I hate being sick. But as I get older, I find I catch colds very easily. I've been sitting at home for two days. I'm borrowing my sister's laptop to write this one.
OK.
You probably know that I love the Springer Opera House. Even though I'm going to be critical of the Springer, I'll still go see shows and I'll still write about it and possibly still be in shows.
"The King and I" will begin Thursday night. It's going to be a very popular show. Already, some of the nights (and the matinee) are close to selling out.
My beef is that there are no Asians in the cast.
I realize that Paul Pierce, the artistic director at the Springer, is color-blind when it comes to casting. I've found that to be very, very admirable.
But how can you do a show like "The King and I" and not have a single Asian in the cast? Especially for the kids of the court? I'm certain that there are plenty of Asian children who can sing who live in the Columbus area.
Paul assured me that he spent a "lot of time, energy and money" trying to cast Asians in this show.
I believe him when he said that. But I think he was talking about the adult roles.
I was told that the Asian Pacific Alliance here in town was contacted about local singers, dancers and actors who might be interested in being in the show. There didn't seem to be any interest.
I think perhaps I should have done a better job trying to get the word out. I didn't do it, though I thought about it briefly last summer.
All of that said, I'm sure the show will be wonderful. Steve Valentini, whom I love, will be a great King. And Debbie Anderson, whom I adore, will be a fabulous Anna. Other friends like Raymond Campbell, Jens Rasmussen and Daniel Windsor are in it and I'll go see them.
I saw photos from the first time the Springer did the show and I was really worried that this cast will do the same kind of grotesque makeup of exaggerated "slanted" eyes. I absolutely hate that kind of makeup on Caucasian people.
But I was reassured from the Springer's costumer that the makeup will be very light and not exaggerated.
We'll see.
You have to know that I boycotted "Memoirs of a Geisha" because all of the main roles were filled by Chinese actors.
Let me know your thoughts.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The new Springer Opera House season
I just got back from the big season announcement at the Springer Opera House.
Reaction from the audience was fantastic. I think it's going to be one of the best seasons for the Springer. Really.
But before the shows were announced, there were some awards given to long-time Springer Opera House supporters.
This year's Emily Woodruff Tribute to Service Award went to board member Carol Vander Gheynst. Carol has been very ill, and the award was accepted by her daughter, Sally, who teaches at the Springer Theater Academy and is a performer.
The next time you go to the Springer, make sure to visit Pigeon Alley, which has been renamed the Hall of Legends and dedicated to Janice Biggers. It's that hallway between the Mainstage auditorium and the Players' Saloon. The Springer chose 15 notable people who have graced the Springer stage and beautifully framed the art created by Springer staffer (and actor) Jeff Holbrook. The text is taken from Clason Kyle's "In Order of Appearance," and include Chet Atkins, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter and Truman Capote.
Dorothy "Dot" McClure was given a special crystal dot (actually a cube) for all her work, especially with the Springer's Theater Academy. She was escorted to the stage by her sons, Joe and Chuck Jr., and then surrounded by the children who play the King's children in "The King and I." The kids and Debbie Anderson, who plays Anna, sang "Getting to Know You" to Dot. It was truly a special moment.
Even Springer producing artistic director Paul Pierce was not immune. As he took the stage to talk about the new season, a couple walked on the stage from stage left. Paul caught a glimpse of the man moving toward him, turned to look, then went back to his notes. Then in a classic double take, he stopped and then went to embrace the man.
He announced that they were his Texas parents, Drexel and Jackie Riley, who founded the Repertory Theater of America, and gave Paul his first professional job. Paul explained that they were his mentors and friends.
Drexel said that in light of Paul's 20th anniversary at the Springer Opera House, the board and the staff decided to add to his "addiction."
I've known Paul for 20 years and never knew that he collected of American art pottery. The piece that Paul received was one that he said he had wanted to buy from Drexel, who also deals in pottery, but he could never buy.
Then the announcements began with Paul and Ron Anderson, the associate artistic director, doing their usual schtick. It was very funny.
Debbie Anderson and Ward Loving came out to sing "If I Loved You" from "Carousel" and the evening ended with The Taffeta sisters singing "Mr. Sandman."
Here's the season. Tell me what you think.
