Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tony Nominations are out
You can see the column and full list of nominations at the NY Times.
I agree with the Times that one of the most interesting things is to check out who got snubbed. Young Frankenstein got snubbed big-time. Little Mermaid did too. (Although I notice it's nominated for Best Original Score, so I have to ask: how "original" is it? What's the ratio of new songs to songs from the movie? This seems odd to me, but I haven't seen it, so can't reall comment intelligently about it.)
Sondheim is getting a lifetime achievement award, so they must be thinking he's never going to bring another new musical to Broadway. (And if you read some of his comments back form when he was working on Bounce, they might be right.)
Hard to root for anyone when I've seen exactly one nominated show, but I'm going to guess that Patty LuPone wins...what are your predictions?
I agree with the Times that one of the most interesting things is to check out who got snubbed. Young Frankenstein got snubbed big-time. Little Mermaid did too. (Although I notice it's nominated for Best Original Score, so I have to ask: how "original" is it? What's the ratio of new songs to songs from the movie? This seems odd to me, but I haven't seen it, so can't reall comment intelligently about it.)
Sondheim is getting a lifetime achievement award, so they must be thinking he's never going to bring another new musical to Broadway. (And if you read some of his comments back form when he was working on Bounce, they might be right.)
Hard to root for anyone when I've seen exactly one nominated show, but I'm going to guess that Patty LuPone wins...what are your predictions?
Labels: Broadway, Tony Awards
Friday, May 09, 2008
Taking a look at past Tony winner and losers
The Oxford University Press blog has Thomas S. Hischak, author of The Oxford Companion To The American Musical: Theatre, Film and Television, to provide commentary leading up to the Tony Awards this summer.
He kicks off with a post exploring which shows won, but probably shouldn't have; lost but probably shouldn't have, and laughed their Tony-free way all the way to the bank.
I agree on some calls, not others. From the lists he provides I agree the most shocking losers are:
West Side Story
Follies
Sunday in the Park With George
OTOH, there's not a single musical on his list of the biggest money-makers that didn't win that I feel is a stunning omission.
Finally, he has a list of those that did win that shouldn't have, and I must disagree about Avenue Q, but I couldn't agree MORE about The Will Rogers Follies.
When you check out his list, what's your reaction?
He kicks off with a post exploring which shows won, but probably shouldn't have; lost but probably shouldn't have, and laughed their Tony-free way all the way to the bank.
I agree on some calls, not others. From the lists he provides I agree the most shocking losers are:
West Side Story
Follies
Sunday in the Park With George
OTOH, there's not a single musical on his list of the biggest money-makers that didn't win that I feel is a stunning omission.
Finally, he has a list of those that did win that shouldn't have, and I must disagree about Avenue Q, but I couldn't agree MORE about The Will Rogers Follies.
When you check out his list, what's your reaction?
Labels: Tony Awards
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Local Production: Arclight Repertory Theatre
From my Inbox:
WHAT: Arclight Repertory Theatre presents the first annual “Shakespeare on the Square Festival” in downtown San Jose.
WHEN: June 6th – June 28th (Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm)
WHERE: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro Street above Peggy Sue’s Restaurant
HOW MUCH: $15 and $10 for students/seniors (65 and older) and Theatre Bay Area members
HOW TO GET TIX: Reservations can be made through Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com
SHOWS: Twelfth Night, re-imagined on the ancient Indian island of Illyria, plus The Green Show—a free performance of Indian classical music, dance and love poetry presented by the Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose one hour prior to the Twelfth Night performances on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Green Show performances are on Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 6pm outside on San Pedro Street next to Peggy Sue’s Restaurant.
About Arclight Repertory Theatre (ART)
WHAT: Arclight Repertory Theatre presents the first annual “Shakespeare on the Square Festival” in downtown San Jose.
WHEN: June 6th – June 28th (Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm)
WHERE: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro Street above Peggy Sue’s Restaurant
HOW MUCH: $15 and $10 for students/seniors (65 and older) and Theatre Bay Area members
HOW TO GET TIX: Reservations can be made through Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com
SHOWS: Twelfth Night, re-imagined on the ancient Indian island of Illyria, plus The Green Show—a free performance of Indian classical music, dance and love poetry presented by the Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose one hour prior to the Twelfth Night performances on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Green Show performances are on Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 6pm outside on San Pedro Street next to Peggy Sue’s Restaurant.
About Arclight Repertory Theatre (ART)
ART—a professional, nonprofit performing arts organization is partnering with the The Abhinaya Dance Company, Lincoln Glen Church and The San Jose Downtown Association to present the first annual “Shakespeare on the Square” festival. ART is dedicated to producing original, classical and contemporary plays in imaginative and innovative ways. ART offers educational outreach programs to underserved and at-risk youth in Santa Clara County and develops new voices for the theatre through its “Sparklight Play Development Series.” Arclight Rep will present Mark W. Jordan’s original adaptation of Henry IV entitled, Henry, Harry and Sir John on Sunday, May 18th at the Theatre on San Pedro Square at 7pm. Last summer, Arclight Repertory Theatre presented Shakespeare’s dark comedy, Measure for Measure. The San Jose Metro critic Marianne Messina described it as “an extremely lucid production” and added that “Pushing creatively on the text, Arclight’s production adds revelation between the spoken lines, which makes it full of surprises”.
Labels: Arclight Repertory Theatre
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Divas For Life 2008
Molly Bell is at it again...producing her fourth Divas For Life benefit for the Relay For Life: American Cancer Society.WHAT: Divas For Life, a benefit
WHEN: Monday, June 2 Show time is 7:00 PM with a VIP reception to follow at 8:30 PM.
WHERE: The Eagle Theater, Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos.
HOW MUCH: $25, $50 for VIP (front & center seating plus reception) and $75 for Super VIP (VIP perks plus autographed DIVA t-shirt).
HOW TO GET TIX: Go to www.missmollybell.com
This year’s highlight is a special preview of songs from the upcoming world premiere of Becoming Britney, a show co-written by Molly Bell and Daya Curley about Britney, a character whose fame and foibles turn her to rehab where she discovers her life’s purpose in a musical.
Oh, and who are the divas? This year they include: Katherine Von Till, Kristin Sharpley, Kathryn Foley, Kristin Stokes, Riette Burdick, Angela Gunter, Annmarie Martin, Carrie Madsen, Dani Marcus, Nicole Tung, Daya Curley, and Molly Bell herself. Matt Hohensee, Musical Director of Becoming Britney, serves as the show’s "Divo of the Keys."
Enjoy the divas :)
.
Friday, May 02, 2008
The intersection of two interests
You know I loves me some Bernadette Peters...she's idol.
And you may know that I'm an animal fanatic...no really, down to the whole vegan thing.
Now, those two worlds collide as Bernadette Peters has written a book, Broadway Barks.
Actually, Broadway Barks is the charitable organization Bernadette started along with Mary Tyler Moore. And I must say both Bernadette's site and the Broadway Barks site do woefully little to promote this book, so I had trouble finding other info.
The Orlando Sentinel article above did give me info I hadn't known: That Bernadette's husband was killed three years ago in a helicopter crash! Wow.
Anyway, thank goodness for Amazon, so I can provide you the ordering info I know you want:
Cute cover, huh?
And you may know that I'm an animal fanatic...no really, down to the whole vegan thing.
Now, those two worlds collide as Bernadette Peters has written a book, Broadway Barks.
Actually, Broadway Barks is the charitable organization Bernadette started along with Mary Tyler Moore. And I must say both Bernadette's site and the Broadway Barks site do woefully little to promote this book, so I had trouble finding other info.
The Orlando Sentinel article above did give me info I hadn't known: That Bernadette's husband was killed three years ago in a helicopter crash! Wow.
Anyway, thank goodness for Amazon, so I can provide you the ordering info I know you want:
Cute cover, huh?
Labels: Bernadette Peters
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Local Production (Oakland): Living in the Mainstream Ain't Easy
Got this in my Inbox and thought it sounded very interesting:
WHAT: "Living in the Mainstream Ain't Easy": THE MS. K.I.A. CHRONICLES, A Griot's Tale of Survival in America
WHO: Written, Directed, and Performed by Pippa Fleming Produced and Photographed by Grace Villarin Duenas
WHEN: Two shows only:
Saturday, June 21, 2008. Show at 8pm;
Sunday, June 22, 2008. Artist's Reception at 5:30 pm, Show at 7:30 pm.
WHERE:
Laney College Theatre
900 S. Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94607
For directions call 510.834.5740. BART Accessible!
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Journey with Ms. K.I.A., a griot* from days of old, as she is teleported from the past into a modern cabaret.
Weaving ritual, dance, theatre and song, Ms. K.I.A. mystically catapults her audience into a current reality that leaves spectators trying to catch their breaths, as they become part of a cultural revolution.
* griot \gre-o\ or jali is a Western African poet, praise singer and wandering musician considered to be a repository of oral tradition.
HOW TO GET TICKETS: Reservation line: 510.712.3242 or email tickets@pippafleming.com
HOW MUCH: Sunday, June 22nd Artist's Reception: $15, General seating: $30 Premiere, $25 Orchestra; $20 Balcony; $20 students and seniors
WHAT: "Living in the Mainstream Ain't Easy": THE MS. K.I.A. CHRONICLES, A Griot's Tale of Survival in America
WHO: Written, Directed, and Performed by Pippa Fleming Produced and Photographed by Grace Villarin Duenas
WHEN: Two shows only:
Saturday, June 21, 2008. Show at 8pm;
Sunday, June 22, 2008. Artist's Reception at 5:30 pm, Show at 7:30 pm.
WHERE:
Laney College Theatre
900 S. Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94607
For directions call 510.834.5740. BART Accessible!
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Journey with Ms. K.I.A., a griot* from days of old, as she is teleported from the past into a modern cabaret.
Weaving ritual, dance, theatre and song, Ms. K.I.A. mystically catapults her audience into a current reality that leaves spectators trying to catch their breaths, as they become part of a cultural revolution.
* griot \gre-o\ or jali is a Western African poet, praise singer and wandering musician considered to be a repository of oral tradition.
HOW TO GET TICKETS: Reservation line: 510.712.3242 or email tickets@pippafleming.com
HOW MUCH: Sunday, June 22nd Artist's Reception: $15, General seating: $30 Premiere, $25 Orchestra; $20 Balcony; $20 students and seniors
My Andrew Lloyd Webber American Idol recap
In case you're interested in what I thought of the American Idol Top 6 tackling Andrew Lloyd Webber (and what I think of ALW himself) you can read my recap over on my personal blog.
You might find a hint in my opening paragraph:
If you're one to, enjoy.
You might find a hint in my opening paragraph:
"Bias check: Yup, I'm one of those effete musical theatre snobs who idolizes Sondheim and loathes Andrew Lloyd Webber."
If you're one to, enjoy.
Labels: American Idol, Andrew Lloyd Webber
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday in the Park review...better late than never
OK, took me a while to get around to it, but I've finally posted my review of the Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George on my personal blog.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Labels: Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park With George
Friday, April 11, 2008
Couple of local productions to check out
Got a few emails announcing local productions that are off my typical beaten path. Check them out...and report back if you do!
Production #1:
WHAT: Brenda Wong Aoki & Mark Izu present: Ghosts and Girls The Legend of the Morning Glory
WHEN: Friday April 25 at 8pm & Saturday 26 at 2pm matinee
WHERE: Jewish Community Center, Kanbar Hall (3200 California St. @ Presidio), San Francisco
HOW MUCH: $25.00 Public, $22.00 Member, $15 Student (***Student groups of 14 or more, receive the group rate of $13/ticket plus receive one free ticket for a chaperone.)
WHAT'S IT ABOUT: Ghosts and Girls is a haunting love tale that tells a story about a power samurai’s daughter who meets and falls in love with a boy from a poor family. Despite her father’s attempts to have her marry one of his rich suitors, the girl is forever determined to marry the poor boy when his love poem about the morning glory blows into her boat. Wanting to marry the poor boy, she runs away to a world outside her father’s castle and becomes the Morning Glory, an itinerant storyteller gamer for her tale of lost love.
FOR MORE INFO:
Jordan Shapiro (415) 292-1299 Ext. 1106
JCC SF Box Office (415) 292-1233
www.jccsf.org/arts
For past First Voice videos, please visit out YouTube page at www.youtube.com/BrendaAokiMarkIzu
Production #2:
WHAT: Triple Shot Productions presents Riches by award-winning playwright Lee Blessing
WHEN: Throughout April
Fridays at 8 p.m.: April 11, 18, 25
Saturdays at 8 p.m.: April 12, 19, 26 (closing night)
Sundays at 2 p.m.: April 13, 20
Thursdays at 8 p.m.: April 17, 24
WHERE: The Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason Street cross Geary, San Francisco, California, 94103
HOW MUCH: $20.00
WHAT'S IT ABOUT: Riches portrays an "everything is right" marriage in which the “everything” goes horribly wrong. "Riches" reunites "Dollhouse" collaborators Andi Trindle (Nora), Dan Wilson (Dr. Rank) and Bahati Bonner, the director of "Dollhouse." "Riches" stars Ms. Trindle and Mr. Wilson, each critically acclaimed in their most recent projects, as the troubled couple Mr. and Mrs. Rich. Bahati Bonner once again lends her masterful directorial hand to the project.
FOR MORE INFO: Tickets are now available online: http://www.tripleshotproductions.org/Current_production.html
Labels: San Francisco Theatre
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Broadway revival: Sunday in the Park with George
A full review will have to wait until I'm back home, but I did want to say that I saw the current Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George this afternoon, and really enjoyed it.
Sweeney Todd may still be my favorite Sondheim show, well, in fact my favorite musical, but Sunday's score is so incredibly and achingly beautiful. Just hearing certain chords makes my eyes well up with tears, and I continue to find the show's contemplative perspective on love and art and creation so moving.
This is one of those times in the year when Broadway collects on behalf of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and they had the actual sketches the actor who plays George made during the performance. I donated $60 to get a sketch of the two dogs. Really cute.
As I said, full review pending...
Sweeney Todd may still be my favorite Sondheim show, well, in fact my favorite musical, but Sunday's score is so incredibly and achingly beautiful. Just hearing certain chords makes my eyes well up with tears, and I continue to find the show's contemplative perspective on love and art and creation so moving.
This is one of those times in the year when Broadway collects on behalf of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and they had the actual sketches the actor who plays George made during the performance. I donated $60 to get a sketch of the two dogs. Really cute.
As I said, full review pending...
Labels: Broadway, Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park With George
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tabard takes over Theatre on San Pedro Square
Hat tip to the Merc's Arts & Entertainment blog for the article on Tabard Theatre Company taking over the theatre space on San Pedro Square.
Taking back the hat tip, though, in light of the fact they couldn't bring themselves to link to the actual theatre company:
Tabard Theatre Company web site
Come on mainstream media bloggers, it's not print...you can hyperlink, m'kay?
Does this mean Gary De Mattei's latest theatre venture is not working out, or did they find another space?
Taking back the hat tip, though, in light of the fact they couldn't bring themselves to link to the actual theatre company:
Tabard Theatre Company web site
Come on mainstream media bloggers, it's not print...you can hyperlink, m'kay?
Does this mean Gary De Mattei's latest theatre venture is not working out, or did they find another space?
Labels: san Jose Mercury, Tabard Theatre Company
Sunday, March 30, 2008
My review of San Jose Rep's Souvenir
Is online at my personal blog.
Oh, and just to warn you. I totally give away the ending. This is a big, fat spoiler alert.
Oh, and just to warn you. I totally give away the ending. This is a big, fat spoiler alert.
Labels: San Jose Rep
Friday, March 28, 2008
Local theatres facing the wrecking ball?
Coincidentally I received two notices about two small, but vibrant theatres in the Los Altos/Mountain View area both facing uncertain futures. In one case community input might help. In the other case, I'm not so sure.
1. Bus Barn Theatre in Los Altos
Here's the scoop from artistic director Barbara Cannon:
I wonder if that May 9th meeting is open to the public...or at least Los Alto residents? It must be, right?
2. Pear Theatre in Mountain View
Ray Renati sent me this link to his blog which contains this link to an article from the Mountain View Voice.
Sounds like Google and Microsoft are playing a life-size game of Monopoly with office space in MV.
Here's the crux of the matter for the Pear:
We really know how to value the arts, huh?
1. Bus Barn Theatre in Los Altos
Here's the scoop from artistic director Barbara Cannon:
The City of Los Altos is considering a plan to rebuild the community center and it's surroundings and is now soliciting input from citizens regarding the use of certain facilities here. Bus Barn Stage Company has been asked to present itself to the City Council and basically explain why a theater should be included in the city plan. If we are included, we will gain a new performing arts space with increased seating capacity (hopefully) and modern amenities (indoor plumbing!!). If we are not included, it seems likely that Bus Barn Theater will be demolished in the renovation and will not be replaced. The current City Council members are not supporters of the arts generally and theater specifically, so we figure they will need some convincing.
If you have the time and are so inclined, we can use some testimonials specifically geared towards the importance of Bus Barn to our community and to the community-at-large. It can be an email or attachment that we can print out, or a letter. Our very brief presentation is scheduled for May 9. I would love to lay a pile of testimonials on their desk after we make our presentation. If you live in the Palo Alto/Mountain View/Los Altos area, your input is especially important.
Emails can be sent to me, barbara@busbarn.org. Letters can be sent to PO Box 151, Los Altos CA 94023.
I wonder if that May 9th meeting is open to the public...or at least Los Alto residents? It must be, right?
2. Pear Theatre in Mountain View
Ray Renati sent me this link to his blog which contains this link to an article from the Mountain View Voice.
Sounds like Google and Microsoft are playing a life-size game of Monopoly with office space in MV.
Here's the crux of the matter for the Pear:
What will happen to The Pear is uncertain. Its lease expires this October.
"We assume that at some point there is a good chance Google will want to do something with that space," said Diane Tasca, artistic director of The Pear. "They also bought the building next to us."
The 15,000-square-foot building has several other tenants, including a photo studio, a glass shop and a Pilates studio, some of which have longer leases than The Pear, Tasca said. The longest lease runs until July 2009.
Zoning administrator Peter Gilli said in an e-mail that Google would have to rezone the site to build office space there.
After talking to someone close to the deal, Tasca speculated that Google bought the building in a "strategic" move -- in order to keep Microsoft "in check."
Tasca said she was planning to meet with Google representatives to find out how long The Pear would be able to stay.
We really know how to value the arts, huh?
Labels: Bus barn Theatre, Google, microsoft, Pear Theatre
Thursday, March 27, 2008
ACT announces next season
The story is here.
The official announcement is here.
And the exciting stuff is pretty obvious:
- A West Coast premier for a new Tom Stoppard play, Rock & Roll
- A new play starring actors Laurie Metcalf, JoBeth Williams and Dennis Boutsikaris
-A John Guare play
-Broadway Diva Judy Kate in Souvenir (which I'm supposed to go see at SJ Rep this weekend)
- Finally, the West Coast Premier of Edward Albee's Zoo Story prequel, Peter and Jerry
Now that I live in San Jose (well, as I have for the last 7 years) I find I go to SF less and less often. The distance and hassle isn't offset by what I could do there. If I lived just a little further North I might be enticed by this season, though.
How far would you drive for this season?
The official announcement is here.
And the exciting stuff is pretty obvious:
- A West Coast premier for a new Tom Stoppard play, Rock & Roll
- A new play starring actors Laurie Metcalf, JoBeth Williams and Dennis Boutsikaris
-A John Guare play
-Broadway Diva Judy Kate in Souvenir (which I'm supposed to go see at SJ Rep this weekend)
- Finally, the West Coast Premier of Edward Albee's Zoo Story prequel, Peter and Jerry
Now that I live in San Jose (well, as I have for the last 7 years) I find I go to SF less and less often. The distance and hassle isn't offset by what I could do there. If I lived just a little further North I might be enticed by this season, though.
How far would you drive for this season?
Labels: ACT
Monday, March 24, 2008
This show comes with a very clever actor and his very entertaining "shameless plug"
My friend Will Giammona does a lot of shows, and I guess he has figure out that if you're going to invite your friends to a lot of shows, your invitations better be entertaining in their own right. Hence the following "shameless plug." Even in my current homebody, barely-leave-the-house, uninspired-by-most-theatre state I'm feeling the itch to go see this.
Check out why:
PS-In his email he had those nice Curly/Richard comparisons laid out in an easy to read table, but my html skillz are not that organic that I remembered exactly how to do that, and I gotta get ready for work in a few minutes. Hope you get the gist, though.
Check out why:
Greetings Theatergoers!
The third and final installment in my Child Abuse trilogy of roles is finally here! (see previous emails on The Diviners and The Secret Garden) I'm playing Richard in Thrill Me a new two-person show based on the real life killers/lovers Nathan Leopold & Richard Loeb who murdered little Bobby Franks in Chicago in 1924. And yes, it's a musical.
Because I know it's a new show and most of you have never heard of it, I thought I would help you out a bit by comparing my role of Richard to a role that everyone is familiar with: Curly from Oklahoma. The two roles are surprisingly similar. Let me show you what I mean:
In Oklahoma, Curly sings…
…about the joy he feels at watching the light from the morning sun rise over the cornfields.
In Thrill Me, Richard sings…
…about the joy he feels at watching the light from a gasoline fire he started burn warehouse to the ground.
In Oklahoma, Curly sings…
…to lure Laurie into a surrey to take her to the box social.
In Thrill Me, Richard sings…
…to lure a boy into his car to bludgeon him to death with a chisel.
In Oklahoma, Curly sings…
…that he and Laurie should not be bothered by what other people think because they're in love.
In Thrill Me, Richard sings…
…that he and Nathan should not be bothered by other what other people think because they are the epitome of Nietzsche's Ubermensch philosophy.
In Oklahoma, Curly sings…
…to show Judd how nice things will be at his funeral would be when he dies.
In Thrill Me, Richard sings…
… to show Nathan how nice things will be after they kill his brother John.
In Oklahoma, Curly sings…
… about his future within the state of Oklahoma for the rest of his life.
In Thrill Me, Richard sings…
…about his future within the state penitentiary of Joliet prison for the rest of his life plus 99 years.
As you can see, the comparison is staggering--it's basically Oklahoma, except that Laurie is an oversexed man with masochistic tendencies and Judd is a fourteen year old boy. Ok, maybe not. It's a little more like Sweeney Todd meets I Do, I Do with a gay twist. Despite how dark it sounds, it's not a graphic show as neither the violence nor sex is shown in any detail. But boy is it dark!
The show is really coming together and we're ready for an audience. Some of you may know others involved with the show:
Nathan is played by the extremely talented Ricardo Rust (most recently in the Willow's Jesus Christ Superstar), the show is directed by Dennis Lickteig, and the musical direction and piano accompaniment is by Tim Hanson.
For tickets and more information about the New Conservatory Theatre (on Van Ness in San Francisco), check out: http://www.nctcsf.org/ The show starts previews on March 28th and officially opens on April 5th and runs until the beginning of May.
Hope to see you there!
-Will
But what's next for our child-abusing baritone? Can't we do a happy musical next time? Yes! Up next is the role of Tommy Albright, the New Yorker who finds love and escape in the mystical village of Brigadoon for DLOC in conjunction with the Diablo Symphony.
PS-In his email he had those nice Curly/Richard comparisons laid out in an easy to read table, but my html skillz are not that organic that I remembered exactly how to do that, and I gotta get ready for work in a few minutes. Hope you get the gist, though.
Labels: Leopold and Loeb, New Conservatory Theatre, Will Giammona
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Finally: My review of FMT's My Fair Lady
Friday, March 07, 2008
Avenue Q is NOT a cynical show
Happy to see the Merc's entertainment blog tout the arrival of Avenue Q in S an Jose next year at AMT.
Think Karen D'Souza misses the mark a bit, though, when she says: "This is musical theater for the Jon Stewart generation. Cynicism is in. Sequins, out."
I found Avenue Q to be anything but cynical. In the end I loved this show as much as I did because I actually cared more for the hopes and dream of these puppets than I did about a lot of the characters I do in other big Broadway musical productions.
When Kate Monster sings "It's a Fine, Fine Line" to end Act 1, she's speaking for every one of us who has been in that "Is/he or isn't s/he interested in me?" situation...it's a modern and spot-on take on unrequited like.
I agree this is not your typical musical, and that it's a musical for people who think they ahte musicals, but I would never tell you that it doesn't have a big, big heart. because I think it does.
Think Karen D'Souza misses the mark a bit, though, when she says: "This is musical theater for the Jon Stewart generation. Cynicism is in. Sequins, out."
I found Avenue Q to be anything but cynical. In the end I loved this show as much as I did because I actually cared more for the hopes and dream of these puppets than I did about a lot of the characters I do in other big Broadway musical productions.
When Kate Monster sings "It's a Fine, Fine Line" to end Act 1, she's speaking for every one of us who has been in that "Is/he or isn't s/he interested in me?" situation...it's a modern and spot-on take on unrequited like.
I agree this is not your typical musical, and that it's a musical for people who think they ahte musicals, but I would never tell you that it doesn't have a big, big heart. because I think it does.
Labels: AMTSJ, Avenue Q, san Jose Mercury
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
My Fair Lady at Foothill
I saw My Fair Lady, the inaugural production in the new Lohmann Theatre at Foothill, last weekend. It's a lovely, intimate production that packs a surprising wallop.
I still need to write my full review, but in the meantime, you can read the review at the Metro.
I totally agree with the reviewer talking about the lack of real believable dirtiness on the part of Eliza and her Covent Garden cohorts...they were a shiny sparkly bunch with a few artfully placed and quite evenly distributed smudges of dirt. I'm not sure My Fair Lady needs to get the nitty-gritty naturalistic treatment, though, so I was pretty OK despite that little quibble.
I've always had a little trouble with the interplay between an incredibly arrogant and verbally abusive Higgins and Doolittle, and especially with her coming back in the end (and the whole giving him his slippers thing...ugh!) This production doesn't necessarily eliminate that discomfort, but it certainly plays up her feistiness and transformation into not just a "lady", but a woman who has self-regard.
And no handing him slippers. Thankfully.
Have you seen it? I hear it's totally sold out at this point! except maybe on Thursday evenings.
I still need to write my full review, but in the meantime, you can read the review at the Metro.
I totally agree with the reviewer talking about the lack of real believable dirtiness on the part of Eliza and her Covent Garden cohorts...they were a shiny sparkly bunch with a few artfully placed and quite evenly distributed smudges of dirt. I'm not sure My Fair Lady needs to get the nitty-gritty naturalistic treatment, though, so I was pretty OK despite that little quibble.
