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IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK
Kringle fever Stage version of ‘Miracle’ coming to Hickory Street enton Community Theatre revisits Miracle on 34th Street, a play based on the 1947 Twentieth Century Fox film and adapted from the novel by Valentine Davies. Marygail Lakner and John Evarts co-direct the holiday favorite, which tells the tale of Kris Kringle, who fills in for a drunken Santa-for-hire at a Macy’s department store. Kringle is so convincing that the store’s events director, Doris, hires him for the season. Kringle complicates things by insisting he is, in fact, Father
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Christmas. The tangle turns into a competency hearing that could pack Kris off to an institution, and that could mean another bruise against the tender soul of Doris’ young daughter, Susan — who already questions the existence of Santa Claus and Christmas wonder. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 20-21, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 22. Performances are at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, and $10 for children and students. To purchase tickets, call 940382-1915 or visit www.campus theatre.com.
THE NUTCRACKER Kris Kringle needs no such disguise in “Miracle on 34th Street,” staged by Denton Community Theatre this weekend and next at the Campus Theatre.
The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents “The Nutcracker” this weekend. Levente Bajari and Krisztina Pazar are shown in a previous production. This year, guest artists Alexandru Glusacov and Melissa Zoebisch dance the roles of the Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Courtesy photo) Story on Page 9
FIND IT INSIDE MUSIC Concerts and nightclub schedules. Page 2
DINING Restaurant listings. Page 10
Dallas Morning News file photo
— Lucinda Breeding
MOVIES Reviews and summaries. Page 7
TO GET LISTED
EVENTS THURSDAY 9:30 a.m. — Crafters’ Corner at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Work on projects and learn new techniques. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 5 to 8 p.m. — Opening reception for the Annual College of Visual Arts and Design Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition in the UNT Art Gallery, on the first floor of the Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St., and at UNT on the Square, 109 Elm St. Free. Visit http:// gallery.unt.edu and http://untonthe square.unt.edu.
FRIDAY 3 to 5 p.m. — Crafty Kids at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Children of all ages can create arts and crafts at this open-ended, comeand-go program. Materials are provided. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 5:30 to 9 p.m. — First Friday Denton at art venues around the downtown Square, including A Creative Art Studio, 227 W. Oak St., Suite 101; Imagine Gallery at Denton Square Donuts, 208 W. Oak St.; SCRAP Denton, 215 W. Oak St.; UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St.; and others. Free gallery viewings, live music, art projects and demonstrations. Visit www.firstfridaydenton.com. 7 to 10:30 p.m. — Kids Rock at Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney
St. Supervised activities for children in grades 1-5. Cost is $9 per child. Call 940-349-7275 or visit www.denton parks.com.
SATURDAY 10 a.m. to noon — Free math tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Registration is required; forms are available at all library locations. For more information, e-mail gilsiklee@ intellichoice.org. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Festivus and four-year anniversary celebration at A Creative Art Studio Gallery, 227 W. Oak St., Suite 101. Event includes live music, light refreshments, and an exhibit of art and jewelry by Kristie Hunger, featured artist for December. Call 940-442-1251 or visit www.a creativeartstudio.com. 11 a.m. — Read to Rover at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Free. Children ages 6-11 struggling with reading can read one-on-one with a trained therapy dog from Therapy Pals of Golden Triangle. Parents or guardians must register their children in person and sign a permission slip. Call 940-349-8752. 2 to 3:30 p.m. — “Slavery: Popular Sovereignty vs. the Constitution,” a talk by UNT political science professor Steven Forde, at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 3 to 4 p.m. — “Borrowing EBooks on Your Tablet,” a presentation at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Learn how to borrow free e-books. Call 940-3498752 to register or visit www.denton
library.com. 6 to 9 p.m. — Gallery Night at Oxide Gallery, 115 W. Eagle Drive, Suite A. Opening reception for December exhibition, with featured artist Ruben Miranda. Free. Call 940-483-8900 or visit www.oxidegallery.com.
MONDAY 6 p.m. — Chess Night at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Free. Call 940-349-8752. 7 to 8 p.m. — Romance in the Stacks Book Club at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. This month, discuss Christmas romances. Free. Call 940-349-8796 or e-mail kimberly.wells@cityofdenton.com.
TUESDAY 9:30 a.m. — Mother Goose Time at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories and activities for infants (birth to 18 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940-349-8752. 9:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Stories, puppets and activities for toddlers (12-36 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940-349-8752. 10 to 11 a.m. — Art and Me for ages 2-5 at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Read The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone and create artwork inspired by the story. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 10:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories, puppets and activities for toddlers (12-36 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940-349-8752 4 p.m. — It’s a Girl Thing! book
club for girls ages 8-12 and their female relative or friend, at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. This month, bring your favorite book to discuss. Call 940-349-8752. 7 to 8:45 p.m. — North Branch Writers’ Critique Group, for those interested in writing novels, short stories, poetry or journals, meets at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Free.
WEDNESDAY
INFORMATION Include the name and description of the event, date, time, price and phone number the public can call. If it’s free, say so. If it’s a benefit, indicate the recipient of the proceeds.
TELL US ONLINE: Visit www.dentonrc.com, and click on “Let Us Know.”
E-MAIL IT TO: drc@dentonrc.com
9:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Stories, puppets and activities for toddlers (12-36 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940349-8752. 4 to 5 p.m. — Affordable Care Act Enrollment Assistance at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. Call 940-349-8752 to register or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Exploring Philosophy at North Branch Library, 3020 Locust St. Join the ongoing discussions of time-honored philosophical issues with Dr. Eva H. Cadwallader, professor of philosophy. Free. Call 940-349-8752.
MUSIC The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Each Wed, County Rexford, 7-9pm, free. 101 W. Hickory St. 940-5665483. The Abbey Underground Thurs: Big Band. Fri: Gravity Feed, the BoomBachs, Mr. Molly. Weekly events: Each Sat, “’80s and ’90s RetroActive Dance Party”; each Sun,
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MAIL IT TO: Denton Time 314 E. Hickory St. Denton, TX 76201
DEADLINE: Noon the Friday before publication. All information will be verified with the sender before publication; verification must be completed by noon the Monday before publication for the item to appear.
REACH US EDITORIAL & ART Features Editor Lucinda Breeding 940-566-6877 cbreeding@dentonrc.com
ADVERTISING Advertising Director Sandra Hammond 940-566-6820 Classified Manager Julie Hammond 940-566-6819 Retail Advertising Manager Shawn Reneau 940-566-6843 Advertising fax 940-566-6846
White-out dates
People line up for wassail at shops on the Square during last year’s Wassail Fest, held during the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. Icy weather canceled last weekend’s festival, but Wassail Fest and a small tree lighting have been rescheduled for Friday night.
