What's Up Tuscaloosa? Check out our latest issue of the Planet Weekly.

ACT Presents At the BAMA Theatre // IN THIS ISSUE >> UP-TO-DATE RESTAURANT LISTINGS ›› JAMES MCMURTRY ›› DOG TREATS ›› THEATRE SEASON ›› BEATING THE ALABAMA HEAT ›› EVENTS ›› ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

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>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

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ENTERTAINMENT 5 CHAMBER NEWS 6 BOOK REVIEW

PUBLISHER

L I N DA W. J OHN S ON

MANAGING EDITOR

W I L L I AM BA R S HOP

GRAPHIC DESIGNER EVE TEMONIA

EVENTS

C H A S E DY E R

ROAD TRIP

T R E Y B R OOK S

RESTAURANT GUIDE DOC FRANKENSTEIN

PRODUCTION EVE TEMONIA

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

ADVERTISING MA R T Y R OBERSON 205.523.4 668

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REGINALD ALLEN R A I H A B A J WA WILLIAM BARSHOP CO U R T N E Y BLA N CH A R D K A I T LY N B LO U N T TREY BROOKS KELSEY CAMERON JORDAN CISSELL MARGIE GOLDSMITH SHEENA QUIZON GREGG GARY HARRIS C I N DY H U G G I N S KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BRETT REID VA N R O B E R T S JON ROGERS RACHEL STEINER ALEJANDRA TENORIO

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2015 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark.

Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

22 STORIES 4 JAMES MCMURTRY // L. KENT WOLGAMOTT

“Then McMurtry and his three compatriots get back in the van and head down the road, driving as many as eight to 10 hours between towns to play shows. If he’s lucky McMurtry will maybe find inspiration for a song on the way.”

9 BEER/WINE REVIEWS 10 IN THE KITCHEN

RESTAURANT GUIDE

14 PET PLANET 15 MOVIE REVIEWS

6 BEATING THE HEAT IN ALABAMA // DR. RACHEL STEINER 16 EVENTS “Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash, heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Immediate medical attention is needed when one suffers from one of these conditions. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to keep healthy and prevent heat related illnesses during the dog days of summer.”

7 2017-2018 SEASON // THEATRE TUSCALOOSA

19 DECEMEBER ART NIGHT 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON

“Theatre Tuscaloosa will present three plays, two musicals, a one-night-only appearance by folk singer Kate Campbell, and two SecondStage productions during the 2017-2018 Season, which is themed “Music & Mystery.”

21 HOROSCOPE

22 COMMUNITY ARTS // THE ACTOR’S

HIGH TIDE SPORTS

“Oh my goodness! Everyone’s favorite little red-haired orphan and her adorable dog, Sandy, are heading to the Bama Theatre stage June 2-4, when The Actor’s Charitable Theatre (ACT) presents the musical Annie.”

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CHARITABLE THEATRE

SABAN WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE GARY HARRIS

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F E AT U R E | L . K E N T W O L G A M O T T

Photo Courtesy of Mary Keating Bruton

JAMES MCMURTRY // COMPLICATED GAME

J

ames McMurtry spends hundreds of hours in the van each year, traveling American’s highways on the way to the 100 plus shows he and his band annually perform.

The van hours, however, aren’t just down time. The travel, McMurtry says, provides the inspiration for his geographic, detail-filled songs.

Take, for example, the song “South Dakota,” the story of a young military veteran returning to the small town and family farm from “Complicated Game,” his critically acclaimed 2015 album: “There ain’t much between the pole and South Dakota/Barbed wire won’t stop the wind/You won’t get nothin’ here but broke and older/If I was you I might re-up again.”

I drive around a lot,” McMurtry said. “That’s what we do. We travel around in the van, playing my music. That song ‘South Dakota,’ we drive through these little towns and they always have a banner, ‘Welcome Home PFC…” You don’t see that in urban areas.

“That’s where it came from and knowing people in the Army. One of my best friends was in for 22 years. He basically went broke and needed a job. He went into the Army.”

The banners triggered the process that created “South Dakota.” Then, McMurtry said, a line or two sets up the rest of the song.

“I get a couple lines and a melody and then I think ‘who said that?’,” McMurtry said. “ I try to create the character who said that, then I go backward to the story, sometimes.”

While he frequently writes songs, McMurtry didn’t make ”Complicated Game” until he had to. His trigger for a new album: things slowing down on the road.

“I didn’t make a record for four or five years because we didn’t need to,” McMurtry said. “Then the club cycle, the attendance started falling

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off, so we made another one. That’s what they’re for now. We make ‘em so guys like you write about them and write about us and people know we’re coming to town.”

Coming to town is now McMurtry’s stock-intrade. Sales of CDs have dwindled, the payment for artists from digital downloads is far smaller than that for physical products and money from streaming is almost nonexistent, he said.

“That’s the way the music business is now,” McMurtry said. “We’re on the road half the year. When we’re home, we do work around here and I have regular gigs in Austin. It’s the only way to make money anymore.

The mailbox money isn’t there anymore...I’ve been working for 25 years. It was a completely different world when I started out.”

That was 28 years ago, when his debut album, “Too Long in the Wasteland,” was released by Columbia Records.

But he’d been playing guitar since his dad, novelist Larry McMurtry, gave him a guitar at seven and his mom taught him a couple chords.

“I wanted to be Johnny Cash when I was growing up,” McMurtry said.

“By the time I was supposed to be grown up, I learned there were people who wrote songs for other singers. I was going to move to Nashville to be a songwriter.”

About that time, John Mellencamp was directing and acting in a movie, “Falling From Grace,” from a script written by Larry McMurtry.

“I pitched him (Mellencamp) a tape, hoping he’d want to record one of my songs. That way when I got to Nashville, somebody would rent me an apartment because I’d have money coming in,” McMurtry said.

“He didn’t want to record any of the songs, but he produced an album

for me. He got me the deal with Columbia Records. That was in 1989.”

McMurtry did two more albums for Columbia and three studio discs for Sugar Hill, the last one coming in 2002.

“Every record after that (“Falling From Grace”), the budgets kept getting smaller,” McMurtry said. “We learned how to do it on the cheap.

We figured out we could tour in a van and make money. We were well prepared when Napster cut the head off the music business.”

In the last 14 years, McMurtry has released just three studio albums, 2005’s “Childish Things,” which won the Americana Music Association’s album of the year award, 2008’s “Just Us Kids” and then, last year’s “Complicated Game.”

While “Complicated Game” is story based, many of McMurtry’s songs, like the award-winning workingclass anthem “We Can’t Make It Here,” are pointedly political.

Asked for his assessment of the 2016 presidential campaign and the election of Donald Trump, he replied: “It’s a dangerous situation. To me, it (was) rather analogous to Reagan/ Carter," he said. "At the time, no one believed Reagan stood a

chance in the fall...The political system is upside down, like the music business.

“The thing I remember most about Reagan is he invented soundbite politics,” McMurtry said. “What I remember is ‘There he goes again.’ I don’t remember what it was about. But you remember that line. It was so well delivered, that changed politics. It’s when the best actor started winning every cycle since then. (Bill) Clinton was the best actor anybody’d ever seen.”

Songs from “Complicated Game” make up a good portion of McMurtry’s current set. But he said there are some songs he and the band have to play every night.

“Choctaw Bingo’ and “Levelland’ are fairly mandatory insome places,” he said. “There are some places where they don’t get ‘Levelland’,’ like Maine for example. We basically play the same set for a while, then we change it and play that set for awhile.”

Then McMurtry and his three compatriots get back in the van and head down the road, driving as many as eight to 10 hours between towns to play shows. If he’s lucky McMurtry will maybe find inspiration for a song on the way.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> N E W S | T H E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

NEWS MEMBER FIRMS SUPPORT TCS SUMMER PROGRAM

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM TO TACKLE PROBLEM OF “SUMMER SLIDE” Chamber member firms have come together to raise nearly $40,000 to provide students the opportunity to participate in the Tuscaloosa City Schools’ Summer Enrichment Program. The high-engagement summer enrichment program will be held during June and targets a major issue – students losing progress in key areas during the summer months.

During the past year, the TCS staff has worked closely with the Chamber’s Education Policy Council and West Alabama Works to develop programs and processes to establish benchmarks in key areas such as third grade reading and math, eighth grade competencies, career technical education and essential, or soft, skills.

Wanting to offer their support, the business community reached out to partner with TCS. Participating firms include Alabama One Credit Union; Bank of Tuscaloosa; BFGoodrich; Bryant Bank; The Builders Group; The Capitol School Foundation; Civilworx Construction, LLC; Community Service Programs of West Alabama; DCH Credit Union; D.T. & Freight Co, Inc.; Ellis Architects, Inc.; Harrison Construction, Inc.; John Plott Company; K&A Builders, Inc.; McAbee Construction; Mercedes-Benz U.S. International; Miers Pass Philanthropy; Nick’s Kids; Nucor Tuscaloosa; Parker Towing Company; Pritchett Moore; Renasant Bank; TTL, Inc.; Wade Smith; Walker & Associates; Ward Scott Architecture and WorkSouth.

"We need every student in the Tuscaloosa City Schools engaged in summerlearning experiences to give them academic lift so they are successful when they enter our workforce,” said Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools. “The support of the community, particularly the Chamber of Commerce, demonstrates great care and compassion for our students."

