Classic Western "Shane" Makes its Texas Debut

 

During a time when cowboy culture is more than just a trend but a movement, one of the greatest classic Westerns of the last century – Shane – finds new life as it makes its Texas debut Jan. 31 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater (3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, 75204).

 Presented by Dallas Theater Center, the western drama – which runs through Feb. 16 – tells the story of Shane, a mysterious ex-gunfighter with a dangerous past who finds kinship with a family and helps protect their farm in 1889 Wyoming.

Written by acclaimed Mexican American playwright Karen Zacarias – whose heritage played into her inspiration for the play – Shane is based on the 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer that was adapted for the screen in 1953. The play gets reimagined with a new perspective that stems from Zacarias’ personal interpretation of the novel she first read as a young girl. Their story sheds light on the allure, mythos, and values of the Wild West – a chapter in history that still has many tales to tell.

"I read the book Shane when I was in elementary school; I 'd just moved here from Mexico,” said Zacarias. “The story captured my imagination immediately. I identified with the characters and their search for a future home in this vast country. This adaptation of Shane is a testament to the historically real, complicated, and diverse nature of the American West – and the roots that we all share."

Recognizing that one of three cowboys who settled the American West were men and women of color – African American, Native American, or of Mexican descent – Zacarias brings an exciting new dimension to the story. She envisioned Shane as a descendant of enslaved people with the central characters, the Starrett family, as Latino.

Shane is directed by Blake Robison (Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), who has deep ties to the play. A long-time friend who has collaborated extensively with Zacarias, Robison not only urged her to write the play but he went on to direct the world debut.

The play’s themes include explorations of masculinity, the struggle for power and wealth, the role of violence the service of justice and the cost to the person called upon to use violence for the greater good.

Recommended for ages 11 and up, Shane contains cowboys, gun violence, and saloon showdowns. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. After each performance, the audience will be invited to participate in “Stay Late,” a brief post-show conversation between the audience and actors from the production.

During its run, as part of its education and community outreach efforts, Dallas Theater Center will host more than 500 Dallas ISD students through its Project Discovery program, providing them with tickets, transportation, pre-show workshops and post-show talkbacks.

Tickets for Shane start at $40 and are on sale now. Free parking is available surrounding the Kalita Humphreys Theater. For details, showtimes and to purchase tickets, please go to dallastheatercenter.org.

Stewpot Alliance Soup's On Luncheon Returns to the Thompson Dallas January 27

 

Monday, January 27, 2025

Art Show: 11:00 - 11:30 AM

Luncheon: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Thompson Dallas, 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202

2025 Chairs: Buddy Jordan and Isabell & Philip Higginbotham

Emcee: Cynthia Izaguirre

Keynote Speaker: Nicholas Kristof

Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-Winning journalist and best-selling author. His work has taken him to 6 continents and over 150 countries. Nick has won innumerable awards including the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Anne Frank Award and the Fred Cuny Award for Prevention of Armed Conflict. He also serves on the board of Harvard University and the Association of American Rhodes Scholars.

His newest book, Chasing Hope, chronicles his career as an international journalist and his transition back home to Oregon. Despite witnessing horrific atrocities across the globe, Nick shares stories of hope through the extraordinary people he met along the way. He stands firm in his belief that side by side with the worst of humanity, you always see the best.

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs are invited to join Chef Brian C. Luscher of 33 Restaurant Group to prepare the first course of the meal. Each guest will also take home a commemorative soup bowl featuring artwork from The Stewpot artists and will have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art crafted by artists in The Stewpot Art Program as well as a book of recipes sponsored by Central Market.

Click here to Meet the Chefs

Purchase tickets: Soup's On | The Stewpot

Celebrating Turtle Creek Gala was a sold-out affair benefiting the Turtle Creek Association

The latest model of a Bentley Continental GT provided by Valet Sponsor Bentley Dallas set an impressive scene at the VIP entrance of the Turtle Creek Association’s Annual Gala Celebrating Turtle Creek at the Virgin Hotel Dallas. Greeters welcomed guests with servers offering champagne, sparkling water and wines surrounded by plentiful fall décor of pumpkins and fall foliage.

Mari Epperson, Karisti Julia, Tour of Homes Co-Chair

The elegance of this upscale welcome was complemented by an escort accompanying each guest to the elevators leading up to the ballroom Champagne Reception sponsored by honored guest Michael Simon, who had jetted in from New York for this weekend celebrating Turtle Creek Association, including the Tour of Homes happening the next Sunday. 

Roaming Photo Robot

Sharon Ballew, gala chair and Vice President Fundraising, brought in the Social Hubb, a roaming photo robot, captivating fans all around while they also bid on some one-of-a-kind silent auction items, including jewelry, special wine offerings and more. 

Martin Grubman, Leslie Fornino, Michael Simon, Honored Guest and Reception Sponsor

Honorary chairs of both the Tour of Homes and the gala, Elyce and David Walthall, were joined by their son, Christopher Walthall; gala presenting sponsor Teresa Byrd; Tour of Homes presenting sponsor THE URBAN TEAM Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Kyle Crews and Ani Nosnik; JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association; Deborah Stanford, board chair and Tour of Homes event chair; Karisti Julia and Wayne Smith, Tour of Homes co-chairs; Mari Epperson, décor chair; Dr. Ann Stuart, Luis Julia, Sharon Smith, and more. 

Sharon Ballew, Gala Chair; J.D. Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association; Deborah Stanford, Board Chair and Tour of Homes event chair

Sharon Ballew welcomed everyone and introduced JD, who thanked her and Mari for their support of the Turtle Creek Association and its mission, their commitment to the community and for their hard work in making the gala a success. He gave special recognition to the Walthalls for serving as honorary chairs and presented David with an opulent bouquet of Texas yellow roses.

Mike Sadler with Heritage Auctions took the stage as auctioneer as JD encouraged bidding. Supporters competed in an exciting live auction featuring items such as an exquisite pair of diamond earrings, a six-course tasting menu for 10 from Chef Darren McGrady (which sold twice), exclusive vacations and a NorthPark shopping spree. 

Sharon Smith; Wayne Smith, Tour of Homes co-chair; Pam Morgan

JD invited Gala Presenting Sponsor Teresa Byrd to the stage. He thanked her for her unwavering support for the Turtle Creek Association, the significant impact she has made and presented her with the TCA President’s Award. JD also recognized some founders of the Turtle Creek Association, asking Judith Lifson and Jane Manning to stand. Calling on Kyle Crews, a presenting sponsor for the Tour of Homes, JD said that since the beginning of TCA, he has been there for the nonprofit, offering guidance, support and rallying the troops when necessary. He presented Kyle, as one of the original founders, the TCA Founder’s Award. 

Elyce Walthall, David Walthall, Honorary Chairs; Christopher Walthall

With sincere gratitude, JD thanked Diamond Sponsor, Lyda Hill Philanthropies. Sharon thanked Ruby Sponsors Dick Babb and Phil Neely, JD Trueblood and Franco Dooley; Elyce and David Walthall, Gloria and Jerome Westheimer, Susan and Bill Montgomery. 

Suddenly, there seemed to be a commotion on one side of the ballroom. The doors flung open, the music volume turned up and a flash mob of the Dallas Mavericks performers took to the dance floor, which brought the energy to the highest level, as everyone stood in applause.

The party continued into the night with dancing to the ever popular and dynamic Emerald City’s Limelight Band. 

To learn more about the Turtle Creek Association, visit the website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org

Meet the 2025 Junior Symphony Ball Co-Chairs

Mark your calendars for a night of music and dancing on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as the Junior Symphony Ball takes over the iconic Gilley's Dallas for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Steering Committee tickets are on sale now and available online at www.dallassymphonyleague.com.

Two price levels will be available:

Steering Committee 1 – $395.00 - One Steering Committee Membership with required parent/guardian DSOL 6/1/23-5/31/24 membership (includes 1 JSB ticket)

Steering Committee 1 & VIP – $495.00 - One VIP ticket & Steering Committee Ticket (dedicated entrance at JSB for VIP ticket holders)

General admission tickets are available for $175.

The JSB is the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's longest running fundraiser now in its 67th year. It is a student-led event that unites high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors for a night filled with live music, dance, gaming tables, exciting raffle prizes, and refreshments. Funds raised benefit education and community engagement programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

The lineup of the 2025 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: 

Tanner Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Gracelyn Nix, Highland Park High School; Jack Steed, Highland Park High School; Clara Tolleson, Episcopal School of Dallas; Johnny Willingham, Episcopal School of Dallas; Emerson Mayes, Bishop Lynch High School; Teddy Fleiss, St. Mark's School of Texas; Avery Black, Ursuline Academy; Zack Shapiro, Parish Episcopal School; and Kate Davidson, The Hockaday School. 

Their supportive and proud moms are:

Holly Krug, Jonika Nix, Maygen Steed, Rebecca Black, Jojo Fleiss, Tricia Davidson, Amie Mayes, Kacy Tolleson, April Willingham, and Jori Shapiro.

