Patrick Stewart News

2011 marks the 13th year that guitar virtuoso Andre Feriante will host his annual Valentine's Day Concert at Benaroya Hall's Nordstrom Recital Hall. This award-winning, neo-flamenco/classical guitar virtuoso performs each year for hundreds of fans who savor the soulful and seductive harmonies his music embodies. It's all about romance but his melded styles and multi-guitar format keep the evening lively and upbeat. Although soft and easy is definitely the theme, things will probably get a little spicy when Andre introduces his two newest loves to the audience: the mandolin and the ukulele. Feriante will perform a musical mix of fiery flamenco, classical guitar standards and spoken poetry set to his original compositions in the style of Neruda and Rumi; followed by a series of romantic favorites performed in the classical and jazz styles and a special tribute to his legendary mentor, Andres Segovia. For the last 20-plus years Feriante has used Seattle as a base for his international career. A poet as well as composer, his artistic path has crossed with numerous Seattle-based musicians, and on special occasions they perform together. For the 2011 Valentine's Day Concert that mix includes: tenor Steve Thoreson, pianist Overton Berry, guitarist Erich Fridrich, and jazz vocalist Annie O'Neill. It is during ACTII of Andante Amoroso when Feriante will introduce this eclectic mix of musical professionals for an improvisational set sure to dazzle with their exquisite musicianship. Andre Feriante Andante Amoroso is Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. in the Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. Tickets are $40 and are on sale now through the Benaroya Hall Box Office, at 206.215.4747 or online at www.benaroyahall.org. Andre Feriante - www.andreferiante.comAfter 20-plus years of performing and recording, award-winning virtuoso guitarist Andre Feriante has left his musical mark on the classical, world music and fusion scenes. A cross-over artist in the vein of YoYo Ma or Sting, his performance program represents a bold but fluid musical fusion, featuring music from Bach to Leonard Cohen, flamenco improvisation to jazz standards, and even poetry by Federico Garcia Lorca, Rumi and Feriante himself. Born in Naples, Italy, Feriante spent his formative years between Southern Italy and Manziana, a village just outside Rome. At age nine he announced his intentions to be a flamenco guitarist. He worked and saved to buy his first instrument, then at 13, he began studying at the Overseas School of Rome. By age 16, he was already performing the works of Bach, Vivaldi, Albeniz and Scarlatti, and by 18, Feriante had launched his musical career, playing concerts in Rome, Berlin and North and South America. He continued his studies with world-renowned classical guitarists Andres Segovia and Jose Tomas (Segovia's assistant) in Madrid, Henry Rivas in Bogota, Columbia and Leon Atkinson in New York. A nylon string player from the classical tradition, Feriante's creative blend of classical, flamenco, and Brazilian styles speaks to people from all walks of life--from society sophisticates and blue-collar aficionados to Latin devotees and jazz hipsters. Often called the "People's Guitarist," Feriante brings his sensual, contemporary sound to an otherwise traditional genre. His bittersweet style and skillful playing is likened to Brazilian singer-guitarist Caetano Veloso; his style and sound have been compared to Andres Segovia; and his lyrical style to that of Leonard Cohen. Critics cite Feriante's music for its dreamlike healing quality, much like a piece of Impressionist art. Graceful, elegant, and ardent, he explores the delicate aspects of love and loss. Since moving to Seattle in the 1980s, Feriante has established himself as a local favorite, having performed throughout the Puget Sound area in public and private concerts for a virtual "Who's Who of Seattle." His music has been featured on NPR's Hearts and Space and in 2008 he was picked for the MSN celebrity feature, "12 Sexy Bald Men," along with Andre Agassi, Seal, Vin Diesel, Taye Diggs and Patrick Stewart. (http://www.andreferiante.com/article/7.html). In addition to his performance schedule, Feriante currently hosts "La Guitarra" on Classic King FM 98.1, the Arts Channel. Feriante has played a wide variety of venues including The King Cat Theatre (where he opened for Olita Adams and David Benoit), The Frye Art Museum, The Paramount Theater, and the Key Arena, where he performed the National Anthem for the Seattle Sonics. Feriante recently performed with the Northwest Symphony at Benaroya Hall with Heart and Alice and Chains.Festival appearances include the Maui Music Festival, Seattle Folklife Festival, Seattle Hempfest and Bumbershoot. And Feriante headlined "La Festa di Manziana" in Rome. He makes regular appearances on Seattle radio and television and was featured on the Classical King FM Compilation Natural Symphony CD, as well as on the Tigerbreath label with Ottmar Liebert, Craig Chaquico and others. He has played at Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia, and for Jose Carreras at both Carnegie Hall and Benaroya Hall (benefits for the Jose Carreras Leukemia Foundation). Feriante's albums have consistently charted within the top 10, and, "Bohemian Boulevard," debuted at No. 1 on the world and ambient radio charts. It remained in the top 20 for five months and then went on to win "Best World Album" at the New Age Reporter's 2006 Lifestyle Awards. He recently issued his eighth CD, a limited edition, "Best of Feriante," celebrating his 10th year anniversary Valentine show at Benaroya Hall, and on February 14, 2010, at the 12th Annual Benaroya Hall Valentines show, Feriante will officially release his tenth CD, "Sleeping Lady Serenade." A seasoned, expressive performer whose style is as elegant as it is conversational, Feriante's innovative and effortless style appeals to any ear with a love and passion for music. He has dedicated his life to his art, and his ability to communicate through sound never fails to lead his audience on an emotional journey that is as deeply personal as it is universal. Steve Thoreson - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn3RzCboY0ESteve Thoreson is a tenor of the highest caliber. Critics and aficionados alike compare his voice to that of Luciano Pavarotti. A natural talent from North Bend, Washington, Steve grew up winning every singing competition in his region and early on was sent by the Seattle Opera to study in Siena, Italy. His studies have taken him throughout Europe, including to the renowned Swedish vocalist, actress and teacher, Britt Bern. Thoreson has performed extensively in Sweden, in concert, on radio and television. His singing has taken him to twenty seven countries, performing in churches, piazzas, concert halls and sporting arenas. A powerhouse of Norwegian and Native American decent, Steve Thoreson is a major force to contend with in the world of opera. Overton Berry - www.overtonberry.comOverton Berry began his musical career over fifty years ago at the age of 16 when he played USO shows at military bases on the west coast with the first Overton Berry Trio. In the Pacific Northwest, he's considered "a living legend", and his wealth of experience and generations of fans bear witness to this affectionate accolade. His credits include Music Director for the Peggy Lee Concert at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair; Music Director for the House of Entertainment during the Seattle World's Fair; Music Director for the Canadian tour La Hora de Jazz Concerts; Music Director of the Gene Stridel Show, Hollywood Overseas Committee - Viet Nam; and Music Director of the Overton Berry Trio and the TOBE School of Music. He has played extensively in venues around the world including Sans Souci in Tokyo, the Marriott in Cairo, the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok, the China Hotel in Guangzhou, China and the Sheraton Hotel in Hong Kong. Eric Fridrich www.myspace.com/ericfridrichEric Fridrich brings a sense of versatility and awareness to his singer/songwriter roots. With touches of rock, jazz, folk, blues and Latin, Fridrich delivers a sound rich in pop hooks, jazz tags and blues turnarounds. This Chicago native adds the influences of such artists as Sting, Neil Young, Sinatra, B.B. King, James Brown, James Taylor, Santana and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. Fridrich offers an acoustic guitar featuring many styles, a harmonica with minor modes as well as blues and a unique vocal style that captivates the audience. His music is extremely accessible, as evidenced by open invitations to play in China, France, Australia, Italy, UK, zchech, Caribbean and all over the US. His recent work garnered a 2006 nomination for 'Best New Artist of the Year' from Seattle Weekly, a full-page feature article in "The Collegient," in-studio interview at KBCS-FM, Channel 5 News exclusive interview, along with a slew of national radio exposure. Fridrich's music speaks for itself. Usually a solo performer, you can find him in Chicago with the likes of internationally respected Nate Lerohl (double bass) who adds the German bow in the Duocracy. In Seattle, you'll find Fridrich leading the Eric Fridrich Trio--with bassist Steve Kim and percussionist Johnny Conga, whose illustrious credits include the Jackson 5, Gloria Estaban, among 20 other Grammy Award winners. Annie O'Neill http://www.reverbnation.com/annieoneillis a native of the great northwest who studied vocal jazz at Cornish College of the Arts and has since focused on developing her performance and songwriting skills. Whether it's a sultry ballad, a full force rock jam, or a raw acoustic tune, Annie is capable of entrancing an audience of any size. Annie's debut CD with LiquidCity offers a variety of textures and genres, ranging from hard edge folk rock quartet songs to lilting piano-based arrangements, stripped down acoustic tunes, a capella, to a vintage jazz cover, 'Angel Eyes'. Highlights include Annie's vocal scat style and searing solos on both electric and slide guitars.

