War of the Wolf

War of the Wolf
Bernard Cornwell
Harper Collins Publishers
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0-06-256317-0
2018
$ 28.99
333 pages

How could anyone teach about life in the late 900s or early 1000 A.D.?    The time of Saxons, Mercians, Danes all battling over land that would become England.   Along side the land issue is the decision of religion.   Christianity is being followed by most of the inhabitants while the many of the Danes hold on to their beliefs and loyalties to the Norse Gods.   Naturally, among each side are inner battles of ambitious rulers fighting and acquiring loyalties for power and possessions.
War of the Wolf is the eleventh book in Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon series explaining how England became a single country.   All of these books feature Uhtred, who in my mind resembles one of the larger fighting men in Game of Thrones with numerous scars and battle wounds from constant altercations.
War of the Wolf is seen through the eyes of  Uhtred, now an older and wiser man.   In the first book, I viewed him with distaste as his taste of fighting seemed impulsive.   Throughout the series, Uhtred grows more interlining from his experiences and challenges so that now he thinks, plots, and attempts to outwit his enemy.   Now, it is easier to see Uhtred as wise and even caring and protective of his friends, allies, and family.
Uhtred now has reestablished his life in his northern family home of Bebbanburg which took many years.   He is comfortable in his northern home and would rather be home than fighting.   He realizes that even though home, peace is always temporary with the constant threat of the Viking invaders, the  wild fighting Scots from the northern lands and the battling for power from the Mercians, now in control of England.  
Uhtred is summoned to King Edward in Wessex to decide the next king whether through oldest illegitimate sons, legitimate heirs, or other lesser leaders.   Uhtred has no intention of going until he discovers the problems of his son-in-law.   The needs and vengeances of the family outweigh the dangers.
In War of the Wolf, Uhtred proves his leadership and acquired wisdom in this battle of kings as well as a new challenger proves a threat to him, his family, and his ancestral homeland.  His skills or lack of skills in this new world of diplomacy as well as his strategic fighting abilities demonstrates that peace is never permanent.  There is always a new, younger, stronger, and perhaps smarter challenger.
War of the Wolf is thoroughly enthralling as Uhtred enters of a world of constant change.
For a reader unfamiliar with this series, I would strongly recommend to read at least the first book or to watch the television series The Last Kingdom before this particular novel.  Being acquainted with the characters, especially the names is extremely helpful as well as understanding the people.  Personally, I enjoy how each person matures and their previous life choices affecting their life in this eleventh book.
How could anyone learn of life in the 900s and 1000 A.D. in England.  Read the Saxon series by Bernard Cornwell.
Bernard Cornwell is a master storyteller with this newest book in the Saxon series, War of the Wolf.

The Nutcracker 2018

Mice, a Rat King, a heroine, a hero, a magician and all nature create the elegance of the American Midwest Ballet’s latest interpretation of The Nutcracker, as their story is expressed through Tchaikovsky’s music and creativity strictly through dance.
The story is a Christmas Eve dream.  The night begins at a Christmas party in the family’s lavish home.  Elegant dresses, beautiful women, everyone at their best except for Clara’s little brother, Fritz.   The highlight of the evening is the arrival of their uncle, a magician, Drosselmeyer who gives Fritz, a trumpet and Clara, a decoratively elaborate nutcracker who resembles a toy soldier.  Being a little brother, Fritz is not content with his gift and fights over the nutcracker with Clara.   Imagine her disappointment when it is broken.   Fortunately, Uncle Drosselmeyer is able to fix and return the nutcracker doll to Clara.
As the party closes, the children go to bed.   This begins the night of Clara’s enchanting dream.
The Nutcracker uses no spoken words, only movement through dance..   The story, wordless, is elaborate, colorful, engaging, and completely hypnotic as the dream unfolds.
American Midwest Ballet presented their version of The Nutcracker Sunday afternoon at Iowa Western Community College.    This magical afternoon achieved a dream.   Yes, this show is different and better than previous production, a task I thought of as impossible
Molly Kimmey is Clara this year.   She is enchanting as well as a superb dancer.  Also, Tchaikovsky, the dog from the Nebraska Humane Society displayed his acting debut with being curious, well-behaved and proving to be an excellent dog for any family wishing to adopt him.   I really could not identify the amateurs from the professionals.   Obviously the work with the extra dancers this year was outstanding.   Every step is perfection and artistic.
To create this enormous production, requires intense work of numerous talented individuals while integrating local talent along with the professional dancers.  The choreography by Erika Overturff and Matthew Lovegood is elegant while still creative.  With both children as well as professional dancers, this is the first time I have witnessed a perfect performance.   The show is absolutely enchanting.
Every aspect of this year’s The Nutcracker is perfection.   This year’s production is different than previous years being more elaborate as well as completely immersing the audience into a trance of beauty.
The sets were elaborate and detailed, moving smoothly and almost invisibly through their dances. American Midwest Ballet unquestionably always has the best costumes which are phenomenally elaborate and expressive of the individuals and the story.
How do you tell if a performance is outstanding? You just need to listen to the audience. When the audience is completely silent and not moving for an entire program, you know that the show is perfectly entertaining everyone.
The show lasts about ninety minutes along with a twenty minute intermission.   I recommend that the show is appropriate for mature, quiet toddlers and anyone and everyone older.
The Nutcracker is something that we see every year. Why? The Nutcracker is the perfect example of holiday magic in a beautiful story without the chaos and noise of the holidays. It's Christmas as it should be, even if it is in our dreams. With the American Midwest Ballet company, the story is better, bigger each year.   Yes, the dances are different this year.   I find it amazing that they are better than in previous years.
Additional performances will be December 8th and 9th at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha.  Ticket-prices range from $25 to $59 and can be purchased at the Orpheum or the Holland Center, or through ticketmaster.com or by calling (402) 345-0606.
For a memorable and enthralling experience, see American Midwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
Their shows have always excelled with intertwining tradition with creative artistry in telling this traditional Russian Christmas story.

