Oh, what a story. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century.
The international hit comedy MY MOTHER'S ITALIAN, MY FATHER'S JEWISH & I'M IN THERAPY!, featuring actor/comedian Ron Tobin, comes to the Del Valle Theater, 1963 Tice Valley Road in Walnut Creek for a 3-week engagement, March 12- 29, 2015.
The Public Theater announced the line-up today for the 2015 FREE Shakespeare in the Park season, continuing a 53-year tradition of free theater in Central Park. Since 1962, over five million people have enjoyed more than 150 free productions of Shakespeare and other classical works and musicals at the Delacorte Theater. Conceived by founder Joe Papp as a way to make great theater accessible to all, The Public's free Shakespeare in the Park continues to be the bedrock of the Company's mission to increase access and engage the community. This summer, free Shakespeare in the Park will feature Shakespeare's late romances with THE TEMPEST (May 27-July 5), directed by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, and CYMBELINE (July 27-August 23), directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan.
Harlem Stage will present the world premiere of Stranger on Earth, from OBIE-winning playwright and interdisciplinary performing artist Carl Hancock Rux. The production, which anchors Harlem Stage's The Year of James Baldwincentenary celebration and exemplifies the institution's commitment to honoring artists of color-past, present and future-imagines a chance meeting between James Baldwin and Dinah Washington, two of the era's most iconic African Americans, at a Harlem jazz lounge in 1963. Commissioned and produced by Harlem Stage, Rux draws from Baldwin's landmark essays to create a work that addresses race, identity and the future of a world that both Baldwin and Washington struggled to understand and inhabit. Rux performs Stranger on Earth with vocalist Marcelle Davies Lashley, who interprets Washington's songs, against the backdrop of an arresting video montage by Onome Ekeh.
Welcome to Day 9 of BroadwayWorld's 12 Days of Christmas 'video' features. Today, we have something really, really special. SO special, that I will NEVER throw away my VHS copy. I watch it every single year!
Theatrical Outfit continues its 'Season of Compassion' with the uplifting musical The Gifts of the Magi and storytelling event A Christmas Memory, which explores the compassion needed and realized when people really love each other and can triumphantly navigate adversity.
The McCallum Theatre presents 'The New Christy Minstrels', with special guest star Barry McGuire for one very special performance, Sunday, November 16, at 3:00pm, Founded by Randy Sparks in 1961, the group's 1962 debut album, 'Presenting the New Christy Minstrels', won a Grammy, remained on the Billboard charts for two years, and scored a hit with 'This Land Is Your Land'. Their 1963 album 'Ramblin' was highlighted by the single 'Green, Green' which climbed the charts and became a hit single. In 2006, the California State Legislature honored The New Christy Minstrels with resolutions from both the Senate and Assembly. Randy Sparks was recognized for his fifty years in the recording industry, and the group was honored for their contributions to the music industry. In 2009, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to Randy Sparks and The New Christy Minstrels. I had the chance to chat with founder, Randy Sparks, about their upcoming return to The McCallum Theatre and a bit for the history of The New Christy Minstrels. Here are a few excerpts from that conversation:
Theatrical Outfit continues its "Season of Compassion" with the uplifting musical The Gifts of the Magi and storytelling event A Christmas Memory, which explores the compassion needed and realized when people really love each other and can triumphantly navigate adversity.
Smokey Robinson performs from over a half century of Motown memories such as 'Tears of a Clown,' 'Tracks of My Tears,' 'Shop Around,' and 'Cruisin,' at Mayo Performing Arts Center tonight, October 24 at 8 pm. Tickets are $79-129.
Author Mark F. Kalita's release of 'Hidden Messiah: Roman Conspiracy of Christian Apostasy' claims that the prophecy of horns within the seventh chapter of Judaic prophet Daniel's book is about the Roman Catholic Church. Mark also claims to have deciphered the true calculations of the 'End Times' using the Judaic Jubilee calendar to show that the second witness is currently upon the earth. In his new book, Mark writes that this second 'witness' was born in 1963 and has been giving testimony to a world overcome with denial.
'If you look at history within the proper context and realize that the prophecy of Daniel was about spiritual matters and not of a temporal kingdom, the truth becomes clear. Zechariah quotes God as saying, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit' as did other prophets, so why would this be a temporal matter?' questions Mark in a recent interview. 'In the 300 years after the first one gave his testimony, the emperors of Rome fought in a war over spirit. The Caesars claimed that they were gods. They did not like any other gods. In 380 CE, three Caesars, Theodosius I, Gratian, and Valentinian II, delivered the 'Edict of Thessalonica' in order that all their subjects should profess the faith of the Bishop of Rome. The three horns gave their power to the one who was diverse from all the rest of the 10 others.'
In his book, Mark not only shows that 2014 CE is the beginning of the elusive 'End Times', but his calculations also show when the followers of the first one found the 'light' and had miracles of spirit, as recorded in the book of 'Acts'. Using Scriptural reference, Mark explains that Jesus was a man, the first 'anointed one' of Judaic prophecy and that there is a second 'anointed one' who is alive today. This 'Hidden Messiah' is currently warning the people of the earth of the earth changes that will take place in the Judaic year of 5777, 2016 - 2017 CE.
