Thursday, August 21, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, August 21, 2014
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| Co-creators Edie Brickell and Steve Martin (seated) and (L-R) choreographer Josh Rhodes, director Walter Bobbie, musical supervisor Peter Asher, and musical director/vocal arranger Rob Berman. Photos by Jim Cox. |
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| Carmen Cusack appears as Alice Murphy and A.J. Shively as Billy Cane. |
BRIGHT STAR, A New American Musical with music by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin, lyrics by Edie Brickell, and bood by Steve Martin, directed by Walter Bobbie will premiere Sept. 13 – Nov. 2, 2014 at The Old Globe in San Diego. Bright Star features 25 new songs - Americana with a touch of rock - and tells a beguiling tale that unfolds in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between 1923 and 1945. Billy Cane, a young soldier just home from World War II, meets Alice Murphy, the brilliant editor of a southern literary journal. Together they discover a powerful secret that alters their lives. An entertaining musical of enduring love, family ties, and the light of forgiveness that shines from a bright star. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org
Back by “Popular” demand, Wicked will return to its Los Angeles home, the Hollywood Pantages, for a limited engagement this holiday season running December 10, 2014 – February 1, 2015. Individual tickets will go on sale to the general public on Sunday morning, September 7 at 10:00 am online at www.HollywoodPantages.com or by calling 800-982-2787, and at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office. Wicked, directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello and featuring musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
DOMA Theatre Company is back with Young Frankenstein, adapted for the stage by the Tony award-winning team of Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (The Producers) Sept. 26 – Nov. 16 at the MET Theatre in Hollywood. Led by director Marco Gomez and musical director Chris Raymond, Young Frankenstein features all of the favorite scenes from the film – plus show-stopping numbers like “Transylvania Mania,” “Together Again,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (music and lyrics by Brooks, choreography by Angela Todero).
Featuring John David Wallis as Dr. Frankenstein, Scott Seiffert as Igor and Susan Huckle as Inga, with Hector Quintana (the Monster), Toni Smith (Elizabeth), Michelle Holmes (Frau Blucher), Dan Spector (Inspector Hans Kemp), Bobby Reed (The Hermit), Bradley Kuykendall (Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein) and Wesley Moran (Ziggy), with ensemble members Elvira Barjau, Kevin Corsini, Carrie Daniel, Allison Jakubowski, Sandy Mansson, Johnny Ortiz, Bradley Settler and Lauren Tyni. The MET Theatre is located at 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles CA 90029. Tickets: (323) 802-4990 or www.domatheatre.com.
Kritzerland’s Fourth Anniversary Show: The Songs That Got Away III on September 7 sold out so quickly that they have added a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm. Doors open at 1:00 pm for brunch/lunch. There is no cover for this show which stars Evan Buckley Harris, Kimberly Hessler, Travis Leland, Bruce Merkle, Hadley Miller, Madison Claire Parks, Jenna Lea Rosen, Sami Staitman, Adrienne Visnic, Robert Yacko, and Special Guests Kerry O’Malley and Bruce Vilanch. Reservation: (818) 754-8700.
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Labels: DOMA, kritzerland, old globe, pantages
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Musical News for Thursday July 24, 2014
EXTENDED: Chance Theater has extended its run of In The Heights through August 10 with six additional performances. The show was originally scheduled to close on August 3 but will now also play Thursday, August 7 at 8pm, Friday, August 8 at 8pm, Saturday, August 9 at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday, August 10 at 2pm and 7pm at Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center. Tickets: (714) 777-3033 or www.ChanceTheater.com.
SEASON NEWS: San Diego Musical Theatre has announced its 2015 season at its new home, the historic Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. Shows will include:
West Side Story (Feb. 13 – March 1, 2015) directed by James Vasquez
Singin’ in the Rain (May 22 – June 7, 2015) directed by Todd Nielson
La Cage aux Folles (Sept. 25 – Oct. 11, 2015) directed by Larry Raben
White Christmas (Nov. 27 – Dec. 6, 2015) directed by Todd Nielsen
www.sdmt.org
FILM: In memory of an incredible talent, Arena Cinema Hollywood will screen the documentary Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me for four showings only. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Tracy Morgan, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. The 81-minute Sundance Selects film is directed by Chiemi Karasawa. Screenings takes place Sat. July 26 and Sun. July 27 at 3:00 pm; Tues. July 29 and Thurs. July 31 at 6:15 pm. Admission is $12.00. Arena Cinema Hollywood, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. (Entrance at rear gate.) Discounted parking is available with validation at lots adjacent to the venue and across the street. For more information, call (323) 306-0676 or go to http://arenascreen.com.