Ice-stricken events back on calendar
ast Thursday’s ice storm, coupled with freezing temperatures that kept the outdoors slippery into this week, had a number of Denton groups raising the white flag. Those same groups wouldn’t be totally defeated, however. A number of iced-out events are on again this weekend. Denton Holiday Lighting Festival organizers have opted for a micro-lighting on Friday night. It will be a small treelighting ceremony during the rescheduled Wassail Fest. Wassail Fest is an annual winter contest among the downtown businesses of the Denton Main Street Association to determine which shop concocts the best spiced cider. (No alcohol allowed, though.) Wassail Fest will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday on the downtown Square. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square. About 30 local businesses will offer tastes of wassail. Tasters can find out where they can try a cup when they arrive at the Square on Friday evening. A number of wassail stops are also participating in another rescheduled event: First Friday Denton. Galleries around downtown will keep open their doors Friday evening for art exhibits,
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music and refreshments. For more information, visit http:// firstfridaydenton.com. Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School has rescheduled “A Kid’s Christmas” to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the PointBank Black Box Performing Arts Center, 318 E. Hickory St. “A Kid’s Christmas” includes activities and a visit with Santa and his elves (parents and grandparents should bring their cameras) and a performance of The Littlest Angel. The short play is performed by Theatre School students and tells the story of how a loud little angel with a scuffed halo and tatty wings gives the most important gift for Christmas in all of heaven. All tickets cost $10. Cardo’s Farm Project rescheduled its children’s fall workshop, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at 1599 Mingo Road. Students will learn about the farm’s animals and what happens on the farm during the winter. Children will get acquainted with the new farm property and might even help give the chicken coop a makeover. The workshop is for ages 4 to 10 and costs $25 per child. To register, visit http:// bit.ly/IG1Amd. Oxide Gallery rescheduled its monthly Gallery Night to 6 p.m.
David Minton/ DRC file photo
DRC/Lucinda Breeding
The angels and Santa embrace the smallest angel in the play “The Littlest Angel,” the Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School production at PointBank Black Box Performing Arts Center. Shown, from left, are the Second Angel (Landon Nace), the Fifth Angel (Mekhi Chapa), the Littlest Angel (Maddee Young) with Pickles the Bear and Santa (Steve Hindman). Saturday. Gallery Night is a mixer with drinks and refreshments as well as the monthly opening
reception for the gallery’s new exhibition. The gallery, at 115 Eagle Drive, specializes in exhibit-
ing and selling art by artists who live in Denton and North Texas. — Lucinda Breeding
HOLIDAY EVENTS THURSDAY 10 and 11 a.m. — Santa Story Time at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories, songs and puppets with Santa. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Best for ages 1-5. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com.
FRIDAY Today through Sunday — Denton County Toys for Tots toy drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Unwrapped toy donations will
be collected at various locations at the mall. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Norma Cabañas at 214-916-8528 or at norma.cabanas. civ@mail.mil, or visit http://aubreytx.toysfortots.org. 11 a.m. — Santa Story Time at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Stories, songs and puppets with Santa. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Best for ages 1-5. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 4 to 5 p.m. — Seasonal Science: Holly Jolly Experiments at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Science activities for ages 7-11. Free.
Call 940-349-8752 to register or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 4 to 5 p.m. — Christmas Crafts Workshop at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. The Garden Culture Club will help kids ages 5 and older transform mini gourds into festive ornaments. Free. Call 940349-8752 to register or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Denton Main Street Association’s Wassail Fest offers free tastings of the warm mulled cider drink at participating downtown businesses. People can vote for their favorite recipe. Visit www.dentonmainstreet.org. 6 p.m. — Lighting of the Christ-
mas tree on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square. Donations of unwrapped toys will be collected for the Denton Community Toy Store. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
SATURDAY Today and Sunday — Denton County Toys for Tots toy drive at
Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Unwrapped toy donations will be collected at various locations at the mall. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Norma Cabañas at 214-916-8528 or at norma.cabanas. civ@mail.mil, or visit http://aubreytx.toysfortots.org. 8:30 a.m. — Northwest ISD’s Reindeer Romp 5K and fun run at Nelson High School, 2775 Bobcat Boulevard in Trophy Club. The 1-mile fun run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K race begins at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.nisdreindeer romp.com.
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dentonlibrary.com. 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, at the Pilot Point Community Opera House, 110 S. Washington St. in Pilot Point. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
HOLIDAY EVENTS Continued from Page 3 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Sanger High School arts and crafts show at the school, 100 Indian Lane. Admission is $1 for adults and free for students and children. Shoppers can get in free by bringing two canned food items, which will be donated to local food banks. 10 a.m. — Flower Mound Christmas Parade along Morriss Road, from Eaton Drive to Marcus High School. Call 972-874-6275 or visit www.flower-mound.com/special events. 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents The Nutcracker at TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Tickets cost $11-$36. Visit www.festivalballet.net or call 940-891-0830. 3 to 4 p.m. — Grinch Party at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Children of all ages can enjoy a reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, crafts and refreshments. Free, but registration is required. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 6 p.m. — Denton Hi-Noon Lions Club and Argyle Lions Club Christmas meeting and party at Metzler’s, 628 Londonderry Lane. 7 p.m. — “Great Christmas Sing” at Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane, off FM372 12 miles southeast of Gainesville. Christmas songfest performed by community members and the children’s choir from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Pilot Point. Refreshments will be served. Free, but donations will be accepted to help support building renovations. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
SUNDAY Today — Denton County Toys for Tots toy drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Unwrapped toy donations will be collected at various locations at the mall. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Norma Cabañas at 214-916-8528 or at norma.cabanas.civ@mail.mil, or visit http://aubrey-tx.toysfortots.org. 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. — Argyle United Methodist Church Chancel Choir presents The Jesus Gift at the church, 9033 Fort Worth Drive. 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
WEDNESDAY 2:30 p.m. — The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents The Nutcracker at TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Tickets cost $11-$36. Visit www.festivalballet.net or call 940-891-0830. 3 p.m. — Denton Benefit League’s “Tea & Trumpets,” a holiday tea for the family, at TWU’s Hubbard Hall. Enjoy tea, sandwiches, scones, petits fours and more. Tickets cost $35 each, or $75 for patron tickets. Reservation deadline has passed. Call 214-931-3014. 6:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or 940-3827014, or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 7 p.m. — First Christian Church Sanctuary Choir, soloists and Chamber Orchestra present Handel’s Messiah at the church, 1203 N. Fulton St. Reception follows. Free. Visit www.fccdenton.org.
MONDAY 6:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or 940-3827014, or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 7 p.m. — Brazz Christmas show at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St. No cover charge. Call 940484-2888 or visit www.sweetwater grillandtavern.com.
TUESDAY 6:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or 940-3827014, or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 7 to 8 p.m. — Gingerbread Story Time at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Best for ages 1-5. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.
11 a.m. — Santa Story Time at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Stories, songs and puppets with Santa. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Best for ages 1-5. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www. dentonlibrary.com. Noon to 1 p.m. — 12th annual Holiday Singalong in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St. Presented by Bing Burton, Leslie Willingham and David Mollen. Free.