MAINSTAGE:
The Taffetas: The four singing Taffeta sisters are poised to make their television debut in their hometown of Muncie, Ind. They'll sing the top tunes on the Hit Parade: "Mr. Sandman," "Sh-Boom," "Johnny Angel," "I'm Sorry" and "Where the Boys Are." This is also the Springer's touring show. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20-22, Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 4-9 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30.
Enchanted April: Based on the 1992 movie, it's about four women who decide to leave their husbands at home while they go on holiday at an Italian villa. Then guess who show up? Yup, the husbands. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-3 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
To Kill a Mockingbird: Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Harper Lee novel, it's the first time the Springer has produced this play. It's about Scout, the young daughter of lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a black man wrongly accused of a crime in a small Alabama town in the 1930s. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24-26, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 and Feb. 7-9 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3.
Carousel: The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical was last produced on the Springer stage in 1977. set in a fishing community in Maine, it's about a simple, sweet girl and her brute of a husband. Songs include "If I Loved You," "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "June Is Bustin' Out All Over." 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1, March 6-8 and March 13-15 and 2:30 p.m. March 9.
Greater Tuna: This is the comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. It's about the third smallest town in Texas, and the strange but memorable people who live there. "Greater Tuna" was last produced at the Springer in 1998. 7:30 p.m. May 1-3, May 8-10 and May 15-17 and 2:30 p.m. May 11.
STUDIO II SERIES:
Crimes of the Heart: Written by Beth Henley, this play won the Pulitzer Prize in 1981 and became a movie in 1986 starring Diane Keaton, Sissy Spacek and Jessica Lange. It's about three sisters who rush home to Hazelhurst, Miss., where their grandfather is dying. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 16-17 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 18.
Doubt: Playwright John Patrick Shanley won an Academy Award for the "Moonstruck" screenplay in 1987 and won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for "Doubt" in 2005. The drama, set in a Catholic school in 1964, is fashioned like an old-fashioned detective story. It's about a young priest accused of wrongdoing by a nun. 7:30 p.m. April 17-19 and April 24-26 and 2:30 p.m. April 27.
FAMILY HOLIDAY:
A Christmas Carol: This adaptation by Paul Pierce is now a holiday tradition for many families. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
A Tuna Christmas: It's time again for the Tuna, Texas', ill-fated production of "A Christmas Carol" and the mysterious phantom who destroys the town's Christmas light displays. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
SPRINGER CHILDREN'S THEATER:
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse: When Lilly interrupts her class to show off her glittery new glasses and purple plastic purse, the teacher takes them away until the end of the day. And guess what happens? Production dates to be determined.
Afternoon of the Elves: Adapted by Y York and based on the Newberry Honor Book by Janet Taylor Lisle, it's about two popular fourth graders who invite Hillary to join them to become "The Mighty Three." When Sara Kate, the little girl next door, asks Hillary to visit the elf village in her back yard, she has to keep a terrible secret. Production dates to be determined.
The Big Friendly Giant: Is based on the novel by Roald Dahl ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach") and is about Sophie, a young orphan who sees a giant. When the giant realizes he's been spotted, he kidnaps Sophie and the adventures begin. Production dates to be determined.
TICKETS:
Season tickets: $225, $90 for the five Mainstage, the Studio II and Holiday shows; $175, $70 for students for the five Mainstage and the Studio II shows; $125, $50 for students for the five Mainstage shows.
Single tickets: $8-$35 for Mainstage shows; $8-25 for Studio II and Holiday shows; $5-$8 for Children's Theater shows. Single tickets go on sale in August.
Information: 706-327-3688 or go to www.springeroperahouse.org or www.tickets.com
Reaction from the audience was fantastic. I think it's going to be one of the best seasons for the Springer. Really.
But before the shows were announced, there were some awards given to long-time Springer Opera House supporters.
This year's Emily Woodruff Tribute to Service Award went to board member Carol Vander Gheynst. Carol has been very ill, and the award was accepted by her daughter, Sally, who teaches at the Springer Theater Academy and is a performer.
