By Kaitlin Candelaria Roy Hudson is no stranger to the theater scene in Alabama. He was named teacher of the year in Alabama in 2008 – the first time a fine arts teacher had ever claimed the title. He founded the now well-known Shades Valley Theatre Academy at Shades Valley High School, where he taught for more than 15 years. And now he’s added a new entry to his resume; in … [Read more...]
The Music Mann: Birmingham Actor Directs New Production of Favorite Musical
By Kaitlin CandelariaJack Mann has spent a lifetime developing talent. Retired from Alagasco in an employee devolopment role, he has also spent more than fifty years in local theater acting and directing. He and his wife, Suzanne are well known throughout Birmingham’s fine arts community.Their love is fitting considering they fell in love on stage during a production of … [Read more...]
Fashion Is Her Field: Designer Heidi Elnora Stays Grounded with Family, Farm Home
By Kaitlin CandelariaHeidi Elnora is all about defying expectations.Most people wouldn’t expect a wedding dress designer to achieve fame out of Birmingham, but Elnora has. Most people also wouldn’t expect a designer who specializes in couture gowns to live in the middle of a hayfield, but again, Elnora is full of surprises.“I was told growing up it couldn’t be … [Read more...]
Where the Wild Things Are: Zoo Celebrates 60th Anniversary
By Kaitlin CandelariaBreak out the cake and candles -- the Birmingham Zoo is celebrating 60 years of wild fun in Birmingham.To kick off the 60th anniversary birthday weekend, the facility reopened two of its existing exhibits after making updates and expansions. The Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary and Wildlife Show were both re-launched April 2 for guests to … [Read more...]
Megan LaRussa’s Style Has a Southern Accent
By Donna CorneliusCollege football fans go through a lot for their teams, traveling cross-country to away games, showing up to cheer when it’s 100 degrees in the shade and putting off that pesky house payment to buy ever-pricier tickets.But one thing that needn’t be on the sacrificial athletic altar is style.Megan LaRussa, a Birmingham-based fashion event … [Read more...]