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
chocolate and a snack. Children must bring lunch. Cost is $15. Register by Dec. 19. Call 940-349-7275 or visit www.dentonparks.com. 1 to 6 p.m. — Holiday Drop N’ Shop for ages 5-12 at Little Elm Recreation Center, 303 Main St. Cost is $12 per child. Kids can enjoy an afternoon of crafts, games, movies, food and fun with center staff. Registration is required. Call 972-731-3277 or visit www.littleelm.org/parks. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://family friendlyproductions.com. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
ONGOING
7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
Through Dec. 24 — Santa Claus is available for visits at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Photos available for purchase. Visit www.shop goldentriangle.com. Through Dec. 24 — First United Methodist Church of Denton youths offer holiday gift-wrapping at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Prices range from $3 to $8, and proceeds will fund a choir trip, summer camp and mission trips. Hours vary. Visit www.shopgoldentriangle. com. Through Dec. 28 — Santa Land at Little Elm Park, 704 W. Eldorado Parkway, with an elf village, a snow hill and hot cocoa. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus between 6 and 10 p.m. Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 12-14 (live reindeer on Dec. 14). Admission is free, but there are fees for the snow hill and commemorative photos with Santa. Guests can also bring their own cameras. Visit www.littleelm.org/ parks. Through December — Kay Copeland’s Santa Collection at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, 110 W. Hickory St. Free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed holidays. Call 940-349-2850 or visit www.dentoncounty.com/ chos. Through Dec. 31 — “Everything Trains Christmas” exhibit at the Wood House of Denton, 516 N. Locust St. View an elaborate model train exhibit and donate canned food items for Denton County Friends of the Family. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21 9 to 11 a.m. — Breakfast With Santa for kids ages 1-12 and their families, at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Event includes breakfast, face painting, bounce house, crafts, letters to Santa, and visits and photos with Santa. Cost is $10 per child; free admission for adults, or $3 per plate for breakfast. Register by Dec. 19. Call 940-3497275 or visit www.dentonparks.com. 10 a.m. to noon — Fred Moore Day Nursery School Gospel Brunch at the Center for Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory St. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Holiday Drop ’N Shop for ages 3 1/2 to 5 at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Event includes a candy cane hunt, crafts, bounce house, a movie, hot
Monday through Saturday; closed on Dec. 25. Call 940-387-4098. Through Jan. 10 — Visual Arts Society of Texas holiday exhibition at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Artists include Darla Bostick, Gail Cope, Lynne Cox, Jackie Haugen, James J. Johnson Jr., Lori MacLean, Carol Rowley, Olivia Walker and Sharon Warwick. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Free. Visit www.vastarts.org.
IN THE REGION 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday — Granbury Living Christmas Cards event including displays around the Hood County Courthouse, Christmas Artisans Village and children’s activities. Event concludes with carols from Lakeside Baptist Church singers at Granbury Square Plaza, 205 E. State Loop 426. Free. Visit www.granburychristmas.com.
ONGOING Through Dec. 21 — “A Southfork Christmas” at Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road in Parker. Lights, music, Santa Claus, and tram tours to vignettes depicting Texas holiday celebrations through the years. Open 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and younger. Visit www.southfork. com. Through Dec. 22 — Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts’ The Nutcracker, at the Dallas Children’s Theater, Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman St. Performances are at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sundays; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets cost $13-$40. Call 214-740-0051 or visit www.dct.org. Through Dec. 31 — Holiday at the Arboretum featuring “Angels in DeGolyer,” a collection of 400 angels in the lavish decorated DeGolyer Mansion, at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; visits by a live reindeer and costumed characters, Saturdays and Sundays; holiday tea ($47-$57, reservations required). Tickets to main garden cost $10-$15, plus $3 fee for optional children’s garden; $5-$10 for parking. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Call 214-515-6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org. Through Jan. 4 — The Hilton Anatole’s holiday spectacular “Sparkle!” and Christmas at the Anatole, at 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. For schedule and more information, visit www.christmasat theanatole.com Through Jan. 5 — The Trains at NorthPark, 4,000-square-foot toy train exhibit benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. On Level 2 of NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway in Dallas. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Early closings 4 p.m. Dec. 24, 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Dec. 25. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 and older. Visit www.rmhdallas.org/trains.
DENTON PARKS & RECREATION Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to Kids Rock from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Children can play and socialize with each other. There will be a DJ, basketball and soccer games, bounce houses and more. Cost is $10. For more information, call 940-349-7275 or visit www. dentonparks.com. ■ Anyone who has completed a junior angler class can go on the Intermediate Angler Outing from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at South Lakes Pond, 556 Hobson Lane. Certified angler educators and Denia Recreation Center staff will be there for guidance. Cost is $3 per angler. For more information or to register, call 940-349-8136. ■ Group exercise classes are beginning for December. Classes include Hatha flow yoga at Denia Recreation Center; cycle yoga at North Lakes Recreation Center; Pilates, yoga, boot camp and shadow boxing at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Prices vary from $20 to $75. For more information and to register, visit www.denton parks.com or call 940-349-7278. ■ Dance classes for kids start this month at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St., and Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Choose from hip-hop, ballet or jazz, and learn coordination and rhythm while having fun. Each class costs $30. For more information and to register, visit www. dentonparks.com or call 940-3497275. ■ The Denton Senior Center offers tai chi, yoga and Zumba for adults of all ages. The classes are low-impact, but can yield results. Each class costs $30. For more information and to register, visit www. dentonparks.com or call 940-3498720. ■ Sixth- through eighth-graders can take part in Junior High Jamz from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 20 at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Supervised event includes a live DJ, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, basketball and more. Student IDs are required for admission. Entry fee is $4. Call 940-3498575 for more information. ■ An American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Course, which teaches students to become a lifeguard training instructor, will be offered Dec. 20-22 at the Denton Natatorium. Students must be able to complete a full lifeguard challenge on the first day, including all physical and written tests. Course costs $250 for Denton residents. Call 940-3498800 for more information or to register.
EVENTS Continued from Page 2 open mic hosted by Bone Doggie, signup at 7:30pm; each Mon, karaoke. 100 W. Walnut St. www.facebook. com/TheAbbeyUnderground. Andy’s Bar 122 N. Locust St. 940565-5400. Banter Bistro Thurs: Jordan Gheen Jazz, 6pm. Fri: Classical guitar, 6pm; Caleb Coonrod and Mathew Grigsby, 8pm. Sat: Irish Session, 3-5pm; Niels Rosendahl (jazz), 6pm. Kristy Kruger, 8pm. Mon: Poetry Out Loud, 8pm. Each Thurs, open mic at 8pm; each Sat, live local jazz at 6pm. 219 W. Oak St. 940-565-1638. www.denton banter.com. Dan’s Silverleaf Thurs: Parker Millsap, 9pm, $8. Fri: “A Spune Christmas” with Robert Gomez, Moonbather, the Days, Blessin’, Tiger Tooth & Paw, Camp David, 6pm, $5-$8. Sat: Petty Theft, 10pm, $10. Tues: DentonRadio.com night. No smoking indoors. 103 Industrial St. 940-320-2000. www.danssilverleaf. com. Gerhard’s German Restaurant 222 W. Hickory St. 940-381-6723. www.gvrestaurants.com. The Greenhouse Mon: Jeff Ronan Delisle. Live jazz each Mon at 10pm, free. 600 N. Locust St. 940-484-1349. www.greenhouserestaurantdenton. com. Hailey’s Club Fri: DJ SpinnMo, 9pm, $5-$10. Sat: Flee the Scene, Emily Grey, Item 9, the Thief and His Mother, Samuel Cason, 9pm, $5-$10. Each Tues, ’90s music, 10pm, free-$5. 122 W. Mulberry St. 940-323-1160. www.haileysclub.com. Lone Star Attitude Burger Co. Thurs: Madison King. Fri: Brian Lambert. Sat: The Bodarks. Shows at 8pm, free. 113 W. Hickory St. 940383-1022. www.lsaburger.com.
