Jaguar XJ and Phylicia Rashad Conjur Magic--On Stage and On the Road; The Play's the Thing But the Beast is Mighty

I've been "in love" with actress Phylicia Rashad for years so it should come as no surprise that I was all smiles and Gomer Pyle-goofy when I got to meet her after a recent performance of Every Tongue Confess at Arena Stage.

She was genuinely warm and solicitous as she greeted me, my wife Geri, son Christopher, brother Edward and sister-in-law June, who has known her for more than a decade.

Ms. Rashad (in red) with Geri, Chris and me.

Ms. Rashad’s talent commands attention, whether she’s attorney and mom Clair Huxtable in The Cosby Show reruns; Lena Younger in Diddy's TV revival of A Raisin in the Sun, or Mother Sister in Every Tongue Confess, an experimental drama that explores the mystery and mysticism behind church burnings in the South.

It is not a role for a prissy ingénue whose principal credit is on YouTube. Ms. Rashad’s character is a meaty lead in a work that demands veteran experience to satisfy the physical and emotional requirements of the play written by Marcus Gardley, who teaches at UMass Amherst.

Our wonderful family outing began with a ride to the new Arena Stage in a new 2011 Jaguar XJ, which starts at around $72,000, and is worth every cent. Indian carmaker Tata Motors deserves a standing ovation for adding the marquee brand to its stable.

Arena Stage

         What an experience to ride in such elegance to an elegant destination to be entertained and later greeted by one of the most elegant actresses appearing on stage, TV and film (remember, Ms. Rashad is in Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls).

The Jag’s opening act is a symphony of contours accentuated by an ample boot and silver grill that’s almost garish but manages to maintain the car’s dignity.

The second act is a voluptuous interior wrapped in leather, fabulous veneers and off-the-chain features, many of which have nothing to do with driving: leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, sumptuous leather seats that provide air-conditioning in the summer, heating in the winter, and massage to driver and front-seat passenger; personal temp settings; electronic safety sensors; large video display with rear camera, USB for connecting mobile media, and a studio-quality sound system that captures HD and sat radio.

The final act is a special transportation experience powered by rear-wheel drive, six-speed automatic powered by a V-8 that cranks out up to 510 hp, depending on trim selected.

Bottom line: This beauty is a beast. The Jag is really two cars in one—a luxury ride that will impress any Fortune 500 type and (with the push of a button) a sports car with tight suspension and steering, paddle shifters in manual mode and the muscle to boast, “I am Jaguar, hear me roar.”

As we head home, I ponder my blessings—the love of family, the pains and pleasures of living in metro DC, Arena’s beautiful makeover, Ms. Rashad’s powerful stage performance, and piloting a stunning creation that enhances my life in the driver’s seat.

Honda Odyssey: I Pity the Fool Who Don't Like This Powerful and Versatile Van

I'll always be grateful to Mr. T for two things:

1. His portrayal of boxer Clubber Lang in the movie Rocky III, when he replied to a reporter's question with this gem: "My prediction?" he asks before releasing a slow growl. "Pain!"
2. Driving one of the coolest vehicles on TV--the A-Team van, a 1983 GMC G-15.

Thanks to ClassicTVCars.com I know it was powered by a 350 cubic-inch V-8 with a two barrel carburetor and automatic transmission. I'm not sure what all that means except I enjoyed watching the black and gray monster with red stripe race the good-guy outlaws to their next mission.

It's been a lot of years since B.A., Faceman, Murdock and Hannibal streaked across TV screens. But seeing the A-Team van always meant help was on the way; it meant the meek would soon turn the table on the toughs that terrorized them. And it meant watching Mr. T do his thing--thrash, bash and crash. Silly? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely.

I even enjoyed the movie version of The A-Team released earlier this year. I'm a Liam Neeson fan (Taken) and fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was an O.K. B.A., though he lacked the tongue-in-cheek humor and warmth of Mr. T. The van, however, still meant help was on the way.

That's why the Honda Odyssey provided an enjoyable test drive experience; it was always so helpful--with people, tons of groceries, and running errands. The handling is surprisingly good and car-like. The base model starts at around $28,500.

Busy families and business people with diverse cargo and passenger needs will appreciate the Odyssey's versatility--the Rubik's Cube seating, a cooler below the center console, and respectable telephone and audio tech.

Bottom line: It's not a cool van like the A-Team ride but provides comfortable transport for seven or eight passengers (depending on size) and plenty of power thanks to a smooth V-6 that delivers 19/28 mpg city/highway. Even Mr. T can appreciate saving money and adoring fans like me who recognize his contributions to television history. I pity the fool who don't because Mr. T and the A-Team van are part of my life in the driver's seat.

Hyundai Genesis Spurs Memories of Love

Back in the day when I was much younger, much cooler and much thinner, I roared down city streets and suburban highways in a 1977 Renault R17 Gordini. It was an exhilarating drive thanks to a sliding canvas roof, rack-and-pinion steering and a unique sleek-geek profile.

But I almost left the green French coupe on the lot because at the time I didn't know how to drive a stick. But thanks to my girlfriend Geri (who later became Mrs. Tucker), I went ahead and purchased my first car and first manual transmission. Geri patiently taught me how to shift through the five gears, ride the clutch on inclines and down-shift in foul weather. Today, I'm still shifting--in a little German beauty I'll tell you about in an upcoming blog.

Call me old school but if you're gonna drive a sports car it should have a clutch and stick. Paddle shifters are okay but they don't engage your body and all the senses, unless you're in an exotic.

So I smiled when the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe arrived in my driveway and purred like a film noir siren: "Let's have some fun, " she whispered. As soon as I turned the key I knew she was no lady. And "fun" meant frequent checks in the rear view mirror for the popo.

The gearbox was a bit testy, requiring a firm hand with no-nonsense push-pull. It's short throw and the high-revs make it easy to attract speeding tickets. The Genesis was cat-quick, hurling me past the speed limit in third gear, with three to go.

The car's interior is quite comfortable, especially after I figured out how to fold myself in the manually-adjustable sports seat. (Note to self: Lay off the sweets and get back to the health club.) Dials and tech were all good, and I really appreciated the small rear courtesy window that provided greater visibility when backing out of driveways and parking lots.

I also grew to appreciate the coupe's utility. During the testing period I found myself at a department store looking at pre-Christmas sales on flat-screen TVs. I purchased a modest 32-inch and hauled it out to the car. With the packaging my new TV didn't quite fit in the trunk. Then I realized a simple tug on a release would allow me to fold down the rear seats. Problem solved.

Wow. A car with brains and beauty and function . . . for about $23,000.

It can easily be an everyday car, although drivers with kids will want to look at the four-door. The sports suspension means a bouncy ride in metro areas with lots of road construction. But when you're on smooth highway pavement . . . Oh, baby, unleash, release and enjoy responsive handling, road-gripping wide tires, rear-wheel drive and a feeling that you can catch or pass most vehicles sharing the road.

Bottom line: The Genesis is the beginning of a good thing for Hyundai because there's something about a fire engine-red sports car with six on the floor, engine tune that's like adrenaline to the ears, and contours that make pedestrians of all ages green with envy. But I'm happiest about the memories of a little green sports car and the beautiful woman who taught me how to drive it . . . and enjoy my life in the driver's seat.