behind such Mac

albums as Rumours and the inno-

vative Tusk, and has created a criti-

cally acclaimed body of solo work

that yielded the hits, Trouble, Go

Insane, and Holiday Road.

Check theater websites for complete season

offerings and schedule changes.

August >>

A Salute to the Carol

Burnett Show

Orange Community Players

Aug. 16-19, 23-25

Local talent brings you this variety/

sketch comedy show as we relive

some of your most memorablemoments from the decade-long,

award-winning, hit CBS television

show. Guaranteed to have you roll-

ing in the aisles!

September>>

November>>

Musical, comedy

Musical, drama

Play, comedy

Play, drama

Concert, music tribune,

dance, other event

VIP picks

text compiledby grace mathis

The Full Monty


Oct. 18-21, 25-28

Seeing how much their wives enjoy

watching male strippers during

their Girls Night Out, unemployed

steelworkers in Buffalo, New York

come up with a bold way to make

some quick cash. In the process

they nd renewed self esteem, the

importance of friendship and the

ability to have fun.

Catch Me If You Can


Nov. 3

Based on the hit movie and

incredible true story that inspired

it, this musical tells the story of a

teen who runs away from home in

search of the glamorous life. With

his boyish charm, a big imagination

and millions of dollars in forged

checks, Frank succeeds ... until an

FBI agent tracks him down.

A Behanding in Spokane

Lamar University

Nov. 8-12

Director: Judith Sebesta

Martin McDonaghs only play set

in the U.S. is about a man who has

spent twenty-ve years searching

for his missing hand. The search

climaxes as he confronts a smiling

motel clerk with an aversion to

gunre and two bickering lovebirds

with a hand to sell.

Treasure Island

Port Arthur Little Theatre

Nov. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25

Based on the adventure novel b

Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasu

Islandis a stunning yarn of pirac

on the tropical seas. It begins

at an inn on the Devon coast of

England in 1775 and becomes

an unforgettable tale of treache

and mayhem. A host of legend-

ary swashbucklers includes the

dangerous Bill Bones, the siniste

Israel Hands, the brassy woman

pirate Anne Bonney, and the evi

incarnate, Blind Pew. At the cenare Jim Hawkins, a young boy

who longs for adventure, and th

infamous Long John Silver, perh

the most famous hero-villain of

times.

A Funny Thing Happened

on the Way to the Forum

Beaumont Community Players

Sept. 7-8, 14-15, 20-22

Director: Bert Smith

True love, true lust, a pimp, a

pauper, fun and frolic, mystery a

mayhem, and just when you thin

there is no hope for a fairy-tale

ending a happy ending! Based o

Greek comedy and revamped w

music by Sondheim, the play sta

true to its roots with a touch of

1960s humor.


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Ten Little Indians


Sept. 14-16, 21-23, 28-30

Ten people who are strangers to

each other have been invited up

to a house high on a mountaintop.

When they are all gathered, theyhear from their host that each one

of them has in some way caused

the death of an innocent person

and that justice had not been

served in their cases. There are

eight guests and two servants

there for the weekend, but one by

one they are knocked off, in the

manner of the poem Ten Little In-

dians. As the number of survivors

decreases, they begin to believe

that the killer is in the group, but

are unable to decide on which onehe or she may be in this thriller by

Agatha Christie.

Quilters

Lamar University

Director: Ronald Zank

Oct. 11-14

A celebration of American women

and the pioneering spirit,

this record-settingmusical depicts the

poignant stories of

the steadfastness of

frontier women in the

face of adversity, sewn

into quilt blocks and

performed on stage.

It will be produced in

conjunction with Lamars

music and art depart-

ments, as well as a quilt

exhibit at the Dishman

Museum and other campus-wideactivities. This production and

exhibit will be supported in part by

an Arts in Education grant from the

National Endowment for the Arts.