CONCERTS/CABARET: Kritzerland Tributes Female Songwriters Sunday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm at Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal starring Dan Callaway, Jennifer Kranz, Heather Lee, Lisa Livesay and Shannon Warne, with special guest Kay Cole and musical direction by Tom Griep. The show salutes musical theatre lyricists Carolyn Leigh, Lynn Ahrens, Marsha Norman, Gretchen Cryer, Fran Landesman, Amanda McBroom, and Carole Bayer Sager. Reservations: 818-754-8700.
The Grove Theatre in Upland announces a weekend of entertaining tributes to Elton John, Billy Joel and ABBA. On Friday, August 8th, at 8:00 pm, Terry Davies, “The Piano Man,” will present his personal tribute to greats Billy Joel and Elton John featuring a video as the backdrop that will take the audience through the story he sings. On Saturday, August 9th at 8:00 pm, ABBA FAB, featuring Anne Davies, Chelsea Faulds, Scotty Pearson and Nick Davies, performs its tribute to the music of ABBA. Comprised of vocalists and musicians who have toured the world as solo artists and band members, ABBA FAB has come together to create an extremely entertaining ABBA tribute. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786. Tickets: (909) 920-4343, or http://grovetheatre.com/.
The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony has announced a celebratory concert to commemorate the orchestra’s 20th Anniversary on Sunday, September 7 at 7:30 pm at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. LAJS will be joined by award-winning and critically acclaimed pianist, actor, playwright, producer, and composer Hershey Felder, who has written an overture specifically for this occasion. With the anniversary concert, LAJS will be making its 11th consecutive appearance in the Ford Summer Partnership Concert Series. Tickets: (323) 461-3673 or www.FordTheatres.org.
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Labels: festival of new american musicals, ford amphitheatre, garage theatre, kritzerland, nmi, san diego musical theatre, upright cabaret
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, April 24, 2014
La Jolla Playhouse will hold a special event in conjunction with its Page To Stage workshop production of Chasing the Song, a new musical featuring book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, music & lyrics by David Bryan, directed by artistic director Christopher Ashley. This free public event, entitled Chasing the Song: The Drive to Make Music, with composer David Bryan, takes place on Monday, May 12 at 7:00 pm in the Playhouse’s Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre. Christopher Ashley will moderate this exciting evening with legendary composer and Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan, who will discuss his musical influences, the cross-over from rock ‘n’ roll to musical theatre, as well as his work on the Tony Award-winning musical Memphis and Chasing the Song, which explores the creative process behind great American rock music. Reservations are required; please visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org to RSVP beginning on Friday, April 25.
FRINGE BENEFIT: The Hollywood Fringe Festival is hosting a fundraiser bash on May 29 at King Kong (6555 Hollywood Blvd.) to help support the production costs of the 2014 Festival. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The event, which will have a fantastical circus theme, will feature live entertainment and a silent auction. Doors will open at 7pm. The Fringe folks are also holding a design contest for their annual Festival T-shirt. The winner will be awarded $399 (minus the commission taken by 99Designs). To qualify, submit your design by Friday, April 25 at 11am PDT. Click Here for the guidelines and good luck!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Love the performing arts in Los Angeles? Consider volunteering at LA STAGE Day, a gathering of the Los Angeles performing arts community, taking place at Cal Stage L.A. on Saturday, May 17. This event is a mass get-together of artistic directors, designers, actors, dancers, directors, arts managers. There will also be a large bazaar where many performing arts organizations will be ‘tabling,’ as well as many discussion sessions, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. Early bird registration is $30 until May 1st (after which registration is $40), but volunteering for 2.5 or more hours gets you into the whole day for free! All you pay is $6 for parking. Details HERE.
