Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

A true to life David and Goliath story performed on the real Houston stage – what could be better? PUNCTURE isn’t pretty but the true tale told is appealing. Think “Erin Brockovich” meets “Silk”

Chris Evans (still apologizing for the Captain America thing) turns in an electric performance as Mike Weiss, a local, passionate, talented yet functioning drug addicted lawyer who meets his biggest enemy in the mirror each morning.  He and his partner Paul Danziger (Mark Kassen) stumble upon a personal injury case involving a suffering Houston ER nurse pricked by a contaminated needle. This encounter quickly evolves into a huge legal battle to expose corrupt companies refusing to even consider distribution of newly patented safer needles that could save countless lives.

Many scenes are seedy and will make your skin crawl – and those are just the ones with the lawyers. It’s a movie that will make you think – and make you glad you took the time. Look for lots of local scenery in this independent film depicting 1998 Houston . PUNCTURE is showing at the Landmark River Oaks Theater.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

Some things never get old – they just get better. Such is the case of the new original production of Guys and Dolls at the Hobby Center running through October 7. This musical is all TUTS – and the quality shows.

As a plot review – here is the story in a nutshell: When chronic gambler, Nathan Detroit, finds himself in need of funds to support his floating craps game, Save-a-Soul Missions ultimate good girl Sgt. Sarah Brown, becomes the center of a wager between gamblers Nathan and Sky Masterson. Saddled with an additional distraction, Nathan must keep his long-time show-girl fiancé, Adelaide, from finding out about his continued gambling while dodging a trip down the aisle and the police. Throw in a pack of dancing gamblers and all bets are off with this golden age swing-era musical comedy and winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Musical Revival

1981 beauty queen (Former Miss America) Susan Powell plays Sarah and is no stranger to the TUTS stage.

“I love working in Houston – and I love to eat Tex Mex,” she said. The Oklahoma native lives in New York and is excited about the cast. “98% of them are from New York.”

This Damon Runyon classic is her favorite musical. Powell has played the role several times in her 30 year career and loves the extremes of the character.

“In the beginning she is so righteous and then she gets drunk and becomes just the opposite. I love this role – and I play a great drunk!” she laughed.

Indeed, she fits into the cast like a well tailored glove, entertainingly sliding from “good girl” to “good time girl” with little effort.

Chasing after Brown’s affection is Sky Masterson, performed by Joseph Mahowald.  Audiences will remember Mahowald most recently from 2010’s 9 to 5 as Franklin Hart, Jr.  He has also appeared in Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde and Les Misérables.

Acting in the role of loveable chronic gambler Nathan Detroit is Matt Merchant whose regional credits include the title role in Bye Bye Birdie as well as Beauty and the Beast and Carousel.  Starring opposite Merchant is longtime Broadway professional Jen Cody as Miss Adelaide, Detroit’s fiancée for 14 years and lead entertainer at the Hot Box.  Cody last appeared at TUTS as Bonnie Latour in Anything Goes and lists Cats and Beauty and the Beast among her Broadway credits.

Guys and Dolls officially starts Sept 27 CLICK HERE for tickets!

How DELISH!!! With the new cooler weather and the breeze blowing across the lawn there isn't a better way to spend a Sunday morning/afternoon than this! At least not one that DISH can think of! We just might be there every Sunday!

It says it's only THIS Sunday September 25, but DISH is convinced that it will be such a success it will be a regular event! At least we hope so!

The best part..it's ONLY $27! WOW!

DISHIES!!! Do you love...we mean LOVE food??? Tell us how much you love food and the best story wins tickets to this weekend's Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining show!! PAULA DEEN WILL BE PUTTING ON 3 SHOWS!! OOOHH Pass the Butterrrrrrr CLICK HERE to sobmit your story!

The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show is THIS weekend at Reliant Center and headlined by celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and Food Network star Paula Deen, with special guest Heloise, the writer, author, and speaker who specializes in lifestyle hints and hails from San Antonio, Texas. The "Queen of Merrymaking," Tara Wilson of Dallas, rounds out the show’s stars.

The James Beard Foundation has partnered with the event, presenting a rotating roster of Texas-based talent set to entertain and enlighten attendees on an exclusive cooking stage. The current list of James Beard affiliated chefs includes Chefs Bryan Caswell and Robert Del Grande of Houston, Chef Jason Dady of San Antonio, and Chefs Ty Thoren, John Tesar, Larry Matson, Scott Gottlich, and Gina Gottlich from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

More personalities are conducting a variety of workshops over the weekend, including entertaining and event décor expert Rebekah Johnson, cake decorating aficionados Cynthia Bayne and Sheila Brooks, enviro-centric Tru Meals owner Renee Herndon, and etiquette authority Virginia Johnson, all of Houston. Lecturers from around Texas and beyond round out the list of talent on hand to discuss such far-ranging topics as chocolate, knife skills, coffee beans, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and food and travel writing.

Amidst the live discussions and demonstrations with Paula Deen, Heloise, and the rest of the impressive list of participants will be a labyrinth of vendor booths featuring samples and wares from more than 100 exhibitors. Local and international specialty foods and food-related products will be for sale throughout the weekend.

General Admission tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. Children ages 4-12 are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Children ages 4 and younger are free. General Admission tickets allow entrance to demonstrations, entertaining presentations, and vendor booths on the exhibit hall floor. Additional tickets are required for special events, such as a luncheon with Paula Deen and entry to special lectures by the headliners. For a full listing of events and tickets, visit www.metrocooking.com.