The Women

Life in 1936 oftentimes causes people to think of a country recuperating from the Great Depression.   For a select minority, life was luxurious and fairly easy.  These were the women of the ultra-rich in New York City.  Their lives revolved around their social status and gossip.
In “The Women”, Mary, who is portrayed by Kate Simmons discovers that her husband is having an affair with a sales clerk.   Naturally, the affair is noticed first by her social friends who then inform and advise Mary.   Are these social friends real friends or just gossips who enjoy dramas?
The play was originally written by Claire Booth Luce after overhearing conversations during a visit to a nightclub and was in the powder room.   Naturally, someone’s husband was having an affair. Luce wrote this play revealing each character who has real problems in life, despite their wealth.  Dealing with the timeless difficulties of everyday life, such as infidelity, friendship and gossip, impact everyone’s relationships at some time.  Intermixing humor with the tragedy of adultery is a tricky balancing trick.
In addition to Kate Simmons, others in this intimate social group are Robyn Helwig, Elizabeth Planck, Geana Krajicek, Alisha Delsignore, and Claire Mahoney.   Alternately, humorous and tragic, D. Laureen Pickle as Countess de Lage brought a little different temperament to the play.  As the daughter, Halle Dart, portrayed a confused girl who had to suffer and adjust to decisions made by her parents.   She showed that just because the choices were made, she did not have to completely agree with it.  As Mary’s mother, Denise Putman became a caring parent who also had input into the marriage.  Crystal, the other woman, was wonderfully portrayed by Mary Trecek.  Also, one of my favorites in the play was Stephanie Kidd as many humorous characters.
“The Women” is directed by Brenda Smrdel with Amanda Charles completing her job as stage manager.  Many others contributed both on stage and off to successfully create this unusual play of only women in “The Women.”
“The Women” continues through this weekend, November 16th-18th, at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.   Tickets cost $20 for adults, $16 for seniors over the age of sixty and $10 for students.   Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office at 712-323-9955, e-mail the theater box office at chanticleertheater@gmail.com, or at the theater’s box office thirty minutes before the curtain opens.   The location of the theater is 830 Franklin Ave. in Council Bluffs.
The show is adult oriented and lasts about two and a half hours with a fifteen minute intermission.
This weekend would be the perfect time for this timeless story with a lesson about the effects of malicious gossip on every person, whether the speaker, listened, and even those who overhear those words.

Momentum with Rhapsody in Blue - American Midwest Ballet

When you think of ballet, you think of grace, elegance, authentic beauty in motion perfectly describes this area’s American Midwest Ballet Company.  Their final performance enraptured the audience this past Sunday at The Iowa Western’s Arts Center with a compilation of dances telling stories through movement.
Beginning each selection, a short video clip explained the choreographer’s motivation while also interacting with the featured performers in a rehearsal.
Connemara (Rock Pool) choreographed by Erika Overturff is inspired by a painting at Joslyn Art Museum by artist May Stevens.   The ballet featured dancers demonstrating the movements of flowing water in their costumes, movements, and scenery to create a gorgeous, relaxing feeling of flowing and constantly changing in unison and an ever  transitional sweeping of air barely touching the fluidity of the dancers.
French Songs, choreographed by Matthew Lovegood featuring the music from Joseph Canteloube’s selections of “Chants d’Auvergne” featured dancers Amaris Sharratt and Ryan Christopher guides the audience through this unique area demonstrating the uniqueness of the people through the countryside while a budding attraction between two individuals is beautifully exemplified.
“At Last’ with Etta James magnificent voice was choreographed by Frank Chavez featuring Katherine Eppink and Cameron Miller.  This selection was truly artistic in expressing the song and attracting another’s love.   One complaint about this selection was that it didn’t last longer.   This exemplify love, lust, creativity, artistry and the incompleteness of never having enough.
Death and the Maiden is Franz Schubert’s composition for string quartet with costumes from the Joffrey Ballet and guest choreographer Mariana Oliveira with featured dancers Alexandra Hoffman, Anders Southerland and Brian Bennett along with the company dancers.   Wow!   This selection was the epitome of darkness with veiled dancers and the encroachment of death.  The beauty and brutality truly made this selection an odd combination that was exquisitely meshed together.
Group Therapy created by Harrison McEldowney as the choreographer featured four troubled couples expressing their problems through the medium of dance.  From uncontrollable passion, to a smoking addiction, through being exhausted and yes, even being too clingy to wanting no affection.  How can these four overcome their problems?   Could a group therapy with no spoken words by the answer?
“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin was beautifully choreographed by Erika Overturff expressed her vision of Gershwin’s hypnotic music.  With numerous combinations of blues the beauty and artistry of the company dancers perfectly exhibited the momentous creativity of the selection.
These are words from the American Midwest Ballet, “Our work is beyond words.  Our art form embodies the joy and struggle of the human experience.  Through dance, we make you think, we uplift you, and we inspire you!”
A great performance makes time stand still leaving an audience wanting more. These words perfectly exemplify these two glorious hours of music in dance.  You don’t want to ever miss any performance of American Midwest Ballet.

Bye Bye Birdie

It is 1958 in America.  Congress does not have enough volunteers to fight in the Korean War so they need to draft men to fight.   One of those chosen, was the legendary Elvis Presley.   Much to the dismay of numerous teenaged girls, the heartthrob became part of the U. S. Army.
A bright playwright thought this idea would could become a musical.  Hmmm.......
To protect copyright laws, Elvis became Conrad Birdie, fictional heartthrob to only this musical in the image of the cultural icon.
For preshow entertainment, you want to get your seats early due to special music provided by the Thomas Jefferson Vocal Music Department on opening night and the Omaha Jitterbugs for the dancing.    Personally, I would enjoy more of this entertainment from the local high schools.  Thank you, Travis Walker.
Leading the show of Bye Bye Birdie as Rosie is Julia Vanderpoole and in the role of Albert if Adam Fulbright.   Julia has a beautiful voice which improved throughout the show with her confidence.  Adam Fulbright is one teen who you want to now see and hear.   Wow!  This is one person who could become a professional actor/musician in the future.  He truly commanded the stage with his talents.
As Conrad, Erich Swartz was fun to watch imitating Elvis’ moves and the voice.  As the teenager Kim, Krysin. Holmes was delightful.
The show includes numerous familiar tunes, including “Put on a Happy Face.”  The costumes are great reflecting the 1950s along with the sets and props.    Denise Putman is the director while Jerry Gray is in charge of the music along with the choreography by Jason DeLong.
What impressed me the most were the wonderful blended harmonies in many of the songs.  The alto section was exceptionally good adding a true professional quality to the show.
For those visiting the theater who are not middle-aged or older, you need a little background about the draft process and icehouses.
Warning:   Many members of the ensemble are female and teenagers.   Remember how teens reacted to Elvis or the Beatles.  Yes, there will be the teenaged girl scream.
With this Young Performers’ Edition of Bye Bye Birdie, all the performers on stage are eighteen or younger.  Those older are the support crew for those on stage.  All are wonderful, both on stage and off, of Bye Bye Birdie.
This show is for all ages.   The show lasts about 75 minutes with no intermission.  These Young Performers Editions shorten the show without leaving out relevant events or songs.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on this Friday and Saturday, September 20th and 21st, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 22nd.  (Shows the second week tend to be much better than the first since nerves are usually settled by the second week.).   Even if you saw the show last weekend, if it even more fun enjoying it again.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 712-323-9955 or at www.chanticleertheater.com.   For adults, tickets are $20, for seniors sixty and over, $16; and $10 for students.
The Chanticleer Theater is located 830 Franklin Ave. in Council Bluffs.
What a great way to celebrate September with Conrad going off to the Army and you are attending the Chanticleer Theater.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

The Last Mrs. Parrish
Liv Constantine
Harper Collins Publishers
Paperback
ISBN:: 978-0062667588
July 2018
$ 16.99
400 pages

At some time in your past, you probably have looked at a celebrity and imagined yourself as that celebrity.  After awhile, most of us realize that no matter how hard we try, we just cannot become that person. Even with a makeover and dieting, it just will not work. You won’t become that person.

