(Seguin) — Tickets are still available for what’s being described as the crown jewel of this week’s five-day celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Guadalupe County MLK Committee is hosting its Dinner Theater/Banquet on Saturday evening at the Seguin Coliseum. The dinner show is the only paid event during this year’s salute to the slain civil rights leader.
Committee member Herman Lampkin Jr. says they’re bringing another original production to Seguin.
“The play we have coming is from a buddy of mine, Que Samuels, from the Bryan–College Station area. Number one, he’s a regular comedian — I must say, he’s funny. Just talking with him during the conversations and setting this thing up, it’s been a joy,” said Lampkin.
Lampkin says Samuels will entertain the crowd with his latest production. While it isn’t focused on laughs this year, he says it will make audiences think as Samuels’ work explores the history of the struggle for equal rights in America.
“He’s bringing a play that’s a little more serious for him. It’s ‘The Dream That Got Us Here.’ It’s going to give you snapshots of Black history, from slavery up to where we are today. He’s excited about coming this way. We’ve had him a couple of years in the past with some dynamic plays, and he’s glad to be coming back,” said Lampkin.
The dinner show marks a return to a longstanding tradition for the committee. Committee member Joe Patterson Sr. says a late member of the group first came up with the idea many years ago. It was designed to be a special night out for the community.
“That was an idea Mr. Little — Clarence Little — came up with. He was big on presentation, right down to the way the napkins were folded. He had gone to an event where he was really impressed by the dinner and the play, and he said we’ve got to do something like that. We worked on it for a couple of years, and that’s how the dinner playhouse originated,” said Patterson.
This year’s event will start earlier than in the past. Patterson says the earlier start time will allow guests to get home sooner.
“The event will start at 4 p.m. this year. Doors open at 4, the meal starts at 5 p.m., and hopefully we’ll be out of there by 8 or 8:30 p.m.,” said Patterson.
Committee member Derric Bogany says tickets are $50 each and can be purchased from any MLK Committee member or by calling 210-857-6037. He says tickets are also available online, though a convenience fee applies.
“You can also go to Eventbrite to get tickets. That adds $5.20 to each ticket. If you find a committee member, it’s just $50,” said Bogany.
A link to purchase tickets can be found on the group’s Facebook page or on our website, seguintoday.com.
In addition to Saturday’s Dinner Theater/Banquet, MLK Week events include a church service Thursday night at Second Baptist Church, a student choir showcase Friday at the Seguin High School Performing Arts Center, a Gospel Fest on Sunday at New St. James Baptist Church, and the MLK Symbolic March on Monday morning, starting at Texas Lutheran University and ending in Central Park.