(Blog Sunday 7/26/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: This week both Liz and I attended the Music Theatre of Wichita (MTW) production of Annie. It was a good show packed with wonderful songs, delightful comedy, and a bracing dose of optimism! The good show was made great through the efforts of a talented cast. Michael DeVries played Oliver Warbucks to a tee on somewhat of a “busman’s holiday” as he took a brief vacation from the Broadway cast of Wicked to perform at MTW. Miss Hannigan was very ably portrayed by Jennifer Perry in her MTW debute. The Annie role was very capably handled by Alyssa Danley, a 14 year old with an outstanding vocal presence. The role of Sandy was played by Labradoodle named Dudley. He is a trained therapy dog whose trainer and companion, Kelly Spencer is affiliated with the Family Dog Training and Behavioral Center. This large cast had too many others to recognize each and every one. However, there was one little gem who deserves special recognition. Laura Smith, age 7, played Mollie in a particularly charming and endearing way. The Wichita Eagle has put up a photo gallery of the MTW production.

July 26-August 1, 2010: Some of the things of potential interest going on in Wichita and surrounding communities this week include:

The Wichita Wingnuts, Wichita’s professional baseball team, host the 2010 American Association All-Star Game on Tuesday. Game time is 7:05 pm at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Ticketing information is available at the Wingnuts’ website or by calling (316) 264-NUTS.

On Wednesday night the Cotillion features Seasons After with special guests 2 Cents plus Taking Dawn. Seasons After is a five piece Rock/Metal band from the Wichita that was formed in late 2006. Showtime is 7:00 pm. Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat online or by calling (316) 722-4201.

On Thursday evening Watermark Books and Café and Artifacts present a a special “Poems & Polaroids” two-part event. At 7:00 pm, writer and filmmaker Kate McBride will read and sign books at Watermark. She will then appear at an art show and reception five doors down at Artifacts. Both businesses are located in the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center. Both events are free.

Also on Thursday night at the Cotillion there will be a fundraiser for Heartspring featuring Magic Slim & The Teardrop. The show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat online or by calling (316) 722-4201.

On Friday night, the Museum of World Treasures will be holding a fundraiser entitled “A Night of Treasures – Bella Note.” A romantic Italian evening will include handsome Roman Gladiators roaming throughout the museum, complimentary wine and beer, souvenir glasses for purchase to enjoy “Bottomless Bellini’s,” a caricature artist to capture your enjoyment, silent and live auctions, and commemorative photos of your Night of Treasures! The event will be emceed by B98’s Tracy Cassidy and Brett Harris. Music will be by Roberto Bernardinello and Il Portico with food by Blue Moon Caterers. A live auction will be conducted by auctioneer Ryan Caffrey. Tickets may be purchased online at the Museum’s website or by calling (316) 263-1311.

Also on Friday, Watermark Books and Café will be holding an exhibit opening and reception for artist Lee Shiney. The reception is from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. As a special bonus, KMUW 89.1 FM will be there with Freddy’s Frozen Custard to “fill your mug!” Bring your KMUW mug that night from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., and Freddy’s will fill it with frozen custard. There will also be live music and a fun tchotchkes table! This is one of several free Final Friday events.

Three other Friday events are the Power 93.9 Freaknic Jam with Plies at the Hartman Arena, Joan Armatrading at the Cotillion, and Marvin Hamlisch at the Orpheum Theatre. Showtimes and ticketing details may be found at the appropriate venue’s website.

The 39th Annual Powwow will be held at the Mid-America All-Indian Center on Saturday (1:00 pm to 10:00 pm) and Sunday (12:00 pm to 6:00 pm). This event features dance competitions, arts & crafts booths and a court. Admission to the powwow is free, and admission to the Museum is discounted.

There are still more things to do! Check the All About Wichita calendar for additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.