Dead Mans Cell Phone


Oct. 19-20, 26-27, Nov. 1-3

Director: Michael Saar

An incessantly ringing cell phone

in a quiet caf, a stranger

at the next table who hashad enough and a dead

man with a lot of

loose ends... So begins

Dead Mans Cell Phone

by playwright Sarah

Ruhl. A work about

how we memorial-

ize the dead how

that remembering

changes us it is

the odyssey of a

woman forced to confront her own

assumptions about morality andredemption in a technologically

obsessed world.

Cirque Chinois


Oct. 7

Direct from Beijing, the National

Circus of the Peoples Republic

of China was founded in 1953,

making it one of the longest run-ning and most distinguished circus

troupes in China. This circus is

especially acclaimed because of

the unique acts in their program

such as Great Teeterboard,

Grand Flying Trapeze, Group

Contortion, Straw Hats Juggling,

Girls Balance With Bowls and

many other outstanding acts.

VIP says: This will surely be an

awe-inspiring, breathtaking

evening of visual stimulation

and physical prowess. Family-friendly or perfect for a date

night.

December>>

October >>

C

White Christmas


Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 7- 8, 13- 15

Two iconic song-and-dance men,

follow a sister act to Vermont, only

to discover that the nearly bankrupt

lodge they were to perform at is

owned by their former general.

VIP says: This will be the holiday

show not to miss. A rst-time

performance of this classic pro-

duction on the McFaddin-Ward

stage is sure to make you smile,

laugh and sing along to favor-

ites such as Sisters

and White

A Christmas with Shoji

Tabuchi


Dec. 15

Celebrate the music of the season

as well as some of ddler Shoji

Tabuchis favorites, melding the

music of Broadway, movies, classi-

cal, country, pop, rock and western

into a fabric of musical perfection.

For two decades, Shoji Tabuchi has

presented the hottest must-see

show in Branson, Missouri. You

must see and hear Shoji Tabuchi to

believe him! Come hear this ddle

extraordinaire who David Copper-eld calls a magician.

A Chorus Line


Nov. 25

In an empty theatre, on a bare

stage, casting for a new Broadway

musical is almost complete. For 17

dancers, this audition is the chance

of a lifetime. Its what theyve worked

for with every drop of sweat, every

hour of training, every day of their

lives. Its the one opportunity to do

what theyve always dreamed to

have the chance to dance.This is A

Chorus Line, the musical for every-

one whos ever had a dream and put

it all on the line.VIP says: This is a must-see for

anyone who knows anything

about theatre, especially musi-

cals (or loves reality TV). Even

if you dont consider yourself

a musical lover, you probably

shouldnt pass up the opportu-

nity to see this ground-breaking

show.

The Midtown Men


Nov. 29-30

They took Broadway by storm in

one of the biggest hits of all-time,

Jersey Boys, and now theyre

together again. Experience the

top-shelf choreography, incredible

harmonies and legendary onstage

chemistry that is The Midtown

Men. Tony Award winner Christian

Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel

Reichard and Tony Award nominee

J. Robert Spencer, star in this

one-of-a-kind concert experience

celebrating the music thatdened the 1960s.

A

Christ-

mas.

the 1960s.

at thad

ma

o

D

b

R


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One Night of Queen


March 18

In 2000, Gary Mullen won the

grand nale of the British celebrity

impersonation program, Stars in

Their Eyes. After his television

success, Gary Mullen formed his

band, The Works in 2002. Along

with his band, Gary delivers the

look, sound, pomp and showman-

ship of arguably the greatest live

band of all time. With spectacular

lighting and special effects, Gary

Mullen and The Works recreate

and celebrate the music of Queen.Get ready for a nostalgic return to

Queens heyday.

Jazz at Lincoln Center w

Wynton Marsalis


Feb. 7

Feel the fusion of 15 of the nes

jazz soloists and ensemble playe

today comprising The Jazz atLincoln Center Orchestra under

the leadership of musical directo

trumpeter, composer and educa

Wynton Marsalis. Jazz at L

coln Center is dedicate

to inspiring and growi

audiences for jazz.

Hay Fever


Jan 18-19, 25-26, 31-Feb. 2

Director: Robert Fong

A comedy of bad manners which

starts with the arrival of four

guests, invited independently bydifferent members of the Bliss

family for a weekend at their

country house near Maidenhead.