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Needles up Knitting is mentioned in about half of Shakespeare’s plays, so as far as Elaine Liner is concerned, the handcraft and the theater go together just fine. Liner, the creator of the onewoman show Sweater Curse: A Yarn About Love, invites knitters to bring their needles and yarn to the North Texas premiere of the play, which was road-tested at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland over the summer. Our Productions Theatre Company opens the play today at the Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theatre. Liner’s play is about those who knit and those worth knitting for. The show challenges an old wives’ tale that advises against knitting for someone you love, lest the love end before the knitter finishes the sweater. “I want knitters and crocheters to bring their yarn and needles or hooks and keep right on knitting while I’m talking,” Liner said. “How many other plays let you do that?” The play starts with the old wives’ tale and makes its way to mentions of the handcraft in great literature and old movies. Liner even takes on ugly holiday sweaters (Bridget Jones’s Diary uses an “ugly reindeer jumper” as a plot device.)
‘Sweater Curse’ makes North Texas premiere
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Elaine Liner, master knitter, playwright and performer, will present the North Texas premiere of her one-woman show, “Sweater Curse,” today through Sunday in Lewisville. Audiences can add stitches to the traveling scarf that goes with Liner to each city where she performs. So far the scarf features the Texas flag, the Batman logo and a big red heart. Liner also offers a free pattern for the striped shawl she wears in the play.
Performances are at 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The theater is located at 100 N. Charles St. in Lewisville. Tickets cost $15. For tickets, visit www. ourproductionstheatreco.org. — Lucinda Breeding
6 Mission becomes clearer for Least of These Denton Time
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By Lucinda Breeding Staff Writer cbreeding@dentonrc.com
Denton band Least of These emerged from the studio with its follow-up to More Than Conquerors with a new lineup and a different sound. The band plays at 7 p.m. Friday at Zera Coffee Co., 420 E. McKinney St., sharing the bill with the Red Door and Across Waters. The Least of These show marks the official vinyl release of its latest album. Change Will Come has a grungier heft to it than the contemplative rock that anchored Conquerors, even as the EP reached for the heavens. And it definitely stalks around in Henry Rollins’ punk rock-caked big black boots. Least of These is a Christian rock outfit that has been unfairly tagged as a praise-and-worship gang by less informed (and decidedly unchurched) music blogs. In its first full-length record, the band is even further from the comfortable and predictable confines of Sunday morning worship than even Conquerors was before it. The more dangerous, wilder bearing of Least of These is in part due to the band’s new personnel. TJ Collins said former bassist Kyle Ramsey “grew up and got a job,” and the band parted ways with original vocal-
EVENTS Continued from Page 5 Rockin’ Rodeo Thurs: Whiskey Myers, Uncle Lucius, 8pm, $12-$15. 1009 Ave. C. 940-565-6611. www.rockinrodeodenton.com. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios Thurs: Infinite Apaches, Roosevelt House Band, Prince, 9pm, $5-$7. Fri: New Fumes, Nervous Curtains, Cerulean Giallo, Grandma, DJ Yeahdef, 9pm, $3-$5. Sat: Dome Dwellers (CD release), Black James Franco, Hat Hair, 9pm, $5-$7. Sun: Liquor Store, Video, Fogg, 9pm, $5-$7. No smoking indoors. 411 E. Sycamore St. 940-3877781. www.rubberglovesdentontx. com. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern Fri: Boxcar Bandits, 9pm. Mon: Brazz Christmas show, 7pm. Tues: A Taste of Herb, 7pm. Shows on the patio, free. 115 S. Elm St. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. Trail Dust Steak House Fri & Sat: Dusty Smirl, 7-11pm. 26501 E. U.S. 380 in Aubrey. 940-365-4440. www.trail duststeaks.net.
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Least of These is, from left: Chase Record, Johnny Gore, TJ Collins and Tyler Collins. The band performs Friday evening at Zera Coffee Co. ist Josh Weir after playing Cornerstone Festival, a major Christian music festival that ended its 29-year-run in July 2012. That left brothers TJ on drums and Tyler Collins on guitar. They recruited bassist Chase Record to join them in making music and ministry. “We decided to try doing the three-piece thing for a while,” TJ Collins said. “But we tried it and I thought, ‘Nah, we definitely need that fourth person.” Enter Johnny Gore, a longtime friend of Record’s. “Johnny came over and hung out with us. It wasn’t even a jam session,” TJ Collins said. “It was just hanging out. Then we invit-
ed Johnny to come jam with us.” “I wore a T-shirt that said ‘Can I join?’ with a box for ‘no’ and a box for ‘yes,’” Gore said. The band checked “yes” and the newly founded quartet was off. “I grew up in bands. I was always playing with someone,” Gore said. “Then, I don’t know. I took a break. What kept me from getting back into it was the discipline. Doing a band with no mission just didn’t seem worth the work to me.” Gore was introduced to Least of These through the Conquerors EP. But it was time with the band that proved to Gore that the musicians have a mission —
challenging 21st-century music lovers to consider the gospel of Jesus as more than myth or church dogma. Least of These is slogging through a hyper-busy music marketplace with a different standard altogether. The band’s ministry is to reveal Christianity as a way of life, an alternative to the blind consumerism that the band views as bondage. “The ministry aspect about the band really became important after Cornerstone,” Tyler Collins said. “Don’t get me wrong. The ministry was important before. But after this music festival in Illinois, it became clear to all of us, I think, that our music, our ministry, is even more crucial. We really started thinking more about what we’re saying to our audience.” “I think we started to really see that we needed to work on our live set and on our ministry more than our music and how cool we look on stage,” Record said. Change Will Come certainly gives the band the material to kick audiences out of the digital ennui they can get locked into. As young Americans get more plugged in, they run the risk of eschewing the depth that real connection can offer. Between Gore and Tyler Collins’ throatgrating, punk rock vocals and
the metal-thrash of the guitar and drums, Least of These proposes that change will indeed come through fiery blasts of passion and exhausting bouts of doubt. In “Be Still and Know,” Gore screams and shouts from the Book of Matthew, insisting that he can indeed tear out an eye if it offends God by cheapening creation with mere primate craving. Opening track “The Son The Kingdom” is perhaps the most reminiscent of Least of These 1.0, with the lead guitar countering the lead vocal line with plaintive, violin-like argument. From there, Change grows in intensity, volume and noise, but without losing its musical core. By the time the album reaches “Exchanging Truth for a Lie,” Least of These is committed to its ministry message: Everything you’ve ever learned about being a man is wrong. Being a man means leading, sharing, falling and getting up. And being a man isn’t about being the much-celebrated “maverick” who follows no one and answers to nobody. A man — a good one, a noble one — embraces the values of the Christian Gospel, knowing that imperfection is the way he’s wired and that accountability and service can lead a broken heart to wholeness.
