The year ahead looks incredibly promising for the University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Theatre Arts! Both the Maverick Theatre Company and the Maverick Dance Company have quite the lineup planned for productions throughout the year. You might recognize some of the famous works being put on this year like Company and The Music Man, but these are just scratching the surface as to what this amazing department has in store.

The first productions of the year will be the Flight 12 Comedy Improv Troupe, taking place Sept. 21 and 22. If you have not yet been to an improv show, they are among some of the most entertaining performances you can see. This troupe is made up of 12 students and is headed by Associate Professor Joe Chapa. Both shows are at 8 p.m. in the UTA Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $10 each. There will also be more performances from this impressive group in the spring on Feb. 8 and 9. 

The Clean House, a play by Sarah Ruhl, will be the next up in October. A play that is comedic, dramatic and beautiful, it will make for the perfect night at the theater! There will be five performances at the Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $10; university faculty and staff members, students and senior citizens can purchase tickets for $8. The play is directed by Assistant Professor of Instruction Seraphina Nova Glass and runs Oct. 10 - 13 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 14 at 2:30 p.m.

MavLab Productions are a series of three one-act plays being put on this fall by the UTA Department of Theatre Arts. What is notable about these productions is that some of them are written and/or directed by current students. Their titles are Ladies in Waiting by Michele Palermo, directed by Assistant Professor of Instruction Detra Payne, followed by The Shock of Recognition by Robert Anderson, directed by current student Coy Rubalcaba, and Some Sunny Day, written and directed by current student Straton Rushing. See this series Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the UTA Studio Theatre. The ticket price is $10.

Company is a famous musical written by Stephen Sondheim, based upon the book written by George Furth. Chronicling the hilarious antics of a happy bachelor, if you are in need of a night of comedy with great music, make it a point to see this production. The show will be held at UTA’s Mainstage Theatre with five performance dates: Nov. 14 - 17 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, and $10 for faculty or staff, students and senior citizens. The play will be directed by Dr. Katherine Noone, Assistant Professor of Instruction.

The Maverick Dance Company has upcoming performances for both winter and spring, entitled Via Dance. If you have an aspiring dancer in your family, you should definitely take them to watch these incredible talents put on breathtaking performances. Via Dance is directed by Artistic Director Amanda Jackson, Associate Artistic Director Meredith Knight Treminio, and student and guest choreographers. This winter, you can see the Maverick Dance Company Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. For the spring, their performances will be May 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. and May 5 at 2:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $10 or $8 for faculty and staff, students and senior citizens.

If you are in the mood for a classic, heartwarming show, the Maverick Theatre Company is putting on The Music Man this coming spring. You can see this show  Feb. 27 - March 2 at 8 p.m. at the Mainstage Theatre, or on March 3 at 2:30 p.m. The production will be directed by Dr. Anne Healy, Associate Professor and Associate Department Chair. Tickets range from $10 - $12.

The last two performances of the year are performed in repertory, which means that they will be alternating every night until their last performance. The two plays, Eurydice and Princess Mia, both should not be missed. You can see Eurydice, written by Sarah Ruhl, on April 10, April 12, April 15 and April 17 at 8 p.m., and on April 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Studio Theatre. It will be directed by Felicia Bertch, Assistant Professor of Instruction. Princess Mia will be performed on April 11, April 13, April 16 and April 18 at 8 p.m., and on April 14 at 2:30 p.m. The show will be directed by Artistic Director and UTA Professor Andrew Christopher Gaupp. See this performance at the Mainstage Theatre. Tickets range from $8 - $10.

The University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Theatre Arts is sure to wow this season. If you plan on attending any of these shows, visit their website for more information about the program and upcoming performances. For ticketing inquiries, you can reach the box office at 817-272-9595. The addresses for both theatres are listed below:

UTA Mainstage Theatre

502 S. Cooper Street

Arlington, TX 76019

Fine Arts Building, North Section, Room 174.

UTA Studio Theatre

502 S. Cooper Street

Arlington, TX 76019

Fine Arts Building, North Section, Room 137.

Trader Joe’s remains a favorite grocery store for so many people around the country. Who can argue with inexpensive, high-quality food and specialty items made exclusively for their store – cookie butter, anyone? The chain is always producing new frozen meals and entrees that you can enjoy whenever you want, as well as new coffees, drinks, and other kinds of products. There are regularly new things to try, so here are five recently released products that we’re excited to pick up the next time we shop at Trader Joe’s.

1. Chipotle Vegetable Quesadillas

These meat-free, vegetable-stuffed quesadillas are full of flavor and will go well with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. The inside of the quesadillas is made up of sweet corn, black beans, onions, and dried jalapeño, all in a savory sauce – the perfect way to solve a Tex-Mex craving!

2. Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese

The same four-cheese flavor you love in Trader Joe’s mac and cheese, but without the gluten! The gluten-free mac & cheese is made with rotini noodles that are composed of quinoa, lentil, and rice flour. This is mouthwatering! If you want to upgrade the meal, just top it with your favorite mac and cheese additions, like bacon crumbles or hot sauce, and you are good to go.

3. New Cake Flavors

If you have a sweet tooth and cannot resist a good cake, Trader Joe’s has two new flavors that make the perfect finale to any meal. The store now offers Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean and Dark Chocolate Ganache mini sheet cakes that you should definitely bring home for yourself or your next dinner party.

4. Uncured Ham & Swiss Cheese Flaky Croissant Dough Squares

Brunch at home, anyone? With this item, you won’t need to go out to have the perfect mid-morning weekend fare. These decadent croissant squares have ham and swiss cheese that melt together when you bake them, and are sure to be the ultimate pairing with your mimosa.

5. Neapolitan Joe-Joe’s

These can be something of a controversy for hardcore Trader Joe’s shoppers versus those who grew up strictly on Oreo’s. It’s too close to call on which is a better cookie! Regardless, Trader Joe’s just released a new flavor of Joe-Joe’s in a classic combination you know and love: Neapolitan! Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, all in one. Yum! 

Prosper residents have yet another delicious restaurant to enjoy! On Aug. 15, Sauce Pizza & Wine opened their first-ever location in Texas at the Gates of Prosper outdoor shopping center. This has been a highly anticipated grand opening with the restaurant’s mouthwatering menu, extensive wine list, and a modern, fresh atmosphere.

Their vision combines fine Italian dining and relaxed dining with ease; their pizzas are delectable with savory options like the Prosciutto and Fig with goat cheese, and hearty varieties like the Suprema and Spicy Chicken Sausage. This is not your ordinary pizza joint – Sauce’s flavors are bold, yet entirely cohesive. If you would rather enjoy something other than pizza, they have 10 different salads, several panini options, and filling pasta dishes. The dessert menu is just as tantalizing with classic Italian tiramisu, gelato, and warm cookies.

This new restaurant is definitely a must-see. On Aug. 18, there is even more of an incentive for you to go out! The local nonprofit Kids Prosper Kids, an incredible student organization that is dedicated to making a difference all around the world, will receive 100 percent of the profits that day from Sauce.

Sauce Pizza & Wine will no doubt become a popular staple in the town as it develops. Visit them at the Gates of Prosper soon!

Sauce Pizza & Wine is located at 1151 S. Preston Road #10 in Prosper.

I can say with 100% certainty that bringing a furry friend into your home is one of the best things you will ever do! My dogs at home are members of the family and bring so much joy to our lives every day. My family and I are also fervent rescue advocates, and we always encourage people to join in the “adopt, don’t shop” movement that is all about giving pups a second chance versus buying from a breeder or pet store. Here are rescues located around the Dallas-Fort Worth area that serve as great places to start the search for your new family member.

Lone Star Dog Ranch Rescue

Located in Anna, Texas, this family operation cannot be spoken of highly enough. I can personally vouch for this; my rescues have come from there and I love them with all my heart! Lone Star Dog Ranch Rescue was started by Renee Eden, and since its founding, it has grown vastly in dogs, volunteers, and has attained an extensive social media following nationwide. Eden, members of her family, and select volunteers rescue and rehome dogs from some of the poorest conditions imaginable, like puppy mills, overcrowded shelters, and other beyond. They pay veterinary care, including treatment for infections, heartworms and cancer, which can be expensive if the animals have not been properly cared for previously. Dogs often have to be spayed and neutered, too. Once they have been treated and are good to go, animals are put up for adoption and given loving, forever homes. These are wonderful animals that appreciate their second lease on life and will show you and your family that appreciation and love. You can read more about the incredible people at Lone Star and what they do here.

Dallas DogRRR

Dallas DogRRR is also a top-notch organization that bases their mission on three “Rs:” Rescue, Rehab and Reform. They save dogs that are in the worst condition when they are found, give them all the medical care and attention they need, and find them a new home. This is a volunteer organization made up of generous, selfless people dedicated to saving as many animals as they can. Check out their website, look at the unbelievable before and after photos, and peruse all the sweet dogs that can’t wait to meet you.

DFW Humane Society

You cannot go wrong with the local humane society for our area. DFW Humane Society is a nonprofit and no-kill shelter, which means they will never euthanize no matter how many animals they receive. It is appalling how many animals are dropped off weekly, but the team there cares for them the best they can despite the sad circumstances. The DFW Humane Society houses both dogs and cats, and coming up on August 18, all adoption fees are being waived. If you’re searching for a new member of the family, the DFW Humane Society is a good place to start!

Do you represent a Dallas-Fort Worth animal rescue organization? To learn more about how to share news about your organization on BubbleLife for free, click here.

Anyone following the news knows that California has had a difficult year with wildfires. This, however, is nothing too out of the ordinary; wildfires have always been common, unfortunate events in the history of California that have claimed lives, destroyed homes and devastated wildlife, all at an alarming pace.

What you may not realize is that we have intense wildfires in Texas, too. Most recently, we have seen four of them occur, spreading from the Panhandle and eventually ending in the center of the state. Experts say that the risk of widespread wildfires will likely only get worse due to two unavoidable factors: the intense heat and the ongoing drought.

I highly doubt anyone needs an explanation of the level of devastation that comes with wildfires. Besides being a danger to our lives and our homes, we lose wildlife, natural beauty, and vegetation.

What Can You Do To Help?

It’s time to take a leaf out of Smokey the Bear’s book and take the proper, responsible steps to help prevent wildfires in our beautiful state. Here are a few practices listed to keep in mind:

• If you and your family are campers, cautiously choose a campfire site that is not near any dry areas or brush, is in an open location, and is a safe distance from your tent. Don’t forget to take wind into account when choosing a location for your campfire.
  

• Sparking of any kind can cause a wildfire in the right conditions. Your car can cause a spark in many different ways, as can machines like lawnmowers and other household equipment. Keep in mind the time of day you are doing yard work and keep your equipment in good condition. This especially applies if you are in a wooded area or an area with a significant amount of trees or brush around you. That is endless fuel for a fire and will only allow it to grow further.

• Be extremely cautious and aware of your surroundings when you conduct controlled debris burning on your property. This is also an incredibly important time to keep the direction of the wind in mind.
  
  

Maybe I’m biased, but I think we have one of the most beautiful states in the country. We need to do everything we can to protect it. With intense heat and continuing drought conditions, we cannot afford a careless accident.