Donny Jones, Chief Operating Officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, said he hoped other businesses would get involved in supporting the Summer Enrichment Program. “West Alabama is in need of a strong skilled workforce, and that all starts with our education system,” he said. “Innovative programs like this one will help prepare our students for the next step.

Businesses have come together to help with scholarships for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend summer enrichment programs.”

For more information on the Summer Enrichment Program, or to make a donation, visit https://www.tuscaloosacityschools.com/supportsummer.

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE HOSTS SPRING LUNCH-AND-LEARN The Women's Leadership Alliance of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama held a sold-out Lunch-and-Learn May 18, hosted by Capstone Bank, featuring speaker Dr. Caroline Day. Dr. Day spoke on the topic of work-life balance, and provided attendees with a number of suggestions and options to increase wellness in their lives.

A physician for more than 25 years, Dr. Day is board certified in Family Medicine and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, South Africa, in 1988. She gained extensive experience in pediatrics, urgent care, psychiatry and care of the elderly for a number of years. She also worked in the United Kingdom locuming in various hospitals in and around London. She completed the Masters in Family medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand while still working in her own private practice in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She and her family relocated to Tuscaloosa in 2002 to further her husband’s career and she took a sabbatical to look after their 3 young children. In order to fulfill the requirements to practice medicine in the USA she completed the USMLE board exams. In 2008 she started the 3-year residency program at the University of Alabama which she successfully completed in 2011. She worked at American Family Care for 18 months before opening Family Practice at The Falls at the beginning of 2013. She is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Medical Association, the Medical Association of Alabama and the American Academy of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine.

Her passion is preventive and integrative medicine and her desire is that her patients lead as full and healthy lives as possible. To this end she integrates traditional medicine with other modalities such as bio-identical hormone therapy and nutritional supplements. Her other interests include walking, yoga, movies, backing, afternoon tea, travel and spending time with family and friends. She loves living in Tuscaloosa and is a member of Capstone Church.

FORERUNNERS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM HOLDS GRADUATION CEREMONY The 2016-17 Forerunners class held a graduation ceremony May 17 at the John R. Drish House. High school students from around Tuscaloosa County participate in the leadership program, which is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. The keynote address for the event was given by Max Karrh, vice president of Bryant Bank, and graduates were recognized by Karen Thompson, the executive director of Temporary Emergency Services.

Designed for eleventh grade students in the Tuscaloosa area, Forerunners provides an analysis of major areas of identified community concerns and trains the participants in specific leadership skills, while providing opportunities for decision-making and problem solving through group processes. Each participant must go through a stringent application process to be selected for the program.

Students selected for the class of 2016-17 were Anna Kate Baxter, Northside High School; Nick Blakney, Tuscaloosa County High School; Mary Grace Boatright, Northridge High School; Cole Cabiness, Tuscaloosa County High School; Wil Charles, Northridge High School; Jase Coleman, Tuscaloosa County High School; Zoie Comer, American Christian Academy; Tripp Daniels, Northridge High School; Jess Dill, Tuscaloosa Christian School; Emory Grace Edwards, Northridge High School; Daniel Fonseca, Holy Spirit School; Mathieu Fuller, Holy Spirit School; LeLe Goldsmith, Tuscaloosa Academy; Madison Goldstein, Northridge High School; Peyton Goodbread, Holy Spirit School; Rebecca Han, Northridge High School; Justin Hargrove, Northside High School; Jacob Hinton, Hillcrest High School; Ella Huffaker, Tuscaloosa Academy; Camille Jones, Tuscaloosa County High School; Erin Kroeger, Brookwood High School; Kylie Lowery, Tuscaloosa County High School; Lawson McAllister, Tuscaloosa Academy; Rebekah McCray, Paul W. Bryant High School; Matthew Mulanix, Holy Spirit School; McLean Moore, Tuscaloosa Academy; JaKayla Peoples, Central High School; Taylor Ray, American Christian Academy; Harper Roberts, American Christian Academy; Emma Ryan, North River Christian; Ciearria Samuel, Hillcrest High School; Bess Sims, Tuscaloosa County High School; Jon Evan Smelley, Tuscaloosa County High School; Gage Smith, Paul W. Bryant High School; Zachary Smith, Holy Spirit School; Morgan Smith, Northside High School; Kailyn Washington, Hillcrest High School; Seara Washington, Paul W. Bryant High School; Abbey Wicker, Northside High School; Mya Wilder, Paul W. Bryant High School; D.K. Woods, Paul W. Bryant High School.

Presenting Sponsor for the Forerunners program is Peco Foods. The Scholarship Sponsor is Bryant Bank. Sponsors: Office of the Secretary of State of Alabama and Warren Tire and Auto Center.

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See Chamber News, Page 7 MAY 31 + JUNE 14

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>>> H E A LT H | D R . R A C H E L S T E I N E R

BEATING THE HEAT IN ALABAMA S

ummer is in full swing here in Tuscaloosa Alabama!

Temperatures during the day are already in the mid-eighties and will only continue to rise for the next couple months.

Although this means lots of fun and sun for many, this time of year can also be very dangerous as the temperatures easily reach triple digits at times. Every year, thousands of become sick from exposure to heat, and in serious cases can lead to death. In a recent five-year study in the United States, there were 2,239 reported deaths due to heat illnesses. Our bodies have the amazing ability to cool itself through sweating however, during hot weather especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash, heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Immediate medical attention is needed when one suffers from one of these conditions.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to keep healthy and prevent heat related illnesses during the dog days of summer.

Get outdoor work done early in the day or in the evening Between 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon are when the suns rays are most direct and powerful. If you have to do work outside around the house such as gardening or mowing the lawn, try to do these things at dawn or as the sun starts to set to avoid the direct sun and dangerous temperatures.

Wear Sunscreen Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher whenever you're outdoors.

For children, it is recommended to use an SPF of 30 or higher. To achieve adequate UV protection you should use products that say broad-spectrum on them, which means protection against both UVB and UVA rays. When buying sunscreen look for products that contain ingredients such as avobenzone or zinc oxide, as they are the most effective in preventing rays from penetrating the skin. Remember that sunscreen doesn’t last all day! It should be reapplied every two hours, unless you are swimming or even sweating, in that case you should reapply every hour. The bottle will say how long the sunscreen is affective for and the frequency to reapply.

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>>> B O O K R E V I E W

RICHMOND'S PRIESTS AND PROPHETS RACE, RELIGION, AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA Douglas E. Thompson

R

ichmond’s Priests and Prophets examines Richmond, Virginia, during the 1940s and 1950s, exploring the ways in which white Christian leaders navigated the shifting legal and political battles around desegregation even as members of their congregations struggled with their own understanding of a segregated society.

Keep Hydrated In the summer months, when temperatures and humidity are higher than we’re used to, it is easy to become dehydrated. An easy rule to follow is to take your weight in pounds and that is how many ounces of water you should drink daily. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces of water per day. However, if lots of time is spent outside in the sun and you are sweating, you should be drinking more. Add an extra 12 ounces of liquid for every 30 minutes of physical activity you do. When you sweat, your body not only releases fluid and toxins from your body, but electrolytes as well. Electrolytes regulate our nerve and muscle function, our body's hydration, blood pH, blood pressure, and the rebuilding of damaged tissue. Various mechanisms exist in our body to keep the concentrations of different electrolytes under strict control. An easy way to prevent electrolyte imbalances is to drink sports drinks such as Gatorade or PowerAde or consume foods high in electrolytes such as bananas, spinach, and avocados. Remember if you are thirsty, that is an early warning signal from your body that you are already dehydrated.

Shade yourself whenever possible Be aware the amount of sun you are exposing yourself to; use an umbrella or find a covered area such as an awning or tree to minimize direct rays.

Consider wearing a hat to protect your head and face and wear clothing that covers the skin but is lightweight and allows the skin to breath. They even have clothing now that have built in sunscreen and are lightweight to help keep you cool.

Keep in mind these suggestions to follow when enjoying the sun and all the activities that go along with it. Cheers to a happy and healthy Alabama summer!

Douglas E. Thompson’s Richmond’s Priests and Prophets: Race, Religion, and Social Change in the Civil Rights Era presents a compelling study of religious leaders’ impact on the political progression of Richmond, Virginia, during the time of desegregation. Scrutinizing this city as an entry point into white Christians’ struggles with segregation during the 1950s, Thompson analyzes the internal tensions between ministers, the members of their churches, and an evolving world.

In the mid-twentieth-century American South, white Christians were challenged repeatedly by new ideas and social criteria. Neighborhood demographics were shifting, public schools were beginning to integrate, and ministers’ influence was expanding. Although many pastors supported the transition into desegregated society, the social pressure to keep life divided along racial lines placed Richmond’s ministers on a collision course with forces inside their own congregations. Thompson reveals that, to navigate the ideals of Christianity within a complex historical setting, white religious leaders adopted priestly and prophetic roles.

Moreover, the author argues that, until now, the historiography has not viewed white Christian churches with the nuance necessary to understand their diverse reactions to desegregation. His approach reveals the ways in which desegregationists attempted to change their communities’ minds, while also demonstrating why change came so slowly—highlighting the deeply emotional and intellectual dilemma of many southerners whose worldview was fundamentally struc-

tured by race and class hierarchies.

