March 2022 - Embrace Southern States

Congratulations, Mr. Director, from a few of your fans.

Sarah Qarqish, Arts and Culture Coordinator at the “Mary C.” had this to say, “Andy Kalberg is truly a special human being; the best kind of influencer who is quick witted, creative, and professional. He slaved away building incredible sets and directed an unforgettable play. Andy has inspired us all with his rare talent and infectious spirit. Andy is truly passionate and everything he touches is transformed into a work of art!”

Andy has a gift for detail in set creation.

Rafe Oneal, Co-founder and Treasurer of WATP said, “The entire Board of Directors of the Walter Anderson Theater Project is thrilled to have played a role in Anthony Kalberg seeing his bucket-list show, A Streetcar Named Desire, produced. Anthony has been an important part of WATP since its beginnings, both on stage as the star of our production of Scrooge-The Musical, and behind the scenes as set decorator on many of our shows, to finally, directing his dream show, A Streetcar Named Desire. We are truly blessed to have had Mr. Kalberg on our team these last several years. It is kind of fun working with a local legend!

Per Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Sutton, “A huge congratulations to Director Kalberg. He is one great example of why Ocean Springs welcomes over 350,000 visitors each year to this colorful coastal community. We are a cultural mecca for fun, festivals, food, art, and heart. Ocean Springs is a one-of-a-kind artsy destination, just as Anthony Kalberg is a one-of-a-kind professional in everything he does.”

Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center has great info.

When I asked Andy how he ever managed to rise above the overwhelming obstacles that kept popping up, here was his reply, “I signed up for this and take it very seriously. I have proven myself by staying the course and getting the job done.” So, what else might Andy wish to direct in the future? He says that after a VERY long rest he would like to direct another famous Williams play, The Glass Menagerie.

Andy Kalberg is a joy to know and a pleasure to engage in conversation. Here is an excellent example from our recent chat. When I asked about his most endearing qualities, he replied, “God has given me the ability to encourage people when life gets them down. I can make people laugh too, with my silly stories, humorous Facebook pictures, and my crazy antics. Bringing humor into this sad old world…I like that best!”

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A group of amazing ladies in Columbus, Mississippi taught me important lessons on HOW TO appreciate their town.

ART: The magnolia is the State Flower of Mississippi.

ARCHITECTURE: Details of the 1st home of Tennessee Williams.

As a travel writer focused on the southeastern United States, my first tier of attention is art, architecture, and food. The second tier is nature and anything that captures my imagination or brings me unexpected joy.

For my time in Columbus, Mississippi the joy would be based on design details of Victorian buildings, ingredient details of local culinary delights, and a smattering of prescheduled interviews… maybe!

FOOD: Delicious meal at Farmstead Restaurant.

Jan and Emily love to discuss Mississippi art and literature.

The “W” is where Eudora Welty attended college.

In the T. Williams home I admired artwork of the Angel of Grief & much more.

Meeting Friendly Folks

After enjoying the smell of early morning mist on the Tombigbee River, my morning goal was to photograph outdoor shots of homes, churches, and murals . Lunch at the Farmstead Restaurant followed and included sausage, peppers, onions, and fried okra. Three friendly servers saw my Canon camera and began telling me of great nearby photo ops. They suggested a train displayed at the neighborhood park, a nearby thrift store, and the Angel of Grief at Friendship Cemetery.

Then they asked whether I had met Mother Goose. Admitting that this was unfamiliar brought a flood of enthralling stories about this local celebrity.

The next day I talked with Jan from the arts council and Emily from a local bookstore. Next was Hope from a local museum, and Barbara from a preservation organization. Their helpfulness was so sweet and unfeigned that it was almost magical. They spoke in deeply respectful, almost reverential, tones about the literary significance of two people. One was Tennessee Williams, who was born here. The other was Eudora Welty, who attended college here at the “W”. Then they asked if I had met Mother Goose. Okay, now this was seriously piquing my curiosity.

Listening…Really Listening!

Taking time to listen to the fabulous stories of many Columbus residents became just as important as exploring the town. Their relaxed and friendly manner became just as captivating as their lovely Mississippi accents. Drifting off that night in my hotel, I was sure that these fascinating people in this beautiful town were casting a blithesome spell on me. What serendipitous pleasures would tomorrow bring?

What that next and final day in town did bring was a tour of the Tennessee Williams House and Welcome Center given by Nancy and Lillajo. How was it possible that each person encountered on this trip seemed more knowledgeable and more gracious than the ones before? Their excitement and pride in sharing about the writer and his first home convinced me to absolutely reread his works, and the sooner the better.

See the Tombigbee River & nature in Columbus, MS.

Nancy shared a wealth of facts about local attractions, sporting events, and the local military base. She works in tourism and had created a tagline, “Columbus, the city that has it all.” Listening to her soothing southern accent as she spoke those seven words, my inclination was to totally agree. This town of Columbus, Mississippi does make a delightful destination where anyone could find relaxation. It was like a drink of restorative and magical medicine for my body, mind, and spirit.

Of course, as we parted ways, she asked if I had met Mother Goose.

It Is Time!

Heading for my final appointment of the trip, to learn more about Barbara and the grassroots organization she directs, I stopped to take a photo at the corner of Main and 7^th streets. There a utility box had been painted to honor and celebrate Edwina Williams who is known as a local treasure and the personification of Mother Goose. If we were not to meet, at least that photo would be a sweet reminder of how the community obviously adores her.

Edwina Williams is a beloved local celebrity.

The meeting with Barbara went well. She gave me several reasons to want to return to this incredibly charming town. After a supremely satisfying interview, she said she had one final surprise for me. She phoned her office manager and simply said, “It is time.”

Beautiful Barbara Bigelow of Main Street Columbus!

The door opened and in stepped Mother Goose! She called my name and hugged me as though we were dear friends. For the next hour she laughed, sang, and told her story. It was about literacy, heart, and happiness. More than once, my eyes filled with true tears of joy while taking notes. I knew on that day that I would forever be grateful to the lovely ladies of Columbus for showing me a glimpse of their world. Each one gave me another lesson on how to listen to the personal stories and appreciate the layers of joy and beauty in this great town. They opened my eyes to Mississippi magic and Mother Goose!