Style: Acts Acts

acts
Style
volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.com
complimentary
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10 | August 2012 | theVIPmag.com
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
2012-13
theater
guide
Lucas
Babin
sexy model/
actor turned
father/lawyer
Theater-inspired looks
the 7 best places to
buy or eat fresh shrimp
addressing reality:
shopping for your ReaL size
Behind the curtains with
the symphony League
Classic
remodels
The Stedman home
and Kirby-Hill House
Editorial
Executive Editor
DAVID CONSTANTINE
dconstantine@thevipmag.com
Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
AmANDA COrbELL
LArENA HEAD
grACE mATHIS
jANE mCbrIDE
HOLLI pETErSEN
CHEryL rOSE
Editorial Assistant
TAmArA mENgES
Photography
Contributing Photographers
SCOTT ESLINgEr
rEN SHEppArD
LEE E. STINSON
Graphic Designer
DAVID CONSTANTINE
Advertising
To advertise in VIP,
409.880.0700
Contact Us
VIP of Southeast Texas
380 main Street
beaumont, TX 77701
to sUbsCribE
pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbE
ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm
to disPlAy thE mAgAzinE
AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION,
pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821
sUbmissions
TO SubmIT AN EVENT, OrgANIzATION Or pErSON
fOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE,
SubmIT ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm Or TO
DCONSTANTINE@THEVIpmAg.COm
Or by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE.
A division of hearst newspapers
Publisher
bILL OffILL
jOIN uS ON fACEbOOK!
www.facebook.com/thevipmag
on the cover
Thespian Genevieve Brassard, 26, of Lumberton hammed it up in six
looks inspired by the Beaumont Community Players 2012-13 season
(page 15). The cover look, provided by Luxe Boutique in Beaumont, was
modeled after the quirky main character in Dead Mans Cell Phone.
Photography by Ren Sheppard
Styling by Grace Mathis and Larena Head
Shot on location at the Betty Greenberg Center for the Performing Arts
c o n t e n t s
vip magazine
06 vip home
06 Remodeling an Oaks
Historic District classic
11 The House on
Kirby-Hill
15 vip style
15 No costumes here:
A look at theatre-
inspired fashion
20 vip worthy
20 The Symphony League
of Beaumont
23 vipersonality
23 Sexy and Successful:
Lucas Babin
26 Josh Spell: Being a
ballet dancer at 30
31 food&drink
31 7 best places to get
fresh shrimp
34 Dress&Dine: The Grill
35 vip spotlight
35 SE Texas events
41 vip adviser
41 VIPs 2012-13 theater
guide
47 4 great dates in August
48 Calendar
49 Crossword puzzle
50 vip voices
50 Shopping for your
REAL size
11
31
inside august
41
4 August 2012 | theVIPmag.com
Twice cited by the U.S. Department of Education as an Exemplary School
Chosen as one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the United States
Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School
Congratulations to the Class of 2012!
Good Luck at the College or University You Have Chosen!
From the Faculty and Staff of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School
MKCHS is accredited by the Texas Education Agency through the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission.
* Indicates the child or grandchild of an alumni of MKCHS
Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School is now conducting open registration! MKCHS welcomes students of all faiths.
Learn more about the traditions and curriculum that Kelly offers its students!

The Graduating Class of 2012

at Kelly High School (Thats approximately two years and four months!)