The promise of an idyllic week-

end is quickly trounced by the

self-absorbed eccentricities of the

family who leave the guests to slink

away humiliated, embarrassed and

abandoned.

STOMP


Jan. 22-23

STOMPis explosive, provocative,

sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique

and appeals to audiences of all

ages. The eight-member percus-sion troupe uses everything but

conventional instruments

matchboxes, wooden

poles, brooms,

garbage

cans,

Zippo

lighters, hub-caps to ll the

stage with magni-

cent rhythms.

Macbeth

Lamar University

Feb. 28 - March 3

Director: Joel Grothe

This offering in Lamar Universitys

Bard on the Bayou series is Shake-

speares shortest and bloodiest

tragedy. With themes of corruption

and ambition, it is a chilling explo-

ration of what lengths humans go

to maintain power.

VIP says: If youve never seenShakespeare performed live,this the perfect opportunity.Reading it in the tenth grade is acompletely different experiencethan seeing it brought to life ina dark theatre. Lamar studentsare sure to give a ne dramaticperformance of this powerfultheatrical work.

Neil Simons Biloxi Blues


March 1

Neil Simons hit play follows the

adventures of Eugene Morris

Jerome and his fellow Army induct-

ees as they struggle through basic

training near Biloxi, Mississippi in

1943. Biloxi Blues is a comedy

about young men going off to war.

These men are universal soldiers

facing the same fears, anxieties,

and loneliness that grip all young

recruits about to encounter the

ultimate test of combat.

Rabbit Hole


March 29-30, April 5-6, 11-13

Director: Donny Avery

Dealing with the most traumatic

event any parent can endure t

death of a child author David

Lindsay-Abaire manages to invo

his audience and illustrate how w

all grieve differently and for dif-

ferent lengths of time. Despite th

subject matter, this 2007 Pulitze

Prize-winning play is often ex-

tremely funny, setting up emotio

contrasts between ironic humor

and innite sadness which makethe loss of the child more poigna

March >>

Shatners World We Just

Live In It...


Jan. 7

Explore this 90 minute one-man

show with television and movie

legend William Shatner on a voy-age through his life and career,

from Shakespearean stage actor

to internationally known icon and

raconteur, known as much for his

unique persona as for his expan-

sive body of work on television and

lm.

VIP tip: In addition to your showticket, you may purchase a$40 post-show pass, whichwill allow you to meet WilliamShatner, snap his photo and get

his autograph. Your purchasebenets The All Glory Project, anon-prot campaign of to thankour wounded veterans and theirfamilies.

January >> February >>


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Camelot


May 10-11, 17-18, 23-25

Director: Paula Bothe

In this lavish adaptation of the

Broadway musical, the music and

lyrics of Loewe and Lerner weave

this story into an intricate tapestry

of unforgettable heart-stirring

emotions. Camelot is a timeless

romantic drama that takes us to a

medieval world that could only be

imagined in your most romantic

fantasy. The humor is witty, the

music is unforgettable and the

world of Camelot has scenes thatare beyond compare.

Mama Wont Fly


Feb. 14-16, 21-24

An outrageously hilarious race

against the clock begins when Sa-

vannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt

agrees to get her feisty mother allthe way from Alabama to California

in time for her brothers wedding.

Savannahs problem: Mama wont

y. With only four days to make it

to the ceremony, this determined

daughter has no choice but to

drive cross-country with her

equally willful mother, Norleen

Sprunt, in Mamas vintage sedan.

As Savannah steels herself for this

hastily conceived road trip, another

outrageous complication arises:

the bubbly, over-eager bride-to-bearrives unannounced.

The Black Watch


Feb. 20

The legendary pipes, drums and

highland dancers of Scotlands

Black Watch will join forces with

the Band of the Scots Guardsfor a celebration of four nations:

England, Scotland, Wales and

Ireland. This performance will fea-

ture bagpipes, traditional military

marches, drum solos, Celtic danc-

ing and beloved songs. The event

promises a spectacular evening of

pageantry and excitement for the

entire family.

