Motherlodge @ The Rudyard Kipling

Swing Dancing @ Jim Porters 7 pm

Salsa dancing with Cosa Seria @ Skybar in Saints 9:30

Private Charleston lessons @ Rhythm xpressions fitness and dance 8 pm

The set design was one of the best I have seen at Actors, with Act 1 resulting in a two-tiered set and a dramatic change in Act 2 for the mall scene. A backdrop of blue-favored-snow-laden houses paired with a techno-color Christmas tree complimented the golden light of the famous “leg lamp” in front of the window. The set alone could easily transport us to Hohman, Indiana, circa 1940.

There were some notable differences with Grecian’s adaptation: without the gift of motion picture special effects, there is a consistent execution of creative props and comic relief sewn into the dialogue causing the audience to use their imagination even through distinct moments of realism. For example, this version included hilarious elves who introduced the play, were responsible for scene changes amid amusing dance scenes, and who had creative interaction with cast members to create scenes similar to the movie.

The narration was audible as well as physically viewable as the present-time (now grown) Ralph Parker (Larry Bull) reminisced aloud while circumnavigating each scene.

There were several stars of this production. Henry Miller (Ralphie Parker) of course, with the right pair of glasses really took on the personification of Ralpie, but what indubiously got the crowd in a consistent uproar of laughter (aside from the elves) were The Old Man (Justin R. G. Holcomb) and Mother (Jessica Wortham). Holcomb’s animated voice and dramatic gestures were well supported by Wortham’s whimsical light-heartedness, and together collided into an explosion of histrionic hilarity.

Add to that an Andrea-Martin-like Miss Shields (Katie Blackerby) and a supporting cast of surprisingly look-alike characters to the movie, and a fuzzy sweater — you have an evening guaranteed to make you laugh for years to come! This production was so entertaining that I am bundling up my children and bringing them to see it. Perhaps they will learn a lesson…a Red Rider BB Gun might “Shoot your eye out”.

A Christmas Story will be showing at Actors Theatre Nov. 8 – Nov. 27. For tickets and more information visit: http://actorstheatre.org/shows/a-christmas-story-2011-2012

Written By: Jessica Eturralde for City Concierge Louisville

Fall is a time of cool weather festivities and long standing traditions, be it reaping the harvest, Halloween or seeing Dracula at Actor’s Theater. This year’s production (adapted and directed by William McNulty and based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name) is phenomenally entertaining.  If it’s gore you’re after, Dracula holds the key to your bloody little heart. The tale revolves around a character similar (albeit not referenced) to Vlad the Impaler, Prince of Wallachia and Dracula, son of the Dragon who has lived hundreds of years as a vampire, feeding his immortality on the innocent blood of the unsuspecting. Dracula has developed a mysterious interest in Jonathan’s fiancé, Lucy, and has lured her to his lair. With the assistance of Doctor Van Helsing, Jonathan sets out to save Lucy and rid the world of Dracula’s evil.

Alex Morfas, playing the eccentric asylum madman, Renfield, brought more charm and satisfaction to his portrayal than did Tom Waits in the Francis Ford Coppola movie adaption (Bram Stoker’s Dracula, 1992).  Until now, the only dramatization of the novel I had ever seen was that film, and it left an unfortunately cornball impression. Actor’s production resurrected my appreciation of Stoker’s timeless tale.  Rufio Lerma, portraying Count Dracula, gives a charismatic, saucy and suave performance. His intensity draws the audience deep into the dark clutches of McNulty’s direction, which is chillingly combined with the toxic decadence of Bram Stoker’s story. With no hesitation, I can say that the whole cast gives an arousing and passionate performance, from the oozing of blood to the shrillest screams. Not too shabby for the seventeenth consecutive season of Dracula at Actor’s. The production is as fresh as the blood that its haunted antagonist spills.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep places like Actor’s Theatre supported, especially when they go out of their way to create amazing shows year after year. Louisville is fortunate to have such well done theater in its proverbial living room. Actor’s presentation of Dracula certainly starts the Halloween season off on its best foot, if not on a downright thrilling one.
Once the cast digs its teeth into the rich dialogue, delivering heroic and curdling performances to Stoker’s masterpiece, you can’t help but cozy up to the idea of spending a cool October evening with the delightful cast of Dracula. It’s when the theater becomes red-hued and dusty and you can almost smell the adrenaline sifting from heart-palpitating panic that you remember why you love to see the tale unfold again…and again. Your pulse quickens. Your pupils dilate. Before you know it,  the curtains close. You can’t help clapping. My how time flies when your inner goth is having fun!