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MOVIES
Portraits onscreen UNT presents work by grad students Eight films created by University of North Texas students pursuing degrees in the Department of Radio, Television and Film’s documentary filmmaking program will be presented in a free screening tonight, followed by a question-and-answer session with the student directors. The screening starts at 7 p.m. in Room 184 in UNT’s Radio, TV and Performing Arts Building, one block west of Welch and Chestnut streets. All of the students are completing their first year of the three-year Master of Fine Arts program in documentary film. Professor Tania Khalaf said the class is designed to mirror a realworld production environment. The documentaries include: ■ Critterman — A glimpse into the work life of David Klevin, also known as “Critterman,”
who has been educating people on critters in the North Texas region for more than 20 years. Directed by David Goodman. ■ When the War Came to Texas — The story of how a young German soldier crossed paths with a young private from Tennessee at a World War II POW camp in rural Texas. Directed by Ashlea Sigman. ■ Preserving More Than History: The Legacy of Roy Graham — Architect Roy Eugene Graham devoted his career to preserving communities’ pasts through historic preservation. As he prepares for retirement, Graham reflects on his life’s work as he travels to the 2013 National Preservation Conference to receive the highest honor in his field. Directed by Garrett Graham. ■ Unconventional — A showcase of two very different men who seem to lead very different lives. The film reveals that these two men have more in
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Dallas DJ Jay Clipp has dedicated his life’s work to making and mixing music. He’s the subject of a documentary by University of North Texas graduate student Tuarean Hodge. common than one might think. Directed by Johnathan Martin. ■ New Perspectives: The Beginning of Queer Studies in Texas from the Perspective of Dr. William Beauchamp — A series of interviews are documented illustrating the foundation of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies class that, along its journey, would eventually be taught at Southern
A very Bailey Christmas Denton has explored the Santa-Martian war of 1964 with the men behind Mystery Science Theatre 3000, and now the Cinemark 14 yields the big screen to the holiday favorite It’s a Wonderful Life. Cinemark started its holiday series with Elf on Thanksgiving weekend. The company ties a bright Christmas bow for the final film of the series with the 1946 classic by Frank Capra. It’s a Wonderful Life meets ultimate despair in the form of a suicidal George Bailey, who’s grieving over the loss of a large sum of money and his own accountability for it. The film also meets hope in the form of an unlikely angel, Clarence. The angel gives Bailey a preview of his ur-
Methodist University. It was the first LGBT studies course taught in the North Texas region. Directed by Jakob Schwarz. ■ Supernatural Marriage — The story of a couple who have dedicated their lives to helping couples of all ages, ethnic groups and nationalities understand the meaning of marriage. The couple demonstrates that through biblical under-
Classic hits screen in time for holidays George Bailey (James Stewart, center) is reunited with his wife (Donna Reed, third from left) and family during the last scene of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” RKO Pictures Inc./ AP file photo
gent wish — a look at what his small town would be like if George Bailey had never been born. The film explores the necessity of relationships and the van-
ishing supply of character. Will George Bailey be able to keep the course of nobility with a villain like Henry Potter in play? The film screens locally at 2 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and on
Christmas Eve, and at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Christmas Eve. The movie is suitable for all ages. For tickets, visit www.cinemark. com. — Lucinda Breeding
standing and exercise, focusing on one marriage that was rebuilt from a broken marriage to a supernatural marriage. Directed by Robert Bowen. ■ DJ Jay Clipp — A portrait of Jay Clipp, a Dallas man who deejays for a living. The documentary follows his involvement in a DJ academy. Directed by Tuarean Hodge. — Staff report
THEATERS Cinemark Denton 2825 Wind River Lane off I-35E. 940-535-2654. www. cinemark.com. Movie Tavern 916 W. University Drive. 940-566-FILM (3456). www.movietavern.com. Carmike Hickory Creek 16 8380 S. I-35E, Hickory Creek. 940-3212788. www.carmike.com. Silver Cinemas Inside Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. 940-3871957. www.silvercinemasinc.com.
OPENING FRIDAY The Great Beauty (★★★) Italy’s Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film is visually sumptuous and filled with striking images. A noted writer (Toni Servillo) hits 65, thinks about his past, and pessimistically looks ahead while attending flashy parties and talking with pretentious artsy types. He reflects somberly. Director Paolo Sorrentino has obviously been influenced by Fellini and 8 1/2. Not rated, 121 minutes. At
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MOVIES Continued from Page 7 the Angelika Dallas. — Boo Allen A Madea Christmas Coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise holiday visit, the stern, sassy matriarch Madea (Tyler Perry) shakes up a small rural town preparing for its annual Christmas Jubilee. With Kathy Najimy, Chad Michael Murray and Anna Maria Horsford. Written and directed by Perry. Rated PG-13, 100 minutes. — Los Angeles Times
NOW PLAYING All Is Lost (★★★★1⁄2) In a nearly dialogue-free performance, Robert Redford takes us on a physical and existential voyage in this masterful tale about a man trying to survive after a mishap at sea. Directed by J.C. Chandor. Rated PG-13, 105 minutes. — The Washington Post Blue Jasmine (★★★1⁄2) Woody Allen wrote and directed this dramawith-humor that takes license with A Streetcar Named Desire. Cate Blanchett plays Jasmine, the Blanche DuBois figure, disgraced and penniless when she arrives at the San Francisco home of her sister (Sally Hawkins). Rated PG-13, 98 minutes. — B.A. The Book Thief (★★) A slice of Holocaust history filters through a gauzy lens in this treacly rendering of Markus Zusak’s novel of the same name. In late 1930s Germany, an illiterate girl, Liesel (a bland Sophie Nelisse), is taken from her mother and placed with foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson), then learns the joy of reading while having innocuous adventures with a friend. Rated PG-13, 131 minutes. — B.A. Dallas Buyers Club (★★★) Matthew McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, an electrician and part-time cowboy who tests HIV positive in 1985 and is given a month to live. He turns to alternative drugs, obtaining them in trips around the globe, eventually organizing the buyers’ club, a ruse for others to buy them. Touching, persuasive performances from McConaughey and Jared Leto. Rated R, 117 minutes. — B.A. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (★★★) The action roars along in this second film edition of Suzanne Collins’ popular novels. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) again face off against a team of rivals, but this time heavy intrigue at the capital looms large, particularly with President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Much looks familiar, but impressive special effects and outlandish costumes serve as visual distractions. Rated PG-13, 146 minutes. — B.A. Out of the Furnace (★★1⁄2) Casey Affleck and Christian Bale play two woeful brothers in a small Pennsylvania iron mill town. They look headed in opposite directions but end up on the same path in this violent, gloomy film from co-writer and director Scott Cooper. Woody Harrelson plays the quintessential bad guy headed for a fall. Rated R, 116 minutes. — B.A.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Evangeline Lilly plays Tauriel — Legolas’ love interest — in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.”