Heaven Can Wait


April 19-21, 26-28, May 3-5

Mr. Jordan is checking passengers

who are to depart in an airplane

for the Hereafter. The routine is

interrupted by the arrival of Joe

Pendleton, an attractive prizeght-

er, who refuses to admit he is dead

and induces Jordan to look up

the records, which reveals that

Joe was not scheduled to arrive

for another 60 years! But, as Joe

starts to return to earth to continue

his ghting, word reaches Heaven

that Max Levene, Joes manager,thinking he had been killed had

Joes body cremated, and Joe has

no body to return to.

The Importance of Being

Earnest


Feb. 22-23, March 1-2, 7-9

Director: David Hornack

Algernon and Jack are friends

who invented imaginary people as

an excuse to get out of engage-

ments. Jacks person, Ernest,

is a brother with a wild past. The

two conspire to woo the ladies

they love, and through a series of

mishaps, must gently deceive to

get what they want. The end result

is a play of incomparable quality,

full of witticisms that are highly

quotable out of context. In fact the

entire play is quotable; such is its

brilliance.

9 to 5: The Musical


February 14-17, 23-25, March

1-3

This is a hilarious story (remem-

ber the movie) of friendship and

revenge in the Rolodex era. Thismusical tells the story of three

unlikely friends who conspire to

take control of their company and

learn theres nothing they cant

do even in a mans world. With

music written by Dolly Parton

including her country hits 9 to 5

and Backwoods Barbie.

VIP says: Music by Dolly Parton?

If that doesnt get you excited,

then maybe you shouldnt be

reading this. This is sure to be a

hootin hollerin good time. And,those folks at PALT sure know

how to ham things up. So if you

want an evening of laughter

and good ol fashioned fun, then

dont miss this one.

Dreamgirls


March 29

Full of onstage joy and backstage

drama, the sensational new

production of Dreamgirlstells the

story of an up-and-coming 1960s

girl-singing group and the triumphs

and tribulations that come with

fame and fortune. Dreamgirls

features the unforgettable hits:

And I Am Telling You Im Not Go-

ing, One Night Only and

Listen.

Hal Holbrook in Mark

Twain Tonight!


April 9

Hal Holbrooks legendary one-man

show brings the beloved author to

life with irreverent humor and as-

tonishing authenticity. Millions have

enjoyed the show since its original

Tony and Emmy winning perfor-

mances on Broadway and on TV,

and Holbrook continues to perfect

it, drawing upon his vast

experience on the

April >> May >>

9

. experience on t e

stage and

screen.


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Beaumont Community Playersbeaumontcommunityplayers.com(409) 833-4664

Lamar Universitydept.lamar.edu/cofac/depttheatre/(409) 880-2250

Port Arthur Little Theatrewww.palt.org(409) 727-7258

Orange Community Playersorangecommunityplayers.com(409) 882-9137

Lutcher Theaterwww.lutcher.org(409) 886-5535

The Addams Family


June 19-20

The weird and wonderful family

comes to devilishly delightful life in

The Addams Family. This mag-

nicently macabre new musical

comedy is a visually satisfying,rib-tickling, lunatic musical that

will entertain you to death! says

Toronto Post City. Come meet the

family. Well leave the lights

off for you.

June >>

Nunsense A-men


May 9-12, 16-19

The Orange Community Players

continue the Nunsense Saga

as began by Jeff Hattman. This

time, theres a hilarious twist

as the Little Sisters of Hobokenlook about as sisterly as Ru

Paul! You may not receive a

spiritual awakening, but you will

have a fun, laugh-out loud

evening.

Houston bound?Looking to spend a weekend in Houston. Houstons Hobby Center and All

Theatre offer a large selection of shows this season, including:

A Christmas Carol

A Few Good Men

Beauty and the Beast

Black Coffee

Blue Man Group

Camelot

Catch Me If You Can

Chicago

Clybourne Park

Death of a Salesman

Flashdance

Jekyll & Hyde

Jersey Boys

Les Miserables

Man of La Mancha

November

Peter Pan

Sherlock Homes

Sister Act

Spamalot

The Elephant Man

The Mountaintop

The Santaland Diarie

Warrior Class

Wicked

Ticket and show informa-

tion: www.thehobbycente

org, www.alleytheatre.org

How to buy tickets

S


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AUGUST 11

Family Arts Day

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Art Museum

of Southeast Texas, Beaumont.

