Greensboro Daily Photo

Dudley's Panther and Tyca Clowning Around

Tyca the clown and the Dudley Senior High School panther-mascot were out entertaining children during the MLK parade in January. Tyca the Clown was incorporated in 2007. He is frequently seen around town twisting balloons into all kinds of shapes for children to enjoy. Children know him by name and respond gleefully to his rainbow hair, outfits, expressive face paint, as well as to his animated persona in general. His address is listed online as 4425 South Danby Castle Road, Greensboro NC, 27407. Unfortunately, we didn't see a website or phone number. However, SOMEBODY must know how to get in touch with Tyca as he is seen working everywhere!

The suited panther, represents the royal blue and gold Dudley High School off of East Lee Street. Children enjoy waving and interacting with that furry larger-than-life creature. When you see him, you can be pretty sure that the Dudley band or sports team is somewhere nearby!

Happy Friday folks. Also, happy Skywatch Friday. We're sharing this photo with the rest of the sky-loving world.

High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association

The High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association is a group of local musicians that meets to play bluegrass music. The organization is open to anyone with an acoustic instrument who is interested in the bluegrass genre. People of all playing abilities are welcome to join. The group meets once a month; in fall and winter, they meet on the bottom floor of the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center at 200 N. Davie Street. Members bring a an instrument and jam, jam, jam!. In May, they sponsor Pickin' in the Park at Hagan Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, where they meet from April-September.

On Sunday, some members were playing in the hallway, in the above circle. Others were in the concert room to the right, seated and playing. Somebody was selling CD's. Great fun was had by all. Seeing everyone standing around in a near-perfect circle, it reminds us of the song, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Grab your fiddle, rosin up your bow, and head on down. Nothing beats hanging out with people who share your common interests. Greensboro's bluegrass community is comprised of great people who will make you feel welcome.

Dudley High School Marching Band

Here we see a photo of the Dudley High School Marching Band marching its heart out at the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. If you are local and can be there by 11 a.m., RUN to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive to attend the parade this year. You will see many bands from Guilford County Schools marching their hearts out; floats with participants tossing candy; adept equestrians on their horses; fraternities and sororities walking and riding with their brothers and sisters; inspirational drum lines with their cadence;  and people from all walks of life out showing respect. Participants and onlookers will be rallying for the dream of equality in America. Today is one of the top service learning days in Greensboro and, while teachers and students are out of school for this holiday, many are out making  civic contributions. Perhaps we should consider monthly service learning days. People working in concert to help those in need and combining their effort for the good of the whole community would be wonderful!

Dudley High School, located on East Lee Street and not too far from today's parade route, was founded in 1929 as the first black high school in Guilford County. Since 1971, the school has been integrated. We wish Dudley High had more history archived on their website. Dudley High School is located just down the street from Bennett College and North Carolina A&T University, two historically black institutions of higher education. Often aligned with Bennett and A&T's efforts, Dudley High School has participated significantly in some of the civil rights milestones in the city. Also, Dudley's faculty and administration have made significant contributions in our city's efforts towards intigration. Read a, now retired, former principal's narrative here. And, here is a Wiki entry listing the names of people you will recognize who attended Dudley. Go Panthers!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse........ Actually, the audience was waiting patiently for Billy "Crash" Craddock to come out on stage to entertain them. And, according to people who attended, the performance was outstanding. The event was held at the Liberty Showcase, located in Liberty, NC on 101S Fayetteville Street. The community of Liberty is about 20 minutes southeast of Greensboro, in Randolph County. Liberty Showcase features live entertainment just about every Saturday night and this Saturday, New Year's Eve, is sure to be great, fun, family entertainment.

We love the above photo as it exudes a cozy feeling of enjoying an evening with family and friends. It also evokes a feeling of anticipation, waiting for something special. So many families around the world tonight will be doing just that........ waiting.......... and waiting.......... for a little old driver so lively and quick, they will know when they see him, it must be Saint Nick! Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

....Thanks to Mitch Luther for another great photo. As we are about to begin our fourth year of Greensboro Daily Photo and posting DAILY, we're growing rather fond of an occassional photo from a guest photograhper. Every day comes around pretty often!

W is for Whittington

Keep spreading the news! We're here to stay. Love being part it..... our Triad Stage! No vagabond shoes; no little town blues! Love every day of it...... our Triad Stage! The above photo is of the exuberant Richard Whittington, co-founder and managing director of Greensboro's Triad Stage. 

Originally from Dallas Texas, Rich Whittington attended the Yale School of Drama. He and business partner Preston Lane conducted a nationwide search and Greensboro was the largest market without an established, regional theater. In 2001, they converted the abandoned Montgomery Ward building on Elm Street into a theater and dubbed it Triad Stage. The first performance was held in 2001- Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams- and Triad Stage has been getting rave reviews. Recently, Triad Stage was named one of the top 10 most promising theaters to have emerged in the last 15 years. This designation came from the American Theater Wing, the same group that determines the Tony Awards!

When asked what the biggest surprises have been for him since opening Triad Stage, Mr. Whittington said, they didn't anticipate the changes in Greensboro's textile industry and the loss of jobs to the local economy. Also, they had no way to anticipate that the 9/11 attacks would happen three months before their first performance. However, Whittington and Lane are pleased about the extent to which the Greensboro community supports Triad Stage. Mr. Whittington says that not only classics but also new plays are well attended here. Look here for upcoming opportunities to attend a performance at Triad Stage.

Today is ABC Wednesday and for our People of Greensboro Series, W is for Whittington. We are so glad Mr. Whittington and Mr. Lane opened a regional theater in Greensboro and can't wait to follow the theater's continued growth over the next decade!

Inside the Carolina Theatre

We've meaning to take you inside the Carolina Theatre for a while now. Above, you see a portion of this regal place. Opening Halloween night 1927, the 2,200 seat theatre is known as the "Showplace of the Carolinas." Imagine the reaction to this opulent interior to the Depression-era audiences who came to be transported into a world of movies and Vaudeville performances. Today, the theater operates as a non-profit with the mission of "Presenting Arts, Preserving History." Read more about the history here; read about President and CEO Holliday here. 

Recently, the Carolina Theatre finished their wildly successful annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. At the moment, they're in the middle of CTG's Wizard of Oz production. Next, Carolina Theatre's December schedule includes not only live concerts but also the Greensboro Ballet's Nutcracker performances. Finally, for those who celebrate Christmas, what holiday season would be complete without seeing the movie classics, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and It's a Wonderful Life on the big screen? Be one of the 90,000 patrons-a-year to support this local treasure by attending an event. See the schedule here.

Greek Festival

Greensboro's Greek Festival is upon us! It will be held all day today and tomorrow at the Dormition of the Theotokos Church at 800 Westridge Road. If predictions are correct, 13,000 people will visit the festival that has been going strong since 1974. Music and dancing will be available all weekend. There is a Greek Market (The Agora), a Taverna with food, food, food, and RAFFLES galore. Last year, the church sponsored a session of "Orthodoxy 101" and taught guests about the orthodox faith. We're sure Father Newlin would love to answer your questions about his church. 

In addition to the many other activities in Greensboro, The Tate Street Festival is also happening this afternoon. Next weekend the Liberty Antiques Festival will be held. There is so much to do in mid-late September in Greensboro. We can't wait to get more photographs to share with you! Have a great weekend and start practicing your Greek. Google translate is a great place to start. Learning a few words from someone at the festival is even better.

The Westerwood Neighborhood

Every neighborhood deserves a proper entrance. Westerwood has just stepped up their identity with this new signage installed at the round-about near Benjamin Parkway, across from the park and under the big, old oak tree. The rounded sign consists of brick, stone, metal, and plaster. This neighborhoood, a mere .384 square miles with a population of 1,241, is one of Greensboro's oldest. It is well maintained and well established, has charming granite curbs, narrow tree-lined streets and plenty of architectural variety. The two spikes in demographics are for residents in their early 20's and 50's. College graduates and those with advanced degrees in this neighborhood are well above Greensboro's average. The neighborhood is known for its visual and performing artists. In early October, artists host an "art and sole" walking tour open to the public. The event is a great way to get to know the neighborhood and to commence your holiday buying with local and handmade purchases (more here). We usually start our shopping at the Fairies' Nest located in Westerwood.

Here is a house and a church in the neighborhood that we featured last year. This is a neighborhood with impromptu concerts, dog walks, music lessons, artists studios, and fun. Having front porches and houses close together help with neighborliness. How does your neighborhood rate on the neighborliness scale? Is there anything you personally could do to enhance its livability? Remember, change can start with one!

H is for Holliday, Keith Holliday

Keith Holliday, President and CEO of the Carolina Theatre of Greensboro Inc. since 2008, works tirelessly to preserve this icon of the Golden Era of entertainment and film. He helps keep it booked with diverse events that attract people from all walks of life. Formerly, Mr. Holliday was in the banking industry for twenty years and mayor of Greensboro for eight. He also served  as a council-person at-large. Through all of these incarnations, this lifelong resident (and product of Greensboro's public schools) has been a community leader, good citizen, and gracious person.

On the day that we were at the Carolina Theatre for this photo shoot, Mr. Holliday kept insisting that he be photographed in a way that highlighted the theatre's beauty. We decided to use a black and white photo because it shows details of the gilded, opulent decor.  When constructed in 1927, the glorious theatre was meant to transport Depression Era audiences with entertainment, including Vaudeville acts, and live music at an affordable price.  Mr. Holliday's love for the Carolina Theatre and for Greensboro is readily apparent within the first few minutes of talking to him, regardless of where he is standing!  Thank you Mr. Holliday for all you do for Greensboro.

Today is ABC Wednesday and "H" is for Holliday. See ABC Wednesday photos from around the world here and Greensboro's ABC series here.

The Big Lebowski at the Carolina Theatre

The Carolina Theatre, located at 310 South Greene Street, is a grand and dynamic place.  Throughout the summer, they show old movies. Nothing beats watching Alfred Hitchcock on the big screen. For Greensboro's The Big Lebowski fans, the classic movie and classic Carolina Theatre come together on Thursday, August 25th for an evening you won't want to miss. Costumes, bowling, white Russians, and audience participation are in order for the upcoming event. In the movie, Jeff Bridges is an unemployed "slacker" who loves to bowl. He gets involved in solving a kidnapping case. The movie has become a cult classic because it is so quotable and audiences love the characters (reference).

When they aren't showing movies, The Carolina Theatre might be having live shows, music events, hosting a production of the Wizard of Oz, or a Fourth of July 1776 music medley. Today, from 2:30- 7:00 p.m., the theatre is hosting The Deuterman Law Group's 3rd annual American Red Cross blood drive. Stop by today, donate blood, and purchase your tickets to next week's Lebowski event.*

While you are at it, you can marvel at the architecture of this 1927 beauty. The poster frames in the above photo are original. When The Carolina Theatre was first built, the poster holders hung outside, one on each side of the door. To preserve them, the poster holders have been moved inside to the foyer and painted green and gold. If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of this Greensboro treasure, here is a great article. Hope to see you there soon!

*Beware, The Big Lebowski is rated "R" and not just for "rowdy." The language and themes are strong in this 1998 comedy written by the famous Coen brothers. 

EMF/MUSEP 2011- Concert at Guilford College

In Greensboro, Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP) is soooooooooo much fun and FREE! Many people arrange a group picnic with family and friends-- bringing a cooler, blanket, and food. The music begins and you are transported into a land of heavenly music. The above photo was taken at the Guilford College/Eastern Music Festival event last Sunday. This will give you a sense of how many people take advantage of these concerts. Also, in the photo, you see the conductor giving a little boy from the audience the opportunity to "guest conduct" the group. The concert concluded with "Little Will" conducting and the EMF Young Artists Orchestra playing Stars and Stripes.

Sunday, July 17th, the Philharmonia of Greensboro will play at 6:00 at Lindley Park. The whole MUSEP schedule for the remainder of the summer can be found here. There are seven more concerts. Some people have "perfect attendance." If you are local, head out and support these musicians and this event. 

White Oak Amphitheater

Here we see a view of Greensboro's recently-opened (June 5th) White Oak Amphitheater on High Point Road. It was mostly empty on the Fourth of July when the pops concert got rained out; however, people were still free to enter and see the beautiful facility. It adds so much to our city. The amphitheater is named for the white oak, the official tree of the City of Greensboro. As you will learn if you watch this video clip about the amphitheater, Nathanael Greene's men slept under a white oak on the eve of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse at the time of the Revolutionary War. Greensboro also had a mill, The Cones' indigo dyeing operation, named White Oak; so named for a 200 year old white oak tree on the property. The white oak is one of the largest trees in the eastern U.S.

The White Oak Amphitheater is located at the corner of the Coliseum complex, on what was formerly property of the old Canada Dry plant. It seats 7,666 people. The amphitheater will feature concerts and community events. Refreshing as a crisp ginger ale on a warm summer evening is the fact that White Oak is named for something significant to the history of Greensboro-- a tree-- and is not yet named for a benefactor or corporate sponsor. We leave you with the above night view which includes a giant slice of the dusk sky over Greensboro. We are featuring this view for the world to see on Skywatch Friday. If you get a chance, attend an event at the amphitheater. It will feel like being on vacation in your hometown!

Red Hat Ladies & Accordion Man

We think these are Red Hat Ladies posing with Accordionist Bill Schwartz at the Parisian Promenade. According to their website, the Red Hat Society is "a global society of women that supports and encourages women in their pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness." Well, their mission about sums up the good time that was had at Sunday's Parisian Promenade. The Parisian Promenade in Bicentennial Gardens is a little like the Easter Parade in NYC. Part of the entertainment hinges on the promenaders dressing up, bringing their parasols and their pooches. The accordionist, strolled tirelessly, serenading the promenaders. 

Accordions are popular in European folk music, especially the Lawrence-Welk-style polkas. In the USA, they are gaining in popularity, especially with the rise in interest in Cajun music. Mr. Schwartz plays more in the soulful, French tradition. We are still smiling from the fun in the park at this free event. Let's hope the funding is available to sponsor it again next year. We're sharing this post with Ruby Tuesday where the color red is the catalyst for a virtual promenade!

Skenes Chapel Holiness Church

Skenes Chapel Holiness Church, located at 350 Martin Luther King Drive, has a special history. According to a News & Record article, from December 2010, "(t)he church was built in 1907 and was one of the first in the nation to have an ordained female pastor, Bishop A. J. Lewis Richmond (established 1913)." According to the article, the church was purchased from the Quakers in 1958. While the building is still structurally sound, the last century has taken its toll on this majestic building.

A poigniant story of Skenes Chapel begins in August, 2010, when Chad McMurray was violently murdered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Chad was raised in Greensboro and attended Skenes Chapel. He was passionate about helping his church raise the money for a new roof, paint, and other, much needed, repairs. Chad's friends have continued his fundraising effort. Leo Reitzel, owner of Reitzel Custom Builders, has generously agreed to take on the roofing job in memory of Chad, his high school classmate. Bank of America maintains the memorial fund for accepting donations. Chad's mother, June McMurray, plans to establish a chapter of Parents of Murdered Children at Skenes Chapel. 

While the church doesn't appear to have a website, you can listen to the choir sing, The Lord is my Light, here, on YouTube.

Time for the Movies

This is a great week to go to the movies with family and friends. Brassfield Cinema, located at the corner of Battleground and New Garden Road, is one of the most reasonably-priced places to view a new release. Prices range from $3.75- $6.25. True Grit, Little Fockers, The Tourist, Gulliver's Travels anyone? Out of ten movies, surely something will be of interest. 

Just before we snapped this photograph, about a dozen young folks exited, buttoning up coats and smiling. Something good must be playing.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Here we see a singing quartet at First Friday in Downtown Greensboro on December 3rd. What a great way to ring in the holiday with people singing carols. The first known Christmas carols date to fourth century Rome and the tradition has many interesting facets (read more here). Caroling quartets with their a capella, vocal harmonies, bring the holiday season alive. We wish we knew the name of this festive, costumed  group singing on South Elm Street. They were fabulous.

Merry Christmas Greensboro. The best Christmas present for us would be to let us know what we can post for you in the upcoming year.

R is for RELIGION

Clap, clap, pray, and thank God. According to Men's Health Magazine, Greensboro has earned the designation as the second holiest city in the USA! We are second only to Colorado Springs!  Charlotte, Durham, and Raleigh are also in the top 15, making North Carolina the HOLIEST of states! (read more here &  here). While some question the research methodology or what is actually being measured (here), undeniably, Greensboro is BIG on volunteerism, generosity, and spirituality. We at Greensboro Daily Photo know from having photographed religion in Greensboro for two years worth of Sundays that religion is extremely important in our community. 

Above, is a photo of Hey Nunnie Nunnie, a comedy act currently on stage at the Renaissance Festival in Huntersville. We thought the clapping nuns would be appropriate for our 2nd place designation. This is the last weekend of the Carolina Renaissance Festival so run, don't walk to see this fabulous comedy duo. Oh, and if you ever make it to Greensboro, you will, indeed, see a religious organization on just about every corner. (Please note, this is not meant to be disrespectful; just a way to combine two NC happenings).

For ABC Wednesday, "R" is for RELIGION-- Greensboro style! 

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Disclaimer: We are about an hour and a half south of Greensboro in Huntersville, NC. 

Here we are enjoying the entertainment on the Stage of Merriment at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. As you can see from the photo, even people at the back of the tent were interested in the entertainment: jugglers, comedy shows, a sword swallower, jousting, over 500 people milling around in costumes; plenty to keep attendees entertained. Seven weekends a year, Huntersville, NC comes alive with costumes, food, entertainment, and good times from centuries past. The buildings in the background are permanent structures in place for the one time a year when this fairground comes alive for the Renaissance Festival. This upcoming weekend is the last for the festival so, if you are in the area, we highly recommend your visiting. The outdoor acts, ten to fifteen per day per stage and there are six stages-- are included in the price of the ticket ($18 at Harris Teeter; $20 at the door). Throw on a costume and head on down and eat a bread bowl of food, steak on a stick, a turkey leg, while strolling through a replica of a 16th century village. Wikipedia explains the history of Renaissance fairs here.

We're sharing this with Mellow Yellow Monday.

Open Space Café Theater

The Open Space Cafe Theater is another place to go in Greensboro to be entertained. This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago so Jimmy Dean has left the building! Up next, at the end of November is PEEPERS by Walt Vail, the winner of the Open Space Café Theater's  (OSCT) first annual new play competition. The OSCT has been featuring live, professional theater in Greensboro for four years now. Inside is a foyer where you can buy beverages and snacks. Beyond the foyer is a small stage and also an area with cafe seating where desserts and beverages can be enjoyed while being entertained. The actors are VERY close to the audience during these performances. Sometimes they even build you, the audience, into the performance. Literally, you can reach out and touch them!

At times, the proprietor, Joe Nierle, books music acts too. This December, back by popular demand, he will be showing TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS in December. We really enjoyed the New Year's Eve event we attended here!

The Spandex Trio-- SEE no evil; HEAR no evil; SPEAK no evil!

On Thursday afternoon, three guys in unitards were posing near Ben & Jerry's and the fountain in Friendly Center. They said they attend Grimsley and Page High Schools. Sitting around, costumed from head to toe, must have seemed like a great thing to do after a rigorous end to the first nine-weeks of classes, on a teacher workday just before Halloween! They were very entertaining and polite. We titled the photo "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil," after the 17th century Japanese maxim which implies for us to be of good mind, speech, and action. At first sight, we weren't sure; however, in talking to the Spandex Trio, we concluded they were of good mind, speech and action. (The expression has a lot more meaning and symbolism in Japanese than in English where we tend merely to ascribe the meaning of looking the other way or feigning ignorance [reference and more details here]).

For the next 48 hours, Halloween costumes will be everywhere. If you see the Spandex Trio please let them know they are being featured on Greensboro Daily Photo and thank them for this creative endeavor. As for offering them candy, we're not sure how they would consume it! Trick or treat? This is our contribution to Newton Area Photo's Weekend Reflection-- notice the sky reflecting in the shades of Mr. Cobalt Blue.

"O" is for the Odell Memorial Building

"O" is for the Odell Memorial Building on the campus of Greensboro College in Downtown Greensboro. The building was constructed in 1922 with the "munificent" gift of local merchant J.A. Odell.  $100,000 is a generous donation by 2010 standards; imagine its impact in the early 20th century. The façade of the brick and concrete building remains as it was when it was built; the interior underwent renovations in the 1990's.  Odell Memorial is the nucleus of Greensboro College's fine performing arts program (reference here). For years, it was the meeting place for The Book Club of North Carolina's Town Meeting on Books.

If you are interested in the history of Greensboro College, you may know about the Odell Famliy. They were actively involved in the running of the college and female family members were schooled there. J.A. Odell was a local merchant who, in 1884 was elected president of the Durham Cotton Mill. Additionally, Mr. Odell mentored and raised a young man by the name of William H. Branson. Mr. Branson went on to be a prominent businessman. You can learn more about Mr. Odell and Mr. Branson by reading Mr. Branson's genealogy (here) and in another article (here). They both lived by the work ethic of their day: "Men rule best who have served most faithfully in every sphere to be ruled." 

If you want to support the performing arts at Greensboro College and see the Odell in all its glory, we suggest attending this weekend's performance of the musical, "Little Shop of Horrors." (336-217-7220 for tickets).  If a romantic musical about a man eating plant is not your cup of tea, we're sure the theater program would accept your donation to be used for theater scholarships.

A big thank you to ABC Wednesday for inspiring to find an "O" with historical significance in Greensboro. A heartfelt thanks to the faithful readers of Greensboro Daily Photo!

K- Kudos for Matty Sheets and the Blockheads

With seven institutions of higher education in the triad, Greensboro is brimming with talented musicians. Here we see a photo of a great-sounding group, known as  Matty Sheets and the Blockheads, performing at the Tate Street Festival last weekend. They bill themselves as "aquatic garage folk punk country infusion." That's a lot of adjectives. According to their website, they came to be underwater (not unlike Sponge Bob) but have come up for air! Band members include: Matty Sheets, Emily Stewart, Jessica Pennell, Jerrod Smith, Jon Bohlen, & Harrison Barrow (that's a lot of double letters!-- tt, ee x2 ,ss,ll,rr x3). Matty and the Blockheads will be playing at the Green Bean Coffee House tomorrow night (9/30) in case you are local and want a chance to hear them. 

This is our contribution to ABC Wednesday. We're stretching it a bit and saying, "K" is for "KUDOS." Hats off to these young musicians!

Band in Truck Bed at Friendly Center

A couple of weeks ago, on a Friday afternoon, these guys were hanging out in the bed of their truck at Friendly Center playing music. According to the accordion player, his teacher at Weaver Academy got the accordion at a yard sale for a song. The student and his friend were jamming in the sun and attracting a crowd of listeners. Their band was called "Utaratibu" which they said means "The Order" in Swahili. According to Google Translation, it means "Procedure" (order-- of sorts). While we were standing there taking pictures, a student from a different high school brought her mother's business card so that the new band could arrange to play at her mother's bakery. Instant discovery right before our eyes! Utaratibu, you saw them first here on Greensboro Daily Photo!

Guilford County Schools has a reputation for schools of choice which have proven tremendously motivating for students; so much so that the student dropout rate is impressively low! Weaver Academy is one of those successfully, fully-subscribed high schools. Enjoy this post for Skywatch Friday.

Greek Dancers

These young men danced at the Greek Festival this past weekend. As you can see by the legs and heels in the background, the girls were dancing in the back row. The entertainment (not to mention the beautiful weather) really added to the festival. Through music and dance, the younger generation had a chance to honor the traditions of their ancestors while learning about their heritage. The older generation felt nostalgic and proud. Nothing beats a happy, intergenerational event! From that little baby in the pink stroller to the grandpa caring for her, and everyone in between, a good time was had by all. Approximately 15,000 people attended the festival in Greensboro this weekend. That's a lot of souvlaki and baklava! Opa!

The yellow piping on the dancers' jackets is our contribution to Mellow Yellow Monday.

 

Willie Wonka Day!

All is quiet on the set of Willie Wonka, the Musical at Grimsley High School. However, at 10 am TODAY and various times this weekend, the stage will come alive with oompa loompas, snotty kids, a bed full of grandparents, and one brilliant chocolate factory owner! If you are interested in attending, check here for details. 

This production is a collaborative effort between The Community Theater of Greensboro and The Guilford County Schools. Willy Wonka is played by Brian Kilpatrick who is a parent-volunteer at Peck Elementary. All the students and cast members are affiliated with the Guilford County Schools. The Community Theater of Greensboro provides the leadership, including being directed by CTG's Executive Director Mitchell Sommers. The Tanger and Bryan Foundations are sponsoring this school/community partnership. This is a family-friendly summer activity for all to enjoy!

Hope to see you there!

 

Triad Stage

Here we are in the lobby at Triad Stage, at the will-call window, on the inside looking out. This theater has fantastic productions of not only tried and true plays but also original plays. The most recent one that we attended, Providence Gap, was yet another collaborative effort between Preston Lane and Laurelyn Dossett. 

Triad Stage has an interesting history. The 300-seat theater opened on Elm Street in 1999 in the former Montgomery Ward building which had been vacant for almost forty years. Triad Stage is now in its tenth anniversary season. If you are interested in learning more about Triad Stage or even becoming a season ticket holder, you can access their website here. They have contributed significantly to the revitalization of downtown Greensboro.

We are thrilled to share this photo with our friends at Ruby Tuesday who love to see red on Tuesdays!