Vol. 15, No. 10 by Maroon Weekly

VOL. 15, NO. 10 // OCT. 31 2018

THE COVER LET TER @ GRAND STAFFORD THEATER

FREE PUBLICATION

TAMU STAR PARTIES EXPLORE THE TEXAS NIGHT SKY WITH HIGH TECH TELESCOPES

THE GEORGE HOTEL

TEXAS FLAG MADE OF10,000 BOOKS TO HONOR BARBARA BUSH

KOPPE BRIDGE BAR & GRILL 2

201

CELEBRATING MORE25 THAN 20 YEARS OF SERVING CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVING AGGIELANDTHE THEBEST BEST BIG BIG BURGER AGGIELAND BURGERININTOWN TOWN

11777 WELLBORN ROAD (979)764-2933 3940 HARVEY ROAD (979)776-2833

WWW.KOPPEBRIDGE.NET

31,24, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM MAROONWEEKLY WEEKLY////Oct Jan. 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

IN THIS

Publisher CHRIS SHEPPERD Managing Editor SHARON ROE

ISSUE

Desginer MARTA PATE

VOL. 15, NO. 10 // OCT. 31, 2018

COVER

LOCAL

EVENTS

Staff Writers LAUREL BUTTS JUSTIN WALKER Contributing Writers DR. HENRY KASONDE MUSOMA Interns TYRA HARRIS SARA MATTHEWS DESTINY TURNER KENDALL WARD JOSE RUEDA Distribution GRACE DONNOVAN JACOB ATKINS JACOB SANDERS

GRAND STAFFORD THEATER Rock your fall weekend with folk-rock band The Cover Letter at Grand Stafford Theater.

THE GEORGE HOTEL The George Hotel honors Barbara Bush with a Texas flag made of 10,000 books

STAR PARTIES Check out bigger and brighter Texas stars through high tech telescopes at TAMU’s star parties.

Maroon Weekly is an independent, publication and is not affiliated with Texas A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints or typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2018 Campus Press LP

TIP YOURSELF

by Destiny Turner

WEEKLY

MEDIA SHAKEDOWN

APP REVIEW

FREE

Have you ever tried to save money but failed over and over again? You ever think about opening a savings account but hesitated because it might cost a fee? Well here’s the answer to all your problems! Mike Lenz and co-founder Lukas Caravajal created “Tip Yourself,” a virtual savings jar for individuals that have financial saving goals. Saving money is a hard feat, and many of us have a negative relationship to that green piece of paper that keeps us fed. However, Tip Yourself encourages its users to build habits saving money. This app allows users to give themselves positive affirmations each time they tip themselves in order to grow a positive relationship with saving money. This Chicago-based mobile app was featured as one of Apple’s “Best New Apps,” and is available for banks and credit unions within the United States. The pressing question is… are there fees to withdraw your money? Well, no. There are no transaction fees at all. You are able to tip and withdraw funds anytime you please. Simply tip yourself through the app, and the amount you tip is transferred directly from your verified checking account to your Tip Jar. Safety is the number one priority of Tip Yourself. All money is secure, and funds are held with their FDIC banking partner. Tip Yourself uses the same encryption as your bank, and your bank has to be verified before Tip Yourself even has access to place funds in your tip jar. Tip Yourself is a completely free app, and is available for download on both iPhone and Android.

Bad Times at the El Royale

by Sara Matthews

MOVIE REVIEW

Fasten your seat belts, ladies and gentlemen, because the movie “Bad Times at the El Royale” is not for the faint-hearted. This film is a crazy, tangled web of mysterious characters, thrilling plot twists, and memorable screen performances. Writer-director Drew Goddard of “The Martian” and “The Cabin in the Woods” creates a phenomenal setting and story in a peculiar hotel that straddles the Nevada and California border. Predominantly set in the Nixon-era, “Bad Times at the El Royale” follows four very different guests who check into the lodge. Each guest has their own story and their own secrets. Starring Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson, and Cynthia Erivo as the new guests, they soon uncover that the hotel may have more secrets than they do. The movie encapsulates the creepiness of the hotel and each character. As the movie progresses, the audience is slowly led to the disturbing and thrill-rattling truths behind the guests and the hotel. “Bad Times at the El Royale” is rated R. The story is an exhilarating and emotional rollercoaster. The plot is original and entertaining throughout, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. This mystery/thriller is a perfect film to watch leading up to the Halloween season, so head to the theatres and catch a showing of it!