This year, a six-year-long WQXR tradition will continue with a little help from WNYC - and a Tony Award winner, too. On Thursday, December 9 at 5pm, the annual WQXR reading of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL will take place in the station's live performance venue, The Greene Space. WQXR personalities, including Jeff Spurgeon and Midge Woolsey, will be joined by WNYC hosts, including Kurt Andersen and Jad Abumrad, in a version re-imagined for stage and directed by WQXR's Elliott Forrest. Stage and screen actor DAVID HYDE PIERCE will star in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

One of the most beloved stories of all time comes to life in White River Junction when Northern Stage, the region's professional theater, stages L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz from December 8 - January 2.

Tom Stoppard, one of the most celebrated dramatists of his time, cut his dramatic teeth on radio dramas at the BBC in the 1960s and 1970s. This December, The Greene Space at WNYC kicks off "T" is for Tom, a four-part series of rarely performed early works by England's intellectually nimble playwright.

The Broadway production of David Mamet's A Life in the Theatre, starring Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight closed on November 28, 2010. The show opened on October 12th at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Its limited engagement was scheduled to play through January 2nd, 2011. Now back home in London, Patrick Stewart spoke to the UK Independent about what he calls 'extraordinarily difficult' ticket sales, saying that he knows of 'between eight and a dozen other productions imminently facing the axe.' Stewart went on to say that ' London is now 'the capital of theatre'. He explained: 'There is always a huge choice that is constantly available and revivals too. There is a theatre-going habit which is really entrenched in this country.'

