As a young girl, Audrey writes, I was so enamored with the Misty of Chincoteague series that as an adult I named my dog Misty. Marguerite Henry opened up a whole new world to me. I loved how she gave Misty just enough humanizing characteristics to make her relatable while still leaving her a horse.

         So I opened Surfer Dude anticipating the thrill of reading another story about Chincoteague ponies.

 If dinner and a show sound like an ideal date night but you’re reluctant to drive to the city and drop $75 a ticket, consider that some of the area’s best theater is right in your own back yard at a fraction of the price. Such was proven last month for the 10th time in as many years when three troupes from Anne Arundel County nearly swept highest honors at the 45th Annual Ruby Griffith Awards.  

   Scene: An up-and-coming Bayside town. The building, a Boys and Girls Club, is charming in a functional way, surrounded by playgrounds and parking lots, filled with laughter and noise. Rooms are utilitarian. Walls are speckled with flyers for team meetings and reading club dates.

            Despite its sensible nature, the building shimmers with the energy of kids unleashed.