'It is unfortunate that the Vicar of Rome has changed the times and the laws. The Judaic Jubilee calendar, as given to the people of the earth by the archangels, tells a fantastic story of the heavens and our place within it,' Mark discloses about his work. 'The people of the earth must realize that the earth resides within the heavens.'
Mark uses direct references taken from the 'King James Version' of the bible which explains the 'two anointed ones' within Judaic and Christian prophecy. The two 'messiah' system explained within the book outlines how these two stand at different places within history.
'The thing with the dogma of Rome that I found most interesting is that there is no proof for their beliefs within their own canon. Even within the corrupted texts of Paul, he calls their Jesus a man,' Mark explains. 'I have a great amount of biblical proof within my book to support my findings. I have published volumes of information with direct, substantive quotes and proof from within all religious texts. They tell a far different story than what Rome has made up.'
'Religions of men were created by men for the benefit of men. In the heavens there is no religion, only the adoration of God. You are in the heavens,' Mark concludes. 'The family on earth has been given this planet to cherish, steward and keep for all generations of their family. Unfortunately, the Roman dogma runs counter to some very basic tenets within their own canon. Without direct substantive proof, the dogma makes unsupported claims about the heavens. I show a system based in facts and I am branded as evil and twisted. The Roman church has told stories based on no facts from within their own canon since before 380 and they are the 'bearers of truth' and the voice of 'God' that everyone should follow? Just read 'Hidden Messiah: Roman Conspiracy of Christian Apostasy' for yourself and you can make your own decision whether you want to live with truth or within a delusion of a story created by a Caesar approximately 1650 years ago. 2014 is almost gone. 2016 is almost here.'
This book, 'Hidden Messiah: Roman Conspiracy of Christian Apostasy' is self-published by Mark F. Kalita and is available in paperback Kindle. It is available for $14.95 through Mark's publisher at https://www.createspace.com/5057442 and you can get the paperback for a 20% discount on Mark's author website at http://www.Kalita.com only $11.95 + PH for a limited time. A Kindle version of 'Hidden Messiah: Roman Conspiracy of Christian Apostasy' is available for $5.99 through Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ONDB9QE
Just in case Jillian Mueller needs a new dance partner on the DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL tour, I think we've found one. While he's not as tall as Samuel Pergande, he sure has the moves. In a Facebook post, 'Laine Kristina' posted a video of her son Charlie reenacting every move of the iconic routine to '(I've Had) The Time of My Life.'
Theatrical Outfit continues its 'Season of Compassion' with the poignant and meaningful drama My Children! My Africa!, written by South-African-born playwright Athol Fugard who won a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2011. This is the 38th season for Theatrical Outfit, the second-oldest professional theater company in Atlanta, and the home of stories that stir the soul.
Jersey Boys, called a jukebox musical, is an uber well-structured, Tony Award-winning show presented in a documentary-like format. It tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, retaining most of their original musical hits. There are lots of laughs, great rock and roll music and a realistic look at how the group got started in 1963, the difficulties they faced in staying together, their eventual breakup and ultimate survival. Director Clint Eastwood kept pretty close to the book of the show in his recent film adaptation, and the musical score, generated by its lead actors along with some tracks of the real Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, is dynamite. The show has played world wide and now returns on tour to the Pantages for 3 weeks only. Judging by its reception opening night, Jersey Boys keeps on captivating its audiences, young and old. This cast under the original direction of Des McAnuff is every bit as supreme as the original including the first national tour.
Smokey Robinson performs from over a half century of Motown memories such as 'Tears of a Clown,' 'Tracks of My Tears,' 'Shop Around,' and 'Cruisin,' at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 24 at 8 pm. Tickets are $79-129.
Karen Carpenter, a producer, director and teacher, a theater-maker for more than 30 years, has been appointed the interim Artistic Director of the William Inge Center for the Arts and the 34th Annual William Inge Theatre Festival. The Inge Festival is the Official Theater Festival of the State of Kansas, hosted on the campus of Independence Community College, which houses the William Inge archives.
After two weeks stuck in the house with a bad back, it was time to venture out and see a play. BEEHIVE at the Virginia Samford Theatre was exactly the prescription I needed. High energy and fast paced, it made me forget about my troubles for awhile and focus on the great music of the 60's. From the beautiful giant jukebox set, to the talented musicians who make up the band, every aspect of this presentation is spot on.
The show really has no story line and although I am a believer in plays having a message and teaching us a lesson, there are those times you just want to be entertained by the music and smile with the cast. This offering makes you smile from start to finish and although I am in no shape to dance, makes you want to tap your toes and sing along, something the older ladies beside me certainly did a few times.
The first act began on this particular night with Tony Award winner Louise Beard crossing the stage with a giant dime to feed into the jukebox and begin the show. That first act is comprised of songs from 1960- 1962 and is loosely held together by the ladies telling tales of when they were preteens, daydreaming of boyfriends and being BFF's to the singers they idolize. But the major focus is always the music.
