Political cartoonist Thomas Nast nearly brought down William “Boss” Tweed when he skewered the corrupt politician in a series of illustrations in Harper’s Bazaar. Tweed wanted Nast fired, but Harper’s stood by its man. That’s a smattering of dirt offered at Brandywine River Museum’s exhibit “Laugh Lines: Cartoons and Caricatures from the Collection” through March 14. Walls are lined with Nast’s drawings and the work of other important 19th- and 20th-century cartoonists, some just as snarky and witty. “It’s nice to have a bit of humor in the dark days of winter,” says Virginia O’Hara, the curator of collections. Political cartoonists have always felt the pulse of society, and society has always felt the need for juicy stuff. Look at Nast, says O’Hara. “He characterized Tweed in vitriolic ways. He called him a vulture who sucked the people dry.” Now that’s entertainment. For more, visit brandywinemuseum.org, or call (610) 388-2700. —Maria Hess
Page 2: Carnival Season
Carnival Season
Laissez le bon temps rouler in Rehoboth Beach during Mardi Gras weekend February 12-16. Downtown restaurants will offer themed menus, Bourbon Street beverages and parties with traditional raffle prizes. There will be purple, green and gold beads hanging from ceiling fans, furniture and, well, other places. “It’s a long weekend, so people can stay overnight without having to worry about drinking and driving,” says Jenny Barger, executive administrator of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. “They can shop, too.” For more, visit downtownrehoboth.com, or call 227-2772.
Page 3: Shakespeare Shakedown
Shakespeare Shakedown
“Sunday with Shakespeare” hits UD’s Roselle Center for the Arts on February 28. The play is the thing here, and this one is in two acts: The New Castle County Shakespeare Festival and the 2010 English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. Delaware’s youngest thespians will perform sonnets, soliloquies and scenes. “Shakespeare continues to be popular with young folks as each generation rediscovers how rewarding it is to explore the beauty of his language,” says ESU coordinator Jeanne Short. “They can interpret the timeless themes within his works.” For more, call 234-2031.
Page 4: Wine Feast & Auction
Wine Feast & Auction
Love fine wines? So do the folks at Delaware Theatre Company, so much so that the 21st Annual Wine Feast & Auction will take place over two days at the Hotel du Pont February 4-5. “We want to distinguish the two separate components of the event—the frenetic live auction and the sumptuous food and wine tastings,” says managing director Mary Ann Ehlshlager. One ticket price of $175 covers Thursday’s Stage Cru auction and Friday’s food and wine affair. Proceeds benefit arts education programs. For more, visit delawaretheatre.org, or call 594-1100. —Mieke Lynch
