BWW Blog: Cheyenne Dalton - The Foreigner, and the Beauty of Sound Design
by Guest Blogger: Cheyenne Dalton - September 19, 2016
For most shows by closing, I'm sitting at the soundboard, tired of hearing the dialogue: I'm memorizing the beats in the actors voices, tracing out lines on my palms, you name it. Running a show for two weeks will end up with me either hanging on the edge of my seat out of love and adoration, or out of dying, death, and despair. The Foreigner by Larry Shue, however, is my favorite show. I never get tired of watching it, of running it, of listening to the dialogue while I'm sitting by the board. When done well, the show is hilarious, sweet, tear-jerking at times (maybe I'm emotional), and just plain enjoyable. I am typically fonder of straight plays for sound design (although I do love mixing a live orchestra with actors) because of the incredible liberties I can take. Of course, most straight plays are realistic, so there's not a ton of magical orb sounds or dragon's roars, but I do have a recording of Sowing In The Morning played on the Harmonica for The Foreigner, as well as car horns, 40 minutes of rain, and an explosion. And maybe it's me, but I love these effects.
by Guest Blogger: Cheyenne Dalton - September 19, 2016
For most shows by closing, I'm sitting at the soundboard, tired of hearing the dialogue: I'm memorizing the beats in the actors voices, tracing out lines on my palms, you name it. Running a show for two weeks will end up with me either hanging on the edge of my seat out of love and adoration, or out of dying, death, and despair. The Foreigner by Larry Shue, however, is my favorite show. I never get tired of watching it, of running it, of listening to the dialogue while I'm sitting by the board. When done well, the show is hilarious, sweet, tear-jerking at times (maybe I'm emotional), and just plain enjoyable. I am typically fonder of straight plays for sound design (although I do love mixing a live orchestra with actors) because of the incredible liberties I can take. Of course, most straight plays are realistic, so there's not a ton of magical orb sounds or dragon's roars, but I do have a recording of Sowing In The Morning played on the Harmonica for The Foreigner, as well as car horns, 40 minutes of rain, and an explosion. And maybe it's me, but I love these effects.
BWW Review: MISS FANCY Makes History
by Marietta Lunceford - September 17, 2016
I have looked forward to seeing MISS FANCY for almost a year. As I said in my interview with playwright and director Daniel Martin, I feel a strong connection to this story. All of us in Birmingham should feel a connection to MISS FANCY. She is the mascot for several businesses in the area. She is a part of our history and our folklore.
by Marietta Lunceford - September 17, 2016
I have looked forward to seeing MISS FANCY for almost a year. As I said in my interview with playwright and director Daniel Martin, I feel a strong connection to this story. All of us in Birmingham should feel a connection to MISS FANCY. She is the mascot for several businesses in the area. She is a part of our history and our folklore.
BWW Blog: Cheyenne Dalton - Connecting
by Guest Blogger: Cheyenne Dalton - September 12, 2016
Last year, I took a digital performance art class. And to be totally honest, I didn't think that I would love it, and sometimes I didn't love it. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and put myself out there as both a designer and as a person presenting my designs. I spent long hours in the computer lab compositing this video - a video I never thought I would make.
by Guest Blogger: Cheyenne Dalton - September 12, 2016
Last year, I took a digital performance art class. And to be totally honest, I didn't think that I would love it, and sometimes I didn't love it. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and put myself out there as both a designer and as a person presenting my designs. I spent long hours in the computer lab compositing this video - a video I never thought I would make.
BWW Review: DADDY'S DYIN'...WHO'S GOT THE WILL?
by Marietta Lunceford - September 10, 2016
DADDY'S DYIN'... is a fast paced play with a touch of sentimentality, lots of crazy characters and a few laughs along the way. You always leave a Del Shores' show feeling better about the nuts in your own family. DADDY'S DYIN'... WHO'S GOT THE WILL? plays September 8- October 1. For more information go to www.terrificnewtheatre.com or call 205-328-0868 for tickets.
by Marietta Lunceford - September 10, 2016
DADDY'S DYIN'... is a fast paced play with a touch of sentimentality, lots of crazy characters and a few laughs along the way. You always leave a Del Shores' show feeling better about the nuts in your own family. DADDY'S DYIN'... WHO'S GOT THE WILL? plays September 8- October 1. For more information go to www.terrificnewtheatre.com or call 205-328-0868 for tickets.