CABARET/CONCERTS: Kritzerland at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal presents At Long Last – Cole Porter Sunday, May 4 at 7:00 pm. The show will star Allen Everman, Jean Louisa Kelly, Lisa Livesay, Mark Whitten, Brennley Brown, Jenna Lea Rosen and Sami Staitman, with music director Shelly Markham. For reservations call (818) 754-8700. Doors open at 5:30. Show starts at 7:00pm. Reservations have already started coming in, and are highly recommended. Sterling’s at The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.
The South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC) in partnership with the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and SOPA Studios will present four musical groups as part of the Sixth Annual Eclectic Music Festival on Saturday, May 3, from 2:00 – 10:00 pm at several venues around the city. The SPARC/SOPA Stage is located at the SOPA Studios, 1025 Hope Street, South Pasadena. Scheduled to appear are Lisa Finnie (5:00 pm), Shadowlands (6:15 pm), Anny Celsi Band (7:30 pm) and Jonah Smith (8:45 pm). Please note, all times are approximate. www.sopasartscouncil.com
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s Westside Connections features actor John Rubinstein and pianists Jeffrey Kahane and Christopher O’Riley and the music of Rachmaninoff, Chopin and Brahms on Thurs., May 15, 7:30 pm. Rubinstein created the role of Bob Fosse’s Pippin on Broadway and received a Tony Award for Children of a Lesser God, and O’Riley is a versatile pianist as well as host of the popular NPR radio program From the Top. They join LACO Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, Concertmaster Margaret Batjer and Principal Cello Andrew Shulman in a performance that pays homage to the remarkable legacy of both Rubinsteins and features Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G minor (Shulman and Kahane), Chopin’s Nocturne in D-flat major Op. 27, No. 2 (Kahane), and Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87 (Batjer, Shulman and O’Riley). Moss Theater, Santa Monica. Tickets: (213) 622-7001 or www.laco.org.
You may be required to learn a short dance/movement combination, so please come prepared to move; there may also be cold reading from the script. Bring a résumé, as well as a list of all potential conflicts. The production begins rehearsals May 19 and runs July 5 – August 3 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm; Sunday matinees at 2pm). Click Here for complete audition details and a breakdown of characters.
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Labels: conejo players, hollywood fringe, kritzerland, la jolla playhouse, la stage alliance
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, March 20, 2014
OPENINGS: Pasadena Playhouse has announced its 2014-15
season, which includes the critically acclaimed Stop
Kiss (Nov. 4-30), by Diana Son, directed by Seema Sueko; Sleeping
Beauty, Panto at the Playhouse (Dec. 10 – Jan 4), by Kris Lythgoe, directed by
Bonnie Lythgoe. This is an updated version of the classic story in the style of
the traditional British family Panto which features
family-friendly magic, a comedic twist and contemporary music.; Two
for the Seesaw (Jan. 27 – Feb. 22), by William
Gibson, directed by Sheldon Epps; Pygmalion
(Mar. 17 – Apr. 12), by George Bernard Shaw. In addition, the Playhouse
hopes to present Where We Belong by BeBe
Winans & Charles Randolph-Wright, directed by Sheldon Epps, dates TBD. This
world premiere musical tells the story of BeBe Winans and his sister CeCe
Winans’ early involvement with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s religious television
show ‘The PTL Club,’ which launched their careers. This pulsating
production also explores what took place after they moved on from Tammy Faye
before the downfall of the evangelical husband-wife duo’s Christian
empire.” www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
Pasadena Playhouse also brings back by popular
demand Gene Kelly: The Legacy, An Evening with Patricia Ward Kelly for
three performances – Friday, April 18 at 8pm and Saturday, April
19 at 2pm and 8pm. During a unique evening, Patricia Ward Kelly - his
widow, biographer and the person who knew him best - presents an intimate
portrait of this dynamic and innovative artist who created some of the most
memorable and iconic scenes in film history. Her compelling presentation
combines rare and familiar film clips, previously unreleased audio recordings,
personal memorabilia, and insights culled from her hours of interviews and
