Monday, April 30, 2012
Spring Awakening Supports Love is Louder
This rock-infused presentation, helmed by director Kate Sullivan Gibbens, with musical direction by Michael Christopher Luebke, is a theatre-concert hybrid that focuses sharply on music and its story, recalling the energy of an East Village music bar as opposed to a traditional “uptown” venue. Audiences will be left with art in its purist, most unadulterated form: the music, the dialogue, and the message.
Casting will be announced soon.
Based on the controversial 1892 play by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening recalls the coming of age, and discovery of sexuality among youth in 19th Century Germany. The piece tackles issues of teen suicide, pregnancy, sexuality and identity.
The producers are thrilled to align with Love Is Louder on Spring Awakening, noting “the music, just like the Love Is Louder campaign, speaks volumes about young people and artists alike. And through that connection we are able to sustain our community: a community of creativity, a community of collaboration, and a community of activism.”
Love Is Louder was started by The Jed Foundation, MTV and actress Brittany Snow to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood or alone. Online and in communities around the world, the movement is raising the volume around a critical message - that love and support is more powerful than the external and internal voices that bring us down, cause us pain and make us feel hopeless.
The concert is produced for glory|struck by Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard, and Nathan Gardner. glory|struck was founded to create art that aligns poignant narratives with relevant social issues to inspire collective action.
Spring Awakening will be offered in six performances from July 20-29, 2012.
Tickets go on sale in June, and more information is available at www.springawakeninginconcert.com, and www.facebook.com/springawakeninginconcert.
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The Grove Theatre Presents The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz, the spectacular musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world, is being presented by the OBC Theater at The Grove Theatre, opening Friday, May 4th at 7:29 pm. Featuring the classic songs, "Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" and "If I only had a Brain" along with the beloved characters, Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow, and the citizens of Munchkinland, the Emerald City and the Haunted Forest, The Wizard of Oz will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening at the theatre. The Wizard of Oz is directed by Amanda Kalkanis and choreographed by Michael Milligan, with set and costumes designed by Nancy Gettinger.
The production stars Makenna Heliker (Dorothy Gale), Leslie Thompson (Wicked Witch), Bobby Rowland (Wizard of Oz), James Ellis (Scarecrow), Peter Milligan (Tinman), Ray Jaime (Lion), Jack Freedman (Uncle Henry), Kathryn Grossman (Aunt Em), Amanda Kalkanis (Glinda) and an incredibly talented and entertaining company of actors.
The Wizard of Oz is performing for two weekends only through Sunday, May 13th. Evening performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:29 pm and matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25 and $20. Children 12 and under are $12. There are also senior, group and student discounts. Tickets can be purchased by calling the or visiting the Box Office at 276 E. Ninth street, Upland, CA, (909) 920-4343, or by visiting The Grove’s website at www.grovetheatre.com.
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Labels: the grove theatre
Sacred Fools’ STONEFACE To Star French Stewart as Buster Keaton
Writer Vanessa Claire Stewart (formerly Vanessa Claire Smith) starred in and penned the multiple award-winning Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara, which had a record-breaking run at the Geffen Playhouse in 2009 after originating at Sacred Fools.
French Stewart, best known for six seasons on the NBC Emmy-nominated hit 3rd Rock From The Sun, most recently appeared at Sacred Fools Theater in the award-winning production of Watson and Justin Tanner’s Voice Lessons. In 2011, Stewart received three Ovation Award nominations for his work in both plays, and an L.A. Weekly Award nomination for Watson.
Stoneface will also reunite Stewart with Watson director, Jaime Robledo, who won an L.A. Weekly Award and an Ovation Award nomination for the production.
The complete cast will feature:
French Stewart as Buster Keaton
Joe Fria as Young Buster
Scott Leggett as Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle
Erin Parks as Mae Scriven
Tegan Ashton Cohan as Natalie Talmadge
Rena Strober as Eleanor Norris / Norma Talmadge
Jake Broder as Joseph Schenk
Conor Duffy as Edward Sedgwick
Pat Towne as Louis B. Mayer
Guy Picot as Charlie Chaplin
Music is by Ryan Johnson, choreography by Natasha Norman, stunt choreography by Andrew Amani, and projection design is by Ben Rock & Anthony Backman.
