FROM MY FRONT PORCH The Lion of Texas is ‘roaring’ back to town!


 You may or may have heard the news, but I will soon be performing my play, “The Lion of Texas - A Conversation with Sam Houston” at the Granbury Opera House as they reopen after a long period of being “dark” due to COVID concerns.

My friends and Opera House officials, Micky Shearon and Jeff Meador, approached me about being one of their first shows to start their season as it is a one-man show and as such, the small cast would limit the chances of COVID exposure. They also seemed to believe that with the show dates being April 17 at 7:30 p.m. and April 18 at 2 p.m., just a week before the 185th anniversary of the actual Battle of San Jacinto, a lot of red-blooded Texas patriots would turn out to see a show about our first president and the story of our beloved Texas.

Many years ago, when I first saw Hal Halbrook perform the award-winning “Mark Twain Tonight,” I thought the show was terrific. It was the first one-man show I had ever attended, and I was impressed with the challenge it posed for the actor. I also remember thinking, “the story of Sam Houston is a whole lot more exciting than Mark Twain!” and telling myself someday when I got older, I was going to write a play about my namesake and perform it for the people of Texas. It took 30 or more years before it happened, but the dream became a reality and I have now performed the show to audiences all over Texas. It has also provided me the opportunity to speak as “General Sam” at the Sam Houston Museum and at the Sam Houston Statute. It never ceases to amaze me that whether the people are from Gainesville, Paris, Grapevine, Plano, Crockett, or Uvalde, Texans never tire of hearing the story of their beloved homeland and the exploits of their most iconic character.

What many of you may not know is that I performed this show at the Opera House four years ago last summer, and it was that performance that brought me to Granbury in the first place. As an actor, it was a thrill for me to perform on the stage of the renowned Granbury Opera House, and now that Granbury has become my home, I believe it will now be even more gratifying.

If you get the chance, come out and see the show. It is humorous, dramatic, interesting and I will bet you learn some things about Texas history you did not know. It is also a great chance to support the Opera House as all ticket sales go to its benefit. Tickets are available at granburytheatrecompany.org. Remember, General Sam expects to see you there!

CONDOLENCES

One last and unrelated thought. I learned last night my friend J.C. Campbell has passed on. The HCN will have more to say in a future edition, but for now let me extend my condolences to the family and acknowledge a life well lived!

Thought for the day: One of the best things about acting is it lets you live other people’s lives without having to pay the price!

Until next time…