#highstreettimes

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PHOTODUMP by Daniel Pemberton

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PALT.  EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL

By: Derek Womack

Do you remember when you were a kid, that hesitant thrill right before you got on your favorite roller coaster?  (In this case, splash mountain might make a better comparison)     Tonight, as I stepped into the theatre, everything covered in plastic like some Dexter inspired murder, I felt that thrill again. Now, let me be honest, I haven't been to PALT in over 15 years, and at the very best I expected... well, something far less than this. I did not expect to laugh, damn near constantly.  I did not expect to get chills as the tape begins to recite the spells.  I definitely did not expect.. this much fun... at a musical... of a franchise I'm so attached to.    This was a no holds barred, no punches pulled, hilarious ride of slapstick violence and profanity, laughs that stayed true to the tone of the Evil Dead franchise.   Simply put, EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL was just plain fun. This is not a traditional family performance.  If you get bothered by words or cartoon-esq violence.. this is not the play for you.  For the rest of you, you need to take this ride... and bring a rain coat.  It gets messy as hell TIPS for surviving PALT's EVIL DEAD: The Musical 1.  Wear old clothes that you wouldn't mind if they get messed up 2.  Leave your phone in the car. (Or at least put it in a zip-lock bag) 3. Buy a poncho in the lobby.

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The Lonesome West Review

By Daniel Pemberton

Local theater troupe Ad Hoc Beaumont recently premiered its latest production, an adaptation of The Lonesome West, a dark comedy by contemporary Irish playwright Martin McDonagh (Also known for his directorial/writing work for the screen with In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, and his latest, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri). The story takes place in the town of Leenane, a truly dismal place on the west coast of Ireland. Its occupants spend their days drowning themselves in Poteen (which, for the uninitiated, is a very, very strong traditional Irish beverage), watching their all-female football team and. . .well… that's about it. The audience is thrown into the story of two of the town’s most vile residents, the brothers Coleman and Valene Conner (played by Michael Mason and Michael Saar respectively), whose preferred form of family bonding involves instigating petty squabbles that quickly ignite into explosive acts of violence against one another. Coleman (Michael Mason) is loud, abrasive, and lazy, preferring to sit around and read an old issue of “Take A Break” rather than bring any real money into the household. Valene (Michael Saar) is obsessive and neurotic, making sure to measure his poteen reserves often to make sure his brother has not been drinking any (he has) and always bringing home new figurines of Jesus, the saints, and the Virgin Mary (under the impression that somehow the more he collects the higher his chances will be of getting into Heaven). The two’s only certifiable friend is the local priest, Father Welsh (a standout performance by Jody Reho), an alcoholic in the midst of a serious crisis of faith (“His 12th this week”!) due to a recent string of deaths in his parish. The trio is occasionally visited by Girleen (Heather Rushing), a quick witted schoolgirl who makes her money by selling poteen to Valene. The plot follows the brothers as their relationship begins to deteriorate in the wake of their father's death by way of a tragic shotgun accident. As the brother’s feud heats up, so does their appetite for self-destruction.

Ad Hoc’s production pulls out all of the stops in its rendering of McDonagh’s words. The play takes place entirely in the sad little hovel owned by the brothers and the detail put into the set design is excellent, considering how much of it is abused by Mason and Saar as they act out their character’s over-the-top quarrels. There are many clues and nuances to the brothers’ relationship that are imparted solely through the set, I won’t spoil anything but keep an eye on those figurines (speaking of which, I don’t think I have ever seen that much religious iconography coalesced outside of a Catholic church). Stage management was swift throughout the production despite a few hiccups and sound and lighting was consistent. Special props given to the soundtrack, a collection of traditional Irish songs as well as some more modern tunes that add a superb sonic variety to the play as well as a tasteful accompaniment to the more moving scenes. As for the acting, it was impressive as usual for Ad Hoc. Rushing is commendable as the irreverent Girleen, portraying her well as a young woman holding her own and bringing a much needed feminine voice to a world of depressed and violent men. Pay special attention to a moving scene between her and Father Welsh where Rushing’s acting talent is put on show. Saar’s Valene is just as he should be, manic and constantly wound up. Mason plays a pitch perfect Coleman, paranoid and animal, a time bomb with a constantly burning fuse. His body language portrays a man who appears relaxed but is always plotting his next odious move against whoever crosses him next. But it is Reho’s performance as Father Welsh that steals the show here. Reho takes his character’s gradual disillusionment with the certainty of faith and creates something both humorous and compelling. Watching the only character with any moral center in the play gradually deteriorate in the face of the utterly corrupt Coleman brothers brings home the many questions raised by the McDonagh about the place of religion in a world that seems increasingly morally bankrupt.