I've always had a little trouble with the interplay between an incredibly arrogant and verbally abusive Higgins and Doolittle, and especially with her coming back in the end (and the whole giving him his slippers thing...ugh!) This production doesn't necessarily eliminate that discomfort, but it certainly plays up her feistiness and transformation into not just a "lady", but a woman who has self-regard.
And no handing him slippers. Thankfully.
Have you seen it? I hear it's totally sold out at this point! except maybe on Thursday evenings.
Labels: Foothill Music Theatre, My Fair Lady
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
2007 Bay Area Critics Circle Awards
Thanks to Ray Renati for posting this list of the 2007 Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards.
Foothill's production of Pippin gets some respect, as do a couple of 42nd St. Moon productions. But generally it's a lot of the same old suspects. I'd be depressed if I did theatre in San Jose, though. San Jose theatre got no respect.
So, I'm hardly qualified to judge whether the Critics did a good job or no? Anyone want to start a controversy?
Foothill's production of Pippin gets some respect, as do a couple of 42nd St. Moon productions. But generally it's a lot of the same old suspects. I'd be depressed if I did theatre in San Jose, though. San Jose theatre got no respect.
So, I'm hardly qualified to judge whether the Critics did a good job or no? Anyone want to start a controversy?
Labels: Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Review: San Jose Rep's Tranced
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Willows Theatre Season...tickets now on sale
Or, if I'm being honest, tickets on sale, and shows already open...given I've been a bit slow to respond to Kristopher McDowell's original email alerting me to the season being on sale.
Kristopher, who you might know from his appearances at 42nd St. Moon, is now the Executive Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Willows.
They've got two shows running:
At their main theatre in the Willows Shopping Center you'll find Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened yesterday and runs through March 2nd.
At their cabaret theatre in Martinez you'll find Nunsense 2, the Second Coming, which opened last week and runs through February 24th. Another 42nd St. Moon alum, Alexandra Kaprielian, is playing SIster Mary Amnesia.
Their site is a font of information, so if you're an East Bay-er...or just love JC Superstar or Nunsense, get on over there.
Kristopher, who you might know from his appearances at 42nd St. Moon, is now the Executive Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Willows.
They've got two shows running:
At their main theatre in the Willows Shopping Center you'll find Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened yesterday and runs through March 2nd.
At their cabaret theatre in Martinez you'll find Nunsense 2, the Second Coming, which opened last week and runs through February 24th. Another 42nd St. Moon alum, Alexandra Kaprielian, is playing SIster Mary Amnesia.
Their site is a font of information, so if you're an East Bay-er...or just love JC Superstar or Nunsense, get on over there.
Labels: Willows Theatre
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
True West at the Pear Avenue Theatre...$8 tix tonight!
This blog's regular commenter Ray Renati is currently directing the Pear Avenue Theatre production of Sam Shepard's True West.
WHAT: True West by Sam Shepard
WHERE: Pear Avenue Theatre
1220 Pear Avenue, Unit K
Mountain View, CA 94043
WHEN: From January 11, 2008 8:00 PM through February 03, 2008 2:00 PM
ONLINE TICKETS: At Brown Paper Tickets
DESCRIPTION: Quintessential Sam Shepard: Toasters and typewriters duke it out! All hell breaks lose when a frustrated screenwriter is stunned by the arrival of his toaster-snatching desert rat of a brother. The Pear's third offering in its sixth season features John Romano, Daniel Martin, Kevin High, and Jackie O'Keefe, and is directed by Ray Renati. Don't miss this darkly comic modern classic!
SPECIAL OFFER: The Pear has decided to offer a limited number of $8.00 seats for tonight's performance (Wednesday, 1-23). Just call 650-254-1148 for reservations.
WHAT: True West by Sam Shepard
WHERE: Pear Avenue Theatre
1220 Pear Avenue, Unit K
Mountain View, CA 94043
WHEN: From January 11, 2008 8:00 PM through February 03, 2008 2:00 PM
ONLINE TICKETS: At Brown Paper Tickets
DESCRIPTION: Quintessential Sam Shepard: Toasters and typewriters duke it out! All hell breaks lose when a frustrated screenwriter is stunned by the arrival of his toaster-snatching desert rat of a brother. The Pear's third offering in its sixth season features John Romano, Daniel Martin, Kevin High, and Jackie O'Keefe, and is directed by Ray Renati. Don't miss this darkly comic modern classic!
SPECIAL OFFER: The Pear has decided to offer a limited number of $8.00 seats for tonight's performance (Wednesday, 1-23). Just call 650-254-1148 for reservations.
Labels: Pear Avenue Theatre, Ray Renati, Sam Shepard, True West
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Oscar Nominations announced
Here.
Johnny Depp is nominated, which looks like the only major get for Sweeney (the other noms being for Art Direction and Costumes.) Also really happy to see Hal Holbrook's nomination.
Short list of films I really want to see pre-Oscars:
For sure:
Sweeney, duh
Juno
Michael Clayton
La Vie en Rose
Maybe:
There Will Be Blood (I'm more intrigued by what I hear about the score by Radiohead's guitarist than I am by Daniel Day Lewis' performance)
Ratatouille
Away From Her and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (both sound pretty depressing)
No End in Sight and Sicko (although I doubt I'll prioritize them given how few of the other films I've seen.)
Gone Baby Gone (For some reason I'm a Ben Affleck fan...must be his self-deprecating nature)
List of nominated films I just can't get interested in seeing:
Atonement (looks dull)
No Country For Old Men (sounds really violent)
Lars and the Real Girl (looks ridiculous)
No noms for the other big musical release of the year, Hairspray, which I just watched Sunday night on DVD. My full review is coming, but let's just say that, while harmless, I'm certainly not at all surprised to see it blanked at the Oscars.