conversations with her husband. Tickets ($15 - $70 plus premium) 626-356-7529
or www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
Out of the Box Theatre Company will present an intimate
black box production of Bonnie &
Clyde the Musical at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara April 3 – 13, bringing
it to Southern California for the first time since its world premiere at La
Jolla Playhouse prior to its Broadway run. The musical features a Tony
Award-nominated score by Frank Wildhorn and Don Block, and a book by Ivan
Menchell. The cast features recent PCPA alum Lafras le Roux as Clyde Barrow and
Santa Barbara actress Katherine Bottoms as Bonnie Parker, with William
Schneiderman (Buck Barrow), Samantha Eve (Blanche Barrow), Deborah Bertling,
Don Margolin, Marc Nicolas, Olivia O’Brien, Shannon Saleh, Craig Scott,
Christopher Lee Short, Dillon Stave, Leslie Story, and Dillon Yuhasz. The
creative team includes music direction by John Douglas, scenic and lighting design
by Theodore Dolas, and technical direction by Brad Spaulding. Tickets: (805)
963-0408 or www.outoftheboxtheatre.org. [Photo of Lafras le Roux and Katherine Bottoms by Sophia Winnikof]
Phillip Hayes Dean’s Paul
Robeson will resume performances at Ebony Repertory Theatre on Friday,
March 21. Two-time Emmy Award-winner Keith David stars in this one-man
play with music, returning to the stage after recovering from a knee injury. Accompaniment
is by pianist/musical director Byron J. Smith and choreography is by Keith
Young. The production will continue through Sunday, March 30, which was
part of the previously announced schedule. Three additional performances are
set for Friday and Saturday, April 18 & 19 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday,
April 20 at 7:00 pm. Paul Robeson plays at the Nate Holden Performing Arts
Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles. A powerful
chronicle of the life of Paul Robeson, Phillip Hayes Dean’s play takes us from
his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life around the world. An All-American
athlete and a lawyer with Columbia Law School credentials, Robeson faces the
racism prevalent in society in the early part of the twentieth century. He
strives to rise above, and it is his triumph in that struggle that turns
Robeson into a modern day hero. Tickets: (323-964-9766)
or www.ebonyrep.org.
The Grove Theatre announces The Kingdom, A Rock Musical,
for 6 performances only running on weekends April 25 – May 4. Starring
Richard Bermudez as Jesus, The Kingdom is a high energy, Rock, Hip-Hop, Gospel
& Pop version of the Passion of Jesus Christ (think Jesus Christ
Superstar), that focuses on the life, trial, execution & resurrection of
Jesus of Nazareth. Through dramatic storytelling, dynamic modern music,
authentic costumes and realistic sets, this gritty retelling of the greatest
story ever told brings to musical life the last week of Jesus of Nazareth.
Although The Kingdom chronicles the story of Christ’s trial and
crucifixion, it’s an ultimately uplifting tale that focuses on love, hope and
human compassion. Tickets: (909) 920-4343
or www.grovetheatre.com. The
Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.
Volume One of the series will launch on March 30th as The Album Project:+, showcasing songs
from Ed Sheeran’s debut studio album, which was certified quintuple platinum in
the United Kingdom and was the highest-grossing US debut of a British artist
since 2009. The concert will feature performances of Sheeran’s hits such as “The
A Team,” “Lego House,” “Give Me Love,” “Drunk,” “Small Bump,” “You Need Me, I
Don’t Need You,” and “Grade 8” by Lindsay Pearce, Anthony Starble, Nicci
Claspell, Ben Caron, Topher Rhys and Jamie Lee Barnard. The Album Project: + is
developed and helmed by director Kate Sullivan Gibbens (Spring Awakening in
Concert) with musical direction by Elmo Zapp (bare) and feature new orchestrations and vocal arrangements by
Elmo Zapp, Alex Seller, Patrick Burns, and Anthony Starble. Reservations: 818-754-8700 or www.inticketing.com/events/403715.
Additional performances, venues, and volumes will be announced at a later date.
http://facebook.com/TheAlbumProject
Kritzerland presents These April Foolish Things Sunday April 6 at 7:00 pm at
Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal in North Hollywood. Performers include Sandy
Bainum, Zachary Ford, Madison Claire Parks, Jenna Lee Rosen, Sami Staitman,
Shannon Warne and Robert Yacko, with special guests Andrea Marcovicci and
Richard Sherman. Music direction is by Lloyd Cooper. For reservations call (818)
754-8700.