Douglas E. Thompson is a professor of history and southern studies at Mercer University. He is the editor of the Journal of Southern Religion and the coeditor of Jessie Mercer’s Pulpit: Preaching in a Community of Faith and Learning.

“Richmond's Priests and Prophets makes a substantial contribution to scholarship in an empirically grounded and conceptually engaging way.”

—Paul Harvey, author of Through the Storm, Through the Night: A History of African American Christianity “Thoroughly examining the clergy in one upper-South city, but one that just happened to have been the capital of the Confederacy, Thompson provides a compelling argument that the standard evaluation of the white southern clergy as too invested in advancing up the ministerial ladder ‘ain’t necessarily so’ and raises a cautionary voice against the ‘Silent South’ thesis."

—Andrew Manis, author of A Fire You Can't Put Out: The Civil Rights Life of Birmingham’s Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth

The University of Alabama Press is a proud member of the Association of American University Presses. The Press currently publishes 70-75 new titles a year and has over 1,800 titles in print. It is a founding member of the University Press Content Consortium and is at the cutting edge of digital publishing. The Press is the publishing arm of the University of Alabama.

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THEATRE TUSCALOOSA ANNOUNCES 2017-2018 SEASON Theatre Tuscaloosa will present three plays, two musicals, a one-night-only appearance by folk singer Kate Campbell, and two SecondStage productions during the 2017-2018 Season, which is themed “Music & Mystery.”

The mainstage season opens with Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps (September 22-October 1). This comical spy-thriller mixes a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel and a dash of Monty Python. The 39 Steps is a two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning mystery packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters, an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and old-fashioned romance. This fastpaced whodunit is fun for ages 11 and up.

Back by popular demand, Theatre Tuscaloosa is reviving Romulus Linney’s stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (December 8-17).

In this traditional tale, four mysterious spirits visit Ebenezer Scrooge to help him find the true meaning of Christmas. It is a show for both young and old and a great way to get the whole family into the holiday spirit.

At the beginning of the new year, audiences will be transported to 1920s Berlin in Cabaret (February 23-March 4). Based on the writings of Christopher Isherwood with book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Cabaret won Tony Awards for best musical and best score. Cliff, a young, American novelist, arrives in Berlin to find his muse. He is eagerly swept into the world of the Kit Kat Klub, where the incomparable emcee, to be played

by Ray Taylor, proclaims there are no troubles and life is a cabaret! Cliff's typewriter sits idle as he becomes entangled with the mysterious Sally Bowles. A dark, menacing power is on the rise in Berlin, but for now

they remain blissfully ignorant. After all, in the Kit Kat Klub, life is beautiful, the girls are beautiful, and even the orchestra is beautiful! This musical is intended for mature audiences.

In May, audiences are invited to visit Second Samuel (May 18-27), a sleepy, south Georgia town where it's hard to keep a secret, but everybody has one. The show is set during the summer that Second Samuel’s beloved music teacher, Miss Gertrude, passes away.

As her friends and neighbors prepare for her funeral, her mysteries are unveiled. Nobody could have imagined how the death of one sweet little old lady would turn the entire town upside down! This show is appropriate for audience members ages 13 and older.

The mainstage season will conclude with the summer musical, Once Upon a Mattress (July 13-22).

When Winnifred the Woebegone arrives at Prince Dauntless the Drab's castle hoping to win his hand, his overbearing mother, Queen Agravain, invents a test that only a true princess can hope to pass. Based on “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Anderson, this funny and irreverent musical is filled with songs, laughter, and romance for the whole family.

The SecondStage season opens with CQ/CX by Gabe McKinley, running November 1-5. This show asks the question, “What is truth – facts or feelings?” A young, hotshot writer’s fast and loose writing style forces The New York Times to dig for an answer. Like all SecondStage productions, this show will be presented in a small, intimate venue (less than 100 seats) and will feature new theatre artists as they explore and experiment with the art form. The venue is to be determined.

On October 27, 2017, Theatre Tuscaloosa will hold a special event as Kate Campbell returns to the BeanBrown Theatre for Page to Stage: Kate Campbell – Songs and Stories. Campbell is a renowned singersongwriter recognized worldwide for her unique sound and storytelling style. This one-night-only performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The SecondStage season concludes March 26-30 with A Festival of One-Acts, which will feature four brief, funny, poignant plays presented all in one evening. The venue is to be determined.

The 2017-2018 season is produced in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and will be presented in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College (9500 Old Greensboro Road), except as noted above.

Season tickets are discounted fifteen percent over individual ticket prices and include the five mainstage productions: The 39 Steps, A Christmas Carol, Cabaret, Second Samuel, and Once Upon a Mattress. Packages are $89 for adults, $77 for seniors and member of the military, and $63 for students and children. Season tickets may be purchased as either traditional packages (same night and seat(s) for each show) or as flex passes, which may be redeemed in any order and combination for any of the 2017-2018 mainstage productions. Both Page to Stage: Kate Campbell – Songs & Stories and the two SecondStage productions may be purchased at a discount as add-ons to any season package.

CHAMBER NEWS, continued from page 5

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>>> R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W | S H E E N A G R E G G

Photos Courtesy of Sheena Gregg

METRO DINER // A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING I

t’s rare to have a new restaurant in Tuscaloosa that is among the ranks of being featured on Food Network. I first noticed the impending arrival of Metro Diner grabbing morning coffee earlier this year at Panera Bread Company. I was a little skeptical of the location and the signage in general.

A co-worker soon told me that the Jacksonville, Florida location was previously featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Of course when I hear “Food Network,” you’ve grabbed my interest. Soon, I was doing internet research on Metro Diner, nothing that Fieri does not categorize this as the typical diner at all.

Obviously, I had to taste this food for myself. After noticing the large groups of people waiting outside for dinner for the past few weeks, we decided to wait it out and try Metro Diner after most of the UA students had gone home for the semester. We finally opted to brave the Friday night dinner crowd and see what Metro Diner had to offer. Upon arrival, I was relieved that there were clusters of folks already waiting outside to be seated.

Sure we were having a fairly early dinner, but Friday nights in Tuscaloosa are a little bit of a gamble when it comes to the restaurant scene.

Once we got inside, we were immediately seated. The restaurant was full, but a handful of people finishing up their early dinners helped us get seated fairly quickly.

Rummaging through the menu, I already knew this was going to be a stressful process to select a dish.

Not only was there a diversity in the lunch/dinner type options, but now we

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had a bounty of elaborate breakfast selections to choose from as well, in addition to specials featured on the chalkboard.

Charleston shrimp and grits, chicken pot pie, crab cake sandwiches, and steak salads danced before my eyes. Omelets, breakfast pie, and huevos rancheros started to call my name. After seeing a large tray of food being brought to the table next to us, my stomach had decided on the chicken and waffle, served up with strawberry butter and the diner’s signature sweet and spicy sauce.

Despite the busy atmosphere of the restaurant, the hubs and I were quite impressed with the short turnover to receive our food. I first caught glimpse of the beautiful pasta alfredo special that my husband ordered,

but then quickly became mesmerized at the golden monstrosity of several pieces of fried chicken and a ginormous Belgian waffle with strawberry butter placed in front of me. Our server brought out a container of maple syrup and quickly mixed it with a bottle of hot sauce on the table. The concoction was questionable but after dipping my chicken and waffle in the sauce I will never doubt a Louisiana hot sauce and maple syrup combo ever again.

isn’t your “typical” diner grub. The portions are massive and the food quality is impressive. And if you’re feeling really swanky, a beer or glass of wine are definitely available to jazz up your dining experience.

All in all, I believe that Metro Diner is here to stay. The price point is a little higher than I had expected for “diner” type food, but now I realize that this

Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.” Follow her on Twitter @TheThriftyRD

Metro Diner is located at 1800 McFarland Boulevard East in the Midtown Shopping Center and open seven days a week. Tweet us @ ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

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JAI ALAI IPA // CIGAR CITY BREWING

BOEN // PINOT NOIR

M

ost breweries have a line of core offerings that are available to their fans all yearround, but more valuable to the craft beer drinker are the beers that are only available seasonally. These seasonal beers are usually more expensive to produce and a way for the brewer to offer something that’s a little more fun and exciting to the end consumer. Such is the case with Cigar City’s White Oak Jai Alai, a variation on their year-round Jai Alai India Pale Ale offering. This beer is only available twice during the year and when it’s released into the wild, it’s usually purchased rather quickly. Luckily, I was able to locate a four pack so I could enjoy the magic of this beer. Here are my thoughts: First of all, the can for this beer is probably my least favorite aspect, because, well, the Jai Alai can is just not appealing to me in the first place. So, adding a wood textured look to the can in black and white really makes me hate it, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts and luckily, the stuff on the inside is incredible.

I poured this beer into a pint glass and immediately you notice the amber, orange color with a little bit of haze and about two finger widths of fluffy white foam resting on top. There’s a bit of light lacing on the glass as the beer settles. One thing that sets this beer apart to me is the fact that this beer smells very different than the original Jai Alai. There’s still a little bit of those orange and pine aromas, but with this version, you get a nice dose of vanilla in the nose. This small change is what does it for me with this beer. That little bit of vanilla ties everything together and mellows out the nose. It’s almost like sherbet or something with the orange notes from the hops and the vanilla from the oak spirals. Just incredible.