Art activities, face painting,

entertainment, refreshments. (409)

832-3432 or www.amset.org.

Neighbors and Concerts in the Park

4-8 p.m., Magnolia Park, Beaumont.

Free. (409) 838-3613.

Spindletop Roller Girls Roller Derby6:15 p.m., Ford Exhibit Hall,

Beaumont. Tickets at the Ford Park

Box Oce and all Ticketmaster

locations.

Texas Country Music Show

7:30 p.m., Palace Theater, Kirbyville.

Adults $7, children 7-12 $3, (409)

423-3319.

Gary Allan

8 p.m., Coushatta Casino Resort,

Kinder, La. (800) 584-7263.

AUGUST 11

3D and Figure Exhibition

Reception 7-9 p.m. on Aug. 11.,

Beaumont Art League, Beaumont.

Free. Exhibit runs through Aug.

25. (409) 833-4179 or www.

beaumontartleague.org.

AUGUST 12

Gumbo Girl, by Joelle Ford

Reception 2-4 p.m., Museum of the

Gulf Coast, Port Arthur. (409) 982-

7000 or www.museumofthegulfcoast.

org.

AUGUST 16

Vintage Movie Night

Please Dont Eat the Daisies, 6:30

p.m., McFaddin-Ward House Visitor

Center, Beaumont. Free admission,

popcorn and refreshments. (409) 832-

1906 or www.mcfaddin-ward.org

AUGUST 16 - 18

A Salute to the Carol Burnett Show

Variety sketch comedy by the

Orange Community Players, 7:37

p.m. Aug. 16-18, and 2:37 p.m. Aug.

18, Orange Community Playhouse,

Orange. (409) 882-9137 or www.

orangecommunityplayers.com.

AUGUST 17

Kevin FowlerHonky Tonk Texas, Silsbee. (409)

386-1995 or www.honkytonktexas.u

AUGUST 18

Kid Fest

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Beaumont Civic

Center, Beaumont. (409) 896-5555.

Comedian D.L. Hughley

8 p.m., Delta Downs Racetrack &

Casino, Vinton, La. Tickets start at

$35. (800) 589-7441 or (337) 474-

4900.

AUGUST 19

An Intimate Evening with Lindsey

Buckingham

8 p.m., Lutcher Theater for the

Performing Arts, Orange. (409) 745

5535, (800) 828-5535 or www.lutch

org.

AUGUST 23

Comedian Ralphie May

7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre,

Beaumont. Reserved seats $32.50 a

Ticketmaster locations. (800) 745-

3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Works by Jane PetermanCafe Arts at the Art Museum of

Southeast Texas, Beaumont. Exhibi

runs through November 4. (409) 83

3432 or www.amset.org.

AUGUST 23-25

A Salute to the Carol Burnett Show

See previous listing

September previewSEPT. 8

Lamar Football Home Opener 7 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium, Beaumont

SEPT. 11

Annual Gala for Hope Womens Resource Clinic 7 p.m., Holiday Inn, Beaumon

SEPT. 12Ubi Caritas Date Auction 6 p.m., Madisons, Beaumont

SEPT. 14-1630th Annual Texas Bar-B-Q Festival Claiborne Park, Vidor

SEPT. 20-23Texas Pecan Festival Lions Park, Groves

SEPT. 29Gift of Lifes Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk 8 a.m., Beaumont


