Morgan’s Wonderland has been teasing today for a while now, with the promise of a big announcement.
If you were at the park today, you already know what’s coming. If you weren’t, don’t worry, because I was there for the big reveal…
Author: Lee Hurtado
The Boundary And The Price Of Immortality
The last time I was here to review an episode of Doctor Who (too long ago, for which I apologize), it was a really good day. “The Girl Who Died” was another high point for Series 9, and for co-writer Jamie Mathieson, and at this point I can’t be the only one who’d like to see him back with another script or two every season.
But the show should always keep room for new talent. And so the second part of Ashildr’s story was written by Catherine Tregenna, a Torchwood veteran working on her first Doctor Who script. Given her experience, I’m surprised and a little disappointed that it took so long to have her on the show.
And given the story she crafted, I really hope it won’t take so long to bring her back.
Continue reading
The Signal Boost: Aid the Silent
Part of the mission of this blog – indeed, of my whole writing career – is to use what talent I have to support and promote worthy causes. I’ve written quite a few posts to that end, to say nothing of press releases and talking points and other elements, so it seems a good idea to formalize that part of my blogging as a recurring feature, hence “The Signal Boost.”
Like the name implies, The Signal Boost will be dedicated to supporting organizations and their upcoming events. If you’d like to see your organization or event featured here, please e-mail me with the details.
When you work with individuals with special needs, it changes your perspective, and for the better. It makes you a more sensitive person, more aware of what other people are going through. And it makes you want to help.
I hope my experiences with Morgan’s Wonderland and the Academy there have made me a better person. I know they’ve made me want to help.
Which brings me to this weekend. Continue reading
Halloween at Morgan’s Wonderland, or: More Delightful Than Frightful
If you’re looking for a fun and family friendly Halloween event, of course you can count on Morgan’s Wonderland to be hosting one.
This Saturday, from 5:00-9:00pm, the park will be hosting its annual “More Delightful Than Frightful” celebration. The treat is that you get to share the holiday in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. There really is no trick.
Of course, admission is only $5.00, or FREE with a donation of three non-perishable food items. All the food donations, and a portion of the proceeds, will go to the San Antonio Food Bank.
Great fun, great place, great cause. Every reason to suit up, show up, and spread the word.
Thanks as always for your support – hope to see you there!
What’s Going To Happen At Morgan’s Wonderland?
Well, you’ll just have to be there on November 10 to find out..
I’ve Just Seen A Face
There are times when it’s very hard to write about Doctor Who.
Especially this season, one of the best in YEARS. A season when most episodes have been so good that it’s a real challenge to come up with a review that doesn’t consist almost entirely of “HOLY CRAP” and “OMG” and “SQUEEEEEEE!”
But episodes like “The Girl Who Died” make that a great problem to have.
On The Hazards Of Reviewing Part 1 Before You’ve Seen Part 2
You’ll remember (especially since it was only last week) that I was disappointed in Doctor Who‘s prior episode, “Under the Lake.” After the fantastic opening that was “The Magician’s Apprentice” and “The Witch’s Familiar,” the storytelling in this Part 1 just didn’t seem to measure up by comparison.
But it’s been a long while since we Whovians have seen a season built entirely on multi-part stories, as Series 9 has promised. When a narrative is allowed to unfold over two or more episodes, you have to look at the parts in the context of the whole. And when you do, things that might not work in the beginning make a lot more sense by the end.
Which is to say that I appreciate “Under the Lake” a lot more now that I’ve seen “Before the Flood.”
“Celebrate America”: It’s That Time Again
For the last several years (I think I came on in 2008- is that right, Nikki?), I’ve been privileged to be part of the team that brings the Celebrate America writing program to San Antonio. It’s sponsored nationally by the American Immigration Council, and facilitated locally by the law firm De Mott, McChesney, Curtright & Armendariz (or DMCA), and I’ve helped spread the word to teachers, students, parents, and the media.
It’s been a great experience for me. I’ve learned a lot – about history, about people, and even about myself and my writing.
So you probably have an idea of what’s next… Continue reading
Another Casting Call From Morgan’s Wonderland
From the Entertainment Director at Morgan’s Wonderland (which is to say, Nikki):
Opportunities are now available for homeschooled teens to retirees – and all ages in between – to perform in our children’s theatre educational outreach program throughout the school year!!
Open to seasoned actors and those looking to gain further experience.
We do offer a per show stipend and a bus to travel to and from each show, but you must have reliable transportation to get to the park. Those interested need to be available Tuesdays and Thursdays during the day.
Those interested must have a willingness, an understanding, and a passion for sharing the Morgan’s Wonderland mission!!
If this is for you, please email to nyoung@morganswonderland.com:
- A headshot or recent pic
- The best number to reach you at
- Your resume (or you can simply list any experience)
- PLUS be sure to share any personal connection or interest you have in our special needs community.
Thank you!!
If you think you might be a good fit for a role (or it for you), please consider submitting. If you think someone I missed might be a good or better fit (such as a colleague, or a former student), please tag or otherwise refer them. And if I can ask for a signal boost, please share.
Thanks as always for your support!
Speechless, But Speaking Volumes
I wanted to like this week’s Doctor Who much more than I did. It’s not a terrible episode ([insert random snark about “Let’s Kill Hitler” here]), but after Twelve’s rock-idol return in “The Magician’s Apprentice” and the beautiful character scenes of “The Witch’s Familiar,” any story would have to be really special to even hope to measure up. And this one wasn’t quite there.
But even if the great moments of “Under the Lake” didn’t add up to a great episode, they were still great moments.
Especially one.
Lee Hurtado, Writer 