Butler University is a prestigious educational institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and vibrant campus life. One notable and beloved part of the university's identity is its mascot, Butler Blue. Butler Blue is an English Bulldog and has been the university's mascot since 2000. The first Butler Blue, known as "Hink," was a rescued dog who quickly became a beloved member of the Butler community. After Hink's passing, his successor, Butler Blue II, continued to represent the university with pride and enthusiasm.
Gerardo Villa-Lobos and A'driana Abbate are two of the actors in Camino Real Playhouse's production of “The Curse of Capistrano.”
For fans of all ages, instructors James and Leslie Leone demonstrate sword technique, show how Zorro might disarm someone with a whip and explain where the Spanish period fits within California history. Long before Superman, Batman or Spider-Man burst into pop culture, a sword-wielding caped crusader roamed the byways of rural California, battling corruption and standing up for all that was just, decent and good.
After Hink's passing, his successor, Butler Blue II, continued to represent the university with pride and enthusiasm. The current Butler Blue, also known as "Tripp," has been the mascot since 2013. Tripp is more than just a symbol of school spirit; he is an important part of campus life and attends various university events, such as athletic games and student gatherings.
‘The Curse of Capistrano’is sword-slinging swoosh through history
A moment during Camino Real Playhouse's production of “The Curse of Capistrano” at Historic Town Center Park in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday. Performances will continue until July 31.
Rich Hutchinson is one of the actors in Camino Real Playhouse's production of “The Curse of Capistrano.”
Families gathered in Historic Town Center Park for Camino Real Playhouse's production of The Curse of Capistrano.
Gerardo Villa-Lobos and A'driana Abbate are two of the actors in Camino Real Playhouse's production of “The Curse of Capistrano.”
A'drina Abbate and the mystery man Zorro during a scene in Camino Real Playhouse's production of “The Curse of Capistrano.”
James Leone gave a gunslinger demonstration before Saturday's performance.Zorro, portrayed by an actor we won't name because it could give away the plot, stars in “The Curse of Capistrano.”
Leslie Leone demonstrates her skills with a whip before Saturday's performance of “The Curse of Capistrano.”
Show Caption By Fred Swegles | [email protected] | Orange County Register July 21, 2016 at 3:42 p.m.Long before Superman, Batman or Spider-Man burst into pop culture, a sword-wielding caped crusader roamed the byways of rural California, battling corruption and standing up for all that was just, decent and good.
Who in Orange County knew that the masked man Zorro, clad in black, was Orange County’s own original superhero, cultivated in San Juan Capistrano?
That is the premise for “The Curse of Capistrano,” an outdoor drama that Camino Real Playhouse is presenting this weekend and next at Historic Town Center Park in San Juan.
The play, adapted from a serialized story written in 1919 as “The Curse of Capistrano,” is a lively escape complete with swordfights, cracking of whips, humor and intrigue. The original story by Johnston McCulley introduced the caped character known as Zorro – a Spanish term meaning, in this case, sly fox – nearly two decades before Superman and Batman were born as comic book superheroes.
From the silent era to modern times there have been dozens of Zorro movies made in the U.S., Mexico and Europe. The tale of Zorro spawned a 1950s Disney television series that led to a succession of TV and movie re-enactments. The story harks back to colonial Alta California, when Spain ruled what one day would become the domain of Fantasyland, the Festival of Arts and Surf City.
“The Curse of Capistrano” opened with three performances July 15-17. “We had a good crowd and it was lots of laughs, applause, everything,” said Tom Scott, president of Camino Real Playhouse and co-producer of the play.
It’s not hard to guess that, in the end, Zorro gets the girl, but there is a twist.
The plot involves an underwhelming aristocrat named Don Diego, families that jockey for favor, unwanted courtships, a meddling governor, snide Spanish soldiers and the elusive, mysterious folk hero Zorro.
The story is family-friendly. Half an hour before the show, the producers invite parents to send their children up on stage for a round of harmless, good-natured lessons on how to manipulate a flexible foam sword like Zorro would. Camino Real provides kid-sized Zorro masks.