Any big surprises on the list for you?
Johnny Depp is nominated, which looks like the only major get for Sweeney (the other noms being for Art Direction and Costumes.) Also really happy to see Hal Holbrook's nomination.
Short list of films I really want to see pre-Oscars:
For sure:
Sweeney, duh
Juno
Michael Clayton
La Vie en Rose
Maybe:
There Will Be Blood (I'm more intrigued by what I hear about the score by Radiohead's guitarist than I am by Daniel Day Lewis' performance)
Ratatouille
Away From Her and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (both sound pretty depressing)
No End in Sight and Sicko (although I doubt I'll prioritize them given how few of the other films I've seen.)
Gone Baby Gone (For some reason I'm a Ben Affleck fan...must be his self-deprecating nature)
List of nominated films I just can't get interested in seeing:
Atonement (looks dull)
No Country For Old Men (sounds really violent)
Lars and the Real Girl (looks ridiculous)
No noms for the other big musical release of the year, Hairspray, which I just watched Sunday night on DVD. My full review is coming, but let's just say that, while harmless, I'm certainly not at all surprised to see it blanked at the Oscars.
Any big surprises on the list for you?
Labels: Oscars
Monday, January 14, 2008
Golden Globes? Feh...
...What about the Shellie's?
At least this is the question I was asked by a faithful blog reader.
So, quite right, this is the SF Bay Area Theatre Blog after all...I may be obsessed with Sweeney Todd, but that doesn't mean I should turn a blind eye to our won local fare.
The 29th annual Shellie Award winners were announced.
The Shellies honor work in Contra Costa County and have been going on for 29 years, so quite a run.
Congratulations to all the winners, which ae listed by category at the link above.
At least this is the question I was asked by a faithful blog reader.
So, quite right, this is the SF Bay Area Theatre Blog after all...I may be obsessed with Sweeney Todd, but that doesn't mean I should turn a blind eye to our won local fare.
The 29th annual Shellie Award winners were announced.
The Shellies honor work in Contra Costa County and have been going on for 29 years, so quite a run.
Congratulations to all the winners, which ae listed by category at the link above.
Labels: shellie awards
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Golden Globes: Sweeney wins Best Film, Musical or Comedy and Best Actor
With little pomp and no live awards show, thanks to the WGA strike, we have merely a press conference to announce the winners of this year's Golden Globes.
Sweeney Todd won Best Film, Musical or Comedy, and Johnny Depp won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Let's bear in mind that the whole splitting of Dramas from Musicals/Comedy at the Globes leads to a whole lot of winners at the GG who never had a shot at the Oscar. And I have no doubt it's no different for Sweeney and Depp.
PS-I still haven't see the film, if you can believe it, partially scared off by the gore. Meanwhile BlogSister and her husband saw it and LOVED it, and yes, BlogSister is as much a Sweeney fan as I am.
She wants to guest blog her review, and I'm encouraging her to write it up and do it!!
Source: New York Times with a list of all nominees and winners
Sweeney Todd won Best Film, Musical or Comedy, and Johnny Depp won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Let's bear in mind that the whole splitting of Dramas from Musicals/Comedy at the Globes leads to a whole lot of winners at the GG who never had a shot at the Oscar. And I have no doubt it's no different for Sweeney and Depp.
PS-I still haven't see the film, if you can believe it, partially scared off by the gore. Meanwhile BlogSister and her husband saw it and LOVED it, and yes, BlogSister is as much a Sweeney fan as I am.
She wants to guest blog her review, and I'm encouraging her to write it up and do it!!
Source: New York Times with a list of all nominees and winners
Labels: Golden Globes, Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd
Monday, December 31, 2007
Your Top 10 2007 Theatre Picks?
So Karen D'Souza from the Merc published her top 10 local theatre picks for the year 2007.
a) I think it's sad I've seen NONE of them. Proves that I totally de-emphasized attending cultural events this year...from theatre to concerts to even movies in the movie theatre. When I focus on work, I really focus. It can be a great thing. It can be a little too much too.
b) I also think it's sad that a San Jose columnist has only one show on her list that wasn't in San Francisco or Berkeley. having not seen a lot of theatre in any part of the Bay Area this year I can't say whether it's a sad statement about the state of South Bay and Peninsula theatre or a sad statement about the pretentious preference our San Jose paper shows for theatre from our friends to the North and East, but it's sad either way.
I'm not saying I had any transcendent San Jose theatre experiences, I probably didn't, but then I went to the theatre only about half a dozen times this year! (Ouch.) The only transcendent experience I had was Spring Awakening in New York.
So, those of you who DID see a lot of great theatre this year...what is D'Souza missing?
a) I think it's sad I've seen NONE of them. Proves that I totally de-emphasized attending cultural events this year...from theatre to concerts to even movies in the movie theatre. When I focus on work, I really focus. It can be a great thing. It can be a little too much too.
b) I also think it's sad that a San Jose columnist has only one show on her list that wasn't in San Francisco or Berkeley. having not seen a lot of theatre in any part of the Bay Area this year I can't say whether it's a sad statement about the state of South Bay and Peninsula theatre or a sad statement about the pretentious preference our San Jose paper shows for theatre from our friends to the North and East, but it's sad either way.