You walk in. The scene is set. Posh, yet well constructed décor greets the eye with tasteful composition, which is ironic, for the first few lines that follow are contemporary, profanity-ridden, informal greetings between two sisters who obviously have a lot to talk about.
Wily, witty, and sarcastic Devon, who still lives with the parents and works at a restaurant, is visiting her seemingly superficial and financially practical sister, Simone. Simone has become entwined with a posh crew of elegant and frivolous society people, as an assistant for a wealthy couple. The sisters clash, of course, especially once drama ensues as a result of the mysterious past decisions of Simone’s employer, Michaela Kell.
The dynamic of the sisters’ complementary yet diverse perspectives drive this character driven story to the point that the writer, Molly Smith Metzler, weaves a magical look into a day that feels all too realistic, in really a perfect way, for this fast-paced present-day American life. The story maintains present tense while drifting back into the curious lives of every character in the play. While the elegant and frivolous characters at first seem trivial, soon the audience is introduced to a deeper texture of their humanity. Much of the charm comes from the fantastic writing and the spectacular, charismatic acting from the cast.
I strongly suggest anyone with a free evening to wonder down to Main Street. Slip in for a wonderfully refreshing, original, attention-piquing tale that will have you laughing at every turn. With an extremely talented cast and a fresh and driven playwright behind your evening, you will thank he stars that Louisville has such a versatile, cutting-edge, and competent theater venue such as Actor’s! As a part of the Humana Festival of new plays you should catch this wonderfully enticing play. If you may; you should hurry! Visitors from around the world may already be in line before you!

Laura and I recently had a chance to enjoy a lazy afternoon aboard The Belle of Louisville. Starting with the ring of her calliope and ending with a tour of her pilot house, the Belle charmed her way into our Sunday and put a relaxed smile on our faces. Sipping mimosas as we pulled off the wharf and headed down the river, we chatted in the quaint ballroom, which has been restored to invoke its 1914 beginnings (albeit a nod to the newly installed air conditioning units), awaiting the service of a traditional southern buffet lunch. Consisting of southern staples such as potato salad and macaroni and cheese, the highlights of the meal were crispy fried chicken and wonderfully spiced green beans. “And the band played on….”

They are woven together within Mark Twain’s famous novel: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. Playwright Laura Eason and Director Jeremy B. Cohen come together as a dynamic twosome to display this tale to stages all over the country; including New York, Philadelphia, Denver, and now here in Louisville.

Louisville’s Actor’s Theatre continues its stalwart season with a well-accomplished cast with backgrounds on Broadway, film, and television. Tim McKiernan rightfully exhibits the free-going personality of Tom Sawyer, engaging the audience in laughter with his dialogue with Huckleberry Finn (Robbie Tann). Onlookers even gasped when the two ‘cut’ their fingers for a blood oath.

Yes, I am 20 minutes early to see the 48^th season’s first performance of Sense and Sensibility. However, I do not mind because it is cool, quiet, and I am sipping on the sweet tartness of the celebrity cocktail of the evening, “The Dashwood”.

“In this witty comedy of manners, two sisters who are alike only in their pursuit of romance find themselves without fortune, and facing difficult marriage prospects. Will Elinor’s common sense or Marianne’s impulsive passion offer up the key to living “happily ever after”? Austen’s classic tale of flirtation and folly graces Actors Theatre’s stage in a delightful new adaptation by Jon Jory,” I read from my program guide.