‘Smaug’ lights up trilogy Livelier pace breathes fire into ‘Hobbit’ sequel By Jocelyn Noveck Associated Press
Sleeping dragons, as we know from our childhood literature, eventually awaken. If they didn’t, there wouldn’t be a story. So it’s hardly news that in the second installment of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, the dragon rouses from his slumber. What is news: The franchise wakes up, too. Die-hard fans might disagree, but to many, the first film, last year’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, took way too long to get going and then dragged for much of its 169 minutes. “I do believe the worst is behind us,” noted Bilbo Baggins at the end of that film, to which some of us wanted to reply: “Well, we hope so.” The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is not much shorter — 8 minutes, to be ex-
act — but it feels brisker, lighter, funnier. The characters are more varied, more interesting; We’ll take a comic turn by the entertaining Stephen Fry over another Orc any day. There’s even an added romantic subplot. The whole enterprise, it must be said, involves a huge dollop of cinematic hubris. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, after all, is a book of some 300 pages. With these three films, a prequel to his Lord of the Rings trilogy, Jackson devotes about two film minutes to each page. (Imagine if they did that with Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The movie would have been 40 hours long.) On the other hand, the first Hobbit installment brought in some $1 billion. So it’s rather beside the point to argue with Jackson’s approach. Happily, Smaug is vastly better from the get-go. Instead of a drawn-out intro, we get right to the action, which is of course the quest of Bilbo (Martin Freeman, himself livelier and funnier) and the band of dwarves, led by Thorin Oaken-
shield (a suitably noble Richard Armitage) to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor, under the Lonely Mountain, from the frightening dragon Smaug. As always, trouble takes many forms: not only the menacing Orcs, but giant spiders with sticky webs, too. Then there are the elves, who come to the rescue at an opportune time but then imprison Bilbo and his mates. (Gandalf — the always grand Ian McKellen — has other business, and leaves for long stretches.) Lee Pace is fun as the campy and authoritarian Thranduil, leader of the elves. His son Legolas (Orlando Bloom, back from The Lord of the Rings) is talented as ever with a bow. And he has a love interest: Tauriel, a newly invented character, played with spunky sweetness by Evangeline Lilly. Tauriel, it turns out, has a soft spot for the dwarf Kili, a rather hunky Aidan Turner. (“He’s quite tall for a dwarf,” she says. “But no less ugly,” retorts Legolas.) Bilbo, ever bolder, helps the dwarves escape their jailers in a terrific scene — involving bar-
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Rated PG-13, 161 minutes. Opens Friday.
rels, river rapids, and an endless supply of Orcs. Further entertainment comes in Laketown, led by a greedy Master (the engaging Fry) and his underling Alfrid (Ryan Gage). In any case, it all comes down to the climactic confrontation with the dragon. Unfortunately, the film sags somewhat here. It’s fun to hear Benedict Cumberbatch, as Smaug, hurl seething epithets at Bilbo, and Freeman is at his most pluckily adorable. Still, they really could have shortened this confrontation by 20 minutes. But what’s 20 minutes when you’re taking nine hours to tell a story? Onward to the third installment. Jackson is back on track.
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COVER STORY
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Festival Ballet of North Central Texas/
Clara Chadick danced the role of Clara with the Festival Ballet of North Central Texas in 2012, and Michael Stone danced the role of the Cavalier. This is the final moment in the garden scene in the holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.”
Dance undaunted ‘Nutcracker’ muscles through winter weather By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com
cy weather meant the dancers of the Festival Ballet of North Central Texas would miss a few rehearsals for the Denton production of The Nutcracker in Margo Jones Performing Arts Performance Hall. But dance and theater folk alike hold to the mantra that the show must go on, so the dancers rehearsed in the studio at Denton Ballet Academy — a tight space for the more than 200 dancers — even up to Wednesday night.
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Now in its 26th staging, the Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker has held up under all kinds of pressure. The local performance was shepherded from auditions to opening night for 25 years by its local creator and artistic director emeritus, Hugh Nini. This year marks the first year the ballet company is put through its holiday paces by new artistic directors Eldar Valiev and Lilia Valieva. The couple spent more than 20 years dancing in Russia, in the Vaganova Ballet Academy and the State Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Bashkortostan. The couple joined Nini’s Denton Ballet Academy as faculty in 2011. The company is made up of dance students from Denton Ballet Academy and other local studios, and both semi-professional
and professional dancers. While the company has staged a few other ballets, it is most dedicated to staging The Nutcracker, one of the most popular and familiar ballets in the world. Dance students perform the roles of girls and boys at the Stahlbaum family’s Christmas party, baby buffoons, angels, dolls, flowers and the guests who visit the Land of Sweetmeats — the Spanish, Arabians, Russians, Chinese and Danish. Semi-professional and professional dancers perform featured and solo roles. Romanian dancer Alexandru Glusacov will dance the grand pas de deux as the Prince. He graduated from the Academy of See BALLET on 11
THE NUTCRACKER What: Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents the holiday ballet about a young girl, her nutcracker doll and a fantastic dream, with music by Tchaikovsky. When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the TWU Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle Details: Tickets cost $11 to $36. To purchase tickets online, visit http://bit.ly/1aWOKGD. On the Web: www.festival ballet.net
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DINING RESTAURANTS ASIAN Gobi Mongolian Grill and Asian Diner 717 S. I-35E, Suite 100. 940387-6666. Little Asia 7650 S. I-35E, Corinth. 940-269-1110. Mr. Chopsticks This pan-Asian eatery does a little Chinese, Japanese, Thai and even Indian food. Offers a plethora of tasty appetizers and entrees. Many vegetarian dishes (some with egg). Beer and wine. 1633 Scripture St. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-9. $-$$. 940-382-5437.
BISTROS AND CAFES Banter Bistro Gourmet sandwiches and salads, breakfast items, coffee and espresso. Beer and wine. 219 W. Oak St. Daily 10am-midnight. $. 940-565-1638. www.dentonbanter. com. Bochy’s Bistro Fusion menu grabs elements of European cuisines with many salad and sandwich selections. Winning Greek chicken lisi panini. Artful desserts: tuxedo cake, cream cheese brownie. 2430 I-35E, Suite 136. Mon-Thurs 8-3, Fri-Sat 8-9, Sun brunch 8-3. $$. 940-387-3354. www.bochys.com. Cachette Bistro 144 N. Old Town Blvd., Suite 1, Argyle. Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm. 940464-3041. www.cachettebistro.com. The Chestnut Tree Salads, sandwiches, soups and other lunch and brunch options served in back of small shop on the Square. Chicken pot pie is stellar. Tasty quiche. Decadent fudge lava cake and rich carrot cake. Revolving dinner menu. 107 W. Hickory St. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm; dinner Thurs-Sat 5:30-9pm. $-$$. 940-591-9475. www.chestnuttearoom.com. Sidewalk Bistro 2900 Wind River Lane, Suite 132. Sun-Mon 7am-3pm, Tues-Sat 7am-9pm. 940-591-1999. www.sidewalk-bistro.com.
