John Alexander News

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 205th season with Broadway's classic madcap comedy, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Directed by Charles Abbott, this 75th Anniversary production begins previews tomorrow, March 11th, opens on March 19th and runs through April 27th on the Walnut's Mainstage. Scroll down for some photos of the production!

Pacific Symphony's newest recording of a three-part oratorio crafted by one of the most sought-after composers of his generation, Richard Danielpour, is set to be released by Naxos on March 25. Written for the Persian holiday of Nowruz in 2012, "Toward a Season a Peace" was premiered by Pacific Symphony, conducted by Music Director Carl St.Clair, in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Orange County, Calif. The work features Pacific Chorale (Artistic Director John Alexander) and Grammy-winning soprano Hila Plitmann. By weaving together sacred passages with texts by the great Sufi poet Rumi, Danielpour explores violence and war in the name of religion, using the season of spring as a metaphor for change and transformation. The work was commissioned for the Symphony's 2012 American Composers Festival, "Nowruz-Celebrating Spring," presented in collaboration with the Farhang Foundation.

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 205th season with Broadway's classic madcap comedy, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Directed by Charles Abbott, this 75th Anniversary production begins previews tonight, March 11th, opens on March 19th and runs through April 27th on the Walnut's Mainstage.

Pacific Symphony's newest recording of a three-part oratorio crafted by one of the most sought-after composers of his generation, Richard Danielpour, is set to be released by Naxos on March 25. Written for the Persian holiday of Nowruz in 2012, “Toward a Season a Peace” was premiered by Pacific Symphony, conducted by Music Director Carl St.Clair, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Orange County, Calif. The work features Pacific Chorale (Artistic Director John Alexander) and Grammy-winning soprano Hila Plitmann. By weaving together sacred passages with texts by the great Sufi poet Rumi, Danielpour explores violence and war in the name of religion, using the season of spring as a metaphor for change and transformation. The work was commissioned for the Symphony's 2012 American Composers Festival, “Nowruz—Celebrating Spring,” presented in collaboration with the Farhang Foundation.

Led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, Pacific Symphony's vocal initiative, “Symphonic Voices,” continues with Giuseppe Verdi's thrilling but tragic tale about a dying courtesan willing to give up everything for love in “La Traviata.” Featuring the composer's exquisite music, presented in a uniquely staged production over three nights, the orchestra is joined by a cast of world-class opera stars; including soprano Elizabeth Caballero as Violetta Valéry and tenor Rolando Sanz as Alfredo Germont. Plus, the Pacific Chorale and members of the California State University Fullerton (CSUF) University Singers help fill the concert hall with exhilarating voices as Verdi's dramatic tale unfolds. While the selection of “La Traviata” as this year's opera is a tip of the hat to Verdi's bicentennial celebration, it is also a work that St.Clair is intimately familiar with—having conducted it while general music director of the Komische Oper Berlin.

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 205th season with Broadway's classic madcap comedy, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Directed by Charles Abbott, this 75th Anniversary production begins previews on March 11th, opens on March 19th and runs through April 27th on the Walnut's Mainstage.

Led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, Pacific Symphony's vocal initiative, “Symphonic Voices,” continues with Giuseppe Verdi's thrilling but tragic tale about a dying courtesan willing to give up everything for love in “La Traviata.” Featuring the composer's exquisite music, presented in a uniquely staged production over three nights, the orchestra is joined by a cast of world-class opera stars; including soprano Elizabeth Caballero as Violetta Valéry and tenor Rolando Sanz as Alfredo Germont. Plus, the Pacific Chorale and members of the California State University Fullerton (CSUF) University Singers help fill the concert hall with exhilarating voices as Verdi's dramatic tale unfolds. While the selection of “La Traviata” as this year's opera is a tip of the hat to Verdi's bicentennial celebration, it is also a work that St.Clair is intimately familiar with—having conducted it while general music director of the Komische Oper Berlin.

Pacific Symphony announces what is perhaps its most significant season to date for the 36-year-old orchestra-the 2014-15 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series and special events, celebrating Music Director Carl St. Clair's 25 years at the helm. Filled with giant stars and giants of the repertoire that have moved listeners for centuries, the season is pure St. Clair-embracing and celebrating all that great music can mean to the human heart.

Arvada Center Artistic Producer Rod A. Lansberry has announced the cast for The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie. The Mousetrap directed by Pat Payne, will run in the intimate Black Box Theater January 28 - February 23, 2014. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Due to popular demand three 1:00 p.m. matinees have been added on Thursdays, February 6, 13 and 20. Talkbacks will be offered Friday, February 7 after the 7:30 p.m. performance, Wednesday, February 12 after the 1:00 p.m. performance and Thursday, February 20 following the 1:00 p.m. performance. To purchase tickets and for additional information go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.