The show is aglow with dynamic renditions of your favorite Broadway musical numbers featuring Julie Garnyé, Damon Kirsche, Dennis Kyle, Kelly Lester, Matt Musgrove, Kate Pazakis, and Patty Reid, with musical director John Boswell. Songs across Broadway history, by such iconic composers as Berlin, Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Schwartz and Styne, make this an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City $15 cover + 2-item minimum. Valet and street parking available. Click Here for tickets and information or call (818) 769-0905.
Fraser Entertainment Group presents An Evening of Classic Broadway on Monday, March 24, 8:00 pm.
The show is aglow with dynamic renditions of your favorite Broadway musical numbers featuring Julie Garnyé, Damon Kirsche, Dennis Kyle, Kelly Lester, Matt Musgrove, Kate Pazakis, and Patty Reid, with musical director John Boswell. Songs across Broadway history, by such iconic composers as Berlin, Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Schwartz and Styne, make this an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City $15 cover + 2-item minimum. Valet and street parking available. Click Here for tickets and information or call (818) 769-0905.
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Labels: ebony rep, glory|struck productions, kritzerland, out of the box, pasadena playhouse, the grove theatre
Monday, February 17, 2014
Musical News for Monday, February 17, 2014
Kritzerland presents The Prince and the Showtune: A Tribute to Harold Prince Monday, March 2 at 8:00 pm. The show stars Josh Grisetti, Jean Louisa Kelly, Ashley Fox Linton, Jenna Lea Rosen, Sami Staitman, Robert Yacko, and special guest Terri White, with music director Richard Berent, Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., in North Hollywood. Dinner reservations: Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts at 8:00pm. Click Here for more information.
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre, chromolume theatre, kritzerland
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Review: Kritzerland's New Kids in Town!
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| The cast and production team of New Kids in Town! Photos by Karen Staitman |
Following a brief introduction by producer and host, Bruce Kimmel, the show kicked off with the sparkling trio of Sami Staitman, Sarah Staitman and Jenna Lea Rosen singing “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof. The adapted lyrics to Rosen’s verses as Tzeitel imitating Yente, the matchmaker, provided some innocent laughs at Kimmel’s expense and set the lively tone of the evening. Kimmel writes all of the song transitions, filling them with little-known musical theatre trivia and stories that make the Kritzerland shows more than just a series of songs. The behind-the-scenes dish is funny, surprising, and always entertaining.
Rosen returned later in the program with two additional songs. The first was a delicately expressive take on Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Ashman’s “Disneyland” from the musical Smile that slowly built to some pretty great high notes. The second was a compelling version of Sutton Foster’s signature song “Gimme, Gimme” from Thoroughly Modern Millie that closed the show. If there’s anything I know, it’s that Rosen is destined to do Funny Girl one day. You can already hear it in her voice.
Sarah Staitman was featured on the beautiful ballad “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods. Its lyric is especially poignant and reveals new colors when sung by a young woman rather than an old witch and I applaud her for digging into the complexities of Sondheim at such a young age. Song and dance man Quintan Craig was ready to strut his stuff on “All I Need is the Girl” the Jule Styne classic with a Sondheim lyric from Gypsy, and “Santa Fe” from Disney’s Newsies. Craig is charming and charismatic, with a lovely singing voice and the kind of self-assurance that will land him in any number of Golden Age musicals, especially since he’s a terrific tap dancer. He has a smart understated way with comedy too, smoothly one-upping Carter Thomas in Sondheim’s princely duet “Agony”, also from Into the Woods. Thomas toured in Mary Poppins and is an energetic performer who put his own spin on Kander & Ebb’s “Wilkommen” from Cabaret and an unforgettably bold “Shy” from Once Upon a Mattress.
Sami Staitman is currently appearing in Pure Imagination: The Musical World of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, directed by Bruce Kimmel at Pacific Resident Theatre, and sang a lovely arrangement of the pair’s “Once Upon a Bedtime” and “The Dream” from the show. She returned later with a specialty number that Kimmel wrote for a musical revue called What If entitled “Annie” about a young girl who auditions for ANNIE but doesn’t get cast as the lead. Every young girl wants to be Annie and, as Staitman excitedly reveals, she eventually gets to do the role anyway because the original girl winds up with strep throat. It’s a delightful story song with a comic ending that the audience loved.