DANIEL MARTIN Gets Fancy
by Marietta Lunceford - September 09, 2016
Daniel Martin has written several plays, but I have been most intrigued by Theatre Downtown's upcoming production MISS FANCY, which Daniel has written and directed. Our connection stems from the story of the Avondale elephant, Miss Fancy, and her legacy that contributed to the founding of the Birmingham Zoo, a place that played a big part in my childhood. I already have my ticket to see the world premiere of MISS FANCY and I hope that my readers will also want to see this interesting, new work. MISS FANCY opens on September 15 and runs through October 1st. For more information about show times and to order tickets, go to www.theatredowntown.org or call 205-565-8838. Opening night includes a reception after the show.
by Marietta Lunceford - September 09, 2016
Daniel Martin has written several plays, but I have been most intrigued by Theatre Downtown's upcoming production MISS FANCY, which Daniel has written and directed. Our connection stems from the story of the Avondale elephant, Miss Fancy, and her legacy that contributed to the founding of the Birmingham Zoo, a place that played a big part in my childhood. I already have my ticket to see the world premiere of MISS FANCY and I hope that my readers will also want to see this interesting, new work. MISS FANCY opens on September 15 and runs through October 1st. For more information about show times and to order tickets, go to www.theatredowntown.org or call 205-565-8838. Opening night includes a reception after the show.
BWW Blog: Cheyenne Dalton - Quiet Desperation, or The Lives That Men Lead
by Guest Blogger: Cheyenne Dalton - September 06, 2016
People want art - that's inevitable. Art is entertainment, and entertainment is consumable, and therefore art is good. People want to watch movies, indie films, television. They want to come to the theatre to show off their cultured lives, and they want to brag about it. People want music to listen to in the car, while they're working, running, sleeping. They want to go to art museums; they want pottery and paintings in their houses. Students want tapestries hanging up in their first apartment, and they want to read books and magazines and comics.
by Guest Blogger: Cheyenne Dalton - September 06, 2016
People want art - that's inevitable. Art is entertainment, and entertainment is consumable, and therefore art is good. People want to watch movies, indie films, television. They want to come to the theatre to show off their cultured lives, and they want to brag about it. People want music to listen to in the car, while they're working, running, sleeping. They want to go to art museums; they want pottery and paintings in their houses. Students want tapestries hanging up in their first apartment, and they want to read books and magazines and comics.
The Many Faces of TODD PONDER
by Marietta Lunceford - August 31, 2016
The first time I met Todd Ponder was my very first audition after graduating from college in 2013. I could tell immediately that he was a nice guy and he helped to calm my nerves. Since then I have seen Todd Ponder in many roles on stage: the tough guy, the soft hearted, the scary guy, the every man. He can change his persona in an instant and has a wide range of voices and accents. He also sings!
by Marietta Lunceford - August 31, 2016
The first time I met Todd Ponder was my very first audition after graduating from college in 2013. I could tell immediately that he was a nice guy and he helped to calm my nerves. Since then I have seen Todd Ponder in many roles on stage: the tough guy, the soft hearted, the scary guy, the every man. He can change his persona in an instant and has a wide range of voices and accents. He also sings!
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - The Gypsy Life is a Happy Life
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - August 25, 2016
As I was getting ready to graduate college and figure out my first move as an adult, I was warned by many of my theatre friends about getting too attached to my new destination. I am constantly being told that actors live a gypsy life; you have to follow the work, wherever it may be.
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - August 25, 2016
As I was getting ready to graduate college and figure out my first move as an adult, I was warned by many of my theatre friends about getting too attached to my new destination. I am constantly being told that actors live a gypsy life; you have to follow the work, wherever it may be.
BWW Review: A NIGHT OF MUSIC Marks Opening
by Marietta Lunceford - August 19, 2016
History was made tonight as the Homewood Theatre had its first performance at the Dance Foundation. A NIGHT OF MUSIC was a cabaret type show featuring Homewood Theatre's founder Kyle Bass, along with Amy Johnson and Dana Porter.
by Marietta Lunceford - August 19, 2016
History was made tonight as the Homewood Theatre had its first performance at the Dance Foundation. A NIGHT OF MUSIC was a cabaret type show featuring Homewood Theatre's founder Kyle Bass, along with Amy Johnson and Dana Porter.