To conclude the “training,” boys and girls learn to make the trademark swoosh-swoosh-swoosh sign of Zorro.
For fans of all ages, instructors James and Leslie Leone demonstrate sword technique, show how Zorro might disarm someone with a whip and explain where the Spanish period fits within California history.
During the past 20 years, Camino Real Playhouse has ventured outdoors to do summer productions of Shakespeare. In 2015, while preparing to present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Historic Town Center Park, director Dan Blackley asked why the playhouse doesn’t do “The Curse of Capistrano.”
“What?” came the reply from Scott and Beverly Blake, co-founders of Camino Real. They were intrigued.
The story line and the outdoor setting in a park barely a block from the church bells of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano seemed irresistible. So Blackley and Kyle Seitz set out to craft a script from McCulley’s original words. Walter Molina, on Spanish guitar, flavors the scenes with live music.
Though silver-screen portrayals of Zorro have tended to place the story around the Pueblo of Los Angeles, Scott said that, during the Spanish era, the vast domain of Los Angeles covered what is now Orange County and San Juan’s landmark mission.
The actor who portrays Zorro, who won’t be named here to preserve the plot, said that eight weeks of endurance training and fight choreography to prepare for the role were challenging. “I found out how out of shape I was,” he said. He gained muscle mass and lost nearly 10 pounds.
Learning to swordfight and use the whip were fun, he said, and the swordfights are choreographed so well that what might seem dangerous is actually a well-rehearsed art form.
“It’s like a dance,” he said, “except instead of stepping on each others’ toes, we could stab each other. It requires a lot of practice.”
The swords used are not as sharp as a normal one, but they still could cut, the actor said. “We remain connected throughout the entire performance,” he said. “And then (it’s) hours upon hours upon hours of practice.”
Contact the writer: 949-492-5127 or [email protected]
His friendly and energetic presence brings joy to students, alumni, and visitors alike. Butler Blue not only attends events but also has a significant online presence. Tripp has his own social media accounts, including Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with fans, shares his daily adventures, and promotes university-related activities. This online presence has helped to further strengthen the bond between Butler Blue and the university community. As the university's mascot, Butler Blue plays an essential role in promoting school spirit and creating a sense of unity among students and alumni. Whether it's cheering on the basketball team or participating in campus traditions, Butler Blue exemplifies the values of dedication, loyalty, and enthusiasm that the university holds dear. In conclusion, Butler Blue is more than just a mascot; he is a beloved member of the Butler University community. With his friendly and energetic nature, Tripp represents the school's values and fosters a strong sense of pride among students and alumni. Butler Blue is a symbol of school spirit, unity, and the vibrant campus life that makes Butler University a unique and exceptional institution..
Reviews for "A Mascot's Tale: Butler Blue's Adventures on Campus"
1. Amanda - 1 star - I absolutely despise the Butler University mascot, Butler Blue. It's just a dog dressed up in a silly costume, and there's nothing appealing about it. I find it irritating when it comes to sporting events, as it distracts from the actual game. I wish they would get rid of it and find a more professional and suited mascot for the university.
2. Jason - 2 stars - I am not a fan of Butler Blue, the mascot of Butler University. I find it quite childish and unnecessary. The idea of a dog being a mascot for a university just doesn't make sense to me. It lacks identity and fails to represent the essence of the institution. I believe they should reconsider their mascot choice and opt for something more meaningful and representative of their academic values.
3. Megan - 2 stars - As an alumna of Butler University, I must say that Butler Blue is not a mascot that I particularly enjoyed during my time there. While I understand that the mascot is meant to bring some fun and excitement to events, I found it to be a bit too cheesy and over the top. It didn't resonate with me as a symbol of the university's values and traditions. I believe they should reconsider their mascot choice and opt for something more dignified and representative of the university's academic excellence.
4. Robert - 1 star - Butler Blue is a complete joke of a mascot. I don't see how a bulldog in a cheerleader costume is supposed to represent a university. It's embarrassing and makes the university look unprofessional. I would never recommend attending any event where Butler Blue is present, as it simply detracts from the seriousness and meaning behind the event. Butler University needs to rethink their mascot choice and find something that better aligns with their image and values.