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Ride ’Em, Cowboys

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The Magnificent Seven

Starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Peter Sarsgaard & Haley Bennett

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

PG-13


The western pretty much trotted into the sunset decades ago, but every once in a while something gallops out of Hollywood that reminds us just what a big deal cowboys used to be.

And the cowboy, as depicted and polished by Hollywood and pop culture, remains one of America’s most potent mythic figures—a rugged, rustic, stoic, individualistic, self-sacrificing hero, good with a gun and sometimes even better with women.

The Magnificent Seven gets a lot of its retro dust honestly. For starters, it’s a remake of a remake: The original Seven, in 1960, was an all-star Americanized version of a 1954 Japanese classic, Seven Samurai, in which a samurai warrior and six others band together to defend a village from marauding bandits.

Director Antoine Fuqua certainly knows how to make an action-packed project click into place, with clear-cut lines between good guys and bad guys, a lofty morality-lesson overlay and a dark undertow of bloody revenge.

The star here is clearly Denzel Washington—his collaboration with Fuqua in Training Day brought him an Oscar, and the two also worked together in The Equalizer. He plays sure-shot bounty hunter Sam Chisholm, who comes to the aid of a small frontier town under the rule of ruthless robber baron Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) and his murderous cutthroat bodyguards. Bogue has poisoned the water supply, set fire to the church, enslaved the local men to work in his gold mine and demanded that the residents either sell out, move out—or else.

Beseeched by a firebrand widow (Haley Bennett) whose husband was killed by Bogue’s thugs, Chisholm—whose very name evokes the title of a 1970 John Wayne western, Chisum—assembles a group to help reclaim the town.

The multinational, cross-cultural rainbow coalition looks awesome onscreen, but it feels more like an Old West Suicide Squad—or a colorful team of Avengers assembled by way of High Noon—much more than an organic group of renegades and rogues, despite all the grime, grit, dirt, sweat, stubble and scruff.

Chris Pratt is heavy-drinking, wisecracking Josh Faraday, whose skill with cards helps him in more ways than one. Ethan Hawke’s erudite former Confederate sharpshooter is haunted by ghosts of his wartime past. His Chinese partner (Byung-hun Lee) can do lethal wonders with any type of blade or firearm.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is a hunky Mexican outlaw whose vicious skillset makes him a valuable member of the seven. A young renegade Comanche (Martin Sensmeier) likes the gallant cause and wants to come aboard. Vincent D’Onofrio’s big, Bible-quoting mountain man is a holy terror—and an audience favorite.

Bullets fly, bodies fall, blood flows, hooves thunder, jokey banter gets bantered, dynamite goes ka-boom. There’s a particularly twisty twist at the end that you won’t see coming. You may catch—or imagine—wispy glimpses of the ghosts of Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and other western icons looming and lurking around the edges of some of the scenes.

With a winning combo of gunpowder and star power, The Magnificent Seven brings the cowboy past into focus with the Hollywood present. If you like your popcorn sprinkled with old-fashioned, good-guy gusto, it’s as rip-roaring a time that’s come along on horseback in years.


—Neil Pond, Parade Magazine

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Evening spectacular “IgNite” captivates audience with fireworks

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SeaWorld San Antonio’s new nighttime spectacular – Electric Ocean – transforms the park this summer into a sea of glowing color and energy. Electric Ocean ignites at SeaWorld on Friday, June 15, and lights up the park nightly through Aug. 12.

“When the sun goes down, our park comes alive with a celebration of illumination, featuring vibrant night shows with exhilarating performances,” said Carl Lum, SeaWorld San Antonio park president. “Immersed in exotic worlds of light, music and incomparable special effects, our guests can experience their favorite SeaWorld rides and attractions in a whole new way – lit by the Electric Ocean glow.”

Electric Ocean brings longer park hours which enable guests to voyage into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music and a brilliant energy that sparks in the evening twilight, Lum added. Guests can experience exciting nighttime shows, returning summer classics and a plethora of new food and drink options throughout the park. The energy of the night culminates with a family-friendly dance party before “IgNite” lights up the sky in a spectacular fireworks finale.