Stoneface runs May 25 - June 30, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, and Sunday matinees at 2pm Tickets are $25, group rates available; visit www.sacredfools.org or call the box office at 310-281-8337. Sacred Fools Theater is located at 660 N. Heliotrope Dr., Hollywood, CA 90004.
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Labels: sacred fools
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Dan Callaway's May Industry Guest is Joan Ryan
Thoughts from the voice studio of Dan Callaway:
“Take The Hit”
I'm talking specifically about what you do as an actor and singer.
One big reason we go to see theatre and hear people sing is so that we can experience and live the things we are afraid to experience in real life.
Think of your favorite actors and singers...they make you feel something. That's because they are feeling something.
I call it taking the hit, the emotional hit. Being willing to FEEL whatever surprise comes out of telling the story you're telling.
Our favorite performers aren't afraid to take the hit. Or if they are afraid, they take it anyway.
Here's the incredible gift about being a performer. Our feelings, thoughts, and bodies are our tools, so we have to use them to be good at what we do.
Our work nudges us right up against our egos, frozen emotions, and places we don't wanna feel.
The great thing is that our work actually provides a protective zone where feeling these things is safe.
Nobody knows that the pain you are feeling is linked to the childhood abuse you're still ashamed about or the thoughtless thing you said to someone that you wish you could take back.
They just know it's real.
We all have BS detectors.
With feelings, we learn that we're dealing with sensation....and that's all...the heart pounding, palms sweating, limbs shaking that we're defining as a signal that we might die or spontaneously combust....those sensations could be the same response we have riding a roller coaster.
People pay lots of money at Disneyland just to feel those things. We get to feel them for free...and sometimes when we're lucky, we get paid to feel them.
And that's why the audience is there. They're afraid to feel it, so they want you to feel it for them.
That's why what we do is important, and I will even say that it is healing.
If you can be courageous enough to feel in front of people....and help someone else feel something they're afraid to feel, you have helped that person.
That feeling is no longer trapped in their guts or back or wherever it happened to be pushed away. And they will leave the theatre that night that much lighter.
The other benefit of taking the hit in your work is that you grow more willing to take the hit in life.
And there is a gift in that....if you are willing to feel the pain, you are also willing to learn from it, change, and grow....and guess what? That'll make you a much better performer.
See how that works?
See you in class,
Dan
Dan’s May Class Welcomes Industry Guest
Joan Ryan
Joan Ryan
Joan won acclaim for her performance in the LA premiere of the hit musical Ruthless! She has a busy performing and recording career.
She is also a founding partner of the successful voice-over company, Sounds Great, whose credits include Criminal Minds, Smash, White Collar, and both of Steven Spielberg's latest TV projects Touch and Falling Sky.
We'll tag-team coach your songs, and Joan will share her insights on building a diverse, abundant career.
Tuesday Evenings, May 1, 8, 15, 22, from 7-10 pm
Classes will take place at Dan’s studio, the Singing Cottage, 4922 Vineland Ave., NoHo 91601
$300 cash, check, credit card.
Email Dan if you wanna join in at dan@MyLAVoiceTeacher.com.
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Saturday, April 28, 2012
Glendale Center Theatre Celebrates 65th Anniversary with ANNIE
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| Emma Howard (Annie), Dynell Leigh (Miss Hannigan), Peter Husmann (Oliver Warbucks). Photo by Nathan Milisavljevich |
The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will come to life at the Glendale Centre Theatre May 17 - June 30. Concurrent with Annie celebrating its 35th anniversary this year as America’s most beloved musical, the Glendale Centre Theatre also celebrates its 65th year as the oldest, continuously operating theatre in the United States.
With music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, longtime San Fernando Valley resident, internet television and radio personality, live music producer/director and public relations veteran Michael Sterling, who first introduced musicals to the almost 400 seat, theatre-in-the-round over 30 years ago, returns to the GCT to direct Annie. Sterling is joined by GCT resident musical director and Ovation Award nominee Steven Applegate, choreographer/dancer Jerry Evans, assistant choreographer Jackie Evans, Broadway costumer Angela Wood (Glendale Costumes), and GCT Producers Tim Dietlein and Brenda Dietlein. Nathan J. Milisavljevich (sound design), Caitlin Barbieri (stage manager) and Tim Dietlein (set design and lighting design), round out the creative team.