B

oen Pinot Noir comes from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA. The winemaker is Joseph Wagner who is a fifth-generation winemaker. At age 19 he decided to continue his father’s legacy of winemaking while working with him at Caymus Vineyards.

Taste is yet again another masterpiece from Cigar City. You get those great notes of orange and pine, but like the nose, you get a nice taste of vanilla that smoothes the flavor out. You get a nice taste of the oak as well and it makes this beer so easy to drink. Up front it’s all orange and pine, but as the sip continues, you start to pick up that vanilla and it carries you through the rest of the sip. I seriously love how this beer tastes.

As far as mouthfeel, you would think that with it being oak-aged that it would be heavy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This beer is soft on the tongue with the carbonation and the hop bite at the end sticks to the back of your cheeks and gives you that twinge that a good, juicy IPA should.

Overall, this beer is incredible and every time I see it, I freak out and buy it immediately. Like I said earlier, it’s a seasonal offering so you won’t be able to sip on this one all year long. Find it. Drink it. Repeat.

Boen Pinot Noir alcohol content 14.3% by volume, per the bottle.

Taste

He’s also known for producing Meiomi Pinot Noir and for creating Belle Glos.

Complex in flavor, you get two experiences with this wine when tasting it. First, you get flavors of smooth and juicy black cherry.

That follows with a secondary flavor of bright red raspberry. Overall, it’s very tasty and smooth. And, it’s hard to find any bitterness in the flavor.

Boen Pinot NoirFrom the winemaker:

Mouthfeel and Tannins

Pinot Noir seems to showcase the location of where its grown, along with the vintage, more so than any other variety. BÖEN is character-driven with a forward aromatic profile and flavors of plum and cherry, a little bit of tobacco and some tilled earth.

Boen Pinot Noir has a creamy mouthfeel and very subtle tannins. It actually took a long time for the tannins to develop.

Once they did, they presented themselves behind the lips.

Boen Pinot Noir is also said to be “rich in ripe fruit flavors tempered by bright acidity and judicious hints of toasted oak.”

I tasted the Boen Pinot Noir 2015 for this review, which I received as a gift from my next-door neighbors.

A big thanks to them and happy to do this review!

Appearance In the glass, Boen is dark purple in color.

While other Pinot Noirs can be more translucent, this one allows very little light to shine through. It’s a very leggy wine with thick legs that fall slowly down the sides of the glass.

Aroma I noticed an immediate burst of aroma when I first poured the wine. I did this review outdoors and even in the open air, Boen Pinot Noir’s aroma was noticeable from a foot away from the glass. I truly loved this wine’s aroma.

It included notes of black cherry and sweet tobacco, like an old-style smoking pipe. There was also some earthiness as well, like rich farm soil.

Finish Boen is a long finishing Pinot Noir and the finish is almost totally carried by the flavors.

Overall Opinion Overall, I found this wine to be very enjoyable! It’s an easy sipper that’s rich, complex and well-crafted. I found that if you take some time between sips, you get more of that up-front and rich black cherry flavor. Drink it a little faster and you lose some of that. The focus becomes more of the acidity and red raspberry.

So, that kind of complexity plus the fact that this isn’t a typical Pinot Noir makes me really love this wine. Boen Pinot Noir price $29.99. It’s a bit pricey, but you get a great wine from a great winemaker. Perfect for a little splurge! As mentioned above, Joseph Wagner is also the winemaker for Meiomi Pinot Noir. You can find my review of that wine here: Meiomi Pinot Noir Review.

Even with a good whiff it was difficult to find any alcohol burn in the aroma.

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Suggested Food Pairing I’d stick with basic cheese and crackers with this wine. Go light on the flavors. This wine is a great slow sipper and I’d be hesitant to mess with its flavors.

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

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>>> I N T H E K I T C H E N | R AC H E L PA X T O N

HOMEMADE DOG TREATS A lot of people enjoy making their own dog treats for their dogs. Not only are homemade dog treats and biscuits more healthy, they are often less expensive too. Here are a couple easy dog treats you can make at home today.

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

This is an interesting dog treat I'd never seen before. Who knew that dogs like sweet potatoes!? These are similar to sweet potato chips you would make for yourself to eat, and can be made in the microwave.

Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes Cooking Spray (I prefer oil in my own Misto mister bottle.)

Directions: Start by scrubbing potatoes well. I leave the skin on, but you could peel them if you like.

Cut into 1/8″ thick slices. Spray a microwave-safe dinner plate lightly with cooking spray.

(You can use a canned spray, but I prefer using my own oil in aMisto mister bottle for both our food AND the dog!) Spread the slices out so they aren’t overlapping. If you have any thicker slices, put them on the outer edges.

The next step of actually cooking them will vary greatly depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. I have a small 600 watt oven so I cook them for 5 minutes on one side.

Flip them over and cook for 5 minutes on the second side. Flip again – cook 2 minutes.

Flip again – cook 2 minutes. If your oven is more powerful, I would recommend starting with 3 minutes per side. Keep flipping and cooking until the slices have started to turn crunchy. They will continue to crisp up after you remove them from the oven.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for several days, but if your dog loves them as much as Toby does, they probably won’t last that long! I love a cute dog treat canister with a tight-fitting lid. If you try the recipe, please come back and tell me how your dog likes them! If you try the recipe, please come back and tell me how your dog likes them!

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

These dog treats will take a little more effort, but they are super cute! They look like little doughnuts and even have carob icing.

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.

Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch.

Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends.

Cook Out 100 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

Thur-Fri 11:00am-4:00am Sat-Wed 11:00am-3:00am www.cookout.com CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com Holler & Dash 1130 University Blvd A-1, Tuscaloosa//752-3310 Sun-Thur 7am–2pm Fri-Sat 7am–9pm Sun 7am-2pm www.holleranddash.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. Mon-Sat 9am–9pm Sun- 10am-3pm Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1800 McFarland Blvd E, | Tuscaloosa// 331-4070 Casual, health-conscious cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

Mon-Thur 6:30am–9:30pm Fri-7am-9pm Sun-10:30-8pm

The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

MEXICAN

To make the donuts: In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Mix in the milk and peanut butter and beat until smooth.

Using a fork, mix in the whole wheat flour and baking powder. On a flat surface, knead together until everything is well combined. Roll out or pat the dough on a flat surface until it is about ½ inch (1¼ cm) thick. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut the dough into as many circles as you can fit. Using a smaller circular cutter (I used the large end of a frosting tip), cut out smaller circles in the middle of each circle to create the donut. Set the cut donuts on the pan. Roll the scraps of dough together and repeat this step, until you have used up as much dough as you can. Bake for 20 minutes, until the donuts are dried and hard. Allow the donuts to cool.

To make the icing: In a small bowl, add in the carob powder and the boiling water. Mix until a smooth paste forms. If the icing is too stiff, add in water ½ teaspoon at a time. Add the carob icing into a small icing squeeze bottle. Once the donuts have cooled, pipe the carob icing on top of the donuts. To keep the icing from cooling and hardening in the bottle, place it in a bowl of warm water when you are between donuts.

Notes: The carob icing does not stick well to the donuts and may flake off as you handle the donuts (ie. bag them up).

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Pastor's Kitchen 2910 5th St, Northport//553-2320 Mon-Fri 10:30am-2pm, 4:30–9pm Sat 10:30am-8pm Closed Sun Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 Taco Mama Tuscaloosa 2104 University Blvd A, Tuscaloosa Mon-Wed 11am–9pm Thur-Sat 11am–10pm Sun 11am–9pm www.tacomamaonline.com

FINE DINING

301 Bistro (Was L&N Train Station) 301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa //764-1395 Casual Dining, Full Bar and Beer Garden Mon-Sat 4–11PM Sun 11am-9pm | www.301bistro.com Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday - $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine.

Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location.

Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly. Closed Saturday lunch. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. - until... Fall: Saturday Brunch.

FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar. Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089/ The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.com River 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, Tuscaloosa//632-3801 Tue,Wed,Thur-11am–2pm, 5:30–9PM Fri-11am–2pm, 5–10pm Sat-10am–1pm, 5–10 Sun-10am–1pm Closed Monday www.rivertuscaloosa.com

JAPANESE

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com

Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844

Chuy's 1320 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 349-4947 Sun-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm | www.chuys.com

Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.com Mon - Fri 6am - 3pm; Sat - Closed; Sun 10:30am - 3pm

Ingredients: For the donuts 1 egg ½ cup skim milk ½ cup all-natural smooth peanut butter (unsalted) 1 cup (150g) whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder For the icing ¼ cup (40g) carob powder ¼ cup (60ml) water, boiling

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 2321 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa//409-8344 Mon-Thur 10am–10pm Fri-SAt 10am–12am Sun 10am-10pm | www.fuzzystacoshop.com Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 La Fiesta Mexican Grill 6521 AL-69, Tuscaloosa// 345-8580 Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm Sun 11am-9pm Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 La Fiesta Mexican Grill 345-8580 6521 AL-69, Tuscaloosa Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm Sun 11am-9pm Los Tarascos (2 locations) 110 Skyland Blvd E - Tuscaloosa//553-8896 NEW LOCATION 3380 McFarland Blvd - Northport//330-0919 www.lostarascos.com Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 | moes.com

Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Pokirrito 68 (was Ezell's Southern Food Express) 220 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Sushi Bar

ITALIAN

Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969 DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza.

