NICEVILLE — For almost a century, the American musical theater relied on literature for inspiration. Good books inspired good musicals.

Around the 1990s, the process experienced an interesting reversal. Good films started inspiring good stage musicals. (Think "42nd Street," "Grand Hotel," "Sunset Boulevard," "Monty Python's Spamalot," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Hairspray" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.")

One of those wonderful stage adaptations of a screen hit is "Sister Act," opening Wednesday at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College.

NWFSC's summer musical is always something to look forward to. The professionalism, the scale, the lavishness, the live orchestra (especially at a time when even some Broadway shows are slipping in pre-recorded scores) and the cool dazzle on a hot summer's night are eagerly anticipated, and "Sister Act" doesn't fail to please.

The 1992 Whoopi Goldberg vehicle was a fun movie, and the stage version is just as enjoyable. It's faithful to the story, with the benefit of some real catchy tunes.

Director Joe Taylor does an outstanding job of guiding a cast of nuns, thugs, disco dancers in afros and leisure suits, a monsignor (Zachary Phillips) who looks like Woody Allen and a lovable Philadelphia cop (Jovan Richie) through a lively, visually appealing production.

It's beautifully designed, gorgeously lit, and perfectly cast, including a trio of Crestview residents who have front-and-center roles and talent to spare.

Nick Trolian, a local stage staple we loved as King Arthur in NWFSC's production of "Spamalot," makes a dandy Curtis, a sinister gangster whose moll, nightclub singer Deloris, witnesses him bumping off an informer.

Among his gangsters is his happily goofy nephew, TJ, played by Crestview High and Troy grad Shelby Steverson, who delighted audiences in last summer's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

While TJ's not a central character, Steverson gets lots of fun mugging, making him the standout of a trio of Curtis's leisure suit-clad thugs. The three include James Meadows' likable mop-topped Joey, and Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts co-director Dr. Jeremy Ribando as Pablo.

"Joe (Taylor) twisted my arm," Ribando said of his casting. "The show is SO much fun!"

Quite the counterpoint to her husband's character, Cathy Trolian's Mother Superior is saintly, dedicated and troubled when Philadelphia cop Eddie (played loveably by Jovan Richie) hides Deloris in her convent.

"Is there a smoking section?" the worldly Deloris asks upon arrival.

"Yes dear, and you're heading for it," the frustrated Mother Superior replies.

Diara Morris's Deloris brings this enjoyable show together and propels it along lickety split. Her broad vocal range, comedic timing and winsome personality delighted the preview audience, and her musical numbers brought down the house.

Morris had some touching moments as well, including an act two scene with Sister Mary Robert, played charmingly by Arin Walker. As she assures the novitiate she will succeed in life, Deloris gives Mary Robert her red, rhinestone-studded "FM" pumps.

"What's the FM stand for?" Mary Robert asks innocently.

"Um, I named them for Father Mulcahey, for all the good work he did in Korea," Deloris quickly covers, referencing a beloved character in Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H."

There are no lesser parts in this "Sister Act", right down to the crew, which includes visually appealing—and in the case of the convent scenes, downright gorgeous—set pieces by designer Clint Mahlie, which project, fly or glide swiftly in and out, making for seamless scene changes that don't stall the pace. Veteran tech director Bob Whittaker beautifully lit Mahlie's sets with lighting that infuses the convent scenes with heavenly glows.

Dakota Blankenship, a NWFSC alumnus, gets kudos for his awesome wigs, including towering afros for the fantasy dance number, which also allowed costumier Jennifer Boudette a chance to have some fun with 1970s fashion parodies after garbing a convent full of somberly habited nuns.

"Sister Act" is a saintly way to spend a hot summer's night. The musical runs July 19-22 at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center. For Heaven's sake, don't miss it!

Go to https://goo.gl/Re39kt for tickets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: REVIEW: A heavenly 'Act'

CRESTVIEW — A plaque in honor of late Air Force Gen. William Kirk was unveiled Tuesday morning at Crestview Technology Air Park. 

“I knew him through the Military Affairs Committee many, many years ago,” said Paul Hsu, the chairman and partial owner of Crestview Technology Air Park. “He was such a leader, such a passionate compatriot and American. I admire him, I respected him for all these years and I just want to do whatever I can to memorialize his legacy.”

Kirk was 85 when he died at his Niceville home on April 26. He was a four-star general who — after serving for 38 years — retired from the United States Air Force as commander in chief, U.S. Air Force in Europe/commander, and the Allied Air Forces Central Europe. One of his most notable achievements was when he shot down two MIGs while flying a combat mission during the Vietnam War. 

A strong proponent of education, Kirk served for over 20 years on the scholarship committee for the Air Force Association at Eglin Air Force Base. 

“We raised close to a million bucks for kids to go to college out of our high school locally and Bill was always the heart and soul of that committee,” said Loyal Weaver, the former president of Eglin Chapter Air Force Association.

“So, that’s where I knew Bill. Wonderful guy.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Air Force general remembered at Crestview Technology Air Park

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Okaloosa athletes will compete in the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, Washington, according to Special Olympics Florida – Okaloosa County.

When over 4,000 Special Olympics athletes and coaches gather July 1-6, 2018 in Seattle, Jacob Luttrell of Shalimar and Harrison Mauldin of Crestview will be among the Team Florida athletes on the field. Luttrell is a golfer, and Mauldin will compete in athletics and 10K categories. 

Special Olympics participants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete before tens of thousands of spectators and volunteers.

The USA Games will showcase the limitless talents of people with intellectual disabilities while promoting the barrier-breaking power of sport to promote inclusion and acceptance, according to an event media release. 

Pamela Sparks, Okaloosa County Special Olympics director, said, “I couldn’t be more proud of all of our athletes in Okaloosa County, but these two athletes have exceeded my expectations. Athlete Jacob Luttrell came within six feet (of) winning a Buick in our Hole-in-One Contest sponsored by Sam Taylor Buick Cadillac at our SOFL – Okaloosa County Cinco De Mayo Golf Scramble.

"Athlete Harrison Mauldin was the first Special Olympics Florida athlete to compete in a 10K! Mauldin also was the first athlete to compete in both the 5K and 10K at ESPN Wide World of Sports at State Games," Sparks said.

The kick off on July 1 offers 14 Olympic-type sports: athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

"SOFL is very grateful for Publix, our premier sponsor of Special Olympics Florida. Okaloosa County would also like to thank All Sports Association. Their contribution allows us to offer a multitude of sports to our Okaloosa County athletes," Sparks said.

"It was very inspiring to see the segment of Special Olympics on the ESPYS last week, we are very humbled to be a part of Special Olympics and very happy to see the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage given to Tim Shriver on behalf of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Get involved. Be a fan, be a volunteer, be a coach, be a sponsor!” Sparks said. 

More about the state Special Olympics

SOFL provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities.

Go to www.specialolympicsflorida.org to learn more.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa athletes to compete in Special Olympics USA Games

CRESTVIEW — American Legion Post 75 family fish fry is scheduled.

The event includes food from 6-8 p.m. July 21 and music by the band The Twins afterward through midnight in the post lounge, 898 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview.

Cost is $9 per plate, which includes sides.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview American Legion hosts family fish fry

CRESTVIEW — All gun owners are safe with their weapon of choice as long as they receive proper training, according to Ward Lewis, co-owner of Precision Tactical Arms in Crestview.  

“I don’t think you should discern whether you are a man or woman, whether someone is safe with a gun or not, it’s about the training,” he said. “If someone knows how to use it, that makes it safer.”

But that safety measure only applies to gun owners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent statistics cite that a total of 2,559 gun-related deaths were reported in Florida in 2015, accounting for a death rate of 12 percent, which is slightly higher than the nation’s overall rate of 11.1 percent. 

However, in Crestview, where gun stores and pawn shops line the streets, gun-related homicides are low. Brian Hughes, the public information officer of the Crestview Police Department, said that so far in 2017 there have been no gun-related deaths in the city. The last gun-related deaths in Crestview, he said, were at the hands of 22-year-old Jacob Langston, who killed his mother, stepfather and the boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend at the beginning of January 2016.

But to Ward — who added his company to the NRA-ILA activist list — a .45 is as American as apple pie.  

“The .45 is all-American. It’s Americana,” he said from behind a case of pistols and revolvers in his store. The gun of choice for his wife, he said, is a .380 Smith and Wesson bodyguard laser gun priced at $399.

“My wife has one of these,” he said while pointing its laser onto a rack of shotguns. “And we have a plate glass door, so if I’m not home and a man shows up at the door and she points that laser, she doesn’t even have to shoot and he’ll be gone [he will leave the house]."

“A .22 is not what I would carry,” Ward said as he aligned a set of bullets ranked by diameter, with a .22’s bullet markedly smaller than the rest. “But it’s less expensive to shoot with a .22 and you could use less rounds.” 

He added that a .22’s bullets are more likely to bounce around inside the human body once hit, but work well for squirrel hunting.

Before opening Precision Tactical Arms with his partner Jay Carter, Ward worked in a hangar after earning maintenance and flight certificates, but his passion for guns eventually overcame his interest in aviation.  

“The business was born out of necessity to feed our habit,” he said jokingly.  “It was a hobby at first and a way for me to buy guns and ammunition.”

Ward said he uses discretion while selling guns and that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives criteria weed out potential criminals or sociopaths who may venture into his store. 

“We sell quite a bit to the local community," he said. "Early on in the business, I thought you could tell who you were selling to and what kind of shooter they are and you don’t really judge a book by its cover.”

“You take a good look at them and you say, ‘Hey, how are [you] doing,’” he said about feeling out his potential customers. “You talk through what’s going on; we don’t do high-pressure sales in this store.

"People come in and perhaps don’t pass the background check, and if there is a problem we tell them to leave."

—

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article erroneously stated Precision Tactical Arms' co-owner's name.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'If someone knows how to use it, that makes it safer'

As summer classes and events are winding to a close, we are so thankful for the many people who helped us [at the Crestview Public Library] build a better world.

In Mo Willems' "The Thank You Book," Piggie attempts to thank everyone who is important to him. His friend, Elephant Gerald, is certain he will forget someone. I'm also afraid I'll forget someone, but here I go.

Thank you:

Children — for listening and reading and laughing and learning with us

Parents — for bringing children and making us a part of your child's summer

Coworkers — for checking items in and out; for shelving; for your patience with the crazy; for your support in so many ways

Audrey Milcarek — for teaching ages 6-8

Jean McCarthy — for teaching ages 9-14

Sharon Jones and Marie Heath — for teaching the Mt. Zion Outreach

Angie Nousiainen — for bringing Dozer the Therapy Dog

Dozer — for listening to children read

Crestview Police Department — for teaching us to trust police officers

Volunteers — for shelving, shelf-reading, cleaning and your patience with the crazy

Whataburger, Applebees, Papa John's and Little Caesar's — for free food for reading

Friends of the Crestview Library — for providing milk to go with our cookies at the Reader Awards

Donors — for funds or items for activities or awards

Stop by to read to Dozer 10-11 a.m. July 20 or Aug. 5 if it's not raining.

We have one Ages 3-5 Library Class before school starts. Join us at 10:15 a.m. Aug. 8 for stories and activities that'll make you want to flap your wings!

The Ages 0-2 Library Class starts again at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 11. We'll learn "All About Me."

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HEATHER NITZEL: Thank yous are in order

CRESTVIEW — The John Irving Steele family will have a reunion.

The event is 10 a.m. Aug. 6, with lunch at 1 p.m. at the Blackman Community Center, State Highway 198 N., Blackman.

Call Roddy Steele, 537-7051, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Steele family reunion set

CRESTVIEW — The Beach Brawl Sk8ter Doll Panhandle roller derby team, part of Panhandle United Roller Derby Inc. has members from Crestview, Milton and Holt, as well as Tennessee and Alabama.

The Beach Brawl Sk8ter Dolls are the home team of the nonprofit Panhandle United Roller Derby Inc., ranked 205th internationally by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (www.wftda.com). A portion of ticket sales are donated to local charities and their communities.

The remaining doubleheader bouts for the season are listed below. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Some team names were unavailable as of this writing.

Aug. 19: Clarksvillians vs. BBSD; Tallahassee Rollergirls vs. Dixie Derby Girls.

Sept. 16: Panhandle United Roller Derby vs. Savannah Derby Devils; BBSD vs. Hellions.

Oct. 28: Panhandle United Roller Derby vs. Muscogee Roller Girls; Sugar Sands Roller Dolls vs. Gulf Coast Rollergirls.

Note: The previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Panhandle United Roller Derby Inc. is ranked at 205 in the nation. It is actually ranked at 205 in the world by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. The article also incorrectly referred to bouts as matches and used an inline skate picture. WFTDA rules require four-wheel skates, referred to as "quads." The News Bulletin staff apologizes for these errors.

The News Bulletin staff apologizes for this error.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Three games left in roller derby season

BAKER — A Kids Fun Day will offer free entertainment for area residents.

Lighthouse Church and Golan Assembly of God's Kids Fun Day is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at Blackman Community Center, 7590 US Highway 189, Baker.

Activities include water slides, snow cones, puppetry, hotdogs and goody bags. Door prize winners must be present to win.

Children should bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Kids Fun Day in Baker offers water slides, prizes

CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School softball player Kylee Kimmons is the recipient of the 2017 Whitney Megan Langley Memorial Softball Scholarship.

The Langley family congratulated Kimmons, who will attend Northwest Florida State College in in the fall, and plans to study psychology.

The Langley family created the scholarship nine years ago after Whitney, a former pitcher for the CHS softball team, died in a car accident while playing college softball in Alabama. The scholarship is presented based on the nominees’ traits of leadership, teamwork and dedication.

"Whitney’s parents, Greg and Marge Langley of Crestview, and their children are forever thankful for the love, kindness and support that they received from their family, friends and the community," a media release stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's Kimmons wins Langley memorial softball scholarship