BRITISH The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Full bar. 101 W. Hickory St. Sun-Wed 11-10, Thurs-Sat 11-midnight. $-$$. 940-566-5483.
BRUNCH Cups and Crepes Eatery serves up both traditional American and European breakfasts and lunch. Get biscuits and gravy or test a crepe filled with rich hazelnut spread. Specialty coffees. 309 Fry St. Tues-Sun 8am-3pm. $. 940-387-1696. Loco Cafe Casual breakfast/lunch cafe that’s a sister restaurant to the Greenhouse Restaurant across the street. Signature plate is the Loco Moco: stacked hash browns topped with eggs, cheese, salsa or gravy with a fresh biscuit. 603 N. Locust St. Mon-Fri 6am-2pm; Sat-Sun 7am-3pm. $-$$. 940-387-1413. Royal’s Bagels & Deli 503 W. University Drive. Daily 6:30am-2pm. $. 940-808-1009. www.facebook. com/RoyalsBagels. Seven Mile Cafe Breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, including vegan
options. 311 W. Congress St. Daily 7am-3pm. 940-808-0200. www. sevenmilecafe.com.
CHINESE Buffet King Dining spot serves more than 200 items of Chinese cuisine, Mongolian grill and sushi. 2251 S. Loop 288. Mon-Thurs 11-9:30, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. $-$$. 940-387-0888. Chinatown Cafe Bountiful buffet guarantees no visit need taste like another. Good selections include orange chicken, crispy pan-fried noodles, beef with asparagus, steamed mussels. Beer and wine. 2317 W. University Drive. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri 11-10, Sat 11:30-10, Sun 11:30-10. $. 940-382-8797. Golden China Small restaurant boasts quick and friendly service. Nice selections on buffet tables include wonton and egg drop soups, teriyaki chicken and hot pepper chicken. Beer and wine. 717 I-35E, Suite 100. Daily 11-10. $. 940-566-5588. Taipei Railroad Restaurant 4405 Pockrus Paige Road. Mon-Sat 5-9pm. 940-387-3871.
DINING PROFILE AND LISTINGS POLICY Restaurant profiles and listings are compiled by the Denton Record-Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News. A comprehensive list of Dallas-Fort Worth area restaurants is available at www.guidelive.com Denton Time publishes restaurant profiles and a guide of restaurants that have been featured in the weekly dining section and online at DentonRC.com. Profiles and listings are not related to advertising and are published as space is available. Denton Time does not publish reviews. Incorrect information can be reported by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com, by phone to 940-566-
6860 or by fax to 940-566-6888. To be considered for a profile, send the restaurant name,address, phone nuber, days and hours of operation and a copy of the menu to: Denton Time Editor, P.O. Box 369, Denton, TX 76202. Please indicate whether the restaurant is new or has changed ownership, chefs or menus.
PRICE KEY Average complete inner per person, including appetizer, entree and dessert. $ Less than $10 $$ $10-$25 $$$ $25-$50 $$$$ More than $50
ECLECTIC Bears Den Food Safari Dine with two rescued bears at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch’s restaurant, specializing in brick oven pizza. Full bar. 11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point. Tues-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-4pm. $-$$. 940-489-3064. www.bearsden texas.com. Denton Square Donuts 208 W. Oak St. Daily 7:30am-5:30pm. 940220-9447. www.dsdonuts.com. All About Mac This “macaroni and cheese emporium” near UNT offers more than two dozen flavors. 1206 W. Hickory St. Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11am-3am. 940-808-1003. www.all aboutmacrestaurants.com.
FINE DINING The Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn, 3110 Colorado Blvd. Dinner: Daily 5-10pm. 940-891-4700. The Greenhouse Restaurant Casual dining atmosphere complements fresh seafood, beef and chicken from the grill. Even vegetarian selections get a flavor boost from the woodpile. Starters are rich: spinachartichoke dip, asiago olives. 600 N. Locust St. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 12-11, Sun noon-9 (bar stays open later). $-$$. 940-484-1349. www. greenhouserestaurantdenton.com. Hannah’s Off the Square Executive chef Sheena Croft’s “upscale comfort food” puts the focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Steaks get A-plus. Tempting desserts. Full bar. No checks. 111 W. Mulberry St. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Brunch: Sun 10:30am-3pm. Dinner: Sun-Mon 4:30-9; Tues-Thurs 4:30-10; Fri-Sat 4:30-11. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. www.hannahsoffthesquare.com. Queenie’s Steakhouse Chef Tim Love’s steakhouse just off the downtown Square. Live jazz nightly. Full bar. 115 E. Hickory St. Lunch: Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Wed-Thurs 4:3010pm, Fri-Sat 4:30-11pm. $$-$$$. 940-442-6834. www.queeniessteak house.com.
The Wildwood Inn Elegant dining room tucked away in a bed and breakfast. Excellent food like hearty soups, Angus rib-eye, meal-size salads and daily specials. Beer and wine. 2602 Lillian Miller Parkway. Thurs-Sat 6-10pm. $$$. 940-2434919. www.denton-wildwoodinn.com.
GREEK/MEDITERRANEAN Caesar Island Mediterranean Food 7650 S. I-35E, Suite 112, Corinth. 940-269-4370. Jasmine’s Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Lounge 801 Sunset St. Sun-Thurs 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. 940-898-1800. http:// jasminemedcafe.com. Michael’s Kitchen Family-owned restaurant offers a Greek/Lebanese menu — hummus, gyros, dolmas and kafta — plus American food, for all three meals. Breakfast buffet weekdays. BYOB. 706 Fort Worth Drive. Daily 5:30am-10pm. $. 940-382-3663. www.michaelskitchengreek.com. Yummy’s Greek Restaurant Small eatery with wonderful food. Tasty salads, hummus, falafel, dolmas and kebabs. Good veggie plate and gyros. Yummy cheesecake and baklava. BYOB. 210 W. University Drive. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun noon-9. $-$$. 940-383-2441.
HOME COOKING Babe’s Chicken Dinner House 204 N. Fourth St., Sanger. Tues-Fri 4:30-9pm, Sat 11-9 and Sun 11-3. $-$$. 940-458-0000. Bonnie’s Kitchen 6420 N. I-35. 940-383-1455. Cartwright’s Ranch House Restaurant on the Square serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring chicken-fried steak, hamburgers and steaks. Family-style service available. 111 N. Elm St. 940-387-7706. www.cartwrightsranchhouse.com. Jay’s Cafe 110 W. Main St., Pilot Point. 940-686-0158.