It would be impossible to do a show like this without including at least one or two numbers from the real ANNIE. Oliviana Marie, Paige Befeler, Brennley Brown and Hadley Belle Miller are four young actresses who have all appeared in Charles Strouse’s orphan musical and gave us their high energy, absolutely adorable take on “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” featuring choreography by Kay Cole.
Each of them also sang a solo number that highlighted their unique style. Oliviana Marie easily won the title of Miss Personality with a comedy song that showed off her acting chops, tap dancing, and ability to sell a pun. “At the Codfish Ball” may have been a hit for Shirley Temple in 1936 but Oliviana’s version was a delightful bubble of fun and a perfect choice for the girl with the Pepsodent smile who recently appeared in the title role in ANNIE at Burbank Community Theatre.
Miller played Michael in Cathy Rigby’s latest national tour of Peter Pan and sang “I Won’t Grow Up” as her specialty number, handling the fast patter like a pro and delivering the lyric with perfect diction. She also has a natural likability onstage that is thoroughly engaging. Sondheim’s “Anyone Can Whistle” takes on new meaning when sung by a young girl and Befeler’s version had a wistful quality that made her final notes even more heartbreaking than when sung by an adult.
Brown is poised beyond her years and possesses an extraordinary understanding of what a song is trying to say. “Reflection” from Mulan and “The Girl I Mean to Be” from The Secret Garden were absolutely beautiful, and when her voice opened up and began to soar on “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, it was incredibly satisfying. She’s well on her way and I’ve no doubt we’ll see this young lady in a recording studio before long.
Veteran cabaret entertainer Sharon McNight added a little salty to the sweet by bringing the ANNIE numbers full-circle with her growling red hot mama version of Miss Hannigan’s “Little Girls.” Even Kimmel was good for a song, charming the audience with a tongue-twisting Danny Kaye comedy number he learned when he was a boy, called “The Maladjusted Jester.” Then it was one last audience sing along to “Tomorrow” and that’s a wrap for Kritzerland’s New Kids in Town!
Kritzerland at Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal is produced and hosted by Bruce Kimmel, with associate producer, Adryan Russ. Music director for this performance: Tom Griep.
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| Sarah Staitman, Quintan Craig, and Jenna Lea Rosen |
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| Paige Befeler, Hadley Belle Miller, Oliviana Marie, and Brennley Brown |
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| Brennley Brown and choreographer Kay Cole |
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| Tom Griep, Bruce Kimmel and Sharon McNight |
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Labels: kritzerland, sterling's
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Musical News for Saturday, December 21, 2013
LIVE EVENTS: Cabrillo Music Theatre celebrates its upcoming production of In the Heights with Carnaval De Cabrillo on January 12. Modeled after the “Carnaval del Barrio” that plays a pivotal role in the show, Carnaval De Cabrillo unites enthusiastic young people, dancers of all ages, city officials, community leaders and local businesses for a free afternoon of dance, music, food and fun. Carnaval will take place from Noon to 5:00 pm in Carpenter Park, directly outside Cabrillo Music Theatre’s home venue, the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.The event will feature a live participatory demonstration by the entire community of a dance from In the Heights using the original Tony Award-Winning Broadway Choreography of Andy Blankenbuehler, and taught by Cabrillo’s director-choreographer, Morgan Marcell. Participants may sign up in advance at http://carnavaldecabrillo.rsvpify.com/ or in person on the day of the event. The choreography will be taught at all skill levels, allowing for full participation from anyone who wants to learn. Participants can show up at any time from Noon to 1:30 pm and learn the moves. The presentation and performance, as well as a sneak peek of In the Heights, will take place at 1:45 pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Additional prizes will be given out hourly. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/CabrilloMusicTheatre or call 805-497-8613 x 1.
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The Sound of Music starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer will air on ABC 7 at 7:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 22. You can also watch The Polar Express on ABC Family at 8:00 pm, Monday, Dec. 23.
