Christmas at the Paramount. Courtesy of DRI Abilene.

Lately, I have been spending a lot of time in Austin – the live music capital of the world – visiting my little brother. As I sat down to write my blog this week, it got me thinking about what kinds of live music acts are coming to Abilene this month. Taking your significant other on a date to see some live music would be a fun night out, plus a nice way to spend some quality time together before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. After doing some research, I found a number of performances that I think would make for a different, fun and affordable date night. It all depends on what type of music you’re in to, but I think there’s something here for everyone. When you look around, Abilene has quite the variety of things to do night after night!

First up, for all who love Broadway musicals – Broadway is back in Abilene tomorrow night with “Young Frankenstein.” This event will be at the Abilene Civic Center and the production is based on the classic Mel Brooks movie. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $35-50 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.celebrityattractions.com.

When it comes to music, you can’t forget about the classical forms either. More than 200 students will perform duets and ensembles at the Abilene Music Teachers Association Ensemble Festival on Saturday in HSU’s Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall and Choir Room, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. On Monday, Nov. 21, the ACU Department of Music will host the Manhatten Piano Trio at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Free.

For country western music, check out the Lucky Mule Saloon. This Thursday, Kyle Bennett along with The Swindlers will perform and on Saturday, Aaron Watson will take the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. Info and tickets: 325-232-8561. Coming up in December, the Zach Harmon Band will play at Chelsea’s Pub; Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 – both at 9 p.m. Info: 325-695-9200.

For all who seek to get into the Christmas spirit, the Abilene Community Band will perform their annual Christmas Concert at the historic Paramount Theatre on Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Free to the public. On Dec. 8, the Quebe Sisters Band will perform at the Paramount for the Big Country Christmas Concert, benefitting Disability Resources, Inc. 8 p.m. Lastly, the Abilene Community Theatre along with Chorus Abilene will host their second annual “Home for the Holidays” event – a holiday musical variety show. Dec. 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults, $8, 12 and younger.

While this is only a quick glimpse of what’s to come, to see what shows are coming to Abilene, visit our calendar.

Aluminum Photo courtesy of the Abilene CAC

Last year, I had the “oz-some” opportunity to see The Wizard of Oz when it came to our Civic Center, as a part of the Best of Broadway Series in Abilene. As I looked around the packed auditorium, there was no doubt in my mind that this show is one of the most beloved and well-known stories of all time!

If you’re planning a visit to our city this year, it is not too late to put a Broadway show on your itinerary. The series is back in Abilene with a great lineup of productions. On Tuesday (January 25), “The Aluminum Show” will be at the Abilene Civic Center. This new show brings to life a luminous and reflective world through the use of industrial materials, special effects, acrobatic dance, movement and visual theater. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $30-50 depending on seating. Then, February 21-22, one of my personal favorites – the smash hit, Broadway musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is coming to Abilene for two shows! You won’t want to miss out on that classic.

Finally, on April 3 to wrap up the season, “Legally Blonde, The Musical” will hit the Abilene Civic Center. The Broadway musical is based on the MGM film and Time Magazine assures, “It’s an ‘ELLE’ of a show!” Celebrity Attractions and the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council present the shows as a part of the 2010-2011 Best of Broadway Series in Abilene. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 800-869-1451 or click here.

Me posing as Beauty to promote the show in Abilene

On Stage as 'Jacqueline' in 'Boeing-Boeing'

As of late, I have had a rather fun, extraordinary and busy experience…I am currently gracing the stage as the French stewardess, Jacqueline, in Boeing-Boeing at the Abilene Community Theatre!

 It has been absolutely delightful playing her character. I get to share the stage with five other charming, hilarious characters and play out a ridiculous, funny, sexy, door-slamming farce. This show was revived on Broadway in a 2008 Tony-winning production and is also a nonstop 1960s comedy. It is always the best feeling when our story is met with laughter from the audience!

As I said, I play the French airline hostess. Back in the 1960s, air travel was much different than it is today. Only the rich could afford to fly; travelers would dress up for the flights; men wore suits and women, dresses, etc. When I began to think about my character, I thought of what it would be like to be a stewardess back in the ’60s. It was a very glamorous, yet strict profession. As Bernard, the Parisian bachelor states, “Apart from being beautiful, they have to be healthy, good at cooking, nursing, witty, wise and friendly.” Having said all of that, I feel strongly that it took a strong, independent woman to pursue any career back in those days when housewives were more the norm. The fact that all three air hostesses in this play have strength and personality supports my point of view. However, that does not discount the fact that this play is a bit on the chauvinistic side—be aware that this is the 1960s script! Nevertheless, the show gets by with it because it makes fun and light of that very fact and is so fast paced.

Did I say three airline hostesses? Yes, three! This play features Bernard (played by Jared Strange) who has French, German (familiar face—KTXS news anchor, Laura Madison) and American fiancées (Jessica Delgado), each lovely airline hostesses with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down and one pending…until unexpected schedule changes brings all three of us to Paris—better yet—to his apartment at the same time! Robert (Robert Hatcher), an old college friend of Bernard, comes in from the Provinces and becomes a vital character as he tries to smooth out this harem!

The journey of the show from beginning to end can best be described during a hilarious line by ‘Bertha’…Bernard’s housekeeper (Kim Bachmann Baker), “Drink up…we’re in for a bumpy night!” Tis true, this fast paced farce is a bit like going through some crazy turbulence.

Overall, I have had a ton of fun working with both the cast and crew of Boeing-Boeing. I truly love getting into the mind, body, and spirit—oh…and not to mention…hair and makeup—of Miss Jacqueline each night. Enjoy the show and have a ‘great flight’!

The Cast of 'Boeing-Boeing'

 Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night at the Abilene Community Theatre, 801 S. Mockingbird Lane. June 17-19, June 25-26. Tickets range from $8-$10. Reservations are strongly recommended. Box office hours are from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: 325-673-6271.