A lot of the details are handmade.  When I say a lot, I mean pretty much everything.  Even the black dress!!  Can you believe Kelly of Le Lapin de Marriage handmade that gown? Ridiculous.  It’s a dream gown!  Not to mention she put together the whole table spread.  Emily Zynch of WhichGoose custommade the black feather and gemstone crown that our queen wore.  She is crazy amazing talented!  We spray painted goblets and martini glasses and our florist splashed our table full of fruits that only a dark queen would approve of.  Notice there is not an apple in site.  I didn’t want to follow the story spot on.  I think pomegranates are darker and more mysterious- way more appropriate for the queen.  And the floral centerpiece – gasp!!  It’s like the queen’s crown from the film sprung up in a mystical flower arrangement with hints of purple and red.  If that’s not royalty I don’t know what is.  And don’t forgot the furry ball of joy that is Kelly’s little bunny.  The PERFECT addition to our decorations.

This was EPIC.  And it was the shoot that landed right smack dab on my birthday.  I couldn’t have planned a better way to spend turning 22 than with a million creative minds recreating my absolute favorite film.  Enjoy

A HUGE thank you to everyone involved in the creation of this project.  It obviously would not have happened without all of your beautiful ideas and support.  I am so fortunate to have met and made lasting relationships with each and every one of you and it is amazing to be in the same company with so many talented individuals.

Credits:

Photographer: Kait Winston Photography

Queen: Emily Carroll

Huntsman: Christopher Wagner

Stylist/Wedding Planner: Le Lapin de Marriage

Florist: Sassy Snapdragon Florals

Hair: Circle Square Salon

Makeup: Ashlyn Landrum

Photo Assistant: Allison Tucker

Invitations: Gourmet Invitations

Feather Crown – WhichGoose

Monday!  I feel like yesterday was the end of 2012 for me in so many ways as I look at my calendar for the next four weeks.  It’s non-stop until February and only a few days after that I’m off and running again.  This year has been something else as I have gone through a few growing pains, but as someone told me on Sunday, “It could be worse!”  That spoke volume for me because IT COULD!  Sometimes you really have to stop and look around you to see who is around you.  Is it a good environment? Do the people in your life enhance your life or are they only taking from you?  While you may say “I’ve got your back” do you hear these words in return?  The list goes on, but at some point you have to accept responsibility for yourself, your life and for the things you allow in your life and how you let people treat you.  Sometimes its even more frustrating when you know people are in the ear of people that you care about and they are listening to everything they say and will make decisions about you based on others opinions.  How sad is that?  Ultimately the people who you decide to have in your life, will be the ones who will also help shape your life.  So be careful and make sure that those in your life, DESERVE to have space in your life and that they are meant to be in your life, and can enhance your life and will not bring confusion to your life.  Ultimately, life is too short to put up with mess, or double talk so clean your junk out now, while you can see clearly…NOT when you get mad and emotional.  Carry On!

Sheilah Belle, The Belle

Monday!  I feel like yesterday was the end of 2012 for me in so many ways as I look at my calendar for the next four weeks.  It’s non-stop until February and only a few days after that I’m off and running again.  This year has been something else as I have gone through a few growing pains, but as someone told me on Sunday, “It could be worse!”  That spoke volume for me because IT COULD!  Sometimes you really have to stop and look around you to see who is around you.  Is it a good environment? Do the people in your life enhance your life or are they only taking from you?  While you may say “I’ve got your back” do you hear these words in return?  The list goes on, but at some point you have to accept responsibility for yourself, your life and for the things you allow in your life and how you let people treat you.  Sometimes its even more frustrating when you know people are in the ear of people that you care about and they are listening to everything they say and will make decisions about you based on others opinions.  How sad is that?  Ultimately the people who you decide to have in your life, will be the ones who will also help shape your life.  So be careful and make sure that those in your life, DESERVE to have space in your life and that they are meant to be in your life, and can enhance your life and will not bring confusion to your life.  Ultimately, life is too short to put up with mess, or double talk so clean your junk out now, while you can see clearly…NOT when you get mad and emotional.  Carry On!

Sheilah Belle, The Belle

FREE ADMISSION:   To  one of the summer’s biggest street parties.  The 29^th annual Carytown Watermelon Festival is  Sunday, Aug. 5, from 10am to 6pm.  Music, food, fun, and wall to wall people!

FREE JAZZ FEST ADMISSION:   The 3rd annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont is next weekend, August 10-12.  Volunteer for the event, and get free admission. Click [HERE] for details and application.

FREE KIDS HAIRCUTS:   Get the kids back-to-school ready with free haircuts at a JC Penney salon.  The offer is good for rising K thru 6^th graders all this month of August. Call for an appointment.

FREE CONCERT:  Enjoy a free performance featuring the Fort Lee Concert Band and the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra on Friday Aug. 3.  7p.m. on the north lawn of  Appomattox Plantation, 1001 Pecan Avenue,  Hopewell.

FREE PERFORMANCE:  The 2012 Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts wraps up this weekend with free performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.   8:30pm nightly, Friday and Saturday, August 3^rd and 4^th.  Details [HERE].

FREE MOVIES: Enjoy free classic movies outside in the Courtyard at First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue every Thursday evening in August.  Showtime is 8:30p.m. This week’s feature is “Oklahoma”.  Next , The King and I (8/9). The Music Man (8/16) West Side Story (8/23) and South Pacific (8/30).   Details [HERE].