Tarrant County College

Lamar Institute of Technology


Dartmouth College

Texas State

Howard College


I
n 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 Ralph
and 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 less
daunting. If theyd had to hire someone for every-
thing theyve done, the costs might have been stag-
gering, Virginia suspects. By day, Virginia works as
a process coordinator for Total Petrochemical USA,
Inc. in Port Arthur. After hours, she switches to her
team 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 to
put things and what I want done.
Re-piecing the puzzle
Ralph Jordan has degrees in biology and chemis-
try and is a refnery supervisor for Total Petrochemi-
cal USA, Inc. All of his home building skills were
learned as a child working for his father, who owned
a business. He put Ralph to work at a young age
helping to fx trucks, pipes and electrical and me-
chanical problems. Ralph bought and fipped his frst
house while attending college. Though he spends 50
hours a week at the refnery, evenings, weekends and
vacations 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 character
and not everyone has one like it. This house probably
took two to three years to build in 1912. The crafts-
manship in this house can hardly be duplicated. We
dont have the patience any more. We are always in
a 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
vip home
Centennial
Sentinel
Beauty, craftsmanship and history in this restored
home stands as an example of preservation success
text by Cheryl rose photography by lee e. stinson
>>
Origins
The Jordans home was built in
1912 by Jerry Clemmons Stedman
of Stedman Fruit Company. He lived
in the home for 20 years with his
second wife, Mary C. Hall. After Jer-
rys death in 1932, Mary lived in the
home another 20 years. She sold
the house in 1952 to Roline and
Ione Walker. Roline Walker owned
Walkers Beaumont Pharmacy and
Ione taught elementary school.
At one time, three generations of
Walkers lived in the home.
How Times Change
Originally, a portion of the ground
foor was the servants quarters.
The open area was used for par-
ties. Around the time of World War
II, small apartment rooms were
roughed in, thought to have accom-
modated the workers brought in for
the shipbuilding efforts. Ione Walker
later rented these rooms to fellow
widowed school teachers after the
death of her husband.
Treasured Companions
Mary Hall Stedman was one of
the frst organizers of Beaumonts
Humane Society. The gravestones
of her two dogs, Bill and Mary, were
lovingly placed next to the house
on its east side with the inscription,
Beloved pointers, treasured com-
panions. The stones remain there
today. Stedman would be pleased
that the Jordans share her love of
animals, having adopted three dogs
and six cats. The dogs let us live
here, Virginia jokes.
theVIPmag.com | August 2012 7
Oaks Historic
District
Virginia Jordan is the
president of Oaks Historic
District Neighborhood As-
sociation, or as some friends
call her, the mayor of Old
Town. The Jordans and a few
other concerned citizens were
instrumental in getting the
neighborhood designated as a
historic district in 1993. Ralph
also served on the Landmark
Commission for the City of
Beaumont for several years.
Both Jordans feel passionate
about what the character of
these old houses mean to the
community.
Whats so fabulous
about historic homes is that
the craftsmen are gone, the
materials used to build these
houses are gone, and they are
such treasure troves, Virginia
said. We have to be mindful
of saving them. Every time
we lose a house, we need to
mourn. You cannot recreate
it. The people arent being
trained, the materials are
exhausted. These beautiful
structures are what make our
community unique and not
just another I-10 community
with a Golden Corral and gas
stations. We should promote
it and relish it whenever pos-
sible.
www.oakshistoricdistrict.org
8eta|o|og h|story
The ]oidans' ihiee-sioiy, 5,5uu-squaie-fooi home siis on 2.5 lois
wiih majesiic live oaIs. In I998, ihey moved in and began ienovai-
ing, moving living quaiieis aiound as ihey woiIed on difeieni
aieas. They did some ieseaich on ihe siyle and eiiod, bui geneially
found ihai ihe walls ialIed io ihem.
"As you iooI ihings aaii, ii iold a sioiy," Viiginia said. Noi only
did ihe maieiials and ciafismanshi suggesi how io iecieaie ihe
oiiginal, bui biis of human hisioiy would suiface as well. Viiginia
desciibed fnding I92us newsaeis undei iile ihey iemoved. Ralh
found signaiuies of woiIeis on boaids inside ihe wall. He has cov-
eied ihem bacI u, an honoi and a iime casule foi fuiuie siewaids
of ihe house.
Though ihey aie commiiied io ieiaining ihe oiiginal as much as
ossible, ihe ]oidans have made some modein udaies, naiuially, in-
cluding adding a iwo-sioiy decI in ihe bacI along wiih a swimming
ool. An inieiesiing bii of hisioiy Viiginia uneaiihed was ihai ihe
house had one of ihe fisi swimming ools in Beaumoni, desciibed
as a gloiifed hoise iiough oi big baihiub. They also added a gaiage
iecenily, comleiely designed and buili by Ralh io haimonize wiih
ihe house. "I'd nevei buili a gaiage befoie, bui now I have," he said.
"Ii was a loi of fun."
Amazingly, ihe I6 windows ihai comiise ihe eniiie bacI wall of
ihe home aie oiiginal glass and ihe mosi infueniial chaiacieiisiic
of ihe home, fooding ihe iooms wiih naiuial lighi and ioviding a
fabulous view ovei ihe gaiden. In seveial laces, ihe ]oidans oied
foi siained glass aii on ihe windows as an alieinaiive io cuiiains io
ieseive ihe lighi. The window ulls, dooi Inobs and Iey laies aie
all oiiginal biass.
In one examle of ieseivaiion, ihe wood fooi in ihe Iiichen is
oiiginal, bui was imeifeci and had some damage. Viiginia came u
wiih ihe idea of doing a ainied checIeiboaid design afiei seeing ii
in a magazine io disguise ihe damage.
8ep|ac|og h|story
In iesioiaiion woiI, decisions and comiomises musi be made
beiween modein ameniiies and eiiod accuiacy. In some cases, ihe
maieiials simly aien'i manufaciuied any moie. Ralh has done cus-
iom millwoiI io accommodaie dooi and window oenings ihai don'i
confoim io modein dimensions. They have found doois, fxiuies and
fuiniiuie ai aniique shos such as Buins AniiI Haus and Snooeis
Iaiadise io ielace missing ieces. Ralh iecenily oideied ielace-
meni aiis foi a I944 Ameiican Siandaid ioilei via ihe Inieinei.
Viiginia has been iold ihe exieiioi of ihe house was oiiginally
whiie wiih gieen iiim, bui ihey selecied ihe cuiieni looI fiom
Sheiwin Williams' hisioiical colois and ihe choices weie aioved
by ihe neighboihood council. Inside, she chose iich, vibiani colois
fiom ihe Ralh Lauien aini aleiie. The iciuie-fiame aneling in
ihe hall and dining ioom is fiom ihe I92us, ihough ihe ]oidans have
added ciown molding ihioughoui.
The biass chandeliei in ihe dining ioom is oiiginal, iescued by
neighbois when ihe house fell inio disuse and vagianis began hauni-
ing ii. Conceined ihe chandeliei would disaeai, ihey iooI ii home
and Iei ii uniil ihey ieiuined ii io ihe ]oidans.
ojoy|og the preseot
WoiIing on ihe house has given boih ]oidans gieai saiisfaciion.
Aboui Iu yeais ago, iheii home and ihe OaIs Hisioiic Disiiici in
Beaumoni weie included in ihe ielevision seiies "Resioie Ameiica"
hosied by Bob Vila. They enjoy ihe oial hisioiy ihey have icIed
u fiom Beaumoni iesidenis who iemembei ihe home fiom eailiei
iimes. Some of ihe ievious iesidenis including Nineiie WalIei Teel
and Maiy Ann Siedman Howell have iouied ihe iesioied home and
shaied many memoiies of giowing u iheie.
The ]oidans have ioyed wiih ieiiiing io a mildei climaie some
day, bui don'i ihinI ihey could beai io leave iheii house. Ralh
mighi wani io iiy buying, iesioiing and selling again ai some oini.
"Saving old houses is imoiiani io me," he said. "Ii's saiisfying. I
don'i Inow if I'll evei quii. I'll iobably dio ovei wiih a wiench oi
a hammei in my hand one day."
AsIed if ihey aie fnished afiei I4 yeais of laboi, boih ]oidans
emhaiically said no. "Theie is always someihing io do," Viiginia
said. "You'ie Iidding youiself if you ihinI you'ie fnished."
THEMAG.OOM | August 2uI2
Mon. ~ Sat. 9 AM ~ 7 PM
Sun. 12 PM ~ 6 PM
3737 CaIder,
Beaumont, TX
409-839-8473
Ellis Designs -
Stylish and Aordable
KELLER WILLIAMS
R E A L T Y
O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S
#1 IN SALES #1 IN SERVICE
FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE COMPANY
FOR ALL OF SOUTEAST TEXAS
W WWW WWW WW. .. K KKW WWS SSE EET TT X XX. .. C CCO OOM MM
409-860-3170 409-755-3170
409-722-3170 409-883-3170
Because Southeast Texas deserves the very best in
swimming pool design and construction...
Anthony & Sylvan has been building custom designed swimming pools for nearly 70 years. We have constructed more than
370,000 swimming pools nationwide, and have developed a reputation for quality and innovation. We know that when
deciding to purchase a pool, you need to believe that the company you choose locally is going to deliver the highest quality
materials and designs as well as have the financial strength to stand behind the product they build for years to come. Anthony
& Sylvan Pools is that company. Call your local design consultant to get started on your dream pool today.
866.419.3270
www.anthonysylvan.com/VIP
VIP Mag Readers Visit
AnthonySylvan.com/VIP
for a special offer
Commercial Work Renovation Outdoor Living Spaces Custom Homes
Whether youre a rst-time buyer, looking to move up, or planning a remodel,
Anderson Homes brings exacting detail and craftsmanship to every project.
7770 Gladys Ave. 409.860.3133
www.AndersonCustomHomeBuilder.com
DETAILS DISTINCTION DESIGN
A
s she walked back and
forth to school in her
youth, Nelda Overstreet
watched the gradual
demise of the Kirby-Hill
House, once the pride
of Kountze. The abandoned, dilapidated
and neglected estate was a shadow of its
former self.
In its heyday, the home named
for the Kirby and Hill family who lived
there was the center of afuence in the
area. The house itself was built in 1902
by Frank T. Smith, an acclaimed architect
known for his work on the Gilbert and
Alamo buildings, for James Kirby, brother
to John Henry Kirby, founder of the Kirby
Lumber Company which ruled the Hardin
County and Southeast Texas lumber busi-
ness for more than one hundred years.
It was no secret that the Kirby-Hill
families were afuent in wealth due to
their thriving lumber business, and it is
said that parties and events were held at
