Tui Snider's Texas, travel, photos & reviews

Review: Fela! (a musical) in Dallas, Texas

mentalmosaic — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:04:06 +0000

Adesola Osakalumi and Michelle Williams in FELA photo by Carol Rosegg

Dancing in our Seats

Opening night of the Tony Award winning musical Fela! had its Dallas audience dancing in their seats – and the show hadn’t even started yet. Instead of waiting for the curtain to rise, musicians were already jamming with the set on full display as viewers found their seats. In this clever way the show made us feel that, instead of coming to see a musical at Winspear Opera House, we were at a nightclub to hear the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and his band perform.

Who is Fela Anikulapo-Kuti?

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is the father of Afrobeat music, a lively blend of African rhythms, funk, jazz and rock music. Like a Nigerian Bob Marley, Fela’s deceptively upbeat songs often have politically charged lyrics.

Thought Provoking History Lesson

Fela! is more than just the life story of one man and his musical career. The show offers the viewpoint of a nation whose natural resources have been pillaged by other countries and corporations while the people are starving and oppressed.

If that sounds like a downer, don’t worry, even at it’s most distressing moments, Fela! lacks bitterness and leaves a hopeful aftertaste. I especially enjoyed Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s comparison of the British to house guests who were fun at first, but gradually wore out their welcome (to put it lightly.) Such commentary gives a human perspective to the history we were (or weren’t) taught in school.

Michelle Williams in FELA photo by Carol Rosegg

Adesola Osakalumi is Fela

The strength of the show rests squarely on the muscular shoulders of Adesola Osakalumi, whose effortless charisma quickly makes you forget he is an actor playing a role and not Fela Anikulapo-Kuti himself.

The show would have fallen flat on its face without Osakalumi’s flambouyant-yet-manly charm. I mean, really, how many men can rock a pink pastel pantsuit without coming off like Liberace?

Michelle Williams & Melanie Marshall

Fans of Destiny’s Child will enjoy seeing and hearing the stunning Michelle Williams perform as one of Fela’s many girlfriends. (Speaking of his love life, Fela was married to 27 women at the same time!)

Melanie Marshall, who plays Fela’s mother, has a gorgeous voice, too. Although Fela’s mom dies at the hands of Nigerian soldiers, her wisdom and strength continue to guide her son throughout his life. The scenes where her ghost appear add a dreamy counterpoint to the fast paced rhythms that dominate the show.

Michelle Williams and Adesola Osakalumi in FELA photo by Carol Rosegg

Tony® Award Winning Choreography

Produced by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith and Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Fela! won three 2010 Tony® Awards, including Best Choreography. The dancing is so energetic that on the drive home my husband and I tried to calculate how many calories were burned by the performers during the musical. It’s a lively show and well worth seeing, so grab your tickets while you can.

For More Information:

What: FELA! a Tony® Award winning musical as part of the Lexus Broadway Series at the AT&T Performing Arts Center (a.k.a. Winspear Opera House) in Dallas, Texas
When: May 7 through May 19, 2013
Where: AT&T Performing Arts Center (a.k.a. Winspear Opera House), 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Price: Tickets start at $30. Check availability and book online at the AT&T Performing Art Center official website.
Runtime:Approximately 2 1/2 hours, including one intermission.

NOTE: While tickets were provided for review purposes, the opinions expressed in this article are wholly my own.

Photo credits: All photos provided courtesy of the AT&T Performing Arts Center

A to Z Texas: Z is for Zoo in Fort Worth

mentalmosaic — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:58:40 +0000

Hyacinth Macaws at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Fort Worth Zoo – An Award Winning Top Attraction

The Fort Worth Zoo consistently ranks among the top ten zoos in America, occasionally taking first place. Zagat Surveys even named it 19th out of the 50 Overall Top-rated Attractions in the entire USA!

The zoo has come a long way since it first opened in 1909. Back then, it only had a handful of exotic species. These days, the zoo is teeming with animals. It is easy to spend an entire day here, and still not make it to every exhibit. In summer, you’ll find lots of shade, which is a plus here in Texas. Below is a brief description of all the different sections to this tremendous zoo:

Museum of Living Art in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Museum of Living Art (MOLA)

This one-of-a-kind herpetarium is billed by the Fort Worth Zoo as, “a museum where the artworks looks back at you.” It’s a fairly new exhibit, having opened in 2010, and features reptiles from all over the world.

Unlike other museums, you can even get a chance to touch some of the “artwork,” since zookeepers occasionally allow guests to handle certain creatures – the friendly ones!

