A Season for Giving

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness. We celebrate with our family and friends, sharing love and laughs, giving thanks and gifts. If you are anything like me, the holidays are also a time of introspection. It is a time to slow down and take a good look at your life. Many of us have an overabundance of things to be thankful for, even if we don’t always feel like we do. If you have a roof over your head, shoes on your feet, and food on your plate, you are doing better than many. Perhaps those things may not seem like luxuries, but there are a multitude of people in our very own community that do not have access to the things we often take for granted. That is why the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter of Texarkana needs YOUR help.

The Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter (RSOS) has been serving the citizens of Texarkana for over twenty-three years. Randy Sams’ aim is to help those struggling with homelessness and addiction to live a meaningful, happy, and productive life by equipping them with the necessary skills and support to do so. In addition to providing food and shelter at no cost, they offer many other services. Among these services are life skills classes, financial assistance programs, job training programs, prescription assistance, transportation assistance, and case management. They have bettered countless lives in their two decades of operation, and our community is incredibly lucky to have them.

With fall upon us, and winter closing in fast, RSOS finds themselves in great need of warm clothing items and accessories. Things like coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, headwear, socks, and blankets are in short supply.

In addition to these items, the Shelter has many other needs. They are always in need of cooking/serving and cleaning supplies. Their Be The Blessing Bakery also requires baking supplies. A complete list of specific needs can be found here. If you can help fulfill any, or all, of these needs, donations can be dropped off at the Shelter at any time between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you would simply like to make a monetary donation, those are also welcome. Donors have the option to make a one time donation, or sign up to give monthly or annually. For questions or concerns about donations, please contact the number below.

In addition to physical or monetary donations, there are other ways to lend a hand. If you are interested in donating your time, RSOS’ can always use volunteers. There are many ways to volunteer, such as hosting donation drives for shelter needs, or providing evening meals at the shelter. To volunteer your time or services, you can sign up online.

When it comes to donating, whatever it may be, you might think “I can’t give enough to make a difference,” but even the smallest gift can make a huge difference. You cannot change the world overnight, but you can do your part to make it a little brighter each day. Whatever you can do, or donate, will be greatly appreciated. After all, it is the least we can do for an organization that has been loving and caring for our community for over twenty years. While you are enjoying your holiday festivities with your family and friends, take a moment to spare a thought for those who are less fortunate. Spread joy and love wherever you can. Please make this holiday season a season of giving.


For more information on the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter and its programs, please visit them online or call 903-792-7024. You can also follow them on Facebook, and Twitter.

Veterans Day Parade

On Saturday, November 9, the local veterans participated in the annual Veterans Day Parade. Veterans Day is a day to honor the men and women who have served our country by keeping America safe and free. The theme this year is celebrating American Legion 100th year of service to veterans. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization to provide assistance and service for veterans, their families, military personnel in service, and communities. They help provide transportation to VA clinics, funeral services for veterans, and so much more.

The parade began at 11:00 am. In Downtown Texarkana. The route the parade took started at Broad St. then to Texas Blvd. to Third St. and finally to Stateline Ave. ending in front of the Post Office. There were an estimated fifty participants in the parade, including Texas A&M University-Texarkana’s Student Veterans Association Club (SVA). The attendance of the spectators was low for something as important as recognizing our veterans for all they gave us. Army Staff Sargent Larry David went to each of the high school bands to let the students know how much he appreciated them for taken time off from their Saturday to honor him and other local veterans. The Liberty-Eylau, Pleasant Grove, Texas High, and Arkansas High School bands showed him how proud they were to be there.

Veterans Week

Veterans Day is Monday, November 11, 2019. To honor our veteran students and the many veterans in our community, the Student Veteran Association (SVA) is hosting several activities this week. Veterans Day is to honor the military service members who have served and were honorably discharged or retired from the military.

Saturday, November 9 is the Veterans Day Parade held in Downtown Texarkana. The parade starts at 11:00 am. The SVA will have a float honoring our veterans. If you missed the parade there are plenty of other events you can attend to show your support.