Varied beer and wine selection.

Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.depalmascafe.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. | www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine.

Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks

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W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www.chickensaladchick.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers//764-9097 315 15th St, Tuscaloosa Fri-Sat 10:30am–11:00pm Sun-Thur 10:30am–10:00pm www.freddysusa.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere.

Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

The Kitchen 2322 4th St, Tuscaloosa//331-4731 Tue-Fri 8am–3pm Sat-Sun 9am-9pm Closed Sunday Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Miss Dots 1715 University Blvd, Tuscaloos Mon-Sun 11am-9pm | www.lovemissdots.com Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com Express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen.

Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Nothing But Noodles 1320 McFarland Blvd E #530// 349-2900//www.nothingbutnoodles.com Pastas, Salads, Soups, Desserts Fri-Sat 10:30am–10:30pm Sun-Thur 10:30am-9:30pm O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch // www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents.

Wine and Signature cocktails Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables | Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sweet Home Food Bar www.sweethomefoodbaral.com//764-9346 Mon-Sat 9am–9pm Sun- 10am-3pm Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe 1800 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 344-6444 Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm Urban Cookhouse 1490 Northbank Parkway #110, Tuscaloosa// 561-6999 We use the freshest ingredients available with an emphasis on supporting the local farmer Mon-Sun 10am–9pm//www.urbancookhouse.com Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILL

Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa 500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly Baumhower's 556-5658 (second location) 4251 Courtney Dr, Tuscaloosa Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar BurgerFi 1320 McFarland Blvd E #510, Tuscaloosa//759-2510

Stylish, eco-minded chain serving grass-fed beef burgers, plus hot dogs, craft beer & wine. Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm Sun-Thur 10:30am-11:00pm order.burgerfi.com/menu/tuscaloosa Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm).

Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine, full bar Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Moe's BBQ 101 15th Street | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 752.3616 Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on Fridays Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Walton's 915 Patriot Pkwy, Tuscaloosa//752-1693 Wings and much more Mon-Sat 9am-10pm Closed Sun waltonstuscaloosa.com Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dat's Good 4300 AL-13, Northport//333-466 Secializes in Catfish, Hot Wings,and BBQ Tue-Sat 10am-9pm Closed Sun & Mon | www.facebook.com/DatsGoodBBQ Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport.

Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Full Moon BBQ 1434 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 366-3555 (sports Grill) Mon-Thur 10am–9pm Fri-Sat 10am–10pm Sun 11am-9pm Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q 469-2060 305 21st Ave, Tuscaloosa Sun-Thur 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 9am-10pm | www.facebook.com/JNNTuscaloosa Hoo's Q 345-6400 101 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Mon-Sun 10am-9pm | www.hoosbbq.com Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS

Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412 Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition. Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000 R. Davidson Chophouse 2330 4th St. /Downtown Tuscaloosa/ 2056148782 We specialize in traditional American steakhouse fare including filets, New York strips, ribeyes, porterhouses, and more.The wine list and cocktail menus are exceptional and rotate with the seasons. Reservations are available online at rdchophouse.com or by phone. Hours - Tues–Fri. Lunch – 11:00am – 2:00pm; Cock-

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.)

tail Hour – 4:00pm; Dinner – 5:00pm - untill. Saturday: Lunch – 11:00am 4:00pm; Cocktail Hour – 4:00pm; Dinner – 5:00pm - until. Sunday Brunch: 10:00am - until Texas Roadhouse 1363 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 759-2596 Fri-Sat 11am–11pm Sun-11am-10pm Mon-Thur 3pm-10pm www.texasroadhouse.com

Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight

SEAFOOD

Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853

Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted | Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM)

Pyros Fire Fresh Pizza 1320 McFarland Blvd E #270, Tuscaloosa//248-7343 Mon-Fri 10:30am-10pm | www.pyrospizza.com Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 //www.honeybaked.com

Shrimp Basket 3249 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa//469-9786 Mon-Fri 10:30am–9pm | www.shrimpbasket.com

Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center

Catfish Heaven 2502 21st St, Tuscaloosa// 752-7222 Mon-Sat 11am-7:30pm Closed Sun

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com

Steamers on The Strip 1301 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa//750-0203 Mon-Sat 11am-8pm Sun 11am-5pm | www.steamersonthestrip.net The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-3 PM (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 2 PM-6 PM) | leveebarandgrill.com

CHINESE

Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088 Hot Wok Express 6571 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa// 758-0148 | Mon-Sat 10:30am–8pm Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 / Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm New China Fun 4213 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa//553-2435 Mon-Thur 11am–9:30pm Fri-Sat 11am–10:30pm Sun 12–9:30PM Panda Express 636 15th St E// 343-6888 Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm Sun-11:00am-9:00pm Mon-Thur 10:30am-9:30pm | www.pandaexpress.com Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet.

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

PIZZA AND SUBS

A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza.

California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Chuck E. Cheese's Midtown Village, 500, Tuscaloosa St//979-3420 Mon-Thur 11am-9pm Fri-11am-10pm Sat-9am-10pm Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 // Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | www.littlecaesars.com (Second location) 5980 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa// 331-8150 Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Marco’s Pizza 1021 McFarland Blvd, Northport// 330-4555 Mon-Thur 11am–10pm Fri-Sat 11am–11pm Sun 3–10PM | http://www.marcos.com Mellow Mushroom

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088

43 Prime Steakhouse 13620 Highway 43 N Northport// 331-5800 Monday-Thursday 4:30-9 Friday-Saturday 11-10 Closed Sunday

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials.

12

2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112

Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

ASIAN CUISINE

Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays. Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon– Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Surin of Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic Thai restaurant and sushi bar. Open daily.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | www.surinofthailand.com

COFFEE SHOP

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 349.6366 Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 //www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | Inside Super Target // 462.1064 | starbucks.com

DESSERTS

Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience!

TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South//764.9173 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm.

Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

13

>>> PET PLANET

NICK // PERFECT COMPANION

ELLIE // SWEET TABBY

B

T

eautiful Ellie is an adult female brown/orange Tortoiseshell tabby at 3 years of age. Ellie has quite a story.

The daughter of her family developed severe allergies, so, instead of finding Ellie a new home, they tried to make Ellie an outside kitty. One day, she hid in their car engine. They didn't know she was there, and when they started the car, she sustained injuries, including being slashed down her back. Luckily. she suffered no internal damage. She has a big shaved patch, but the wound is completely healed now.

his handsome dog is Nick, a 2-1/2 to 3-year-old male Labrador retriever mix. He is solid black and solid muscle!

Nick is a shorter, more compact lab, weighing 44 pounds, and this is fullgrown. He was pulled from our local animal shelter where he had been dropped off as a stray, and no one came to claim him. Poor Nick had been down there over 3 months - yep, black dog syndrome strikes again!

Nick is a friendly, fun dog that just wants to enjoy life. He has some energy and needs a jogging buddy, walking partner or a playmate to help use up his energy.

Nick may be ok for an apartment as long as he gets plenty of exercise. He will require a fenced-in yard if in a house so that he can have an area to run and play.

Despite her bad experience, Ellie is a sweet lady. She likes to be petted and loves attention. She is current on vaccinations, is litter box trained, and is spayed. We hope you will bring her into your heart and home!

Nick should be fine with children 8 years old and up and seems to get along well with other dogs. We have started his crate training. Nick is up-to-date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Black dogs are beautiful, and we hope you will fall in love with him as much as we have!

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If you are interested in giving CHEWY or ELLIE the forever homes they want and deserve, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa. org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

The Humane Society of West Alabama is in need of volunteers for both the cat and dog facilities.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhswa@gmail.com or go ahead and download a volunteer application from www.humanesocietyofwa.org/formsinfo.html and send to the same email.

VOLUNTEER

// IN THIS ISSUE >> UP-TO-DATE RESTAURANT LISTINGS ›› TRAIN ›› CREAM PIES ›› ERYKAH BADU ›› BEATING THE ALABAMA HEAT ›› EVENTS ›› ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Turning point domestic violence and sexual assault services center and the Board of Directors are excited to announce the new Executive Committee at its annual meeting. The annual meeting starts at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church and features awards, a chance to meet the new committee members and exciting guest speakers on February 27, 2017. A few words of welcome are planned by local officials including, Chief Tommy Reese of Demopolis, Dr. Mallory of Shelton, board members and others. In recognition of Turning Point, the West Alabama areas domestic violence/sexual assault agency, >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAY 17 + MAY 31

1

Next Issue // June 14

Advertising Deadline: Friday, June 9 205-523-4668//205-792-7239

theplanetweekly.com 14

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

issuu.com/planetweekly

is inviting all citizens, social groups and other non-profits to join with them in this annual event to thank them for their continued support.

Our goal is to create a conglomerate displaying the strength gained by joining together. We are asking individuals and various groups and members to join us and continue a commitment to ensure that all lives are lived free of violence and abuse,? said Amy Gundlach-Foster, Executive Director of Turning Point.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> M O V I E R E V I E W S | V A N R O B E R T S

SNATCHED // HELP ME PUT THE FUN IN NON-REFUNDABLE

★★★

OU T OF 4

“S

natched” will make a great Mother’s Day gift movie. Comedienne Amy Schumer’s sophomore saga boasts only half as many laughs as her big screen debut “Trainwreck.”

