HUNTSVILLE ARTS & EVENTS

Latest news and movie, music, event and restaurant listings for Huntsville, Alabama

Good-bye 2008. We won't miss you.

The bad economy. Political scandals. Sarah Palin.

2009 can't be any worse, right?

Before you totally forget the past year, take a minute and have a look at our Top 10 Local Entertainment Stories of 2008:

Photo from marklowry.comChristian comedian Mark Lowery

At least that's the philosophy for Christian comedian Mark Lowry, and it appears to be working.

One of his most popular routines involves his own childhood memories when his "momma had enough."

Dave Dieter / Huntsville Times"Sanders Family Christmas" at Burrritt Museum. Front row from left Kelly Lynn (Burl); Kelly Sims (Vera - the mom) Molly Lynn (Denise) 2nd row from left w/Bible Jeff White (Rev Olgathrope), Martin Munn (Dennis) mandolin; Mit Merritt (Stanley) on base; and Joanna Broad White (June).

Looking for a neat holiday theater experience? Head to Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum to see Renaissance Theatre's production of "Sanders Family Christmas."

The entire family will love this show, said Joanna Broad, who co-directs the play.

My legs hurt. My stomach's feasted on great food. My wallet doesn't seem as thick.

That's what happens during a weekend in New York City. You walk a lot. You eat a lot. You spend a ton of money.

But hey, how often are you in the city that never sleeps?

As I sit here in La Guardia Airport typing this blog, I can't wait to get home and sleep in my own bed. I'm exhausted.

Here's why:

Photo courtesy Marty Sohl / Metropolitan OperaSusanna Phillips, a 27-year-old from Huntsville, made her Metropolitan Opera House debut Dec. 15 in New York City in the role of Musetta in Mario Puccini.s "La Bohme." More than 140 friends and family members went to New York to cheer her on.

Then, when Susanna Phillips opened her mouth and her voice filled the world's most prestigious opera house, I got chills. That's what happens when you follow someone for almost a year.

Moments ago, Phillips, Huntsville's most celebrated soprano, completed her first performance of "La Boheme" at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.

Everything you've ever heard about New York is true.

Want something? It's all at your fingertips.

Right now, it's Sunday night and I'm sitting within inches of a flat screen TV. The Metropolitan Opera is so close, I could fall out the window and land on the building.

Nervous because everyone will be watching her.

Photo courtesy of www.susannaphillips.comHuntsville native Susanna Phillips will showcase her vocal talent at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Ready to show the rest of the world a voice that Huntsville audiences already know and love.

That sums up how Susanna Phillips, Huntsville's most celebrated soprano, feels today.

On Monday night, Phillips will make her debut at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The 27-year-old singing sensation will play the role of Musetta in Puccini's "La Bohme."

"I feel more excited than anything else," Phillips told The Times Saturday in an exclusive interview.

She has been preparing for Monday night's performance since accepting the role back in February.