Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1505276
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 16 UCW AUGUST 9 - 15, 2023 EVENTS Children across the world have come to love Bluey Heeler, the blue, television cartoon dog with an Aus- tralian accent, and her entire fam- ily. Bluey and the rest of the Heeler family aren't just for the kids though; the Emmy award-winning children's series has long been lauded by parents as highly relatable. Now, Fayetteville families can enjoy a front row seat to the Heelers' life like never before. On Aug. 17, "Bluey's Big Play the Stage Show" will go live on stage at the Crown eatre with larger- than-life sized puppets, dialogue by the real actors behind the television show, and brand new music from award-winning Bluey composer, Joff Bush. You might say that "Bluey's Big Play e Stage Show" brings everything families love about the television series brought to the stage. e stage show was even written by the TV show's creator, Joe Brumm. Brumm has taken moments from his own family and turned them into "Bluey" and it shows. e show has become a global phenomenon and is essential viewing in so many homes with children. As with the TV show, "Bluey's Big Play e Stage Show" focuses on the Heeler's everyday life. e plot involves Bluey and her little sister Bingo trying to convince their dad, Bandit, to abandon his plans for a lazy Sunday afternoon and play with them. Also like the TV show, "Bluey's Big Play" will also impact audiences with meaningful lessons about being a family. Parents can take home with them a valuable message about quality time with their kids, while kids can learn about being a good sibling. In an email to the Los Angeles Times, Brumm wrote about the show, "It's about a family that loves each other. It reminds you of how funny and weird kids are and how hard but rewarding parenting them is. It comes from a very real place. It's just my life with my kids, in dog form." e experience for Fayetteville Bluey fans is sure to be a fun one, with interactive audience participation such as a live game of "keepy uppy" that takes place after curtain call and a VIP show add-on that allows attend- ees to meet and get a photograph with a Bluey character. While a typical episode of "Bluey" is around seven minutes long, "Bluey's Big Play" is around 50 minutes long, not including the VIP experience. e excitement is growing for both kids and their parents with one dad commenting on a Facebook post about the play, "I might be more excit- ed than she is!" A mom tagged a friend saying, "Even if the kids don't want to go, can we go see this together?" It's clear that the chance to see the world's favorite dog family is one that Fayetteville doesn't want to miss! Tickets to the show are almost sold out, but the few that are left can be purchased at the Crown Box Office, the Fort Liberty Leisure Travel Office, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Editor's note: Madeleine Eversole is the Director of Marketing for the Crown Complex. Bluey and the Heeler family comes to the Crown by MADELEINE EVERSOLE YMUS: A local organization with a mission for men's health by CARRIE JACKSON In our society, men often feel pres- sured to hide their emotions and bear their pain in silence. YMUS (You, Me, and Us), founded by Tony U. Brown, offers a range of resources and programs to address these pressures and enhance mental health and well-being. From therapy sessions to workshops on self-care and stress management, YMUS equips men with the tools they need to navigate their emotions and build resilience. e initiative aims to address men's mental health challenges by providing a safe space where they can openly express themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule. Beyond these walls, vulnerability is not seen as a weakness but as a strength, a powerful tool for personal growth and under- standing. YMUS brings together men from diverse backgrounds in support- ive circles. Research consistently highlights the mental health challenges faced by men, who may feel trapped and devoid of outlets for their pain. YMUS seeks to break this cycle by creating an environment where emotional release is celebrated and support is available. Since its inception, YMUS has witnessed incredible transformations in the lives of its participants. Men who have felt isolated and burdened by their pain have found comfort and understanding within this commu- nity. YMUS offers a glimmer of hope in the darkness. YMUS paves the way for a more compassionate and understanding world by combating the stigma sur- rounding men's mental health. On Aug. 17, YMUS will make avail- able "A Solace Oasis," a film that showcases the transformative power of the organization and reminds us of the importance of open dialogue and support for men's mental health. In the emotionally charged and uplifting film, "A Solace Oasis," we wit- ness the incredible impact of YMUS. is poignant story follows a group of men who have long felt isolated and burdened by their pain, society's expectations weighing heavily on their shoulders. rough sharing their stories and embracing vulnerability, they begin a healing journey that not only impacts their own well-being but also inspires others to do the same. is ripple ef- fect extends beyond the con- fines of YMUS, as the men forge healthier relationships, mend fractured families, and contrib- ute to a more compassionate and understanding society. "A Solace Oasis" is a reminder that vulnerability is an essential part of being human. It shines a light on the importance of open dialogue and support for men's mental health, challenging soci- etal norms and dismantling the harmful stigma surrounding it. As the film reaches its power- ful and hopeful conclusion, we are left with a glimmer of hope in the darkness, knowing that the YMUS community and its mis- sion will continue to break the chains of silence and advocate for emotional well-being for all. Editor's note: Carrie Jackson is the Marketing Director for Women's View Magazine. CARRIE JACKSON, Contributor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200 MADELEINE EVERSOLE, Contributor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com 910-484-6200