FREE MOVIES: Enjoy family-friendly  flicks in the park.Sat. Aug. 4, “The Little Rascals”.  8:30p.m, The Armour House & Gardens, 4001 Clarendon Road in Henrico. 

FREE WORKOUT: Join New YorkCity  fitness gurus Lisa and Priest Priestly of WholeLifeStyles Inc. for a free workout in Byrd Park’s Fountain Lake on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 9 a.m. designed for all fitness levels. After the workout, pick up some personal tips and  free health and fitness information.

FREE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: Henrico Teen Theater Company presents “Stories Under the Big Top”.  A program of all ages; a lively storytelling and performance session. Aug 1, 2, 3, & 4 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. Call for reservations at 501-5859.

FREE MOVIES:   The City of Richmond will host free outdoor family movie nights throughout the summer, at a different city park each Friday night.   All movies start at approximately 8:30p.m. On  Fri. August 3, enjoy “Kung Fu Panda 2″ at Battery Park, 2803 Dupont Circle.  Bring a blanket, chairs, and snacks if you’d like.  

FREE JAZZ: The Virginia Museum has free admission to it’s Jazz Cafe program every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Upcoming performances include Charles Darden (8/2), Claudia Carawan (8/9), Sharon Rae North (8/16), Carol Covell and Company (8/23), Eastern Standard Time Trio (8/30), Debo Dabney Trio (9/6), Deseiree Roots Centeio (9/13), Robbie Cunningham Trio (9/20) and the Barbara Martin Trio (9/27). Jazz Cafe and general VMFA Museum admission are always free.

FREE ADMISSION: Bollywood Dance and Film Party.  Fri. Aug. 3 6-8p.m. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 200 N. Boulevard..  Details [HERE].

FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION:  Starting August 1st,  you can  download tickets for Smithsonian magazine’s 8th annual Museum Day Live!  Get  free admission for two people per household to participating museums on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Download your tickets [HERE].

FREE LESSON: Beat the heat with a free introductory lesson, ice skating or ice hockey at either SkateNation Plus in Short Pump or Richmond Ice Zone in Midlothian.

FREE BOWLING:  Kids 15 and under can bowl two free games a day at AMF lanes all summer long.  Shoe rental is not included in the deal.  Sign up [HERE].

FREE THEME PARK ADMISSION :  You can get a free unlimited admission  pass for your children ages 5 and younger for Busch Gardens Williamsburg.   It’s good through October 28^th.   You must be a Virginia resident and sign up in advance.  Click [HERE] for the link to do so.

FREE FOR ACTIVE MILITARY: Free annual passes to America’s National Parks (value $80) are now  available to members of the military and their families free of charge.  The pass allows entrance  to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands. The free pass will be made available for activated members of the National Guard and Reserves but not to military veterans or retirees. Military personnel can get the passes by showing their military I.D at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee.

$1.00 MOVIES:      Regal Cinemas is once again offering $1 family movies on Tuesday and Wednesdays at 10a.m., starting June 19.  A portion of proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute.  Get the full movie schedule [HERE].

FREE CONCERT:  Enjoy free concerts through the summer at Forest Hill Park near the Old Stone House.  From 6 to 8 p.m., bring a picnic dinner if you’d like.  Next up, on August 19, Surf Rock music from “3^rd Wave” Details [HERE]

FREE FLAG CLEANING:  Get your American flag cleaned for free at any Puritan Cleaners any day of the year at any of their 13 locations in the metro area.

FREE BOOKS:  Children can earn a free book by participating in Barnes and Nobles’ summer reading program.To earn a book, children in grades 1-6 have to read a total of eight books and complete a short reading journal by September 4, 2012.  Click [HERE] for more information or to register your child.

LOTS OF FREE STUFF: How about getting and giving stuff free? The Freecycle Network is made up of nearly five thousand groups and nearly 70-thousand members around the world who are getting and giving away stuff free. Membership is free It’s a great way to recycle, get rid of items you don’t want, and get things you do.

FREE CREDIT REPORTS:  Get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.  Your personal information is completely protected. This site is sponsored by Equifax,Trans-Union and Experian.

FREE KIDS MEALS: Kids eat free at McAlister’s Deli every Tuesday from  9 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree.  There are two locations in the Richmond area, Gayton Crossing and Westchester Commons in Midlothian.

FREE DINNERS:  The Ministry  Without Walls offers a free community dinner on the fourth Friday of every month. 6 to 8 p.m. at 5780 Hull Street Road.  Call them for more information at (804) 381-6928.

FREE E-BOOKS: Harlequin books has a free offer for you. Download up to 16 free e-books. Click here for the link.

FREE LONG DISTANCE: Make free, 10-minute long distance and international calls to select locations, just by listening to a short, ten-second ad first. Get your local access number to “Freephone2phone” here.

FREE STUFF: If you’re a Facebook member, a lot of restaurants are currently offering freebies, if you “like” them on Facebook. Search for your favorite and see if they have an offer. And while you’re on Facebook, stop by the  CBS 6 page and “like” us too.

FREE QDOBA: Children eat free at Qdoba on Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

FREE FIREHOUSE SUBS: A lot of restaurants offer birthday clubs that you have to sign up for, to get freebies on your special day. At Firehouse Subs, just show up on your birthday with I.D with your birth date, and get a free medium sub. There are several locations in the metro area.

FREE GIFT CARDS: Spend some time reading, and earn extra money. You can earn free gift cards and books for your book reviews. Click the link here for more information.

