Katie Breitenstein and Eric Vega starred in the production Thursday of “Columbus and the Tesla Box” at Bishop Ward High School. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
On Thursday, the Bishop Ward drama department presented the debut performance of “Columbus and the Tesla Box,” written by Kansas City playwright Lezlie Revelle-Zucker.
The play combines elements of science fiction, murder mystery and romantic comedy, and stars Katie Breitenstein and Eric Vega, a couple unexpectedly thrown together by a scientific mishap at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The author attended the opening night performance and was warmly applauded by the crowd after the show.
“Columbus and the Tesla Box” continues Friday and Saturday evening at Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Performances start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Seniors and the clergy attend free.
Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel
Diane Turrel and Adam Wilson co-starred in the play. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)Regina Sanchez and Ale Jimenez performed as the Rivera Sisters. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)Diane Turrel posed with playwright Lezlie Revelle-Zucker following the performance. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Clyde A. Townsend, former Wyandotte County commissioner and former member of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Board of Trustees, died Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Townsend 90, was a long-time public servant in Wyandotte County. He was a member of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Board of Trustees from 2005 until earlier this year. He also is a past Board of Public Utilities member.
Townsend also formerly worked for the Kansas City, Kansas, Street Department.
Born in DeSoto, Missouri, Townsend served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant first class during the Korean War.
He worked at the Swift Meat Packing Co. in Kansas City, Kansas, during the 1950s.
He was appointed Street Department superintendent in 1961, where he worked for 11 years. He also was employed by The Leader Clothing Store in Kansas City, Kansas.
From 1972 to 1974 he was assistant director of the Licensing Department of Kansas City, Kansas, then he worked at the Wyandotte County Courthouse from 1975 to 1978. He also ran for the Board of Public Utilities.
Townsend was appointed a Wyandotte County commissioner in 1979, after the death of Jim Davis, and served until 1989.
He was a member of the First A.M.E. Church, where he served with the mass choir, usher board, steward board and finance committee.
Townsend also served as a Kansas City, Kansas, Housing Authority commissioner; past president and past lieutenant governor of the Optimist Club; past president and treasurer of the Economic Opportunity Foundation; president of the Friends of Yates Branch; past president of Cancer Action board; member of the state and local executive board of the NAACP; Sunflower Golf Advisory Board; Wyandotte County Foundation Park Board; United Way; Tremont Redevelopment Corp.; and Red Cross.
Survivors include Dewylene Story, longtime companion; her daughters, Sharon D. Taylor; Lisa R. Douglas; one sister, Carol Townson Shores; grandchildren, Courtney, Shawndra, Gerell and Kyla; two special sons, UN Mathis and Tyrone Fulks; and cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are through Thatcher’s Funeral Home, 1520 N. 5th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Townsend was the assistant funeral director for Thatcher’s.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, with community tributes from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Thatcher’s Funeral Home. Visitation also will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at First AME Church, 1111 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the First AME Church, 1111 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
The ramp from eastbound I-70 to southbound 18th Street has been closed because of a collision, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. KC Scout reported 18th Street Expressway was closed at Kansas Avenue at 3:47 p.m., and stated that motorists should use an alternate route. (KC Scout photo)
