Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque"

Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Spotlight Gala at Addison, Texas’ lovely WaterTower Theater. It was heartwarming to be in a room full of hundreds of people all of whom had gathered to show their support for the arts. If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and love the live performing arts, a visit to the WaterTower Theater is a must. Take a look at their Web site. Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin and his team always do a superb job with their productions. If you’ve not been to the WaterTower, you simply must attend one of their performances.

It was an unusually late night for me, so under the guise of “President’s Day,” I’m taking a day off from the usual updates to Stalking the Belle Époque. However, tomorrow, we’ll be back with the usual articles and exciting artifacts.

There’s a lot of good stuff coming up this week. We’ll be visiting Thomas Jefferson’s gorgeous Monticello and taking a look at some of the inventions that Mr. Jefferson contributed to both the arts and everyday life.

Across the pond, in England, a host of gorgeous art and objects await our eager eyes. We’ll be visiting some of the magnificent paintings and sculptures collected by Britain’s Royal Family over the centuries. Alluring gems, fantastic artifacts and intimate glimpses into the personal life of history’s most interesting personalities are all in store for us.

Two classic films are on the docket as well as a look into two of the most hardworking performers in the film and television industry. A look at an exciting contemporary artist is also planned for next week. So, make sure to stop by to see all of the exciting things I’ve got coming up for you.

In Punch’s Cousin, last week, we saw poor Mr. Punch/Julian recovering from his gunshot wound and mourning the death of his loyal friend/valet Naasir. With the meddling of Barbara Allen and Marie Laveau, a new man has entered the lives of Robert and Punch/Julian. Will Charles Van Eyck prove to be as loyal as Naasir or will he show himself as being in league with the forces which are viciously working against the Duke of Fallbridge? Let’s not forget that Ulrika Rittenhouse has managed to get the Molliner Blue Diamond back into her clutches. Of course, this won’t sit well with Iolanthe Evangeline who never cares for the interference of others. It promises to be a riveting week with Punch’s Cousin. I look forward to sharing it with you.

Here’s wishing everyone a great week! If you’re having a lazy Sunday like I am, perhaps you’d enjoy a little 1955-style glimpse into the world of mental health. The 1955 drama, The Cobweb, directed by Vincente Minelli and starring Oscar Levant, Lauren Bacall, Lillian Gish and others is a tawdry, brightly colored look into a mental hospital. It’s much ado about curtains, and lots of overwrought fun.