FREE ADMISSION: Enjoy free admission all year long  to The Virginia Historical Society,  with access to the museum galleries and research library. The museum is at 428 North Boulevard in Richmond.

FIND FREE WI-FI ACCESS: Want to know which local restaurants and coffee shops offer free wireless internet access? Get a directory for Greater Richmond or any city worldwide, by clicking here.

FREE 411 CALLS: Never pay to call information again. 800-FREE-411 works for both residential and business listings across America. All you have to do is listen to a 10-second commercial before getting the listing you want, but the service is free.

FREE JEWELRY: The Silver Jewelry Club offers an assortment of free, pure sterling silver jewelry every day. From pendants to rings to earrings, all you pay is the shipping and handling.

FREE COMPUTER TECH HELP: If you have a problem with your computer, and no budget to fix it, Protonic offers free computer support and computer-related information online and by e-mail. This free service is manned by volunteers world-wide.

If you know of any event, or great free offer, e-mail is to me at freestuff@wtvr.com or you can post it to my Facebook page.

Set for THIS Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 5:00p.m.  Richmond, VA
Youth – Gospel Hip-Hop  @ 4:00p.m.

With Special Guest Minister Earl Bynum, Ben Tankard, Dottie Peoples,

Troy Sneed, Van Boyd and Many Many Others!

Special Tribute to Gospel Music Legend Larry Bland

Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 5p.m. – ABOLUTELY FREE to the Public!

Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park, Richmond, VA

Check Out Our Promo Here!

In Partnership with The Belle, www.thebellereport.net  and www.DreamonScreen.com

Sunday, July 15, 2012 At 5:00p.m. in Richmond, VA
Youth – Gospel Hip-Hop @  4:00p.m.

Special Tribute to Gospel Music Legend Larry Bland

and JUST ADDED BEN TANKARD!

Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park, Richmond, VA –

Lock It In Now!

ABSOLUTELY FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

This Event is Absolutely FREE!

The Main Stage kicks off at 5:00p.m.

Youth 4:00p.m. – 4:45p.m.

THIS EVENT IS Absolutely Free!~

For more information, go to www.thebellereport.net

Richmond, VA – “The 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle” is set to return to a city that has long been known for its mixture of Traditional and Quartet sounds.  From Sunday morning church services to evening Gospel concerts, the stage is now being set for one of the largest Gospel outdoor concerts on the East Coast.   The 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle” will include the sounds of Traditional, Contemporary, Urban, Gospel Hip-Hop and Neo Soul Gospel and it’s absolutely FREE to the public!

The vision was birthed from the spirit of Gospel music industry, multimedia journalist, publicist and promoter Sheilah Belle a.k.a. “The Belle” after receiving the invitation, now three years ago, from the Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Richmond, Brian Little to pull together a Gospel event.

“I’m a Richmond native, who grew up in Byrd Park. My weekends often included going to Dogwood Dell with family members and friends to see plays and concerts or enjoy the fireworks while standing around Fountain Lake. When I received the call to pull together and produce a Gospel Event for my own city, I was speechless,” says The Belle. “All I could think about were the endless opportunities I could provide for so many talented people who sing and dance before the Lord from Richmond and beyond.”

It was only days later when The Belle put together a rough draft with Brian Little smiling with approval.

Little says, “While we have had several spiritual and inspirational events hosted for the city of Richmond at various venues, I am excited about what Ms. Belle is bringing to the table for Dogwood Dell. Our goal is to grow what we have been doing for years and open the doors for new comers and new talent.”

Traditionally Dogwood Dell has played host to concerts, plays and musicals that showcase local talent from June to August yearly. Family members and friends come throughout the Summer with lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Some of their special Gospel guests over the years have included Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir, God’s Image and Cora Armstrong. This year you can expect to see a few more familiar faces and several new ones, along with more than 20 other groups and performers.

The Belle says, “I am extremely excited about the doors God is opening and making room for as we now have talent coming in from as far away as Jacksonville, FL and Boston, Mass.  My goal this year is to truly have something for everyone from traditional to Gospel Hip Hop.”

This year, The Belle says, “I’m also excited about the Praise Party we will be bringing to life this year, which will be produced by Stellar Award Winner Minister Earl Bynum!

One of our highlights this year will be a special tribute to the Legendary Larry Bland, who is responsible for so much of Richmond’s Gospel Heritage.  This is such an honor to do something for someone, who has already done so much for so many!

 There is so much talent out here, not only in Richmond, but across the country and providing them with a stage, an audience and an opportunity, is what some of them simply need. Hopefully we’ll be able to provide just that with the blessing of my own city.”

Currently our line up includes, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dottie Peoples, Troy Sneed, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Black RVA, Gerald Scott, Soul Tempo, Maggie Ingram & The Ingramettes, Minister Earl Bynum and the Mount, James Johnson & The Voices of Cedar Street, Sensere, Alvin Fowlkes & The Bomb Squad, Van Boyd, First Creation, J. T. Logan, Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, Soul Tempo, Patrick Dopson, Bryan Pound, Jonathan McReynolds, Young Mieo, Da Hype of SPBC, Blaze, Tye Berkley and Gavin Davis.

This year’s event will once again be co-hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones and Sheilah Belle, aka, The Belle.

Last year, crowd estimates were around 10,000 to 15,000 people.

The Belle says, “While this is a serious under taking, this is also a major community effort as well. We have already enlisted the help of more than fifty volunteers and at least fifty more are needed.”

