Fun Fun Fun Till Daddy Takes the T-Bird Away

Posted by Bob Wall
Yesterday we had one tightly-wound, sinewy ball of crazed comic energy at the Empire--I'm talking of course about Richmond's favorite high flying squirrel ... Nutzy! (Someone fire off the confetti cannons, please!)

Today we have that other tightly-wound, sinewy ball of crazed comic energy at Barksdale Theatre at Willow Lawn! You know who I mean. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I'm talking of course about Richmond's favorite high flying actor ... Scotty Wichmann!! (No confetti cannons needed, thank you very much.)

Now that I think of it, has anyone ever seen Nutzy and Scotty in the same room at the same time? Hmmm.

When we announced that Scotty would be holding court at today's Bifocals Monthly Meeting, discussing his lifelong attachment to A Thousand Clowns, the American comedy masterpiece opening at Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern in just a couple weeks, the phones began to jingle like Christmas bells. Can we bring a bus of 30 from Varina? Will there be enough food at the lunchtime Sandwich Fixin's Buffet? Will he really show pictures of his 10-year-old self performing in A Thousand Clowns under the tutelage of a famous Broadway and Hollywood star? Is it really FREE and open to everyone with no reservations required?

Yes, yes, yes and yes!!

So, Scotty won't be throwing hot dogs or riding a flamingo up and down the aisles (if you were there yesterday with Nutzy you would understand). But this morning, Friday Feb 25, our own Scotty Wichmann will be entertaining for FREE beginning at 11 a.m. in our Willow Lawn lobby. And YOU are invited to join us.

Following Scotty's one-hour presentation (yes, they'll be time for questions and answers), we'll open our once-a-month Bifocals Sandwich Fixin's Buffet and EVERYONE is invited to join the great Mr. W for lunch. Everything is FREE, so please come. And if you feel able to contribute a free-will offering of $5 to cover lunch expenses, just stick your fiver in the jar with our gratefull appreciation.

See you later this morning! A fun time is guaranteed for all!!

The Empire is Going Nutzy! What? No One's Surprised!

Posted by Bob Wall

"It's going to be even wackier than usual at the Empire today!" So states Sara Marsden, Marketing Director Extraordinaire of both Barksdale and Theatre IV.

As a kick-off event of the Empire's Centennial Celebration (our venerable home will turn 100 on Dec 25, 2011), the one and only Flying Squirrels will be filling our historic theatre with fans as they announce the winners of their "Nutzy is My Superhero Because ..." Art Contest.

It's FREE. And you're invited.

Bigger still, they'll be introducing their new Acorn Mascot during today's press event that begins at 2 p.m., sharing the stage with Theatre IV's beautiful set for The BFG (Big Friendly Giant).

"We have taken great pride in turning our unveilings into spectacles," said Flying Squirrels Vice President and COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "With a setting like the historic Empire Theatre, and all of the talented folks at Theatre IV helping us out, this event will be just as memorable for those in attendance as Nutzy's introduction to Richmond!"

And it doesn't get much bigger or better than that.

The Flying Squirrels wide array of ballpark characters will be on hand to welcome the new Acorn Mascot, including Nutzy, the Vendortainers, the Molly Maids Dancing Drag Queens, and the Berks Wacky Hot Dog Vendor with Flingo the Flamingo. Fans in attendance should expect flying t-shirts, Crackerjacks, peanuts, and hot dogs.

We're not sure whether the adjective "flying" modifies "t-shirts, Crackerjacks, peanuts, and hot dogs," or just the t-shirts. You'll have to be there to find out. But if they have flying hot dogs, I'm bringing my mitt.

Please join us today for this fun community event, and help us celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Historic Empire Theatre--an upbeat theatre in downtown Richmond!