Monday, November 11 from 3pm–9pm Golden Corral will be honoring our veterans with a free meal. Volunteers are needed to help with seating and other tasks. If you are not available to volunteer, a donation bucket will be available with the proceeds going to our local Disabled Veterans Chapter.

Tuesday, November 12 is the Bake Sale from 10am–2pm in the lobby area of the UC building. All proceeds will go to the SVA to help support programs for student veterans. Help is needed for providing baked goods to be sold.

Wednesday, November 13 the SVA will be cooking hamburgers and hotdogs along with providing yard games. Games will be from 10am -2pm and food will be served from 11:00 until gone. “Burgers, hotogs, drinks, and chips, for a bargin price of Free”, Mr. Hernandez said. “This is the SVA club’s way of thanking the campus for their support” VA’s Mobile Vet Center will be visiting the campus (adjacent to the BASS Building) during this event as well. The mobile center provides assistance and referral for veterans needed benefits and counseling if needed.

Thursday, November 14 is Movie Night from 7pm-11pm held in UC 217. Pizza and popcorn will be provided. The movie showing is Neighbors 2, a comedy about a couple trying to sell their house with a sorority next door. Help is needed for setup and clean up afterward.

Friday, November 15 is the Flag Ceremony Event from 10am-1pm at Eagle Hall. This event is to recognize student and community veterans. Cupcakes and punch will be provided. Guest speaker is Retired Col. Wiggins. Help will be needed for escorts, setups, and cleanup.

Show your support by helping, if you can, with any of these events this week. To find out more information about these events and how you can help contact Robert Hernandez at the Veteran Services Center located at 132 in the BASS building.

Travel Through Time with TexRep

The cover of Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time.

Books have always had the power to connect audiences of all ages across time and space, and Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time is no exception. Originally rejected by twenty-six publishers for dealing “overtly with the problem of evil” and being “too difficult for children” this beloved classic went on to win the Newbery Medal, the Sequoyah Book Award, and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. It was also nominated as runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. It has been adapted into audio books, a play, an opera, a graphic novel and two films (Disney released a TV movie in 2003, and a theatrical film in 2018 starring Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine). The Texarkana Repertory Company (TexRep) will bring this treasured story to the Stilwell Theatre at Texarkana College in November.

Hero Medina as Meg, Gabe Lohse as Charles Wallace, and Culen McElhannon as Calvin. (Credit: TexRep Facebook page)

As with any adaptation, there are some differences between the script and the original book, but the spirit of the work remains wholly intact. Some characters and scenes have been removed or rewritten for brevity’s sake, but the heart of the story is not lost. In this thrilling fantasy/science fiction adventure, siblings Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, along with their friend Calvin O’Keefe, travel through time and space to save their father who has gone missing following a mysterious scientific expedition. Along the way, they dive through wormholes, visit distant planets, and meet all manner of strange creatures. In order to save their father, and the world, the kids must overcome their fears and face an evil force as old as time itself. This is a story about the power of love, and the beauty that lies in unconventionality. As our heroes learn, sometimes the things we see as faults are actually our greatest strengths. Our differences make us unique, and they make us strong. This a story of empowerment for people of all ages, proving that everyone, even— and perhaps especially —children, has the power to change the world.

The cast of seventeen is made up of TexRep veterans and new faces alike. The show was originally intended to be performed by five actors playing multiple roles, but in this production, the roles were separated so that more actors could participate. In addition to a stellar cast, TexRep is relying on technical magic to bring this tale to life. Dazzling projections, colored lights, sound effects, and moving set pieces transport the audience to strange new worlds. These factors, in addition to special makeup and costuming, work in harmony to make this larger-than-life production as fantastical as the book it is based on. From a technical standpoint, this show is quite difficult, with literally hundreds of light, sound, and projection cues. The projections were generously loaned to TexRep by their friends at the Dallas Children’s Theatre. Artie Oliasen, who is an Artistic Associate of the DCT and a dear friend of Cooper, is the one who suggested the show. Cooper says, “I still look for new challenges, and this show both creatively and technically pushed us in great ways.” Although he doesn’t have a favorite scene, since the show isn’t divided into traditional scenes, he particularly enjoys the “Tessering” scenes (which refers to the sequences where the children travel through space-time) and he also finds the Man With Red Eyes (played by Austin Alford) to be very effective.