by Destiny Turner

ALBUM REVIEW

Hailing from Toronto, Canadian-Colombian twenty-seven-year-old singer-songwriter Jessie Reyes reminds listeners to not let someone else’s judgements control how you live your life in her sophomore album “Being Human in Public.” Released October 19, 2018, Reyes delivers a sequence of seven original songs that empower liberated women, encourage being a free spirit, and evoke emotions of heartbreak through relatable lyrics. There are many double standards between males and females, but Reyes challenges listeners to simply live and not care about how other people perceive your life, especially if you are female. Through “Being Human in Public,” Reyes tells a lyrical story. In “Saint Nobody,” the first song on the album, ARTIST: Jessie Reyez Reyes explains how hard she has to work to be successful, but ALBUM: Being Human In Public it is clear through her humble personality that she does not complain because many people have it worse. The third song on the album, “Sola,” is a Spanish lyric song that tells listeners that while they may not be perfect women, that’s fine. And last but not least, “Body Count,” the last song on the album, prompts women to reclaim their sexual freedom.

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROON WEEKLY 5

MUSIC

Another month has somehow passed by in a flurry, and First Friday at the Grand Stafford is back to bring some great music and excitement to your week. The chilly fall weather is in full blast in College Station, and the Grand Stafford Theatre will be free for the public to cozy up in while the folk-rock band, The Cover Letter, sings their sweet songs. First Friday lands on November 2 this month, so mark your calendars for a performance that will knock your socks off. The Cover Letter comes from Austin, TX where they started making music in a humble garage. From their modest beginnings in 2013 to now, they have been on the rise in the independent music scene. Receiving praise from Free Press Houston and The Austin Chronicle, The Cover Letter has made a name for themselves. The six-piece band consists of Jarrod Nall (bass), Jacob Shipman (vocals/guitar), Evan Runyon (lead guitar), Angie Vanegas (vocals), Fletcher Inzer (keyboards) and Patrick Barrow (drums). The folk-rock band has toured all over Texas, gracing audiences with their unique sounds of Americana and folk blends. Their first EP was released in 2013, when the band only consisted of Nall and Shipman. Expanding the band to six members gave their music more personality and fullness for their sophomore EP, “Cities Made of Sand.” The Cover Letter continues to write and create more music, even so soon after their second EP. “Lies” and “Ghost” were singles released in 2018 that added more fun, foot-tapping songs to their repertoire. Opening for The Cover Letter on First Friday will be the alternative rock band, Alone Stars. New to the music scene in Bryan/College Station, Alone Stars have banded together to rock the stage! The band features John Krajicek (guitar/vocals), Kyle Littlefield (drums/ vocals), Justin Ikpo (bass/vocals) and Ross Hudgins (guitar/vocals). They are set to warm up the audience with their effervescent stage presence and up-beat songs before The Cover Letter performs.

FIRST FRIDAY AT THE GRAND STAFFORD:

THE COVER LETTER by Justin Walker

by Sara Matthews

Per usual, entry is free on First Friday to The Grand Stafford. However, this week there will be premium options. More information on the premium options can be found on The Grand Stafford’s website. Doors will open at 7 p.m. on November 2, and the music will begin at 8 p.m. Grab some friends and enjoy drinks at the Grand Stafford while you enjoy live music provided by The Cover Letter and Alone Stars!

MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

THE GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

EXHIBITS Mapping Texas

From Frontier to the Lone Star State thru Jan. 2, 2019

11/2 - FIRST FRIDAY FEAT. THE COVER LETTER & ALONE STARS

CHECK OUT OUR

UPCOMING EVENTS

Leonardo da Vinci Machines In Motion thru Jan. 6, 2019

Spies, Traitors, Saboteurs Fear and Freedom in America Jan. 26, 2019 thru May 20, 2019

EVENTS

11/9 - INFINITY WUBS DJ NIGHT

Above and Beyond:

NASA's Journey to Tomorrow

October 3, 2018 Reservations: bushevents@bush41.org (979) 862-2251

11/15 - THOMAS CSORBA W/ MICHAEL WITT & KAYLA FRENCH

Night at the Museum Halloween Celebration

11/16 - JC JUICE W/ DOMINIK VALDEZ & CHRIS BOHANON

1000 George Bush Dr W College Station, TX 77845

979.691.4000 â&#x20AC;¢ bush41.org @bush41library

October 29, 2018

MORE INFO AT

BUSH41.ORG

11/20 - SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS CARTEL 11/27 - PECHA KUCHA 11/29 - MPACT SPEAKER SERIES 11/30 - CORUSCO W/ SAD COPS & JOHN MARC

facebook.com/MaroonWeekly WWW.GRANDSTAFFORDTHEATER.COM

by Azalea Andrade

by Justin Walker

KOE WETZEL AT HURRICANE HARRY’S Aggieland will be a tell-it-all town come Friday, Nov. 2, when Koe on Parole” in January 2015 stirred up a lot of attention, and the band was thrown into the Lone Star limelight in March 2017, when Wetzel performs at Hurricane Harry’s. they released “Noise Complaint.” Today the group travels across the Southwest performing their music and growing their fandom. With a little bit country, a little bit of rock and roll and a whole bunch of Texas, Wetzel and his band deliver songs ranging from Hurricane Harry’s is the perfect place for Koe Wetzel and company high tempo and fun to slow and heartfelt. As lead vocalist, Wetzel’s to appear as they continue to etch their story in the Texas County smooth yet powerful voice commands attention and makes for an history books. Harry’s has long been a destination for artists and easy listen for the audience. Many of their songs, including “Fuss & bands within the genre, and offers an amazing experience for Fight” and “Something to Talk About” are upbeat and high-energy concertgoers. It’s gonna be a sight to see when the venue’s unique songs perfect for concerts. The group can also slow it down for charm combines with the band’s rugged on-stage presence. more passionate, personable performances with songs like “Honey So clear your night, grab your friends and head on over to Pain” and “Tell It All Town.” Aggieland’s best place to see live music! Show starts at 8 p.m., so Music has always been important to Wetzel, although it hasn’t always been his focus. An East Texas native, he grew up under the Friday night lights playing football in Pittsburg, Texas, eventually earning a scholarship to play at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. It’s there Wetzel decided to make music his priority, eventually giving up both football and college to pursue his dreams.

get there early to get the best experience!

Wetzel formed a band with Andres Rocha on drums, Mason Morris on bass and supplying the harmony vocal, and Michael Odis Parrish and Jerrod Flusche both as lead guitarist. In June 2012, the group released their first EP, “Love and Lies.” Their release of “Out

MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

Blissful memories are made

here.

www.icehouseonmain.com

Features •Bridal Suite•On-Site Event Management•Catering Kitchen •State -of-the -art sound and lighting system •Seated capacity •so WEEKLY much more MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Oct 31, for 2018500 // MAROON 9

By Laurel Butts

AESOP STORYTELLING FABLES BY BARBARA HAILEY Did your childhood include stories such as “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Ants and the Grasshopper?” Now your kids can treasure those tales while attending “Aesop Storytelling Fables by Barbara Hailey” at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Hailey, a Texas author, is coming to present the memorable fables on Thursday, November 1. Billed as an “author, playwright, and master storyteller,” Hailey will present curious children with highly lauded lessons about morality, virtue, and hard work.

The museum’s Education Department will host the free event, which is intended primarily for young children, pre-kindergarten through third grade. It is part of The Bush Library and Museum’s “Storytelling Programs,” which seek to teach all ages about the significance of oral tradition that is centered in identity and history.

Listed on the National Archives’ calendar of events, “Aesop Storytelling Fables by Barbara Hailey” will provide a mid-day delight that gives young children the opportunity to enjoy the engaging talents of Hailey as she introduces them to a cultural treasure.

The one-hour performance will take place in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, and is available at two times— 10:30 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. Call 979-691-4006 or email bush.education@nara.gov in order to register your kids for this unique event!

One of the unique features of this event is that those who are unable to attend may register in order to livestream or receive While history does not know much of Aesop, his work remains a recording of Hailey’s performance. This resource is not only unrivaled. His fables interest young and old with short tales that available to those using it in an academic setting and for general celebrate individual personality and the natural world, while education purposes, but it is also offered to others who may not also communicating valuable lessons of which we should all be be able to attend the two events. reminded.

10 MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

“GO BIG OR GO HOME”

A TEXAS BOOK WALL DEDICATED TO FIRST LADY BARBARA BUSH magine an entire wall of almost 10,000 red, white, and blue-edged books stacked on top of one another to look like a Texas flag. The book wall at The George Hotel is indeed quite a sight. Designed by artist Thedra CullarLeford, those 10,000 books are from a variety of genres that celebrate Texas pride, some of which include Aggie textbooks and Texas BBQ cook books. This past week, the “Go Big or Go Home” book wall was dedicated to the late “Champion of Literacy,” Barbara Bush, in a plaque unveiling ceremony. “My wish is for every parent and child to experience the joy of reading and a lifetime of learning.” Those words, said by former First Lady Barbara Bush, are printed on a memorial plaque just to the right of the book wall. Though the wall has been in the hotel for over a year, Midway Chairman Brad Freels felt it lacked “meaning.” So, on Wednesday, October 17, Freels, members of the Bush family, and friends were on hand to remember Mrs Bush’s work in literacy. Mrs. Bush’s legacy is especially dear to the Brazos Valley community, as she and her husband, 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, frequented Texas A&M sporting events, commencement ceremonies and their namesake institution, The Bush School of Government and Public Service. Though not originally from Texas, nor an Aggie, President Bush selected Texas A&M to house the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, in addition to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Foundation. Their son Neil’s dyslexia diagnosis prompted Mrs. Bush’s interest in the nationwide issue of literacy, particularly generational and family illiteracy. Through her research, Mrs. Bush held the belief that illiteracy is linked

by Tyra Harris

to several other societal challenges, including homelessness, crime and hunger. To help combat this concerning matter, in 1989, she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. During the ceremony’s opening, Freels declared there to be “no more suitable recognition [for Mrs. Bush] than having a book wall in her honor at a hotel named George,” to which the audience laughed and clapped in agreement. Following in his mother’s philanthropic footsteps, Neil Bush presented a $1,000 donation to College Station ISD Education Foundation Executive Director Teresa Benden. The check will fund 100 book vouchers for students at their school’s book fairs. In an interview shortly after the ceremony, Bush stated that his mother believed “if you can’t read at the appropriate level, you can’t live up to your God given potential.” Guests of the luxury 4 star George hotel can round up their bills and donate the extra funds to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the charity Neil Bush founded in his mother’s memory. Sustaining its homage to the Lone Star State, The George also has another feature wall entitled “Texas Twist.” Inspired by a cowboy’s lariat, “Texas Twist” is made up of 6000 linear feet of oil-dipped woven rope. As a nod to the Brazos Valley countryside and grazing sheep, the hotel has strategically placed a flock of three dimensional, graffiti tagged sheep throughout the hotel and in luxury suites, ready to greet guests and inspire selfies.

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROON WEEKLY 11

R OYA LT Y P E C A N S FA R M S H A R V E S T F E S T I VA L by Kendall Ward

Pecan season is here! Nothings says autumn better than enjoying some toasty warm candied pecans while sipping on hot cider. As it begins to cool down here in the Brazos Valley, bundle up and come check out the free Annual Pecan Harvest Festival at Royalty Pecan Farms, Saturday, November 3. With over 500 acres of majestic pecan trees and the College Station skyline in the background, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got quite a backyard, and invite you to join them with blankets and lawn chairs for a fall-filled day. Do you remember as a kid going on hay rides with your family? Keep the tradition going with the hour long Orchard Tour. The tractor will take off every half hour. Be sure to reserve a spot, though! Tickets are $5 per person over 4 years old and can be purchased online. The kids will not only love the hay ride but also the Kids Zone with a bounce house and animal farm.

12 MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

A number of vendors will be in attendance as well, so while the kiddos get their faces painted, you can peruse the clothes, jewelry and irresistable knick knacks. Some of the vendors include Katherine’s Kiss and Stay Lips, Texas Hill Country Olive Co. and Ryker World. Although the farm does not allow outside food or drink, Alvarez food truck and Frios Gourmet Pops will be on site for a mid-day meal or snack. For the adults of age, you can delight in wine tastings of local and international wines. The farm store will also be open the entirety of the festival. Aside from the festivities, there will be a Harvest Run 5k/10k beginning at 7:30 a.m. before the event begins. Sign up online if you want to participate, and be sure to wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. and last until 6 p.m. Royalty Pecan Farms is located on Texas Highway 21 between Bryan/College Station and Caldwell, just one mile west of the Brazos River.

VETERANS’ WEEK 2018 November 11 - 18

For a $50 donation, a 3'x5' American Flag on a 10' pole will be posted and tagged with your name and an Honoree’s information.

Purchase flags at Bryan-Rotary.org Thank you for your support!

by Kendall Ward

THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE Ah the classic cup of joe. Waking up on a brisk fall morning to a hot cup of perfectly brewed coffee, java, brew, liquid energy, jitter juice, rocket fuel—whatever you want to call it—is all we want. Is that too much to ask? Not anymore! We asked the experts around BCS for the best tips on making coffee at home and for their recommendations on the best fall sips and snacks when going out.

Mexico, the Olmedos brought their own spice and flavor to College Station by opening 1541. They use beans imported from Honduras but roast them locally. Anel says, “Locally roasting your coffee beans is best if you want all the original aroma, flavor and body, and make sure the beans you buy are fresh.” The Olmedos say 1541 is most well known for their classic latte. Be sure to ask about their latte art—you’ll sure be in for a treat!

If you find yourself at Sweet Eugene’s perusing the eclectic art covering the walls, try their popular Iced Snickers coffee to satisfy that sweet tooth and jump that two o’clock wall. According to Sweet Eugene’s barista Meredith Moreland, the seasonal hot cider is a must have paired with one of their crepes made inhouse. A tip for crafting the ideal cup at home is making sure to have quality beans and filtering the Brazos Valley water from your tap thoroughly.

We all know the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks is back and topping the coffee charts, but have you tasted a local PSL? Don’t hesitate! Get on over to Babe’s Doughnut & Coffee Shop where Bryan meets College Station on Texas, and try their PSL coupled with their pumpkin cake doughnut. If you’re not about the PLS craze, their apple cider is a close second.

Whether you want to stay in your PJ’s and make a bomb cup of Another quaint coffee shop found a little farther south is 1541, coffee or go out and try something new, either way, you may find owned by Sam and Anel Olmedo. Originally from Morelia, a new fall favorite!

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROON WEEKLY 15

by Laurel Butts

Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance The name Pancho Villa brings up images of desperados hiding out in the hills of Mexico, wearing huge sombreros and bandoliers filled with bullets. But who exactly was the moustached Mexican Revolutionary? Good question. Villa’s story is definitely the stuff of myth and legend. And while you might not think of opera in the same breath as Pancho Villa, his experiences as the Mexican Robin Hood who became the hero of the poor has great operatic scope. Which is why composer Graham Reynolds chose Villa as the subject matter for his opera, “Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance,” presented by TAMU’s Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts on Wednesday, November 7 at 7 p.m. at A&M’s Rudder Theater. Ballroom Marfa, a non-profit headquartered in Western Texas, commissioned Reynolds to create “The Marfa Triptych”over several years, and “From a Safe Distance” is the final work in the sequence. With this last installment, Reynolds won a Creative Capital Award. Reynolds says of his and director Shawn Sides’ choice to focus on Pancho Villa, “His larger than life figure, a mix of truth and myth, was the most operatic we could ask for.” Reynolds’ work is both historical and current. Pancho Villa was peripatetic, spending time in the US as well as many parts of Mexico. The wellresearched opera explores Villa’s storied past while reminding the viewer of current political debates. Sides says of the opera’s subject, “We wanted

to create an expression of what ‘Pancho Villa’ means—to people in Mexico and people in the US, the mythology around him, and the complicated and utterly confusing revolution.” This creative work is a celebration of the US and Mexico, as artists of both nationalities have worked to make this performance come alive. The opera is also performed in Spanish and English. In his historical exploration of Pancho Villa, Reynolds uses modern artistry to parse the past. “Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance” is literally electric, with various strings and percussion instruments forming a chorus of sounds. He calls the opera “a non-linear narrative,” saying, “The piece is more of a collage, pulling from scenes throughout his life to create an impression of his life and times.” During the production, the librettists trace Villa’s biography through song while photographs of him are projected behind the eight musicians. Indefatigable and controversial, Villa created a name and persona for himself that assures his place in history. Don’t miss this new and electric work that resurrects the multi-cultural spirit of Pancho Villa—“from a safe distance.” To see this historical investigation with modern connections and music, tickets can be purchased from the MSC Box Office online, in person, or by phone. The price is $7 for adults and $5 for students.

16 MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

MOVIES IN THE PARK:

Friday, Nov. 9 Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater Gates Open: 5 p.m. Movie Begins: Sundown FREE ADMISSION! Guests may bring their own refreshments. Coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed. Pets are welcome.

CSTX.GOV/EVENTS â&#x20AC;¢ 979.764.3486

TA M U S t a r P a r t i e s

by Tyra Harris

“The stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas!” The lyrics of our beloved state folk song ring true, as proven by the Mitchell Institute and the Texas A&M Astronomy Group. On November 6, the Astronomy Group will be hosting their free, bi-weekly TAMU Star Party at Simpson Drill Field at 7-9 p.m. A Star Party will also be held on November 2 from 7-9 p.m. at First Friday in Downtown Bryan, in front of Edward Jones Investments. The free event is a fun and educational way to learn about enchanting aerial figures. This unique opportunity allows non-astronomers and non-physicists to gaze into the sky with top-level, computerized telescopes. Thanks to funding provided by the Mitchell Institute, the Texas A&M Astronomy Group supplies portable telescopes at the event, and proper telescope use is one of the skills attendees learn.

by Destiny Turner

For the last seven years, Dr. Jennifer Marshall has headed the TAMU Star Party. “The event gathers both students and the public to view interesting figures in the sky,” says Marshall, ‘like planets, moons, deep space objects, galaxies and globular clusters.” It’s Dr. Marshall’s desire that the TAMU Star Party encourages future Aggies to study such subjects. “I hope the TAMU Star Party gets people who generally aren’t excited about science, excited about science,” she says. Who knows? You might even discover your own North Star. Tickets are not required to attend this event.

18 MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

by Jose Rueda

A Forgotten Classic comes to Br yan

“ L o n d o n Wa l l ” The play “London Wall” debuted in 1930s Britain to critical acclaim. Deemed to be ahead of its time, it was then forgotten and neglected, taking 83 years to finally debut in the U.S. Since 2014, few American theater companies have tried to tackle this production, but Blinn College–Bryan Theatre Arts is proud to be one of them come Nov. 2. This production caught the eye of Greg Wise, instructor of theater at Blinn College and the director of “London Wall,” after Mint Theater Company performed it. The Mint is known for performing “lost or neglected plays” which is something Wise admires. “We are really honored to be one of the few American companies to get to present it,” Wise says. He views it as a “forgotten comedy classic.” Other than being a lost play, Wise chose it because of how the content relates to today’s atmosphere regarding women. “I definitely chose this with the ‘me too’ movement in mind,” says Wise. “People will be astonished how much this older play still matters.” The story follows Pat Milligan, the newest female typist in a 1930s London law firm, and all the issues that she faces. Wise explains, “It explores how she is negotiating the wanted and unwanted advances of her male colleagues, and also her personal struggles with finding a balance between pleasure and work.” The show is very much an ensemble performance however, focusing in on Mrs. Janice - the eldest female member of the law firm, whose problems contrast with Pat’s; Mr. Brewer - the youngest male lawyer in the firm, who is known as a “ladies man” and views Pat as his next “conquest”;

and Hec - a worker in an office nearby, who becomes smitten with Pat but is too poor to be with her. Wise elaborates that the play is a cultural dive into 1930s London while also making important statements on sexual harassment. He emphasizes that while it seems very rough and dramatic, in reality, the play is a “rom-com with an edge.” The best aspect for him is that since there is so little performance history, the play can be taken in any artistic direction. “It’s been all about discovering [the play] for its merits, values, and humor,” says Wise, “and about asking the question: how does this relate to modern audiences?” Along with finding the direction to take the play, Wise has particularly enjoyed working with the fantastic cast. Professional accent trainers have been brought in for the student actors to learn British accents, and on top of school, they have been rehearsing three to four days a week for over two months. Wise is very proud and impressed by the incredible work that has been put into this production. In conjunction with the acting cast, there are multiple student stage crew members who have worked as hard. “What really brings it all together is the beautiful costume designs by Rayna Dexter, an instructional assistant professor for performance studies at Texas A&M,” Wise says. Tickets for this play are online on the Blinn Box Office website, (choose Bryan campus) or they can be bought at the door. Bring your student I.D. because there are student discounts. Showings will be Nov. 2, 3, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Events

GO TO MAROONWEEKLY.COM/EVENTS FOR MORE

THE COVER LETTER

TAMU STAR PARTY

ROYALTY PECANS FARMS

when: November 2, 2018 where: Grand Stafford Theater

when: November 2, 2018 where: Downtown Bryan

when: November 3, 2018 where: Royalty Pecan Farms

KOE WETZEL

PANCHO VILLA FROM A SAFE DISTANCE

AESOP STORYTELLING

when: November 2, 2018 where: Hurricane Harryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

when: November 7, 2018 where: A&M Rudder Theater

20 MAROON WEEKLY // Oct 31, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

when: November 1, 2018 where: George Bush Library

“MARK THE BALLOT”-- JUST DO IT.

Across

Down

1 Take in or on

1 Blown away

6 Speed trap device

2 “Take Five” pianist Brubeck

11 May follower, sometimes 14 Car wash machine 15 Napoleon’s punishment

4 Part of ppm 5 Audition 6 Started anew, as a candle

16 Bed-In for Peace participant

7 Canceled

17 Start of a quote from Larry J. Sabato

8 Dungeons & Dragons equipment

20 ___ of iniquity

9 Key below X, on some keyboards 10 Camping gear retailer

21 Rust, for instance

11 “Both Sides Now” singer Mitchell

22 ___ Stix (powdered candy)

12 Alternative to Windows

23 “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” e.g.

13 Apt to pry

24 Indigenous Peoples’ Day mo.

19 Vote (for)

26 They’re supposedly thwarted by captchas

23 Not half-baked?

18 Former partners

29 List that may be laminated

24 Lacking height and depth, for short

31 ___ in “elephant”

25 Sidewalk edge

34 “And while ___ the subject ...” 35 Shady political operative 36“The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” band 37 Middle of the quote 41 Pompousness 42 Greek column style 43 Elvis’s middle name, on his birth certificate 44 “Baker Street” instrument 45 Gets a look at

Answers

3 Farm team

26 Lyft transactions, e.g. 27 Symbol of resistance? 28 Injection also used for migraines 29 Small versions, sometimes 30 CEO, e.g. 31 Movie crowd member 32 “The Road to Mecca” playwright Fugard 33 Play fragment 35 “OK, whatever” 38 “___ to vote, sir!” (palindrome mentioned in Weird Al’s “Bob”) 39 Bar Bart barrages with crank calls

46 Corn husk contents

40 Thanksgiving side dish

48 “Uh-huh”

46 Uruguayan uncles

49 Is down with the sickness, maybe

47 27-Down counterparts

50 “Be kind to animals” org.

48 Talk endlessly

53 Braking method in skating that forms a letter shape

50 Slight fight

49 Supercollider particles

55 “Just ___ suspected!”

51 Former Minister of Sport of Brazil

58 End of the quote

52 Cajole

62 Mode or carte preceder

53 Candy bar now sold with “left” and “right” varieties

63 Fundamental principle

54 Espadrille, for one

64 Wheel shafts

55 Belt-hole makers

65 Animator Avery 66 Where ballots get stuffed 67 “Law & Order” actor Jeremy

COME & EXPLORE ART•BOOKS•VINYL www.seadgallery.com

216 W. 26th Street Bryan, TX 77803

“WHERE MUSIC HAPPENS.” LIVE MUSIC ∞ EVENTS VENUE ∞ BAR & LOUNGE •FULLSERVICE BAR WITH CLASSIC COCKTAILS • MEZZANINE SEATING •AVAILABLE SECONDLEVEL BAR ALL WITH THE RICH CHARACTER & ACCENTS OF A 100YEAROLD THEATER.

www.grandstaffordtheater.com Facebook: @grandstaffordtheater.com