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Tuesday, 27 May 2025
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Written by Kathleen Ramsey
“Oh, it's just a couple of steps," Breon Arzell says, laughing. "Dance is how we tell stories. That's how stories are told within our community. There's a fair bit of movement."
Arzell is both the director and choreographer for Cape Fear Regional Theatre's upcoming production, Once On This Island. Arzell is outspoken and full of laughs. He jokes around with the actors beside him and always seems to be smiling. Arzell has done many productions before, but usually as the choreographer.
"I stop and say, 'Oh right, it's my vision. Leading the ship,’" Azrzell laughs again, pretending to look behind him.
He says he always choreographed numbers that aren't usually choreographed. For him, movement is the story. He says he loves taking final numbers that don't include movement and figures out how to do it a little differently.
"Most people do a park and bark. Me being extra, I wanted to add some extra body and movement."
Beside Arzell is Kendall Stewart, who plays Ti Moune, the main character, and Gerard Williams who plays Agwe, a god in the production. This production is a sort of retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen version of The Little Mermaid but set in Haiti with deep roots in Haitian and Creole culture. For Stewart, she says she didn't know much about the culture before being cast.
"A lot of this process has been unlearning a lot of things about Haitian culture. The way Breon has set up this process with so much care ... It is such a beautiful representation of Haitian culture," Stewart says.
Arzell can't help but break into this part of the conversation. The smile that has sat plumly across his face softens and fades into a more serious look.
"That has been a challenge for a lot of our actors,” Arzell says. "Taking away the Western ideas of what this culture is."
They say Arzell will often tell them to remove their Western ideas and understand that something doesn't mean what they think it does in this culture.
Kendall believes this is the perfect production and message for the residents of Cumberland County.
"I'm hoping they are going to take in a lot of learning about a place and people that they might not have known before. It spans and connects to everyone. This community seems like a very connected town. This community seems very connected. It will inspire them to feel love, compassion, family and community. I think it will hit home."
And of course, they say, the community will get time away from the cares of the world. Attendees will get a moment to be transported into a different story and fall in love with the culture, music and movement.
"I love audience members getting to depart from whatever is happening in the world at the moment," Williams says. "They'll get something extraordinary in this experience. It’s going to be a new discovery. They think they have an idea of what they are coming to see, but they are gonna get so much more. Just being a part of the island."
Once On This Island began May 15 and will run through June at CFRT’s temporary location at 1707 Owen Drive. Tickets range from $19 to $37. For more information, visit cfrt.org.
"It's one of the most beautiful scripts I have witnessed," says CFRT’s marketing director, Ashley Owen. "I have a visceral response to the music. You feel it in your bones and in your soul. It's exactly what everyone needs right now. It's so rich and vibrant and healing in a way."
(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)
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Tuesday, 20 May 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
Shop Cursive, formally known as White Trash & Colorful Accessories, is thrilled to mark its 20th anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about its commitment to creativity and community. Over the past two decades, this unique gift shop has carved out a niche for itself in downtown Fayetteville by offering goods that encourage personal expression and bring a sense of fun and connection.
The owners, Molly and Bruce Arnold, have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville, making significant contributions not just through Shop Cursive but also by owning the building in which it is located and the popular Rude Awakening Coffee House on Hay Street. Their dedication to the community is evident in the shop's longstanding success and loyal customer base.
“After buying 227 Hay St., saving it from demolition, and opening Rude Awakening, Elinor Luse of the Fayetteville Partnership convinced me to buy the condemned building at 223-231 Franklin Street and save it from demolition,” Molly said. “She reminded me of my firm, and often stated, belief that Fayetteville would never have a successful downtown if all we had was Hay Street. In May of 2005, Bruce fell off a ladder while removing some old telephone lines dangling from the front of the building and was out of work, and we had our first lease tenant at the far end. We opened up a Pop-Up Shop that I named White Trash & Colorful Accessories to attract more tenants and for Bruce to sell my inventory of shabby chic style furniture, outdoor metal furniture, and art, and collect unique decor and gift items. I added some greeting cards because cards are a love of mine, and I enjoy mailing them. After we gained other tenants and he went back to work, the store remained.”
Molly talked about the reasons behind the store’s name change, offering a thoughtful explanation of what prompted the decision and how it reflected the evolving vision of the business. She also delved into the factors that have contributed to the store’s remarkable longevity, sharing insights into the values, strategies, and community support that have enabled it to thrive and remain successful for over 20 years.
“A few years ago, we renamed it to Cursive. The original name (White Trash) was tongue-in-cheek for the original peeling paint and rusty metal shabby look that we started selling. Later, it was not as relevant to what we were selling. I chose Cursive because so many of our products have words on them, allowing artistic expressions in your home decor, accessories, and garden/porch/patio. And although the word has no association with cursing, we do shed caution that we feature ‘Vibrant Language,’ and it was my play on words. Our products all make a statement about who the person is- Being Yourself. Unapologetically, Authentically, YOU. It's the authenticity of our store that resonates. I still bring in things curated from my personal collection and unusual finds.”
To thank their customers for two decades of support, Shop Cursive is rolling out exclusive promotions and daily discounts throughout the month-long celebration. Each day will feature special deals on some of their favorite artists and products, making it the perfect time to find unique gifts and treasures.
As part of the anniversary festivities, Shop Cursive will be holding weekly giveaways, providing customers with a chance to win exciting prizes. With every purchase of $20 or more, customers will be entered into a drawing to win a 'Tote of Goodies’, featuring a different prize each week.
Winners will be drawn on Sundays, adding an extra layer of excitement to the shopping experience. The month-long celebration will culminate in a grand finale on May 31. This special event will feature a celebration with snacks and drinks, providing a festive atmosphere for customers to enjoy as they shop and mingle.
Shop Cursive invites everyone to join them for this memorable occasion, which will be a fitting end to a month of fun and rewards. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the shop's 20 years of success and look forward to many more years of creativity and community.
Molly is hoping that the block on Franklin Street offers a home to small businesses and their customers for 20 more years.
“Cursive is one of five stores on Franklin Street fulfilling my vision of offering a small business the affordable opportunity to bring their vision to life. The stores occasionally change, but the synergy and fabulousness of the block stays intact. Cursive's current neighbors are Years Gone By Antiques, The Promise, a retail space available for rent, and, opening soon, a bookstore. We have convenient parking and invite you to visit and explore the specialness of Franklin Street Place.”
(Photo courtesy of Shop Cursive's Facebook Page)
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