Director Michael Cooper and the cast of The Outsiders (2017) taking questions at Talk-Backs (Credit: TexRep Facebook page).

Although every play has meaning, the third show of every season is a particularly important one for TexRep. This slot is referred to as the “Educational show”. Generally, they choose a script that is based on some classic work that kids read in school. Recent “educational shows” include: The Great Gatsby, Twelfth Night (or What You Will), The Outsiders, and Shakespeare in Love. This slot is special because, in addition to regular evening performances, TexRep invites local middle and high schools to private showings on a school day. In a world where Arts programs often struggle just to exist, especially in a town our size, this is a great way to introduce kids to theatre and spark interest in the Arts. Of the matinees, Cooper says “To get all these kids to live theatre, to see how involved they get in the productions is amazing.” He added, “There are teachers who contact me at the beginning  of every school year to find out the dates because they and their kids love coming.” In addition, TexRep always collaborates directly with Texarkana College on educational shows in hopes that they function as a recruitment drive for prospective TC students, as well as celebrating the talent of current students. Perhaps the most fun part of these shows is the “Talk-Back” session. Following curtain call, the actors gather onstage in costume and the audience gets a chance to ask them questions. This opens a great (and often very entertaining) two-way dialogue between the students, teachers and the actors about the work itself and the creative process in general that they won’t get anywhere else. The educational slot is unique in that is the only show of the season that holds Talk-Backs. This particular show is also unique in that matinees will take place before the show officially opens.

This show has been a very rewarding experience for all involved. “It’s great to do a show that you can safely bring the entire family to,” Cooper said. While it is a kid-friendly show, he assures that it “plays on so many levels” that the adults will enjoy it just as much as the children. In today’s world, positive stories like this one are essential. Michael Cooper believes, “With all that is going on in the world that just feels so negative, any story that can mention Jesus, Mohammed, Da Vinci, and Gandhi in the same sentence needs to be told. The power of love can never be ignored.” Tickets for this show are available online, or at the door.

Performances of A Wrinkle in Time will be:

  • Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m.

The theatre doors will open thirty minutes prior to showtime.

(Click here for directions: Stilwell Humanities Building)

Admission prices are as follows:

  • General – $15
  • Senior (55+) – $12
  • Student (Child up to 18) – $12
  • Texarkana College (with valid ID) – $5

For tickets, information, or questions, please visit TexRep online. You can also connect with them on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram.

As set designer Chris Polson always says, “See you at the theatre!”

Texas High Twist on Theatrical Thriller

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of all things creepy, or you’re just looking to get in a spooky mood, many of us like to scare ourselves silly around Halloween. Some of us visit haunted mazes and trails, some attend or throw parties, some read ghost stories, but one of the most common (and one of my favorite) Halloween festivities is the increased consumption of horror films. Even those who might not normally like scary movies tend to indulge in the spirit of the season. Whether you prefer to be scared in person, or from the comfort of your couch, the Tiger Theatre Company is bringing the best of both worlds to Texarkana this weekend, as they open their production of Night of the Living Dead, LIVE! 

A still from Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Night of the Living Dead, LIVE! is a theatrical stage production based on George A. Romero’s classic 1968 film.The original plot follows a group of strangers who barricade themselves in a house in hopes of surviving a zombie outbreak. This film was significant in that it began a total reinvention of the horror genre. It also served as the birth of the modern zombie film, which continues to be wildly popular today, even five decades later. It was also significant in that it was highly controversial, since it featured an African-American hero and realistic sequences of gore and violence. Going into this, it is extremely important to understand that this is not a strict, line-for-line, shot-for-shot adaptation, it is a humorous re-imagining and celebration of the original film.