I'm not saying I had any transcendent San Jose theatre experiences, I probably didn't, but then I went to the theatre only about half a dozen times this year! (Ouch.) The only transcendent experience I had was Spring Awakening in New York.
So, those of you who DID see a lot of great theatre this year...what is D'Souza missing?
Sunday, December 23, 2007
My review of SJ Rep's "This Wonderful Life"
Sunday, December 16, 2007
It's all Sweeney, all the time
And to continue my Sweeney-posting trend, here is this morning's article in the NY Times about Sondheim, and how he approached slicing and dicing his murderous masterpiece for the silver screen.
And slice and dice it he did. Sounds like much of the great score is on the cutting room floor. And unlike a musical like, say, Rent, where you sit through the half of the score that is forgettable to get to the brilliant, about 100% of Sweeney is brilliant.
Is it tragic? Perhaps not if, as Sondheim himself avers, it makes it a great movie, not just a filming of a stage show.
Continue to be incredibly curious and all worked up with anticipation.
And slice and dice it he did. Sounds like much of the great score is on the cutting room floor. And unlike a musical like, say, Rent, where you sit through the half of the score that is forgettable to get to the brilliant, about 100% of Sweeney is brilliant.
Is it tragic? Perhaps not if, as Sondheim himself avers, it makes it a great movie, not just a filming of a stage show.
Continue to be incredibly curious and all worked up with anticipation.
Labels: Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd
Friday, December 14, 2007
BroadwayWorld has Sweeney Todd's opening credit clip
Big focus on blood.
Sondheim score intact.
Who knows...maybe I'll end up not liking the film because Tim Burton focuses too much on the gore!?
Sondheim score intact.
Who knows...maybe I'll end up not liking the film because Tim Burton focuses too much on the gore!?
Labels: Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd, Tim Burton
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
More on the Sweeney Debate: Will the non-musical trailers piss off moviegoers?
Check out the passionate comment thread on this post at the Entertainment Weekly blog.
I've brought up the same apprehension: that the lack of music in the movie trailers for Sweeney Todd may mean that some movie goers are taken by surprise by just how musical the movie is. and that they won't like being misled.
Of course some of the commenters think that assumes that moviegoers are culturally illiterate folk who not only are unaware of Sweeney Todd, but don't research their movie selections online before they head out. Yeah? So? :)
I really hate the commenters who contend that Sondheim's score is "unmelodic". So not true. That score if full of soaring heart-breaking melodies!!!
Well, we're a mere week away from the film's opening. Color me excited.
I've brought up the same apprehension: that the lack of music in the movie trailers for Sweeney Todd may mean that some movie goers are taken by surprise by just how musical the movie is. and that they won't like being misled.
Of course some of the commenters think that assumes that moviegoers are culturally illiterate folk who not only are unaware of Sweeney Todd, but don't research their movie selections online before they head out. Yeah? So? :)
I really hate the commenters who contend that Sondheim's score is "unmelodic". So not true. That score if full of soaring heart-breaking melodies!!!
Well, we're a mere week away from the film's opening. Color me excited.
Labels: Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Taye Diggs teaching dance in campbell...is this for reals?
OK, I got the following email. I'm not sure i've gone into it here, but I am a bit of a Taye Diggs fan. Often calling him my other, other boyfriend (Seal being my first boyfriend and Johnny Depp being my second.)
Today I got this email from the parent of a kid in theatre (who I'm not sure I actually know):
Am I the victim of a prank or what? Yes, I know Taye was a song and dance guy (in the original casts of Rent and The Wild Party, and in the movie Chicago.) And I did find a dance studio called The Dance Zone in West San Jose. But there's no mention of this auspicious event, and what would bring Taye...currently co-starring in a hit primetime series, to San Jose?
Well, there is the writer's strike I guess.
Still, can it be for real, this arrival of Taye Diggs, like manna from heaven, to dispense dancing wisdom upon us?
Who has more scoopage? I am in serious need of scoopage. And perhaps a laminated card a la Friends, so my S.O. (now my husband) will give me a free pass for Taye. (I'm sure Idina won't mind, right?)
Today I got this email from the parent of a kid in theatre (who I'm not sure I actually know):
I wanted to let you know that xx' (The artist formerly known as "xx" from xx) dance studio, "The Dance Zone" will be hosting a Master Dance Workshop with Taye Diggs, star of Private Practice.
Here are the details:
February 24th between 1pm and 5:00pm
Campbell Community Center
1.5 hour Hip Hop Class
1.5 hour Contemporary Jazz Class
$40 for one class
$60 for both classes
$20 to observe the classes and meet Taye
The classes will be geared to the advanced dancer.
If you are interested in participating in the dance classes or in being an observer let me know and I can arrange to get you tickets. Spaces are limited so reserve your spot now!
Thanks,
Jane Doe
(408) xxx-xxxx-cell
Jane_doe@xxxxxxx.net
Am I the victim of a prank or what? Yes, I know Taye was a song and dance guy (in the original casts of Rent and The Wild Party, and in the movie Chicago.) And I did find a dance studio called The Dance Zone in West San Jose. But there's no mention of this auspicious event, and what would bring Taye...currently co-starring in a hit primetime series, to San Jose?
Well, there is the writer's strike I guess.
Still, can it be for real, this arrival of Taye Diggs, like manna from heaven, to dispense dancing wisdom upon us?
Who has more scoopage? I am in serious need of scoopage. And perhaps a laminated card a la Friends, so my S.O. (now my husband) will give me a free pass for Taye. (I'm sure Idina won't mind, right?)
Labels: Taye Diggs