the home for the whos who of Hardin
and Jeferson Counties. Fellow business
owners, artists, entertainers and govern-
ment ofcials considered an invitation
to a social event at the house to be an
acknowledgement of popularity among
their peers.
This house has always had an allure
about it our community could not resist,
said Rose Hall, president of the Board of
Directors of the Kirby-Hill House Educa-
tional Foundation, Inc. I dont think so
much because of the people necessarily,
although they were all well liked. It was
just a presence of such a grand place in
k i r b y - h i l l h o u s e
vip viewing
House
text by AmAndA Corbell
photography by lee e. StinSon
The
Kirby-Hill
on
>>
a very small town that made people proud it
was here.
Saving a landmark
But in the late 1980s, the once grandiose
home was in disrepair. Thats when Over-
street, a former teacher at Kountze ISD, had
a vision to save the property. Overstreet
rounded up a number of people of who
shared her sentiments for the historical
home and they decided to do something
about it. Overstreet would eventually be-
come the homes curator.
Originally going through the Southeast
Texas Arts Council to form the Kirby-Hill
Educational Foundation, the organization
eventually split of, raising $125,000 locally
to purchase the property and then raising
more to restore it back to its original state.
When the Foundation bought the home
and plans moved forward for restoration in
1992, the property had been neglected and
was in bad condition. Hall says there were
holes in the ceilings and foors and the house
was 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 new
owners scoured antique and resale shops to
buy back the artifacts they could fnd. Some
of the items they were able to locate and buy
back include a Jenny-Lind Youth bedroom
suit, large dresser and armoire, birds-eye
maple bedroom suit that belonged to Autie
Lois 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 miscellaneous
artifacts.
Some of the townsfolk of Kountze who
had bought things during the time Autie
lived there and had estate sales to keep body
and soul together brought them back, said
Hall. Restoring this home pulled people to-
gether, and they worked side by side to make
the restoration a reality.
A social center
The home has a prosperous history in
not just the family, but also in the events
that took place at the home in its prime, a
tradition that the new owners try to continue
today.
Hall says they ofer a series of Murder
Mystery Dinner Theaters, small catered
gatherings called Lunch With Lucy, bed
and 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 which
raise money for the ongoing restoration of
the house.
We view the home as a business with
many venues, said Hall. The house is for
rent for whatever function the renter thinks
its suited forwe have done most every-
thing.
During the historical tours, the guides
teach about the architectural points of the
structure, the function of diferent aspects of
the home, and societal functionality of the
era, as well as the genealogy of the families.
The Kirby-Hill High Tea presents actors
portraying Kirby and Hill family members
in vignettes that are from possible scenarios
from a day in their life, all while you have
a tea. The Traveling Trunk is when two
people dressed in period costumes make a
presentation about the house and its many
eras with artifacts to school-age children or
any club or civic organization. Lunch with
Lucy is a catered luncheon for groups of 10
or more in an intimate setting and includes a
tour of the home.
By far the most popular event at the
Kirby-Hill House, however, is the bi-annual
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.
We present one in the fall and one in the
spring, said Hall. We usually have between
four and fve hundred attendees for each
session and it makes the lions share of our
profts each year.
Many guests choose to rent the house
during rehearsals for the dinner theater and
on show days. The bed and breakfast can
only be rented during that time if you are
attending the performance.
We have quite a few repeats each year
who do just that, said Hall. Consequently
that makes for odd times of the year that
the house is available to rent. It is usually
available during the months of January and
February, May, June, July, part of August,
November and December.
Other events throughout the year include
a Easter Egg Hunt for the community, a Hal-
loween Bash and the Simpler Place and Time
in the Big Thicket Christmas Photography
Experience, where the house is elaborately
decorated for the holiday and is open for
family pictures with a local photographer.
A vision seen
Now, twenty years after beginning the
restoration project, one womans vision and
desire to keep a local treasure from destruc-
tion has triggered an ongoing restoration of
one of the most historically rich properties
in Southeast Texas. More than just a place
to bring the local elementary kids for feld
trips, the Kirby-Hill House has brought a
community together and has provided mem-
bers with a beautiful background setting for
some of their best memories.
I think for a long time the project (of
restoration) 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. I
truly believe that everyone who worked on
this project in the beginning is very glad
they did.
The home Winding staircases, beveled glass windows, wrap-around porches and full-length
window screens are a breathtaking reminder of life in the Colonial revival period when the home was built. Using
the fnest materials money could buy (much of the lumber came from the Kirby mills), the home still retains a high
degree of both historic and structural integrity and is the only one of its kind in Hardin County. The house features
48 columns, four freplaces 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 to
the right of the mansion is a state champion Crepe Myrtle tree that is more than 100 years old.
VIP
Refnishing/Repairs
Upholstery
Furniture Stripping
Water & Fire Damage Restoration
Pick-up and Delivery
Furniture Restoration
835-3535
1347 Park St. Beaumont
fnetouchfr.com
For over 25 years, Fine Touch has been restoring
furniture for South East Texas residents. From antique
heirlooms, to mid century pieces, to new creations....
we give your furniture new life.
Fine Touch
Cobb Real Estate
Crystal Beach, Texas 77650
409.684.3790 offce
409.684.2622 fax
http://www.cobbrealestate.com/
2788 Gulfview Lane
Beautiful new 2nd row home with awesome beachfront views from
every room! Living room has 18 ft. Cathedral ceiling and gorgeous
ship lap wood walls. Soothing coastal colors throughout. This home
features 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths, with Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom
on downstairs main level. Ceramic tile in living, kitchen, dining, and
baths, with wood-look Laminate in bedrooms. The fabulous kitchen
has granite counter tops with glass tile back splash and stainless
appliances. $385,000
For Rent or For Sale! $1,565 Winter Week / $2,465 Summer
Week (Changes in Attitudes)
Fred A. Simons Tae Kwon Do
3965 Phelan Plaza, Suite 107
Beaumont, TX 409.212.9669
Southeast Texas highest ranking Black Belt, 9th degree
Grand Master Fred A. Simon, continues to offer classes
in his studio. Study martial arts under a Texas
Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial Arts Hall of
Fame Member. Call now to reserve a spot for you or your
child! Classes are conveniently offered at noon and at
night.
*Member of the BBB
LoveYoga
2481 Calder in Beaumont
409.454.3977
loveyogabeaumont.com
LOVE YOUR LIFE, LOVE YOURSELF, LOVE YOGA
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Pre-Natal Yoga (certifed)
Mommy and Baby Yoga
Restorative Yoga
Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Program
Tiffany Maloney
E-RYT200, PRYT
Nickolinas
1257 W. Lucas, Beaumont, TX 77706
www.nickolinas.com
www.facebook.com/nickolinas 409-896-2543
Kameleon Jewelry is
available exclusively at
Nickolinas. Create your
own style by choosing
from hundreds of center
jewel pops to place in your
sterling silver pendant,
bracelet, ring, and more.
New Kameleon Jewelry
designs...
McMANUS COMPANY
Fifty Years of Designing and Furnishing Area Homes
A parquet top creates beautiful dimension on this 64 round
dining table made from mango wood which is not only
sustainable but naturally includes a variety of wood tones to
give each piece a unique fnish. Warmand welcoming, its modern
rustic design intrigues with an architectural pedestal base.
McMANUS COMPANY
820 North 11th St. Beaumont, TX 77702
(409) 833-4393
www. mcmanusco.com
Looking for a new in-ground concrete or fberglass
swimming pool, look no further than anthony and Sylvan
Pools. Backed by over 66 years of experience built into
every pool Anthony & Sylvan is the name to trust.
Its where Southeast Texas Swims!
Anthony & Sylvan Pools
Call 866.419.3270
or visit anthonysylvan.com/VIP
8
fabulous nds
Retailers we love and their
merchandise we love to have!
Shoebulation is happy to
announce that we are now
carrying Glitterfops! These
wonderful fip fops are the
perfect balance of comfort
and style - embellished with
genuine Swarovski crystals
and containing memory foam
and arch support. They offer
an orthopedic base that is
suitable for fashionistas of
any age.
Shoebulation
6260 Phelan, The Colonnade Shopping Center
Beaumont * 409-860-7233
Costumes
t h e a t e r f a s h i o n
vip style
text and styling by Larena
Head and GraCe MatHis
T
heatre sparks
the imagination
and takes us to
another world.
Be inspired by
the 2012-13
line-up of shows from Beau-
mont Community Players and
share your sartorial drama with
those around you. In this life,
your ensemble is your costume
and everyday is your stage.
Whatever character you may
be, play it to the fullest, for
there are no costumes here.
dead Mans
Cell Phone
J
ust 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 fow 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 by
ren sHePPard
photo staging by
taMara MenGes
modeled by
Genevieve Brassard and
dorian MCCaLL
males costume styling by
GLadys tHoMas, BeauMont
CoMMunity PLayers
shot on location at
Betty GreenBerG Center
for tHe PerforMinG arts
no
Here
Hay Fever
S
et 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-infuenced 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 Importance
of Being Earnest
Y
ou 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 indefnitely,
