As you’ve seen in the September/October issue, we’re doing something a little different with entertainment coverage. I’ll still make a few picks every month, but I’ll also dig a little more deeply into a few interesting stories.
This time out, none is more interesting than my chat with author Clara Sneed, whose newly released Because This Is Texas explores one of the most famous love triangles in Amarillo history—Beal Sneed, Lena Snyder Sneed and Albert Boyce Jr. Clara Sneed has researched the Boyce-Sneed feud extensively for several decades, resulting both in the nonfiction Because This Is Texas and the historic fiction novel Before We Turn to Dust.
In the process, California resident Clara Sneed got close to her cousin, the late Joe Pool, one of Amarillo’s most prominent oil and cattlemen and a devoted patron of the arts. In my time covering and working with Amarillo arts groups, I got to know Joe and his wife, Arlene, which became an immediate point of connection while speaking with Clara.
“Joe Pool was like the J. Edgar Hoover of the (Boyce-Sneed) files,” Clara reminisced. “I don’t mean in terms of being a creep, but in terms of having everything. Joe was just lovely, sort of quiet … and a lovely, lovely person to be around. He could go so deep in the weeds with me on this stuff.”
Clara Sneed found plenty of other resources, too, and goes deep in her book about Lena Snyder Sneed’s involuntary committal to a Fort Worth mental institution, her fleeing to Canada with her lover, and the unexpected connection Clara herself made with a Beale descendant. Check out the full article and look for Sneed’s book.
The magazine also includes a look into how Amarillo Little Theatre scores so many regional premieres of popular musicals, including Frozen, opening this weekend. (Full disclosure: I’m an ALT board member.) That’s as good as any transition I can think of to offer a handful of entertainment picks for the week ahead:
Frozen: The beloved Disney musical comes to the stage, complete with dazzling costumes, a walking puppet and all of the songs your kids can’t stop singing. Plus, kiddos can enjoy a special ALT Princess Singalong at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, featuring costumed Disney karaoke, photos and more. (7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; continues through Sept. 21; ALT Allen Shankles Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle; ticket prices vary; 806-355-9991)
Symphony Under the Stars: The Amarillo Symphony returns once more to Hodgetown for a pops concert featuring iconic music from such films as Star Wars, E.T., Superman and more, culminating in a fireworks finale. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; gates open at 6 p.m.; 715 S. Buchanan St.; tickets $14 and up; 806-803-9547 or 806-376-8782)
First Friday Art Walk: The favorite tradition continues at Arts in the Sunset. (5 to 9 p.m. Friday; 3701 Plains Blvd.; free; 806-354-8802)
The Stray Sons: The Amarillo rock band (and subject of another feature in the September/October issue) takes the stage at Blind Pig. (9 p.m. Saturday; 609 S. Independence St.; 806-412-4251)
Hamilton: The era-defining musical finally comes to the big screen in a filmed version originally meant for theatrical release in 2021 but was released in the summer of 2020 as lockdown panacea (and to draw attention to the newly launched Disney+ streaming service). It’s hitting screens now, filmed with its original cast, as part of 10th anniversary celebrations. (Opens Thursday; Cinemark Hollywood 16, 9100 Canyon Drive)
