Masks, movement and magic: Without words, MUW weaves a tale of spells, betrayal and hidden secrets

The late French playwright Alfred Jarry once said, “The theater, bringing impersonal masks to life, is only for those who are virile enough to create new life … ”

Seldom in theater is such a process more intense than when, through movement alone, actors learn to express love versus hate, loyalty versus deceit, chivalry versus cowardice, or hope versus fear.

‘Orpheus Descending’ nears Mississippi premiere

Tennessee Williams once said, “Home is where you hang your childhood. For me, that is Mississippi.”

On Feb. 23-25, one of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s works is coming home. Not only to Mississippi, but to the town of Williams’ birth, in 1911. Columbus is the opening host city for a state tour of “Orpheus Descending.”

Tail-wagging tutors: New therapy dog reading program is turning pages

“Oh, look! This one is about a gorilla and a kitten,” chimed Emma Tally to her furry companion. The 5-year-old sat cross-legged on a plump pillow on the library reading room floor. With small hands, she held up her big book, all the better for her four-legged friend to see. Turning to the first page, young Emma was soon eagerly sharing the story with Roscoe, the therapy dog. Roscoe, to all appearances, absorbed every word.

Bring a little Mardi Gras madness home

Mardi Gras. It’s been called the season of “voluntary madness” — with parades, masks, floats, music and outlandish costumes. The revelry builds to a crescendo between Epiphany (Jan. 6) and Fat Tuesday, which falls this year on Feb. 21.

Walking strong: From Columbus to Montserrat, acts of kindness impact lives

Somewhere today on the small West Indies island of Montserrat, a disabled young mother recovering from a stroke is grateful for a new handmade walking stick — a gift crafted with kindness in the Golden Triangle.

With his new cane made in Columbus, another islander coping with partial foot amputation is navigating a bit better over the rough volcanic terrain of his homeland. When he received it in December, he gladly discarded the broken mop stick he’d been using as a walking aid.

Simple things. Big differences. Building blocks in a mission undertaken by two young women — one a native of Columbus — and a willing 84-year-old accomplice in Columbus.

CAC brings Parks’ ‘swamp style’ to Omnova stage

It’s fair to say Walter Parks has worn a few hats in the music world. As lead guitarist for Woodstock legend Richie Havens for most of the last decade, he’s played some prestigious venues, like Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden.

The hunt for Clark Gable

“I could tell right away when I saw the picture that it had a story to tell.”

History detective Dave Trojan was talking of the photo of Clark Gable with Col. L.C. Mallory he came across while researching 1942 aircraft at the Columbus Army Flying School (now Columbus Air Force Base). “The picture was in with a lot of other photos in a file called ‘1940s Columbus AFB.'”

Mississippi Humanities Council taps local volunteer for award

When the Jackson-based Mississippi Humanities Council announced recipients of its 2012 Public Humanities Awards Thursday, Beverly Norris of Columbus, and the Columbus Arts Council, were named to receive the Humanities Partner Award. Honorees will be recognized in ceremonies Feb. 24 at the Hilton Jackson Hotel in the state capitol.

Mississippi Humanities Council taps local volunteer for award

When the Jackson-based Mississippi Humanities Council announced recipients of its 2012 Public Humanities Awards Thursday, Beverly Norris of Columbus, and the Columbus Arts Council, were named to receive the Humanities Partner Award. Honorees will be recognized in ceremonies Feb. 24 at the Hilton Jackson Hotel in the state capitol.

SOUPer Bowl: Young Professionals to host souped-up fundraiser

No need to wait until Sunday for Super Bowl weekend action to crank up. On Saturday, the Starkville Young Professionals will host their own annual face-off — with soups. No need to wait until Sunday for Super Bowl weekend action to crank up. On Saturday, the Starkville Young Professionals will host their own annual face-off — with soups.

Former Vietnam POW to share experiences at Town and Tower breakfast

Few letters of the alphabet have come to mean more to Retired Col. Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris than GBU. As a prisoner of war in Vietnam for “seven years, 10 months, and some days,” hearing — and sending — the secret tap code for God bless you through cell walls helped save sanity.

Former Vietnam POW to share experiences at Town and Tower breakfast

Few letters of the alphabet have come to mean more to Retired Col. Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris than GBU. As a prisoner of war in Vietnam for “seven years, 10 months, and some days,” hearing — and sending — the secret tap code for God bless you through cell walls helped save sanity.

Partial to Home poster signing, music series set for Thursday

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Following a flurry of voting by the large crowd at the Rosenzweig Arts Center Jan. 5 for an exhibit of photographs by Birney Imes, four selected images have been reproduced in poster form.

“Oakland Baptism,” (front view), “The Chickenman’s Dog,” “James’ Mother,” and “Couple on Catfish Alley” will be available Thursday for purchase during a “down home” reception hosted by the Columbus Arts Council from 5:30-7 p.m. at 501 Main St. Imes will on hand to sign the collectible 16-by-20-inch reproductions.

Put on the dancing shoes: Big band returns Feb. 4

For area fans of live big band music, opportunities come few and far between. That makes Saturday, Feb. 4, a date to remember. Orchestra leader Gill Harris and The Big Band Theory will present a concert and dance at Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus.

MUW Life Enrichment: From baseball to Twitter, the teachers are in

Boston native Dick Mahoney has stories to share. The retired chemical engineer and baseball writer played semi-pro ball. He also managed and played in the Roy Hobbs Adult Baseball League. Along the way, he met greats like Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan and Yogi Berra and gained entrance to the Boston Red Sox’s inner circle.

Williams’ play to open Mississippi tour in Columbus

As the birthplace of Tennessee Williams, it is appropriate that Columbus has been selected as the first of three cities in Mississippi to host the renowned writer’s powerful play, “Orpheus Descending,” Feb. 23-25. The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in Massachusetts and Infinite Theatre Co. of New York have teamed to bring the production to the playwright’s home state.

Williams’ play to open Mississippi tour in Columbus

As the birthplace of Tennessee Williams, it is appropriate that Columbus has been selected as the first of three cities in Mississippi to host the renowned writer’s powerful play, “Orpheus Descending,” Feb. 23-25. The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in Massachusetts and Infinite Theatre Co. of New York have teamed to bring the production to the playwright’s home state.

Dishin’ Divas: Cookbook club celebrates food and fellowship

There are some things that are just better shared. A delicious meal is one of them, at least for the eight members of the Dishin’ Divas Cookbook Club. These Columbus women are on a culinary quest to cook their way through some of America’s favorite cookbooks.

Local musician garners Song of the Year nod

Columbus native Joe Shelton remembers hearing his elders saying, “The older I get, the better I was.”

“But I never fully appreciated the sentiment until I reached that ‘elder’ plateau myself,” he says, smiling.

Carnegie bound: Area singers get a ‘chance of a lifetime’

She’s tried to imagine it, but 15-year-old Charity Brand isn’t quite sure how she is going to feel, standing there on the Carnegie Hall stage.