so will elements of lace, fowers 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
A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum
U
nlike 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
www.drwilgers.com
KENNETH D. WILGERS
M.D. P.A.
3282 College St., Beaumont
(409) 832-8600
Melissa Evans
RN, MSN, FNP
Certifed American Board of
Family Practice
Full Service Medical Clinic
Treating Adults and Children
Same Day Appointments
Available
Medical Weight Loss
Botox
& Restylane
Treatments
Lab & Xray Available on
Site
LA-TEE-DA
4004 Dowlen next to Hobby Lobby
Cotton/Gauze Apparel
Camelot
B
ecome 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 ft 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
T
here 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 diffcult to achieve,
but is done here with elegance.
From Luxe Boutique, Beaumont: Black silk blouse, Glam, $98; Silky draw-
string pant, $30
6755 Phelan, Ste. 17 Beaumont, TX 77706 409.861.5762
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES
SUMMERS
SWEETEST SHADE
....ORANGE!
SUPER CUTE
TOPS AND
TUNICS
s y m p h o n y l e a g u e
vip worthy
ORCHESTRATED
The Symphony League of
Beaumonts fundraising
and education efforts make
classical music accessible
text by CheryL roSe
I
honestly think Harvard Business School needs to study our busi-
ness model. Its amazing how successful we are, asserted Cindy
Dishman, the immediate past president of the Symphony League
of Beaumont, Inc.
Fifty-seven years after a group of local women gathered for the
purpose of maintaining and growing the Symphony of Southeast
Texas, their league is as strong as ever. Those women, led by
TED
the frst president, Mrs. H.B. Williford,
pledged to promote the symphony by
organizing benefts and social afairs.
Current president Kelli Trevino said
the founders, then called the Beaumont
Symphony Womens League, held garden
tours, fashion shows and golden teas as
fundraisers. They were headquartered in
the 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 fundraising
ideas that would become powerhouse
revenue streams, thus positioning the
Symphony League as the single larg-
est contributor to the symphony. Last
year, the league donated $77,000 to
the symphony in addition to funding
several music education programs. Craig
Escamilla, the executive director of the
Symphony of Southeast Texas, said the
contribution is approximately 20 percent
of the organizations annual income or
the equivalent of two concerts.
Financial support and advocacy
Trevino said the nonproft Symphony
League has a dual purpose. The frst is
to support and promote the growth of the
Symphony of Southeast Texas, she said.
The second is to foster and encourage
musical education, participation and
appreciation of the public in classical
music.
Trevino accepted the gavel from Dish-
man in May, culminating ffteen years of
volunteer 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 passion
for culture in your city, Trevino said.
Our members work in various roles as
volunteers, she explained. Some are
out front and some are behind-the-scenes
working. Its an upbeat, positive organi-
zation.
Dishman, who now serves on the
board of directors for the symphony, says
that being president of the Symphony
League was an easy job because all the
volunteers are perfectionists. It is the
most dynamic group of women you will
ever meet, she said.
Income earners
In 1957, the league sponsored a
Viennese Ball as a fundraising event.
The Symphony Ball is now one of the
highlights 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 junior
debutante program.
In 1962, the Symphony League
presented the frst debutante class. The
members name who thought to tie a
communitys debutante program to
support the symphony is lost to history,
but she was a genius. The Symphony
Debutantes program brings in more than
money, it brings in a renewable source
of talent. Both Trevino and Dishman ini-
tially became involved in the symphony
through their desire for their children to
participate in the debutante program.
The Symphony League has made par-
ticipation in the debutante program not
about social status or wealth, but about
volunteer commitment by parents and
children to the Symphony of Southeast
Texas. To be nominated as a debutante
for her senior year in high school, a girl
must be the daughter of a Symphony
League member who has been active
for at least four years and committed to
volunteer projects. The daughter must be
a member of the Youth Guild and actively
participate in their volunteer activities.
Once selected, the family pays a fee
for the debutantes season, but the calen-
dar of parties and events is heavily spon-
sored by Symphony League volunteers,
who provide fowers, food and much
more. The highlight of the season is the
debutante presentation ball in November.
The season ends with a luncheon
Volunteers welcome!
Membership in the Symphony League of Beaumont is open to all. (Yes, there are some men in the
league.) Membership forms can be downloaded at their website, www.slbmt.com. Annual dues
are $35 for adults or $20 for youth and seniors.
p
h
o
t
o
g
r
a
p
h
y
b
y
r
e
n
s
h
e
p
p
a
r
d
a
n
d
b
e
a
u
m
o
n
t
e
n
t
e
r
p
r
i
s
e
s
t
a
f
f
L
e
f
t
p
a
g
e
:
B
e
a
u
m
o
n
t
S
y
m
p
h
o
n
y
L
e
a
g
u
e
m
e
m
b
e
r
s
M
e
l
a
n
i
e
H
e
a
r
t
f
e
l
d
,
K
e
l
l
i
T
r
e
v
i
n
o
,
R
a
c
h
a
e
l
R
o
a
n
e
,
B
a
r
b
a
r
a
B
a
r
r
o
n
a
n
d
T
r
a
c
y
B
e
a
n
.
2012 Symphony Ball
>>
where butterfies are released.
The debutante program teaches
etiquette and career skills, said Frances
Bethea, the immediate past president of
the Symphony of Southeast Texas and
a former president of the Symphony
League. The girls learn a lot of skills
that will stand them in good stead not
just at tea parties, but in the real world.
Symbiotic relationship
Bethea, a partner at Benckenstein
& Oxford LLP in Beaumont, has now
served as president for both the Sympho-
ny of Southeast Texas and the Symphony
League of Beaumont. A member of the
league since the mid-1980s, she was frst
drawn in to leadership by a close friend,
Sandra Mason, who was then presi-
dent. A few years later, she was herself
president during 2005-2006, the year
of Hurricane Rita. In May, she fnished
a two-year term as the president of the
symphonys board of directors. Having
worked closely with the two separate
nonprofts, Bethea has a special perspec-
tive.
With the Symphony League, I can
see results, and I like that, she said. I
like that everyone does their job. There
is a great deal of fscal responsibility. The
Symphony 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 that
they arent afraid to make hard decisions
if it is for the betterment of the organiza-
tion.
Having viewed the leagues work from
the perspective of the recipient agency,
the Symphony of Southeast Texas, she
realizes how dependent the symphony
is on the league for fnancial support.
Additionally, she said the league provides
volunteer-power for many tasks that the
symphony would otherwise have to pay
for.
Relations between the two boards are
full of mutual respect and admiration.
We have an extremely wonderful
working relationship with the symphony
administration, Trevino said. Craig and
Chelsea (Tipton, the symphony music
director) attend our meetings and are our
biggest cheerleaders.
Escamilla, in his sixth year as execu-
tive director of the symphony, is equally
positive. Its really become a partner-
ship where we are constantly bouncing
ideas of each other; an ideal symbiotic
relationship with a donor, he said.
The support of the Symphony League
is a consistent source of revenue that
allows the symphony to thrive. If you
charged the end user a price for your
service at what that service actually
costs, it would put the price too high, so
nonprofts rely on fundraising to ofset
costs, Escamilla said. What the Sym-
phony League has done is develop earned
revenue streams that relate to their mis-
sion. The way theyve done that is really
remarkable.
Time to celebrate
For a professional symphony to cel-
ebrate 60 years is remarkable, Escamilla
said. Orchestras are folding left and
right, but ours is growing and strong.
Trevino and Dishman both echoed his
comments, remarking on how unusual it
is to have a symphony in a city of Beau-
monts size. Both credited the symphony
administrators and musicians for creat-
ing such as strong program.
Dishman, who with 20 years of volun-
teer work for the two organizations has
seen economic ups and downs, maestros
come and go, and leadership turnover,
feels very positive about the current state
and future prospects of the Symphony of
Southeast Texas. Its a shining star in
our community, she said.
Educating and supporting young musicians
The 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 a
special 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 students
perform on stage with the members of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. About 1,300 young
musicians participated this year.
String Competition
To encourage and support students to pursue profciency with stringed instruments, the Sym-
phony League organizes and sponsors this annual event, awarding the winner a $200 music
scholarship. 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, work
with the string competition, and assist with other symphony projects throughout the year.
l
E
f
t
:
S
y
m
p
h
o
n
y
B
e
l
l
e
s
w
a
i
t
t
o
b
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
e
d
d
u
r
i
n
g
t
h
i
s
y
e
a
r
s
S
y
m
p
h
o
n
y
B
a
l
l
.
R
I
G
H
T
:
A
s
t
r
i
n
g
q
u
a
r
t
e
t
p
e
r
f
o
r
m
s
d
u
r
i
n
g
t
h
e
2
0
1
2
S
y
m
p
h
o
n
y
B
a
l
l
.
VIP
l u c a s b a b i n
vipersonality
This Woodville native
is changing roles from
fashion model and actor
to family man and lawyer
text by CATHLEEN COLE
I
n the 2003 flm The School of
Rock, Lucas Babin plays Spider
the scantily clad rocker who
is long on looks but short on
brains. Its an act. The Woodville
native is dumb like a fox, and he
was quite the fox in his modeling heyday.
Abercrombie & Fitch, Versace, Gucci
they all wanted his lean frame, long
hair and chiseled features in their ads
and on their runways. And then there
were TV and flm appearances, that mu-
sic-video romp on the beach with Paris
Hilton and recurring roles on The Young
and the Restless and a popular Brazilian
telenovela called America.
But now his role has changed. The
country boy turned jet setter took of on
the runways of New York, Los Angeles,