OldWest Cafe As winner of the Best Breakfast and Best Homestyle Cooking titles in Best of Denton 2009 through 2013, this eatery offers a wide selection of homemade meals. Denton location: 1020 Dallas Drive. Mon-Sat 6am-2pm, Sun 7am-2pm. $. 940-382-8220. Sanger location: 711 N. Fifth St. Daily 7am-2pm. 940-4587358. 817-442-9378. Prairie House Restaurant Open since 1989, this Texas eatery serves up mesquite-grilled steaks, baby-back ribs, buffalo burgers, chicken-fried rib-eyes and other assorted dishes. 10001 U.S. Highway 380, Cross Roads. Daily 7:30am-10pm. $-$$. 940-4409760. www.phtexas.com.
ITALIAN Aviano Italian Restaurant Traditional Italian fare, including lasagna, pastas with meat and marinara sauces. Lunch specials till 2 p.m. on weekdays. BYOB. 5246 S. U.S. Highway 377, Aubrey. Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm. $. 940-365-2322. Bagheri’s 1125 E. University Drive, Suite A. 940-382-4442. Don Camillo Garlic gets served straight up at family-owned restaurant that freely adapts rustic Italian dishes with plenty of American imagination. Lasagna, chicken and eggplant parmigiana bake in woodfired oven with thin-crusted pizzas. 1400 N. Corinth St., Suite 103, Corinth. Mon-Wed 11-2:30, 5-9; Thurs-Sat 11-2:30, 5-10. 940-321-1100. Fera’s Excellent entrees served bubbling hot. Rich sauces, firm pastas and billowing garlic rolls. Dishes served very fresh. Desserts don’t disappoint. Beer and wine. No credit cards. 1407 W. Oak St. 940-382-9577. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. $-$$. Genti’s Pizza and Pasta 4451 FM2181, Suite 125, Corinth. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun noon-9. $-$$. 940-4975400.
Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant Romantic spot in bed and breakfast serves Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine. Beer and wine. 821 N. Locust St. Mon-Thurs, 11-2, 5-9, Fri 11-2 & 5-10, Sat 5-10. Sun 10:30-2. $-$$. 940-381-2712. Luigi’s Pizza Italian Restaurant Family-run spot does much more than pizza, and how. Great New York-style pies plus delicious southern Italian dishes, from lunch specials to pricier meals. Beer and wine. 2317 W. University Drive. Sun & Tues-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. $-$$. 940-591-1988.
JAPANESE Avocado Sushi Restaurant 2430 S. I-35E, Suite 126. 940-383-9812. I Love Sushi 917 Sunset St. MonThurs 11am-3pm & 5-10pm, Fri 11am-3pm & 5-10:30pm; Sat noon-10:30pm; Sun 12:30-9pm. $$. 940-891-6060. J Sushi 1400 S. Loop 288, Suite 100. 940-387-8833. jsushibar.com. Keiichi Sushi chef Keiichi Nagano turns eel, fluke, squid, salmon, yellowtail and tuna into sashimi. Daily fish specials and pasta dishes served with an Asian flair. Homemade tiramisu and fruit sorbets. Wine and beer. 500 N. Elm St. Tues-Sat 5-11. $$-$$$. 940-382-7505. Shogun Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 3606 S. I-35E, Suite 100. 940-3827800. Sushi Cafe 1401 W. Oak St. 940380-1030.
MIDDLE EASTERN Green Zatar Family-owned restaurant/market does it all from scratch, and with speed. Meats like gyros and succulent Sultani Kebab, plus veggie combo and crunchy falafel. Superb saffron rice and sauteed vegetables; impressive baklava. BYOB. 609 Sunset St. Daily 11-10. $-$$. 940-3832051. www.greenzatar.com.
NATURAL/VEGETARIAN The Bowllery Rice, noodle and veggie bowls featuring sauces and dressings made from scratch, with teriyaki and meats as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Fresh juices and smoothies. 901 Ave. C, Suite 101. Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. $-$$. 940-3832695. http://thebowllery.com. Cupboard Natural Foods and Cafe Cozy cafe inside food store serves things the natural way. Winning salads; also good soups, smoothies and sandwiches, both with and without meat. Wonderful breakfast. 200 W. Congress St. Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 10-7. $. 940-387-5386.
SEAFOOD Dani Rae’s Gulf Coast Kitchen 2303 S. I-35E. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-898-1404. Frilly’s Seafood Bayou Kitchen Plenty of Cajun standards and Texas fusion plates. Everything gets plenty of spice — sometimes too much. Beer and wine. 1925 Denison St. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-9:30. $$. 940-243-2126. Hoochie’s Oyster House 207 S.
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DINING Continued from Page 10 Bell Ave. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-383-0104. http:// hoochiesoysterhouse.com.
THAI Andaman Thai Restaurant Extensive menu continues trend of good Asian food in Denton. Fried tofu is a home run. Pad Thai noodles have perfect amount of sweetness. Beer and wine. 221 E. Hickory St. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 4-9:30pm; Sat-Sun noon-9:30pm. $$. 940-591-8790. www.andamanthairestaurant.com. Oriental Garden Restaurant Thai stir-fried dishes, with some Japanese and Chinese specialties. Homemade
Festival Ballet of North Central Texas
Ballerinas perform the “Dance of the Snowflakes” in the Festival Ballet of North Central Texas production of “The Nutcracker.” The local performance includes more that 200 dancers, from students to semi-professional and professional dancers.
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Ballet Ballet of the Republic of Moldova and then joined the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Moldova. He rose through the ranks to become a soloist, and then joined the Russian Classical Ballet. Glusacov danced with the Russian State Ballet and toured the stages of Europe. He is a freelance dancer now, and performs and teaches all over the U.S. Melissa Zoebisch grew up in Mexico, where she studied at the Chamber Ballet of Jalisco. She earned a scholarship to train for a year at the Kirov Academy of Ballet. Zoebisch joined the National Dance Company, performing roles in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and others. She travels
the country today as a freelance dancer and teacher. The ballet appeals to young audiences, with scenes such as the explosive battle between toy soldiers and mice, and impress-
es older audiences with classical Russian techniques and original choreography. Tickets to the local ballet’s staging move briskly, and reservations are encouraged.
ice cream: coconut, green tea, Thai tea & lychee. 114 Ave. B. Mon-Sat 11-9. $-$$. 940-387-3317. Siam Off the Square Fresh flavors set curries apart at comfortable dining spot. Winning starters: shrimp satay, Tum Yum Gai and Tom Kah soups. BYOB. 209 W. Hickory St., Suite 104. Lunch, Mon-Fri 11-2; dinner, Mon-Sat 5-9. $-$$. 940-382-5118. Sweet Basil Thai Bistro 1800 S. Loop 288, Suite 224. 940-484-6080. Sukhothai II Restaurant 1502 W. Hickory St. 940-382-2888. Thai Ocha Dishes that are as tasty as they are pretty. Hot and spicy sauce makes even veggie haters go after fresh veggies with zeal. BYOB. 1509 Malone St. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5-10pm; Sat 11:30-10; Sun 11:30-9. $-$$. 940-566-6018. www.thaiocha denton.com.
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