As we arrive at the OFFICIAL beginning of summer, and make our way into the "lazy hazy crazy days" that lie ahead, I hope you will want to plan on going to a couple of shows at some of the numerous live performance and theatre venues that can be found here on the Central Coast of California!
As we come to the middle of June and continue to move ever closer to the OFFICIAL beginning of summer, I trust your plans will include attending some productions at any of the several theatre and live performance establishments that make their home here on the California Central Coast!
Tonight, June 12, 2012 at 9:00pm, (with repeat airings every night for 2 weeks beginning at 1am), the only PBS station still originating from Los Angeles (KLCS-TV) will host its first ever pledge drive in 40 years. Recognizing that the Los Angeles community deserves a special event around something this important, the station is proud to announce they will air the world television premier of the acclaimed film 'Hollywood to Dollywood'. This documentary swept the festival circuit and has won 24 awards around the globe. With appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad Allen, Beth Grant, Dustin Lance Black, Ann Walker, and music icon Dolly Parton, it's a heartwarming, civil rights odyssey.
As we make our way on into June and move ever closer to the OFFICIAL beginning of summer, I hope you will plan on including going to a couple of shows at any number of the various live performance and theatre venues here on the Central Coast of California!
President George HW Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush honored the Ogunquit Playhouse by attending yesterday's (June 3rd) Matinee performance of Always, Patsy Cline, now playing through June 16. Sally Struthers (as Louise) and Carter Calvert (as Patsy Cline) welcomed them backstage during intermission, where President and Mrs. Bush exalted both leading lady's performances. The former President and First Lady "loved" the show, and the cast, musicians and audience members loved seeing them as well. Check out the photo below!
The Waterfront Playhouse presents Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan as part of Key West Pride Week. Mr. Jordan will be bringing his critically-acclaimed new show, "Fruit Fly" to the Waterfront stage on June 8th and 9th at 8 pm. Tickets are $45, and they are going fast. Mr. Jordan is best known for his performance in the stage and film versions of "Sordid Lives," and his Emmy-winning turn as Beverley Leslie, the comic foil to Megan Mullally's Karen Walker on "Will and Grace."
Men Alive - The Orange County Gay Men's Chorus concludes its successful 11th Season with VON TRAPPED!, a uniquely entertaining, wholly original tribute to the Tony® and Oscar®-winning musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC... the way only Men Alive can do it! The concert event opens Friday, July 20 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre with two additional shows on Saturday, July 21. The chorus will transform this beloved musical into a one-of-a-kind stage extravaganza featuring moving orchestrations, genre-crossing remixes, fabulous costumes, buoyant choreography, and even a few rowdy, yodel-loving goats! And nuns. Lots and lots of nuns.
The Waterfront Playhouse presents Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan as part of Key West Pride Week. Mr. Jordan will be bringing his critically-acclaimed new show, "Fruit Fly" to the Waterfront stage on June 8th and 9th at 8 pm. Tickets are $45, and they are going fast. Mr. Jordan is best known for his performance in the stage and film versions of "Sordid Lives," and his Emmy-winning turn as Beverley Leslie, the comic foil to Megan Mullally's Karen Walker on "Will and Grace."
What happens when two downtown divas pair up for one night of magic? A double bill of epic old-timey proportions. This 1940's themed cabaret/radio show is presented byJoe's Pub (425 Lafayette NYC, NY 10003) tonight, May 27th at 7pm. Tickets ($15) are available online (www.joespub.com) and at the door.
The 80th Anniversary Season at the Ogunquit Playhouse kicked off with Always, Patsy Cline on May 23, and we have the production photos below, starring Carter Calvert as Patsy Cline and Sally Struthers as Louise Seger. Check them out!
I've been writing a weekly article for BroadwayWorld.com about all of the theatre happenings here on the heart of the California Central Coast for nearly 3 years now. On any given week, there are somewhere between 15 and 20 live entertainment and theatre venues offering quality entertainment to the residents of the Central Coast and those who come to visit our little piece of Paradise!
Varla Jean Merman aka Jeffery Roberson plays the title role in Menotti's THE MEDIUM at The Art House directed by Donna Drake. Produced by Provincetown Counter Productions in association with Mark Cortale this production runs from tonight, May 18th - June 3rd. Elizabeth Hastings who has conducted for both New York City Opera and College Light Opera on Cape Cod will music direct. The cast also includes Stefanie Izzo as Monica, Edmund Bagnell as Toby, Shannon Carson as Mrs. Gobineau, Peter Kendall Clark as Mr. Gobineau and Maria Elena Armijo as Mrs. Nolan. This production is slated to transfer to the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre in NY for a limited engagement in the fall. For Art House tickets please visit www.ptownarthouse.com or call 508-487-9222.
Comedian, author and Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan will have a homecoming of sorts tonight, May 15 when he returns to Chattanooga to headline Tuesday Night Live!, Chattanooga Theatre Centre's annual fundraising gala, with proceeds going to the Annual Fund.
Celebration Theatre, its Board of Directors and Company Members present the 2nd ANNUAL SPRING CABARET, A Night of Celebration, a benefit for Celebration Theatre and its upcoming 30th Anniversary season - and honors Emmy-award winning actor Leslie Jordan with the first ever Celebration Theatre Vibrant Voice Award which is given to an artist for being an outspoken ally for Celebration Theatre and the LGBT arts community in Los Angeles.
The 80th Anniversary Season at the Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off with Always, Patsy Cline, on stage from May 23 through June 16. This show is told through the letters of star-struck fan Louise Seger, portrayed by Emmy Award winning actress, Sally Struthers. This popular musical, which has enjoyed great success both off-Broadway and across the nation, is based on the true story of Cline's friendship with Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Featuring the unforgettable hits of the Country Music mega-star, this funny and touching tribute celebrates the career and life of the singer who died tragically in a plane crash in 1963. "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walking After Midnight" are just a few of the 27 featured songs.
The 28th Annual STAGE Benefit was held last weekend at the Saban Theatre Beverly Hills to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles. Entitled 'Original Cast 3,' it featured performers doing songs from shows with which they are associated. The event raised more than $200,000 for APLA's work with clients living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County. See photos of Adrienne Barbeau, Lillias White, Sharon Catherine Banks, Loretta Divine, Brian Lane Green and more performing on stage below!
The 28th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-S.T.A.G.E.- just presented ORIGINAL CAST 3, a musical celebration showcasingartists from theater, television and cabaret performing songs they originated in musical productions. This year, the annual event, which benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles, returned to the Saban Theatre Beverly Hills. Check out photos from the celebration below!
The 28th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-S.T.A.G.E. presents ORIGINAL CAST 3, a musical celebration showcasing artists from theater, television and cabaret performing songs they originated in musical productions, tonight, April 28 at 7:30PM. This year, the annual event, which benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles, returns to the Saban Theatre Beverly Hills.
The 28th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-S.T.A.G.E.- presents ORIGINAL CAST 3, a musical celebration showcasingartists from theater, television and cabaret performing songs they originated in musical productions, for one-night-only, tonight, April 28 at 7:30PM. This year, the annual event, which benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles, will return to the Saban Theatre Beverly Hills.
Celebration Theatre, its Board of Directors and Company Members present the 2nd ANNUAL SPRING CABARET, A Night of Celebration, a benefit for CELEBRATION THEATRE and its upcoming 30th Anniversary season - and will honor Emmy-award winning actor Leslie Jordan with the first ever Celebration Theatre Vibrant Voice Award which is given to an artist for being an outspoken ally for Celebration Theatre and the LGBT arts community in Los Angeles.