Hands on experience at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

African Savannah

Here you will find rhinos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, cheetahs and more. An elevated boardwalk offers good photos ops and viewing from above.

World of Primates

This 2.5 acre section has both indoor and outdoor areas chock full of chimps, gorillas, orangutans and other primates. The interior of the exhibit emulates a tropical rain forest habitat, while a boardwalk leads through the outside.

Flamingos at the Fort Worth Zoo (photo Tui Snider)

Flamingo Bay

Although the flock only numbers 75 or so, the Fort Worth zoo staff uses mirrors to trick the birds into thinking they are part of a much larger group! This clever deception is one of many reasons the zoo has such a successful flamingo breeding program here. On one visit, I got to see zoo staff hand feeding some young birds.

Parrot Paradise

This is one of my favorite sections of the Fort Worth Zoo. Colorful parakeets, cockatiels and other birds fly freely throughout this outdoor aviary. The best part is that you can buy feeding sticks, then coax them into perching on your hand for a snack.

Fort Worth Zoo outdoor aviary (photo by Tui Snider)

Texas Wild!

This section focuses on the tremendous variety of habitats, plants and animals that are part of Texas. Here you will find foxes, bobcats, alligators, bears, pelicans, prairie dogs and, of course, rattlesnakes.

Australian Outback

This section features everything from a mock up of the Great Barrier Reef to kangaroos and wallabies.

Feeding birds at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Raptor Canyon

This outdoor aviary features a wide variety of birds of prey: condors, eagles, owls, vultures and more.

Meerkat Mounds

Meerkats are just as cute up close and in person as they are in cartoons. This cleverly designed exhibit allows you to watch these highly social creatures through a plexiglass wall, as well as an overlooking boardwalk.

Penguins

Home to a flock of African black-footed penguins, this exhibit often smells a little fishy – but who cares? Frolicking penguins are fun to watch, especially at feeding time.

Asian Falls

Tigers (both striped and white ones!), sun bears, Asian elephants, tufted deer, rhinos and many other species native to Asia are features in this section, which winds its way through the hillside.

Who is watching who? At the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Restaurants at the Fort Worth Zoo

You will find snack stands throughout the entire zoo. No matter which exhibit you are visiting when hunger strikes, possibilities abound.

My favorite place to grab a bite at the zoo is in the Crocodile Cafe, which is right next to the MOLA reptile house. What I love about this place is the big plexiglass wall on one side where you can watch creatures swim by as you eat your lunch.

Hours, Admission, Parking & Address

Summer Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on weekends.

Winter Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with shorter hours on holidays.

Admission Prices:
Adults (age 13-64) $12.00
Children (age 3-12) $9.00
Children under 3 years of age are free
Seniors (age 65 and older)$9.00

Insider Tip for Fort Worth Zoo admission: Half-price admission on Wednesdays!

Address:
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110

Parking: Parking at the zoo costs $5.00 per vehicle.

Please note: While all the above information is accurate as of this writing, hours, prices and so forth are subject to change. C’est la vie, baby!

A to Z Texas: XXX & Texas, Texas, Yee Haw!

mentalmosaic — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:59:24 +0000

Texas shaped do-hickey (photo by Tui Snider)

X is for: XXX Brand Root Beer

The XXX brand name first appeared in 1895 in Galveston, Texas as the moniker for a keg beer stored in oak barrels labeled, “XXX.” Hence, the name! (They could just as well have been stamped Gurglthwang, in which case I would have had to choose something different for this letter.)

Years later, during the Prohibition Era, when alcoholic beverages were made illegal in the USA, the beer brewery shifted its focus towards soda pop. Although the company brewed a variety of flavors, such as cream, lemon lime, orange, chocolate and even a cola, it was the XXX root beer that became most associated with the brand.

As of 2013, the XXX brand, now known as Triple XXX, is still for sale.

Y is for: Texas, Texas, Yee Haw!

The cry of, “Texas, Texas, Yee haw!” is one of several chants used by the University of Texas Longhorn Band during sporting events. Other chants include: “Texas! Fight!” “Go, Horns, Go!” and, “Where my horns at?” I should mention for any SNL/Christopher Walken/ fans out there, that the Texas Longhorn Band also rings cowbells after nearly every play.

A to Z Texas: W is for Wind Power

mentalmosaic — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:21:33 +0000

Wind Farm near Sweetwater, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

For many, Texas is synonymous with oil production; however, did you know that Texas produces more wind power than any other state? Wind farming has even revitalized communities such as Roscoe and Sweetwater, where farming has become challenging due to drought conditions.

According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the wind farms of Texas continue setting new records for power output.

