This weekend was a busy one.
Starting on Thursday, the amount of things to do in the area were laid out like jewels in front of me. I met some college friends who were in town for Montevallo’s Centennial College Night celebration. Although it seems we only see each other once a year now, it is always fun to pick back up with old friends. Although I didn’t get to attend college night, this tradition is one of note.
After a fun lunch with some other friends on Friday, where we discussed everything from feminism to bridal showers, I did a little retail therapy. Mostly I just walked around and saw what was new and happening in the world around me.
Saturday morning was fairly quiet, but Saturday evening is where the story really begins.
As I have expressed before, Birmingham is not what most people outside of the area think it is. I am seeing more and more that Birmingham is coming into its own and I think that a lot of the people in the area don’t even realize it. When I have people ask me if there is any live theatre in town, I almost can’t stop myself from laughing!
Theatre, good theatre, with lots of local and sometimes imported talent, is all around. Although for the most part I am in favor of using all of the amazing talent we have here locally, I am becoming less opposed to occasionally seeing someone from out of town than I used to be.
To add to the good theatre, Birmingham is becoming a mecca for foodies. New, interesting restaurants fill the city with different tastes and cultures.
Add in a new improv space (and lots of improv groups), bars, escape rooms, professional sports and more, and you have the makings of as much fun as you want to have.
Saturday night we parked downtown and walked to the Pizitz Food Hall. It has become one of our favorites before shows at the Red Mountain Theatre Cabaret space. With choices from around the globe and a bar in the middle, Pizitz is a great place for everyone to try something new to suit their individual tastes and people watch as you eat and drink.
After our group ate everything from Asian to Indian food along with some lovely adult beverages, we walked back up the street to the theatre. While walking we saw that the big sign at the Alabama Theatre was missing, being repaired I think, and then the glowing sign for the Lyric further on down the street. These are just two more places that feature entertainment for the city. (I believe that the Black Jacket Symphony was at the Alabama.)
But on this night we were headed to Red Mountain Theatre to see MEMPHIS.
As with FUN HOME at Terrific New Theatre last week, RMTC’s production of MEMPHIS was filled with amazing talent from the area. This was another meaningful and memorable night of theatre.
Although the two shows (and the two theatres) are very different, the consistency of story telling, moving music and thought provoking content makes the two shows hard to choose between. It once again proves that at any given time, the city of Birmingham has a lot to offer.
MEMPHIS is set in the 1950’s and the story is full of issues that still confront our nation today. It is emotional and eye opening with great music throughout.
Myiesha J.Duff and Cecil Washington, Jr. are both Birmingham natives and we remembered their strong performances in last year’s RMTC production of The Color Purple. Both of them once again brought great voices and energy to their roles in MEMPHIS.
Regina Harbour, a Montevallo friend who appears in productions all over the country, was a treat as the tough mother who finds those moments of softness as well. I had no idea she could hit some of those amazing high notes!
Jim Newman as Huey Calhoun was likable and exceptionally talented, although I could not find any tie he has to Birmingham. It doesn’t change the fact that he was talented and exceptional as Huey.
Overall, the production was fast moving and captivating. I will always have a soft spot for the inspirational “Make Me Stronger.” I just wish it were a longer song!
RMTC certainly takes its place with other theatres around Birmingham as a “must attend” event time after time.
After The Dill Pickers helped to lead worship at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday morning, several of us headed out to Legion Field to experience the new Alliance of American Football team, the Birmingham Iron. With a few rule changes that were not hard to follow, the game was fast paced and exciting. Birmingham won handily.
It seemed everyone in the stands (and it was very well attended!) was having a fun time. Just one more option for people who want to get out and enjoy the city. Sitting up where we were, you could see the city skyline behind the other side of stands and it made me excited about the future of our town.
To keep the growth and quality of our choices going, go out and attend as much of this great entertainment as possible!
