Weekend Scene 11-10-11

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Super satisfying sandwiches

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Mankind has made great strides throughout history; the wheel, the printed word and the personal computer. One advancement eclipses them all, at least in my mind, and that is the sandwich. Putting ingredients in between two slices of bread seems simple, even obvious. The sandwich allows for infinite variations and combinations, and it makes for both an enjoyable sit-down experience and an easy meal on the go. There are countless good sandwiches in Kalamazoo, but what are the truly great ones?

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meats, cheese and vegetables, like an antipasto salad on a bun. They’re big enough to provide two or three meals--and delicious meals at that.

Honorable Mention: Penn Station Subs 4630 West Main St. Lenny’s Sub Shop 3290 Stadium Dr.

Best Wrap Menna’s Joint 3501 Stadium Dr.

Best Sub Sandwich

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Jersey Giant Subs 5226 S. Westnedge Ave.

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New to Kalamazoo, Jersey Giant has a great track record in East Lansing and elsewhere in the state. Their 16-inch subs are piled high with freshly sliced

Check us out at www.westernherald.com

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Photo © Amelia Falk

Air

Dan Morgner / Western Herald

Don’t let the “freshman year dorm room” interior fool you, these guys are professionals. Menna’s “Dubs” are enormous wrap sandwiches filled with various combinations of chicken tenders, bacon, potatoes, cheese and sour cream, among other things. They’re tasty, hearty meals, and Dan Morgner / Western Herald with delivery service and late The California Reuben from University Roadhouse, loaded with hours, there’s no excuse not to turkey, cole slaw, swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. try one.

Honorable Mention Shawarma King 1441 S. Drake Road Qdoba Mexican Grill 6800 S. Westnedge Ave.

Best Vegetarian Options SEASON SUPPORTERS:

Nov. 11–12 & 17–19, 8 PM | Nov. 13, 2 PM Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center

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$22 Adults $12 Students w/ID FREE 5 & under Tickets: Miller Auditorium 269.387.2300 or www.millerauditorium.com Info: 269.342.4354 or wellspringdance.org

Crow’s Nest Restaurant 816 S. Westnedge Ave. Full disclosure: I’m about as far from a vegetarian as you can get. However, for those of you out there who avoid meat for

any reason, the Crow’s Nest is a safe bet. They offer over a half dozen plainly marked vegetarian options, most of which are fantastic. Clever use of Portobello mushrooms, sauces and cheeses make their sandwiches delicious, complete products, as opposed to the all-too-common “BLTs minus the meat.”

Honorable Mention: Shawarma King 1441 S. Drake Road People’s Food Co-op Deli 507 Harrison St. Western Herald File Photo

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Unique cuisine By Alyssa Trager Staff Reporter The Kalamazoo palate ranges from burger joints to sea urchin sushi hanging out in rolls of Asian cuisine; it all depends on how adventurous of a dinner is desired. As college students feast on 6-inch Subway sandwiches, the slippery textures of bizarre dining often go unnoticed. It all depends on texture and desired levels of flavor. And of course the price tag. Dan Morgner / Western Herald

Best Burger

Best Overall Sandwiches

Old Burdick’s Downtown 100 W. Michigan Ave.

University Roadhouse 332 West Michigan Ave.

Old Burdick’s features a number of classy burgers in an upscale sports bar environment. From their hilariously over-the-top “Triple Threat” burger to their more conservative offerings, like the Truffle Cheese and Port Wine Caramelized Onion Burger, Old Burdick’s delivers inspired, quality burgers. Wednesdays and Sundays are half-off with a student ID, so whether you need a midweek pick-me-up or a weekend celebration, Old Burdick’s is the place to go.

When it comes to sandwiches in Kalamazoo, University Roadhouse takes the cake. They offer everything from basic burgers to inspired variations on reubens and BLTS to classy wraps and foccacias. Reasonably priced and within walking distance of both Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College’s campuses, they’ve unquestionably earned the top spot in Kalamazoo’s sandwich landscape.

Honorable Mention: University Roadhouse 1332 W. Michigan Ave. Smashburger 4315 West Main St.

Honorable Mention: Olde Peninsula Brewpub 200 W Michigan Ave. Crow’s Nest Restaurant 816 S. Westnedge Ave.

