Hernando, Miss. – Just as spring brings renewed life to the plants and animals, Hernando-based Kudzu Playhouse is bringing sidesplitting comedy to the stage in the form of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple (Female Version),” which runs April 17-26 at the Hernando Performing Arts Center located at 805 Dilworth Lane in Hernando, Miss.

“The Odd Couple (Female Version)” is slated to be the playhouse’s first non-musical production of their 2015 season and the timing could not possibly be better. On Feb. 19, CBS began a run of its own “The Odd Couple,” starring Thomas Lennon and Matthew Perry.

Joi Taylor, who is the current executive director and president of Kudzu Playhouse, could not be more pleased with “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” being on this season’s lineup of Kudzu shows.

“Everyone is mostly familiar with the male version,” Taylor said. They’re just not as familiar with the girls’ version of it; so it’s a fun twist on it, but it’s equally hilarious in its own way. It’s a great adventure and just a lot of fun to sit and listen to.”

Tickets for the shows are $12 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Friday and Saturday night performances will begin at 7 p.m., and Sunday afternoon performances will begin at 2 p.m.

Theatrical mastermind Simon penned the original script in 1965. The story follows Oscar Madison and his attempt at civility after he invites Felix Ungar to become his roommate after Ungar is kicked out of his home by his wife. Differences of opinions and different habits, all illustrated by witty arguments and hysterical standoffs, lead Oscar to quickly regret his decision to extend an invitation to Felix. Only after Oscar expresses his frustrations to his close circle of friends does he realize that he has been quick to judge and insensitive of Felix’s situation.

“The Odd Couple” has made its rounds through many different entertainment mediums. The comedy made its successful Broadway debut in 1965. Since then, the story has been made into a film directed by Gene Saks starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, an ABC sitcom which ran from 1970-1975, and even a cartoon version in the fall of ’75 called “The Oddball Couple” which starred a cat named Spiffy and a dog named Fleabag. Then, in 1985, Simon revised the script to accommodate a female cast. Oscar and Felix were replaced by Olive and Florence and “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” was born, retaining the same hilarity that audiences had grown to love only this time being interpreted by the opposite gender.

Tobie Pillstrom, a teacher at DeSoto Central Middle School in Southaven, dons the role of Florence Ungar for Kudzu’s production. While she is not new to the stage, this will be Pillstrom’s debut in a non-musical production.

“It’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Pillstrom said of the learning process.

Pillstrom’s costar, Ashley Hawkins, takes on the role of Olive Madison and together the two bring the story of the two hopeless habitants to life.

“I love working with Ashley, she’s hilarious,” Pillstrom said of Hawkins. “She makes me feel like I can be funny.”

Hawkins and Pillstrom are just two of the performers in the talented cast that director Joe Ranager has to work with in order to bring this spirited story to life. Ranager, who steps up to the director’s chair for the fifth time for Kudzu Playhouse, was unsure of undertaking the task of directing “The Odd Couple (Female Version).”

“When I was asked to direct it I said I’ve got to read the script first to see what it’s all about,” Ranager stated.  “And when I started reading it, I was laughing out loud myself and I said, ‘I’ve got to be a part of this.’”

Ranager’s acceptance of the directorial job was welcomed news by Taylor.

“When I threw this one at Joe, he kind of looked at me like a deer in the headlights,” Taylor said, laughing. “He wasn’t sure about it, he wanted to read the script first. I got a call back from him not long after that, I don’t think he even got all the way through the script before he decided that he really wanted to be involved and thought it was hysterical.”

Ranager’s hesitations soon vanished as he embraced the show and its colorful cast of characters.

“It’s full of laughter and chaos and friendship, and just a good show,” Ranager said.

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The Walt Disney Co. has a history of buying major production studios and maximizing their potential in a way that only the magic of Disney can. Studios including Pixar, Fox Family, and Lucasfilm have all been added to the ever-flourishing Disney family. In 2009, Marvel was acquired by Disney, much to the vexation of comic book and cosplay fans everywhere. Audiences knew that a Disney superhero movie was bound to be coming their way at some point, the question was whether or not the renowned and undisputed champion of fairy tales would be able to pull off a superhero movie that would be relatable to an audience that may not have Disney films at the top of its list of movies to see.