On their website, Samuel French says that, “The play lovingly examines the movie itself, the period in which it was made, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre.” Although it keeps most of the basic plot elements, there are differences. According to director Melissa Newton, rather than sticking to the film’s original ending, this version has multiple endings in which each character faces different difficulties while trying to make it through the night. This allows the audience to examine these various endings from multiple viewpoints, “through the lens of the 1960s”, as Newton put it. As in the film, all of the characters seem to be at odds with one another, which begs the question: will they kill each other before the zombies get the chance? Plot differences aside, Newton assures that the spirit of the original film is still very much intact. “People keep asking me if the play is scary,” she said, “It depends – if the original film scares you, then this will be very scary.” For those who are looking for a fright, do not fret! Newton says that there are definitely moments that will make audiences jump.

When asked why she chose this production, Newton began by explaining that the first production she directed at Texas High was Dracula. The THS Theatre Department’s technical director, Trent Hanna, enjoyed that production so much that he came to Newton in the spring and asked if they could do another “scary” show, since Dracula was so much fun. “Between the two of us, we must have read [every] version of Night of the Living Dead and none of them had the right feel,” Newton continued. As she was planning a trip to London, she noticed that a new version, titled Night of the Living Dead, LIVE!, was running on the West End. “Immediately, I ordered the script and read it,” she said, “It was perfect”. They particularly liked this version because it contained deeper social commentary, and it was very humorous. Newton says that this is more than just a “horror show”, and she cannot wait to share it with everyone.

The rehearsal process for this show has been quite intense. The cast consists of 38 actors, all Texas High School students. The production also boasts an impressive crew of seventeen. Both cast and crew went through rigorous training in stage combat, and the actors portraying zombies have put countless hours into perfecting their “zombie identities”. The company began by rehearsing three to four days a week, focusing on blocking and character development. Rehearsals became more frequent (and intense) as opening night drew closer and, by October, the cast and crew had begun running scenes with the zombies and technical elements. Due to the heavy use of technical elements in the show, they have also had several all-day tech rehearsals in order to get things running smoothly.

Although they work extremely hard, the cast and crew have fun as well. THS Junior Darby Robertson (who plays the role of Judy) shared a humorous moment between she and Connor Powell, the actor playing her love interest (Tom). While rehearsing a passionate kiss between the two characters, Powell accidentally collided with Robertson, busting her lip. “It is definitely something I will never forget,” she said, adding that the incident will “haunt Connor for the rest of his time in this theatre company.”

THS Senior Alex Cope, who is the chief of the lighting crew, said that he has greatly enjoyed doing tech for this show. Cope said, “My favorite thing about the show is, of course, the lights.” He particularly loves the way the lighting design makes the play “come to life”. According to Cope, when it comes to the rehearsal process, “seeing everyone grow in their scenes and become so invested is probably one of the best things. I’m definitely going to miss this.” One of the director’s favorite moments is a scene she refers to as the “sacrifice scene”. Newton chose not to elaborate on this moment, saying that she would leave it at that, in order to avoid “giving too much away.”

Although every production of any play is special for multiple reasons, what makes this show unique is that it has a peculiar color scheme… The set, costumes, and even the actors will be in full grayscale, as is the tradition with this play. This is meant to evoke the spirit of the black-and-white 35 millimeter film on which the original movie was shot. Special rehearsals were called in order to train the actors and crew members so their makeup would be just right. It will be interesting to see how they play with this effect. When asked about other special effects used in the show, Newton refused to divulge any further secrets. “You will have to be in the audience to see it,” she said.

Performances of Night of the Living Dead, LIVE! will be:

  • Friday, October 25 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 26 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 27 – 2:00 p.m.

Tickets will be available both online or at the door.

Admission prices are as follows:

  • Adults –  $10 in advance/online, $15 at the door
  • Students – $4 in advance/online, $5 at the door.
  • TISD employees receive FREE admission with badge.

(Click here for directions: John Thomas Theatre – Sullivan Performing Arts Center)

For questions or more information, contact Melissa Newton, or call 903-794-3891 (ext. 2408). For updates on this show and future shows, you can find the Tiger Theatre Company on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram.

Can YOU survive a night of the living dead?

The Tiger Theatre Company is making a point to stress that this production has a PG-13 rating, as it contains violence that may not be suitable for children. Parents should use caution and plan accordingly.