Miami, Milan, Paris and Rio de Janeiro,
but came in for a landing back in Texas.
Now his family and law school keep him
happy and grounded.
Country style
Babin was born in Beaumont but
grew up in Woodville, building forts in
the woods and playing in the creeks. It
was an amazing place to grow up, he
said. You had to invent your own fun.
He played sports in high school foot-
ball, basketball, baseball but didnt >>
p
h
o
t
o
g
r
a
p
h
y
c
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
L
u
C
A
s
B
A
B
i
N
consider himself a jock. An important part of
his childhood included the hunting and fshing
outings he made with his father, Brian, and his
big brother, Leif.
During his Woodville days, coming to Beau-
mont was a big deal. Beaumont was a huge
city 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. If
theyd had an election for the worst dressed, I
might have won that.
Hollywood dreams
After a year at Stephen F. Austin Univer-
sity, Babin set out for California in 1999. His
original goal was to enroll at the University of
California, Los Angeles as a flm major. But he
didnt know anyone in L.A., so he convinced
his parents to let him live with his brother, Leif,
who had just graduated from the United States
Naval Academy and was stationed in San Diego.
He enrolled in a local community college and
worked nights singing and playing his guitar at
restaurants, dreaming of the day he would make
it to L.A. and become an actor.
Babin soon decided to make his move. He
drove to Ford Models in Beverly Hills, walked in
and ofered some Polaroid snapshots. Since Ford
also represented actors, his idea was to get an
agent for acting. My frst interest was movies,
he said. What I really wanted was to get an
acting agent.
But he knew that if he started modeling, he
could parlay that into an acting career, so he got
a modeling agent and an acting agent. Within
two weeks, at age 20, he was in Miami doing a
photo shoot for the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog
with legendary fashion photographer Bruce
Weber. The job lasted eight hours a day for four
days, 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 would
start in January 2000. He got the job and knew
hed have to withdraw from school. His father
understood that it was a great opportunity and
gave him his blessing. That was the year Babin
started getting acting parts.
From Paris to Brazil
Yes, Babin dated Paris Hilton briefy
when he was 23. We were just really friends,
he said. The relationship aforded him his frst
opportunity to deal with paparazzi. It also
led to shooting a music video with the rich
socialite a few years later. I was really glad
to get that job, he said of his role as the sexy
boyfriend frolicking with the reality starlet on
the beach in Stars are Blind. I had a good time
doing it. It was pretty easy work.
The young model/actor lucked into his role
as Nick the cowboy on the Brazilian television
series America that ran in 2005. He was living
in Los Angeles in 2004 when a friend intro-
duced him to Luciana Bressane who was from
Rio de Janeiro and worked as an event coor-
dinator for fashion designers. Babin told her
he wanted to go to Brazil. She returned home
and then called him to say she had gotten him
a modeling job for a runway show during Rio
Fashion Week and a print campaign.
It was backstage during Fashion Week that
he met a screenwriter for the telenovela who
said the show needed an American who spoke
Portuguese. Bressane, who became his agent in
Brazil, told him it was a huge opportunity and
hired a tutor to help him with the language.
He memorized about four pages of lines, went
to the studio to audition for the part and was
hired on the spot. (He now speaks Portuguese
fuently.)
Coming home
When Babins commitment to the show was
over in January 2006, he headed back to Los
Angeles and landed a role on The Young and the
Restless. He was young, but he wasnt restless.
He wanted to settle down. He and Bressane
started dating and married in April 2007 at
his parents house in Woodville. The couple
drove away on an all-terrain vehicle after their
nuptials but quickly returned for a crawfsh-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. I
defnitely 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, said
Blythe Babin Fiedler, his aunt who lives in Beaumont. His family
comes frst. Fiedler also noted that her wild-prankster nephew has
calmed down considerably. From his teenage years to now, hes mel-
lowed, she said.
Babin and his family moved to The Woodlands in 2009, and he
gave up acting and modeling to earn a history degree at Sam Houston
State University and start law school at the University of Houston. I
can go back to the pursuit of acting any time, he said. My kids are
only going to be young once, and I wanted to raise them here.
Older and wiser
How is Babin diferent from the young kid who got lucky and
became a famous model? In some ways, the world doesnt seem like a
big 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, he
said. I wear whatever my wife gets me.
To relax, Babin spends time with his family. For fun, I spend as
much time with my wife and kids as I possibly can, he said, adding
that he enjoys heading to Woodville to visit his parents, too. Being
out in the country is my favorite thing to do.
New adventures
Occasionally, Babin gets a call about a modeling job, but hes not
pursuing that career anymore. And he doesnt miss it. My priority is
being the best dad and husband I can be, he said, adding that doing
well 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 satisfed with
the outcome. I wouldnt have done a thing diferently, he said. I had
great adventures, and there are a lot more to come. VIP
6385 Calder Beaumont
409-866-9742
Beaumonts premier shopping
spot for 24 years. Featuring
designer jewelry, one of a kind
pieces, casual comfortable
clothing, luxe leather bags
and more. Our friendly,
knowledgeablestaff will assist
you with all your needs.
8l0f08 409.8.1Z11 0f 409.81.098
Locally Owned & Operated Bonded & lnsured
^^^KV^U[VLHY[OSHUKZJHWPUN[_JVT
- 6 9 ( 3 3 @ 6 < 9 3 ( 5 + : * ( 7 , 5 , , + :
f00ll00l0f8l
l808080008l
8l8l8ll8ll0
j o s h s p e l l
vipersonality
dancing
A
t 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. The
former Beaumont boys grandmother,
Frances Bonura, flled 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 frst 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.
After a decade on national stage,
Beaumont native and ballet dancer
choreographs next steps in life
text by JAne McBride
I quickly picked up choreogra-
phy and knew that I had something
special, Josh said. I enrolled in tap
at Marsha Woodys Academy of Dance
when I was 10. For two years they
tried to convince me to take ballet.
Finally, at 12, I gave in.
At 16, Josh was accepted into the
prestigious School of American Bal-
let in New York. At 19, he became a
member of Seattles Pacifc Northwest
Ballet troupe, where he danced profes-
sionally for 10 years.
By 29, Josh thought he might have
accomplished about as much as he
was going to on the stage. Perhaps,
he decided, it was time to move on to
another career.
I was not 100 percent happy and
I knew that I did not want to become
complacent, he said from his home in
Seattle. Doing research on retirement
in dance and also on the history of
dance made me grateful for my career
and allowed me to move forward.
By age 30, most professionals are
just beginning to move up in their
chosen careers. In June, 2011, the
year before he turned 30, Josh already
had retired from the Pacifc North-
west Ballet. He went back to school
to study Interior Design. Immersing
himself in an academic environment
with peers ten years younger was
brutal, he acknowledged.
My life as I had known it since the
age of 16 was completely transformed.
I really had to focus on who I was as
a person and not just who I was as a
dancer. It was the most difcult chal-
lenge of my life thus far. I had been
saying that I wished that my friends
knew what I knew now while they
were still dancing. Then I got a call in
March to join the Kansas City Ballet.
Now I get that second chance to expe-
rience my career diferently.
For ballet dancers like Josh, the
20s often mark the pinnacle of a
career. Turning 30 means deciding
whether they can continue to meet
the intense physical demands for a
few more years, or whether its time
to accept one last thunderous round of
applause as the curtain falls.
To stay in good physical shape,
Josh depends on swimming, strength
training, and teaching Pilates classes
to keep him in dancing condition.
I have had my fair share of inju-
ries and as a mature dancer I know
that I must keep my body conditioned
p
h
o
t
o
s
c
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
J
o
s
h
s
p
e
l
l
>>
as injury preven-
tion.
Im so glad
Josh decided to
join the Kansas
City Ballet, said
Monique Steinha-
gen, co-director at
Marsha Woody Acade-
my and co-director of the
Beaumont Civic ballet. Hes
only 30 and is such a remarkable
dancer.
William Whitener, Artistic Director of the
Kansas City Ballet, frst met Josh when the
young dancer was a student at SAB in New
York City. He was impressed enough to con-
sider him a part of his companys future.
I was hoping he would accept our ofer to
join Kansas City Ballet, but he chose Pacifc
Northwest Ballet instead. Now, he has devel-
oped artistically in that professional environ-
ment and we feel fortunate that he will be
joining our company. Josh brings experience,
technical expertise and dramatic and comic
fair to our organization. He is also a terrifc
team player.
Kansas City Ballet presents works that
include classical ballet, contemporary dance
and revivals of historically signifcant works.
Dance is part of everyones experience
and the Kansas City Ballet carries that mes-
sage to its audiences, students and commu-
nity.
Finding a male
dancer in an art form
dominated by females
once was a challenge
in the United States,
Whitener said. Not any
more.
Male dancing is at an
all-time high in this country
and throughout the world. The
technical and athletic abilities
have risen considerably and there are
many more men participating in auditions.
Film and television have also played an im-
portant part in the exposure of dance as an art
form. The dedication, commitment and rigor
related to professional dancing are widely
respected in todays culture.
Success in the dance world doesnt come
without pain.
As I look back over the years and see