With just about 2 months to go, a meeting for Volunteers will be held THIS SATURDAY, May 5th, 2012 @10am at Dogwood Dell, in Byrd Park, Richmond, VA.

“This is merely another platform that God is giving His people to represent the kingdom. May we all pull together and ask for God’s guidance and blessing over this event and all of those involved to make it a success,” says “The Belle.

For more information, e-mail thebellereport@hotmail.com .

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net   www.twitter.com/thebellereport

Once again co-hosted by the legendary and one and only Dr. Bobby Jones and The Belle, this event is going to be epic!

While the entire line up has not been released, confirmed participants include Dottie Peoples, Troy Sneed, Patrick Dopson, Black RVA, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Gerald Scott, Soul Tempo, Van Boyd, Maggie Ingram & the Ingramettes, Minister Earl Bynum and the Mount, Bryan Pound, Young Mieo and MANY MANY More!

A special Youth and Hip-Hop Segment will kick the afternoon at 4:00p.m. and Dr. Jones and The Belle will hit the stage at 5p.m to kick off the evening portion.

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle with great music, food and vendors~

It’s absolutely FREE!

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net     www.twitter.com/thebellereport

Richmond, VA — Lock it in now, the largest outdoor Gospel Music Festival with The Belle on the East Coast, set to take place on Sunday, July 15th at Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park with more than 25 performers and a Special Tribute to Gospel Music Legend Larry Bland!

Once again co-hosted by the legendary Dr. Bobby Jones and The Belle, this event is going to be epic!

While the entire line up has not been released, confirmed participants include Dottie Peoples, Troy Sneed, Patrick Dopson, Black RVA, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Gerald Scott, Soul Tempo, Van Boyd, Maggie Ingram & the Ingramettes, Minister Earl Bynum and the Mount, Bryan Pound, Young Mieo and MANY MANY More!

A special Youth and Hip-Hop Segment will kick the afternoon at 4:00p.m. and Dr. Jones and The Belle will hit the stage at 5p.m to kick off the evening portion.

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle with great music, food and vendors~

It’s absolutely FREE!

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net     www.twitter.com/thebellereport

Todd Dulaney, Gerald Scott, Earl Bynum, J. T. Logan,

Soul Tempo (Gospel Quartet Sensation), Bryan Pound, G.I.,

Minister James Johnson and the Voices of Cedar Street, Van Boyd,

Warren Caldwell & Company, Kenny Mayo & God’s Praise

Featuring the Return of “Larry Bland & the Volunteer Choir”

Set to Perform on Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle

Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 5p.m.

 Co-Hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones and The Belle

 2^nd Annual – Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle”

Sunday, July 10, 2011 @ 5p.m. (Lock It In!)

Dogwood Dell (Byrd Park), Richmond, VA

FREE to the Public!

Vendors, ONLY $50.  For an application

Send your request to thebellereport@hotmail.com

For more information, go to
http://www.thebellereport.net

(In photo; Dr. Bobby Jones and The Belle)

Richmond, VA – It was 2010 when Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle” was introduced to Richmond, VA.  With close to 5,000 in attendance, the event turned out to be bigger and better than anyone expected.

Now with just about two months to go the 2^nd Annual Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle” is set to return to Byrd Park’s Dogwood Dell in Richmond, VA on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 5p.m.

Bringing national attention to this year’s event will be BET’s own Dr. Bobby Jones and The Belle Reports, Sheilah Belle aka “The Belle” as they co-host this extraordinary event for the Richmond, VA community.

While the final list of performers is still being finalized and confirmed, some of this year’s special guest artists include Minister James Johnson & The Voices of Cedar Street, Soul Tempo, Minister Earl Bynum, God’s Image (G.I.), Cora Armstrong, Phillip Carter, Bryan Pound, Van Boyd, Warren Cardwell and many more.

More than 30 vendors offering everything from Bar-be-que Ribs to Fried Fish were on hand last year and are expected to return this year.

This event truly made history.  Brian Little, Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Richmond, Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities said, “With July 4th being out largest event, Gospel Music Fest with The Belle,’ became our second largest event here in the park.”

Mark you calendars now for SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011 at 5p.m., for the 2^nd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle at Byrd Park’s Dogwood Dell, Richmond, VA.

This event is FREE to the public!

Courtesy of The Belle Report

Dogwood Dell has so much color in the fall. And the calm of shooting there in the morning is special. Someone should start a yoga class there in the morning - that or the meditation stuff that old ladies do every morning - in every park - in NYC. I'd join.

Here is the article:
Monroe Park plan spurs debate over services for homeless
Monroe Park

Monroe Park forum
Richmond City Councilman Charles R. Samuels has called a meeting on Monroe Park and homeless services
When: Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Richmond Carillon auditorium at Dogwood Dell, 1300 Blanton Ave.
Registration: requested by today at (804) 646-6532 or Jan.Girardi@
richmondgov.com

By WILL JONES | TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Published: November 01, 2010
» 13 Comments | Post a Comment
vote
nowBuzz up! Richmond, Va. –

The prospect that Monroe Park could be closed temporarily for improvements is sparking debate over the feeding programs and other homeless services that are provided there.

City Councilman Charles R. Samuels, whose 2nd District includes the historic 8-acre park by Virginia Commonwealth University, is organizing a meeting Thursday to discuss ways the community can serve the needs of homeless residents if and when the park is closed.