BWW Review: A 1940's RADIO VARIETY SHOW Featuring CASABLANCA Looks Back
by Marietta Lunceford - August 14, 2016
This weekend the Montevallo Main Street Players present A 1940's RADIO VARIETY SHOW, featuring CASABLANCA. With only two more chances to see this show, August 13 at 7:30 and August 14 at 2, I would say if you want to step back to a simpler time call 665-9207, extension 6 for reservations. Although there was a good crowd Friday night, I would think you could take the chance and just head to Montevallo for a fun night out.
by Marietta Lunceford - August 14, 2016
This weekend the Montevallo Main Street Players present A 1940's RADIO VARIETY SHOW, featuring CASABLANCA. With only two more chances to see this show, August 13 at 7:30 and August 14 at 2, I would say if you want to step back to a simpler time call 665-9207, extension 6 for reservations. Although there was a good crowd Friday night, I would think you could take the chance and just head to Montevallo for a fun night out.
Wetumpka Depot Players Launche After School Program
by BWW News Desk - August 09, 2016
As students return to the classroom setting, the Wetumpka Depot Players are calling them to the stage! The Depot Days Youth Theatre Academy, an educational outreach of the Depot Players, is accepting students who wish to explore and learn the basics of the craft of theatre.
by BWW News Desk - August 09, 2016
As students return to the classroom setting, the Wetumpka Depot Players are calling them to the stage! The Depot Days Youth Theatre Academy, an educational outreach of the Depot Players, is accepting students who wish to explore and learn the basics of the craft of theatre.
OVERFLOWing onto the Dance Floor
by Marietta Lunceford - August 08, 2016
On Thursday, August 4 I was excited to be a judge for a new fundraising event for The Overflow Foundation. The Overflow Foundation is a non-profit that strives to teach students to flow past their limits by bringing the arts to areas that lack these subjects in their schools. With classes in acting, music, visual arts and reading, The Overflow Foundation has been working in the East Lake area of Birmingham for two years and hopes to expand to include Tarrant this coming school year. Their dream is to encourage students to step outside of their box and try new things that will make them better students and better people.
by Marietta Lunceford - August 08, 2016
On Thursday, August 4 I was excited to be a judge for a new fundraising event for The Overflow Foundation. The Overflow Foundation is a non-profit that strives to teach students to flow past their limits by bringing the arts to areas that lack these subjects in their schools. With classes in acting, music, visual arts and reading, The Overflow Foundation has been working in the East Lake area of Birmingham for two years and hopes to expand to include Tarrant this coming school year. Their dream is to encourage students to step outside of their box and try new things that will make them better students and better people.
BWW Review: SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN Raises the Roof
by Marietta Lunceford - August 06, 2016
Central Alabama Theatre has a new home, at Steeple Arts Academy in the Crestline Village area of Mountain Brook. The space actually helped to inspire the first show there- SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. With its church pews and the pitched ceiling, the building actually becomes part of the pretty, well built set. I am not sure if there are any tickets left, the theatre was filled to overflowing last night. And rightly so- it was a great night of fun. I was actually disappointed when the show ended, I would have loved more stories and more music from this outstanding cast. Go to www.centralalabamatheatre.org or call 888-870-2477. SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN runs this weekend and next, August 5-7 and 12-14.
by Marietta Lunceford - August 06, 2016
Central Alabama Theatre has a new home, at Steeple Arts Academy in the Crestline Village area of Mountain Brook. The space actually helped to inspire the first show there- SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. With its church pews and the pitched ceiling, the building actually becomes part of the pretty, well built set. I am not sure if there are any tickets left, the theatre was filled to overflowing last night. And rightly so- it was a great night of fun. I was actually disappointed when the show ended, I would have loved more stories and more music from this outstanding cast. Go to www.centralalabamatheatre.org or call 888-870-2477. SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN runs this weekend and next, August 5-7 and 12-14.
BWW Review: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Discos Down
by Marietta Lunceford - July 30, 2016
South City Theatre's production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is silly and campy, but a great escape. It gives you the opportunity to dance, laugh out loud, and forget your humdrum life for a couple of hours. As usual with SCT these days, some shows are sold out already, so go to www.southcitytheatre.com or call 205-621-2128 as soon as you can to get reservations. Then get out your bell bottoms and get ready to have a blast!
by Marietta Lunceford - July 30, 2016
South City Theatre's production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is silly and campy, but a great escape. It gives you the opportunity to dance, laugh out loud, and forget your humdrum life for a couple of hours. As usual with SCT these days, some shows are sold out already, so go to www.southcitytheatre.com or call 205-621-2128 as soon as you can to get reservations. Then get out your bell bottoms and get ready to have a blast!
