MASKS BEFORE THE ALTAR explores James Wheaton's first months with the Bishop's Company. In this fascinating memoir, Wheaton examines his many feelings regarding his participation with the group. In addition to relaying the struggles of a new theatre company, the book also gives one a glimpse of the state of race relations at the time.

Keep in mind that the book takes place right before sweeping changes in the United States that would end legal segregation. Although he was an army veteran and the graduate of a major institution in the North (Columbia University), Wheaton was not prepared for the daily interaction with whites that he faced with the Bishop's Company. As a result, he was forced to confront issues regarding race in a way that he had never experienced before. It must have been quite trying at times for the PK from Mississippi.

The book also explores key aspects of his life before joining the Bishop's Company. This includes an example of how black southerners used theatre in the church. It also gives one a sense of what it was like to be brought up in the black church in the first half of the twentieth century.

After participating in the Bishop's Company, James Wheaton would work frequently with the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles as both actor and director. The theatre was founded by the late actor Nick Stewart specifically to provide opportunities for black actors. Ironically, Stewart is perhaps best known for his role as Lightnin' on the TV series, "Amos 'n' Andy." Later, James Wheaton would add television and film credits to his resume, working with people like Bill Cosby, Lloyd Bridges, Redd Foxx and George Lucas. Perhaps that'll be the subject of another book.

Whether you're familiar with Wheaton's extensive acting work or not, this book gives you a good sense of the time as it relates to both the struggles of black actors and community theatre in general. The book is also filled with interesting tidbits about entertainment and literary figures of the day. For example, at one point of the tour, the late child actor Bobby Driscoll performed with the Company.

Overall, MASKS BEFORE THE ALTAR is an intriguing book. At only 179 pages, it is also a quick read. It should be required reading for actors just starting out in the business. It's also for anyone interested in the ins and outs of repertory theatre. Another reason would be to discover what it was like to be an educated black man living and working among whites in the early 1950s. If any of these areas strike your interest, you owe it to yourself to check out this book.

Ms. Wooding has achieved the unusual (if not the impossible) in providing an amusing but educational introduction to Italian Renaissance art for kids. Aimed at youngsters (Kindergarten -3rd grade), The Painter's Cat tells the tale of a cat named Micio (pronounced meesho) who lives with his artist friend Lorenzo. Frustrated by a lack of sympathy from his usually attentive companion, Micio leaves home but soon discovers he misses his art-cat life. Finally returning to his studio, Micio discovers he plays a more important role than he realized in Lorenzo's master works.

The Painter's Cat, though partly fictional, is based on the real life of Italian Renaissance master Lorenzo Lotto. Colorfully illustrated with paintings styled after those of Lotto himself, The Painter's Cat provides a valuable introduction to Renaissance life and art for children, and intriguing visual comedy for adults.

This book would make a wonderful gift for your spouse/significant other/lover any day of the year!

Recommended without reservation!