Electrifying Entertainment:

  • Electric Ocean Party Zone – Featured nightly, this party zone brings the night to life with Latin beats, glow zones and an interactive atmosphere. Guests can choose the music they want to dance to by picking up headphones and diving into the Deep Sea Silent Disco where they get to create their own dance floor experience.
  • Chill Out – Guests can cool down in the park’s new 50 degree club featuring a menu of frozen treats, glow merchandise and a live DJ.
  • IgNite – The evening comes to an amazing end when “IgNite” erupts across the park’s lake with a spectacular fireworks display, backed by a soundtrack of electronic dance music.
  • HydroPower: Xtreme FX – This high-energy, extreme water ski stunt show captures the audience’s attention with non-stop action, including unique stunts and comedy capers in a variety of individual and ensemble performances, as well as a live rock band and glittering pyrotechnics.
  • Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up the Night – This returning fan-favorite features original music, amazing production elements and a high-energy presentation of SeaWorld’s majestic orcas. Guests will watch in awe as Shamu Theater transforms with stylistic lighting and colorful backdrops to create a celebratory atmosphere as vibrant as the sea itself.
  • Sea Lions Tonite – Guests can laugh along to a hilarious, off-the-wall parody of a trip to SeaWorld through the eyes of sea lion superstars, Clyde and Seamore.
  • Evening Coaster Thrills – With extended park hours, thrill-seekers are invited to take on SeaWorld’s three iconic coasters as the sun sets. Riders can soar into the night sky on Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster, The Great White inverted coaster featuring an 8-story drop and a fan-favorite, the Steel Eel hypercoaster featuring a 150-foot drop at 65 mph.

Best Way to Play

The best way to experience Electric Ocean at SeaWorld San Antonio and all the other great events throughout the year is with a SeaWorld San Antonio $69 2-Park Flex Ticket. This limited-time offer allows guests unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio water park for up to 3 consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

For more information, park hours and how to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest park updates and Electric Ocean information.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, behavioral training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

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New Sesame Street Party Parade “floats” into Seaworld San Antonio

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SeaWorld San Antonio will set course for a lively summer season with the debut Saturday, May 19, of the interactive Sesame Street Party Parade starring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.

The colorful, musical, show-stopping parade, which can be seen in San Antonio only at SeaWorld, will feature 10 larger-than-life themed floats including iconic Sesame Street favorites such as Mr. Hooper’s Store and Count’s Castle. Elmo and his furry cast of friends will join more than 20 dancers, who will engage with guests during this highly-energetic, 17-minute experience. The toe-tapping good times will roll through SeaWorld May 19-20, May 26-28, June 2-3, June 9-10 and June 15 through Aug. 12 (excludes Tuesdays), and the experience is included with park admission.

The Sesame Street Party Parade includes a pair of impressive, interactive show stops. The first includes performers jumping rope, hula hooping and grooving with their favorite Sesame Street friends and dancers. The second stars Rosita, a Sesame Street favorite who likes to play the guitar and who is fluent in English and Spanish.

The parade is the latest Sesame Street addition to SeaWorld San Antonio. The park’s Sesame Street Bay of Play area is celebrating its 7th year in 2018 and, the Sesame Street Party Parade adds a whole new dimension to the Bay of Play experience.

Sesame Street has had a long and popular presence in our park,” said Sharon Aguillen, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice president of entertainment. “We’re delighted to expand our entertainment offerings for families and kids with this brand-new, engaging and endearing parade through the park. No doubt it will offer our guests some great opportunities for phenomenal photos.”

Guests can purchase a bundled package that includes access to a reserved VIP parade-viewing area and Dine with Elmo & Friends. The package is available for $35 (ages 10 and older) and $25 (ages 3 to 9).

Kids ages 3-5 get free unlimited admission all year to SeaWorld San Antonio with a Preschool Card, exclusively for Texas residents. To qualify, parents must register online by June 24, 2018 and provide a copy of their Texas ID and their child’s birth certificate or passport to redeem the card at the park.

Best Admission Deal – Flex Ticket

The best deal to experience all the Sesame Street Parade fun is with a $69 2-Park Flex Ticket. This limited-time offer allows guests unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio water park for up to 5 consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, behavioral training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

 

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Music series begins with string quartet at MSU

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The seventh season of Midwestern State University’s Music Series at Akin begins with an internationally acclaimed string quartet with a Wichita Falls connection.
The Escher Quartet, praised for both individual and ensemble technical proficiency will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Akin Auditorium.
Violist Pierre Lapointe and violinist Adam Barnett-Hart founded the Escher String Quartet in 2005 and soon after were recognized for work ethic and instrumentalism.
Critics also compared them to another celebrated group, the Emerson String Quartet, who were guests for the Music Series at Akin in October 2015. Cellist Brook Speltz and violinist Danbi Um complete the quartet.

Read the full story in the mid-week News.

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