Amber Pattinson obsesses over Daphne Parrish.   She sees Daphne as perfect.  To Amber, Daphne is who she wants to become.    The beautiful, blond socialite and philanthropist exists with designer clothes including jewelry, travels extensively in their private jet and has a nanny For her two supposedly perfect daughters.   She even has a charismatically handsome husband who happens to own his real-estate company.  Of course, the family lives in their elegant homes, complete with servants and everything a woman could buy or desire.
Amber can only find one imperfection in Daphne.  Daphne’s sister passed away twenty-years ago from cystic fibrosis.   In her honor, she created a charity for those suffering from the disease.  However, she still misses her sister.

Amber has dreams.   She is is ambitious but looks plain and dowdy.   She did not come from a background of wealth.  How can she possibly enter the world of Daphne Parrish?   Could Amber ever become like Daphne.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is a novel of envy, jealousy and even revenge.   The characters are expertly developed into authentic people with flaws revealed as the story unfolds.
One of the strengths of The Last Mrs. Parrish is the daughters, Bella and Tallulah.   From afar, the daughters seem perfect, but are revealing each to become an individual with their own challenges and realizations.
As the story progresses, you find yourself categorizing the characters into good vs. bad.   Each character seems to evolve to someone you would not recognize by the end.  This slow unveiling is what makes this book so unique.

This thrilling novel alternates perspectives from Amber in the first half of the book to Daphne in the second half of the book.  The story continues to develop as a page turner with twists up to the last page.    To state that this is a fast-read is an understatement.   You don’t want to put the book down.

The author, Liv Constantine is two sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine who collaborate to become Liv.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is a thrilling, fast-paced page turner.  I look forward to the next book by the duo of Liv Constantine.

Heir of Ra

Heir of Ra
M. Sasinowski
Kingsmill Press
ISBN 978-1-7324467-1-7
ISBN 978-1-734467-0-0
$ 5.99

At the Giza Plateau during the year of 1913 in Egypt, Lord George Renley explored under The Great Sphinx enters a dark chamber with an unusual carving on a door. The legendary Hall of Records is believed to be located at this location. Is it legend or fact? Soon after, Hazim, his Arab guide, started bleeding from his nose. Lord Renley became dizzy and collapsed. The only reminder of the event was a notebook that a young Arab boy stole from the dying hands of Hazim.

Alyssa is not your typical 17-year-old girl. She spends her time working with her father, Kade, who is an archaeologist. Her education is working as one of his assistants. Currently, she is left in charge of a dig in Peru while her father is on a dream assignment in Egypt, exploring a room under The Great Sphinx and is only allowed this privilege for 24-hours. Leaving Alyssa in charge in Peru, is a great responsibility for someone so young. She feels honored, but also deprived. Why can’t she be on this once-in-a lifetime dig with her father?

Her father, Kade follows the steps of Lord George Renley in searching for The Hall of Records. Just like his predecessor, he also became ill. Nothing seems to help him, every day leads him one step closer to death. No one seems to be able to medically help him. Will he die? 

Alyssa decides to immediately travel to Egypt to be with her father. Unfortunately, that is not easy for a seventeen-year-old. Will she ever see her father alive?

Heir of Ra is fast paced adventure of life with Alyssa. She does not have the safest career choice. Since her mother died a few years ago, her attachment to her father is precious, even though she calls him by his first name, Kade.

The intended audience is young adults, especially girls; and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced story which winds up all the multiple strands of the story at the end. Heir of Ra is the first book in the Blood of Ra series featuring Alyssa.

The author, M. Sasinowski is a Polish-born American who fashioned the main character, Alyssa after his own 15-year-old daughter. According to his daughter, he also possesses a PhD in physics as well as an MD. For fun, he enjoys building computer, music jam-sessions, science debates, martial arts, Star Wars and Star Trek as well as archaeology.

Heir of Ra is a thrilling adventure for explorers of all ages.

Through the Old Trellis Arch

Through the Old Trellis Arch
Author and Illustrator: Marvin D. Vallier
ISBN: 9781521911013
Independently published
2017
$ 12.00
164 Pages

Moving to a new home is a little frightening, depressing when leaving friends behind, and a little exciting with looking forward to a new life, perhaps a better one.
Early in the 1960s, Jennie Willard, along with her dog Willie, is beginning a new life in a quiet midwestern town.  Moving from the apartment in the city to a spacious farmhouse is exciting for the family.   Her parents, Jake and Pam are delighted with the change of lifestyle and her father’s new job.
The Willard’s are thrilled with the country living. The open spaces, room to move, Willie is roaming and exploring this immense new world seems like a 1dream come true.  What is even more special, is that Jennie can now have a best friend.   The city life of the apartment wasn’t convenient for friendships.   Being eleven-years-old, Jennie always imagined a best friend.   Fortunately, on the neighboring farm, there is also another eleven-year-old girl with little brothers.  Helen seems like the perfect person to introduce the family into the community.
Predictably, the girls become the best of friends.
Jennie discovers an old, run-down farmhouse not far from her new home.    It looks uninhabited.   When Jennie and Willie decide to explore, Jennie slowly opens the gate, hanging by one hinge under the old trellis arch.   She assumes that Willie will follow her.   He refuses, even when coaxed. Jennie decides to explore by herself.  
She sees a young girl about her age named Sylvia who lives with her Grandfather.   Strangely, when Jennie leaves, the house looks abandoned again.
Jennie mentions the farmhouse to Helen.   Helen is very reluctant to go into the house, believing the rumors that it must be haunted.   Also unusual is that Helen doesn’t know Sylvia.  Why?   What is the secret of the house with the old trellis arch?
Every time Jenny opens the rusted gate under the trellis, she enters into what seems like another life, or is it?
Author and illustrator, Marvin D. Vallier is multi-talented as a graphic artist, painter, illustrator, poet as well as novelist.   Since he retired in 2009, Mr. Vallier has now the time to spend with his passion for the arts.
Through the Old Trellis Arch is a wonderful tale of the historical tale for young adults, especially girls.
The story is historical in the settings and involves possible supernatural non-frightening events.  Could it really happen?  Could it happen to you?