McDonagh’s writing is bleak, nihilistic, and cynical in all the right ways, something the talented people at Ad Hoc understand. This is easily a must-see performance and one of the most impressive the group has put on. They deftly balance the moments of violence, humor, and emotional catharsis into a production that stays with you long after you leave the theater.

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Bore-O-Scopes: November 2016

Where the stars align to make sure no one lives in Boremont, TX.

 Scorpio

Happy birthday, Scorpios! November brings you all of the good feels. Celebrate your birthday and the upcoming good times with a couple of live shows. Check out the Harlequins and the Ron Jeremies at the LogOn on the 4th and then hit up Band Nite at TASI on the 26th. The stars see you enjoying a delicious birthday treat from Rao’s. Bring a friend and share a tiny cake or a couple of seasonally decorated sugar cookies. The stars are available and love dessert. Just sayin’.

Sagittarius

This month you’re saying thanks for the good times that keep on rolling. Deep down inside, we all want to be your peep, so get out there and get talking to people. Head over to TASI on the 5th for their group art show. Hangout for a while and then go get a drink with friends (or new friends). Get your jam on at the LogOn on the 18th with performances by the Matchsellers, Cody, and Greg Jr. Find you a #LovelyLeo and buy them a drink.

 Capricorn

The cooler weather gives your life some chill, and the stars are happy to see that you’re filling in your missing pieces with shiny new additions. When you swagger into the group art show at TASI on the 5th, you won’t be faking it this time. Get your wine on while you soak up some culture and chat up some great friends. Follow up with Lacie Grant’s show at High Street Gallery on the 12th. This month is all about the arts.  

 Aquarius

The stars are still making an “O” face over how dirty you got last month. Make November the month that you class things up a bit. Wear something nice to TASI on the 5th. Make a donation, get some wine, and use your words instead of your bod to make a connection. Continue your art-ventures at High Street Gallery on the 12th for Lacie Grant’s show. Bring a classy snack to share. The stars recommend something with pretzels.  

 Pisces

Heyyy. The stars know you know what the extra y’s mean. Go find someone you want to send an extra y to at the Texas Rose Saloon on the 2nd. You can watch The Head and Here/After while you wink at hotties. Buy a drink for a #TastyTaurus. Bring some drinks and a snack to share to Lacie Grant’s show at High Street Gallery on the 12th. The stars hope you’ll bring one of the sugar cookies with icing from Rao’s. The stars really like those.

 Aries

November might be a bumpy ride for you, but it will all work out because you have some fun shows to attend. Check out Total Strangers and Mangata at the Red Room on the 3rd. Afterwards, run down Crockett Street. Have your friends document this for the internet (tag the stars). Party at the LogOn on the 18th while you enjoy the show put on by the Matchsellers, Cody, and Greg, Jr.

  Taurus

Everything about you screams, “I’m classy AF!” The stars know all of your secrets, though. Just embrace the mess of life this month, starting at the LogOn on the 4th. Grab a bunch of beers, hit on your friends, post incriminating pics on the internet, and watch the Harlequins and the Ron Jeremies. Continue the party at TASI on the 5th. Thanksgiving will have you feeling amorous, so seek out the arms of a Pisces or a Capricorn.

Gemini

You bring a party to everyone’s pants. Maybe reel it in a bit. Slow your roll at the Vhaus movie night on the 10th. Eat some pie and repeat the following to yourself: “I do not have to be the life of the party. Sometimes I can just be the grape juice of the party. The fermented grape juice.” Oh, wait. Just go to band night on the 26th. Bring enough alcohol to share (or rootbeer if you don’t/can’t drink). This is important.

