by Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer
Activities this weekend and in the days to come include a speech by a real “Shark,” the kick-off of our Earth Month activities at Amarillo Zoo, a staging of one of the best dramas ever written and more.
Here’s a look at some highlights:
“Shark Tank” host and businessman Robert Herjavec will speak at 7 p.m. Monday in the First United Bank Center at West Texas A&M University. The entrepreneur and author’s speech, part of the school’s Distinguished Lecture Series, is free – and it’s already proven so popular that organizers had to move him into a bigger venue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Call 806-651-2777.
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Amarillo Little Theatre’s production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” previews tonight and opens Friday for a two-weekend run in the ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Heather Manderson and Don Washburn play Martha and George, a constantly fighting middle-aged couple who draw a younger duo, Nick and Honey (Michael Froschheiser and Marlee Wall), into their web. The drama is an imposing one but rewarding, as director Stephen Crandall put it in my preview from earlier this week: “(I)t’s kind of exhilarating to witness that much conflict for that amount of time and wonder what’s going to come out of this,” he said. The play will be staged at 8 p.m. today through Saturday and April 14 to 16 and 2:30 p.m. April 10 and 17. Ticket prices vary. Call 806-355-9991.
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Panhandle PBS and Amarillo Zoo will team for three consecutive weeks of Earth Month activities from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday at the Zoo, 2401 Dumas Drive. Each tackles a different environmental concept, with Saturday’s events focused backyard habitats. Kids will get potted parsley, tree seedlings and wildflower gardens (while supplies last) for their homes, learn more about monarch butterflies and get free passes to Wonderland Park, among other activities. Zoo admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Call the Amarillo Zoo at 806-381-7911 or visit AmarilloZoo.org or panhandlePBS.org.
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Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum examines the work of influential artist Jose Arpa in a new exhibition opening Saturday – “Jose Arpa: A Spanish Painter in Texas.” The artist was one of the most important figures in early Texas art, blending his native Spanish influences with those he learned from the French Impressionists. The exhibition hangs through Sept. 5 at the museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon. Visit www.panhandleplains.org.
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Other weekend options: The Colony Frame & Gallery, 2606 Wolflin Ave., continues its 24th Spring Show through April 30 in Wolflin Square. Among the artists featured are Amy Winton, Cheral Sqyures, Janette Dickerson, Bethany Fields, Amanda Garcia Greene and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. … Family Support Services will hold a happy hour event at 8 p.m. today at Butler’s Martini Bar, 703 S. Polk St., to support sexual assault awareness. “My Little Black Dress Does Not Mean Yes” will feature drink specials, games, a live DJ and more. … Amarillo College’s Delta Psi Omega theater organization will stage “Spring Date,” a collection of “fun acts and silly songs,” according to theater professor Ray Newburg. The revue will be staged at 7 p.m. Friday in the AC Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Tickets are $5. Call 806-371-5359.
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Beyond the weekend: Author Laurie R. King, whose award-winning Mary Russell series is the focus of this year’s Amarillo Reads event, will give a free speech at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St. Check out my interview with her for a preview of her newest book, “The Murder of Mary Russell.” … Comedian/songwriter Mishka Shubaly – whose bitterly cynical, bitingly funny songs won him a fan in comic Doug Stanhope – will return to Amarillo for an 8 p.m. Tuesday show with singer Star Anna at Golden Light Cantina, 2906 S.W. Sixth Ave. Look for my interview with Shubaly next week. … Reservations are due Friday for PPHM’s Black Gold Ball. The April 16 gala will feature comfort food, signature cocktails, a Palace Coffee bar and music by The Wonderfuls. Tickets are $100. Call 806-651-2244. … Tickets are going fast for Martha’s Home’s Second Chance Prom, set for 7 p.m. April 23 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall. Velvet Funk Band will perform, and Flying Fitness Aerial Arts will give a special acrobatic demonstration, among other activities. Tickets are $45. Call 806-378-3096.
* Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and atwww.facebook.com/chipchandlerwriter on Facebook.
