April 27, 2012
A Byrd’s Eye View N
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ABOUT FILMS, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
Think Like A Man Can Turn into a Great Time With a Woman By Art Byrd I remember seeing the best-seller book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy and Commitment at the library. So, I checked the book out. I read part of the book, written by comedian and radio host Steve Harvey, and found it very interesting.
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The book is still very popular, and now there is a movie based on it called Think Like A Man, a shorter version of the book title. This is a really good romantic comedy with an amazing cast. The movie starts by describing types of men: the player, mama's boy, happily married, soon-to-be divorced, the dreamer and the noncommittal man. Those descriptions set the tone for the movie and the cast. Steve Harvey makes an appearance on a talk show that starts the sensation where women are flocking to the bookstores to buy the book and take in the secrets of men with the possibility of cracking the male code. The men are friends who play basketball together and all are at different stages with women. The funniest being Cedric, played by comedian Kevin Hart (Soul Plane), who is going through a divorce. He is constantly talking about his new-found freedom. Then there is Michael, played by Terrence J (Burlesque), a mama's boy who becomes involved with a single mom, Candace, play by Regina Hall (Scary Movie).
J o i n A r t o n T w i t t e r a t t w i t t e r. c o m / a r t b y r d v i e w
“I'm a comedian first. I've learned how to act. I just draw on life experiences and that's how I've learned. I didn't take classes or anything. I don't need no classroom.” Comedian, Host (Radio & Game Show) and Author, Steve Harvey.
April 27, 2012
A would-be chef, the dreamer, is Dominic, played by Michael Ealy (Three Pounds). He falls for a tough CEO, Lauren, play by Taraji P. Henson (Person of Interest). Their relationship has a role reversal as she takes the more dominant role. In this movie, the beautiful women don't stop showing up. Gabrielle Union (Good Deeds) plays Kristen, who is involved with Jeremy, played by Jerry Ferrera (Entourage). He is a commitment-phoebe when it comes to marriage. My favorite is Mya, played by Meagan Good (Jumping The Broom). She is being pursued by Zeke, played by Romany Mapco (Weeds). On their first date, Zeke, the player, unlocks his car doors and gets in without getting the door for Mya. She tells him that she is not getting in the car until he opens the door for her. So Zeke drives off without her. Then, he drives back, says a stupid stale line and eventually opens a door for her. Yea, Mya. Each woman discovers the ideas from the Harvey book and uses them, such as the “90 day rule,” which means to wait for 90 days before having sex, and “how to get a ring.” For the ladies, things are humming along until the men discover that they are reading the Harvey book. They get copies and start to be on the defensive. This is when trouble begins and relationships erode. But each couple realizes that they truly love each other. The neat movie package takes place where happiness is everywhere and for everyone. There is an un-credited cameo from a current talk show host that those in my audience just loved. I’ll let you discover that one for yourselves. Think Like A Man is not just about men and women but male relationships with each other. This movie is rare because everyone from every ethnic background can enjoy and relate to it. It is not just targeted to one specific group. As the credits rolled and people started leaving, a couple walked by me and the man said, “I would buy the DVD.” That is the sign of a good movie, if people want to see it again and pay for the DVD. My suggestion is don't wait for the DVD, but go see Think Like A Man in the theater and laugh with the rest of the audience. You will not need a book to have a good time with your significant other.
Dance into Spring with YSU Dance Ensemble The YSU Dance Ensemble will present its annual spring concert May 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater. Under the artistic direction of Christine Cobb, faculty member in the department of Theater and Dance, the concert will showcase 13 dance pieces of modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and tap genres. Tickets must be purchased at the door and are $10 for the general public, $5 for Senior Citizens, Penguin Club members, groups of eight or more and YSU Faculty and Staff. The special rate for ALL students (including YSU) is $3. Season coupon tickets will be honored.
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April 27, 2012
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY: APRIL 28TH – MAY 6TH Saturday, April 28th Plant the Seed to Read Mill Creek MetroParks will present Plant the Seed to Read - a free Children's Book Festival on Saturday, April 28th from 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. at Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown. This festival will feature book characters, authors, illustrators, storytellers and activities for children, and will celebrate the debut of a new book, A Walk in the Garden. For more information, call 330-740-7116.
Baseball Writer Discusses the Baseball Stadium Fanatics of America's pastime and novice fans are all invited to learn the inside story about baseball stadiums at 2 p.m. at the Main Library in Warren. Author Matt Lupica provides the essential companion to your ballpark experience with his book The Baseball Stadium Insider: A comprehensive dissection of all 30 ballparks, the legendary players and the memorable moments. He will talk about some of the features, facts, and figures that make each stadium unique. The program will be held in the Quiet Reading Room located on the first floor of the Main Library. Reservations are not required.
Hey Kid Performance Local musical group, "Hey Kid!" will perform at 2:15 p.m. at the Main Library in Warren. The performance is part of the library's celebration of Family Book Day. Children of all ages and their families are invited to enjoy stories, a puppet show, and craft activities starting at 1 p.m. at the Main Library. Each child who attends will receive a free book courtesy of First Book of Trumbull County, while supplies last. The events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
Three Broadway Divas Concert The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will present Three Broadway Divas in concert at 8 p.m. at Edward W. Powers Auditorium in the De Yor Performing Arts Center, 260 West Federal St., downtown Youngstown. The Three Broadway Divas Concert will feature Christiane Noll, Jan Horvath and Debbie Gravitte, performing music from Gypsy, Sweet Charity, A Chorus Line, Mame, My Fair Lady, Mamma Mia, Jekyll and Hyde, Wicked and Evita. For tickets or more information, call 330-744-026.
Thursday, May 3rd Puppetry 2012 Show Puppet show for all ages at the Spotlight Theatre in Bliss Hall at YSU. The puppetry class will be putting it on for their final presentation and it’s going to be a lot of fun! They have spent a whole semester putting the puppets and show together so come out and bring the kids or just come and enjoy it yourself. It’s free to get in and it’s a guaranteed good time. 4:00-5:30 pm.
Saturday and Sunday May 5th & 6th The Artists of the Mahoning Commons The Artists of the Mahoning Commons will hold a free Spring Open Studio from noon until 5 P.M. both days at the Ward Bakery Building, 1024 Mahoning Ave., across from U-Haul, near downtown Youngstown. This event will show the working studio spaces of artists and will also include art displays of jewelry, painting, sculpture, pottery, fiber art, glass and more. For more information, call 330-718-2696.
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April 27, 2012
ON STAGE The Oakland Center for the Arts: Evil Dead: The Musical Dark comedy musical running weekends from Friday, April 27th through Saturday, May 12th at 8 p.m. each night. Evil Dead: The Musical takes all the elements of the cult classic horror films, Evil Dead 1, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness, combines them and places them with off-the-wall songs to tell the story of five college students at an abandoned cabin in the woods who accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them into demons. The Oakland is located at 220 West Boardman St., downtown Youngstown. For tickets or more information, call 330-746-0404.
New Castle Playhouse: Grease Running weekends from Friday, April 27th through Sunday, May 13th at the Augustine Auditorium, 202 East Long Ave. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 724-654-3437.
YSU: Hansel & Gretel University Theater’s new subsidiary, Penguin Playhouse, will present Hansel & Gretel, by Moses Goldberg, Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. in Bliss Hall’s Spotlight Theater. Tickets are only $1 each and all seating is general admission and first-come first served. Parking is available for a nominal fee in the Wick Avenue deck. For more information, call 330-941-3636.
The Youngstown Playhouse: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Musical Performance dates: May 4-5 and 11-12 at 7:30 p.m.; May 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. A hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe puts on it flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience to one of Drood's most talked-about features - the audiences gets to pick the ending of the play. For tickets, call 330-788-8739. The Youngstown Playhouse is located at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown.
The Victorian Players: An Evening of One-Acts An enjoyable evening of One-Acts presented May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.; matinee May 6, 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 330-746-5455. The Victorian Players theater is located at 702 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown.
Dana New Music Festival Underway The Dana New Music Festival, now in its 28th year, features a wide variety of styles and media and continues to May 2. The Principal Guest Composer is Kathy Henkel, a frequent participant in the Dana New Music Festival, who holds degrees from UCLA, and California State University at Northridge, where she studied with Frank Campo and Aurelio de la Vega. The Gala Concert will take place 8 p.m., Wed., May 2 at St. Columba Cathedral and include performances by the Festival Chamber Orchestra, Robert Rollin director; the St. Columba Cathedral Choir, Daniel Laginya, director; and various chamber ensembles with Dana faculty and students. Before the Gala Concert, there will be several recitals throughout the festival’s run that are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636. For a complete calendar of events, visit http://web.ysu.edu/fpa. J o i n A r t o n T w i t t e r a t t w i t t e r. c o m / a r t b y r d v i e w
April 27, 2012
Labyrinth Walk, Open House in Canfield The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown are hosting two events this Sunday, April 29. From 1-3 p.m. they will welcome the public and media to tour their new living spaces in the Motherhouse at 4250 Shields Rd. New plumbing, electrical components and heating and ventilation systems are updating the nearly 50-year-old building’s infrastructure, and 24 handicapped-accessible living spaces were created for the Sisters to help ensure safety. The $1.7 million project is being funded by the Sisters with the help of donations from area supporters. Those attending are asked to use the east drive off Shields. (I’ll be there, so if you come, be sure to say hello – Michele) Then at 2 and 3 p.m., there will be guided Labyrinth walks to kick-off the Labyrinth season. This Sunday’s will celebrate the “Journey of Spring.” Participants can attend an optional PowerPoint presentation in the Ursuline Center auditorium on the history of labyrinths, which date to ancient times and were used by numerous cultures and religions around the world. The Labyrinth at the Ursuline Center is based on the design at the Chartres Cathedral, France, with some adjustments to make it wheelchair accessible. Participants are asked to use the west entrance off Shields. Michele Ristich Gatts began her full-time career in journalism with WKBN TV News, where she worked closely with radio news as well. After a decade in broadcasting, she branched into print, working five years for The Business Journal in various reporting and editorial capacities. Michele was fortunate to be recognized with a few prestigious journalism awards along the way, and has done a little teaching for YSU. She currently works as a freelance writer, editor and media consultant, and is based in Youngstown, Ohio. Contact her at michelegatts@yahoo.com. Excerpts from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Review, Newspaper, available throughout the Valley and online at http://www.thereviewnewspapers.com/ Also in The Buckeye Review Newspaper available at area newsstands.
Monnie Ryan retired in 2003 after 14 years as managing editor of The Business Journal in Youngstown, where she continues to contribute to the print and online editions. Articles she has written have appeared in more than 20 national publications and at several travel-related Web sites, and she has won numerous awards for photography. Contact her at mryan62692@aol.com.
J o i n A r t o n T w i t t e r a t t w i t t e r. c o m / a r t b y r d v i e w