Cancer

We see you crying over there. Don’t be so sad! There’s technically still a month of pumpkin shit. It’s just not as fun anymore since Halloween is over. Put on some clothes (NOT pajamas) and head over to Rao’s for a festive Thanksgiving cookie. Feel better? Go look at some art at TASI on the 5th. When Thanksgiving ends and they finally tear the pumpkins from your desperate fingertips, head back to TASI for band nite. It will cheer you up.

Leo

Your style is roaring this month, you #LovelyLeo. Strut your bad self around town, starting at the Texas Rose Saloon on the 2nd, where you can check out The Head and Here/After. Mingle with friends and art lovers at TASI on the 10th, and then check out band nite at TASI on the 26th. Pay it forward and try to cheer up a cancer. They’re #pumpkicking their habit.

 Virgo

You’ve caught pumpkin fever. We all realize that, but it’s no reason to try to force your family and friends to all bake individual pumpkin pies. This is not normal, mmmkay? Instead of hosting a pumpkin party, order a pie from Rao’s and then head over to the Vhaus movie night on November 10. You can share the pie and make some friends for life.  

Libra

Why ya got the blues, Libras? It’s time to give thanks, so perk yourself up by heading over to the Red Room on the 3rd to see Total Strangers and Mangata. Feeling overwhelmed by all of the thankfulness? Head over to band nite at TASI on the 26th and let the beats clear your head. Hook up with a Gemini to get your drank on and have a good time. They’ll know what’s up.

 Star Tip: Are you over 18 and not #theworst? November 8th is Election Day! Celebrate your right to vote by actually doing it. Then grab some drinks, a few snacks, and some friends to ride out the night. We can do this, America. Just think of tomorrow when it will all be over and we’ll just need to put out a few burning trash cans before we have three blessed years free of presidential campaigning.

By: Danielle Husband

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I was immediately transported into a wondrously elaborate dream fueled by twisted fairy tales and cautionary folklore. Woodland critters and flesh eating creatures cover the gallery walls. Each beautiful and beastly image more intricate then the next. Multiple layers of textures interwoven by stitching and covered in a gorgeous gooey coating. It's a mixed media wonderland and Ann Wood is an installation master. From the tiny flowers to doll hair nest Wood creates life through each intricate layer.  As i wandered under the glowing canopy of florals and webbing i was overcome with nostalgia of childhood. Memories and emotions whirled through me leaving me wanting more more more One visit is simply a tease so take advantage of this EYE CANDY up through November 27th Ann Wood:Curtain Call at The Art Museum of Southeast Texas

By: Gina Garcia

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On first glance, Unu appears as if they'd be right at home playing at the annual Rainbow Gathering. There's a distinct bohemian vibe about the quintet that’s realized once you hear them play their set. Each song envelopes you with a casually inviting atmosphere. A frequent on Southeast Texas' live music circuit, Unu has performed at a myriad of local venues. Some of their favorite being The Log On Cafe, The Publicity and the Gig. Their latest performance is this month at the Red Room on Crockett Street which is where hip-shaking, vocalist and one-fifth of the group, Madeleine Brewer, remembers one of their most memorable shows. Unu's performance was in support of Good Grief's "out of this world", deep space themed album release party. She recalls seeing a familiar full head alien mask floating atop different bodies throughtout the night. It was particularly funny because it was the mask she'd worn to the show. And that's something to be expected with Unu, a laid-back, fun time. The current line-up includes Brewer, Neel Vora contributing on keyboard, Kyle Gaspard on bass, Axel Odom on guitar and percussionist Cole Winters with the former three contributing vocally. This wasn't always the case since Unu's initial conception back in 2013. After performing a few shows that year, the group went on hiatus throughout 2014 to pursue personal obligations. Two members left the band allowing Winters and Brewer to hop on board forming the line-up we see today. The ultra relaxed personality of the music and members translates over to their songwriting process as well. "There's no one certain way we write our songs. We all put our thoughts and influences into every song," indulges Brewer. "Sometimes a song can be finished in one practice session and some songs simmer on the back burner for weeks before we figure out what we want from it."Luckily is currently cooking up a seven track extended play that'll be released within the next few months alongside an album release show. If you can't wait until then you can get your dosing of Unu by liking and following their Facebook page (UnU) and Tumbr account (unumusic). The band plans to continue writing new music and eventually planning their first tour. Another important goal of Unu's members is to work to become better friends, musicians and human beings. I think it's safe to say they'll figure it out!