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ACROSS

1 He plays the role of Harry Potter,

Daniel _____

7 Part in a movie

9 Young actress who starred in the

Harry Potter series, ____ Watson10 Zoolander star, Owen ____

12 The Blue Dahlia star, Alan ___

13 __ can do Hall and Oates lyric

14 Author ____ OBrien

15 Spanish for now

17 Some

18 Overtime, abbr.

20 __ Mans car race

21 16th US President

22 School dance

24 One of the Yankees top hitters in

2009, for short

25 Oye como Va singer, ___ Santana

26Go brown in the sun27 Stiff and sore

29 Blue

30 Spider-Man actor, ____ Maguire

DOWN

1 Superman actor, Christopher ___

2 The Da Vinci Code sequel, An

and ____

3 Fearless star, Jet

4 ____ Night Lights5 Throw in your hand at poker

6 S. African golfer, Ernie ___

8 A billion years

10 He made Tha Carter albums, L

____

11 Negative

16 Judy Garlands part in The Wiza

of Oz

17 Comedy duo, ____ and Costello

19 NBC morning show

20 Star Wars director George ____

22 Person who talks to the press

23 Babel star rst name

27Blood group28 French for this

Find answers on page 4

c r o s s w o r d

vip magazine


7/31/2019 AugVIP

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g u e s t c o l u m n

vp voices

text by Holli Petersen

It is my personal belief that God

has a riotous sense of humor, for

what else could explain the humil-

iating experiences that plague my

life on an almost daily basis? I am

the girl that clumsily stumbles through life

one mistake at a time. Besides acquiring

quite the palate for shoe leather, the only

advantage to each embarrassment is dis-covering a few lessons along the way that

make it all I suppose worthwhile.

One of the most memorable lessons oc-curred several years ago when I was heldhostage in a womans dressing room forthirty tortuous minutes.

Before you pack a pistol in your purse,let me assure you that my assailant wasnot some raving maniac, victimizingwomen in vulnerable situations. In fact,my aggressor wasnt even a person.

It was a dress a beautiful, white A-line dress with a starched peter-pan collarand powder blue buttons up the back.Even from across the department storeoor, I knew I was in love.

It was retro-chic! It paired perfectlywith a pair of pumps in my closet! It was75% o!

And, it was also about three sizes toosmall

Love must be blind because I somehowconvinced myself to try on a dress thatclearly wouldnt t me.

I rationalized that it was a fairly forgiv-ing silhouette. And, I did actually workout a couple of times in the past month.Oh! Didnt someone ask me if Id lost someweight the other day?

My mind was happily aboard thisrose-colored train of thought until I hit anabrupt stop.

Ohhhhh crap.With the dress gathered around my

neck, I had inserted each of my arms intothe impossibly small sleeves, where theyhad become quite permanently stuck, im-mobilized straight out at my sides in themost unnatural of positions. Think ChrisFarley in his famous fat guy in a little

coat scene in Tommy Boy.Only, in this scene I wasnt laughing,

because not only was I stuck, but the restof my body was quite exposed, meaningrequesting assistance from a sales clerkwasnt the most desirable option.

My love for this dress soured as quickly

as it had blossomed. I was suddenlyenraged. I began physically wrestling withthe fabric groaning and grunting andpulling with all my strength. I shudder toimagine what other shoppers might havethought was going on in that dressingroom.

After twenty minutes of struggle, I hadonly managed to work the dress fartherdown my body, thus pinning my arms tomy side instead of in the air. Though I nowhad a bit more range of movement, I wasstill utterly trapped within the connes ofa much-too-tight dress.

Like tourniquets, the sleeves hemline

began choking the circulation from myarms, leaving them tingling and numb.Running on pure adrenaline, I went intosurvival mode and began franticallysearching the deepest, darkest connesof my purse for a tool to release me frommy self-imposed prison. My eorts didntyield much just an old tube of Carmexlip balm. But, desperate times call fordrastic measures, and in total MacGyverform, I began to coat my arms in lip balm,

praying that the extra lubrication wouldhelp coax the sleeves o my arms.

You better believe I was oering upsome of the most fervent prayers of mylife, begging God to free me and promis-ing to never, ever do something so stupidagain.

I dont know if it was prayer or Carmexthat saved me (probably a combination ofboth), but with one giant tug, the dresscame o, leaving me sweaty, and my armssplotchy and bruised.

I quickly threw my clothes back on andtook one nal look at the disheveled messin the mirror.

What was the point of this experience?Yes, clearly I needed to get back in

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