I, Myself 1934 - Articles Page 2

Ken Ludwig's Lend me a Tenor is one of the best modern American farces to hit the stage. It's got it all: mistaken identity, drugged-induced confusion, lustful shenanigans, and operatic impersonation. The play has received several nominations including best new comedy, best play and best revival. Originally written in 1984, it hasn't lost a drop of its charm or ability to evoke laughter over the past 35 years.

Beginning tomorrow, July 28, designer, director, master puppeteer, and MacArthur "genius" Basil Twist will perform in his singular creation, Symphonie Fantastique, during all Saturdayevening performances. The 20th-anniversary production, which has received near universal acclaim and is scheduled to close on September 2, will include Twist on July 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25 and September 1 at 8:30pm. Set to Hector Berlioz's revolutionary 1830 score, Symphonie Fantastique, for the first time in New York, features live piano accompaniment by Christopher O'Riley. Hailed as a creative masterpiece when it debuted in 1998, the production, which opened on April 4, is a presentation from HERE's Dream Music Puppetry Program and a centerpiece of HERE's 25th anniversary season.

In response to overwhelming demand and near universal critical acclaim, Symphonie Fantastique - the singular creation by designer, director, master puppeteer, and MacArthur "genius" Basil Twist - extends its 20th anniversary engagement to July 15. Set to Hector Berlioz's revolutionary 1830 score, Symphonie Fantastique, for the first time in New York, features live piano accompaniment by Christopher O'Riley. Hailed as a creative masterpiece when it debuted in 1998, the production, which opened on April 4, is a presentation from HERE's Dream Music Puppetry Program and a centerpiece of HERE's 25th anniversary season.

I recently attended a production of Twist's Symphonie Fantastique, an interesting feast of visual delight choreographed to Liszt's piano transcription of Berlioz's masterpiece – it was Fantasia for adults.

The Moderate Soprano opens in the West End this week, two years after the production's run at Hampstead Theatre. David Hare's play tells the story of the passion and the people behind Glyndebourne, including the soprano herself: Audrey Mildmay. In this two part series, we speak to the cast and creative behind the production. Taking on the titular role, Nancy Carroll shares her thoughts on returning to the production and the role after two years.

McCarter Theatre Center has announced two added performances of Ken Ludwig's adaptation of Agatha Christie's mystery masterpiece, Murder on the Orient Express, running March 14 - April 2, 2017. Additional performances are scheduled for March 22 and 29 at 7:30 p.m.

'Terra dei Fuochi / Land of Fires' is an environmental performance project blending modern dance, music and documentary theater to tell the story of Campania Felix, an area in Italy north of Naples that suffered devastating loss of life due to a scandal-ridden toxic waste disaster.  The piece is a three-person dance with multimedia drawn largely from life stories of mothers in the region whose children 'have become angels too quickly.' Accompanying the performance will be a booth providing information about Campania Felix and how it can be compared to others around the world. The aim is to provide further education in the increasing land and water contamination issues facing our global community. This world premiere is choreographed and directed and by Bianca Falco (Napoli, Campania - NYC) and composed by Alberto Falco (Napoli, Campania).  La MaMa will present the work's world premiere March 23 to April 2 in its First Floor Theater, 74A East Fourth Street.

The Dance Gallery Festival began ten years ago with the vision of Astrid von Ussar, Founder and Artistic Director. Their stated 'mission is to provide everything that choreographers want, need, and dream of in a professional setting: industry standard lighting, publicity packaging, and ample time for tech rehearsals.' Born of necessity, this collective, following von Ussar's vision, recognizes these lacks to be common to most aspiring and working choreographers (those not working with major, funded dance companies). Funding comes primarily from family and friends. This is an extraordinary find in the dance community; and one that begins to fill a void that has existed for far too long.

Maury Yeston, the composer and lyricist best-known for Nine and Titanic, visited the West End a few months before the West End opening of his new musical, Death Takes a Holiday. Based on a film (which was based on a play) this story tells of how Death changed his perspective. He used to not quite understand why everyone he came to collect was quite so aggrieved to die, until he met a particular woman who allowed him to realise quite what makes life worth clinging to. The side effect of Death's occupation being, though, that he can't collect anyone else while he's so distracted - Death the person and death the concept take a break!  Maury was kind enough to discuss his musical background, some of his better-known works and his latest venture for the stage.

Lee Hall's play ends the American Stage season with a bang; it's a lovely production.

First things first. I'm not going to talk about the Pennsylvania Ballet and the company's negative press that's been besieging the dance world for the past few weeks. Any questions write or call Angel Corella, the Artistic Director. Let it come from him, not me.

In the poignant and revealing feature-length documentary NOTHING LEFT UNSAID: GLORIA VANDERBILT & ANDERSON COOPER, Vanderbilt and son Anderson Cooper look back at her remarkable life. Directed by Liz Garbus, the exclusive presentation debutsSATURDAY, APRIL 9 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO.