By: Jerica Carrier

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“Party in the Pines: Halloween Edition” Entertains Guys and Ghouls”

by Taylor VanDevender [email protected]

By day, the brick house at 7515 North Major Drive looks like an average family home surrounded by innocuous pine trees in a friendly neighborhood. But once in a while, there comes a night where the path in those pine trees is illuminated by string lights and opened to lovers of music and merriment. The walkway leads partygoers to a huge clearing in the woods, wrapped in even more string lights to welcome people to the main stage and the inviting fire pit. This wooded wonderland has come to be known as “Party in the Pines,” and the Halloween edition was not one to miss. While the residents of the home had enjoyed the comfort of the forest since childhood, the first official “Party in the Pines” was held in July as a send-off for beloved Beaumonster Tack Somers before he moved to Louisiana. Since then, the space has hosted birthday parties and a variety of other small gatherings. The Halloween edition boasted more music and more fun, featuring a four-band bill, an appearance by KJ Bradford’s new food truck Le Poulet Chariot, and a now-popular live screenprinting setup by local artist Kevin Clay. One of the members of the PITP Team revealed that the current plan is to host these events every quarter. “The reception that I’ve got from these parties that I’ve been hosting here has been very good.” The source assured that further plans are currently in the works to continue improving the space, saying, “I can only promise you that the next parties that we’re going to have out here are going to be better and better.”

The magical night began with a performance from Hotel Dieu, whose debut show was held at the first Party in the Pines. The band classifies their sound as “indie/electric/funk/groovy goodness.” Their set was goodness indeed, and established the perfect party vibes for the crisp autumn evening. Their sound carried to the street and drew attendees down the path as they arrived for the evening. Julia Rodriguez complimented the guys and described the magnetic atmosphere they created for people. “They were up in the front, and they were listening, and they were clapping…they must have been feeling it.” You can sample their wares at www.reverbnation.com/hoteldieu.

Following the initial wave of fresh funk, Delicious Fuzz took the stage to entertain guests with their signature brand of irreverent punk rock. Listeners kicked up the dust around the trees as they hopped into the mosh pit, playfully shoving each other around and jumping on each other’s backs. Madison Marse talked about her love of Delicious Fuzz’s sometimes-controversial subject matter and always-rowdy lyrics. “This was my first time seeing them! They’re really good. I liked them. I think most people are probably too afraid to be that open.” Visit them at www.deliciousfuzz1.bandcamp.com, where you can hear their music and purchase their latest EP.

The next band to grace the crowd was the Ron Jeremies, known around Southeast Texas for their bluesy tunes and funky rhythms. The area that hosted a rough mosh pit only minutes before had now been transformed into a jazzy dance floor as the group, who came dressed as the Ghostbusters, filled the clearing with soul. The recent addition of Caleb Landry’s saxophone talents brought the performance to a whole new level, mused Kat Werner, who recalls hearing the band before this development. “It’s very soulful now, and it’s a lot more fun to be involved. I like that [lead singer] Latricia [Badgett] gets involved in the crowd a lot. It’s a lot of fun.” Find them on the web at www.reverbnation.com/theronjeremies.

The night closed out with local indie rockers Total Strangers, well-known for their infectious riffs that will make even the most sour partygoer get up and dance. By this time, the crowd in the forest was thick with costumed guests, including a lion and lion tamer, Selena, the universe, and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Shea Duerler described the set as “high energy,” saying, “People were dancing, grooving, getting into it.” Total Strangers has a scheduled mini-tour for the beginning of November, so keep up to date with them at www.totalstrangers.net.

“Party in the Pines: Halloween Edition” hosted over 200 local music fans that night with a little something for everyone—lovers of funk and punk, of dance and design, of food and fun. Only time will tell what the next “Party in the Pines” will bring to Beaumont, but one thing is certain: you will not want to miss it. Follow Victoria House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to make sure you’re in the know, so you can join us for more forest festivities.

