Life, Love, Food, and The Thorn

Frank A. Fiorello; peace, love, and a loaded gun.

On a picturesque autumn evening in late October, I had the pleasure of dining out with three distinguished ladies, followed by a night at the theatre. This outing promised exceptional cuisine, engaging conversation, joyful laughter, and enduring memories that would remain etched in our collective recollection.

We commenced the evening at Villa Restaurant, a remarkable Italian eatery nestled in Eastpointe, a suburb of Detroit, with a rich history dating back to 1956. This hidden gem, located in a discreet building on Gratiot, is identifiable by the American and Italian flags at its entrance, warmly welcoming patrons.

As we entered the parking lot located at the rear of the building and took our seats inside, we were immediately immersed in the pleasant surroundings of Villa Restaurant. The thoughtful décor and enticing kitchen scents combined to establish a comfortable setting that put us at ease. Our waitress delivered outstanding service, demonstrating a keen sense of timing and hospitality, making us feel right at home.

My dining companions and I chose a trio of dishes for a shared culinary experience. Our meal commenced with calamari, distinguished by its delicate breading and flavorful dipping sauce, served alongside cappuccinos and a glass of red wine. The three entrees that followed – manicotti, steak Siciliano, and chicken cacciatore – were uniformly excellent and satisfying, leaving us with a generous amount of leftover cuisine. I could go on raving about Villa Restaurant but let’s save that for a future article.

Tonight, we are thrilled to focus on the performing arts with 'The Thorn,' a unique experience for all. After dining, we will head to Detroit's iconic Fox Theater, though we first face the challenge of finding parking, which can be difficult in the area due to various events and daily traffic. This outing may become an unexpected adventure as we deal with parking attendants whose language skills are limited and whose attitude is pronounced. We ultimately received a refund after a minor altercation with one such attendant. But took control at the next parking lot and started walking to our destination.

In 1928, the Fox Theater debuted as the flagship cinema of the Fox Theatres chain, notable for its unprecedented 5,000-seat capacity that ranked it as the city's largest theater. The architectural vision of C. Howard Crane, the Fox Theater garnered recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

As one of five prominent theaters developed by film pioneer William Fox in the late 1920s, it joined the ranks of esteemed venues in Brooklyn, Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco. C. Howard Crane's design incorporated an eclectic, exotic aesthetic that blended elements of Burmese, Chinese, Indian, and Persian cultures. The theater's seating was organized into three tiers: the Main Floor above the orchestra pit, the intermediate Mezzanine, and the elevated Gallery.

Entering the Fox's grand lobby revealed an extraordinary spectacle of intricate design, statues, murals, and masterful architecture. Although familiar with this esteemed theater from numerous visits, the spectacular views continued to overwhelm my senses, prompting me to offer informed guidance, showcasing notable architectural nuances and classic statuary as we explored the area.

As we were seated to wait patiently for the production to begin Sarah Bolin gave a short introduction on the play ‘The Thorn’. Twenty-five years ago, John and Sarah Bolin premiered "The Thorn" as a live-action production at their Colorado Springs megachurch, presenting the story of Christ through a multifaceted blend of live music, drama, aerial performances, movement arts, modern dance, and impressive visual effects, resulting in a truly breathtaking spectacle characterized by vibrant hues and captivating visuals.

With exceptional writing, production, and direction, this theatrical experience introduces a compelling new element to the timeless tale, as witnessed by John, the disciple Jesus loved, on the island of Patmos. Replete with drama, love, passion, and humor, it takes the audience on a sweeping, cinematic-inspired journey through the Bible, from creation to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

This exceptional production features profoundly impactful performances and scenes, guaranteeing a captivating experience. Witness the passion of Jesus from a fresh perspective. The Thorn is a theatrical experience of unparalleled magnitude, offering a lasting impact, transformative potential, hope, and spiritual illumination.

As my review of 'The Thorn' demonstrates, I was deeply impressed by the vast talent assembled, including skilled dancers, actors, production team members, and director, who collectively realized a truly innovative and captivating performance. My companions' reactions mirrored my own, reflecting the musical's profound impact. I unequivocally recommend it to those who haven't experienced it and would personally relish the opportunity to revisit its brilliance.