Spicy Saffron, an Indian restaurant located on West Main makes a blistering vindaloo dish that blends a spicy curry with a choice of vegetables, chicken, lamb or shrimp. It’s the multiple spices that make the dish sit on the tongue hours after finishing. But the vindaloo is hot and ranges in level of spicy, just simply ask the server, but don’t expect generic hot sauce. The vegetables are hot but the burn on the tongue is hotter, make sure to pair it with a more coconut or yogurt based dish to cool the tongue. For those of 21, try the mangorita. Saffron averages $1520 a meal, a little pricy but their buffet style lunch is around $10. On Drake close to West Main is a place called Thai Cuisine. It’s a non-alcoholic establishment with Thai décor from the floor to the walls. They’ll make it hot, change your shirt after dinner hot, while not blowing a hole in the wallet. The meal goes down smooth, starting with a soup, but if you’re looking for texture try the Mexican tripe soup.

Texture

Western Herald File Photo

Mi Pueblo, located on Gull Road headed towards Sprinkle has got an authentic feel and taste, right down to the beef stomach soup called Menudo. It’s a chili base soup that is served with a plate full of onions, jalapeños and cilantro, and of course the chunks of beef stomach

called tripe. Chewy like muscles, most the flavor comes from the soup broth, yet the texture at first is hard to work around. But if that isn’t a problem, pair the soup with a Jarritos, Mexican soda, their guacamole and fresh chips and salsa, then make sure to check out the wall art. Cost is around $10. But it’s Sushiya downtown, that has got the most bizarre textures. It’s sushi. Expect raw fish and chopsticks, and leave room for dessert. For just under $20, the Unadon bowl from Sushiya slides down the gullet. It’s made up of marinated freshwater eel, served over sushi rice. The bowl looks impressive. The fresh eel, dripping in its sauces, is laid over about an inch of rice and arrives still steaming. The texture rivals that of the Menudo soup, but this time the fishy flavor is added into the dish. The heavy flavors come more from the sauce then the eel itself and it’s fun to grip with chopsticks, not to mention their sushi roll called the WMU. Sake, or Japanese rice wine, is available for those of at least 21. Try finishing with their Bailey’s cheesecake. The price tag is a jump higher than Saffron, around $25. Sea urchin sashimi, slices of the raw sea urchin, is often available at Sushiya and Mi Pueblo serves vuelve a la vida which is a sea soup containing shrimp, octopus, clams, lobster, cuttlefish, squid, muscles and cooked vegetables.

Other Sushi Buddha’s Belly located by the Den where Panda Express used to be has got $12 sushi meals and $10 combo dinners, and still operates the drive thru. They are fast and chopsticks are placed in the to-go bag or on the dine-in plate. The sushi is filling, their large specialty roles take up the whole mouth, and the location to campus is ideal. They’re good for grabbing food in a hurry and they accept orders placed online.

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Bell’s Cafe to host Railroad Earth By Kyle Stevens Staff Reporter

Bell’s Eccentric CafĂŠ will be bringing the acoustic-bluegrass stylings of Railroad Earth to Kalamazoo on Sunday Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. John Skehn, the band’s mandolin and Irish bouzouki player, describes the band’s sound as “essentially a rock band made up of bluegrass instruments.â€? “We have all these acoustic instruments like mandolin, string bass, and guitar, and it’s all backed up by a drum kit. It certainly draws from bluegrass and all of that sort of American

roots music, but without any set design,� said Skehn. It uses all acoustic instruments, but they’re all plugged in so it’s far from your ordinary ‘acoustic band.’ It’s from somewhere in the past, but set very much in the present.� Amy Hoffman, the agent in charge of booking at Bell’s, is excited for the upcoming Railroad Earth show and expects the concert to go over well. “I think their sound has a variety of styles, and what I’ve noticed with their crowd is that they appeal to a broad range of people,� said Hoffman. “I’ve been to their concerts and they

have some kids, a lot of younger people are fans, and my parents like them too. They have a broad sound and our clientele is mostly beer fans, college kids and quite a few older people. We’re expecting a good turnout.â€? Railroad Earth, along with many other bands that have been through the Eccentric CafĂŠ recently, have been able to come because of the newly renovated performance space. “Before we didn’t have the space for a larger, nationallytouring band, but since the renovation we’ve been able to work with bigger groups, like Railroad

Earth, to bring them to the people around here,â€? said Hoffman. It is not just the people at Bell’s that are excited for Railroad Earth to play at the Eccentric CafĂŠ, though. “We’ve definitely heard of Kalamazoo before,â€? said Skehn. “We’ve got a connection to Kalamazoo. We’re good friends with the guys from Greensky Bluegrass, and so we’re excited to see them, and also to go to Bell’s Westrern Herald file photo Brewery. I’m proudly wearing my Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Bell’s Brewery sweatshirt right is located downtown at 355 now. [Bell’s has] got a kind of a East Kalamazoo Avenue, cult following everywhere. We’re Kalamazoo, MI. really excited to play there.â€?

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Blossoming backyard vineyards By Erin Lenczycki Staff Reporter

When one thinks of good wine, California’s sun-kissed, rolling vineyards often come to mind or even France’s romantic rows of plump grapes ready for fermentation. Many Michiganders, however, are opening their minds and taste buds to the state’s blossoming wine industry. Michigan Wine Country, a magazine which started as a tabloid, listed 14 wineries in Michigan. The number has more than quadrupled to 81 in 2011. Surprisingly enough, researchers from the State of Michigan’s agriculture department found evidence that wine was being made in Michigan by French explorers as early as 1679 along the Detroit River. By 1900 Michigan was one of the top wine producing states in the country, mostly coming out of Monroe County until disease forced vineyards from Lake Erie to Van Buren County where the Lake Michigan Wine Trail is today, researchers said. Tom Warner, a third generation owner of Warner Vineyards, credits the glaciers for Michigan’s rich and fertile soil that allows not only grapes but all of Michigan’s fruit to grow so plentifully. “The glaciers came down and what it did is make the soil very rich along Lake Michigan. That’s why Welch’s is here, that’s why Heinz is here and that’s any fruit,” Warner said. “The sweetest fruit in the country comes from Michigan. The sugar content of fruit is higher.” In the 1970s the family pioneered the movement to bring French wines, such as Merlot and Chardonnay, to Michigan’s shores. “The reason our soil is so fertile and so sweet is in the mid’70s we took French grapes and mixed them with the concord and Niagara grapes. That’s why we have a merlot, chardonnay

Chris Kuhatscher/Western Herald

Peterson and Sons Winery located at 9375 East P Avenue in Kalamazoo is Michigan’ first winery to produce 100 percent natural, chemical free wines. With a tasting room open four days a week year round it’s the perfect place to develop your taste for wine. and so on and we were the first to a newcomer to the scene, it has do it. Then everyone jumped on already made a name for itself, the bandwagon,” Warner said. winning a 2010 Michigan Wine The family owns approxi- competition for their dry semimately 680 acres of grapes and sweet red wine, AZO. has four tasting rooms in SouthWarner Vineyards has also west Michigan. won several awards in Michigan. “The white wines grow better “We own this and it’s very peralong the shore with Lake Michi- sonal for us, for the whole family. gan’s breezes and the reds grow We’ve tasted them all, we try ‘em, better in the valleys like Lawton,” we clone ‘em. Most of them are Warner said. over 20 years old,” Warner said. Another winery close to Kala- “People go to St. Julien next door mazoo is Lawton Ridge Winery, but they always come back.” which was opened three years With the explosion of the inago. Owners Dean Bender and dustry in the last 20 years, winCrick Halton began making wine eries like Warner Vineyards have in a garage for over 10 years be- begun celebrating not only the fore turning it into a commercial harvest but the love for wine. venture. Events are held throughout Although Lawton Ridge is the year, like the Wine Festival

Warner holds in September, in which bands preform for three days. Michigan wine is quickly gaining a following. many stores are beginning to fill the shelves not only with the well-known St. Julien wines but with the lesser known vineyards like Round Barn as well. Meijer, for example, has created an online wine list which filters wines by type, pairing, flavor and six other criteria. Tiffany’s, a local wine and liquor store on West Main, also offers a vast array of wines to choose from, complete with a wine cellar. The store has over 100,000 varieties of wine and a whole row of them are from our backyard. “Michigan wine is a lot sweeter than, say, California wine,” Doug Hall, an employee of Tiffany’s said. “I think some of that is our climate. We don’t have constant 70 degree weather.” Hall estimates that the store carries around 60 varieties of Michigan wine, ranging from inexpensive to some $200 a bottle. With all the varieties available it’s easy to find one and stick with it. Warner encourages those who want to learn to go to a tasting room to not only learn about the wine but figure out what your own taste buds like. “I ask if they like reds, whites, sweet or dry and usually start out with the Traminette. That way I can read your expression. I’ll know if you like it or not and then I can go from there. I’m kind of like a bartender in that way,” Warner said. With the growing movement of buying locally made products and produce, many are flocking to the wineries to get a taste, many of which are free. Jessica Lancaster, an employee of Lawton Ridge Winery since its opening, stresses that each wine is different and allows for a truly unique market in which no product is ever exactly the same. “Because our wines are so dif-

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ferent and each winemaker has their own touch and the grapes are coming from different vineyards, there’s not really a lot of competition. We want people to enjoy the whole wine trail,” Lancaster said. Michigan has five wine trails which separate the state into sections. The Lake Michigan Wine Trail is centered along I-94 and is an easy drive for a day trip to experience the many different wines of Michigan. To plan a winery tour visit www.lakemichiganshorewinetrail.com. Lawton Ridge Winery is not only an up and coming contender but has affordable wines that even students can afford. The location is close to campus and is perfect for a quick trip on a slow Saturday afternoon. Located in Kalamazoo, a wine to try is the Chardonnay. There is a six taste maximum on weekends. Warner Vineyards is the perfect stop on any winery tour because not only does the location speak of a romantic getaway but the staff is very knowledgeable of the wine and the industry and will help you to find the perfect wine for you. Located in Paw Paw, a wine to try is the Treminette. There is a six taste maximum. Contessa Wine Cellars has a scenic tasting room overlooking the vineyard and is a third generation winery. This is one not to miss; their fruit wines are great for bringing home and opening after a great dinner with some cheesecake or dessert. Located in Coloma, a wine to try is the Black Raspberry. Tasting is free. The Round Barn offers not only wine but beer as well. The winery has events throughout the whole year, including a class in which you make your own wine. The staff is friendly and the location is beautiful and will be a great jumping off point for a tour of wineries in Baroda. Located in Baroda, a wine to try is the Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting is free.

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Students eat out with metro transit By Tracy Sever Staff Reporter

Many students without cars in Kalamazoo might think that their options for eating out are slim. However, Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit bus system provides an opportunity for Western Michigan University students

to get out and experience Kalamazoo culture. Students make up the largest portion of Metro Transit riders at 22 percent, according to their website. Eateries have been placed along major bus routes. The No. 16 Lovell bus stops two times an hour near the Recreation Center, Ellsworth Hall, the Valleys and the Rood

Be a kid, Save a kid! Come out to Up ‘til Dawn’s Letter Sending Event on Sun. Nov. 13th anytime from 6pm - 10pm in the BHC Bring names & addresses of friends & family Enjoy free food & entertainment & win prizes from many local businesses! Including the chance to win a $200 visa gift card if you write 50 letters. For more information email wmu.utd@gmail.com or see our Facebook group: Up ‘til Dawn – Western Michigan University

Liszt Bicentennial

Adam Neiman, piano · Lina Tetriani, soprano Friday, November 11 · 8 PM · Dalton Center Recital Hall Former Gilmore Young Artist Adam Neiman and rising opera star Lina Tetriani present a program honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt. STUDENTS WITH ID: $15 in advance | $5 at the door

SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

FONTANACHAMBERARTS.ORG 269/382-7774 With support from NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS and MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Hall parking lot on campus. Having once only serviced the downtown area, the No. 16 bus expanded to cover as far as The Pointe apartment complex. As the bus travels towards The Pointe, students can find Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Older students may remember this location as Maggie’s Campus Café before it closed down; the same chefs and wait staff have revamped the place to bring back the same menu from years past. Also along this line are Jimmy John’s, Wendy’s and the Den, home of the famous Den Pop. Students who choose to ride the Lovell bus toward downtown will notice how diverse Kalamazoo’s social scene is. Students can access staple downtown restaurants such as Burdick’s, The Union, Olde Peninsula, and Sushiya. Some of these options are a long walk for the WMU student without a car, but allow any Metro Transit rider to get a true feel for the downtown area.