Everyone Brave is Forgiven

Everyone Brave is Forgiven
Chris Cleave
Simon & Schuster Publishers
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-1-5011-2438-9
Paperback
Hardback 2016
Paperback 2018
424 pages
$16.00

Does everyone view the events of World War II the same way?  Imagine living in London during 1939, before the Americans entered the War.   Naturally, at first everyone believes it will be a short series of battles with the Brits leading the way.  Everyone wants to do their part, with many able-bodied men immediately enlisting.   The wealthy, or those from the “better” families”, became officers.  A few chose to stay working in the city to maintain the continuity of life.  The children were evacuated to the country.   Some chose to remain.    What was life like in Londen then?
Everyone Brave is Forgiven is a story for those who search for the genuine experiences of the past.  The strong voices of each character discloses the true life of the time period.   Whether from Mary North being a single and pretty new teacher and finding her place in the world, or Hilda as Mary’s best friend, Tom is her boss and fiancé, Allistar going off to fight, or Zachary as the black and poor.    Each voice explains living through a turbulent time of hardship.
Chris Cleave loosely based this novel on his grandparents.   This London resident has won the Somerset Maugham Award in 2006, been on the shortlist for the 2006 Commonwealth Writer’s Prize, also on the shortlist for the Costa Award and having his books on the New York Times Bestsellers’ List.   He is the author of Incendiary, Little Bee, and Gold.
Everyone Brave is Forgiven is enthralling.  This particular war story focuses mostly on the people not fighting the enemy, but attempting to survive everyday life.   Unpredictably, the novel focuses on class differences, wealth, charity, race, friendship, courage, forgiveness and loyalty.
The writing is beautiful, pulling the reader closer into the characters as each paged is turned.  The beginning is slow in the character development, but being patient through the pages allows the reader a marvelous experience in opening the time capsule of the past.   While the events are often ugly, the story displays the good and bad of their daily life.
Everyone Brave is Forgiven is recommended for educated historical fiction readers seeming to lean a little to female readers.   Some people are intimidated by the vocabulary and sentence length, which is quickly overlooked once connected with the story.
A story of bravery, forgiveness, and idealism all describe the beautiful tale of Everyone Brave is Forgiven.




 

Singin in the Rain

Singing and dancing in the rain is a little different for most people is a little unusual.   On stage, it seems almost impossible.   However, the Omaha Community Playhouse is successfully proving that you can sing and dance on stage with rain coming down.    Obviously, difficult and slippery put with an effect that is mind boggling.  Yes, it is raining inside the theater.   Don’t worry, you won’t need an umbrella.
With remembrances of the movie “Singin’ in the Rain” starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, the show is a remembrance of the past times in the world of silent movies emerging into talkies.   More than appearance is now needed and certain voices just wouldn’t be successful with the new technology.  
The story is about two silent movie actors, Don Lockwood (Nate Wasson) and Lina Lamont (Cathy Hirsch). Change is coming to the movie business after “The Jazz Singer.” which included sound.   For Don and Lina to transition to the talkies, something has to change, Lina’s voice.  She has a squeaky, difficult to understand voice.   To cover the problem, another actress Kathy Selden (Taylor Lempke Plank) sings and dubs her voice as Lina’s.   Added to that is the difficulty of Don secretly loving Kathy.  How will Lina react when she learns the truth about her career and her love?
Kimberly Faith Hickman demonstrated her talent with incorporating the technology of rain on part of the stage with a play being written from a movie musical.  How do you make the raining stage appear natural?   How do you keep the rest of the stage dry?
“Singin’ in the Rain” is full of delightful songs such as the title song and “Good Mornin’, “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and “Fit as a Fiddle.”   Each song is uplifting with the melody and the dancing.
OnPxl with Matt Bross and Chad Eacker excelled with their movie productions within the show.  The cleverness of these short snippets greatly enhanced the entire show using people from the cast.   The comical short films were obviously fun for the cast.
The sets were amazing representing legendary locations in the movie business, moving quickly and almost invisibly.
As Cosmo Brown, J. Isaiah Smith shined in this role.  He was energetic, comical and a very talented actor.  He was amazing with his onstage antics, acrobatic dance moves, and enthralling singing.   He is unquestionably a name to watch for in the future.  He is enthralling.
“Singin’ in the Rain” continues at the Omaha Community Playhouse through June 24th.   Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.    Ticket prices are $32 for Wednesday’s and $42 for Thursday through Sunday shows.   Special student and group prices are available.  To obtain tickets, call or visit the Omaha Community Playhouse at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha or by calling the box office at 402) 553-0800.   Tickets can also be purchased online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or www.TicketOmaha.com.

Company

What do neighbors and friends think about a thirty-five year old bachelor?    Um....he should find a wife?   Why can’t he find a wife?   What is wrong with him?   Is he gay?   These are the questions Robert’s friends are asking?   Why doesn’t he have a partner?

The company is the story of Robert or Bobby as some of his friends call him and his 35th birthday. How will he deal with his friends who are all married?    Strangely, each marriage is different with its own individual uniqueness.   Does each marriage have its own problems, personalities, and its own individual type of love?

Sarah (Angie Helm) and Harry (Chris Ebke) are phenomenal in their roles.  Their relationship is a little different than most, definitely more physical.   Both deserve praise for their outstanding stunts.   Their relationship is full of doubts, with the challenge of proof.   To understand further, you must see this musical.

The other couples slowly reveal their own secrets.   Susan (Kelly SchlottO and Peter (Travis Wilcox) deal with a questionable conflict.   Jenny (Sarah Ebke) and David (Mark Haufle) along with Amy (Carrie Beth Stickrod) and Paul (Brandon Fisher) show the progression of many marriages.  Joanne (Heather Wilhelm) and her onstage husband (Tim Daugherty) are the aging couple with money who is having difficulty connecting.  As possible mates for Robert are Marta (Lindsey Tierney, Jack), Kathy (Lauren Anderson), and April (Brenda Smrdel).

Each member of the cast is extremely talented in becoming their character revealing the complications of marriage.

The company is a well-known Stephen Sondheim musical that also won the Tony Award for the best musical in 1971.   To make the show appropriate for today, the choice was made to modernize with life in 2018 rather than the 1970s.  

As with every live performance, excellence can be found.    On Company, I found the outstanding stunts of Chris Ebke and Angie Helm masterful and hilarious.   I also discovered a mesmerizing voice, Heather Wilhelm.  Her voice is rich, powerful, musical and memorable.  

The success of this show and all community theater shows is due to the many volunteers who usher, help with the box office, the opening night foods and all the numerous behind-the-scene jobs to assist with a successful performance    We should all appreciate the sharing of their talents to assist in making the theater a delightful experience.