The stage area is beautifully lit up in shades of blue, gray, and mixing with a tease of filtered red. In the middle stands a colonial-style double door. Behind the door is a large reflective circle, resembling a golden sun.

The lights dim and our play begins.

Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen’s first and most beloved novel; is wittingly sewn together. There is a consistent tango of empathy and comic relief. Nancy Lemenager (Elinor) and Helen Sadler (Marianne) skillfully embody the sister’s contrasting personalities.

“This is a story that pits passion against rationality,” says John Jory, adapter and director. “These two facets of human nature are commingled in every personality, but in varying proportions. Jane Austen had great affection for passion, but she knew that in order to live a life not constantly endangered by excesses of passion, one needs common sense.”

So I observe the unwinding of these two sisters coping with their circumstances, searching for love within or beyond their means. Each character seems to carry their own identity about themselves. One of my favorites, Sir John Middleton (wellfully played by David Pichette) has a character full of excitable energy. I look around. The crowd looks anxious, anticipating him in wonderment. Almost all of us in the back rows are seated forward to appease our curiosity. And I… watch in amusement even through the lingering hair follicles of the man slouching in front of me.

The story ends with the bowing of characters to a full standing ovation; a clear statement of satisfaction of the night’s performance. I gracefully shimmy out of my aisle and follow the chattery crowd down the carpeted stairs into the gallery area. As I make my way around the art displays under the ornate lobby dome, I can only think of the quirkiness of love.

“Love: the byproduct and/or the means of any intentional action that we take,” I conclude.

I ride the elevator to the 3^rd level to return to my car. While opening the door, I am greeted by the night’s lingering humidity and a smell that only a car garage can emit. I smile. “It was a good night,” I think to myself.

“In the end only love is worth writing about, the rest is simply a matter of detail.” –Jane Austen

*Sense and Sensibility will be playing at the Actors Theatre through Sept. 24^th. For more info on The Actors Theatre visit: www.actorstheatre.org

Speaking of experience, time spent dining at a white cotton-covered table here is just that.

If you close your eyes and breathe in the aroma of tomato, thyme, and parmesan; you can almost transcend yourself to the rolling hills of Italy’s countryside. Prepare to be rimasta colpita, or as the Italians say, “impressed!”

To start, Volare exhibits an elaborate collection of wines ranging from Rosenblum’s Kathy’s Cuvee, to Cusumano Nero D’Avola.

For a stimulating culinary encounter, consider the Cappesante: seared u-8 sea scallops delicately placed over a light English pea puree, truffle oil, and crowned with crispy prosciutto. – Or the Capellini con Pollo: grilled chicken, roasted roma, and spinach gently tossed with homemade capellini pasta with basil and crumbled feta cheese. The Pollo fra Diavolo gives a good kick with its spicy tomato sauce and for those who prefer a more delicate flavor, the Melon and Prosciutto and the Risotto con Gambero each have a light taste.

All food is made fresh daily in-house: Executive Chef Joshua Moore incorporates into his dishes organic produce grown from his 10 – acre farm. Your senses will detect this organic goodness in the Cucumber Soup comprising crisp cucumbers, sweet onion, garlic, buttermilk, vegetable stock, sour cream, fresh basil, thyme, and Italian parsley.

Top the evening off with the artistic presentation of the Crème Brûlée Di Giorno or become wooed by the palatably luscious Tartufo.

With presentations like these, it is no wonder that Volare is currently celebrating their 7th year anniversary, which is celebrated with a red, white, and green fabric artfully placed above the bar and the proud displaying of the Italian flag. For additional festivities, Volare is offering a variety of $7 specials for 7 weeks –running August 7th through September 24th.

Whether you are a singleton or graced with the company of friends, Volare Italian Ristorante is a fine dining affair you will remember: attentive service, an engaging culinary encounter, and a warm atmosphere where everyone should feel welcome.

Visit Volare at:

2300 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY 40206-2410
(502) 894-4446

Hours Are:
Mon – Thurs: 5pm-10pm;
Fri – Sat: 5pm-11pm;
Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 4pm-10pm