Fouke HS Drama Promises Ghoulish Good Time

Although countless creepy creatures have chilled and captivated audiences over the years, it is impossible to deny the overwhelming popularity of the zombie. Since George A. Romero’s horror classic Night of The Living Dead first terrified viewers back in 1968, the world has been infected with zombie fever. I do not think it’s a stretch to say that most of us have discussed with friends, or at least daydreamed about our plans in the event of a zombie apocalypse. That is, which locations can be easily fortified, where to find rations, which weapons are the most effective, and so on. 

For those of you yet to make your plans, or looking for inspiration, the Fouke High School Drama Department has the perfect production to kick-start a brainstorming session. Don Zolidis’ 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse is a hilarious and helpful field guide for navigating an Undead Armageddon. Consisting of ten short skit-like segments that demonstrate handy hints for staying alive, this silly and spooky show is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Director Josh “Coach” Jones chose this show in the spirit of the Halloween season, allowing the kids to let loose with something “quick and fun” before they start on their heavier and more intense shows. Unlike many productions in which the dialogue is set in stone and actors don’t get any say in their costumes, Jones has given his actors a higher degree of creative control. In this production, the actors were in charge of designing their own costumes, and improvisation has been encouraged (which I am told includes many references to classic zombie flicks). Although most of the actors are in high school, FHS has a tradition of casting elementary and middle school students in the spirit of inclusivity. This cast of eighteen consists of seasoned FHS Drama Department veterans, as well as fresh meat.


Performances of 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse will be:

  • Monday, October 14 at 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 15 at 7 p.m.

Admission will be $2 at the door.

(Click here for directions: Paulette Smith Middle School Auditorium)

For more information, as well as updates on future shows, you can find the Fouke High School Drama Department on Facebook. 

PGHS Takes Flight with Aladdin Jr

When it comes to entertainment, many people here assume you have to travel to a big city to find quality live shows or exposure to art or culture. Texarkana may be relatively small, but it is not short on entertainment, art, or culture. We have multiple venues for live music, museums, and various incredibly talented theatre troupes. Among these troupes is Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) Curtain Call Productions. Under the direction of Deborah Sutton, the award-winning theatre department at PGHS never fails to impress. This year’s major production will be Aladdin Jr, a musical adaptation of the Academy-Award winning 1992 Disney film.

Originally adapted for the stage in 2011, Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin (book by Beguelin) the stage show does an excellent job of translating the spirit and feel of the film. It is a tale about a “street rat” named Aladdin, a poor young man who dreams of fortune and fame. After rescuing a genie from a lamp, he is given three wishes. Aladdin uses these wishes to pretend to be a prince in order to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine of Agrabah, while facing the evil Jafar, who plots to marry her and steal the throne. It is a story about friendship, love, and the discovery that one’s wealth does not define their worth. Like any adaptation, changes have been made to the story, but Mrs. Sutton assures that, “The heart, integrity and grace of the film is definitely captured in the stage version.” New musical numbers and characters only add to the fun in this wild, larger-than-life magic carpet ride. PGHS’ production certainly sounds like it will live up to the hype. 

PG students in rehearsal. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)

When asked about the selection process, Mrs. Sutton explained that, “A good high school director never directs the show that he or she wants to direct— They direct the show that fits their kids!” In order to choose a show that best fits her company, she first assesses their talents and searches for a production that will best display them. “This year,” she continued, “We have the trio: Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine. All three must be strong, seasoned performers. We are blessed with a great company that can support our lead trio.” The sheer size of the company alone is impressive, with a total of three hundred cast members, ranging from sixth to twelfth grade. 

With a show as big as this, preparations can be intense. The cast went through “musical boot camp”, where they were introduced to the show, as well as the design concept and the movement requirements. The cast was also given instruction on vocal work, as well as an extended workout regimen to be performed daily. In addition, the students had to prepare their background history and family tree, as they studied customs and traditions of the Arab nations. In addition to rehearsals during school hours, the company also rehearses three nights a week, where they go over scene work and choreography.