Numerous behind the scenes crew members are responsible for this amazing insightful show.   Serving as both director and musical director is Todd Brooks with other musicians Keefer Petersen also on the keyboard, Nicholas Swoboda on percussion and Paige Costignola on bass.  Members of the lighting crew are Darrin Golden, Mandy Adkins, and Jozalyn Harrison.   Responsible for the sound is Dave Podendorf and Jaycee Wetenkamp. The choreographer is Courtney Stein, Stage Manager is Mike Jones and Scenic Designer is Joey Lorincz.  Ibsen Costume Gallery provided the costumes.   Constructing the set was Joey Lorincz, Mike Jones and along with the theater manager, Bob Putman.  Rhonda Hall is the props designer.   

This show is an adult show with quite a bit of adult language.  The audience is for unmarried and married be people with reflection, humor, music, and quite a bit of drama.

The timing of the show is about an hour and a half for the first act with the usual intermission and concluding the second act in approximately forty-five minutes.

This show continues through this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.  The dates are June 1st through the third.

The price of the tickets is $20 for adults; $16 for seniors over the age of sixty; and $10 for students.  

The Chanticleer Community Theater is located at 830 Franklin Ave.   Tickets can be reserved  by calling the box office at 712-323-9955.

Have you ever identified your marriage?  How would it be described?  How do others see it?   See Company for some great music and possibly answers to your questions.

The Mountaintop

What really happened on April 3, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee?   Did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sense that he would soon die?  Did he struggle with the guilt whether he should be at his home in Atlanta with his family or continue with what he believed was his purpose in life as a civil rights leader?  Did he feel torn between the two?   Could he rest at night with death threats to his family or himself?

The Mountaintop is an Olivier Awatdwinning play showing a fictional possibility of what could have happened the night before Dr. King’s death beginning at his room at the Lorraine Motel the night before he was assassinated.   Previously that day, Dr. King had delivered his speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” to the people of Memphis.
The Mountaintop opens with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. entering his hotel room, exhausted from his speech and a day of marching with the sanitation workers of Memphis.  One of his friends is suppose to be purchasing him some cigarettes.   Between the exhilaration of the day, the physical and emotional tiredness, and a little guilt for not being with his family, he can’t sleep even though he needs it.
Donte Plunkett masterfully portrays Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Catie Zaleski is Camae, the maid.  Both of these performers are superb and it is difficult to realize that they are saying their lines, not just talking.  Denise Chapman is the director who somehow manages to make each individual in the audience feel as if they are in the motel room also.  Assisting backstage in the stage manager, Gabi Rima, costume designer is Amanda Fehlner, sound designer and electrician is John Gibilisco, composer is Alfonzo Lee Jones, properties is Darin Koehler, lighting designer is Herman Montero with scenic designer being Jim Othuse with numerous other assistants, staff, and volunteers.
The setting is Dr. King’s motel room, rather ordinary, a little dirty with a little seediness that almost creates a musky smell.
Once in a while I see a play that is perfect.   There are likely flaws that the audience doesn’t recognize, but the play somehow communicates with every person in the audience, creating a special intimacy between the audience on stage and off.  The Howard Drew Theater at the Omaha Community Playhouse is the perfect venue for this production.
The play is aimed at a mature audience with adult language, racial tension, and talk of the inequities of society, violence and societal inequities along with the concepts of mortality, destiny and legacy.  The play lasts about ninety-minutes without an intermission.

The Mountaintop continues at the Omaha Playhouse through May 27th with performance on Thursday’s through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m.   Tickets can be purchased at the Omaha Community Playhouse Box Office located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha, by ball (402) 553-0800, or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or www.TicketOmaha.com.   Single adult tickets are $24 with $14 being the student rate.  Ticket prices can change based on the date, seat, and demand.  Special group rates are available for 12 or more.  Contact the Box Office for any questions.

See The Mountaintop to relive the event of fifty-years ago of a man struggling with his mortality, his destiny, and his legacy.

Fools and Mortals

Fools and Mortals
Bernard Cornwell
ISBN; 978-0-06-225087-2
Harper Collins Publishers
New York, New York
Originally published: Great Britain
2017
$ 27.99
370 pages

Are all mortals foolish?  In Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the character Puck is quoted as saying, “Lord, what fools these mortals be!”
Yes, we have all done innumerable foolish things in our past.   William Shakespeare revealed the true nature and foolishness of people of his time period through his keen eyes of observation.   Whether death, romance, love, stupidity somehow he was able to develop his characters into real people in his comedies or tragedies.  Even though Shakespeare wrote years ago, the time and place is different, but people are still the same. Surprisingly, even though the setting is different from four-hundred years ago.
Bernard Cornwell also wondered about the brilliant author, William Shakespeare.  In Fools and Mortals, Cornwell explores the world of theater in London with Shakespeare during the late 1500s.  The story is told through the perspective of William’s younger brother, Richard, who is an actor in his brother’s company.
Unlike Cornwell’s other books, Fools and Mortals reveals the backstage theatrical world of William Shakespeare.  He is the writer and partial owner of his numerous, well-respected plays favored by Queen Elizabeth.  
Since Richard was ten-years younger than his brother William, the brothers were not close.   Richard ran away from him due to his father’s brutality and arriving in London required additional financial obligations for the writer.
Fools and Mortals excels in allowing the reader a sense of time and place.   In Shakespeare’s time, the printing press was not available to him.   The scripts were copied by hand.   The complete script was prized with often only one complete copy.   The actor’s script consisted only of their own lines.  These scripts were hidden from rival theatrical companies in the hopes that they would not be stolen.
 Fools and Mortals are very different from Cornwell’s other books which consist of historical battles and struggles for power.   This particular book does have some battles, but most of them are on stage or in small fighting situations.
Bernard Cornwell is a masterful storyteller.  He specializes in historical fiction utilizing the well-known and little-known facts about the people, time, place as well as the accepted results and actions weaving into a memorable, logical and readable and thrilling stories based on facts.   He has numerous stand alone and series of historical tales, including his The Saxon Tales with ten novels, The Sharpe Novels with twenty-one novels, The Grail Quest Series with three, The Nathaniel Starbucks Chronicles with four, The Warlord Chronicles with three, The Sailing Thrillers with four and one non-fiction book, Waterloo.  I highly recommend to read the series books in order.
Fools and Mortals is exceptional reading.   The little known life of the theater at the time made me feel that I was actually witnessing the stress of being part of the theatrical world.
To all readers, I found myself wanting to watch a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” again.   After Fools and Mortals, I feel that now I understand Shakespeare’s writing and enjoy it much more for the humor and the capture of real personalities.
Maybe you are not a Shakespeare fan, after reading Fools and Mortals, you will feel as if you want to embrace every play and poem written by the master and described by the masterful story teller, Bernard Cornwell.