Boasting one of the Great White Way’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the HardKnock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.,” You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile,” and the ever optimistic “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar that Annie will delight audiences of all ages.
Eleven year old Santa Clarita Valley resident Emma Howard will star in the title role of Annie. GCT favorite Peter Husmann stars as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Dynell Leigh co-stars as Miss Hannigan, along with Heather Dudenbostel as Grace Farrell, Clayton Ferris as Rooster Hannigan, Christa Hamilton as Lily St. Regis, Don Woodruff as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Robert Decker as Bert Healy, and Kyle D. Kelley as Drake. Asia Aragon (Pepper), Brooke Boyd (Kate), Bella Briscoe (Duffy), Leah Schraff (Molly), Lucy Taylor (July) and Kate West (Tessie) portray the orphans. Shannon Cooper, Laurie Fedor, Kevin Holmquist, Nick Mizrahi, Bridget Pugliese, Rebecca Thomas, Robert Thomas, Amy Lyn Thompson, and Paul Reid comprise the ensemble...with special guest “Copper” (Thomas) appearing as “Sandy”.
Performances of Annie at the Glendale Centre Theatre will be presented May 17 through June. Ticket purchases may be made online at www.glendalecentretheatre.com, or by calling (818) 244-8481. The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Public parking lots are located in the immediate area of the theatre. Ample street parking is also available.
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Labels: glendale centre theatre
Hello! My Baby To Play Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara
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| The Cast of Hello! My Baby |
For the first time in the company’s history, Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre is transferring a production to the legendary Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. On the heels of a critically acclaimed, sold-out run at Rubicon’s home in Ventura, the world premiere musical Hello! My Baby will play at the Lobero Theatre for three performances only next weekend - May 5 and 6. Described as a “Tin-Pantastic New Tuner for all ages,” the show is conceived and written by Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner and Tony Nominee Cheri Steinkellner, who is also a longtime Santa Barbara resident.
Set in the early part of the last century on the sidewalks of New York, the story follows Mickey McKee, King of the Song-Pluggers, who dreams of writing the next Tin Pan Alley million-selling hit song. Only problem is Mickey can't write a note – until he meets Nelly Gold, a factory worker with a talent for tunes and moxie to spare. Mickey and Nelly make beautiful music together until she puts on the trousers she once sewed, calls herself Ned, and becomes the new King of the Pluggers and Mickey's arch-rival. These mismatched young lovers and their unlikely friends sing, dance, bicker, and coo from Debutante Balls to Delancey Street, confronting class struggles, social reform, gender-swapping, street-thugs, and a whole lot of ukuleles, as they sell the songs we're still humming a hundred years later.
Hello! My Baby boasts a cast full of young, fresh-faced talent like Ciaraon McCarthy (National Tour of The Wedding Singer) and Evie Hutton (National Tour of Hairspray) starring as Mickey McKee and Nelly Gold, respectively. It also features stage veterans like Ojai resident George Ball (Broadway’s Jacques Brel…, Rubicon’s Man of La Mancha) as ambitious industrialist Stanford Tierney; and as song publishing team Ethel and Bert Coots, Kristine Zbornik (Broadway’s A Catered Affair) and Santa Barbara’s own Rich Hoag (Indy-Award winner for Will Rogers’ America). Tad Murroughs of Santa Barbara makes his professional debut as Artie Coots.
Hello! My Baby is playing at the Lobero Theatre on May 5th and 6th, 2012, with performances at 2:30 PM on both days, and a gala opening at 7:30 PM on the 5th. Tickets are available through the box office at 33 E. Canon Perdido St. in Santa Barbara. They can be purchased in person, by phone at (805) 963-0761, or online at www.lobero.com.
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Labels: lobero theatre, rubicon theatre
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Old Globe Announces 2012-13 Season
Sept 7 - Oct 21, 2012
Allegiance – A New American Musical
Music and Lyrics by Jay Kuo, Book by Jay Kuo & Lorenzo Thione
An epic story of family, love and patriotism set during the Japanese-American internment of World War II. Directed by Stafford Arima (Carrie, Altar Boyz), the World Premiere musical stars Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables), George Takei (Star Trek, Heroes) and Telly Leung (Godspell, Rent). With its moving score, Allegiance takes audiences on a journey through a watershed event in U.S. history as seen through the eyes of one American family.
Sept 29 - Oct 28, 2012
Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Paul Mullins
Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Shrek the Musical) explores the accessibility of the American Dream in his hit Broadway play. Set in South Boston, when Margie Walsh loses her job at the local dollar store and reaches out to an old flame she discovers that not everyone wants to remember their humble beginnings.
Nov 17 - Dec 29, 2012
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason, Music by Mel Marvin
Directed by James Vasquez
Everyone’s favorite green meanie will return for his 15th consecutive year in this heartwarming musical based on the classic book and animated film.
Jan 12 - Feb 17, 2013
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Nicholas Martin
The Old Globe will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the premiere of Pygmalion with a lavish production directed by Nicholas Martin whose Broadway credits include Present Laughter with Victor Garber and Butley with Nathan Lane.
Jan 26 - Feb 24, 2013
The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Tea Alagić
Infused with music and the rhythms of the South, The Brothers Size blends West African mythology with a modern-day story of two brothers reuniting on the Louisiana bayou.
March 8 - April 14, 2013
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Book by Robert L. Freedman, music by Steven Lutvak, lyrics by Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak
Directed by Darko Tresnjak
Former Co-Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak returns to the Globe to direct this world premiere musical of merriment and murder. When Monty Navarro finds out he is eighth in line to inherit a dukedom, he decides to eliminate the other seven heirs standing in his way – all played by one agile actor! A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a witty music hall comedy that explores how low we’ll go to make it to the top. A co-production with Hartford Stage.
March 23 - April 21, 2013
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
adapted by Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey and Kirsten Brandt
Directed by Kirsten Brandt
The Globe has commissioned a new adaptation of Ibsen’s landmark of world drama expressly for its popular Classics Up Close series, which features dramatic masterworks performed in the Globe’s intimate theatre-in-the-round.
April 27 - June 2, 2013
Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz
Directed by Richard Seer
Jon Robin Baitz’s play about long-buried secrets threatens to put a once picture-perfect Palm Springs clan back on the tabloid pages. Currently a Broadway sensation, Other Desert Cities was recently named a 2012 Pulitzer Prize finalist. It takes a viciously comedic look at the truth behind the wounds of a very public fall from grace.
May 11 - June 9, 2013
Be a Good Little Widow by Bekah Brunstetter
When her husband’s business trip ends in tragedy, a young wife must reevaluate her life with the help of her mother-in-law – who just happens to be a professional widow.
Nov 10 - 18, 2012
Measure for Measure
The Old Globe/University of San Diego Graduate Theatre Program will present Shakespeare’s wickedly comic play directed by Ray Chambers. The nationally-renowned professional actor training program is an intensive two-year course of graduate study in classical theater.
Tickets to the Globe’s 2012-13 Season are currently available by subscription only and may be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office. The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way.
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Labels: old globe
Upcoming Musical Events Around Town
Upright Cabaret’s American icon Series Rhythm of the Night starring Olivier Award-Winner Lesli Margherita, American Idol’s David Hernandez (Thousand Oaks and Hollywood Shows only), Lexi Lawson, and Rogelio Douglas, Jr. will celebrate the music of Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Santana on several dates: April 27 at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs, April 29 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, and May 6 at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. www.UprightCabaret.com.Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Susan Stroman and playwright David Thompson will discuss the creation of The Scottsboro Boys at The Old Globe's FREE Insight Seminar Monday, April 30. Reception at 6:30pm; Seminar starts at 7:00pm in the Old Globe Theatre. If you’re unable to attend, you can also watch the event live on the web via Ustream on the Globe’s Facebook page, or on the Globe's Ustream page at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-old-globe.
Hollywood’s Celebration Theatre presents the 2nd Annual Spring Cabaret, A Night of Celebration, honoring Leslie Jordan, May 6 at 8 PM at the theatre. Scheduled to perform are Sally Struthers, Barrett Foa, Daniel Tatar and The Company Men, LaToya London, Alet Taylor, Christine Horn, Charlene Modeste, Jeffrey Landman, Christopher Maikish, Nell Teare, Cesili Williams, Constance Lopez, Terrance Spencer with special guests to be announced. www.celebrationtheatre.com
Third Street Theatre has added a host and 3 new cast members to its gala performance of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown on May 4-5-6. Tony nominee Corey Reynolds (Hairspray) will host on Saturday May 5th. Added to the cast are Janelle Lynn Randall (Boardwalk Empire, All Shook Up), Daniel Tatar (The Company Men, Hairspray) and Allen Hidalgo (Jersey Boys). They will join hosts Jane Lynch, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, as well as cast members Tracie Thoms, Shoshana Bean, Lindsay Pearce, Chase Williamson. Tickets: www.showclix.com
Pacific Opera Project will be the first professional company to perform in the new, intimate 150-seat Porticoes Theater in Pasadena with its production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte May 12 - 20. The opera will be set not in Eighteenth Century Naples but in America at the time of the Civil War, drawing some inspiration from a certain 1939 movie about the Antebellum South. Directed by Josh Shaw. Chamber orchestra conducted by Stephen Karr. www.pacificoperaproject.com
The Coterie brings back International youtube sensation Miranda Sings on May 4th with Miranda Sings Live! at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. She will be joining forces with celebrity guests to bring you a hilarious night filled with improvisation, hit songs, onstage voice lessons, magic tricks, and dramatic readings of hate mail. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/219212
Mark Winkler and Mary Foster Conklin will be performing at Vitello's on Friday May 4. Material will include everything from Matt Dennis' tune Let's Get Away From It All with some special lyrics, to Laura Nyro (In honor of her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction) to Winkler’s odes to Woody Allen and Barbra Streisand. Call (818) 769-0905 for reservations. www.vitellosjazz.com
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Labels: celebration theatre, la mirada theatre, old globe, third street theatre, upright cabaret
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cabrillo Music Theatre Recounts the Tale of Once Upon A Mattress
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| Bets Malone as Winnifred and Knights. Photos by Ed Krieger |
Once Upon A Mattress – the ‘real’ story of the Princess and the Pea, by Mary Rodgers (music), Marshall Barer (lyrics) and featuring book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer.
Once upon a time there was a 36-year old prince, Dauntless the Drab, whose mother, Queen Aggravain, did everything in her power to ensure that no princess in the land would be deemed worthy of marrying him. She devised impossible riddles and ridiculous tests that successfully eliminated all potential candidates until a thoroughly unconventional young lady named Princess Winnifred of Woebegone arrived. So excited she couldn’t wait for a royal escort, Winnifred, or 'Fred' as she’s nicknamed, swims the moat, scales the castle wall, winds her way through the onstage orchestra, and drops into the middle of the flabbergasted crowd grinning like a tomboy, ready to claim her prince.
It’s one of the best entrances in musical comedy and Bets Malone does it with such unabashed style that the entire crowd instantly falls in love with her, dripping wet, muddy gown and all…everyone that is except the Queen (Tracy Lore) who vows to eliminate her as she did all the others. Discounting Winnifred’s official Princess papers, she decides to secretly place a pea underneath twenty mattresses to test her when she sleeps. If Fred can feel it she will be declared of true royal blood and able to marry the prince. If not, she’s out.
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| Bets Malone and Scott Reardon |
The fun that follows includes the queen’s attempts to tire her out during “The Spanish Panic,” an exhaustingly fast-paced silly dance that succeeds in knocking everyone out except Winnifred. It also features a darling Prince Dauntless (Scott Reardon) and Malone in a number that shows off her expertise with physical comedy, “Song of Love,” practicing everything she can think of that might prepare her for the as yet unnamed test.
Carol Burnett originated the role of Winnifred, followed in later versions by Dody Goodman, Imogene Coca, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Tracey Ullman. As wonderful as they might have been, what is so captivating about Malone is that she brings a natural honesty and very unique quirky charm to the character that will make it hard for you to picture anyone else as Fred. It’s a role she owns through and through. More than a few times she caught me off guard and had me laughing out loud at the intricacies of her performance. One must credit director Richard Israel for always bringing out the best in his actors and finding ways to give even these broadly drawn characters real heart. The result is a Once Upon A Mattress that ends up being more than just a fluffy fairy tale.
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| Tracey Lore, Scott Reardon, Bets Malone and Danny Gurwin |
Lore is delicious as the arrogant, overbearing Queen. When the wall of famous portraits that have been refitted with her image – Whistler’s Mother, the Mona Lisa, Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, American Gothic, and more – flies in behind her scenes with the Wizard (David Gilchrist) you get the full comedic effect of her self-importance. It is a fantastic element of the storybook scenic design by Jean-Yves Tessier, as are Christine Gibson’s brightly colored regal costumes. I guarantee you’ll be plotting how you can get a hold of Aggravain’s red hat. It’s a whole character of its own.
The story is narrated with a wink and a gorgeous set of pipes by Minstrel Danny Gurwin, and features a lecherous mute king (David Newcomer), a secretly pregnant Lady Larkin (Noelle Marion), and a handsome baritone Sir Harry (Isaac James).
The Cabrillo Music Theatre Orchestra led by musical director Daniel Thomas is another highlight and always one of the best features of the productions here in Thousand Oaks. Only a handful of theaters in the area are able to present their musicals with 17 musicians including strings and horns. You’d do well to take this opportunity to enjoy it with the full, lovely sound the writers intended.
Cabrillo's Once Upon A Mattress is an agreeably merry musical full of whimsy and humor, with a large and appealing cast and a leading lady you’re sure to love. Plus it's appropriate for the whole family. Go have some fun!
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Attn: Rap Artists - Want To Be Part of The Global Theatre Project?
Bari Hochwald and the Global Theatre Project are getting ready for their next project: the Stratford/Shakespeare Connection. This year the group will be producing a rap ‘happening’ to Prospero’s speech from The Tempest, created by community members (with a focus on youth) and GTP’s artistic team. The event will be video taped and shared at the first Shakespeare Film Festival in Stratford.The point of the Stratford/Shakespeare Connection is to celebrate and share the diversity of the Los Angeles community both with each other and with the global community. GTP does this by using Shakespeare’s work as a point of inspiration and connection and by incorporating multiple languages into the event. This year’s final video will include footage of community members and artists from Mumbai, India who will be joining in. The event will be open for participation but first they are forming the team of artists that will help shape it. They are looking for rap artists and members of the theatrical community. If you are interested in finding out more please contact Bari at bari@florencetheatre.com.
And if you’d like to get a better idea of what it’s all about, check out the video of last year’s event below. You can also visit theglobaltheatreproject.org for more information.
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Labels: global theatre project
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Festival of New American Musicals Kicks Off 5th Season
The annual Festival of New American Musicals (FNAM) kicks off its 5th season on May 1, 2012 with a fresh lineup of 29 new musical events.
June 3: Carry On
An original musical about the civil rights movement happening at The Actors Gang
June 9: The Show of Shows
The festival launches its own series of 2-hour musical theater radio shows in conjunction with KUSC 91.5. The celebration of American musicals will live stream Saturday evenings at 8pm. Leading off the series will be Take Me to the World: The Lesser Known Music of Stephen Sondheim.
June 9 - July15: Earthbound
An Electronica Musical at T.U. Studios
June 12 -14: Water & Power
A musical about the Industrial Revolution that takes place at Marquez School
June 21: Miracle in Philadelphia
An inside look into the writing of the US Constitution at The Kirk Douglas Theatre.
June 30: Futurefest
Schools from all over Southern California will come together at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center to perform new American musical theater songs and scenes. Participating high schools include: Community Charter, Santa Susana High, Moorpark High, Oak Park High, Notre Dame High, Champs Charter, Granada Hills High, LA Reina High, Cal State Northridge, Cal State Channel Islands and AMDA.
July 26-29: Go-Go Beach
Returning for the 4th straight year is TH193, a summer college course in creating new musicals, which is to be presented at the College of the Canyons in conjunction with the Festival. Go-Go Beach is a new musical fable about the shift in consciousness in America in the mid-sixties told in the style of the popular California beach party movies.
August 7: Tempest Toss’d
Returning to the Festival is the Shakespeare Musical Project in which students of Los Angelesʼ PUC Charter High School transform a Shakespeare play into a contemporary musical. This year students will bring the audience a rollicking musical adaptation of The Tempest.