Nevertheless, “Snatched” generates sufficient slapstick and silliness to keep you smirking. Presumably, “Warm Bodies” director Jonathan Levine and “Ghostbusters” scenarist Katie Dippold meant for “Snatched” to be consistently sidesplitting, but some gags end up more labored than inspired. Basically, this raunchy Twentieth Century Fox release qualifies as an amusing mother & daughter comedy of errors about a dysfunctional family and the Colombian kidnappers that complicate their South American vacation. Presumably, Schumer’s legendary co-star Goldie Hawn saw something in this nonsense to lure her out of retirement. Hawn’s last film “The Banger Sisters” came out back in 2002. Indeed, Hawn and Schumer make a believable mother and daughter. They spent the bulk of the movie together on the lam from ruthless Colombian kidnappers who want to murder them. However, Ike Barinholtz steals the show as Hawn’s agoraphobic, man-child son. He has some of the funniest scenes with Bashir Salahuddin. Meantime, Wanda Sykes, Joan Cusack, and Christopher Meloni enliven every scene they share. “Snatched” may attract little applause from travel agents with its politically incorrect depiction of Ecuador and Colombia. No doubt, this prompted the producers to complete principal photograph on location in Hawaii. Schumer gives another of her spontaneous, stand-up comic performances. Again, Schumer will stoop to conquer if the material flies. The tapeworm scene best illustrates her zeal to try anything in “Snatched.” Still looking good at 72 years of age, Hawn plays everything level-headed, so don’t expect any her “Laugh In” antics. Unlike “Trainwreck,” “Snatched” is more of an entertaining, but half-baked adventure than a hilarious romantic comedy.

Emily Middleton (Amy Schumer) has had a bad day. Not only did her obnoxious boss fire her, but also her rock musician boyfriend Michael (Randall Park of “The Interview”) had the audacity to dump her. Originally, Emily and Michael had planned to spend their vacation in sunny Ecuador. Scrambling now to find friends keen to accompany her on

her pre-paid vacation, our heroine discovers that nobody wants to take advantage of this golden opportunity.

Emily struggles desperately to persuade her divorced mom, Linda (Oscar winner Goldie Hawn of “Cactus Flower”), to visit Ecuador with her, but mom isn’t really excited by the prospect. She had a house full of cats and a son too fearful to venture out into the front yard. Finally, Emily appeals to Linda, “Help me put the fun in non-refundable.” Mom decides to fly with her daughter to Ecuador in spite of her worst fears about the dire consequences. Linda has three locks on her front door at home, and she is constantly warning her daughter about being lax concerning her personal safety. Naturally, Emily ignores her mom. Emily is the typical Amy Schumer character: rude, selfabsorbed, and completely blind to her own flaws. She is the cinematic female counterpart to Will Ferrell. The first scene we see her in makes it look like she is a shopper having a difficult time choosing the appropriate apparel for her vacation. Actually, she is a sales clerk who spends too much time shopping for herself rather than showing the shopper (Kim Caramele) what the latter wants.

No sooner have mother and daughter arrived at their resort motel in Ecuador than a suave English hustler confronts gullible Emily. Just to make everything seem innocent, James (Tom Bateman of “Much Ado About Nothing”) invites Linda to come along with them on their outing. As they are touring the dirt roads of remote Ecuador, a white van slams into them.

When Emily recovers from the shock

of the crash, she finds herself locked up with her mom in a filthy room.

The notorious Morgado (Óscar Jaenada of “The Shallows”) demands an unholy ransom from Jeffrey (Ike Barinholtz of “Neighbors”), and Jeffrey has a running telephone battle with Bashir Salahuddin’s State Department bureaucrat. Clearly, not only does “Snatched” skewer South Americans, but they also poke fun at our State Department. Jeffrey winds up resorting to the most asinine threats to motivate a bored State Department bureaucrat to act. In some ways, “Snatched” reminded me of the venerable, O’ Henry short story “Ransom of Red Chief” because Emily and Linda create more chaos for their kidnappers than they can imagine.

After mom and daughter break out of the trunk of a car, they clamber

aboard a passing truck, and their kidnapper struggles to drag them off the vehicle. Emily kills him with a blow from a shovel to his skull. This is one of the running gags. Emily also masters a spinning kick that can drop a man dead in his tracks.

Predictably, when things appear dire, Emily kills two of Morgado’s relatives.

She wields a gruesome harpoon gun and skewers Morgado’s son through neck with a spear. Indeed, most of the action chronicles the flight of our two heroines from Morgado.

One of the silliest scenes involves a tapeworm. A rural doctor lures it out of Emily’s mouth by dangling fresh meat in front of her like bait.

Goldie Hawn maintains her composure throughout this brisk 91-minute, R-rated escapade. Most of her humor is uncharacteristically dry. She refers to a pornographic magazine that she is reading in the kidnapper’s prison as ‘a farm journal’ to keep her wits about her.

Indeed, “Snatched” contains some crude sexual content, brief nudity, and profane language. Apart from the scene-stealing Barinholtz, Christopher Meloni has a blast as a “Jungle Jim” soldier of fortune who plunges the ladies into the rainforest as they flee from their abductors. At one point, Meloni takes an uproarious leap of faith when he swings across a gorge on a vine. Wanda Sykes and Joan Cusack are cast as former special-ops agents who endeavor to help Emily rescue Linda, but wind up leaving her in the lurch when their plans go sideways. Altogether, “Snatched” will keep you grinning when you’re not laughing.

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

15

>>> E V E N T S THURSDAY, JUNE 1 The B2B Band Live At Band Of Brothers Brewing Co. WHEN: 7:00pm-10:00am COST: WHERE: Band of Brothers Brewing Company 1605 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 246-2569 LINK: https://www.facebook.com/brewingbro thers/?rf=528097770684009 DESCRIPTION: Friday June, 2nd Band Of Brothers Brewing Co. will be having the B2B Band! B2B Band is a six-piece R&B/Funk band based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Initially formed around 1990, the group quickly rose to the forefront of the live music market in the Southeastern states and has remained as one of the best bands around. Food Truck will be on site.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 Fundraiser For Emerge Alabama At Band Of Brothers Brewing Co. WHEN: 6:00pm-9:00am COST: WHERE: Band of Brothers Brewing Company 1605 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 246-2569 LINK: https://www.facebook.com/brewingbro thers/?rf=528097770684009 DESCRIPTION: Emerge America is a national organization dedicated to training Democratic women to run for - and win - political office. Emerge is already in 18 states and has a fantastic success rate.

We are working to launch Emerge's newest state affiliate, right here in Alabama. Join us for this event at Band of Brothers Brewing Company in Tuscaloosa to support this effort-- live music, prizes & more! More information to come on the bands to play.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS EVENT! Of course, Band of Brothers will have their amazing beer available for purchase! Please help us spread the word. Invite all your friends TUESDAY, JUNE 6 Burgers & Brews!

WHEN: 11:00am -9:00pm COST: WHERE:Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 PHONE: (205) 248-7500 LINK: http://southernalehouse.com/ DESCRIPTION: Join us every Tuesday for mouth-watering weekly burger specials, perfectly paired with a local craft brew!

SATURDAY, JUNE 3 Farmers Market WHEN: 7:00am and 12:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa River Market 1900 Jack Warner Pkwy Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 248-5295 LINK: http://www.tuscaloosarivermarket. com/ DESCRIPTION: The River Market opened in May 2012. Vendors set up ripe red tomatoes and famous Chilton County peaches.

Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in, and freshly brewed iced tea is for sale to help battle the heat. Additionally, local Food Trucks, bakers, artists, and craftsmen gather here to sell their gourmet grub, fresh-baked yeast rolls,

16

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

homemade jams and jellies and handcarved cutting boards. Popular summer foods include tomatoes, Chilton County peaches, squash, corn, and local honey.

The Farmers Market at the River Market is open from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays ALL YEAR LONG and on Tuesdays (from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving). Now accepting: EBT/SNAP/SFMNP/WIC, cash, credit, and debit. Come on y'all, eat local!

SATURDAY, JUNE 3 ANNIE WHEN: 2:00pm-12:00am COST: $12-$20 WHERE: Bama Theatre 600 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 393-2800 LINK: http://theactonline.com/Season/ annie.html DESCRIPTION: Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon. Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow." With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a nextto-nothing start in 1930s New York City.

She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.

With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Bluegrass Jam on Shepherd Hill WHEN: 6:00pm-10:00pm COST: WHERE:Shepherd Hill Opry - Samantha, Alabama 19858 Highway 43 North Northport, AL 35475 PHONE: (205) 233-3794 LINK: http://www.goodshepherdfound.org/ bluegrass-jam-on-shepherd-hill.html DESCRIPTION: Saturday, June 10, 2017 @ 6:00 p.m. FREE ADMISSION - bring a lawn chair or blanket Concessions 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The Jeff Long Band - a Bluegrassgospel group that travels throughout Mississippi and Alabama spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jeff Long (Lead/ Harmony Vocals and Guitar), Sara Long , Lead/Harmony Vocals and Fiddle), Jimmy Joe Holsonback Mandolin), Randy Glascow (Lead/Harmony Vocals and Banjo), Greg Turner (Lead Vocals and Upright Bass). The Kirkland Family - a Bluegrass/ Gospel band. Ron Kirkland Sr.: Banjo, Dobro, Guitar, Vocals Ron Kirkland Jr.: Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals Blinda Kirkland: Upright Bass. All proceeds benefit The Little Closet Community Food Pantry and the ministries of The Johnny Williamson Good Shepherd Foundation, a 501(c) (3) Faith-Based Organization. For more information visit our websites at http://www. goodshepherdfound.org/about.html and http://www.thelittlecloset.org/

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Sell Advertising Space in the Planet Weekly Please Call or Email Linda Johnson 205.792.7239 • publisher@theplanetweekly.com

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CRAFT BEER | WINE | BARCADE | GROWLERS

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

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Effective

ADS CONTACT

205.792.7239

Accepting New Patients!