Cast members pose for a picture while rehearsing the tap number for “Friend Like Me”. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)

Mrs. Sutton’s favorite part of the rehearsal process, are what she calls “Light Bulb” moments, which can come after a particularly difficult scene or bit of choreography. “Any moment that ‘light bulb’ pops on and a student ‘gets it’ – That’s our favorite moment!” she explained. When asked about the cast members’ favorite number in the show, she said that they particularly enjoy “Friend Like Me”, which she describes as “Eight minutes of amazing fun”.  

The best part of all? Admission is completely free! The organization prides themselves on being “Family-Friendly and Always Free”. However, with a production of this size, you must have a ticket to ensure entry. Free tickets will be available in the PGHS Main Office starting October 25th. For more information, or questions, please call 903-832-8005.


Performances of Aladdin Jr will be:

  • November 8th – 7 p.m.
  • November 9th – 7 p.m.
  • November 10th – 3 p.m.

(Click here for directions: Pleasant Grove Performing Arts Center)

In the meantime, be sure to follow PGHS Curtain Call Productions’ on Facebook for more information and some cool content, like behind-the-scenes pictures and videos of the cast— Like this video of Aladdin Jr cast members flash-mobbing a PG Faculty meeting.You can also find them on Instagram.

Come let PGHS show you a whole new world!

A&M TXK Homecoming Highlights

Homecoming week always ends with a football game, right? It’s basically a rule in Texas. Texas A&M University-Texarkana does things a little differently, closing out the spirit week with fútbol (soccer) games.

TAMUT’s soccer teams are in the thick of their season. With only a few conference games left, every match is extremely important. Both men’s and women’s teams have had their ups and downs throughout the beginning of the school year. It has become a tradition on TAMUT’s campus to host homecoming soccer games to engage students and boost school spirit around the beginning of October.

Homecoming week is usually filled with fun student activities and dress up spirit days while the soccer teams train to battle it out on their home field in front of their biggest crowd of the season. This year’s homecoming was exciting and one to remember on and off the field.

The outcome of every game has become crucial for the TAMUT soccer teams as the Red River Athletic Conference tournament approaches. Teams must rank in the top six of their conferences to make it into postseason play. It’s every team’s dream to win the conference tournament, take home a ring, and continue on to nationals. Both teams stepped onto the field ready to fight for a homecoming win against Louisiana State University-Shreveport and the fans were given two very intense matches.

Photo by Suzanna Summerlin

The women’s game was back and forth. TAMUT’s Alex Martinez sent in a cross in front of the goal and one of the LSUS defenders accidentally scored an own goal, giving TAMUT the lead. The rest of the game was intense as fouls became more frequent. Martinez accumulated two yellow cards, which forced her off the field so TAMUT played one member down for the remaining 30 minutes of the game. LSUS took advantage and scored a goal in the last few minutes of the game, sending the match into “golden goal”: first team to score wins. LSUS had a hand ball right on the 18-yard box, giving TAMUT a free kick right in front of their goal. TAMUT stormed the field after Emily Juarez scored off the free kick– bringing the final score to 2-1.

Photo by Amanda Johnson Vaughan

It is tradition to introduce homecoming court between the men’s and women’s games and announce the homecoming king and queen winners. School organizations such as Campus Rec and the Path Program submit nominees, who are voted on by the student body to narrow down to the final five of homecoming court. Ellie Kemins and Zak McCarthy, king and queen last year, escorted TAMUT’s president Dr. Emily Cutrer to the middle of the field to crown the 2019 winners. After a drumroll from the crowd, Philip Derouen and Sharnell James were named homecoming king and queen.

The men’s game began quickly after the homecoming announcement. The game started off intense. LSUS scored in the first ten minutes but TAMUT’s Yassin Ghasemi tied it before halftime by scoring off a penalty kick. LSUS fought back with another goal at the beginning of the second half, but Ghasemi tied it up again to keep it interesting at 2-2. The game got rowdy as players and fans almost broke out into a fight after LSUS scored a third goal. Play continued after the referees calmed everything down and LSUS went on to win 4-2.

Photo by Amanda Johnson Vaughan

It was an eventful week on TAMUT’s campus as another homecoming is put in the books. Both teams played their hearts out for their student body and left it all on the field. The women’s team earned their first conference win, making their record 1-3, while handing LSUS their first conference loss. The men’s team has started to catch momentum and has a bright future ahead of them if they continue to play with such passion. Good luck to both teams as they finish out their seasons and to the student body as they buckle down for midterms.

Christmas: It’s a Major Production

In a world as negative as ours can be, it is wonderful to know that places like The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre (SCT) still exist. Located in downtown Texarkana on Broad Street, SCT is truly a staple of our community. SCT has given children a safe and positive environment in which to learn and grow, offering what they aptly call “Life training in disguise”. It is a place to be silly and creative, as well as a place to discover abilities, encourage imagination, learn life skills, make lasting

The cast meets with the directors for the first time. (Credit: SCT Facebook page)

friendships, and sharpen talents. It is also a place to find and foster a lifelong passion in an art that is often overlooked in the age of movies, video games, television, and streaming services. Do not let the words “Children’s Theatre” fool you. You would be hard-pressed to find a more talented, passionate, dedicated and professional group of people.


The final show of SCT’s 2019 season is a musical adaptation of one of the most beloved (and perhaps most quoted) holiday movies of all time, A Christmas Story: The Musical. With music and lyrics by Pasek & Paul ( Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and James and The Giant Peach) and book by Joseph Robinette (Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Anne of Green Gables), this show should be a blast. Although their version of the musical opened on Broadway in 2012, the show is still touring nationally. Just like the film, the story takes place in Indiana in the

Iconic scenes from A Christmas Story. (Credit: MGM / Warner Bros.)

1940s. It follows young Ralphie Parker, who tells everyone who will listen (generally in one breath) that he wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle “with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time” for Christmas, despite protests from every adult he encounters. The film accurately and hilariously captures the madcap whirlwind that is the holiday season, growing up in a crazy family, and how tough it is to be a kid.


The kick-line rehearsing for “A Major Award”. (Credit: SCT Facebook page)

Rehearsals for this production began shortly after the casting announcement at the end of August. The show boasts an impressive cast of thirty-five actors. The principal cast of nine and the Adult/Kid Ensembles of twenty-six range in age from 7-50 years old. When discussing the show how the stage version compares to the film, Susannah Linnett, one of SCT’s directors, explained that the story doesn’t differ much from the movie, but the scenes where Ralphie’s imagination run away with him get a big musical treatment. She also explained that you get more insight into Ralphie’s parents (Mom and the Old Man), which you don’t really get in the film. “There’s even a greater sense of closure with the musical,” she said, “[You get] A feel good moment instead of ‘He got his gun, yay!'”. Mrs. Linnett’s two favorite musical numbers from the show are “Up on Santa’s Lap”, which will feature an actual slide on stage, and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”, a tap dancing number named after the main catchphrase from the film, which is performed by Ralphie’s teacher. The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre will bring this treasured story to life in late November.


Performances of A Christmas Story: The Musical will be:

  • Thursday, November 21 – 7 p.m.
  • Friday, November 22 – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 23 – 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 24 – 2 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale soon. For more information on this production, or the Silvermoon Children’s Theatre in general, you may email them or find SCT on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website.

Trio of Tastes Downtown

Looking for a tasty night on the town? How about three in one?

On October 17, 2019 the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals will be hosting their annual Taste of Downtown at three different locations beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. The point of this event is to encourage the growth of the downtown area as well as support local businesses. 

From 6-7 p.m. people will begin at Verona Restaurant to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a glass of one of the wine specials. The next tasting will be held at Hopkins Icehouse from 7-8 p.m. Hopkins will serve classic American appetizers and your choice of their beer or cocktail specials. Last, but certainly not least, 8-9 p.m. Pecan Point will be giving chef-inspired small plates along with a pint of a craft beer special or Pecan’s signature sangria special. 

All of the food is covered by one ticket price, but participants will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Organizers encourage bringing cash so the process will be quick and smooth. The cost for the ticket will be $38 as the early bird special, or $40 the day of. Chamber of Commerce members also receive a discounted price.

The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals is a committee of Texarkana’s Chamber of Commerce. Their goal is to band together young professionals in the local community to network and to encourage fellowship with each other. For info on upcoming events, click here.