Shakespeare in Love

What has a dog, a leading lady dressed as a man, men dressed as women, women acting as men, sword fighting, leather pants, sexual liaisons, low-cut dresses (on women and men), Queen Elizabeth 1 and is a hilariously funny play?
The Omaha Community Theater has the answer with its newest production of Shakespeare in Love.   No, this was not a play William Shakespeare wrote, but a play about the playwright.
Did William Shakespeare ever experience writer’s block?    With the immense number of his plays recognized today, it almost seems unlikely.  Being human, though he likely was always searching and modifying ideas to become a play.   Remember, over four hundred years ago, plays in England were hand written with only one complete hand written copy. Each actor’s script only consisted of their lines.
Shakespeare in Love opens with a young Shakespeare (Jacob Roman) being encouraged to write with a welcoming crowd awaiting his every word.   During this time period, Queen Elizabeth adored plays.   An already established playwright, Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (Jeremy Earl) encourages Shakespeare with the struggles of writing.
In Shakespeare’s time, women were not allowed to perform in theaters.   That was illegal.   All the female parts were usually played by young men having little facial hair.
The business of a theater is extremely competitive and seems to be on the verge of being closed by the government.
Being Shakespeare, naturally, an unattainable female, Viola de Lesseps (Alissa Hanish) catches his eye and immediately distracts him with her beauty.   Um....does fiction imitate life?
Viola is also fascinated by Shakespeare and looks for an opportunity to be close to him.  Her solution is simply to dress as a man and audition for the role of Romeo creating hilarious comedy.
The leading roles of William Shakespeare (Jacob Roman) and Viola (Alissa Hanish) are phenomenal. These talented individuals created characters who were confident and even lovable in their roles. This is a show where every performer is outstanding.  Certain roles are notable such as ChristoperMarlower (Jeremy Earl), Queen Elizabeth (Janet Macklin), Lord Wessex (Sydney Readman), Sam (Will Rodgers), John Webster (Chloe Irwin) and unquestionably Nurse (Julie Fitzgerald Ryan).   Yes, the Nurse is absolutely delightful.  Also on stage are many multi-talented ensemble members Bradley Alexander, Kevin Barrett, Craig Bond, Ron Boschult, Jenna Hager, Olivia Howard,  Sean Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Michael Leaman, Caitlin Mabon, Alex Nilius, Pamela Scott, Danielle Smith, Dennis Stessman, and Catherine Vazquez.
An unusual actor throughout the production is the singer and music director (Zach
 Kloppenborg).  His countertenor songs are hypnotic while singing in his delightful falsetto voice as well as his expert direction with the madrigal and various music backgrounds.   The madrigals were light, comical and expertly performed complete with beautiful and precise voices.
The scenic design is marvelous with the set movements moving quickly while being maneuvered by those on stage.
The costumes are beautifully elegant and true to the time period.
No production can be successful without the support of the crew and volunteers.
Directing the show is Jeff Horner, who is phenomenal with his contributions to the show while also being the owner and trainer of Apollo, his dog who is also cast in the show.  Unfortunately, Apollo does not always appreciate how much the cast assisted his show contribution.   Assisting him is Suzanne Withem.
Courtney Stein creates time appropriate choreography.   Erik Diaz is the scenic designer while Wesley Houston is the stage manager.   John Gibilisco is the resident sound designer and production electrician with Aja Jackson is the lighting designer.  Darin Koehler is in charge of properties and Lindsay Pape is the costume designer. Also assisting are numerous crew members, interns, as well as Playhouse volunteers and staff.
All of us need a little sunshine in our lives with the weather lately, Shakespeare in Love is guaranteed to lift your spirits while awaiting a spring that seems as if it will never arrive.
Act One consists of 13 scenes in ninety minutes.  Act Two is shorter after the fifteen minute intermission.
Shakespeare in Love continues through May 6th on Wednesday’s through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2pm.
The cost of the tickets is $24 for adults and for students at $24 on Wednesday performances and starting at $32 for adults and $22 for students on Thursdays through Sundays.   Tickets can be purchased at the Omaha Playhouse Box Office, online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or by calling (402) 553-0800.  The Playhouse is located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha.
Granted, I was a little skeptical about a play based on an Academy Award winning movie.  While I did enjoy the movie, I adored this performance greatly enhancing the story.

Urinetown: The Musical

Who would go see a musical about urine?    I did.
Added to that, I would enjoy seeing it again.
The story begins in a dirty, grimy city where people are in line waiting for their turn to use the public bathroom.  Unfortunately, the first person in line doesn't have enough money to pay.  So he is not allowed inside.  Law enforcement takes him away to the mystical Urinetown where people are sent for not obeying the rules.  Simply put, you have to pay to pee.
The music is enthralling.  The tunes combines gospel, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and just fun songs masterfully sung, danced and played.   Urinetown is a delightfully funny show with a dark, uneasy feeling, not just legs being crossed, of what could happen in the near future where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
On the side of the rich are Hope Cladwell (Madison Hoge) and her father, Caldwell B. Cladwell (Ryan Eberhart). Caldwell owns the facilities and Hope has just graduated from school and is being hired into the family business to take over.   Assisting Mr. Cladwell are the policemen Officer Lockstock (Jon Flower) and Officer Barrel (Marcus Benzel) as well as Penelope Pennywise (Carrie Beth Stickrod) and Bobby Strong (David Ebke).  Who really understands the loyalties of the employees?
As the other cast members Brenda Smrdel, Erich Swartz, Luke Glaser, Bob Gilmore, Sara Finley-Willis, Kaitlin Carlson, Cathy Bass, Chris Witt, and Alice Swartz, all were fantastic.   I loved every character, especially Cathy Bass as Josephine Strong.
The music is great, especially under the direction of Jerry Brabec with his ensemble consisting of Stanton Harper, Noel Johnson, Michael Frederickson, and Jon Myre.
Those on stage know well that they cannot be successful without the support of those people not seen whether making the sets, creating the costumes, selling the tickets, arranging for the rights, plus more than can be listed, these people are each responsible for the success of the production.  These people include Gary Blankenship as director, Jerry Brabec as musical director, Kim Alger working as stage manager with Johnnie Richards as her assistant, Jason DeLong is the phenomenal choreographer, Ibsen Costume being responsible for the clothing, Darrin Golden for the lighting design and Maddy Adkins on the light board with JaimeKatzenstein and Sean Kelley running the spot lights, Dave Podendorf planning the sign design with Jaycee Wetenkamp being the sound board operator, Joey Lorincz is responsible for the scenic design with the set construction being completed by Joey Lorincz, Mike Jones, and Bob Putman, Rhonda Hall is handles the props design and the theater manager, Bob Putman.
Also, all the volunteers who usher, work the box office, and supply the food for the opening, each one deserves a special appreciation.
The timing of the show is about sixty-five minutes for the first act with the usual intermission and concluding the second act in approximately forty minutes.
This show continues through this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
The price of the tickets is $20 for adults; $16 for seniors over the age of sixty; and $10 for students.   The musical is expected to have an adult audience as children would probably not understand the innuendos throughout the show.
The Chanticleer Community Theater is located at 830 Franklin Ave.   Tickets can be reserved  by calling the box office at 712-323-9955.
Urinetown: The Musical is an example of the best of this talented community.  