With such an emotionally charged issue, Samuels is planning a series of small-group discussions rather than speeches. Homeward, a nonprofit coordinating and planning agency for homeless services in the area, will facilitate the meeting.

“It’s just a chance for people to sit down and talk about ways to make sure the services are available for the people who need them,” he said.

The Richmond area has 1,012 homeless residents, including 152 who are “unsheltered,” based on Homeward’s count last January. That marks a decrease from 1,150 homeless residents, with 184 unsheltered, in 2009.

Despite claims to the contrary, Samuels said the park-renovation project is not designed to dissuade feedings or other homeless-outreach efforts by faith-based groups and other community organizations.

“We have no intention of saying people can’t come on public property,” he said.

A $6.2 million plan to renovate Monroe Park was outlined in September by the city’s Monroe Park Advisory Council. A timeline for the project has not been determined, because funding has not been secured.

However, the group Food Not Bombs, which has been providing meals in Monroe Park for 16 years, has called the proposed upgrade an attack on the homeless and others who spend time there.

“Food Not Bombs will resist all attempts to shut the entire park down for any amount of time,” the group says in a statement on its website.

“This is a congregating place for students, families, homeless individuals, activists, folks who like to play Frisbee, and various other people who currently enjoy the dynamic of the park. The only people currently not represented in the day-to-day activity of the park are affluent white folks, and the proposed renovations are clearly designed with only them in mind.”

The group has sent city officials a list of demands for the renovation project, which include keeping at least 2 acres open at all times and no restrictions on the distribution of food and clothing.

Kelly King Horne, executive director of Homeward, said she hopes the interest and emotion around the issues at Monroe Park can be channeled to help match the community’s needs for homeless services with volunteer and nonprofit resources.

She also called for a stronger bridge between “safety-net” services, such as free meals, and broader services, such as job training and legal assistance.

For faith-based and other groups that provide the meals, “I think the question should be, how can we help them, being in ministry . . . meet a need,” she said.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.

According to press notes, “Look Back In Anger” is a ground-breaking story of a working class hero fighting for his wife’s love. Jimmy Porter is angry. Overeducated and underemployed, he is stuck in a dead-end job. His wife won’t talk to him. His best friend is always by her side. When her upper-crust friend shows up unexpectedly, Jimmy reaches the breaking point. Come see this savage tale of class conflict-battled in the bedroom.

“Look Back In Anger” plays at ATA’s Sargent Theatre (314 WEst 54th Street, 4th Floor) from October 13-30. Click here, for tickets!

Reesa Graham (Director)

In addition to being the director of “Look Back In Anger,” Reesa Graham is also the Seeing Place’s Literary Manager. Her New York directing credits include “Waiting for Lefty” (The Seeing Place), “All’s Well That Ends Well” and “Cymbeline” (BareShakespeare). Regionally her credits include “Woolgatherer,” “Oleanna,” “The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged,” and “Triptych” (Get the Gun Productions). Reesa has studied with as Jose Quintero, Marshall Mason, and the legendary Landford Wilson whom Reesa worked closely with at the Albee New Playwrights Festival.

1. Who inspired you to become a director? Wow – who inspired me to become a director?  That’s a longish answer. The reality is that when I was 6 years old, my mother took me to see a children’s theater production of Beauty and the Beast (my favorite fairy tale) and that was it. I knew at that moment I wanted to be the one who told the stories, like those people on stage, to become a character in a story and get to tell it – how amazing was that? And I really never looked back.  When I hit high school, I was still in theater, by that point I was involved in my school theater, a local children’s theater company, and a local adult theater company (yes, it’s true, at any given point in my high school career I was in 1-4 shows at a time) – but I was still acting. Then fate took over. I was extraordinarily lucky enough to be blessed with a high school director who never treated us as kids. We learned about Stanislavsky, and Chekhov and the Group theater, and…Blake Newman, who owned a local theater in Houston, always pushed us to be the best we could – and he saw in me something different than an actor.  He asked me to AD for him, so I did. Then something weird happened.  I fell into directing for a class project. And I HATED it – swore I would never do it again. But a few years later, a theater company I had worked with for many years came to me and said – our director just bailed – we have 2 choices, you either direct this show, or the show isn’t happening. So I did it.  And I never looked back.  From that point on I loved it! I got to tell the whole story, not just one piece of it. Overtime, I have been allowed to work with some AMAZING directors – Jose Quantro an Marshall Mason – as well as playwright Landford Wilson, and they have all agreed I am a director, not an actor – and today, I couldn’t agree more!

2. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? Famous or not famous?  For famous – Gary Oldman or Eddie Izzard or David Tennant. I think all three men do amazing work, and they are all super smart! Just the kind of people I would LOVE to work with.  Beyond that – I have a weakness for new plays, and there are a ton of new playwright friends who’s work I would LOVE to put on, including Daryl Banner (who’s books are out on Amazon now), Jill Summerville and Michael Menedez. These are newnew playwrights who’s work I love!

3. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Marshall Mason once told me: “Don’t quit what your doing – the world needs us.” And Landford once said: “Move to NYC when your young and stupid enough to stay up all night, but old enough to not be taken advantage of.”  I think I hit that mark   Also, Journey once said “Don’t stop believing.”

4. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? I actually had a pretty amazing dream the other night. I dreamed I was in rehearsals for a new Chekhov show with Stanislavsky directing. I had another once that was the same, but I was watching a Shakespeare rehearsal – I dream about theater a lot…

5. Do you have any rituals that you must do before a performance? How do you decompress after a show? Honestly, and people who know me well know this. I take a nap before rehearsals and performances. Not a long one, just 10-15 minutes. But I have to shut my brain down from my day and restart it focused on the show. The closer to go time I can do this, the better off I am – it means I’ve learned to sleep in rehearsal halls, theaters and dressing rooms

6. Do you have any strange or unusual talent nobody knows about? Erm… no actually. I am pretty open. My best friend calls me the most open closed person she knows. Because I never hesitate to tell someone something that they have asked or something I think might help them. It means I have very few things in my life that no one knows about. And what little there is, facebook and twitter have taken away

7. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? What do you order? Neither really. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, and also, I don’t like Dunkin’ Donuts donuts. (I grew up in Texas where we have this AMAZING donut chain called Shipley’s. They are so much better than DD that I can’t even compare them!)

8. Favorite skin care product? Why do we get the boring question?  Ok, erm…I like smelly good stuffs – preferably things that make me want to eat myself – like vanilla or creme brulee or angel food cake…

9. Favorite website? Let’s see – either lolcats or facebook. I play the worlds most addicting and stupid facebook game called Egg Breaker, where I break eggs with hammers…It’s kind of a secret – but I LOVE it!

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Wonder Woman – duh, who doesn’t want an invisible plane?

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite meal? Wow, that’s loaded – what day is it? Let’s see – Sushi – or a good steak – or a nice salad – or hummus and pita – or…anyway you slice it though, it HAS to have a GREAT dessert after it!  I have the world’s biggest sweet tooth!

12. Favorite hobby? Irish Dance. I need to get back into it. I was, for many years, a competitive Irish Dancer. And I loved it!  Anytime I go back to visit Texas, I got back to my old school for a class. I need to find a school here!

Keenan Caldwell (Helena Charles)

Irene Award Nominee, Keenan Caldwell is a rising actress whose New York credits include “Does Anyone Know Sarah Paisner?” (Intravenous Theatre) and “Wild Dogs (Maieutic Theatre Works). Regionally, Keenan has been seen in “Sunday in the Park with George” and “South Pacific” (Heritage Rep), “Secret Garden” and “Outward Bound” (Dogwood Dell), “Waiting for the Parade” and “Cloud 9″ (Helms Theatre-Irene Award Nominee), “Mystery of Edwin Drood” (Culbreath Theatre), “Nina in the Morning” and “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little” (Virginia Theatre Lab), “Wit” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” (Spectrum Theatre).

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? Mikhail Baryshnikov. When I was a little girl I believed with 100% certainty that I was going to be the greatest ballerina in the world when I grew up. It’s clearly still a work in progress.

2. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? Sheesh, only one?  Well, obviously Meryl Streep, but there are about a million runners-up.

3. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Never be afraid to fail.” I struggle with that every minute of every day. Second-best advice: “Keenan, you really ought to buy an ice-cream maker.”

4. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep who would it be? Alexander Skarsgard. Easy.

5. Do you have any rituals that you must do before a performance? How do you decompress after a show? It absolutely depends on the day and the performance, although remembering to go to the bathroom is crucial. I stretch a lot, listen to music, and do some vocal warm-ups. If there’s a lot of time between curtain and my entrance, I have to work a little harder to stay focused and keep my energy up.

6. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that nobody knows about? Hm. I really don’t think I do. Lame. Let’s go with “splitting the atom.”

7. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? What do you order? Starbucks. I don’t go often, but I usually get a decaf latte or cappuccino with an extra shot.

8. Favorite skin care product? Sunscreen. Although I have some perfume I bought when I went to Paris for the first time last year. That’s really the only product I use that has any sort of sentimental value.

9. Favorite website? gofugyourself.com. The King Arthur Flour website is also a good time.

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Wonder Woman, dur.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite meal? Food I had in Paris with my sister: steak tartare, frites, salade lyonnaise, and ile flottante.

12. Favorite hobby? Baking and ballet. The one does not help the other.

Rick Delaney (Colonel Redfern)

Rick Delaney is also a rising actor who’s New York credits include “Tombstone,” “Comedy of Errors,” and “Merchant of Venice” (Inwood), “Scenes from the SI Ferry” and “Flies in the Snuffbox” (MITF), and “2 on the Aisle, 2 in a Van” (NYC Fringe, along with fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest” participant Natacia Diaz). Regionally, Rick has been seen in “The Price” (12 Miles West), “The Mystery of Irma Vep” and “Laramie Project Epilogue” (Dreamcatcher Rep), “Ruby Sunrise,” “Omnium Gatherum,” “Psycho Beach Party,” and “Fully Committed” (Theater Project).

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? My brother, although he has never been a performer himself. He worked on a play in high school and I admired him so much I wanted to do that too.

2. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? Cherry Jones, but I’d be terribly intimidated.

3. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “At some point, all plays open”–which is another way of saying that, no matter how traumatic the rehearsal period, it is finite. Of course, I have since learned that, indeed, all plays do not open. But the second part of the advice is still true: “…and all plays close”.

4. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? I can dream about anyone, so this really isn’t applicable. I frequently have movie dreams, with well defined plots. One was a musical. Some are in Black and White. One was a Silent Movie with Title cards. And I frequently have Guest Stars. I think my favorite was Ethel Waters in a ’40′s film noir set in the swamps of Louisiana. She sang a song in a juke joint.

