‘Play that funky music’ at Kirby-Hill House

You can thank “dinner theater” for the verbiage, “dinner and a show.” This form of entertainment combines a quality meal with a stage play or musical. The earliest form of “dinner and a show” is likely traced by to the Middle Ages as European Christians would celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with feasts that alternated acts of a play with courses of food. 

Fast forward, it was David and Nancy Kilgore’s Barksdale Theatre in Richmond, Virginia, in 1953 that gave Americans the first formal dinner theater in the United States. Soon, the popularity soared with dinner theater franchises that featured former movie stars, TV actors and celebrities like Shelley Winters, Mickey Rooney, Cesar Romero, Debbie Reynolds, Betty White and Betty Gable. 

Now audiences can find interactive murder-mystery style shows or audience-participation experiences as well as more traditional productions closer to home at the Kirby-Hill House in nearby Kountze, Texas. 

Located at 210 West Main St., there’s never a dull moment at the Kirby-Hill House. Food, fashion, fun, laughter, and an air of elegance and nostalgia await you at their newest affair. In a revival of Kirby-Hill House’s early Supper Club events, get ready for a thrilling night of song and comedy. Oh, and the setting is a beautiful 122-year-old mansion. It’s wickedly entertaining, hilarious, and delicious. Be a part of the great tradition of first-rate food and luscious menu from Mama Jack’s Famous Restaurant, delightful entertainment, knee-slapping laughter and fine family fun at the 1970s Legends Jukebox Dinner and a Show for two weekends beginning Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, and Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27. Each show starts at 7 p.m. 

Kirby-Hill House resident crooner Rex Harris, fabulous Sheryl Brocato along with the Big Thicket Babes will entertain the crowd with a tribute to the “rock and rollers of a bygone era – the music of the 1970s” with timeless classics such as “Ring My Bell,” “Dancing in the Moonlight,” “American Pie,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Born to be Alive” and “Play That Funky Music.” 

Tickets are $55 and can be purchased online at kirbyhillhouse.com. 

The delicious dinner includes hors d’oeuvres of devilish eggs and wicked charcuterie, spring salad with raspberry vinaigrette, chicken parmesan with pasta, Mama Jack’s famous green beans, Tuscan tomatoes, rolls, coffee and a cherry crisp. You may also bring your favorite bottle of wine. 

Guests are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m. and dress in your finest vintage. 

The house was built in 1902 by James L. Kirby, brother and business partner of John Henry Kirby, a pioneer of the lumber industry. A group of local people then formed The Kirby-Hill House Museum and Educational Foundation and purchased the property in 1992. They raised money from local individuals and businesses through tireless and dedicated efforts. The house features wrap-around porches with 48 columns, four fireplaces, and eight rooms that all open onto the porch through 8-foot, double-sash windows.

The most outstanding architectural features include the curved walls and oval grand staircase. Much of the furniture and China is original to the house. On the grounds to the right of the mansion is a state champion Crepe Myrtle tree that is over 100 years old. On the left side of the property is a relocated church building which is the home of the Hardin County Genealogical Society. 

For more information, view kirbyhillhouse.com or call (409) 246- 8000.