Chiropractic Care Nutritional & Weight Management Programs Sports Physicals 9770 Highway 69 South Unit A | Tuscaloosa Englewood Plaza next to Winn Dixie

205-409-6333

Check us out online at www.freemanchiropracticandwellness.com Now Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield!

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S BIRMINGHAM

Tuesday, June 6 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill//Clay Walker Ryman Auditorium//Craig Wiseman & Friends

Friday, June 2 Saturn//Lake Street Drive

Wednesday, June 7 Ryman Auditorium//Marty Stuart 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill//Joe Nichols

Saturday, June 3 The Crystal Lounge//Deicide

Tuesday, June 6 Avondale Brewing company//J. Cole Saturn//Jamestown Revival Saturn//William Michael Morgan

Thursday, June 8 Wildhorse Saloon//Ty Herndon

Friday, June 9 Ryman Auditorium//Paul Shaffer Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Boney James

Wednesday, June 7 Iron City//Glass Animals

Friday, June 9 Dorothy Jemison Day theater//Fiddler on the Roof Saturn//Robert Randolph and the Family Band

Saturday, June 10 Black Creek Park//7th Annual Black Creek Arts Festival Oak Mountain Amphitheatre//Chris Stapelton Alys Stephens Center//Jonny Lang Sunday, June 11 The Alabama Theatre//Wizard of Oz

Friday, June 16 Avondale Brewing Company//Yacht Rock Revue

Saturday, June 17 Gladys Knight Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Bennie Mac Live In Mo Fo Head Sunday, June 18 The Alabama Theatre//Paper Moon Wednesday, June 21 Iron City//The Molly Ringwalds

Thursday, June 22 Iron City//Despatch: America Tour

Friday, June 23 Iron City//Sister Hazel The Alabama Theatre//Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Saturday, June 24 Saturn//Surfer Blood

Sunday, June 25 The Alabama Theatre//Cabaret

Sunday, June 11 Nissan Stadium//2017 CMA Music Festival 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill//Michael Kiwanuka Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Jonny Lang Grand Ole Opry House//Sunday Mornin’ Country Monday, June 12 Marathon Music Works//Banks

Tuesday, June 13 Bridgestone Arena//Iron Maiden & Ghost Mercy Lounge//Cannery Ballroom

Wednesday, June 14 Andrew Jackson Theater//Neil deGrasse Tyson James K. Polk Theater//Joe Jackson

Thursday, June 15 Ascend Amphitheater//Third Eye Blind w/ Silversun Pickups

Friday, June 16 Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Dreamworks Animation in Concert Saturday, June 17 Ryman Auditorium//Dan TDM

Tuesday, June 20 Marathon Music Works//Blackbear

Thursday, June 22 Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheatre//Collecive Soul, Our Lady Peace 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill//ZZ Ward Friday, June 23 Ryman Auditorium//Hillsong United

Thursday, June 29 Saturn//The Wailers

NASHVILLE

Sunday, June 4 Wildhorse Saloon//Kimberly Williams – Brad Paisley – Blair Garner Monday, June 5 Ryman Auditorium//Darius Rucker

Saturday, June 10 Country Music Hall of Fame//Clint Black

Saturday, June 24 Nissian Stadium//Monster Jam Ryman Auditorium//Punch Brothers Ascend Amphitheater//The Music of Led Zeppelin

Sunday, June 25 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill//Robert Randolph and The Family Band

Tuesday, June 27 Ascend Amphitheater//Chicago and The Doobie Brothers Andrew Jackson Theater//Something Rotten

ATLANTA

Wednesday, June 7 Cobb Galleria Centre//Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Thursday, June 8 Fabulous Fox Theatre//The Avett Brothers

Friday, June 9 Center Stage//Skillet Terminal West//Michael Kiwanuka Chastain Park Amphitheater//Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Atlanta Symphony Hall//Atlanta Symphony Orschestra Saturday, June 10 The Masquerade//Great Good Fine OK Tabernacle//Ghost The Buckhead Theatre//Banks

Sunday, June 11 Cobb Energy Performing Arts//Paul Shaffer Infinite Energy Center//Hall and Oates & Tears For Fears Atlanta Symphony Hall //Plundering Pirates of Symphony Hall Monday, June 12 The Masquerade//PWR BTTM

Tuesday, June 13 Fabulous Fox theatre//Mamma Mia

Wednesday, June 14 The Masquerade//The Birthday Massacre Cobb Energy Performing Arts//Shaping Sounds

Friday, June 16 Verizon Amphitheatre//Luke Bryan Verizon Amphitheatre//2017 Country Megaticket

Saturday, June 17 Verizon Amphitheatre//Luke Bryan CNN Omni Atlanta Hotel//Ivan Amodei’s Intimate Illusions Chastain Park Amphitheater//Gipsy Kings Friday, June 23 Verizon Amphitheatre//Chicago and the Doobie Brothers Cobb Energy Performing Arts//Gregory Porter Center Stage//Cece Winans Atlanta Symphony Hall//Chris Botti Sunday, June 25 Infinite Energy Center//Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & CNCO Chastain Park Amphitheater//Sheryl Crow Tuesday, June 27 Chastain Park Amphitheater//John Mellencamp

>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more.

1

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010 >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

19

>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Across 1. Approaching 5. High 80's or low 90's depending 10. Not very spicy 14. French girlfriend 15. Talks up 16. Brit's exclamation 17. Occupancy 19. Nominate 20. "The Devil's Dictionary" author Bierce 21. Toned down 22. Never, not once 26. Catches, as fly balls 30. Like the tales in a Hawthorne title 34. Deride 35. Large piece of meat 36. Scooby-___ 37. Summer month 39. It's seconded at meetings 42. Fr. holy woman 43. "There ____ I in team" 47. Overcome with fear 48. Henceforward 51. Television awards 52. Unrestrained flow 54. Low on cash 57. Spewing 62. Fruit paired with strawberry in a Snapple drink 63. Represented in picture 66. Daredevil name 67. Unbroken horse 68. It follows Costa 69. Uncanny (var.)

70. Moment of forgetfulness 71. Pitch black

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

Down 1. Okinawa city 2. Muslim chief 3. Singer Andy 4. Will name 5. Fun time 6. Protects, in a way 7. Him, to Pierre 8. Sushi veggie 9. Personal ID 10. Courtly dance 11. "The hour ____ hand!"

12. Shiny fabric 13. Colored 18. Salutes an honoree 21. Mrs., in Montmartre 23. Nocturnal flyer 24. Actress Carrere 25. Long-range weapon 26. Hiding place 27. Word with couture or cuisine 28. Tool for boring holes 29. Safari sight 31. Reproach 32. Bonkers 33. Prohibited acts 38. Minor skirmish 40. Port of Denmark 41. Highlands hat 44. Disco ___ ("The Simpsons" character) 45. Video game console inits.

46. Roots 49. With chilling effect 50. Time of day (abbr.)

53. Cup fraction 54. ____-ball (arcade rolling game) 55. Place that's abuzz 56. One in debt 58. Mata ____ (infamous spy) 59. Find ____ one's heart 60. Vampire's prime spot 61. Mate lead-in 63. Abbr. on a baseball score sheet 64. ___ of Good Feelings 65. Floppy-eared rabbit

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

It's easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every number between 1 and 9. The game is easy to play but difficult to master! Solution Page 21

WRITERS WANTED

For Information, please email PlanetEditor@ yahoo.com

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W A bright idea could net you a bargain or entice you to do something for a good friend without asking anything in return. But you might want to research your options when it comes to taking risks, especially if you're about to move into new territory. You may feel better if you know what's coming rather than going with the flow and hoping for the best. One encounter could confirm something you've wondered about but perhaps not dared mention.

You may be very happy to share your ideas and personal opinions with others. Indeed, a flash of inspiration or a conversation with a friend could help you share your insights on social media and attract those who may be on the same wavelength. If you're planning a social event or get-together, a more practical approach may be needed. Don't rely on everything being all right on the big night, as there's a chance it might not be.

If certain issues seem to be holding you back and keeping you from making progress, the present blend of influences could encourage you to separate the various strands. It might be time to release the deep-seated emotions that consume a lot of your energy, especially if you're trying to keep them from surfacing.

Discussing such matters with a trusted friend can reassure you and give you the confidence to let go. Regarding work, a new contact could be very helpful.

While you might relish the chance to go on a spontaneous trip, certain issues may need to be dealt with first. You can enjoy yourself, but a key aspect between Mercury and Pluto suggests it might not be wise to neglect one task if it means that you fall out of favor with a boss or other key figure. On the other hand, if you do well, you may be rewarded. Go easy over the weekend, though, as someone may not be as they seem.

