Book Review: Wise Bear William: A New Beginning by Arthur Wooten

Arthur Wooten ("Birthday Pie," "On Picking Fruit") switches gears in his latest endeavor, taking readers on a gentler ride.

"Wise Bear William: A New Beginning" relates the tender tale of toys tucked away in an attic. Rag Doll Rose, Bean Bag Bunny and Calico Kitty live in harmony among trunks, cracked mirrors and forgotten memories.

The dolls are guided lovingly by the knowledgeable bear after overhearing that children shall perform a traditional visit to the attic to retrieve once-loved toys left by other generations. The lucky chosen few shall regain the longed-for life of a cherished toy.

The cluttered attic’s inhabitants worry, sacrifice and learn to cherish each other, and themselves, while helping one another get ready for the children’s visit. Finding flowers, buttons and other objects for sprucing up their appearance, they realize that it is their love inside that makes them truly beautiful.

As the stuffed toys aid each other and the children arrive to scoop up their new friends, readers enjoy a journey of warmth, friendship and anticipation. Who will be chosen? Who will be left behind?

Blanket Bear

Bud Santora’s deep, rich illustrations of tattered dresses, floppy ears and button eyes enhance the warmth of the characters without overpowering the content’s message. Santora's background as an Emmy Award winner, costume and holiday designer, serves him well to create almost-touchable images throughout the must-read again book.
What was the inspiration for the lovable teddy bear and company? I asked Wooten in a recent telephone interview.

“It came from a bear I had as a child, Blanket Bear. My grandfather, John Reid, who I called Papa, came from Scotland. As a teenager, he went into WWI, and was on the front lines fighting. He brought home his army blanket and my grandmother turned it into a teddy bear for me. I still have Blanket Bear.”

Bottom line: I dare anyone to read this timeless treasure and not feel an immediate and strong connection with “Wise Bear William: A New Beginning.” Wooten has struck a chord with this book which touches all ages and it will be found sitting, with edges well worn, upon children's bookshelves around the globe.

Wise Bear William: A New Beginning is available as a soft cover, hard cover and ebook at Galaxais Productions

Find Arthur Wooten on Facebook by clicking: Facebook/ArthurWooten
FInd Arthur Wooten on Twitter by clicking: Twitter/ArthurWooten
Photo credits: Galaxais Production

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

6 Best Spots to Take Kids During Holiday Break 2011 Indy

Every year parents, grandparents and fun-loving adults ask for my opinion of places to go in the Indy-metro area with kids over holiday break from school. Here are the Top 6 Best Spots.

Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg through Jan. 8. Image/RRImages

1. Jingle Rails: Where: Eiteljorg Museum. What it is: Thirteen overhead walk-under bridges, replicas of downtown Indianapolis, The Great West and national treasures as seen via seven trains traveling throughout the display. When:  The "coolest exhibit I've ever seen," according to one child at the exhibit, is open through Jan 8. Website: Eiteljorg.com
2. Willy Wonka: Where: Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. What it is: Roald Dahl's classic children's story. When: This is a great way to introduce kids to live theater through Jan. 7. Website: CivicTheatre.org.

   

   Willy Wonka                     Image/BTCivicTheatre

3. Jolly Days: Where: Children's Museum: What it is: Listed consistently as a national must-see museum, Jolly Days is still fun after Christmas with activities for children of all ages, including a play castle, "ice skating" and theater. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: ChildrensMuseum.org.
4. Hearthside Suppers: Where: Conner Prairie. What it is: Enjoy helping prepare an early 1800s dinner and eating it by candlelight. When: Starts Jan. 6. Website: ConnerPrairie.org.
5. Conservatory Crossing: Where: Garfield Park Conserrvatory. What it is: Running train models, and a train village in partnership with The Indiana Railroad Company. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: GarfieldGardensConservatory.org.
6. Ice skating: Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds. What it is: A great way to introduce kids to a new sport or keep active during the winter. When: Through April. Website: In.gov/StateFair

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: SouthSider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: Mystery Cafe of Indianapolis: Ho Ho Homicide

Robert Kingery and Melissa Gutierrez    Image/IzzyEvans

Evidence suggests that Murder Mystery dinners gained popularity in the 1980s as a culmination of Hollywood's '40s mystery movies, radio Whodunnits in the '40s and '50s, theaters-in-the-round and dinner theaters which were predominant in the '60s and '70s. As is with most things, what once was old is new again, and this is true with audience-participation performances.

The Mystery Cafe, originating in '88 in Canton MA., is the original, and longest running, mystery theater company in the nation.

Mystery Café of Indianapolis was founded in ’92. The currently running performance, “Ho Ho Homicide” is performed at Milano Inn, 231 S. College St., Indianapolis. Alternate locations are available for various performances.

The play, written by Nita Hardy, is a zany, over the-top spoof of whodunnits. The plot finds southern belle, Miss Charlotte O’Tara, portrayed by Melissa Gutierrez, about to be murdered. When the dirty deed occurs, her relative from Ireland sings they are “Cousins, Identical Cousins” (think The Patty Duke Show's theme song here) Maureen O’Tara, also Gutierrez. Maureen puts on her sleuthing cap and hires Nick Saint, private detective.

Saint, a droll, Humphrey-Bogart caricature, portrayed by Robert Kingery, paces the floor while piecing together clues.

Gutierrez and Kingery whip through several characters each, switching accents, costumes and mannerisms without missing a beat. The duo shines brightest while verbally sparring with each other and both show genuine enjoyment in their roles. While this play is performed well enough to be on stage, the fun is found with the interaction between the characters and the audience.

The meal is served between acts as four courses, giving ample time to jot down clues, discuss possible suspects with other diners (seating is family style) and enjoy the food at a leisurely pace. Dinner consists of soup, salad, entrée choice of four traditional Italian dishes, and dessert of Spumoni ice cream.

Audience participation is cornerstone to the success and enjoyment of the evening (Translation: leave the curmudgeon at home). The more you get into the mood, the more fun it is. I was given the role of the Jamaican psychic "Madam Cleo" and sat near audience characters "Red Butler" and "Blondie Bloomwood" (who was a suspect). Awards are given out to the audience members: one for best actor and one for correctly guessing the murderer. Photo opportunities are available after the show. Ticket price covers the performance, meal (with coffee or tea) and good-natured fun. Adult beverages and gratuity are not included in the price.

Bottom Line: Mystery Cafe's outlandish groaners, over-the-top impersonations and slight innuendos make "Ho Ho Homicide" an absolutely delightful whodunnit and a refreshing alternative for an evening out.

For tickets, schedule and information, visit TheMysteryCafeIndy.com
For menu, hours and location of restaurant, visit MilanoInn.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: Phoenix Theatre: A Very Phoenix Xmas6: Our Goose is Cooked.

Wilcher, Gillan & Kincannon

The Phoenix Theatre continues its journey to the musical side of the street with more singing and dancing in this year's holiday offering: A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked!
Local Indy theater favorite Charles Goad (Shipwrecked!) was welcomed back to the stage after a brief hiatus to delve into other creative ventures. Claire Wilcher, Jason Gloye, Gayle Steigerwald, Scott Greenwell, Carly Kincannon and Abby Gillan join Goad in the limelight.

Gloye, Gillan, Goad & Steigerwald

This not-for-children program tackles issues of prejudice, unrequited love and ungrateful offspring through sketches, songs and storytelling. Balancing out the heavy subjects are several lighter moments of love, Santa and dancing. Yes, I said dancing...at The Phoenix Theatre. Choreographed by Dance Kaleidoscope dancer and choreographer, Mariel Greenlee, the dance numbers provide a positive, fresh look for the edgy theater.

Goad and Greenwell

In a more traditional moment, Kincannon, Gillan and Wilcher present a spectacular, ethereal rendition of "Hallelujah Chorus" (Handel).
Goad's much-anticipated return did not disappoint proving he has not lost an ounce of talent while absent. Whether the tender, "The Student," the humorous, "Santa-Tude," or playful, "Outsourcing Santa," Goad's personal brand of talent is well demonstrated.

Rocking into the Gotta Go spotlight this week is Gayle Steigerwald in "How I Met Your Santa," the tale of her first meeting with Saint Nick. The delightful tale is all the more sentimental because of Steigerwald's tender storytelling ability. You will find yourself believing every word of the future Mrs. Claus' account of the Christmas she encountered the jolly elf in her childhood home.

Steigerwald, Wilcher, Kincannon & Gillan

It is no surprise that this piece earns the Gotta Go "favorite of the evening" award once I realized afterward that it had been written by Daniel Guyton. You'll remember Guyton receiving my "favorite of the evening" in 2009 during Phoenix Theatre's A Very Phoenix Xmas 4: Our Stockings are Stuffed with "Death of a Snowman." Guyton brings tender, real moments to the stage without slipping down the too-much slope.
Bottom Line: A Very Phoenix Theatre 6: Our Goose is Cooked! fulfills its mission to educate, challenge and entertain in this unexpectedly lighter performance.
Photo Credit: ZachRosing.com
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: Beef and Boards Christmas 2011

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's annual holiday offering, "A Beef & Boards Christmas" opens this year with 10 new performers, including two pint-size ones: Ethan Halford Holder and Olivia McKenna.

Toning down the show from the flying reindeer of last year, this go round is a quieter holiday sing along and dance rendition of the Indy tradition. The north side venue brought in audience favorites Sarah Hund, John Vessels and Jayson Elliott (Indiana native) from out of town. You'll remember them best from the "Smoke on the Mountain" trilogy. Also on hand to co-host are returning B&B darlings Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims.

Shining brightest are the Holidaires, made up of Vessels, Hund and Elliott in "The Challenge" between Elliott and Hund, with each outdoing the other on numerous stringed instruments and Vessels popping in for his well-loved humorous touches. And, for a little taste of country, Elliott and Hund also team up for "Tennessee Christmas," while Vessels filled the air with the audience's laughter while performing, "All I want for Christmas."


Holder and McKenna also create a memorable moment with their mini version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and act as smaller hosts with Shepard and Wims.
The hosting adult couple performed their "Marshmallow World" Raggedy Ann and Andy dance with usual enthusiasm, always a favorite with the young and old (and this critic).

Bottom Line: "A Beef & Boards Christmas" is a heart-warming holiday show with something for everyone from ages 2 to 92.

For schedule, tickets and details, visit BeefandBoards.com
Photo Credit: JulieCurryPhotography.com


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2011

Image/ChocolatefortheSpirit

It's time for the fourth annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2011, giving you ideas accumulated through personal experience, referrals and submissions. The handy list (in no particular order) is wrapped with links and recipient suggestions making it easier to find a perfect gift for just about everyone.

This year's Ultimate Gift Guide has a new item: the Judges' Favorite Award. The judges were unanimous in their enthusiasm of the inaugural distinction.

Without further ado...

JUDGES' FAVORITE AWARD

Chocolate for the Spirit

What: Gourmet hand-crafted chocolates

Who: Chocolate lovers, hostess gift, monthly club, stocking stuffer

Where: ChocolatefortheSpirit

Image/Burton'sMaplewoodFarms

Burton's Maplewood Farms

What: Rum-infused maple syrup, pure maple syrup

Who: Foodies, gourmet cooks, pancake and waffle lovers

Where: BurtonsMaplewoodFarms

Christy Beaver and Morgan Greenseth

What: Mini pies cookbook

Who: Stocking stuffer, Children, gift exchange, baker

Where: MiniPies/UlyssesPress

Image/CookingGreek

Cooking Greek Indy

What: Baklava cheesecake
Who: Hostess gift, family, individual, cheesecake lovers
Where: CookingGreekIndy

Winnie the Pooh
What: Disney's tale of everyone's lovable bear Cd/Blu-Ray set

Who: Movie buffs, Children

Where: WinniethePooh/Disney

Image/240Sweet

240 Sweet

What: Gourmet marshmallows

Who: Sweet lovers, stocking stuffer, monthly club

Where: 240Sweet

Image/iRenew

iRenew
What: Well-being waterproof bracelet
Who: Elderly, athletes, stocking stuffer
Where: iRenew

Image/LucidAbsinthe

Lucid
What: Absinthe louching gift set with authentic wormwood
Who: Discerning drinker, Absinthe lover,
mixologist
Where: DrinkLucid

Image/SweetTooth

Sweet Tooth Bakery Indy
What: Cake bites/pops
Who: Hostess gift, family, college
students
Where: SweeetToothBakery

CAMUS Cognac

What: Cognac gift set

Who: Discerning drinker, Cognac lover, mixologist

Where: Camus.fr

Image/CookingGreekInd

Cooking Greek Indy

What: Gift basket of gluten-free brownies and cookies

Who: Gluten-allergy sufferers, hostess gift

Where: CookingGreekIndy

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

What: Disney tale of Captain Jack Sparrow Cd/Blu-Ray set

Who: Movie buffs, Johnny Depp fans, Children

Where: PiratesoftheCaribbean/Disney

Flying Wish Paper

What: Flying wish paper

Who: Group, family
Where: FlyingWishPaper

Image/MollyBakes

Molly Bakes
What: Crazy for Cake Pops cookbook

Who: Kids, stocking stuffer, hostess gift, bakers
Where: CakePops/UlyssesPress

Image/StacyNewgent

Jill Silverman Hough

What: 100 Perfect Pairings Main Dishes; 100 Perfect Pairings Small plates

Who: Novice and expert wine drinkers, foodies, office gift exchanges

Where: JillSilvermanHough

Image/YandLBauducco

Bauducco Panettone
What: Italian traditional holiday cake with
Hershey's chocolate chips
Who: Hostess gift, family
Where: BauduccoFoods

Holiday World

What: Holiday World public figure Mrs. Koch bobble head

Who: Stocking stuffer, Holiday World lovers

Where: HolidayWorld/PatKoch

Image/UlyssesPress

Valerie Lum, Jenise Addison

What: Ice Cream Happy Hour
Who: 20-somethings, gourmet cooks, hostess gift, stocking stuffer
Where: HappyHour/UlyssesPress


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, syndicated blogger, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Hendricks County Launches Tourism Blog

Hendricks County blog to provide insider tourism information

DANVILLE, IN – Hendricks County residents and visitors now have a new tool to keep up with events, attractions and other tourism-related happenings within the county.

            The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau will officially launch a new tourism blog today called “All Access – Inside Information on Hendricks County.” The site provides real-time, first-person storytelling to complement the HCCVB’s mission to promote Hendricks County and all its fantastic and surprisingly affordable activities.

                “As a local for nearly 10 years and a former newspaper reporter covering this county, I was surprised by how much I didn’t know about all the fun and interesting things to do here,” said Josh Duke, communications manager for the HCCVB. “Arriving at the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau proved to be an eye-opener for me. Through this blog, we hope to open a lot more eyes as residents and visitors discover all of our hidden gems.”

                The new blog will be accessible through the Tour Hendricks County website or directly at www.tourhendrickscounty.com/blog. The blog will post fresh content at least twice weekly with plans to expand that schedule. Readers also can subscribe for free on the site to get alerts when new content is posted.

The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau also will begin looking for experienced bloggers to join our team as well as asking many of our industry partners to contribute as guest bloggers. Anyone interested in blogging for the All Access tourism site, should contact Duke at Josh@TourHendricksCounty.com or by calling (317) 718-8750.

Find us on Facebook by clicking here -->> Hendricks County Tourism/Facebook and follow us on Twitter @FastTracktoFun. For more information, visit TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.