5. Do you have any rituals that you must do before a performance? No regular rituals for all shows–but I warm-up differently, depending on the show. How do you decompress after a show? I always eat!

6. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that nobody knows about? I can ask someone where the bathroom is in Dutch.

7. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? Dunkin’ Donuts. What do you order? Apple Fritter.

8. Boxers or Briefs? Boxer briefs.

9. Favorite website? Slate Magazine.

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Superman.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite meal? Thanksgiving Turkey and all the trimmings.

12. Favorite hobby? Sitting in a window, reading a book.

Adam Reich (Cliff Lewis)

Adam Reich is rising as well with such New York credits as “The Tempest” (The Public), “Fools In Love” (BAM Harvey Theater), “Miss Julie” (Cherry Lane), “High School Musical” (New World Stages), “Four Dogs and a Bone” (La Flamboyan), “The Secret of Our Souls (Minetta Lane), “La Ronde,” and “Two Gentlemen of Verona” (Manhattan Theatre Source), “Talk Therapy” (Abingdon), “Sheep’s Milk on the Boil” (Irish Arts), and “Waiting for Lefty” (The Seeing Place). For more on Adam, be sure to visit
http://www.adamreich.net
.

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? I think I’ve been doing this so long, I can’t remember any one person being the sole source of inspiration. But my old teacher Dwight Protho gave me a tremendous amount of encouragement at an age and time when I really needed it.

2. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? Ingmar Bergman dammit!  But I guess if you want someone more alive, I suppose Liv Ullman will have to do.

3. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Never give up!  Never surrender!”

4. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Dead loved ones.

5. Do you have any rituals that you must do before a performance? Relax in order to concentrate. How do you decompress after a show? Concentrate on relaxing.

6. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that nobody knows about? Nothing particularly strange, but I do find each person’s talent to be unique and therefore unusual.

7. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? What do you order? Are you kidding? Starbucks! Dunkin’ Donuts is dry, nasty crap. At least on the West Coast, no one company has a donut monopoly, so the competing Mom-and-Pop companies make some decent donuts.

8. Boxers or Briefs? Boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs.

9. Favorite website? www.adamreich.net

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Superduperman.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite meal? Breakfast.

12. Favorite hobby? Tending to my tropical fish.

Anna Marie Sell (Alison Porter)

From behind the curtain as The Seeing Place’s Associate Artistic Director to on stage entertaining, Anna Marie is a performer to watch. In New York, Anna has been seen in “Waiting for Lefty” and “The Credeaux” (The Seeing Place), “The Tamer Tamed” (Misfit Toys), “Timor Mortis” (Conflict of Interest), “Bathory: A New Musical” (D3 Productions), and “Merchant of Venice” (Inwood Shakespeare). Regional audiences have seen Anna in “Cyrano de Bergerac” (ASC), “Sound of Music” and “Pippin” (Cumberland Theater), “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” “Nunsense Jamboree,” and “Shadow of the Raven” (Wayside), “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Henry V,” and “Alice in Wonderland” (Barter).

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? I have no idea. I’m gonna say: my parents. They always have made me believe that I could do whatever I wanted, have shared stories and literature and art with me since I was a little girl – and they never complained about driving me to auditions and rehearsals. They still come see every show.

2. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? I would really like to play a scene with my roommate Lilli. We’ve been in shows together, but somehow have never really gotten to act together.

3. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “You are enough.” I still have trouble following it.

4. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? My own personal masseuse.

5. Do you have any rituals you must do before a performance? I like to eat the greek yogurt from Starbucks before I get to the theater.Once I’m there, doing my hair & make up is actually a big part of getting ready for me – both physically and spiritually. I also like to have a minute to just hang out in the theater by myself before things get going. How do you decompress after a show? Afterward, my favorite way to decompress is with a glass of whiskey at a quiet bar.

6. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that nobody knows about? No.

7. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? What do you order? Whichever is closer! Starbucks Anniversary Blend Coffee. Dunkin Donuts Double Chocolate or Cream-Filled Donuts.

8. Favorite skin care product? “One” Vanilla Almond Custard Lotion. It was a gift from my sister and it’s amazing.

9. Favorite website? Yahoo Maps.

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Superman.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite meal? Thanksgiving Dinner.

12. Favorite hobby? Learning to cook a multiple-dish dinner so that everything comes out at the same time.

Brandon Walker (Jimmy Porter)

Brandon Walker is an actor and the Founding Artistic Director of The Seeing Place Theater, a relatively new theatre company. According to their mission statement, The Seeing Place is a base for disciplined artists to develop theater they all want to believe in. They are working to create a pure ensemble, committed to forceful storytelling that discovers and expresses real behavior in this day and age. As an actor, Brandon has starred in “Waiting for Lefty,” “The Credeaux Canvas,” and “When We Have Gone Astray” (The Seeing Place), “West of the 5″ (La Jolla Playhouse), “Androcles and the Lion” (Old Globe), “And A Nightingale Sang” (Barnstormers), “Moon for the Misbegotten” (North Coast Rep), “Christmas Carol” (Sierra Rep), “Two Gentleman of Verona” and “Playboy of the Western World” (New Village Arts), “Marat/Sade” (ion Theater), “Dog Act” (Moxie Theatre), “This Is Our Youth” (Life Out Loud), “Hamlet,” “Richard III,” and “Romeo and Juliet” (Poor Players).