The Legend of KYLE BASS
by Marietta Lunceford - July 25, 2016
Being uplifting and supportive is what Kyle Bass is all about and his new venture proves just that.On August 19 and 20 at 7:30 the new Homewood Theatre will present a NIGHT OF MUSIC at the Dance Foundation in Homewood. Featuring the incomparable Amy Johnson, Kyle Bass and Dana Porter singing some of our favorite standards and show tunes, it promises to be a great kick off for the newly formed Homewood Theatre. With tickets only $15 and very limited, it promises to be a night of excellent entertainment you don't want to miss. Go to www.homewoodtheatre.com or call 205-873-1816 for tickets and information.
by Marietta Lunceford - July 25, 2016
Being uplifting and supportive is what Kyle Bass is all about and his new venture proves just that.On August 19 and 20 at 7:30 the new Homewood Theatre will present a NIGHT OF MUSIC at the Dance Foundation in Homewood. Featuring the incomparable Amy Johnson, Kyle Bass and Dana Porter singing some of our favorite standards and show tunes, it promises to be a great kick off for the newly formed Homewood Theatre. With tickets only $15 and very limited, it promises to be a night of excellent entertainment you don't want to miss. Go to www.homewoodtheatre.com or call 205-873-1816 for tickets and information.
BWW Review: SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL Is Lively Event
by Marietta Lunceford - July 23, 2016
ACTA theatre is presenting SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL now through July 31. A mixture of characters from several different stories by Dr. Seuss, with a through line that involves Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and JoJo, a small boy from Whoville, SEUSSICAL is fast paced and fun. Running July 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29 and 30 at 7:00pm and July 24 and 31 at 2:30, contact the theatre at 205-655-3902 or go to www.actatheater.com for more information. Last night's audience was full, but with such a large cast that is to be expected. If you want to see SEUSSICAL you need to call asap!
by Marietta Lunceford - July 23, 2016
ACTA theatre is presenting SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL now through July 31. A mixture of characters from several different stories by Dr. Seuss, with a through line that involves Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and JoJo, a small boy from Whoville, SEUSSICAL is fast paced and fun. Running July 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29 and 30 at 7:00pm and July 24 and 31 at 2:30, contact the theatre at 205-655-3902 or go to www.actatheater.com for more information. Last night's audience was full, but with such a large cast that is to be expected. If you want to see SEUSSICAL you need to call asap!
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Multiple Character Disorder
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - July 22, 2016
Currently seeking a therapist that specializes in multiple personality disorder, or maybe multiple character disorder.
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - July 22, 2016
Currently seeking a therapist that specializes in multiple personality disorder, or maybe multiple character disorder.
SALENA WHALEN-STALKER Taps Her Way to the Stage
by Marietta Lunceford - July 12, 2016
While some of the subjects of my 'Actors Around Town' series have been performing since they were kids, others decided to step out of the box and try their hand at acting later on in life. This is the story of someone who was a little later than some to the realization of her dreams to perform.
by Marietta Lunceford - July 12, 2016
While some of the subjects of my 'Actors Around Town' series have been performing since they were kids, others decided to step out of the box and try their hand at acting later on in life. This is the story of someone who was a little later than some to the realization of her dreams to perform.
BWW Review: Escape to THE LITTLE MERMAID
by Marietta Lunceford - July 09, 2016
After a traumatic few weeks for our nation and around the world, it was a delight to escape into the world of make believe watching Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company. I was thrilled to be able to forget the horrors of the real world for a couple of hours and see a show where good triumphs over evil, where families from different worlds can accept their differences, put them aside and focus on love, and where everyone lives happily ever after. THE LITTLE MERMAID runs through July 31. For more information and tickets go to www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 205-324-2424.
