Columns

Inside the Method of Acting with Josh Cassell

Born in November 1983, Josh Cassell claims he came into the world “weighing 12lbs and 4oz, making me a pain from the very beginning.” Cassell has always had a knack for comedy, which is how his acting journey began. In the fall of 2022, Cassell came to Smokestack Theatre Company looking for improv classes,... Read More

Action

November 21, 2023

An Improtu Approach

Although I wanted to write, I didn’t know where to begin because I hadn’t chosen a topic. That’s when I saw David, a thoughtful young man I regard as a friend. “Please suggest a topic for me to write about,” I requested. Minutes later, he shared an idea that fascinated me. That’s why I wrote... Read More

Writers' Page

November 17, 2023

Movies You Missed From 20 Years Ago: Love Actually

Love Actually (6/10 Rating) Released November 14, 2003 For rent/purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance R: Sexuality, nudity, and language 2h 15m I enjoy a good Romcom, but I am obsessed with Christmas movies. So, how did I miss Love Actually? I have put it off for years. It just always... Read More

Movies You Missed

November 15, 2023

Pyramid of Values

A few days ago, I felt as if I had suddenly entered a security-camera film in which someone is caught stealing at a store. But It wasn’t me! If this video had existed, it would have been made at ALDI, with me in the background and the “purloining star” in the foreground (well, an “extended... Read More

Essays

November 6, 2023

Inside the Method of Action with Mark Harrelson

As a former radio DJ and news reporter, Mark Harrelson is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Harrelson’s stage debut was in Rumors by Neil Simon, put on by The Little Theatre of Danville in 1993—a play he has had the pleasure of working on three times now. Harrelson gained his interest in acting as... Read More

Action

October 27, 2023

A Professor Determined to Write Her Novel

Because I knew how much her novel meant to Faye Solomon Kushner, I was honored when she agreed to allow me to comment about it. Writing with such candor and courage, she revealed what her siblings never wanted written about life with their Kentucky coal-miner’s family. To say her book is stunning is an understatement.... Read More

Writers' Page

October 24, 2023

Discovering Wine and Curry

I recently visited a large wine shop in a nearby city. I asked a staff person if I could be directed to the German wine section. When we arrived at that section of the store, they said. “This German red wine is a Pinot Noir and is great with curry dishes.” Having no experience with... Read More

The Wine Spot

October 19, 2023

Movies You Missed from 20 Years Ago: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (7/10 Rating) Released October 17, 2003 For rent/purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Drama, History, Sport R: Strong horror violence/gore, language and drug content 1h 38m It’s the haunting season, so this month’s selection was easy. The original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre released in 1974 is one of the... Read More

Movies You Missed

October 12, 2023

Graveside Commission

The other day, I attended a graveside funeral service for the brother of a fellow choir member and friend at Danville’s Highland Burial Park. Years ago, Lester Flatt recorded “Won’t You Give Me My Flowers While I’m Living.” So, in that respect, you can also give me my friends while I’m living, too. At a... Read More

Essays

October 4, 2023

Inside the Method of Acting with Felice McWilliams

Being a small business owner, a mother to three, and a grandmother to six (with number seven on the way!) Felice McWilliams lives a very busy lifestyle, yet still somehow makes time to pursue her love of performing. Originally from California, McWilliams and some of her family moved here to Danville in 2014. She founded... Read More

Action