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? In order:  Mrs. Grimes (my 5th grade teacher), Blair Hambuechen (my high school drama teacher), Christine Carr (my second high school drama teacher), Jonathan Sachs (an actor in San Diego, who didn’t care if he was upstaged), Eve Gross (my first heartbreak – tried way too hard to impress her), Richard Baird (my surrogate brother), Albert Finney, Alex Cahill (the best artist I know), The Ledford Family (a surrogate family of mine), Billy Crudup, Edward Norton, Hank Jordan (my passionate theater history teacher), Rachael Van Wormer (my Juliet and ex-girlfriend, who I competed with way too much), Matt Scott (an extremely talented actor in San Diego, who I idolized for a short time), Francis Gercke (my first acting teacher and the first person who I felt believed in my abilities – also, the best director ever), Cameron Folmar (the best Leontes I’ve ever seen), Erin Cronican (who thinks I’m good at Shakespeare), Kenneth Lonergan, Mark Ruffalo, Keith Reay (the best person I’ve ever known), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ryan Gosling, Matt Daemon, David Gideon (my second acting teacher, and the only person who is harder on me than I am), Lee Strasberg (my teacher’s teacher), Marlon Brando, Aaron Calafato (the only person I’ve ever seen directly eye to eye with about art), James Dean, Pablo Picasso (for his curiosity), Dustin Hoffman, Jesse Eisenberg, Michael Stuhlbarg, Al Pacino, Paul Newman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jessi Blue Gormezano (who will never know she inspired me to get off my ass), Jamie Owens (my crazy friend, who was the second person who I felt believed in my abilities), my family (who finally got the point that I might be doing this a while), Ian McKellan, John Gazzale (the most dedicated actor I’ve ever met), Robert Downey Jr., Heath Ledger, Joseph Mancuso (my good friend in acting class and our first two shows, who taught me how to learn), James McAvoy, Lillian Wright (who directed The Seeing Place’s first show, THE CREDEAUX CANVAS), Claudio Raygoza (a great director and visionary, who I burned my bridge with six years ago and took me back into his life), Patrick Stuart (just yesterday – see him in the RSC’s HAMLET), and Anna Marie Sell (every day).

2. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? David Gideon.

3. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Live to the point of tears.” – Albert Camus

4. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Rachel McAdams.

5. Do you have any rituals you must do before a performance? I like to sit and do nothing for a few minutes while I drink coconut water. And then I sit in a hard chair and move my muscles very systematically from the top down in order to connect to them so that I can relax them as fully as I can. During this process, someone usually makes fun of me while I open my arms, make sound from my chest, and move the muscles I’m already using. Then I usually cry and somebody gets uncomfortable. And then I get involved in my creative work. Usually, that involves speaking out loud, which also freaks people out a bit. How do you decompress after a show? After a show, I drink.

6. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that nobody knows about? I am a Foley Artist.

7. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? What do you order? Starbucks is passing, and I usually default to it out of laziness. Dunkin’ Donuts has the most disgusting food and coffee I’ve ever had, and I sometimes default to it out of even greater laziness. I always get the largest and darkest coffee they have.

8. Boxers or Briefs? Boxers. Briefs and boxer briefs sag in this really gross way. Or maybe I’m just that huge.

9. Favorite website? Google. That was a smart idea.

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Wonder Woman.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite meal? Mike’s Mess from Zachary’s in Santa Cruz. Or anything from Hash House A-Go-Go or La Hacienda in San Diego. Or anything from The Hotcake House in Portland. Or Crepes from Squat and Gobble in San Fransisco. Or a Croque Madame from Le Grainne Cafe in Chelsea.  But I always long for this artichoke heart sandwich that an ex-girlfriend (who was a novice chef) made for me one night. And then there are always Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwiches.

12. Favorite hobby? Chess. Or biking. Or guitar. Or air-drums.

The Latin Jazz Festival will take over Dogwood Dell on August 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The festival will feature some of the areas top Latin DJs, Latin dancers, performers and Latin music. For more details call the Dell Hot line 804-646-DELL or visit www.richmondgov.com/parks under Cultural Arts.

Carrying home one dozen of Sally Bell’s cupcakes in their cute and classic boxes is actually a little-known workout. Those suckers have some weight to ‘em.

It used to be that Richmonders had to hit up Sally Bell’s during the week or else we’d be sad all weekend, but in an exciting new development, Sally Bell’s is taking over concessions at The Landing at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park. Tuesday through Sunday they’ll be serving their typical menu and some extras like ice cream, hot dogs and the like for the pedal boat set. Call (804) 204-1501 or see the menu here. Total yum. One of the best public/private partnerships in the city ever! Cupcakes can cure all sorts of society’s ills, except obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. I wish Sally Bell’s well and have to thank Director of Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, J.R. Pope for adding such a classic and classy amenity to the city.  

While you’re in the neighborhood, you might want to try a cupcake taste test and head over to Carytown Cupcakes to give them a try. I was blown away by their pistachio and chocolate combo when I was doing due diligence for the bakery section of the Insiders’ Guide to Richmond. The carrot cake was no slouch either and if I recall correctly, I had half of another really good one, too. That was my favorite day of eating, I mean writing. Beautiful and delicious. One of the owners is also the owner of the Grace Manor Inn, a lovely B & B in the Fan. You might be lucky enough to score a cupcake as part of a healthy breakfast there. They don’t have a lake, but there is a gorgeous pool available for guests. I’m hoping Richmond is a big enough town for all yummy cupcakes to live and laze in harmony.

Students Dawn Van Ness and Corey Byers are here in the newsroom.