Act Two starts off strong with, in my opinion, the best number of the night. Alexis Marcus, far and away the youngest cast member, sings a sultry rendition of "The Beat Goes On", the old Sonny and Cher song. During the song she tells the history of 1963 and beyond, discussing the assassination of President Kennedy, the Civil Rights movement and the start of the war in Vietnam. Her sexy delivery of the song, juxtaposed with her wide eyed innocent view of some of our countries toughest times, makes for a thought provoking and beautiful presentation. I would have paid the ticket price and gotten out of the house again on a rainy night just to see that one performance. The rest of the second act continues on a tiny bit more serious note than the first due to the times it portrayed, although it is still focused on the music of the time.
My second favorite number of the night is sung by Joycelyn Whatley, a real life music teacher, who is one of the most amazing singers I have ever heard. She sings many memorable songs during the evening including some Aretha Franklin that was superb, but "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" stuck with me the most.
Carl Dean, who I know best as a talented choreographer, serves as director and choreographer for BEEHIVE. Although he has done some brilliant work as a director (last year's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at VST in particular) this current job seems like it should have been easy with so much talent singing and dancing on that stage. Kudos to him and everyone else who handles the technical side of the night. With so many different cues and so much background singing from offstage it could have been a technical mess. Instead, at least from the audience's perspective, it happens flawlessly.
After an extra long curtain call (I guess 7 divas need their applause) I hobbled back to my car, still sore but with a little more spring in my step. If you need a little fun in your life and a super entertaining night out, I highly recommend BEEHIVE, showing now through September 28 at Virginia Samford Theatre.
British stage, film and TV actor Donald Sinden has passed away at the age of 90 after suffering from prostate cancer
Theatrical Outfit continues its 'Season of Compassion' with the poignant and meaningful drama My Children! My Africa!, written by South-African-born playwright Athol Fugard who won a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2011. This is the 38th season for Theatrical Outfit, the second-oldest professional theater company in Atlanta, and the home of stories that stir the soul.
Even as ritual humiliation goes, this is particularly cruel: a group of US marines, in San Francisco for one last night in 1963 before they head to war, initiate a game whereby each must lure the least attractive girl they can find to a party, with money in the pot for whoever brings the 'ugliest' date. Though fairly simplistic, the premise of Dogfight - making its European debut at the Southwark Playhouse - is an instantly intriguing one and a highly effective set up for the pathos that's to come.
Pop Quiz! Who's the greatest star, who is by far, a person who needs people like us to love her from a-far? You guessed it - Barbra Streisand! This month San Francisco bay area people are in for a scrumptious theatrical treat called Buyer & Cellar, which is touring the country after rave reviews Off-Broadway in New York. It's being presented to us by SHNSF at the Curran Theater, August 19-31, 2014 so get your tickets now!
From September 4-14, 2014, Houston Ballet launches its 45th season with the company premiere of John Neumeier's three-act ballet A Midsummer Night's Dream. The ballet is based on Shakespeare's lighthearted play of the same name and follows the hijinks and hilarity that ensues when a well-intentioned plan with a love potion goes awry. Created in 1977, A Midsummer Night's Dream has served as Mr. Neumeier's calling card, being seen as one of his most joyous and popular creations. Houston Ballet is the first American ballet company to perform the famous work and it is the first piece by Mr. Neumeier to enter the Houston Ballet repertoire.
The British Invasion continues at Theater at Monmouth with Mark S. Cartier's presentation The Making of a Hard Day's Night on Thursday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. Join TAM favorite, Mark S. Cartier, as he covers a ten-month period in the history of the most influential band in the rock era: The Beatles. Developed as a final piece of component of the trilogy which includes The Beatlemania Years: 1962-1966 and Beatles: The Studio Years 1967-1970 produced at TAM in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The Making of a Hard Day's Night starts in late 1963, as Beatlemania blossomed in Britain. United Artists offered the Beatles the chance to star in their own rock 'n' roll film. Mark S. Cartier traces how the group conquered America, unleashed the British Invasion, hosted their own television special, and launched their first world tour-all while simultaneously helping to create what Andrew Sarris of the Village Voice calls "the Citizen Kane of juke box movies."
It probably will come as shock to many to know that when the play, 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' a script by Dale Wasserman, based on Kent Kesey's novel of the same name, opened on Broadway in 1963, in spite of a cast that included Kirk Douglas, Gene Wilder, William Daniels, Ed Ames and Joan Tetzel, it was basically a flop, running only 82 performances.
A collection of nearly two decades of performers will join supporters, donors, and community leaders from all over the United States for a celebratory gala at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The event pays tribute to Steve Cisneros for his continued dedication to helping young people through the arts. 2014 also marks Phantom Projects' 17th Anniversary and because Cisneros created the organization when he was just 17 years old the event is called: From 17 to 17.
Little Fish Theatre today announced the opening of a controversial and historically significant production, political drama: OSWALD - THE ACTUAL INTERROGATION, by Dennis Richard. Delivered in the wake of the 50th anniversary of the tragic killing of President John F. Kennedy, the plays draws upon historical records and eyewitness accounts to paint a vivid picture of the battle of wits between suspect and police captain that was cut short when Oswald himself was shockingly assassinated on live television.
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