A deal struck on the spur of the moment may seem like a great idea, but is it really? If you're to get the best out of it, then it could pay to do more homework. Be prepared to analyze the details and seek out hidden agendas. Only when you're completely happy will you feel comfortable about going ahead. However, a lovely aspect could boost your confidence, giving you the inner assurance that you can handle whatever happens.

This week it could pay to balance an impulsive mood with some dedicated fact finding. Just because an idea seems great at the time, it could have a disruptive influence on your life unless you consider the consequences. Even so, the same may not be true of an unexpected encounter that could add a special note of excitement to the days ahead. Don't take everyone at their word over the weekend, though, as someone may be telling a small white lie.

The Sun in a sensitive sector of your chart could be a call to examine your deeper thoughts and feelings. This is also an opportunity to let go of those patterns of belief that may be limiting your ability to be as successful as you'd like. However, any changes you wish to make won't happen overnight. It may require a period of selfanalysis to truly understand what the inner obstacles are. But even one insight could prove very liberating.

Fun plans may clash with your job or work commitments. But if you can find a way to delegate some tasks, it might be possible to get away. The cosmos urges you to be creative about finding ways to enjoy yourself without it costing a lot. You may find that with some lateral thinking you can enjoy an experience for free or very little. All it takes is the ability to adopt a different perspective that spotlights fresh possibilities.

A new gadget could be a time-saver and provide great value for the money. When it comes to family relationships, you might need to put your feelings to one side and take a firmer approach to a certain matter. If you're too sentimental, someone in the family may not have the chance to tap in to their own strength, preferring you fight their battles for them. Although you may feel guilty about adopting this approach, it could be the best way ahead.

Leisure options can offer some exciting encounters and new experiences that could make the days ahead very upbeat. However, you might also feel a need for some quiet time in order to make a key decision. This can allow you to appreciate the pros and cons and work out what is best for you and your family. Your instincts can be a helpful guide here, too. Meanwhile, a very interesting conversation could be the start of a new and supportive friendship.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Be on guard against misunderstandings with family members or anyone who shares your home. A lack of communication could put a little bit of a distance between you and the other person. If you keep the conversation going, any such issues will likely be ironed out quickly. If you need some nurturing after a busy week, opt for a massage, spa day, or pampering session that will help you relax.

You know you deserve it!

A spontaneous decision may require you to follow up with a more in-depth assessment of what you've gotten yourself into.

Spontaneously volunteering your time to a project may feel good, but you might need to be more businesslike if you're to gain some advantage from your efforts. A delightful event or meeting could also brighten the days ahead. But the weekend could bring mixed messages or misunderstandings, so take everything with a grain of salt.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

21

>>> C O M M U N I T Y A R T S | THE ACTOR’S CHARITABLE THEATRE

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: WARNER HOUSE

HAVE A SWELL TIME AT THE ACT’S “ANNIE” O h my goodness! Everyone’s favorite little red-haired orphan and her adorable dog, Sandy, are heading to the Bama Theatre stage June 2-4, when The Actor’s Charitable Theatre (ACT) presents the musical Annie. This sweet story will enchant family members of all ages and includes such unforgettable songs as “Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

Set during the Great Depression, and full of music, dance and comedy, Annie is first and foremost a story about finding a family. Annie is ever hopeful of finding her parents, who left her on the orphanage doorstep when she was a baby. Living with a bunch of scrappy orphans and their drunken headmistress, Annie never stops believing that “the sun will come out tomorrow,” and ultimately her fortunes change when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

While the theme of family is a central part of the story of Annie, its cast is a bit of a “family” as well. Playing the title role of optimistic Annie is Caroline Gibson, a sixth grader at Echols Middle School, who began appearing in local theatre productions at the age of eight. Gibson has previously appeared in 12 other shows, including The ACT’s 2015 production of Mary Poppins, in which she played Jane Banks, one of two children cared for by the magical nanny. Greg Vander Wal, who played Gibson’s dad - Mr. Banks - in Mary Poppins, plays Annie’s “Daddy” Warbucks. Vander Wal has appeared in five other ACT productions, most recently co-starring as The Beast in last fall’s Beauty and the Beast, opposite Grace Conner’s role as Beauty’s Belle. In Annie, Conner (a vocal performance major at the University of Montevallo) plays Mr. Warbuck’s personal secretary Grace Ferrell. And Conner’s own dog, Pharaoh, has the role of Sandy, the stray mutt who becomes Annie’s faithful friend. Pharaoh, a four-yearold terrier mix has her own successful adoption story: two years ago, Conner adopted her from the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter. In addition to these “theatre family” ties, the cast of 56 includes six pairs of parent-child combinations, three sets of siblings, and an aunt-nephew team.

Annie will run June 2-4, at the Bama

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MAY 31 + JUNE 14

Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reserved seat tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for students and $12 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets and information are available at www.

TheACT.info or 205-393-2800. The Box Office will be open one hour prior to each show time as well.

Annie Fun Facts • Annie is based on Harold Gray’s popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” which premiered in the 1920s in the New York Daily News, and became one of the most widely-read strips in the ‘30s and ‘40s.

• The original 1977 Broadway production of Annie ran at the Alvin Theatre (now renamed the Neil Simon Theatre) for 2,377 performances for nearly six years and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Choreography.

• Annie has been translated into 28 languages, played in 34 different countries, and has been made into three movies (in 1982, 1999 and 2014).

- more Annie gives back to the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter To help support Pharaoh’s friends at the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, The ACT will be collecting donations of much-needed supplies to help care for the shelter’s 250+ dogs and cats looking for their forever home.

Donations of the following items can be dropped off in the lobby of the Bama Theatre during each of the four shows: · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Towels/dish rags Canned dog food Dog and cat toys Leashes and collars Stainless steel food/water bowls Pet grooming clippers Dawn dishwashing liquid Trash bags Cat litter Liquid HE (High-Efficiency) laundry detergent Dryer sheets Household bleach

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> H I G H T I D E S P O R T S | GARY HARRIS

KEARIS JACKSON // GEORGIA STAR IS HIGH ON THE TIDE

N

ick Saban spent last week speaking on the phone with several top prospects in the 2018 class. One of those prospects he spoke with is wide receiver Kearis Jackson of Peach County HS in Ft. Valley, GA. "The conversation went pretty well," the 6-0, 200-pound Jackson says. "He was letting me know that Alabama is very interested in me.

That was good to hear from Coach Saban."

Last season, Jackson had 29 carries for 149 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 52 passes for 739 yards and nine touchdowns. He also averaged 16.2 yards on punt returns.

"Coach Saban said that he likes that I can run," Jackson says. "He said that I can run well and that I catch the ball really well. He said that they would use me in a lot of different ways. He sees me as a receiver and as a guy they could use on jet sweeps."

On what he likes about Alabama, Jackson says, "The winning tradition. They win a lot.

They win championships. They develop their players. You see how many of their players go to the league every year. They have great coaching and great facilities. They have everything that you look for. My interest level in Alabama is high."

Jackson also has high interest in Georgia.

"I love Georgia, but I love the other programs, too," Jackson says. "Georgia is right down the street, so I've been able to visit there a lot.

People see that I visit there all the time and they think that means Georgia is the favorite.

But I'm going to visit some of the other schools this summer when I have more time. I know that my interest will be high in those schools when I get the chance to visit."

Jackson has close to 25 offers, including ones from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Florida state, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee, among others.

"I really don't have a favorite," Jackson says.

"I just want to take some visits and find a school where I'm comfortable. I want to be comfortable with the coaching staff. I'm going to look at the quarterback situation to make sure they have a good one. I want to play for a team that's going to win. Those are some of the main things."

Jackson says that he will graduate early and enter college in January.

Jackson will visit Auburn on June 3. He will visit Alabama on June 4.

anything like that - just based off the long-term health of the program.

GOFF RELIEVED OF HIS DUTIES

"As we move forward and look ahead, we are looking for the best possible baseball coach that we can get with college experience - that can be a head coach, that can be an assistant coach - but we want somebody that has been in college baseball and understands the dynamics of that.

Courtesy UA Media Relations

Greg Goff has been relieved of his duties as head coach of The University of Alabama baseball program effective immediately, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced last week.

"Things are not easy for these coaches; their families; this program; and this is not something we take lightly at all," said Byrne. "I would like to thank Coach Goff and his staff for their contributions over the past year, and I wish them well in future endeavors. Coach Goff has had a lot of success over the years as a baseball coach, and I know that he will have success in the future as well.

"We felt this was the best decision going forward for our baseball program, and that is why we made the decision. You look at these situations when it comes to coaches, and you decide, 'What is the best long-term solution for the program?' - not based off a season or

"We have a lot of desirable resources here at The University of Alabama, including: the incredible stadium, our budget - we fund our baseball program at a very high level - and the Alabama brand that gives all of our teams the ability to recruit nationally for the best opportunity for success. People want to be at Alabama. This is a great and special place, and we are all fortunate to be a part of this athletics department."

Associate head coach Terry Rooney will now serve as interim head coach until a replacement for Goff has been named. The search to hire Alabama baseball's next head coach will begin immediately.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAY 31 + JUNE 14

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>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS