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Schmidt & Jones Awards BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Lyric Stage presented the 16th annual Schmidt & Jones Awards on May 6 at Moody Performance Hall with students giving riveting performances.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s managing and co-artistic director, said, “Developed in 2010, this award is named after renowned composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones to honor excellence in high school musical theatre across Dallas-Fort Worth. These students are exceptionally talented.”

The winners:

Best Actor in a Lead Role

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd – Maxwell Nelson as Sweeney Todd

Best Actress in a Lead Role

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd – Roslyn Ackermann as Mrs. Lovett

Supporting Actor

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Matthew Grand as Fester Addams

Supporting Actress

Grapevine Faith Christian School, Newsies – Sienna Dudding as Medda Larkin

Actor in a Minor Role

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Brett Martin as Lurch

Actress in a Minor Role

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Kimora Caldwell as Grandma Addams

Male Ensemble Performer

Lakeview Centennial High School, Little Shop – Manny Gonzalez as Multiple Characters

Female Ensemble Performer

Liberty Christian School, Oliver – Avery Graham as Rose Seller, Orphan, Dancer

Best Stage Manager

Denton Guyer High School – Hadestown – Emmerson Biddick

Best Choreography

Liberty Christian School – Oliver – Presley Anderson & Gigi Plisga

Best Lighting Design

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Olivia Assay, Anissa Campos

Parish Episcopal School, Chicago – Cooper Hardeman

Best Scenic Design

Coppell High School, Matilda – Ashrrita Sathish, Tsering Sherpa

Best Costume Design

Cedar Hill High School, Something Rotten – Morgan Akins, Nyilah McDaniel, Jaden Devezin

Best Orchestra

Rockwall Heath High School, Les Miserables

Best Ensemble

Denton Guyer High School – Hadestown

Best Show

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd

A panel of judges, consisting of theatre educators and professional theatre artists, viewed dozens of productions of the accepted applicants from schools in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. The panel made nominations and then voted to determine winners. The directors of participating schools also received written production evaluations.

The judging panel, adjudicating and awards are organized and led by the director of the Schmidt and Jones Awards, Amy Stevenson, who is well-known in Dallas-Fort Worth as both an artist and educator.

About Lyric Stage: Lyric Stage, a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit professional musical theatre company, was established in 1993 with the mission of the development and preservation of the musical, a unique art form. In its thirty-year history, Lyric Stage has produced over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

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Schmidt & Jones Awards BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Lyric Stage presented the 16th annual Schmidt & Jones Awards on May 6 at Moody Performance Hall with students giving riveting performances.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s managing and co-artistic director, said, “Developed in 2010, this award is named after renowned composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones to honor excellence in high school musical theatre across Dallas-Fort Worth. These students are exceptionally talented.”

The winners:

Best Actor in a Lead Role

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd – Maxwell Nelson as Sweeney Todd

Best Actress in a Lead Role

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd – Roslyn Ackermann as Mrs. Lovett

Supporting Actor

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Matthew Grand as Fester Addams

Supporting Actress

Grapevine Faith Christian School, Newsies – Sienna Dudding as Medda Larkin

Actor in a Minor Role

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Brett Martin as Lurch

Actress in a Minor Role

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Kimora Caldwell as Grandma Addams

Male Ensemble Performer

Lakeview Centennial High School, Little Shop – Manny Gonzalez as Multiple Characters

Female Ensemble Performer

Liberty Christian School, Oliver – Avery Graham as Rose Seller, Orphan, Dancer

Best Stage Manager

Denton Guyer High School – Hadestown – Emmerson Biddick

Best Choreography

Liberty Christian School – Oliver – Presley Anderson & Gigi Plisga

Best Lighting Design

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Olivia Assay, Anissa Campos

Parish Episcopal School, Chicago – Cooper Hardeman

Best Scenic Design

Coppell High School, Matilda – Ashrrita Sathish, Tsering Sherpa

Best Costume Design

Cedar Hill High School, Something Rotten – Morgan Akins, Nyilah McDaniel, Jaden Devezin

Best Orchestra

Rockwall Heath High School, Les Miserables

Best Ensemble

Denton Guyer High School – Hadestown

Best Show

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd

A panel of judges, consisting of theatre educators and professional theatre artists, viewed dozens of productions of the accepted applicants from schools in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. The panel made nominations and then voted to determine winners. The directors of participating schools also received written production evaluations.

The judging panel, adjudicating and awards are organized and led by the director of the Schmidt and Jones Awards, Amy Stevenson, who is well-known in Dallas-Fort Worth as both an artist and educator.

About Lyric Stage: Lyric Stage, a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit professional musical theatre company, was established in 1993 with the mission of the development and preservation of the musical, a unique art form. In its thirty-year history, Lyric Stage has produced over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

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Schmidt & Jones Awards BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Lyric Stage presented the 16th annual Schmidt & Jones Awards on May 6 at Moody Performance Hall with students giving riveting performances.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s managing and co-artistic director, said, “Developed in 2010, this award is named after renowned composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones to honor excellence in high school musical theatre across Dallas-Fort Worth. These students are exceptionally talented.”

The winners:

Best Actor in a Lead Role

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd – Maxwell Nelson as Sweeney Todd

Best Actress in a Lead Role

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd – Roslyn Ackermann as Mrs. Lovett

Supporting Actor

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Matthew Grand as Fester Addams

Supporting Actress

Grapevine Faith Christian School, Newsies – Sienna Dudding as Medda Larkin

Actor in a Minor Role

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Brett Martin as Lurch

Actress in a Minor Role

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Kimora Caldwell as Grandma Addams

Male Ensemble Performer

Lakeview Centennial High School, Little Shop – Manny Gonzalez as Multiple Characters

Female Ensemble Performer

Liberty Christian School, Oliver – Avery Graham as Rose Seller, Orphan, Dancer

Best Stage Manager

Denton Guyer High School – Hadestown – Emmerson Biddick

Best Choreography

Liberty Christian School – Oliver – Presley Anderson & Gigi Plisga

Best Lighting Design

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, The Addams Family – Olivia Assay, Anissa Campos

Parish Episcopal School, Chicago – Cooper Hardeman

Best Scenic Design

Coppell High School, Matilda – Ashrrita Sathish, Tsering Sherpa

Best Costume Design

Cedar Hill High School, Something Rotten – Morgan Akins, Nyilah McDaniel, Jaden Devezin

Best Orchestra

Rockwall Heath High School, Les Miserables

Best Ensemble

Denton Guyer High School – Hadestown

Best Show

Grapevine High School, Sweeney Todd

A panel of judges, consisting of theatre educators and professional theatre artists, viewed dozens of productions of the accepted applicants from schools in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. The panel made nominations and then voted to determine winners. The directors of participating schools also received written production evaluations.

The judging panel, adjudicating and awards are organized and led by the director of the Schmidt and Jones Awards, Amy Stevenson, who is well-known in Dallas-Fort Worth as both an artist and educator.

About Lyric Stage: Lyric Stage, a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit professional musical theatre company, was established in 1993 with the mission of the development and preservation of the musical, a unique art form. In its thirty-year history, Lyric Stage has produced over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

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We love a good salad, and since May is National Salad Month, we leaned into a local favorite, Mendocino Farms. Mendocino Farms will be highlighting their crave-worthy salads and offering a special online only promo for 10% off.

 

Here’s what’s coming up and the exclusive codes you’ll need to snag the deal:

 

 5/12-5/18 Modern Caesar   Code: CAESAR10

 

  • Everyone loves a classic Caesar salad, but here's Mendocino Farms' modern twist. Packed with fresh ingredients, it features curly kale, chopped romaine, housemade superfood krunchies, shaved parmesan cheese, red onions, grape tomatoes, avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and is topped with a classic Caesar dressing.

 

5/19-5/25 Baja Green Goddess    Code: GODDESS10

 

  • The Baja Green Goddess salad combines chicken adobado, roasted corn, hatch chiles, black beans, jicama, avocado, grape tomatoes, red onions, Monterey jack, romaine, arugula, cabbage and cilantro tossed with their Baja goddess dressing and topped with taco crunch for a crunchy finish.

 

5/26-5/31 Winter Citrus   Code: CITRUS10

 

  • My personal favorite -- it's bright with a sweet and savory edge. The Winter Citrus Salad brings together tender chicken, marinated goat cheese, fresh navel oranges, hot citrus honey, honey roasted almonds, pickled red onions, shaved fennel, mixed greens, kale, romaine, dressed in a delicious farmhouse vinaigrette.

 

We also love that any salad can be made vegetarian by swapping the animal proteins for marinated, baked tofu or Impossible chorizo.

 

To find your local Mendocino Farms, visit here.

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Garages of America, the pioneers of the “Luxury Garages You Own” concept, will break ground in May on the second phase of its highly sought-after garage condos in Allen.

Garages of America, the pioneers of the “Luxury Garages You Own” concept, will break ground in May on the second phase of its highly sought-after garage condos in Allen. In 2019, Garages of America opened an Allen location with 77 units that quickly sold out. Strong interest in the community led to the development of Allen Phase II, which will add nine, fully customizable garage suites at 2137 Chelsea Boulevard, off US-75 and W. Stacy Road, directly north of the existing location.

“Our luxury garages are different from most storage options in that you buy the unit and can finish it out to your taste and desired usage,” said Mark Scott with Garages of America. “Rather than paying rent every month, you actually own it and it becomes a financial asset. There is also a lifestyle component for most of our owners because they like to gather and network with like-minded individuals who share their passions for classic and exotic cars.”

With a growing market of car enthusiasts and small business owners seeking premium, climate-controlled venues in a secure and community-driven environment, Garages of America is the leader in this rapidly expanding sector, opening Phase II in Frisco with 52 units earlier this month. 

Much like private marinas for boat owners or hangars for aviation enthusiasts, luxury garage condos are transforming how car collectors, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists protect and enjoy their assets. Rather than leasing space, owners at Garages of America purchase their units outright, receiving a deed and POA protections, making it an investment rather than an expense.

In 2019, Rick Doss bought a luxury garage condo in the original Allen community. “It’s been a great experience,” said Doss, who also serves as president of the Property Owners Association in Allen. “It’s a good group of car enthusiasts. We’ve gotten great use out of our space. I put in a full gym, as well as a kitchenette and bathroom with a shower. My son uses it all the time to hang out with friends. We’ve had lots of gatherings and get togethers there.”

Several Garages of America communities host monthly car meet ups. Garages of America in Carrollton holds a Garages & Gearheads event the first Saturday of every month.

Garages of America offers a secure, gated environment with 24/7 surveillance, climate control, and an exclusive owners’ clubhouse for social and business gatherings. Each suite is fully customizable, featuring elevated ceilings, built-in mezzanines, oversized doors, and individually metered utilities—amenities that make these venues adaptable for both personal and professional use. 

Current and upcoming Garages of America developments include:

  • Carrollton, TX (Phase 1 sold out 2021 - Phase II under construction)
  • Frisco, TX (Phase 1 sold out 2020 – Phase II opened April 2025)
  • Dallas, TX (Love Field area)
  • Garland, TX (Firewheel)
  • Katy, TX (Houston)
  • Lakeway, TX (Austin)
  • The Woodlands, TX (Houston)
  • Plano, TX
  • Roanoke, TX
  • Rockwall, TX 
  • Towne Lake (Cypress, TX)

Founded in 2014 by real estate investor Fred Gans and former Le Mans race car driver and developer Jack Griffin, Garages of America pioneered the luxury garage condo concept with its first community in Plano, Texas. The company has expanded with locations in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. For more information, visit garagesofamerica.com.

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To Shield the Queen

Ursula Blanchard, #1

by

Fiona Buckley

 

Engaging main character thrust headlong into the political machinations of Elizabeth I’s court.

 

To Shield the Queen is the first book in author Fiona Buckley’s (pen name of Valeria Anand) long-running historical mystery series featuring Ursula Blanchard, a widowed mother of one and a lady in service to Queen Elizabeth I. Set in 1560, early in Elizabeth’s long reign, Ursula is summoned to court after the death of her husband, Gerald (a love match), to serve as a lady-in-waiting to the young queen. The court is awash with rumors of Elizabeth’s relationship with her Master of Horse, Sir Robin Dudley, a married man with a critically ill wife whom he keeps sequestered in the country. When speculation escalates, hinting that Dudley may be trying to hurry his wife’s imminent death along so he can pursue a marriage with the queen, he and Elizabeth send Ursula to attend the ailing Amy Dudley and safeguard her from any such evil assistance and hopefully quell the rumors. However, on her arrival at the country estate, Ursula finds there may actually be some truth behind the rumors. Still, it’s unclear to her whether Sir Robin is aware of what may be underway on his behalf, but she’s suspicious. 

This first book in the series is a riveting tale once all the heavy lifting of establishing the time, place, and characters is complete. It feels like it had to have been a massive task, with so much known or speculated regarding the intrigue during Elizabeth’s reign, all the historical figures involved, and the intersection of factual and fictional storylines. Halfway through the book, I was still wondering when the mystery would start, but it definitely does, and the action never lets up from that point on. 

Ursula is a likable character, and her personal story is a tragic one, beginning with her illegitimate origins, a cruel childhood at the hands of self-righteous relatives, a runaway marriage, and the sudden death of her beloved young husband. But she is a survivor, strong and determined not to be a victim ever again. An astute observer of human nature, Queen Elizabeth recognizes Ursula’s potential value and her deep loyalty to the crown and puts her to good use. 

A romantic relationship evolves with Matthew de la Roche, a newcomer to the court, who aggressively presses his suit with the young widow, even following her, uninvited, to Amy Dudley’s bedside several days’ ride into the country. While it felt like their feelings for each other were a bit rushed, their courtship really extended over a couple of months. I’m anxious to see how this all plays out, considering what occurs between the two as the story unfolds. The descriptions of the settings and life in 1560 are vivid and really put me in the story. A number of secondary storylines develop along the way and are left unresolved, but they are mentioned in the resolution as the basis for Ursula’s next moves in future books in the series. 

I enjoyed listening to the Hoopla Digital 2005 Blackstone Audiobook edition narrated by Nadia May but it took me a good length of time to sync my understanding with her fast pacing, pronunciation, and accent. As the characters who are speaking change, she does a good job of altering her voice to add some discrimination. However, her speaking voice is just enough different from my region that I had to readjust to her voice every time I began listening. While I wouldn’t search out additional titles this narrator voiced, I wouldn’t not listen to her again, and it doesn’t appear she narrates any more of the books in this series. 

I recommend TO SHIELD THE QUEEN to readers of historical cozy mysteries.

 

For this and other book reviews, visit Boys' Mom Reads!

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Celebrate the music of local favorite country rock band GOODnGONE at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 23.  The group will perform a mix of classic, red dirt and Texas country tunes at the Allen Christian Church, located in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

GOODnGONE offers ballroom ballads, twanging shuffles, and a hint of rock. The group also offers its fair share of love songs, including first and eternal loves. Hailing from Collin County, Texas, they penned a song about the first legal hanging in Collin County, “The Ballad of Stephen Ballew.” 

With Jimmie Davidson on lead vocals, Tom Brandish on lead guitar, Richie Davis on drums, and Chris Bangma on bass guitar, they bring a fresh and modern edge to country music. Since forming in 2009, they have played at venues across North Texas and Oklahoma, including The House of Blues, River Ranch at the FW Stockyards, Allen Event Center and numerous city festivals.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

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The Allen Heritage Guild presents Dan Bowman who will discuss the proposed renovation of Allen’s first fire station site at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main Street. 

The second and third library, affectionately recalled the Blue House, are currently located on the site of this project. It includes restoration of the old fire station bays and the mature trees with a plan to create a publicly accessible park with a stage, grove, hardscape/softscape seating areas, patios, and up to 20,000-square feet of restaurant/retail space with historically appropriate architecture. The stage is currently planned as an outdoor, covered structure with an overhead room, and elevated a couple feet of the ground and performing into the park area.

The goal of this endeavor historic preservation while also creating a space for citizens to gather and enjoy entertainment and dining in Downtown Allen.

A native of Allen, Dan Bowman was named executive director/CEO of the Allen Economic Development Corporation in 2014 after 10 years with the organization. He was recognized in the Top 40 under 40 by the Dallas Business Journal (2021) and the International Economic Development Council (2013) and has been instrumental in recruiting corporate projects including NetSCOUT Systems, Credit Union of Texas, and KONE Elevators.

For additional information, please call 214-509-4911.

 

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Mixing Bowl Mashup & Dipped Strawberry Cheesec The New Mixing Bowl Mashup and New Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzards

There is something sweet stirring at DQ® restaurants in Texas this May with the launch of the Mixing Bowl Mashup Blizzard® Treat. This delicious creation combines two classic flavor favorites: rich brownie batter and irresistible chocolate chip cookie dough. Swirled together with our world-famous DQ soft serve, this dreamy dessert delivers a double dose of delight in every bite.

Inspired by the warmth and comfort of homemade baked goods, the Mixing Bowl Mashup Blizzard Treat brings together the best of both worlds, the chewy goodness of cookie dough and the fudgy decadence of brownie batter. The result is a flavor mashup that’s too good to miss, ideal for fans craving a little extra indulgence.

“This Blizzard Treat will take you straight back to baking days in the kitchen—sneaking a spoonful of cookie dough or brownie batter when no one was looking,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “The Mixing Bowl Mashup is like a sweet trip down memory lane, and with the return of our campfire classic, the S’mores Blizzard Treat, it’s the perfect way to savor a spring day in true Texas style.”

Longing for a taste of summer? The fan-favorite S’mores Blizzard® Treat is making its highly anticipated seasonal return. This chocolatey, gooey, marshmallow-ey dessert blended with graham cracker is a guaranteed fireside favorite with every spoonful. 

Don’t forget to sample other limited-time menu items available this May. Brave the heat with the zesty, flavor-packed Sauced & Tossed Buffalo Chicken Strips, available while supplies last through mid-June at participating DQ® restaurants. Fans in the Lone Star state can also enjoy classic favorites, including the Chicken Strip Country Basket®, Texas T-Brand Tacos®, or the iconic Hungr-Buster®.

For 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitteror Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Buckle up, North Texas! The Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) is bringing the Fastest Show on Water to Lake Crook in Paris, Texas for a weekend packed with roaring engines, extreme speed, and high-octane excitement you can feel in your chest.

SDBA Drag Boat Races take place May 16–18, 2025.

These boats hit over 200 MPH—and when they launch, you’ll hear it before you see it. This is the wildest, loudest, most thrilling weekend of the year!

What to Expect:

  • Top SDBA racers from across the country
  • Blistering speeds and side-by-side finishes
  • Full Pit Access included with every ticket
  • Food trucks, vendors, live music, and plenty of fun
  • BYOB + Cooler-friendly (details below)
  • Family-friendly & dog-friendly – bring your kids, bring your pup!
  • Chill by the lake or grab a shady spot and soak it all in

Tickets:

Buy Online & Save (includes Pit Pass):

  • Single-Day Pass – $25
  • Weekend Pass – $50

At the Gate:

  • Single-Day – $30
  • Weekend – $60
  • Kids 10 & Under – FREE

Cooler Policy:

  • Coolers welcome!
  • $10 per cooler with a single-day ticket
  • FREE with a weekend pass
    (No glass. BYOB responsibly!)