Lunar New Year Celebration at NorthPark Center

 Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

NorthPark Center

Marking the Year of the Snake, the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas, in partnership with NorthPark Center, will present the Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at NorthPark Center.

Fun for all ages, this signature event – which attracts more than 50,000 visitors to NorthPark Center – will feature stunning dragon and lion dances, musical and martial-arts demos, art making and calligraphy, specialty booths, wellness activities, colorful entertainment and cultural performances and more.

The Year of the Snake – symbolizing wisdom, charm and determination – includes those born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 or 2025.

The annual Lunar New Year Celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, go to crowmuseum.org

Stewpot Fall Party

The Stewpot Alliance recently kicked off the season with a fall party at the home of Cory and Shane Bowen announcing details for the upcoming Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Sale. 

Brad Oldham and Thella Bowens

Soup’s On Luncheon chairs Buddy Jordan, Isabell and Philip Higginbotham along with Brenda Ewing Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot and Stewpot Alliance president Bea Njuguna revealed the 50th-anniversary theme which will be all about The Stewpot’s long tradition of love in action.

Carolyn Jefferson, Kay and Gene Lunceford

The new “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors” logo and a one-of-a-kind collaborative work from the artists of the Art Program reflecting the Loving Our Neighbors theme were unveiled and will be featured as part of the anniversary celebration throughout the year. Soup’s On will serve as a kick-off for a full year of celebratory events.

Isabell and Philip Higginbotham

Now in its 18th year, Soup’s On returns to Thompson Dallas on Monday, January 27, 2025. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Nicholas Kristof will be the featured speaker.

Photo credit: Rob Wythe

Texas Women’s Foundation Raised $750K with Emmy-Award Winning Journalist Ann Curry

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39th Annual Luncheon on November 1st at the Omni Dallas. The luncheon raised nearly $750,000 to continue its important work of advancing the lives of girls, women and their families. 

TXWF Community Grantees

Immediately prior to the luncheon, TXWF donors and grantees gathered for a reception honoring the organization’s 2024 Community Grant Awards recipients. With support from donors, fundholders and philanthropic partners, more than $867,000 was granted to 23 deserving non-profit organizations serving women and girls in North Texas. 

The luncheon began with a powerful spoken word performance by Miss Texas 2024, Annette Addo-Yobo. As a first-generation American woman holding this title, Annette knows firsthand what it means to overcome obstacles. In her piece titled “Texas Woman,” she spoke passionately about the need for women to own their worth and carry their truth forward despite persistent inequities and barriers.

Effie Dennison, Karen Hughes White, Ann Curry and Carrie Freeman Parsons

TXWF’s 39th Annual Luncheon Chair and Executive Vice President, Head of Community Development and Corporate Responsibility for Texas Capital Bank, Effie Dennison, thanked Annette, welcomed guests and acknowledged event sponsors (see list at end). 

An inspiring video about the impact of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center followed Effie’s remarks; and a video about Storytime Childcare highlighted the importance of quality, affordable childcare for working families. Texas Women’s Foundation’s President and CEO Karen Hughes White, said, “Each one of you in this room – through your passion for Texas women and girls and your generosity of spirit – has the power to change lives. And it’s exactly what we’re going to ask you to do today. But first, I want to pose a question that I hope you’ll discuss at your tables over lunch: How can it be that our great state of Texas – with the strongest economy in the nation – and reportedly, the 8th largest in the world – ranks 47th out of 50 states across 25 different indicators for women’s economic security and success?”

Ann Curry, Krys Boyd

 Curry shared her experiences as one of the few women reporters breaking barriers in newsrooms dominated by men. She’s used her platform to bring humanity to her stories and shine a light on people’s lived experiences. Despite facing resistance, she fought tirelessly to stand up for what was right. Throughout her journey, she would envision future women journalists and remind herself that “the women are coming” to help elevate the field. 

Clover the Violinist

Curry’s Select Remarks:

“You are now a part of the struggle and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line. Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.” Then she shared the story of her grandmother. “My grandmother wanted to vote in an election, but my dad and grandfather wouldn’t drive her to vote because she wasn’t going to vote for the candidate they both wanted her to vote for. Fine. She walked to the election site. Her candidate won.”

“Commit yourself to a life of service.”

“We have to balance risk-taking without fear. We have to step out and take a risk. Everyone has a purpose that only you can bring into the world – take smart risks, fight for the things that are part of your purpose.”

Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, closed the luncheon with thanks to all the participants, sponsors and attendees. 

Ripple Effect

Special thanks to sponsors: 

Initiator of Change: Quantum Connections

Influencers for Change: Target and The Suzanne Ahn Speaker Endowment Fund of Texas Women’s Foundation 

Possibilities Partner Igniter of Change: Toyota

Pioneers for Change: Amazon, Ellenore Knight Baker and Roslyn Dawson Thompson, and Southwest Airlines

Incubators for Change: Goldman Sachs, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated. 

Facilitator for Change: Haynes Boone 

Energizers for Change: The Dallas Mavericks, Ernst & Young, Kimberly Clark, Texas Capital Bank

For additional sponsors, visit https://www.txwfluncheon.org/2024-sponsors

A Night of Grace and Giving: The 2025 DSOL Debutantes Shine Bright

In a show of elegance and holiday splendor, the 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes took center stage at a cocktail reception and seated dinner on November 27, 2024, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Guided by the gracious DSOL President Dixey Arterburn, the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families were welcomed to this cherished tradition.

Kaylie Hudnall, Natalie Brooke Newton, Harper Knight, Grace Morrison
Photo by Gittings

The evening unfolded under the expert direction of Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt, who introduced Stan Gardner as emcee. With his hallmark charm, Stan presented each of the 44 debutantes who gracefully took the stage and was joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. Each young woman received a thoughtful gift from Eiseman Jewels NorthPark. The presentation was followed by a seated dinner.

Honorary Chairs Shirley and Bill McIntyre were unable to attend. Nikki Beneke was the event chair.

Caroline Petrikas, Grace Hoverman, Julia Montgomery, Ava Tribolet
Photo by Gittings

The evening was the start of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend which included a mixer for the debs and honor guard, as well as a Bow Boot Camp for the debs.

During the Christmas Holidays, the debs will return for another busy schedule of parties and bow practice. All the many events will culminate with the 39th Presentation Ball which will be held on February 15, 2025.

Families with rich DSOL traditions added a layer of legacy to the event, including second debutantes from the Cy Barcus, Joel Ciarochi, Garner Newton, Julian Potter, and Taylor Stone families. Meanwhile, the Patrick Tribolet family celebrated their third daughter's debut, a testament to the timelessness of this grand occasion.

Esteemed guests included Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Katherine and Key Coker, Janie and David Condon, and Jennifer and Todd Olson, among others.   

The 2025 Debutantes are:

Brooke Barcus, Brooke Makenna Barnes Lauren Brown, Alexa Grabow, Abby Carlisle, Sara Cashion, Sara Cavey, Olivia Barber, Elle Chavis, Rebecca Ciarochi, Olivia Coker, Isabelle Eggart, Annabel Everitt, Finley Galvin, Eliana Lourdes Garcia, Sophie Goelzer, Elizabeth Goelzer, Camille Gravel, Katherine Hess, Grace Hoverman,  Sydney Hoyl, Madeleine Hubach, Kaylie Hudnall, Harper Knight,  Ella-Rose Levy, Lily Lynch, Ivy Mazzucchi, Julia Montgomery, Grace Cathryn Morrison, Natalie  Brooke Newton,  Anne Blanche Peacock,  Ava Perpall, Caroline Petrikas, Ellie Porray, Vivian Potter, Alexandra Sargis, Grace Schlafer, Hannah Jackson, Maddy Grace Sporl, Mary Stone, Ava Tribolet, Natalie Van Arsdale, Samantha Ward, and Annabeth Winn.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission.

Elle Chavis, Samantha Ward, Annabel Everitt, Ellie Porray
Photo by Gittings

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $23 million to outreach and education programs.

Natalie Van Arsdale, Brooke Makenna Barnes, Finley Galvin, Rebecca Ciarochi, Ava Perpall
Photo by Gittings

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2025 DSOL Presentation Ball will be a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

2025 Educational First Steps Gala Announcement

Join Educational First Steps for the 2025 Gala

​Be part of an unforgettable evening with featured speakers President George W. Bush and Former First Lady Laura Bush, as they unite to support early childhood education in North Texas. Your presence will help transform the lives of children in underserved communities by ensuring access to high-quality early learning.

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Enjoy an inspiring night filled with powerful stories, renowned speakers, and opportunities to connect with others who believe in the power of education.

Together, we can shape a brighter future for all children.

Ritz-Carlton Dallas

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

VIP Reception ~ 4:45 - 5:45pm

EFS Gala ~ 6:00 - 8:00pm

Register here: 2025 EFS Gala | Educational First Steps