Additionally, of course, all this wind is great for flag flying, sailboating, and, of course, kiting.

Wind Farm near Sweetwater, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

A to Z Texas: V is for Vulture

mentalmosaic — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:31:57 +0000

Turkey vulture soars through the Texas sky (photo by Tui Snider)

Not Technically Buzzards

While vultures live all across the USA, I see way more of them in Texas than other states.

People here often call them buzzards, so I figured that was a southern term. Turns out that the word buzzard crossed the ocean with our British ancestors. It used to be a generic European term for hawks.

Vultures, however, are not hawks.

There are three kinds of vultures in the USA, two of which are found in Texas: California Condors (an endangered species not found in Texas), Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures.

Black vultures soaring in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Turkey Vultures Were Made to Fly

Turkey Vultures, with their six foot wing span, were made for gliding through the sky. They have wrinkly red skin on their heads instead of feathers and distinctive white markings beneath their wings. They prefer to dine on carrion.

Black Vultures Will Even Hunt Calves

Black Vultures have a five foot wing span, white tipped wings, and while they, too, have a featherless head, it is black instead of red.

In addition to carrion, Black Vultures will sometimes hunt reptiles, baby birds and even small mammals (like calves!)

Turkey vultures in north Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Vulture Facts

Here are a few interesting facts about vultures:

Vultures have a much better developed sense of smell than other birds.

Male and female vultures have the exact same markings.

Some vultures from Texas head all the way to Brazil for their winter migration.

Vultures do not build nests. They lay their eggs in hollow trees, abandoned buildings and rocky ledges.

Vultures are highly sociable, feeding together and roosting in large groups at night.

Vultures Make Creepy Sounds!

Rather than chirp or sing, vultures hiss and grunt. The sounds they make are really hard to describe, other than to say that they are downright creepy! To hear what I mean, check out the sound files on this Turkey Vulture information page.

Don’t they sound eerie? Just imagine how freaky it would be to hear those noises coming out of, say, your closet at night.

That said, I still think vultures are beautiful birds and I love watching them soar through the Texas skies. (And one of these days, I’ll get a good shot of them on a bright sunny day, when they are not back-lit!)

Turkey vultures in north Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

A to Z Texas: U is for Unicorn Pride

mentalmosaic — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:05:54 +0000

Inflatable unicorn horn for cats. (photo by Tui Snider)

Unicorns of New Braunfels, Texas

In 1928, the high school of New Braunfels, Texas chose the unicorn to be its mascot. They did so in honor of the unicorn featured on the family crest of Friedrich Wilhelm Karl Ludwig Georg Alfred Alexander, Prince of Solms, Lord of Braunfels, Grafenstein, Münzenberg, Wildenfels, and Sonnenwalde… or simply, Prince Solms, for short.

Prince Solms is the man who founded the town as a German colony back in 1844. What the townsfolk didn’t realize is that Prince Solm’s family crest actually features a lion, but what the hey?

For those on a first-name basis with the New Braunfels unicorn, he goes by Eugene and the motto for the sports teams who claim him is: Unicorn Pride is Justified. There is even a 14 minute documentary about the New Braunfels unicorn. Click this link to see the: Unicorn Pride documentary preview

Free unicorn parking in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

A to Z Texas: T is for the Torment of St. Anthony in Fort Worth

mentalmosaic — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:45:05 +0000

Detail of the Torment of St Anthony painting by Michelangelo in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Texas: Not Just Cowboy Art

When I first moved to Texas in 2009, I figured that local museums would mainly feature paintings with cowboys, Indians and longhorns, especially in Fort Worth since that Texas city claims to be, “where the west begins.”

Only Michelangelo Painting in the Western Hemisphere

So I was pleasantly surprised to discover that north Texas museums have well-rounded collections featuring a wide variety of art – from ancient times up through the present. Fort Worth, in fact, is home to the only Michelangelo painting in the western hemisphere!

The painting, filled with fascinating-yet-creepy creatures, was painted by Michelangelo Buonarotti around 1487 or 1488, when was only 12 or 13 years old. It’s called the Torment of Saint Anthony and was inspired from an engraving by Martin Schongauer.

Michelangelo did more than just copy Schongauer’s engraving. He added interesting anatomical details, such as fish scales, to the demonic creatures pestering the saint.

Michelangelo, of course, is famous more for his sculptures (such as the Pieta and David) than his paintings. He is only known to have created four paintings in his lifetime.

The Torment of Saint Anthony now hangs in the Kimbell Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas. It’s in the viewing area that is free to the public. If you are ever in Fort Worth, Texas check it out.