Ripcord

Roommates can be a problem.   All you have to do is ask any husband, wife, sister, brother or college student with a roommate for affirmation.   Matching similar need and wants into longtime friendships can be tricky. Between shared responsibilities, schedules, cleanliness and unquestionably different personalities, people just don’t always get along.
Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire wrote the script for The Omaha Playhouse’s newest production, Ripcord discovers this special relationship to be true.
For Abby Bender (Carleen Willoughby), this is true.  Abby is purposefully despicable to her roommates in an effort for them to want to move out of “her” shared room.  Unfortunately, Bristol Place Senior Living Facility does not always have the space for single rooms.  Abby enjoys her books, her plants, and her phenomenal view of the park below with her bed beside her large window.  She much prefers the solitude of her books, caring for her plants, and her view for observing nature and people.  Who needs a roommate?    She has all she needs and prides herself in never being scared of anything or anybody.
Marilyn Dunne (Judy Radcliffe) is Abby’s newest roommate.   Marilyn is the opposite of Abby in almost every way.   She is cheerful, outgoing, enjoys walks, and the outdoors with constant involvement and interactions with every living creature.   She is the optimist who is never, ever angry.
Opposites can attract but this one seems doomed for disaster as roommates.
Immediately, the two discover conflict.
After a few days, the two recognize that something has to change.   Their solution is a bet.
Marilyn, the newcomer, in the room with Abby if she succeeds in scaring her in some way.   Added to that, her bed will replace Abby’s as the one by the window so she can view the invigorating day as she awakens.
All Abby has to do is to make Marilyn angry.   Just one outburst of anger and Marilyn agrees to move out, leaving the room to Abby.
Ripcord continues with pranks and spite with Marilyn and Abby attempting to outdo each other in order to win the bet.   While the antics are hilarious, they are also a little sad that anyone would actually consider doing these things to another human.
Both actresses, Carleen Willoughby and Judy Radcliffe are masterful in Ripcord.  The first time Judy and her family arrive on stage, it is easy for the audience to connect with her.  Carleen has the difficult role of the antagonist while expertly portraying her crankiness.  What I find most appealing is how these two grow their characters in an extremely short period of time.
The supporting cast if fantastic.  Sahil Khullar as Scotty, the nursing home employee, is believable in his attempts to have the bet stopped while looking out for the interests of Abby and Marilyn.  Colleen (Kaiatlyn McClincy) also portrays the Woman in White along with her onstage husband (Matt Tarr) who is also the Zombie Butler and the Masked Men are great in their roles as Marilyn’s daughter and son-in-law assisting in the scheme to scare Abby.
Kevin Goshorn is terrific as Benjamin, Lewis and the clown.  He makes the play poignant with his role.
The sets are simple, purposefully and functional.  Everything moves through a rope system which is fascinating to observe as it always remains on stage.
The behind-the-scenes staff are marvelous with Kimberly Faith Hickman directs with Gabi Rima as stage manager, Amanda Fehler as costume designer, John Gibilisco as resident sound designer, Darin Kuehler in charge of properties, Jim Othuse as lighting designer, Paul Pape in change of being the scenic designer, and Tim Vallier as the wonderfully unique and fitting music composer and arranger.
The first act is fifty-five minutes and the second is fifty following a fifteen minute intermission.
The play itself is delightful while the pranks escalate to being over-the-top, the mixture of comedy and humanity are memorable.
Ideally, the play is aimed at those approaching the age of being a senior citizen or those who already are seniors, as well as their families.  This production is not appropriate for children.
Ripcord continues through February 11th with shows at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Prices are $30 for adults and $18 for students.   On Wednesdays, the price for the shows are $24 for adults and $16 for students.  Ticket prices can change based on dates, seat locations, groups, and demands.
To purchase tickets, call 402-553-0800, through the website at omahaplayhouse.com.   You can also visit the theater box office at The Omaha Playhouse, located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha.
For a play that combines comedy with human emotions, see Ripcord.

Love Letters

Is it possible to fall in love with another person in childhood and maintain that love without marrying through a lifetime?
Melissa Gardener comes from an extremely wealthy family.  They can afford whatever they dream.  Money is never a problem creating a very spoiled and pampered child in Melissa.  The world revolves around her.
Andrew Ladd III also comes from a rich family, just not near as rich as Melissa’s.  He lives a lifestyle of those privileged even graduating from Yale Law School.
Wouldn’t the two be the perfect couple?
Love Letters is the story of their relationship.   Yes, there are just two actors on the stage reading their lifelong letters.   What is unique about this is that while the readings continue, there is acting enhancing their feelings, their love, their frustrations, especially with each other and their ordinary lives, and their expectations from their longtime friendship.
On opening night, Melissa as portrayed by Denise Putman was brilliant.  She flaunts her stuffiness and ability not to compromise, since money controls those around her.  While wealthy, also demonstrated is her desire for authentic friendship and love.  That is the one thing money cannot buy.
Tim Daugherty is phenomenal as Andy, Andrew Ladd III comes from a family who knows love even without so much wealth.   He easily relates to the audience his patience, as well as impatience with Melissa’s controlling ways while extending his friendship and love to her throughout the years.  His performance on opening night was masterful.
The production crew for this event includes the director Tyler Orvis, the stage manager Jennifer Orvis, the lighting design manager Darrin Golden, and the manager of the theater Bob Putman.
The timing of the show is forty-five minutes for the first act with the usual fifteen minute intermission and concluding the second act in thirty-five minutes.
This show continues through this weekend on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. with Denise Putman and Tim Daugherty, Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. with Terry DeBenedictis and Tim Daugherty and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. with Julie Livingston and Ron Hines.  
The price of the tickets is $20 for adults; $16 for seniors over the age of sixty; and $10 for students.   However, this is not a children’s show and would only be enjoyed by mature students.  
The Chanticleer Community Theater is located at 830 Franklin Ave.   Tickets can be reserved  by calling the box office at 712-323-9955.