For less of a walk, catching the No. 1 Westnedge bus allows any student access to some original Kalamazoo restaurants such as Martini’s, O’Duffy’s Pub and The Crow’s Nest. Getting off of the Westnedge bus at the Kalamazoo Community Education Center near Vine Street, these restaurants are only a few short steps away. The Crow’s Nest, atop Fourth Coast Café, provides customers with a wide variety of foods that are catered to the seasons. Probably most famous for their vegetarian and vegan options, this restaurant is great for friends who have different attitudes towards meat and is attached to a great place for a quick cup of coffee. Martini’s, which was opened around 1995, provides students with a rich variety of pasta, salads and most famously, Martini’s pizza. Their menu also caters to vegetarians and meateaters alike. To change up the scenery, O’Duffy’s Pub, in the Vine

Kallie Strazdas / Western Herald

The West Main Street McDonald’s is a tasty place to eat no matter what time of day it is.

Neighborhood, is the place to go. Having once been a grocery shop, O’Duffy’s pub provides an actual hometown pub atmosphere. “[O’Duffy’s has] its own charm: a quiet spot where you can be comfortable with friends,” said Stephen Cole, chef at O’Duffy’s. “The bar itself is a conversation piece.” Their food menu is mainly meat-based with the one exception that is Vine Neighborhood famous: the Spinach Feta Burger. This vegetarian recipe has been kept secret for years and looks to stay that way. Their menu echoes this burger, since it’s focused on local gardens. The Westnedge bus also provides services to the Crosstown Mall, where Olive Garden, IHop and Mongolian Barbeque are all stationed. Riding any Metro Transit Kallie Strazdas / Western Herald line is free for students. Simply show the bus driver your Quick eats such as Burger King or McDonald’s surround the Bronco ID and be ready to bus stop on West Main Street. If you’re not in the mood for ride. drive-thru, there are many other sit-down places as well.

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Diminish cravings, not your budget By Taylor Larson Staff Reporter For places to eat, downtown Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas cannot be beat. With Italian, Asian, tea shops and many more tasty options, conveniently located in a relatively small space, dining is almost unlimited. Some choices, however, are more popular than others. As class schedules become tighter, and sleep schedules shorter, coffee shops and pizza delivery have become culinary staples. Here’s a quick guide of where to spend those hard earned dollars—a little preview of Kalamazoo’s finest when it comes to cappuccinos and cheesy breadsticks. I love a good cup of coffee. Plain and simple, straight black, and poured into a little porcelain cup, which is why finding Kalamazoo’s finest house blends was top priority. At first glance, Waterstreet Coffee Joint fit the bill. A small, corner café, Waterstreet looks almost like a little brick cottage, complete with flourishing annuals and wide, open windows. The interior of the place is anything but quaint—bright paintings cover the walls, Beatles classics drift from overhead

speakers, and a myriad of sugary confections tempt customers in a glass case, French bakery style. One thing about Waterstreet, though a Kalamazoo must have, a single cup of Joe doesn’t run cheap. My total was $9.50 for two small coffees and a chocolatey Incredibar, with $1.75 refills. Despite the price, Waterstreet more than makes up for it with their delectable desserts and specialty blends. While taking in the vibe at a small corner table, I enjoyed the Kenyan blend. The cup was very smooth and dark, with a robust, almost smoky flavor complimented by a light, slightly bitter, jolt near the end that was not unpleasant. Though slightly weaker than the standard bold coffee, the Kenyan blend was the perfect afternoon pick me up, something that would please both coffee snobs and those who go crazy with the creamer. My first cup drained in minutes, my second sample of Waterstreet’s brewing was the fruity, slightly sweet, Bali blend. At first sip, the Bali was much weaker than the Kenyan, with a very sticky, almost saccharine bitterness that melted away to a vibrant, slightly herbal taste. Hints of orange and chamomile gave the cup a musty, spicy warmth, with a sharp, almost nutty taste

towards the last few sips. For those Kalamazoo residents who swear by Fourth Coast (and there are many), I stopped in to have a taste myself. Fourth Coast has a cozy, almost underground feel at first glance. The place has flair, with a laid back, easylike-Sunday-morning kind of vibe complimented by its urban décor—dim lighting, brick walls and framed artwork of area artists. Located in Kalamazoo’s Vine Neighborhood, Fourth Coast’s ambiance is enhanced by its staff of quirky, friendly individuals. All their blends are Fair Trade certified, and a small espresso is a definite wake up call, sharp and thick with a bitter bite. Being a blustery, rainy day, I chose a medium hot chocolate. The barista mixed it up in no time, making sure not to skimp on the whipped cream (a major plus), and poured it into a stylish, curved glass. Just the right temperature, the drink was sweet but not overpowering, with a faint trace of honey. As the whipped cream melted with the beverage, it created a creamy froth that added an almost white chocolate taste to the drink. Having given myself a little extra energy, it was time to chow down. Craving the deliciously greasy, I headed to Bilbo’s Pizza for a slice. Surprisingly busy for

a Sunday night, the place had a comfortable, warm feel, with wood paneled booths and a well stocked u-shaped bar centered between two dining rooms. A medium cheese pan pizza cost $12.89 and was delivered to the table right on time, piping hot and covered in mozzarella. The thin crust left something to be desired—whether Sunday leftover or recipe, the dough was hard, stubborn enough to require a fork and knife to slice through, and tasting a bit like frozen pizza. However, what the pie lacked in the crust department, it more than made up for it with the toppings. When Bilbos advertises a cheese pizza, they mean it. The pizza arrived dripping with dairy, and was so gooey utensils were definitely necessary until it had time to cool. For having so much cheese, the pizza was surprisingly not greasy, and just a couple slices were quite filling. Though overloaded, the onslaught of cheese made for an incredibly tasty pie, perfectly complimented by any of Bilbo’s custom brews, like Homer Simpson’s favorite: Duff beer. Bilbo’s sauce was mildly sweet and tangy, and, from the patches not covered by an inch layer of cheese, very tasty. Toppings were added sparsely, but

the sausage and pepperoni were well seasoned and complimented the cheese. Another pizza place that does cheese pizza right—Cottage Inn Pizza. Serving up pies since 1948 and located in Portage, Cottage Inn delivers to surrounding areas and offers good pizza on the cheap. A medium cheese pizza from Cottage Inn cost $9, and, with a coupon, came with free medium cheesy bread. The pizza had a fluffy, crisp crust, which complimented the sweet sauce and melted cheese, while the cheesy bread had a similar flavor and was perfectly done. Since Cottage Inn is delivery and pick up only, the interior was nothing fancy—just bare bones cash register and kitchen in back, but the staff was incredibly friendly, making small talk and sincerely smiling when using the standard “have a good day.” The combination of friendly service and delicious pizza definitely made the trip to Cottage Inn worthwhile. Whether it’s a cheesy pizza or steaming cappuccino, Kalamazoo offers a little something for every palate. In a rush, or just kicking back on a lazy Sunday, students and Kalamazoo residents alike are sure to find a restaurant which satisfies both the stomach and the wallet.

‘August: Osage County’ at the Shaw Theatre By Cody Janczewski Staff Reporter Come prepared as the Weston’s, the most dysfunctional family you’ll ever meet, take over Shaw Theatre in the premiere performance of the Tony awardwinning dramatic comedy, “August: Osage County,” Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. Written by Tracy Letts, “August: Osage County” was first staged during the summer of 2007 at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. This small playwright turned into one

of Broadways most critically acclaimed must see shows overnight. Cast member Tamsen Glaser says this show is one the audience better come prepared for, an open mind set is a must. “This show gets down to the gritty animalistic parts where there are literally no words to describe emotions,” Glaser said. “Sometimes it gets so physical and verbal to the very base of rage and pain to let these emotions out.” “August: Osage County” is set in Oklahoma and focuses on a

family complete with a pill popping mom, a missing dad, adultery, alcoholism and enough sex and abuse to go around the entire family. The whole story revolves around the Weston family coming back together for the first time in years. This reunion is accompanied by secrets, betrayal and assault, which turn into a true nightmare of realism, Glaser said. “This is one of the most realistic plays I have ever encountered because it is so relatable where everyone can identify with a

character or relationship,” Glaser said. “Not to mention, by the end of the play [the audience] will feel a lot better about their family because this show is the epitome of a dysfunctional family.” Winner of numerous awards including the 2008 Tony Award for Best Show and the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “August: Osage County” is compiled of three acts of material that turn out to mean more than just words, in a script equipped with exceptional acting, Glaser said. “The cast is phenomenal

where as everyone was casted perfectly and you feel chemistry of the cast thinking they really are a family,” Glaser said. “It is really an awesome experience to watch the show go from a script to becoming a really high quality production, one audiences are not going to want to miss.” Under the direction of Mark Laremen, join the cast, crew, and the WMU Department of Theatre in premiering Tracy Letts dramatic masterpiece, “August: Osage County,” Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. in Shaw Theatre.

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

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