A to Z Texas: S is for Santa Claus Gets Lynched

mentalmosaic — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:48:20 +0000

Stockings hung by the chimney with care (photo by Tui Snider)

Bad Santa Sparks Massive Manhunt in Texas

One of the biggest manhunts in Texas state history was for none other than Santa Claus.

But before I go further, let me set the scene:

Dead Bank Robber Reward Program

While “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” is the phrase commonly associated with bounty posters, back in 1927, the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) did away with the, “or alive,” clause and began offering a reward of $5000 for each dead bank robber that citizens or law enforcement could produce.

Called the Dead Bank Robber Reward Program, this bounty was in response to a massive crime wave in the 1920′s and 1930′s. By the late 20′s, Texas was experiencing an average of three to four bank robberies every single day!

Most vulnerable were financial institutions in little podunk towns with only a sheriff or two to protect them. Texas is big and sprawling and full of such towns, which made easy pickings for bank robbers.

Unfortunately, the TBA’s $5000 reward inspired some unscrupulous people to trick others into robbing banks for them. There were many variations on this scheme, but they all ended with the perpetrators being killed by their “friends” who would then collect the reward. There are even accounts of corrupt cops taking part in such shenanigans.

In response, the TBA said that even if a person had been duped into robbing a bank, they were still a bank robber and deserved their fate. They did, however, amend the wording for the Dead Bank Robber Reward Program ever so slightly, by adding that from that point on the bounty only applied towards, “legally killed robbers.”

The Santa Claus Robber of Cisco, Texas

Now, let’s get back to our tale of a Santa Claus gone bad. Shortly after being paroled for bank robbery in the town of Valera, Texas, Marshall Ratliff decided to strike again. This time, his target would be the First National Bank in Cisco, Texas.

Ratliff had lived in Cisco prior to going to jail and the local sheriff G.E. “Bit” Bedford had helped put him away for his earlier crime. Not wanting to be recognized by Bedford or any other local citizens, Ratliff donned a Santa outfit before heading to town in a stolen car along with his three accomplices.

Shortly after noon on December 23, 1927 a deviant “Santa,” sauntered down Main Street in Cisco, Texas while his companions parked the getaway car in an alley. By the time Ratliff stepped into the First National Bank, he had several children in tow.

“Hello, Santa!” a bank teller called out upon seeing him. Ratliff did not reply, so the teller repeated his greeting.

Moment’s later, Santa’s little helpers burst through the door, but instead of spreading Christmas cheer, the trio brandished guns. As one told the cashier to put his hands up, the other two forced bank workers to open the safe. Meanwhile, Santa/Ratliff began stuffing a large sack with money.

Yes, Frances, there is a Santa Claus

In the midst of all this, a six-year-old girl named Frances who had seen Santa earlier convinced her mom, Mrs. B.P. Blassengame, to take her into the bank to meet Santa.

Mrs. Blassengame quickly realized what was really going on, and even though Santa threatened to shoot if she did not stay put, Mrs. Blassengame grabbed little Frances, charged through the middle of the bank and straight out the back door.

Brave soul!

Along the way, she warned employees in the bank’s back offices of the robbery in progress.

Mrs. Blassengame quickly shuffled Frances off to safety then ran down the alley to the police department, yelling the whole way in order to warn others of the robbery.

Shootout Sparks Surge in Gun Sales

As soon as the police arrived on the scene, bullets began to fly. It’s unclear exactly how the shootout began, but it was intense. Remember that Dead Robber Reward Program?

Once word spread that a bank robbery was in progress, what began as a shootout between the four robbers and a trio of local law enforcement agents quickly ballooned into a huge gun battle involving many of Cisco’s citizens, many of whom were already armed with pistols or rifles. Those who weren’t, including a couple postal workers, ran to the local hardware store to buy guns and ammo so they could join in!

It must have been like a scene out of a Tarantino movie. Over 200 bullet holes were counted in the bank . Who knows how many shots were fired in the subsequent chase and shootouts along the way?

Robbers Foiled by their own Stupidity

As bullets flew, the robbers forced the customers out of the bank, keeping two little girls aged 10 and 12 as hostages as they fled in their getaway car.

Sadly, both the police chief and his deputy later died from wounds received in this barrage. Six other citizens were injured.

Shortly after the getaway car sped off, the robbers realized that they had forgotten an important detail: to fill the gas tank!

Bad Santa Duped by Clever Teen

In addition, one of their tires was flattened by a shot from the pursuing mob. At the edge of town, they carjacked a passing Oldsmobile driven by a fourteen-year-old named Woodrow Wilson Harris.

Only after grabbing the loot, the hostages and then scrambling into their newly-commandeered getaway vehicle – while underfire from the approaching mob, mind you – did the bandits realize that Woodrow Wilson Harris had cleverly taken the ignition keys with him as he ran off!

By this time, one of the four robbers, who had taken a bullet early on, lapsed into unconsciousness. The remaining robbers left him behind as they piled back into their original getaway car.

As they once again sped off, the group came to a startling realization: not only had they left their wounded companion behind, but the entire $12,400 they had stolen from the bank, as well.

In desperation, the fugitives drove off the dirt road until the cactus, scrub oak and mesquite became too thick for them to continue. Exasperated, the three remaining criminals decided to leave the car and their hostages behind and stumble on by foot.

As word of the crime spread, a huge manhunt ensued, with citizen volunteers and law enforcement joining in. When the trio of robbers was finally apprehended, Ratliff’s Santa suit had no less than six bullet holes in it, and they were all quite wounded and weak.

Santa Claus Robber Brought to Trial

All three eventually stood trial. Of Santa’s remaining helpers, one was quickly executed in the electrical chair, and the other sentenced to 99 years in prison. After the latter was paroled in the 1940′s, he changed his name, and presumably became a law abiding citizen.

As for Marshall Ratliff, a.k.a. the Santa Claus robber, he was convicted of armed robbery on January 27, 1928, and sentenced to 99 years in prison. In March, however, he was additionally sentenced to execution for his role in the deaths of the police chief and his deputy.

Santa Feigns Insanity

Ratliff responded by unsuccessfully feigning insanity. As hard as he tried, folks found it just a little too convenient that all of his symptoms appeared the moment he learned of his death sentence.

While awaiting execution in Eastland, however, Ratliff’s health declined and he became paralyzed.

This health condition meant that his jailers had to feed, bathe and help Ratliff use the toilet. It was all a ruse, however…

One evening, as two jailers were taking care of him, Ratliff suddently grabbed a gun from a nearby desk and shot one of them to death. A fist fight ensued between Ratliff and the remaining jailer.

The gunshot caught the attention of passersby. They rushed to the scene but were unable to get into the locked cell to help. All they could do was watch as the pair engaged in a lengthy knockdown, drag out fight.

Eventually, the jailer managed to knock Ratliff unconscious and shove him back into his cell.

Bad Santa Lynched in Eastland, Texas

Even though the jailer told the onlookers to go home, the townspeople were infuriated. By morning, a crowd of 2000 plus people gathered in front of the jail. The jailer was overwhelmed by a rush of angry vigilantes who stormed the jail and dragged Ratliff out.

Shortly after, the Santa Claus Robber was strung up between two telephone poles and hung by the neck until dead. Ironically, the site of his lynching was behind the Majest Theater where a play called, “The Noose,” was currently running.

While no one was ever charged for Ratliff’s lynching (big surprise, eh?) I’ve heard that there is a plaque in the town of Eastland, Texas marking the site. I have not yet seen it in person, but after researching this crazy tale, it’s definitely on my list of places to visit!

Oh, and in case you are wondering: The Dead Robber Reward Program was eventually phased out – but not until 1964!

A to Z Texas: R is for Ren Fair in Waxahachie

mentalmosaic — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:58:45 +0000

Pretty fairy at Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

Scarborough Fair in Waxahachie, Texas

Every spring, Waxahachie, Texas hosts a huge ren fair, officially called the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. Back in 2010, it was the first such medieval reenactment I’d ever been to and – wow – was it ever fun.

I had so much fun, in fact, that I returned in 2011 to get married! Not only were we married by the Archbishop of Canterbury, but we literally tied the knot.

While renaissance fairs are not unique to Texas, the one over in Waxahachie is a big one: over 35 acres of shops and buildings that remain intact year-round.

Texas Ren Fair Photo Essays

For a fun and informative photo essay, check out my post: Are you going to Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas?

Want even more ren fair photos? If so, take a scroll through the pics at: Row80 & a Ren Fair Redux.

Beautiful courtesan at Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

My Ren Fair Wedding Photos

If you would like see a few of my ren fair wedding photos and hear how easy-peasy it is to get hitched there, check out: UBP12 & My Big, Fat Ren Fair Wedding in Waxahachie, Texas

Another nice thing about getting married at a renaissance fair is that we can re-visit each year for a built-in anniversary party!

Have you ever been to a renaissance fair or any other sort of historical reenactment?

A to Z Texas: Q is for Quinceañera

mentalmosaic — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 01:00:41 +0000