what I sacrifced and how much discipline is
involved to be a ballet dancer, I am amazed. It
gets harder every year to remain so focused,
and to realize that there is more to life to ex-
plore. Taking a year of from dance has really
brought this aspect into perspective and has
made me see that relationships and experi-
ences should be cherished, whether it be in
ballet or in my social life.
Josh credits his success to both his innate
ambition and the support of his parents, Dave
and Tamara Spell of Beaumont.
I think my work ethic and my drive for
perfectionism have made me successful in this
career. I owe my success also not just to my
immediate family, but aunts, uncles, cousins,
etc, because they were behind me 150 percent
and kept me grounded and balanced.
I always wanted to be successful, said
the boy who once thought he would go to
medical school. To me, a doctor was very
specialized in his feld. When I was a teen-
ager, frst I wanted to be an ophthalmologist
and then later changed that to a radiologist.
Needless to say, my love for dance took over
and going back to school for that many years
is not what I wanted to do. Now I just date an
ophthalmologist.
And no, hes never wondered if he went in
the right decision.
I would never change my life for any-
thing!
Josh hopes someday to dance two roles
that have eluded him: The Hoofer in chore-
ographer George Balanchines Slaughter on
Tenth Avenue and the lead in Balanchines
Theme and Variation. Until then, he will
enjoy dancing the familiar roles that have
pleased audiences for two decades.
Performing on the stage is the greatest
reward and hearing the audiences appre-
ciation. I will never forget taking a bow for
the role of Puck on an opening night. The
audience erupted with applause. Performing
also brings you into the present moment and
forces you to be exactly where you are at that
exact moment on the stage. VIP
A
LL
A
R
E
BEN191496901
W
E
L
CO
M
E
!
s h r i m p
food dining
Theres no getting around the little sea crit-
ters as cuisine. Shrimp is the fruit of the sea
and the bounty of the coastal bays and the Gulf
of Mexico, brought to local docks daily by the
tons.
Local seafood restaurants, and even those
that dont necessarily specialize in seafood,
ofer a plethora of tasty dishes featuring the
plump crustaceans. Shrimp is afordable and
available in most area restaurants, said Jay
Jenkinson, president of the Sabine Area Res-
taurant Association. We take for granted that
you can buy fresh shrimp at a reasonable price.
Its such a luxury here.
But if youd like to cook your own, theres
probably a seafood market nearby. The Seafood
Lover in Beaumont is a popular choice, ofering
fresh, locally caught shrimp. Were fortunate
as to where we are, said Seafood Lover owner
Steve Edwards, noting that if Texas waters
are closed to shrimpers, Louisiana waters are
often still open, and he can get fresh shrimp
just across the state line. And even when the
federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico are closed
to shrimpers to allow the shrimp to grow, the
Texas part of the Gulf goes out nine nautical
miles from the coast and can still be harvested
for shrimp. Sometimes the state closes its Gulf
of Mexico waters at the same time as the fed-
eral Gulf closure but leaves other state waters
open including Galveston Bay, and the smaller
boats bring in catches daily. Fresh is better,
Edwards said about shrimp and seafood in
general.
Local shrimpings impact
Local area shrimpers stay busy trawling the
Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, bringing
their fresh catches back to their home docks
text by CATHLEEN COLE photography by sCOTT EsLiNgEr and bEAumONT ENTErprisE sTAff
I
n southeast Texas, crawfsh might
be king in the spring, but come
summer, shrimp reigns supreme.
SHRIMP:
fruit of the sea
Steve Edwards, owner
of Seafood Lover
>>
in Port Arthur and Sabine Pass.
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
reports that 19.6 million pounds
of commercially caught fsh with a
dock value of $47.4 million were
brought to the Port Arthur docks
in 2010. And 99 percent of that
haul was shrimp. The shrimp
industry has a tremendous impact
on our local economy, says Terrie
Looney, Texas Sea Grant Exten-
sion agent for Jeferson and Cham-
bers counties.
According to Sinclair Oubre
of the Port Arthur Area Shrimp-
ers Association, there are about
70 commercial shrimpers in Port
Arthur and Sabine Pass. Thats
down from about 300 in 2000. A
combination of factors put many
of the shrimpers out of business
including the furry of hurricanes,
the rising cost of diesel fuel and
the infux of cheap, foreign, farm-
raised shrimp. Oubre advocates
eating local, wild-caught shrimp
because he says it helps the local
economy, and its healthier than
the foreign, farm-raised alterna-
tive. Foreign shrimp are often
farmed in unsanitary conditions,
so producers must use high levels
of antibiotics, pesticides and other
chemicals to prevent disease.
(Farm-raised shrimp and fsh
in the United States are subject
to stricter rules, according to
Looney, who is a member of the
Texas Aquaculture Association.)
If people knew what they were
eating, Oubre says of the foreign-
farmed shrimp, they would not
feed it to their cats.
Oubre encourages restaurant
patrons to ask their servers if the
shrimp being served is wild caught
or farm-raised in a foreign coun-
try. Do you want quality or quan-
tity? he asked, adding that if you
want quality, you may have to pay
more, but it is worth it in terms
of fresh taste and healthfulness.
It is also important to support the
local shrimpers, he believes. The
shrimping community is part of a
multifaceted maritime industry on
which our Southeast Texas econ-
omy is built, he said, noting that
the Beaumont-Port Arthur area is
the fourth-largest maritime center
in the country. We could lose the
shrimpers. It would undermine
that 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.
409.842.0686
2290 I-10 South, Beaumont
foydsseafood.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
fll up on shrimp dishes and then
take some home to cook later.
409.729.8899
3324 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!
409.722.2323
1507 South Hwy. 69 at Hwy. 365,
Nederland
theschoonerrestaurant.com
great places
to get fresh
shrimp in
SE Texas
7
VIP
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.
409.962.3381
3701 Atlantic Hwy. (FM 366), Groves
larrysfrenchmarket.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
409.861.3474
1990 I-10 South, Beaumont
sartins.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.
409.892.1093
4389 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!
409.835.4455
270 Crockett St., Beaumont
zydecolouisianadiner.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!
styling and text by Larena Head
photography by scott esLinger
clothing provided by beLLa beLLa
modeled by tayLor baiLey of Beaumont
dress
Set yourself apart from the crowd
in this striking coral tunic dress
that can seamlessly transition
from dinner table to patio. The
tunics bold, bright pattern and
embellished boat neck are the
statement makers, leaving room
for a few key accessories. Sleek
hair and elegant earrings accent
the face, while a set of gold
bangles and an ornate turquoise
cocktail ring add some fair and
polish the look. A structured gold
clutch completes the ensemble. A
lux evening awaits.
From Bella Bella: Boat Neck Tunic
Dress, Hale Bob, $186; Multi-Stone
Dangle Earrings, $28; Gold Bangle Set,
$28; Embossed Rhinestone Clutch,
$62; Turquoise Stretch Ring, $38
dine
Delicious food, a warm ambi-
ence and top-notch service
come together for a wonderful
dining experience at The Grill.
The elegant-yet-cozy atmosphere
provides a relaxing setting to
enjoy a meal. Roasted Lamb,
Blackened Tilapia Pontchartrain,
and Filet Mignon, which can be
enhanced with asparagus and
lump crab, are just a few of the
delectable items on the menu.
An extensive wine list is sure to
please wine lovers of all types. In
addition to the formal dining, The
Grill provides a comfortable and
casual atmosphere at The Cabana
and Patio. Weekly live music and
great lounge spots make The
Cabana the perfect haven for
happy hour. If youre looking to
dine and unwind in style, The Grill
by Arfeen, Smith, and Payne is
right 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 midnight
Friday and Saturday; Main dining hours:
5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to
11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
d r e s s & d i n e
food dining
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, Anna Calder, Jennifer Orr and Grace Gearinger
Keith and Denise Henke, Tracy and RB Maxwell, Barbara and Butch Wenner Rick 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 West Buddy and Martha Foxworth and Jimmy Fertitta W.L. Pate, Toye Babb and Hal Ross
Marian and Mike Ruiz
REN SHEPPARD
Miranda Lambert
Megan Olivier, Miranda Nuez, KimHobbs,Annaliese Gerhardt, Amanda Minick Jennifer and Miranda Rogers, Jami Balser, Taylor Clakley
Jacelynn Price, Makenze Stephens Jennifer Ford, Trish and Don Miller Brandi Dressler, Melanie LaFleur, Aoisha Aras
Tasha Gonzalez, April Dickerson and Tessa Humble John 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 Tyrrell
scott eslinger
C
o
m
e
S
e
e
O
u
r
N
e
w
L
o
o
k
!
Tanya Tucker at Nutty Jerrys
LEE E. STINSON
Tammy Dallard, Darby Meguess, DLisa Mitchell, Darbye Garrard
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
Experience the resort feeling without the price!
Te Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Beaumont Plaza
Te Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Beaumont Plaza
Let us share in planning your next event!
Contact our professional sales department.
3950 I 10 South @Walden Road
Beaumont, TX77705
Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810
www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza
Excellence in
Media 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 ESLINGER
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 Sepaugh
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. STINSON
Concert with a Cause
LEE E. STINSON
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 Passou and Kenzie Lockie
April Duplantis, Stefanie Guy and Lizette Benico Ashlee Chambliss, Kristen LaFleur and Lacey Marks
409-656-3939
WWW.CLASSICHOMESBMT.COM
FABULOUS CUSTOM HOMES START WITH CLASSIC HOMES...
First Thursdays