by Marietta Lunceford - July 09, 2016
After a traumatic few weeks for our nation and around the world, it was a delight to escape into the world of make believe watching Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company. I was thrilled to be able to forget the horrors of the real world for a couple of hours and see a show where good triumphs over evil, where families from different worlds can accept their differences, put them aside and focus on love, and where everyone lives happily ever after. THE LITTLE MERMAID runs through July 31. For more information and tickets go to www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 205-324-2424.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Giulia Dunes's Balancing Act
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - July 08, 2016
At the beginning of the summer, I thought that moving from Atlanta to New Hampshire was a huge feat, but my 'journey' is chump change compared to the distance Giulia Dunes has traveled in order to be at Interlakes this summer. Giulia Dunes is a native of Holland, who is quickly learning how to become a native New Yorker. This summer she is taking on the huge task of Assistant Directing a show that she is performing in, while simultaneously rehearsing for her lead role in the next show of the season. Did you follow that? Me neither. Let me break it down. Giulia is performing as 'Missy' in 9 to 5 while rehearsing for her role as 'Ulla' in The Producers. The constant character switch is enough to give anyone an identity crisis, and on top of that, English is not Giulia's first language. I had to sit down and talk to her to find out how she handles all of this insanity and chaos with such grace.
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - July 08, 2016
At the beginning of the summer, I thought that moving from Atlanta to New Hampshire was a huge feat, but my 'journey' is chump change compared to the distance Giulia Dunes has traveled in order to be at Interlakes this summer. Giulia Dunes is a native of Holland, who is quickly learning how to become a native New Yorker. This summer she is taking on the huge task of Assistant Directing a show that she is performing in, while simultaneously rehearsing for her lead role in the next show of the season. Did you follow that? Me neither. Let me break it down. Giulia is performing as 'Missy' in 9 to 5 while rehearsing for her role as 'Ulla' in The Producers. The constant character switch is enough to give anyone an identity crisis, and on top of that, English is not Giulia's first language. I had to sit down and talk to her to find out how she handles all of this insanity and chaos with such grace.
CARRON CLARK CLEM Is Inspirational
by Marietta Lunceford - July 06, 2016
After interviewing Carron Clem, I wasn't sure if I was more inspired or exhausted. Having lived an extraordinary life, Carron now does more in a day than most of us do in a week. Committed to her family and to the theatre, Carron is passionate about everything she does.
by Marietta Lunceford - July 06, 2016
After interviewing Carron Clem, I wasn't sure if I was more inspired or exhausted. Having lived an extraordinary life, Carron now does more in a day than most of us do in a week. Committed to her family and to the theatre, Carron is passionate about everything she does.
Wetumpka Depot Players' CALENDAR GIRLS Opens 7/14
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
Sometimes the only thing to do in the blistering heat and humidity of central Alabama it to wear less clothes. The Wetumpka Depot Players are keeping cool for their production of Tim Firth's comedy, Calendar Girls. Opening July 14 and running through July 30, the play is one of the most widely produced plays in the UK and is now making the rounds here in the US after the great success of the film of the same title.
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
Sometimes the only thing to do in the blistering heat and humidity of central Alabama it to wear less clothes. The Wetumpka Depot Players are keeping cool for their production of Tim Firth's comedy, Calendar Girls. Opening July 14 and running through July 30, the play is one of the most widely produced plays in the UK and is now making the rounds here in the US after the great success of the film of the same title.
KATIE MILLIGAN Displays Great Diversity
by Marietta Lunceford - July 03, 2016
There are those people that just get your attention when they are on stage. Katie Milligan has done that every time I have seen her perform.
by Marietta Lunceford - July 03, 2016
There are those people that just get your attention when they are on stage. Katie Milligan has done that every time I have seen her perform.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Confessions of a Twenty-Two Year Old Grandma
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - July 01, 2016
As I head into my third week of summer stock, my coffee addiction seems to be at an all time high. The amount of energy needed to power through the daily schedule here is probably equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power the entire city of Las Vegas (a little dramatic?
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - July 01, 2016
As I head into my third week of summer stock, my coffee addiction seems to be at an all time high. The amount of energy needed to power through the daily schedule here is probably equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power the entire city of Las Vegas (a little dramatic?
Videos
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Weird Al Yankovic at Wharf Amphitheater
Wharf Amphitheater (10/3 - 10/3) | |
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Ripcord
Terrific New Theatre (12/4 - 12/21) | |
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New Sound In Town
Stage West (4/17 - 6/21) | |
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Arsenic & Old Lace
Bean Brown (2/20 - 3/1) | |
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MJ
BJCC Concert Hall (2/17 - 2/22) | |
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& JULIET
BJCC Concert Hall (5/19 - 5/24) | |
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Hadestown (Non-Equity)
Von Braun Center [Concert Hall] (1/9 - 1/11) | |
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