August 18-19: Johnny Spots
Premiering at Cal State Fullerton
The First Look series is an ambitious 2-week period of staged readings taking place in various theater venues in Hollywood-Los Feliz that includes:
August 15-16: Asphalt Beach
August 15-16: ASCAP’s 3rd Annual Songwriter’s Showcase at the Gardenia hosted by Andrea Marcovici
August 19-20: My Lesbian Mother’s Jewish Wiccan Wedding at Barnsdale Gallery Theater
TBA Dates: On the Record, Martin Scorsese, and The Existents at Show at Barre
Plus a world premiere new musical work at the Skylight Theatre
The Festival of New American Musicals will also be recommending new musicals playing in Southern California venues including:
Cloudlands at South Coast Rep now through May 6
Hello! My Baby (May 4 - 6) at The Lobero Theatre
Susan Egan, The Belle of Broadway (May 6) at Carpenter Center
Crescent City (May 10 -27), a Hyperopera, at Atwater Crossing
Hands on a Hard Body (April 27 - June 17) at the La Jolla Playhouse
Scottsboro Boys (April 29 - June 10) at the Old Globe
Jane of the Jungle (May 25 - June 10) at South Coast Rep
American Idiot (May 29 - June 3) at Orange County Performing Arts Cr.
Book of Mormon (September 5 - November 25) at the Pantages
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Monday, April 23, 2012
Enroll Now in Southern California Arts Program's Summer Workshops
The Southern California Arts Program offers over 35 workshops to choose from, which in the past have included: Main Stage Production, Improvisation, Scene Study/Monologue, Tech Design, Auditioning, Jazz, Tap, Dance Around the World, Dance Through the Decades, Modern/Lyrical Dance, Rock Band, Guitar, Art of the Masters, Weaving, Ceramics, Art Around the World, Puppetry, Wacky Runway, Photoshop and more.
Applications are now being accepted for Summer 2012 sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sessions dates are:
June 25 - July 13 Lower Division I (ages 5-6)
July 16 - August 2 Lower Division II (ages 5-6)
June 25 - August 2 Upper Division (ages 7-13)
Click Here for more information and have a great time!
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La Mirada Theatre Announces 2012-2013 Season
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced their upcoming “must-see” 2012- 2013 season of shows. Beginning with the preview engagement of Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox starring in the Broadway-bound musical Jekyll and Hyde to Broadway’s favorite musical, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers; from the door-slamming hilarity of the Tony Award-winning play, Boeing Boeing, to the raw emotion of the Southern California Regional Premiere of Next To Normal, you’ll spend a legendary evening with Hollywood icon Shirley MacLaine and celebrate the holidays with the Winter Wonderettes!
JEKYLL & HYDE
September 7 - 30, 2012
Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Calhoun
After a four-year run on Broadway and multiple world-wide tours, this dark and dangerous love story from Tony and Grammy Award nominee Frank Wildhorn returns in a stunning new production that includes all the classic songs (“This is the Moment,” “A New Life,” “Someone Like You”) that first grabbed audiences by the throat and helped transform Jekyll & Hyde into a theatrical phenomenon.
WINTER WONDERETTES The New ‘60s Christmas Musical!
December 7 - 30, 2012
Created & Directed by Roger Bean
It’s Christmas and the Wonderettes are back! The ladies are entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Winter Wonderland” and 20 other seasonal favorites, to save their holiday party. The result is, of course, marvelous!
BOEING BOEING
January 18 - Feb 10, 2013
In this Tony Award-winning comedy, a self-styled playboy, Bernard, has French, German, and American fiancées, each beautiful airline hostesses with frequent "layovers.” He keeps "one up, one down and one pending" until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris and Bernard's apartment at the same time.
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
April 12 - May 5, 2013
“Goin’ courting” has never been as much fun as in this brand new revival of the rip-roaring stage version of the popular MGM movie, adapted by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay. Millie is a young bride living in the 1850's Oregon wilderness whose plan to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage backfires when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides. Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is all boisterous fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical.
NEXT TO NORMAL
May 31 - June 23, 2013
Next To Normal is the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning, groundbreaking musical by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. With a thrilling contemporary score, it is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other.
An Evening with Shirley MacLaine
May 18, 2013 – 2pm & 8pm
Shirley MacLaine is an icon of the stage and screen who has danced her way through adversity with wit and grit. Her indelible performances in The Apartment, Sweet Charity, Postcards from the Edge and Steel Magnolias have won her countless awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1983’s Terms of Endearment. In this rare intimate evening she shares stories, photos, wisdom, tantalizing behind-the-scenes gossip and a Q&A from her spectacular 58-year career. This performance is sure to leave you moved, tickled and inspired.
Subscriptions to this extraordinary season are now available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801. Single tickets will go on sale June 1, 2012 and will be available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.
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Labels: la mirada theatre