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Olivia Gardner written by Julia Rodriguez photo by Tyler Hargraves

“I adored the queens. I looked up to them in a way that I don't think young people now look up to us. But I never wanted to do drag.” Scott Massey says with a twinkle in his eye.

           “What?”

           “It’s true!” He nods earnestly.

           “Well…then how did it happen?”

             It started with music. Scott described himself as a “lonely gay kid” with a background many of us could relate to. Scott was raised in Beaumont in an extremely religious atmosphere that profoundly impacted him. “I even wanted to go to seminary school.” He and his twin sister entered dance competitions that fueled his love for performing.

           “I was so shy in high school that dance was my escape from my family life and everything else. I would go to the clubs on a Saturday and dance the night away by myself. I didn’t associate with anyone, not to be rude, I was just in my own world.”

           Being in a small city, or from a rural town, and feeling misunderstood by everyone except for the singers in our earbuds, is a sentiment that many of us can relate to. But how did Scott go from a shy 18 year old, dancing at gay clubs, to the powerhouse queen that commands the stage as Olivia Gardner?

           “The definitive moment [when I decided I would do drag] was when I was hanging out with a friend of mine who did drag and she was like ‘What do I do, what song should I do?’ and I was giving her idea after idea after idea and after a little bit I thought - I’m going to do it.” Scott says.

           The song he picked was “To Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn. “It was the first album I bought by myself with my money.”

           His costume? Picture it: “I had a maxi satin quilted Marsha Brady skirt, a feather boa…Priscilla Queen of the Desert had just some out…I was hideous.”

           I found this surprising because one of my favorite parts about seeing Olivia Gardner perform is how thoroughly stunning her costumes always are. I, nor anyone else I know, can recall ever seeing her wear the same thing twice.

            At Vhaus Goth Night, she had a plaid jacket with long fringe hanging from the sleeves that was actually made of hair extensions, long skirts, and crows perched on her shoulders, whispering the secrets of the universe.

           Scott credits his skills in looking at a piece of clothing and creating ways to alter it to his experience growing up with a dad who was “obsessed with keeping up with the Joneses, and we had to dress like we had money even though we didn’t. So we would go to thrift shops and buy clothes and my mom would sew buttons or something to make it look like everyone else.”

           If you asked him why he’s found success in Olivia, he would attribute it to being educated in the art form, the support of friends and (drag) sisters, and being a genuine person. 

           “I went to all the shows and supported the club. If someone didn't have all the makeup, we’d all pitch in. We made fliers for our shows.” Basically, he put in the work.

           And after performing for nearly twenty-three years, the confidence that beams from every cell in her fabulous body is blinding, but not intimidating. She welcomes everyone she meets and is never catty or rude, even for comedy’s sake. Because the best part of an Olivia Gardner show isn’t the songs, dance moves, or costumes - it’s her accessibility and interest in people.

           “It’s the small things that bring people joy - and that’s what its about. If a lesbian goes out for the first night in a year after her partner died, and my show makes her smile, that’s what it’s about. If a kid in the corner watches me perform and it means something to them, that’s why I do it.”

And you can tell he means it with every fiber of his being.

           “The experiences and friend’s I’ve had - that’s something within myself. That’s something that can never be taken away from me. This works for me. I have all these fulfilling things in my life…and some people can say ‘Oh its not all that or Oh it can’t be that great.’ I focus on the positives. I see bands, and have conversations, and see my friends make art, and go see movies with my mom on Sundays…everyone can have this kind of life. It truly is great.”

Someone make an inspirational meme out of that.

           It’s funny that “To Be Real” was the song that Scott picked, because it ended up being the subconscious anthem that guided his life. To be real. To be himself. Or herself. “When you meet Scott, you are meeting Olivia. I answer to both.”

           Leading up to that first talent night that changed the course of his life forever, Scott says he “got nothing but opposition. But I did it anyway. And I won. And then I went to finals and I won that.”

Damn straight.

>>> COME SEE! <<< Olivia Gardner performs at Halloween Band Nite on Oct 29 (Her birthday performance!)

and then at The Red Room on 11/11 with Ladies Who Lunch!