In the poignant and revealing feature-length documentary NOTHING LEFT UNSAID: GLORIA VANDERBILT & ANDERSON COOPER, Vanderbilt and son Anderson Cooper look back at her remarkable life. Directed by Liz Garbus, the exclusive presentation debutsSATURDAY, APRIL 9 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO.

?Sierra Stages opens its 2016 season with the enchanting, dark comedy "THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN". Written by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, "THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN" plays at the historic Nevada Theatre in Nevada City from March 3-19. The play is directed by Sharon Winegar, with set design by Pamela Hodges, lighting design by Erin Beatie, and costume design by Paulette Gilbert. The cast includes local actors Alice Beloved, Chase Coney, Kim Ewing, Lois Ewing, John Gardiner, Ben Hedenland, Damiian Mario Lang, Ariana Rampy, and Robert Rossman.

Born into one of the wealthiest and best-known families in American history, Gloria Vanderbilt has lived in the public eye for more than 90 years, unapologetically pursuing love, family and career, experiencing extreme tragedy and tremendous success side by side.

It has been close to two decades since this was seen in Adelaide, and this is a worthy performance.

Since 1983, tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger Bob Mintzer has been delving into the big band format and its myriad stylistic possibilities, collecting five Grammy nominations and one Grammy win in the process. His newest recording, 'Get Up!,' which is his 20th big band album to date, will be released by MCG Jazz today, June 23.

One of America's most versatile and prolific living composers, Andre Previn, joins Pacific Symphony as the honored guest and focus of the 15th American Composers Festival (ACF). Previn, who has been called one of America's least easily categorized musicians, began his remarkable career as a Hollywood "wunderkind" and a best-selling jazz pianist. Now 86, Previn has received four Academy Awards for his work in film, 10 Grammy Awards for his recordings (plus one more for his Lifetime Achievement), and he is also an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He's held a series of major conducting posts, including the L.A. Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, but now exclusively composes. The concert is led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, whose great admiration for the legend shaped this year's ACF to reveal the scope of Previn's prowess as a composer. 

His newest recording, 'Get Up!,' which is his 20th big band album to date, will be released by MCG Jazz on June 23.

Orange County, Calif.-May 11, 2015-One of America's most versatile and prolific living composers, Andre Previn, joins Pacific Symphony as the honored guest and focus of the 15th American Composers Festival (ACF). Previn, who has been called one of America's least easily categorized musicians, began his remarkable career as a Hollywood "wunderkind" and a best-selling jazz pianist. Now 86, Previn has received four Academy Awards for his work in film, 10 Grammy Awards for his recordings (plus one more for his Lifetime Achievement), and he is also an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He's held a series of major conducting posts, including the L.A. Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, but now exclusively composes. The concert is led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, whose great admiration for the legend shaped this year's ACF to reveal the scope of Previn's prowess as a composer. 

Attending a multilingual performance at Cafe Sabarsky in The Neue Galerie (86th Street and Fifth Avenue) is like stepping back in time. The room speaks to an era of higher refinement, not stuffy, but encouraging pedigree and brio. Few artists epitomize this more than celebrated cabaret veteran singer/pianist Steve Ross, whose fascinating and emotionally translucent shows here never fail to enlighten and entertain.

Every year, despite a litany of warnings they come to the Big Apple with big dreams. Warnings like: “You have to pay your dues.” “It's a tough business, kid.” “How are you going to survive?” There's no such thing as an overnight success, yet still they come to be at “the top of the heap,” as Kander and Ebb so eloquently put it. The four young performers featured here haven't yet vaulted to the top of the cabaret heap, but they've certainly made their marks with excellent shows during 2014, while exhibiting the potential to get there. The spotlight is already shining on Chrysten Peddie, Angela Dirksen, Rembert Block, and Kristoffer Lowe.

?2015 will be an auspicious year for BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET as it prepares to honour two important anniversaries: the 25th year of the company's re-birth and move from Sadler's Wells to Birmingham and David Bintley's 20th anniversary as Director.

Director of Drama Desk nominated performance 'Vivien', Peter Sander collaborates with Theatre Arts Japan (Eriko Ogawa, Artistic Director), and theater company Ku Na'u Ka's music director/composer/percussionist Hiroko Tanakawa to present work of Japan's master playwright, Asaya Fujita's 'Robinson (to) Crusoe', an adaptation of D'Introna and Ravicchio's comedy, 'Robinson and Crusoe'.

Director of Drama Desk nominated performance 'Vivien', Peter Sander collaborates with Theatre Arts Japan (Eriko Ogawa, Artistic Director), and theater company Ku Na'u Ka's music director/composer/percussionist Hiroko Tanakawa to present work of Japan's master playwright, Asaya Fujita's 'Robinson (to) Crusoe', an adaptation of D'Introna and Ravicchio's comedy, 'Robinson and Crusoe'.