FILMS: The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will host a special engagement of the Sing-A-Long version of Disney’s classic Mary Poppins, January 10 – 20. Audiences are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters from the film, and sing along to the classic soundtrack as the words to the songs are projected up on the screen. There will also be a costume contest on opening night and other special opening night surprises. El Capitan guests may also go “Behind the scenes” of the making of Mary Poppins with rarely seen unit photography from the Walt Disney Archives and a special “Walking On Cherry Tree Lane” photo opportunity on display throughout the run. In addition, January 14 is Tiny Tot Tuesday. During the 10:00 am performance parents and small children can enjoy the movie in a Tiny Tot-friendly way, with lights dimmed rather than out and reduced sound levels. Daily showtimes are 10:00 am, 1:15 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:45pm. Special General Admission ticket price of $10 includes popcorn. VIP price of $20 includes a reserved seat, popcorn and drink (for all ages). Tickets are available at the box office, at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. I also highly recommend the current film Frozen, starring Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Santino Fontana. The pre-show is terrific!
CONCERTS/CABARET: Color and Light Theatre Ensemble will bring a one-night presentation of Joe Iconis’ Things to Ruin to Southern California on January 11 at 9:00 pm. The theatrical rock concert is an incendiary collection of songs by Kleban and Larson Award Winner Joe Iconis (SMASH, The Black Suits and Bloodsong of Love) about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don’t have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to cause. Featuring direction and musical staging by Joanna Syiek, with musical direction by Jennifer Lin, the cast includes Emily Arkuss, Jeff Buco, Ben Burch, Samantha Eve, Ari Gwasdoff, Josh Hillinger, Tyler Ledon, Katharine McDonough, Jamie Mills, Kelsey Schulte, and Kristofer Sundquist. The concert will take place at Surf Dog’s Sports Grill located at 5932 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. For tickets and more information, go to www.colorandlighttheatre.org.
Pasadena Playhouse is offering 30% off tickets for its star-studded concert One Starry Night to benefit The ALS Association - Golden West Chapter, on Mon. Jan. 13, 2014 at 8pm. Use the code BLOG30 when you order tickets HERE. Joining the cast is Richard M. Sherman (two-time Academy Award-winner for Best Song and Best Score of Mary Poppins, who is being portrayed by Jason Schwartzman in the just-released Disney film Saving Mr. Banks), Kerry O’Malley, Amy Paffrath, Barry Pearl, Drew Seeley, Daniel Tatar, and Bruce Vilanch. Directed by Grammy Award-nominee Bruce Kimmel, with musical direction and orchestrations by Richard Allen, the evening will also feature performances by Obba Babatunde, James Barbour, Kay Cole, Daisy Eagan, Crow Garrett, Ilene Graff, Juliana Hansen, Melora Hardin, Jean Louisa Kelly, Jason and Nolan Livesay, Gary Morgan and The Flying Morgans, James Mulligan, Reagan Pasternak, Jonathan Pendragon, Joan Ryan, Rex Smith, and Terri White. The evening will also feature special appearances by Terri Ivens, Kate Linder, and Charlene Tilton.
Kritzerland at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal presents New Kids in Town on Sunday, January 5, at 7:00 pm. The show will star Paige Befeler, Brennley Brown, Quintan Craig, Oliviana Marie, Hadley Belle Miller, Jenna Lea Rosen, Sami Staitman, Sarah Staitman, and Carter Thomas, with Music Director: Tom Griep. Reservations: (818) 754-8700. Doors open for dinner at 5:30 pm. Show starts at 7:00pm. For more about Sterlings, visit www.msapr.net.
The Grove Theatre in Upland invites you to spend a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with The King and Company at The Grove Theatre. Chris Luna and the TCB Flashband are returning to The Grove Theatre on New Years’ Eve at 9:00 pm. Luna is one of Southern California’s premier Elvis Tribute artists and has been performing his Elvis Tribute Show (Chris Luna - A Tribute to ELVIS!) since 1998. Joining Chris is award winning Jacob Roman, the 17 year old Elvis Tribute Artist who has been wowing audiences all over Southern California and Nevada. The show also features Beach Boys’ tribute band, The Nocturnes, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello tribute artists AK Kist and Megan Walker, Wendy Lynn Adams, who performs tributes to Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, and Blues Brothers tribute artists Gary Anderson and Chris Luna. Chris pays tribute to Tom Jones and Gary brings Johnny Cash back to the stage. For tickets call (909) 920-4343 or go to www.grovetheatre.com.
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre, color and light, kritzerland, pasadena playhouse, pbs, the grove theatre