Carousel - 2015 - Chicago Articles Page 20

Rock super group Roadcase Royale's Nancy Wilson, one of the founding members of legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Heart, and Liv Warfield, former Prince's New Power Generation band member/R&B singer, join rock icon Slash, renowned pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, the L.A. All-Star Band led by Music Director Martin Guigui, and others to headline an extraordinary 'Concert For Conservation' at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association BEASTLY BALL on Saturday, May 19, 2018, 5:30 pm, at the L.A. Zoo, a leader in the preservation of some of the world's most critically endangered species and their habitats. Showcasing the enormous impact the Zoo has on animal conservation both locally and internationally, this year's signature fundraiser takes place on the heels of national Endangered Species Day to underscore the Zoo's commitment to saving animals from extinction. The Ball honors animal expert/conservationist Jack Hanna and features a rare after-hours stroll through the Zoo with special animal experiences, including animal feedings, keeper chats and up close interactions; the debut of a conservation mural by artist/Beautify Earth Co-Founder Ruben Rojas; bountiful fare from some of L.A.'s most popular restaurants; a mobile-bidding silent auction and more. Guests are invited to dress in 'safari casual' attire. Honorary Chair Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, is joined by Honorary Committee members Slash, Lance Bass, Jackie Chan, Heather Mycoskie and Pauley Perrette. Beastly Ball Chair is GLAZA Trustee Tyler Kelley. Considered the 'wildest' party in town, the Ball has been lauded as 'one of the best parties in Los Angeles' (KCBS/KCAL TV News) and 'one the most important fund-raisers' (Los Angeles Times).

American Blues Theater concludes its 2017-2018 Season with BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story, written by Alan Janes, directed by Lily-Anne Brown, with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story runs April 27 - May 26, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. 

Opera Saratoga's Artistic and General Director Lawrence Edelson announced the complete casting and programming for the company's 2018 Summer Festival, which will feature new productions of four operas at The Spa Little Theater in Spa State Park, along with a wide variety of free and ticketed concert events from May 26th through July 15th at venues throughout the region. Single tickets, as well as subscription packages, are on sale now at www.operasaratoga.org.

What does it mean to be a woman in the times of the #metoo and #timesup movements? What would our historical sisters have to say about it? From Sappho and Hildegard von Bingen to present day, this classical cabaret explores some of the innermost thoughts, desires, dreams, and experiences of women through music and poetry. Opera on Tap makes its' Flea debut as an Anchor Partner, presenting a diverse program of classical song in their signature fresh, heartfelt, and entertaining style.  

Due to a scheduling conflict, performances of The Broadway Princess Party-starring two- time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes (Cinderella, Bonnie & Clyde), Tony Award nominee Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie), Courtney Reed (Aladdin, In The Heights) and music director Benjamin Rauhala-have been moved to Saturday, June 2 (8 p.m.) and Sunday, June 3 (5 p.m.). Customers who purchased tickets for Friday, June 1 will be moved to another performance or issued a refund.

When Opera Philadelphia's inaugural Festival O launched the present season, the opera world responded with a standing ovation, welcoming it as 'one of the most enjoyable additions to the fall calendar in years'

Me and My Girl, the final production of the Encores! at 25 season at New York City Center will star Christian Borle, Suzzanne Douglas, Mark Evans, Harriet Harris, Edward Hibbert, John Horton, Simon Jones, Laura Michelle Kelly, Lisa O'Hare, Ken Page, and Don Stephenson.

Shakespeare Theatre Company today announces the cast of Lerner and Loewe's multiple Tony Award-winning musical Camelot. Directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul (Kiss Me, Kate; Man of La Mancha), the classic musical will play at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St NW) from May 22 through July 1, concluding STC's 2017-2018 mainstage season.

When Opera Philadelphia's inaugural Festival O launched the present season, the opera world responded with a standing ovation, welcoming it as "one of the most enjoyable additions to the fall calendar in years"

Last night at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, the acoustically perfect Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. Concert Hall was host to one of the most beautiful voices on the planet...that of five time Tony-Award winner Audra McDonald.

The New York Choral Society (NYCHORAL) will hold its annual Spring Gala at New York's Metropolitan Club (1 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022) on Thursday evening, April 5, 2018, starting at 6:00 pm. The organization will honor renowned opera singer and recitalist Stephanie Blythe with the NYCHORAL Music Excellence Award for her contributions to the musical profession, as well as Sylvia R. Hoisington who is celebrating her 50th season with the chorus. Produced in partnership with the Richard Tucker Music Foundation, the evening's showcase performance will feature soprano Amanda Majeski and tenor Ben Bliss, both of whom will be participating in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Cosi fan tutte from March 15 to April 9, 2018. Members of the NYCHORAL Chamber Ensemble will also perform. The evening will feature a silent auction of unique items and experiences. The program is as follows:

The New York Choral Society (NYCHORAL) will hold its annual Spring Gala at New York's Metropolitan Club (1 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022) on Thursday evening, April 5, 2018, starting at 6:00 pm.

Five principal dancers from the New York City Ballet, including 2017 Tony nominee Robert Fairchild, will grace the Koger Center stage April 15, as the University of South Carolina Department of Theatre and Dance presents the 13th Annual Ballet Stars of New York Gala Performance.

Paying tribute to The Great American Songbook and composers such as Lerner and Loewe, Gershwin, Berlin and the likes, Audra started off with 'When Did I Fall In Love' from Fiorello. Pausing before the next song to appreciate Florida's warm and sunny weather, Audra joked that the North has had so many nor' easters that she was losing her color. That got quite a belly laugh and applause from her fans, and it was a good lead in to 'It Might As Well Be Spring' from State Fair. Audra had some fun with 'I Double Dare You' and 'The Facebook Song'. Her smooth vocals took us to a sultry night in the south with 'Summertime' and left the audience astounded with 'I Can't Stop Talking'. How does she move her mouth that fast?

An outstanding cast has been announced for the return of Opera North's award-winning production of Cole Porter's classic musical comedy, Kiss Me, Kate, opening at Leeds Grand Theatre in May, then touring to the Ravenna Festival, to the London Coliseum for a two-week run in June, and moving to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh in July.

Porchlight Music Theatre's Mainstage 2017-2018 season concludes with Memphis, April 19 - June 3, at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street. Memphis, book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, is directed by Daryl D.  Brooks, assistant directed and choreographed by Christopher Carter, music directed by Jermaine Hill and assistant choreographed by Reneisha Jenkins. 

Broadway Records today announced that Kate Rockwell's BACK TO MY ROOTS will be released digitally and in stores on Friday, April 27, 2018. The album is currently available for pre-order on iTunes and at www.BroadwayRecords.com.

REPRISE 2.0 is now announced, presenting a season of three classic American musicals at UCLA's Freud Playhouse, by Marcia Seligson, Producing Artistic Director of the new performing arts organization.  REPRISE 2.0 is partnering with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television's Department of Theater (UCLA TFT), chaired by Brian Kite. 

Beloved vocalist Audra McDonald joins the Utah Symphony on March 23 and 24 for an unforgettable performance at Abravanel Hall. Tickets are priced from $23-$103, and can be purchased online at utahsymphony.org or by calling (801) 533-6683.

Porchlight Music Theatre announced that Lorenzo Rush Jr has replaced James Earl Jones II in Porchlight Revisits They're Playing Our Song, music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and book by Neil Simon, with direction and choreography by Christopher Carter and musical direction by Andra Velis Simon. Porchlight Revisits They're Playing our Song is presented for three-nights-only Tuesday, March 6 through Thursday, March 8 at 7:15 p.m. and is performed on the set of Porchlight's Merrily We Roll Along (previews begin January 26) at Porchlight's new home, The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street. Tickets for They're Playing Our Song are $35.

The Shed's Artistic Director and CEO Alex Poots today unveiled the first group of commissions for the 2019 inaugural season in its future home on Manhattan's west side, and provided major updates about the organization's leadership, program, and capital campaign. New York City's first arts center dedicated to commissioning, producing, and presenting new work across the performing arts, visual arts, and popular culture, The Shed will open to the public in spring 2019 with commissioned programs filling its iconic and expansive multi-use hall, two floors of column-free galleries, and versatile and intimate theater.

Final cast is today announced for Charles Court Opera's smart, stylish, sparkling fresh version of the most loved of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic masterpieces, The Mikado.

Merrigong Theatre Company announces MERRIGONGX. Launching in February 2018, this is a brand-new series of eclectic events from artists from our neighbourhood, and from around the nation.

Tony-winning superstar Audra McDonald has announced five dates for an upcoming Florida concert tour. See full details below!

Audra McDonald is one of Broadway's most treasured leading ladies, but she hasn't been seen on the Great White Way since SHUFFLE ALONG in 2016. She recently spoke with The Atlanta Journal Constitution about her busy career and life at home and when the question of her returning to Broadway was raised, she had an exciting answer.