at the Mildred
Donna Farrell, Milt Prewitt, Janet McClendon and Steve Stoma
Joseph and Libby Stoma Dorothy Sells Clover
Jesse Gomez, Debbie Dugas, Becky Wilcox, Lin
Marie Garsee, Debra Padilla and John Roberts
Kaitlin Forrest, Jenna Broussard
Francisca Castillo, Ancia and Ivone Garcia Annett Holtmyer and Melanie Morin Michael and Denise Lange Debbie Wiggins, Mary Mahlie
REN SHEPPARD
5925 Phelan, #F Beaumont
409-861-2116
tinasheavenlytouch.net
Thank you Beaumont for making us
your choice 2 years in a row!
We love making you feel and look your best.
Pedicure
Facials
Massage
Day Spa
Nails and Manicure
Non-Wax Hair Removal
Voted Best Massage
Therapy & Best Esthetician
Entertainment!
V
I
P
s
2
0
1
2
-
1
3
t
h
e
a
t
e
r
g
u
i
d
e
t h e a t e r g u i d e
vip adviser
Thats
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 several
electric 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 defne 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 memorable
moments 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 compiled by 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 fnd 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-fve years searching
for his missing hand. The search
climaxes as he confronts a smiling
motel clerk with an aversion to
gunfre 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 by
Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure
Island is a stunning yarn of piracy
on the tropical seas. It begins
at an inn on the Devon coast of
England in 1775 and becomes
an unforgettable tale of treachery
and mayhem. A host of legend-
ary swashbucklers includes the
dangerous Bill Bones, the sinister
Israel Hands, the brassy woman
pirate Anne Bonney, and the evil
incarnate, Blind Pew. At the center
are Jim Hawkins, a young boy
who longs for adventure, and the
infamous Long John Silver, perhaps
the most famous hero-villain of all
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 and
mayhem, and just when you think
there is no hope for a fairy-tale
ending a happy ending! Based on a
Greek comedy and revamped with
music by Sondheim, the play stays
true to its roots with a touch of
1960s humor.
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, they
hear 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 one
he 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-setting
musical 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-wide
activities. 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 has
had 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 and
redemption 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 >>
Cir
Lutcher Theatre,
October
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 frst-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 fddler 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 fddle
extraordinaire who David Copper-
feld 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 that
defned the 1960s.
A
Lutcher Theatre,
White
Beaumont
and White
Christ-
mas.
defned the 1960s.
s
at the
had
man
loose
Dead
by
Ruhl.
how
One Night of Queen
March 18
In 2000, Gary Mullen won the
grand fnale 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 with
Wynton Marsalis
Feb. 7
Feel the fusion of 15 of the fnest
jazz soloists and ensemble players
today comprising The Jazz at
Lincoln Center Orchestra under
the leadership of musical director,
trumpeter, composer and educator
Wynton Marsalis. Jazz at Lin-
coln Center is dedicated
to inspiring and growing
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 by
different 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
STOMP is 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 fll the
stage with magnif-
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 seen
Shakespeare performed live,
this the perfect opportunity.
Reading it in the tenth grade is a
completely different experience
than seeing it brought to life in
a dark theatre. Lamar students
are sure to give a fne dramatic
performance of this powerful
theatrical 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 the
death of a child author David
Lindsay-Abaire manages to involve
his audience and illustrate how we
all grieve differently and for dif-
ferent lengths of time. Despite the
subject matter, this 2007 Pulitzer
Prize-winning play is often ex-
tremely funny, setting up emotional
contrasts between ironic humor
and infnite sadness which make
the loss of the child more poignant.
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
flm.
VIP tip: In addition to your show
ticket, you may purchase a
$40 post-show pass, which
will allow you to meet William
Shatner, snap his photo and get
his autograph. Your purchase
benefts The All Glory Project, a
non-proft campaign of to thank
our wounded veterans and their
families.
Macbeth
Lamar University
January >> February >>
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 that
are 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 all
the way from Alabama to California
in time for her brothers wedding.
Savannahs problem: Mama wont
fy. 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-be
arrives 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 Guards
for 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 prizefght-
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 fghting, 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. This
musical 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 Dreamgirls tells 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
Port Arthur
Listen.
experience on the
stage and
screen.
beaumontcommunityplayers.com
(409) 833-4664
Lamar University
dept.lamar.edu/cofac/depttheatre/
(409) 880-2250
www.palt.org
(409) 727-7258
orangecommunityplayers.com
(409) 882-9137
Lutcher Theater
www.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-
nifcently 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 Hoboken
look 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 Alley
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 Diaries
Warrior Class
Wicked
Ticket and show informa-
tion: www.thehobbycenter.
org, www.alleytheatre.org
How to buy tickets
Sister
Spamalot
The Blind Factory
7396 College St.
Beaumont, TX 77707
409.866.4055
Toll Free 877.281.9717
Quality
and
Style
4414 Dowlen (Crossroad Center) 409-924-7718
AUTHENTIC MEXICANFOOD
Gift Certifcates Available!
HAPPY HOUR 3-7 Mon - Fri
Homemade Tortillas
Made Fresh Daily!
Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
G
u
a
d
ala
j
a
r
a
Hope for Tomorrow
Lunch &Style Show
August 23
First annual luncheon, fashion
show, silent auction and boutique
of gently used treasures to beneft
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls
Club Expansion Project. Doors
open at 10:45 a.m. to shop. 11:30
a.m. to 1 p.m. lunch and show
presented by Macys, Tyrrell
Park Botanical Gardens Garden
Center, Reserved seats $50.
409-338-3106.
Tasting for Some Other
Place
August 21
Sample the food at more than 50
booths with favorite recipes from
local congregations, businesses and
organizations. All proceeds for this
annual event will beneft the work
of Some Other Place. 5-7:30 p.m.,
Beaumont Civic Center, Beaumont.
(409) 832-7976.
Cumulus Baby and
Family Expo
August 4
Expecting? Then this is the place
to be! Car safety demonstrations,
how to baby-proof the house,
maternity and child fashion shows,
door prizes, booths featuring area
retailers, healthcare, recreational
and educational providers and more.
Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Beaumont
Civic Center. (409) 951-2500.
Spice of the Season
Celebrity Waiters 2012
August 3
Culinary event formatted to involve
the community in an evening of fun,
laughter and entertainment. Waiters
and attendees are encouraged
to wear attire in accordance
with the theme, Cartoonmania.
Culinary event sponsored by the
Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Beaumont fundraiser.
6:30 p.m., MCM Elegante Hotel
and Conference Center, Beaumont.
(409) 838-6581 or www.bmtcoc.
org
great dates in august
Event Submissions
Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us detailsdates, times, location, contact phone, web address
and a brief descriptionto dconstantine@thevipmag.com. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
{ August }
AUGUST 2
First Thursdays on Calder Avenue
5-9 p.m., along Calder Avenue,
Beaumont. Food, live music, sidewalk
vendors with clothing, jewelry,
hats, art, photography, recycled and
handmade items. (409) 833-9919.
AUGUST 9
Pioneering Women Luncheon
11 a.m., Holiday Inn and Suites,
Beaumont. Celebrate the 19th
Amendment and salute the groups
2012 Women Making Noise!
honorees: Ella Flores, Linda Spears,
Barbara Phillips, Marty Craig, June
Brailsford, Betty Greenberg, Rebecca
Ford and Marcia Stevens. Tickets
$40. Sponsorships available. Proceeds
beneft Women in Crisis, GEDs and
textbooks for students of higher
learning. (409) 842-1577.
Band of Heathens
7 p.m., Courvilles, Beaumont. Tickets
$30, includes dinner and concert. For
reservations call (409) 860-9811 or
email bigrich@cajunfavors.com
AUGUST 10
Actor-comedian Kevin Hart
8 p.m., Ford Arena, Beaumont.
Tickets $55. (800) 745-3000 or www.
ticketmaster.com.
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 Derby
6:15 p.m., Ford Exhibit Hall,
Beaumont. Tickets at the Ford Park
Box Ofce 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 Fowler
Honky Tonk Texas, Silsbee. (409)
386-1995 or www.honkytonktexas.us.
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.lutcher.
org.
AUGUST 23
Comedian Ralphie May
7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre,
Beaumont. Reserved seats $32.50 at
Ticketmaster locations. (800) 745-
3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Works by Jane Peterman
Cafe Arts at the Art Museum of
Southeast Texas, Beaumont. Exhibit
runs through November 4. (409) 832-
3432 or www.amset.org.
AUGUST 23-25
A Salute to the Carol Burnett Show
See previous listing
September previ ew
SEPT. 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, Beaumont
SEPT. 12
Ubi Caritas Date Auction 6 p.m., Madisons, Beaumont
SEPT. 14-16
30th Annual Texas Bar-B-Q Festival Claiborne Park, Vidor
SEPT. 20-23
Texas Pecan Festival Lions Park, Groves
SEPT. 29
Gift of Lifes Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk 8 a.m., Beaumont
2290 IH-10 S
@ Washington
Beaumont, TX
409-842-0686
DINNER SPECIALS MONDAY-SUNDAY
www.floydsseafood.com
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm

1800 HWY 69
NEDERLAND, TX 77627
409-727-0443
www.jksubaru.com
C
C

CDA-01

0.9% Financing on All
2012 Subaru Outback
Models.
2012 Outback 2.5i

$
169
2012 Impreza 2.0i

$1969
$0
$169
$2138
Down Payment
Security Deposit
First Months Lease Payment
Total Due at Lease Signing
CJB-01
Cannot be combined with any other incentive. Financing for well-qualified applicants only. Length of contract is limited. Subject to credit approval, vehicle insurance approval and vehicle availability. Must take from dealer stock by
August 7, 2012. Now through August 7, 2012 - $169 per month with $1969 due at lease signing. Lease is 10k miles per year. $0 security deposit. Tax, title and registration fees extra. Other leases available on other models.
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, ____ Watson
10 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
26 Go brown in the sun
27 Stiff and sore
29 Blue
30 Spider-Man actor, ____ Maguire
DOWN
1 Superman actor, Christopher ____
2 The Da Vinci Code sequel, Angels
and ____
3 Fearless star, Jet
4 ____ Night Lights
5 Throw in your hand at poker
6 S. African golfer, Ernie ___
8 A billion years
10 He made Tha Carter albums, Lil
____
11 Negative
16 Judy Garlands part in The Wizard
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 frst name
27 Blood group
28 French for this
Find answers on page 4
c r o s s w o r d
vip magazine
g u e s t c o l u m n
vip voices
text by Holli Petersen
I
t 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 held
hostage in a womans dressing room for
thirty tortuous minutes.
Before you pack a pistol in your purse,
let me assure you that my assailant was
not some raving maniac, victimizing
women 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 collar
and powder blue buttons up the back.
Even from across the department store
foor, I knew I was in love.
It was retro-chic! It paired perfectly
with a pair of pumps in my closet! It was
75% of!
And, it was also about three sizes too
small
Love must be blind because I somehow
convinced myself to try on a dress that
clearly wouldnt ft me.
I rationalized that it was a fairly forgiv-
ing silhouette. And, I did actually work
out a couple of times in the past month.
Oh! Didnt someone ask me if Id lost some
weight the other day?
My mind was happily aboard this
rose-colored train of thought until I hit an
abrupt stop.
Ohhhhh crap.
With the dress gathered around my
neck, I had inserted each of my arms into
the impossibly small sleeves, where they
had become quite permanently stuck, im-
mobilized straight out at my sides in the
most unnatural of positions. Think Chris
Farley 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 rest
of my body was quite exposed, meaning
requesting assistance from a sales clerk
wasnt the most desirable option.
My love for this dress soured as quickly
as it had blossomed. I was suddenly
enraged. I began physically wrestling with
the fabric groaning and grunting and
pulling with all my strength. I shudder to
imagine what other shoppers might have
thought was going on in that dressing
room.
After twenty minutes of struggle, I had
only managed to work the dress farther
down my body, thus pinning my arms to
my side instead of in the air. Though I now
had a bit more range of movement, I was
still utterly trapped within the confnes of
a much-too-tight dress.
Like tourniquets, the sleeves hemline
began choking the circulation from my
arms, leaving them tingling and numb.
Running on pure adrenaline, I went into
survival mode and began frantically
searching the deepest, darkest confnes
of my purse for a tool to release me from
my self-imposed prison. My eforts didnt
yield much just an old tube of Carmex
lip balm. But, desperate times call for
drastic measures, and in total MacGyver
form, I began to coat my arms in lip balm,
praying that the extra lubrication would
help coax the sleeves of my arms.
You better believe I was ofering up
some of the most fervent prayers of my
life, begging God to free me and promis-
ing to never, ever do something so stupid
again.
I dont know if it was prayer or Carmex
that saved me (probably a combination of
both), but with one giant tug, the dress
came of, leaving me sweaty, and my arms
splotchy and bruised.
I quickly threw my clothes back on and
took one fnal look at the disheveled mess
in the mirror.
What was the point of this experience?
Yes, clearly I needed to get back in
shape and overcome a fair amount of
denial.
But, what I saw in the mirror was a
woman at war with herself, constantly
trying to reconcile who she was with who
she wanted to be, and forever waiting for
something as inconsequential as a scale
or a number on a clothing tag to make me
happy.
In that moment, I declared a cease fre.
With a Kleenex, I wiped the lip balm of
my arms and walked out of that dressing
room with my head held high.
And, though I didnt quite look the
part, Ive never felt quite so victorious.
Self-Esteem: 1, Dress: 0 VIP
Addressing Reality

Style: Acts Acts

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Style: Acts Acts

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

acts

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi