We TOTALLY Heart Dallas HUB Theater!

Puppet Government has now played in four theaters, all of which have their own charms. Hyde Park in Austin gave us great audiences during FronteraFest 2006. The Blue Theater was just what we needed for launching ourselves into New York where we were at the Players Loft, a sweet, clean, just-the-right size venue (with, apparently no website I can link you to). But this past weekend at the Dallas HUB Theater? That place ROCKS. The facility was exactly the right size and configuration; the sound system was amazing. But what was even better were the fabulous people we met there.

Tim Shane (pictured at right) is the owner and artistic director. A more generous, helpful person and gracious host never existed. Originally from Chicago, Tim has taken on a mission of making Dallas more indie-theater friendly. If Dallas HUB Theater is an indication of his work, then he's doing a great job. Dallas, are you paying attention?

Jeff Swearingen is a cast member of Puppet Government, and a resident company member of Shane Arts Theatrical Ensemble Rep. We love, love, love Jeff and can't say enough about the amazing contribution he made to this production. Here he is holding Red Rumsfeld (murda murda). Jeff is the author of Rummy's rap and the actor who plays him. We can't wait for another opportunity to work with this amazingly talented, hard working, consummately professional young man.

Any friend of Jeff is a friend of ours, of course, and that's especially true of Cassidy Crown. When we did our fund-raiser here in Austin, Cassidy came down to see the show and ended up running errands and working as an usher. And we didn't even have to ask her to do it -- she volunteered. Her crowning achievement (no pun intended), however, was her own inspired creation of Red Rumsfeld. Again, this was strictly on her own initiative. She found a fruit juicer almost identical to the one we use for Rumsfeld, and she created Rummy's alter ego for Jeff to use in this weekend's production. Does she not rule? Cassidy is also a kick-ass singer, dancer and actor.

Subliminal message to casting directors: Hire Jeff and/or Cassidy! NOW!