With evergreen beauty, thrilling choruses and heavenly melodies, Pacific Symphony's 'Handel's Glorious Messiah' is as fresh and energizing to the senses as a brand new Christmas tree-the perfect way to start the holiday season! Rejoice in the uplifting 'Hallelujah' chorus and thundering timpani as English guest conductor Christopher Seaman conducts from the harpsichord, leading the orchestra and esteemed vocal soloists Caitlin Lynch, soprano; Barbara Rearick, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Shirley, tenor; and Michael Dean, bass-baritone. Pacific Chorale takes the stage, prepared by Robert Istad, assistant conductor and chorus master, and John Alexander, artistic director. Handel's glowing holiday masterpiece summons bliss within the soul, emphasizing harmony and kindness. One of several holiday concerts offered by the Symphony, 'Messiah' takes place today, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.

Emotional arias and powerful choruses have the audience rejoicing in the victory of 'Judas Maccabaeus,' as Pacific Symphony opens the holiday season with the rare opportunity to hear Handel's jubilant oratorio. With all of the drama and flair of his operas, the Baroque composer masterfully tells of the Israelites' rich journey from hardship to triumph. One of peace, harmony and faith, the story of Judas Maccabees forms the basis for the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, and is often defined as history's first war for religious freedom.

With evergreen beauty, thrilling choruses and heavenly melodies, Pacific Symphony's 'Handel's Glorious Messiah' is as fresh and energizing to the senses as a brand new Christmas tree-the perfect way to start the holiday season! Rejoice in the uplifting 'Hallelujah' chorus and thundering timpani as English guest conductor Christopher Seaman conducts from the harpsichord, leading the orchestra and esteemed vocal soloists Caitlin Lynch, soprano; Barbara Rearick, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Shirley, tenor; and Michael Dean, bass-baritone. Pacific Chorale takes the stage, prepared by Robert Istad, assistant conductor and chorus master, and John Alexander, artistic director. Handel's glowing holiday masterpiece summons bliss within the soul, emphasizing harmony and kindness. One of several holiday concerts offered by the Symphony, 'Messiah' takes place Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.

Orange County, Calif.—Nov. 22, 2013—With evergreen beauty, thrilling choruses and heavenly melodies, Pacific Symphony's “Handel's Glorious Messiah” is as fresh and energizing to the senses as a brand new Christmas tree—the perfect way to start the holiday season! Rejoice in the uplifting “Hallelujah” chorus and thundering timpani as English guest conductor Christopher Seaman conducts from the harpsichord, leading the orchestra and esteemed vocal soloists Caitlin Lynch, soprano; Barbara Rearick, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Shirley, tenor; and Michael Dean, bass-baritone. Pacific Chorale takes the stage, prepared by Robert Istad, assistant conductor and chorus master, and John Alexander, artistic director. Handel's glowing holiday masterpiece summons bliss within the soul, emphasizing harmony and kindness. One of several holiday concerts offered by the Symphony, “Messiah” takes place Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Tickets are $25-$185; for more information or to purchase tickets call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Emotional arias and powerful choruses have the audience rejoicing in the victory of 'Judas Maccabaeus,' as Pacific Symphony opens the holiday season with the rare opportunity to hear Handel's jubilant oratorio. With all of the drama and flair of his operas, the Baroque composer masterfully tells of the Israelites' rich journey from hardship to triumph. One of peace, harmony and faith, the story of Judas Maccabees forms the basis for the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, and is often defined as history's first war for religious freedom.

Orange County, Calif.—Nov. 21, 2013—Emotional arias and powerful choruses have the audience rejoicing in the victory of “Judas Maccabaeus,” as Pacific Symphony opens the holiday season with the rare opportunity to hear Handel's jubilant oratorio. With all of the drama and flair of his operas, the Baroque composer masterfully tells of the Israelites' rich journey from hardship to triumph. One of peace, harmony and faith, the story of Judas Maccabees forms the basis for the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, and is often defined as history's first war for religious freedom. For this performance, Pacific Chorale's Artistic Director John Alexander leads the orchestra, chorale and esteemed vocal soloists Lauren Snouffer, soprano; Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano; I-Chin Feinblatt, alto; Thomas Cooley, tenor; William Berger, baritone; and The All American Boys Chorus for an inspiring and rousing musical experience.

Cygnet Theatre, in collaboration with Playwrights Project, has announced that it will present the second annual Playwrights in Process: New Play Festival. Cygnet Theatre has long been committed to celebrating human stories through the medium of live theatre. In addition to presenting four readings of new plays, the three-day festival will include workshops for audiences, playwrights, and theatre artists.

The Board of Trustees of Diversionary Theatre announced today that John E. Alexander will step down from his post as Executive Director effective November 3.

Emergent Arts presents 'The UFO Show IV (Unidentified Funny Objects): The Pirate Edition', an evening of standup, storytelling and original songs, for two nights, tonight and tomorrow, September 19 and 20 at 8pm at The Mix Studio Theatre, 8 North Washington Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Professional comedian and former Ann Arbor Police Detective Khurum Sheikh will M.C. both nights.

Emergent Arts presents 'The UFO Show IV (Unidentified Funny Objects): The Pirate Edition', an evening of standup, storytelling and original songs, for two nights, September 19 and 20 at 8pm at The Mix Studio Theatre, 8 North Washington Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Professional comedian and former Ann Arbor Police Detective Khurum Sheikh will M.C. both nights.

Massive downpours and one of the worst East End traffic tie-ups in recent memory proved no match for the most eagerly anticipated event of the season, the second edition of Art Southampton, presented by Art Miami.