Sure, Disney’s film “The Incredibles” was a very successful and well-acclaimed superhero story, but more was at stake for Disney’s next superhero tale. When “The Incredibles” was released in 2004, Marvel fans had yet to be exposed to films such as “Thor,” “The Avengers,” or any of the highly popular “Iron Man” movies. The box office success and cultural popularity of the recent Marvel releases left the creative minds at Disney’s animation studios high expectations to fulfill from an already antsy audience.

As is the case with the majority of Disney’s film ventures, the animators and concept designers were able to capitalize on their investment by combining elements from Marvel’s comic world while staying true to Disney’s core audience, children, at the same time. Cue “Big Hero 6,” a tale of epic superhero proportions brought to life through the interpretations of Disney magic. “Big Hero 6” includes all of the aspects that a moviegoer can come to expect from a superhero tale, but manages to portray the story in a kid-friendly method.

While combing through the Marvel archives, Disney animators came across a comic mostly unfamiliar with the public, “Big Hero 6,” or sometimes referred to as “Sunfire and Big Hero 6.” The comic followed a boy named Hiro and his team of superheroes as they fought for justice. Disney based its hit film off of the same story line, and maintained much of the same characteristics that are in the original comic.

During the 102-minute runtime, audiences follow the main character, Hiro, as he copes with the death of his brother, an event that is a defining moment in his life. Throughout the movie, Hiro attempts to avenge his brother’s death with the help of a customized robot and his late brother’s circle of friends, who have all assumed superhero roles in order to help Hiro in his quest. The film has been criticized for the resounding themes of death, loss, and revenge, topics that are generally deemed too dark for Disney’s lighthearted tales. However, when creating a relatable and believable superhero story line, there must be a driving force behind the main character’s motives, and with this film, Disney has found a way to eloquently bring these sensitive issues into the story without letting them overtake and distract from the action.

Audiences are treated to a visual masterpiece while watching the film. The depth and detail that the artists used in bringing this story to life are undoubtedly the works of Disney animators. Intricate features of city life and futuristic possibilities bring the setting city of San Fransokyo to life in a magical and wonderful way. The characters are all entertaining and enjoyable and the main character, Hiro, is the ultimate protagonist, as viewing audiences want nothing more than for him to come out on top. Hiro’s partner, Baymax, a robot left behind by his late brother, is a lovable and adorable aspect of the tale and has every quality to become an instant favorite character among children. Scott Adsit and Ryan Potter are the starring voices that bring the duo of Baymax and Hiro to life, and together they take children of all ages on a heartfelt journey of love, discovery, and adventure.

Panola Playhouse Theatrical Awards Gala, 2015

COMO, Miss. – The historic Panola Playhouse of Sardis, Mississippi officially wrapped up its 2014 season this past Friday, February 27, at 211 Main in Como by celebrating and rewarding the success of the past season’s shows with the first annual Panola Playhouse Theatrical Awards. The gala consisted of hors d’oeuvres and performances from productions done during the season, as well as awards, and culminated with karaoke and dancing.

There was also a special announcement made during the ceremony that evoked excitement among the attending crowd, and is sure to create a buzz in the community once the news makes its way through the small-town businesses and sleepy streets of Sardis: Panola Playhouse has intentions to buy the storefronts with whom it shares its street address, and renovate the buildings into amenities such as scene shops and rehearsal spaces, including a dance studio. The refurbishing would also include projects such as expanding the stage and the backstage area, including dressing rooms and costume shops, and create more seating for the audiences.

After 52 years of operation, Panola Playhouse finally held an awards ceremony.

“We decided that we wanted to have something…to reward people for the season and their hard work and dedication for the past season,” Janine Marshall, executive director of Panola Playhouse stated.

The program began with the distribution of lighthearted and comical awards. Awards were given out for categories such as “Worst Sound Operator,” “Most Likely to Misuse a Prop,” and “Most Likely to Fall Flat on Her Face,” (the recipient was a young actress who had tripped and fallen onstage during a performance). The night then moved on to the more serious categories, such as Best Leading Actor in a Play, Best Featured Actress, Best Set, Best Overall Cast, and other major points of focus.

Panola Playhouse board member Wesley Williamson, who directed two of the five shows that the playhouse presented in the 2014 season, was pleased with the success of the night for the Playhouse, and for the success of the shows in which he had a hand. “We won for Best Cameo…and “Seussical (Jr.)” won for Best Leading Actor age 13-17,” Williamson said.

Williamson is also slated to direct Panola’s upcoming production of “Father Knows Best” in the 2015 season. “Rehearsals will begin on March 30, and then the show runs May 8 through the 17.”

Emily Chateau, an actress from the Memphis area who was nominated for Best Featured Actress for her role in Panola’s production of “Meet Me in St. Louis” said of the reception, “I think it’s great. Panola Playhouse has been around for a long time and for them to finally have an awards ceremony to celebrate their season, I think it’s a great idea and they should do it every year.”

There is good news for Chateau and others who may share her opinion.

“Oh, yes. Every year,” Marshall said when asked if the playhouse had plans for awards ceremonies in the future.

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Jim Ferguson, DeSoto County Schools Superintendent candidate.

DeSoto County, Miss. – In August, DeSoto County residents will take on the task of selecting a new superintendent of DeSoto County Schools. As the largest school district in the state of Mississippi in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, the superintendent essentially holds the futures of these students in his or her hands.

Jim Ferguson, who currently serves as chief academic officer for DeSoto County Schools, is one candidate who believes that he has what it takes to successfully step into the role that Milton Kuykendall will be leaving behind, and continue to guide the already illustrious school district to further accomplishments.

A veteran in the field of education, Ferguson’s career spans over 25 years. He got his start by teaching mathematics at Horn Lake High School in 1990, and after almost a decade of teaching and interested in furthering his impact in education, he made the move from teacher to administrator. Ferguson spent two years as a principal at Hernando High School before moving to Horn Lake High School, where he served from 2003 to 2011.

For Ferguson, the transition from teacher to administrator was driven by his strive for furthering his involvement with the students with whom he spent every day.

“For me it was a desire to expand my influence…to be able to have influence over the whole school,” Ferguson said.

One of those students that profited from the impact of Ferguson’s guidance is Nick Watkins. Watkins, 24, is a graduate from Horn Lake’s class of 2008, where he graduated in the top five of his class.

“I would say that he was a great role model and mentor for me,” said Watkins, who is now a student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. “He was always willing to go out of his way or spend a little bit of time to teach me things, or to advise me on certain things in life.”

“I think that was one of his many strengths…his ability to really connect with his students,” Watkins said of Ferguson.

By establishing this connection with DeSoto County students, Ferguson has come to understand how the county’s diversity affects each individual school system. Ferguson acknowledges that there are challenges within the district, but feels as though his experience and knowledge give him an advantage when making important decisions for the county’s schools.

“Our students are very diverse,” Ferguson said. “The issues that are going on in Horn Lake and Southaven are not what’s happening in some of the outer areas of the county. I’m concerned that if we lose those schools in Horn Lake and Southaven, that if we don’t provide, if we don’t begin to retain teachers at those schools, if we don’t begin to train those teachers…we’re going to be in real trouble with those schools. And some of them already are in trouble, and I think that’s got to be a real priority for the next superintendent.”

Perhaps it will be up to Ferguson to see to it that those schools in the county that are struggling are put back on track, and according to Bonnie Reid, he may be the person for the job.

“I think he’s very qualified,” Reid said.

Reid, a retired English literature teacher who resides in Nesbit, taught at Horn Lake High School while Jim Ferguson was there teaching mathematics. She saw him return in 2003 and assume the role of principal until her retirement in 2007.

“Of course, by that time we were a very large school,” Reid said. “We had 1,840 students at the maximum I think at that time. And Mr. Ferguson was out in the halls. He was frequently in the classroom.”

As far as handling those students is concerned, Reid has nothing but positive memories of Ferguson.

“He was definitely a professional,” Reid said of Ferguson. “I’m sure he had to make tough decisions regarding discipline, but when he did, the well-being of the student was his first priority. If a student was a real problem, or had real problems, he wanted that turned around.”

“I think he’s a man with great integrity,” Reid added.

On Aug. 4, voters will have the option of putting Ferguson into position to implement his vision for DeSoto County Schools, a vision that includes continuing the success of the school system, as well as emphasizing the importance of a college education to the county’s students.

“I want every school to be an environment in which students can prosper, students can thrive,” Ferguson said. “And I think that’s a school administrators want to lead, where teachers want to teach, and where students want to learn…It’s what I believe and know to be true. And so I want every school to have that.”

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