Church music

Preludes, offertories, postludes seem to some people basic background music that we hear in stores and many public places.   Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, it’s not that way for me.   I’m one of those rare people who begin to hum or sing along, yes, even in public.  
My husband sometimes found it embarrassing to have his wife publicly, sing along to the background music.  Yes, I was the one singing at the restaurant or Walgreens.   It caused us to only shop in places together without music piped in or him calling ahead and asking for the music to be turned down so low that it could not easily be heard around other people’s noise.
Yet in his embarrassment, he told me he was jealous of my being able to find music where it is usually hidden.
So, why listen to preludes, offertories, and postludes?
A prelude is to begin the worship service is a time to privately converse with God.   This can be in private meditative silence, prayer, thankfulness, praise, or whatever speaks to you through your relationship with God.  
For me, the offertory is a gift.  This gift is usually some melodic tune that I believe opens up hearts to the Holy Spirit through the gift of music.   That is why people don’t talk during that time and I just don’t stop whenever the ushers are finished collecting the monetary gifts.
The postlude is usually in praise.   The congregation does not have to leave, but can reflect on the service, their blessing, the message without words into their lives.   Many times people in our church choose to continue to sit to listen.  For me, that is a peaceful summary of the service through music.
To write this has been difficult for me.  I frequently write for book reviews and events, where the focus is on something outside of myself.
This is inside myself.
Sometimes when I play a familiar tune with words, many people know, I find myself overtaken with a strange feeling.  It feels as if I am the instrument, not the piano or organ I am playing at the time.   There is a feeling inside that seems to swell and take over the actual playing.  At the time, I am singing in my head, the words of the song, oftentimes repeating the same significant words over and over even though the hymn is not written that way.
My husband once commented that I actually look different when that happens.  It feels like something much stronger and passionate is expressing itself and strictly using me to communicate.
No, it is not possession. It can’t be because the peace immediately afterwards doesn’t feel worldly.
At those times, I feel as if the Holy Spirit is communicating through me to others in a language that cannot be described in words.
My husband also observed the other worshippers and also commented afterwards that something happened.  He just didn’t know what to call it.
This is a time of one-ness.   Soul talking to soul.   What is it saying?
It seems to be tunneling a message deep inside to others who listen.
God moves in mysterious ways.   Listen.

Understanding the Patterns of Your Life

Understanding the Patterns of Your Life: Take Charge of Your Destiny!
George Pan Kouloukis
Red Feather
Hong Kong
ISBN: 978-0-7643-5320-8
2017
$ 17.99
192 pages

Do the events in your daily life follow patterns?  It is usually easy to find math patterns. What about nature?  Is there a pattern in examining pine cone?   The mathematician Fibonacci certainly saw that pattern.  Are there other patterns?
Are there good years and bad ones or is that just a balance of life?   Obviously, not every second of each day is good or bad, but what about the overall year?  Of course, every day is not typically all good or bad.
Think about the major shifts you have experienced.  Examine your health issues, your money situations, your career ups and downs, and your love life.   Do any patterns appear?
When you analyze your results in chronological order, surprisingly you are likely to see a pattern.  Could this help each of us begin to predict our own futures?  Would it help each of us with our family, relationships, career, or life issues in general?
George Kouloukis analyzed the lives of twenty-two well-known people who lived in the last five-hundred years, a few still living today.  He quickly found the not many ordinary peoples chronicle and publish their lives.   Due to this, he chose famous people in various parts of the world with different careers who experience their own good and bad years.
He studied the lives of  Ludwig van Beethoven, Giusepppe Verdi, Pablo Picasso, Mikhail Gorbachev, The Dalai Lama, Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Christopher Columbus, Queen Elizabeth I, Napoleon, Victor Hugo, Winston Churchill, Aristotle Onassis, Nelson Mandela, Maria Callas, Sarah Bernhardt, Napoleon’s wife - Josephine, King Henry VIII, Jimmy Carter, and John Glenn.
Surprisingly, the author, George Kouloukis discovered a pattern in their lives, a sixteen-seventeen year cycle.
The short biographies of these famous people help every reader to properly assess the good and bad seasons for each individual.  Naturally, not everything is good in the good season and bad in the bad, but the major overall events are the focus.  The author examined the health, wealth, their positions or careers and love.
Kouloukis researched other findings of patterns identified by other researchers.  The Universe by Time-Life Books explained how the magnetic poles of the sun alternate every eleven years.  Strangely, this pattern seemed to have little to no relevance to human behavior.  Another consideration was The Seasons of a Man’s Life by Daniel J. Levison explained the four seasons of every life with each lasting round twenty to twenty-two years.  Again, George Kouloukis found no normal correlation with his life or those he studied.
These resources appealed to Kouloukis but seemed slightly flawed.
Lacking few biographies of ordinary people or regular people, he began to study these famous people throughout the world, varying the time periods, the gender, the situations, and delving into their personal lives focusing on their wealth, health, love, and successful or failed careers.
He discovered the patterns through these people and allows you to examine your own life to discover the season you are now experiencing so that the author’s realizations can assist you with your life in the future.
Reading the book, Understanding the Patterns of Your Life allows you to learn to examine your own life to allow you to make choices for yourself. George Pan Kouloukis has opened his wisdom to read your own personal crystal ball.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

The Last Mrs. Parrish
Liv Constantine
Harper Collins Publishers
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0-06-266757-1
2017
$ 25.99
393 pages

Who doesn’t want to be richer, thinner, blonde with blue-eyes, tanned, better looking and more successful?   This seems to be the American dream for many women.   Most wealthy people appear to have it all.   With money, they can recreate themselves into almost the perfect person.  Think of the numerous women and even many men who spend enormous amounts of money to achieve their vision of perfection.
The problem is often what appears in public is quite different than reality or in the privacy of a home.
Amber Patterson is tired of being normal.  She is thin, but plain.   Mousy brownish hair, dowdy, ambitious but in a career with no future for making real money.   She just makes enough to get by with her paycheck to paycheck existence.
How can she change her life?
Amber finds a new friend, Daphne Parrish, who seems to be everything she could want.  Daphne is beautiful, rich, blond, blue-eyes, married to a gorgeous husband and two young daughters.  Amber wants Daphne life, but slightly changed without the children.  She doesn’t enjoy young ones at all.
Coincidentally, both Daphne and Amber had sisters who dies due to cystic fibrosis.  This is the foundation of their friendship.
Will Amber ever have a life like Daphne’s?
What Amber really wants is Daphne’s husband, Jackson and unfortunately, she seems blind to Amber’s ambitions.  A story of manipulations and lies to achieve your goals keeps you turning each page constantly wondering about each character.
The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fascinating debut novel from the perspectives of Daphne and Amber while peals back the story of their relationship as an onion with multiple layers.   The characters are easily envisioned with what initially appears as shallowness while unveiling the story into the immense depth of each one.
The storyline easily flows in this enthralling page turner.  Each page almost bewitches the reader to read faster and faster.  Unquestionably, this is a page turner.
The author Liv Constantine is really two people.  Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine, who are sisters who wrote this novel by communicating through FaceTime and e-mail.  They were inspired by the long dark tales their Greek grandmother told them as children lasting hours.
The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fascinating, fast-paced read that is an addictive novel that is a psychological thriller with constant intense suspense.   Reading The Last Mrs. Parrish is like being on a roller coaster with constant ups and downs as the story continues with even a final twisted curve at the end.
The story is a memorable fast-read.