The next time you go to the Springer, make sure to visit Pigeon Alley, which has been renamed the Hall of Legends and dedicated to Janice Biggers. It's that hallway between the Mainstage auditorium and the Players' Saloon. The Springer chose 15 notable people who have graced the Springer stage and beautifully framed the art created by Springer staffer (and actor) Jeff Holbrook. The text is taken from Clason Kyle's "In Order of Appearance," and include Chet Atkins, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter and Truman Capote.
Dorothy "Dot" McClure was given a special crystal dot (actually a cube) for all her work, especially with the Springer's Theater Academy. She was escorted to the stage by her sons, Joe and Chuck Jr., and then surrounded by the children who play the King's children in "The King and I." The kids and Debbie Anderson, who plays Anna, sang "Getting to Know You" to Dot. It was truly a special moment.
Even Springer producing artistic director Paul Pierce was not immune. As he took the stage to talk about the new season, a couple walked on the stage from stage left. Paul caught a glimpse of the man moving toward him, turned to look, then went back to his notes. Then in a classic double take, he stopped and then went to embrace the man.
He announced that they were his Texas parents, Drexel and Jackie Riley, who founded the Repertory Theater of America, and gave Paul his first professional job. Paul explained that they were his mentors and friends.
Drexel said that in light of Paul's 20th anniversary at the Springer Opera House, the board and the staff decided to add to his "addiction."
I've known Paul for 20 years and never knew that he collected of American art pottery. The piece that Paul received was one that he said he had wanted to buy from Drexel, who also deals in pottery, but he could never buy.
Then the announcements began with Paul and Ron Anderson, the associate artistic director, doing their usual schtick. It was very funny.
Debbie Anderson and Ward Loving came out to sing "If I Loved You" from "Carousel" and the evening ended with The Taffeta sisters singing "Mr. Sandman."
Here's the season. Tell me what you think.
MAINSTAGE:
The Taffetas: The four singing Taffeta sisters are poised to make their television debut in their hometown of Muncie, Ind. They'll sing the top tunes on the Hit Parade: "Mr. Sandman," "Sh-Boom," "Johnny Angel," "I'm Sorry" and "Where the Boys Are." This is also the Springer's touring show. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20-22, Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 4-9 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30.
Enchanted April: Based on the 1992 movie, it's about four women who decide to leave their husbands at home while they go on holiday at an Italian villa. Then guess who show up? Yup, the husbands. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-3 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
To Kill a Mockingbird: Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Harper Lee novel, it's the first time the Springer has produced this play. It's about Scout, the young daughter of lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a black man wrongly accused of a crime in a small Alabama town in the 1930s. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24-26, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 and Feb. 7-9 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3.
Carousel: The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical was last produced on the Springer stage in 1977. set in a fishing community in Maine, it's about a simple, sweet girl and her brute of a husband. Songs include "If I Loved You," "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "June Is Bustin' Out All Over." 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1, March 6-8 and March 13-15 and 2:30 p.m. March 9.
Greater Tuna: This is the comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. It's about the third smallest town in Texas, and the strange but memorable people who live there. "Greater Tuna" was last produced at the Springer in 1998. 7:30 p.m. May 1-3, May 8-10 and May 15-17 and 2:30 p.m. May 11.
STUDIO II SERIES:
Crimes of the Heart: Written by Beth Henley, this play won the Pulitzer Prize in 1981 and became a movie in 1986 starring Diane Keaton, Sissy Spacek and Jessica Lange. It's about three sisters who rush home to Hazelhurst, Miss., where their grandfather is dying. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 16-17 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 18.
Doubt: Playwright John Patrick Shanley won an Academy Award for the "Moonstruck" screenplay in 1987 and won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for "Doubt" in 2005. The drama, set in a Catholic school in 1964, is fashioned like an old-fashioned detective story. It's about a young priest accused of wrongdoing by a nun. 7:30 p.m. April 17-19 and April 24-26 and 2:30 p.m. April 27.
FAMILY HOLIDAY:
A Christmas Carol: This adaptation by Paul Pierce is now a holiday tradition for many families. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
A Tuna Christmas: It's time again for the Tuna, Texas', ill-fated production of "A Christmas Carol" and the mysterious phantom who destroys the town's Christmas light displays. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
SPRINGER CHILDREN'S THEATER:
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse: When Lilly interrupts her class to show off her glittery new glasses and purple plastic purse, the teacher takes them away until the end of the day. And guess what happens? Production dates to be determined.
Afternoon of the Elves: Adapted by Y York and based on the Newberry Honor Book by Janet Taylor Lisle, it's about two popular fourth graders who invite Hillary to join them to become "The Mighty Three." When Sara Kate, the little girl next door, asks Hillary to visit the elf village in her back yard, she has to keep a terrible secret. Production dates to be determined.
The Big Friendly Giant: Is based on the novel by Roald Dahl ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach") and is about Sophie, a young orphan who sees a giant. When the giant realizes he's been spotted, he kidnaps Sophie and the adventures begin. Production dates to be determined.
TICKETS:
Season tickets: $225, $90 for the five Mainstage, the Studio II and Holiday shows; $175, $70 for students for the five Mainstage and the Studio II shows; $125, $50 for students for the five Mainstage shows.
Single tickets: $8-$35 for Mainstage shows; $8-25 for Studio II and Holiday shows; $5-$8 for Children's Theater shows. Single tickets go on sale in August.
Information: 706-327-3688 or go to www.springeroperahouse.org or www.tickets.com
Friday, February 16, 2007
George Winston tickets on sale
George Winston is probably the best known of the "New Age" musicians. The pianist will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 6 in the Columbus State University Fine Arts Hall on main campus.
Tickets are $25. It's general admission, so you'd better get there early for the best seats. They're available at Everything Musical, at the corner of Britt David Road and Veterans Parkway; the Stewart Community Home, 1125 15th St.; New Horizons CSB, 1215 Second Ave.; or at the Fine Arts Hall box office.
The concert will benefit the homeless and is sponsored by the Stewart Community Home and New Horizons.
Concertgoers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank. A portion of the sales from Winston's merchandise will also go to the food bank.
Winston's "Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions -- A Hurricane Relief Benefit" was to help the people whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
This solo piano concert features Winston's work as well as R&B favorites, stride piano and Vince Guaraldi's "Peanuts" pieces.
For more information, call Nadine Coker at the Stewart Community Home at 706-327-2707, ext. 106.
Tickets are $25. It's general admission, so you'd better get there early for the best seats. They're available at Everything Musical, at the corner of Britt David Road and Veterans Parkway; the Stewart Community Home, 1125 15th St.; New Horizons CSB, 1215 Second Ave.; or at the Fine Arts Hall box office.
The concert will benefit the homeless and is sponsored by the Stewart Community Home and New Horizons.
Concertgoers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank. A portion of the sales from Winston's merchandise will also go to the food bank.
Winston's "Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions -- A Hurricane Relief Benefit" was to help the people whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
This solo piano concert features Winston's work as well as R&B favorites, stride piano and Vince Guaraldi's "Peanuts" pieces.
For more information, call Nadine Coker at the Stewart Community Home at 706-327-2707, ext. 106.
Monday, February 12, 2007
The Grammy Awards
Wow! The things you learn when you look up the list of nominees.
The most important one that I missed when they were first announced was a local connection.
Roberto Diaz was nominated for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance Without Orchestra. That's pretty cool. Diaz, a violist, is the son of Manuel and Betty Anne Diaz, both music professors at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music. He didn't win, but I'm sure this will not be his last nomination.
Then the Soweto Gospel Choir, who performed here Saturday in the Bill Heard Theatre, won for Best Traditional World Music. Congratulations to them.
And Chick Corea and Bela Fleck, who will be here on Feb. 21, were both Grammy winners. Corea won two and Fleck won one (with the Flecktones).
I'm sure next year, their duet album will be nominated.
With all the great musicians who have come from Columbus, I'm sure I left out others. Let me know if I did.
The most important one that I missed when they were first announced was a local connection.
Roberto Diaz was nominated for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance Without Orchestra. That's pretty cool. Diaz, a violist, is the son of Manuel and Betty Anne Diaz, both music professors at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music. He didn't win, but I'm sure this will not be his last nomination.
Then the Soweto Gospel Choir, who performed here Saturday in the Bill Heard Theatre, won for Best Traditional World Music. Congratulations to them.
And Chick Corea and Bela Fleck, who will be here on Feb. 21, were both Grammy winners. Corea won two and Fleck won one (with the Flecktones).
I'm sure next year, their duet album will be nominated.
With all the great musicians who have come from Columbus, I'm sure I left out others. Let me know if I did.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
For Garrison Keillor fans
You don't have to call me anymore, asking when the tickets to "Prairie Home Companion" go on sale.
The tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, April 2. Tickets are $40, $55 and $65.
Remember that this is a live broadcast that starts at 5:45 p.m. April 28. So if you're going, plan on being early. Be in your seats by 5:30 p.m.
I'm guessing they're not going to let late-comers in unless there's some sort of break.
I'm not a fan of the show, but I am a fan of Fred Newman. Fred is a LaGrange native and he does all the "mouth sounds" for the show.
He says he's going to be at Callaway Gardens all week during its special spring presentation for students and he's looking forward to coming to Columbus.
Getting back to the tickets. They'll be on sale in the box office, which is 900 Broadway, or online at www.tickets.com
Good luck getting your tickets.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
I made a mistake
Yes, it happens. Unfortunately, I make mistakes more often than I'd like.
A keen-eyed reader spotted something in my story about Arlo Guthrie in Saturday's paper. I wrote something about his foundation being in Woodstock. I think an editor added Ga. I'm pretty sure I didn't. That doesn't matter.
The reader says the foundation is in Great Barrington, Mass. And so it is.
I hate to make mistakes in my stories, but I have to do so many different things that sometimes, I just get confused. I'm sorry about any boo-boos.
But like I said, it happens.
A keen-eyed reader spotted something in my story about Arlo Guthrie in Saturday's paper. I wrote something about his foundation being in Woodstock. I think an editor added Ga. I'm pretty sure I didn't. That doesn't matter.
The reader says the foundation is in Great Barrington, Mass. And so it is.
I hate to make mistakes in my stories, but I have to do so many different things that sometimes, I just get confused. I'm sorry about any boo-boos.
But like I said, it happens.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
This is for the Rent-heads
When "Rent" was conceived by the late Jonathan Larson, he knew that a lot of the people who would want to see it wouldn't be able to afford the tickets.
So he made sure that in every venue "Rent" plays, affordable tickets would be available for "starving" artists and students for $20. And the seats would not be in the nosebleed section, but right up front.
When I contacted the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to find out when those $20 tickets go on sale, neither the PR person nor the box office manager knew what I was talking about.
I even argued with the PR person, who is a friend of mine. She had never heard of such a thing.
Finally, the box office manager said that the "student rush" tickets would go on sale 30 minutes before the show on Monday for $23.
So that's what I put in today's To Do.
After To Do was finished, I got an e-mail late Wednesday afternoon from the box office manager apologizing for misunderstanding what I was asking. Actually, I thought I was pretty clear about my question.
The $20 tickets will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday. There are 35 seats available on rows A and B of the Bill Heard Theatre.
I know that the last time "Rent" played at the Heard Theatre, there was a huge line of mostly young people in line in front of the box office.
If you want a ticket, I suggest you go early. Take a friend to keep your place in line in case you need to use the bathroom or buy a soda.
Good luck in getting a ticket!
So he made sure that in every venue "Rent" plays, affordable tickets would be available for "starving" artists and students for $20. And the seats would not be in the nosebleed section, but right up front.
When I contacted the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to find out when those $20 tickets go on sale, neither the PR person nor the box office manager knew what I was talking about.
I even argued with the PR person, who is a friend of mine. She had never heard of such a thing.
Finally, the box office manager said that the "student rush" tickets would go on sale 30 minutes before the show on Monday for $23.
So that's what I put in today's To Do.
After To Do was finished, I got an e-mail late Wednesday afternoon from the box office manager apologizing for misunderstanding what I was asking. Actually, I thought I was pretty clear about my question.
The $20 tickets will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday. There are 35 seats available on rows A and B of the Bill Heard Theatre.
I know that the last time "Rent" played at the Heard Theatre, there was a huge line of mostly young people in line in front of the box office.
If you want a ticket, I suggest you go early. Take a friend to keep your place in line in case you need to use the bathroom or buy a soda.
Good luck in getting a ticket!
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