Richard Eyre will direct John Mortimer's translation of Georges Feydeau's 1907 classic farce A FLEA IN HER EAR , opening for previews on 4 December 2010 (press night: 14 December). Starring Tom Hollander with Di Botcher, Jonathan Cake, Oliver Cotton, Lisa Dillon, Freddie Fox, Fiona Glascott, Lloyd Hutchinson, John Marquez, Tim McMullan, William Maxwell, Rebecca Night, Maggie Service and Walter Van Dyk, A Flea in Her Ear is a comedy of errors set against a backdrop of misunderstanding and confusion. A Flea in Her Ear is a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions and is the second play in The Old Vic 2010-11 Season. The Season is sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Tom Stoppard, one of the most celebrated dramatists of his time, cut his dramatic teeth on radio dramas at the BBC in the 1960s and 1970s. This December, The Greene Space at WNYC kicks off "T" is for Tom, a four-part series of rarely performed early works by England's intellectually nimble playwright.

One of the most beloved stories of all time comes to life in White River Junction when Northern Stage, the region's professional theater, stages L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz from December 8 - January 2.

The Broadway production of David Mamet's A Life in the Theatre, starring Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight will close on November 28, 2010.

It was announced last night that the Rose Theatre has been awarded Best Commitment to the Community award at the Kingston Business Awards.

The sell-out production of Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay's play Yes, Prime Minister will end its London run at the Gielgud Theatre on 15 January, before beginning a UK-wide tour on 31 January at Brighton Theatre Royal featuring a new cast which stars Simon Williams as Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby and Richard McCabe as Prime Minister Jim Hacker.

59E59 Theaters (Elysabeth Kleinhans, Artistic Director; Peter Tear, Executive Producer) is thrilled to launch Brits Off Broadway 2010 with the return of Wales' top theater, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, with the US premiere of PIECES, written by Hywel John and directed by Kate Wasserberg.

This year, a six-year-long WQXR tradition will continue with a little help from WNYC - and a Tony Award winner, too. On Thursday, December 9 at 5pm, the annual WQXR reading of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL will take place in the station's live performance venue, The Greene Space. WQXR personalities, including Jeff Spurgeon and Midge Woolsey, will be joined by WNYC hosts, including Kurt Andersen and Jad Abumrad, in a version re-imagined for stage and directed by WQXR's Elliott Forrest. Stage and screen actor DAVID HYDE PIERCE will star in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, which opened on Broadway on October 13, uses the story of America's controversial seventh president-the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation and signed the Indian Removal Acts that started the Trail of Tears - to investigate the attraction and terrors of American populism, using a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and infectious emo rock. A co-production with Center Theatre Group and in association with Les Freres Corbusier, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON is written and directed by Alex Timbers and features music and lyrics by Michael Friedman. Check out the video below to hear from BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON director Alex Timbers.

BroadwayWorld.com has just confirmed that the Broadway production of David Mamet's A Life in the Theatre, starring Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight will close on November 28, 2010. The show opened on October 12th at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 W. 45th St.). Its limited engagement was scheduled to play through January 2nd, 2011.

The only press night offered for the Public LAB's premiere production of playwright/director Richard Nelson's That Hopey Changey Thing was this past Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 at 7pm.  Given that the play actually takes place on Tuesday. November 2nd, 2010 at 7pm (America's Election Night, for my plethora of foreign readers) I was rather hopey that the text might, in fact, wind up being changey, depending on the news of returns coming in during the play's 90 minutes.  No such luck.  But even in its frozen state, the piece is sharp, engrossing and superbly acted.

CPCC Theatre will present The Lion in Winter on November 5,6,12, 13 at 8:00pm and November 7 & 14 at 2:30pm in Pease Auditorium on the CPCC Central Campus.

In-studio and production drawings from the upcoming 'Dorothy of Oz' animated film have been released by Summertime Entertainment! In the film, the title and beloved role of Dorothy Gale will be played by Golden-Globe nominated actress Lea Michele, star of television's hit series GLEE. Also known for her acclaimed Broadway roles in Spring Awakening and Les Misérables, Lea makes her feature film and animation voice-over debut with 'Oz' and will also be providing vocals on several original musical numbers.

"CPCC Theatre isn't [on the level of 'community theatre'] they're really on a professional level." - Creative Loafing theatre critic, Perry Tannenbaum, on WFAE 90.7fm's "Charlotte Talks."

CLICK HERE to check out this newly released sneak peek of Lea Michele singing 'Dorothy of Oz' in an Entertainment Tonight clip! In the film, the title and beloved role of Dorothy Gale will be played by Golden-Globe nominated actress Lea Michele, star of television's hit series 'Glee'. Also known for her acclaimed Broadway roles in Spring Awakening and Les Misérables, Lea makes her feature film and animation voice-over debut with 'Oz' and will also be providing vocals on several original musical numbers.