Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Theatre--Peformance
Aquila Theatre will perform the classic drama The Iliad in a daytime performance for junior high and high school students at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday October 29 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Admission for the student performance is $5 per person through advance registration with PASA. Interested principals and teachers can call the PASA office at (337) 237-2787 for more information.
Theatre--Master Class
On Wednesday, October 29, PASA and Acting Up!, the professional theater company at the Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA), will host a master class with members of Aquila Theatre. The class will be held at the ACA from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
" This master class is a theatrical training opportunity for actors in our community to connect professionally with and learn from Aquila Theatre Company, a highly respected acting troupe known for staging original and innovative performances," says PASA Executive Director Jacqueline Lyle.
Company members from Aquila Theatre will teach an advanced physical theater master class that gives participant a chance to experience the requirements and discipline of working and performing in a physical theatre company. It focuses on ensemble acting and participants will explore the imaginative and physical resources that the company uses in order to create its own unique theatrical style.
The master class fee is $10 and, due to space limitations, registration in advance is required by calling (337) 233-7060.
For more information about all upcoming performance of Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, visit www.pasaonline.org or call the PASA office at (337) 237-2787
" This master class is a theatrical training opportunity for actors in our community to connect professionally with and learn from Aquila Theatre Company, a highly respected acting troupe known for staging original and innovative performances," says PASA Executive Director Jacqueline Lyle.
Company members from Aquila Theatre will teach an advanced physical theater master class that gives participant a chance to experience the requirements and discipline of working and performing in a physical theatre company. It focuses on ensemble acting and participants will explore the imaginative and physical resources that the company uses in order to create its own unique theatrical style.
The master class fee is $10 and, due to space limitations, registration in advance is required by calling (337) 233-7060.
For more information about all upcoming performance of Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, visit www.pasaonline.org or call the PASA office at (337) 237-2787
Theatre--Performance
Lafayette (La) Acadiana residents have the opportunity to experience a comedy classic and flex their acting skills when the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) hosts a variety of community activities leading up to Aquila Theatre's performance of The Comedy of Errors on October 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Aquila Theatre headlines PASA's annual free performance at Parc International in downtown Lafayette on October 30th, 2008 at 7:30pm. PASA in the Park is an annual event sponsored this year by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, FM Bank, E Bell Designs and Centennial Wireless. This performance is also supported in part by grants from Southern Arts Federation, and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and additional grants as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.
The first event is a community discussion led by ULL's Dr. Susan Nicassio at the Iberia Public Library main branch on Tuesday October 21 at 6:00 p.m. that will focus on The Comedy of Errors, a classic Shakespearean comedy that is considered by some to be a brilliantly encrypted message to a deeply divided Elizabethan England. Others consider it is a hilariously entertaining comedy written by one of literature's greatest dramatists.
Aquila Theatre returns to the Parc International stage exactly 3 years after they launched the very first PASA in the Parc. In 2005, PASA was set to present Aquila Theatre's Hamlet at the Heymann Performing Arts Center but due to the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Heymann Center became unavailable due to the housing of storm evacuees.
After deciding to go forward with the performance, PASA decided to move the show to Parc International and was such a hit that PASAthe Park became an annual offering
The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare's most well known comedies. The plot of the story involves two pairs of identical twins in the same household separated by a devastating shipwreck and a hilarious case of mistaken identity. But as the comedy unfolds, all is not what it seems.
The New York Times says: "No one who sees the rousing production by the excellent Aquila Theater Company will forget a whit of it."
The Aquila Theatre's imaginative production of Shakespeare's classic comedy is a "must-see" for newcomers to Shakespeare and current enthusiasts alike. The company has won international praise for their innovative presentations of classical drama and their unique staging of classical comedy. Aquila has also received prestigious international awards and high praise from audiences, critics and scholars. Some of their accomplishments include representing the National Endowment of the Arts at the White House and performing Shakespeare for the President and First Lady and, in the summer of 2007, making their Edinburgh Festival debut.
"This is a great night of fun for everyone come out and see theatre in best way possible at Parc International under the stars with family and friends," says PASA Executive Director Jacqueline Lyle, "The best part is that it is free so everyone will have the chance to experience a fantastic theatrical production."
In addition to the performance, audience goers are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume and compete for a variety of prizes, including tickets to upcoming PASA performances. The contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and costume categories include: most creative, scariest and cutest costume. This is an all ages contest and everyone is invited to participate.
Limited bleacher seating will be available and PASA in the Park-goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase and picnic dinners are welcome. However, no ice chests or pets are allowed.
The evening event on October 30th is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted but not required.
Aquila Theatre headlines PASA's annual free performance at Parc International in downtown Lafayette on October 30th, 2008 at 7:30pm. PASA in the Park is an annual event sponsored this year by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, FM Bank, E Bell Designs and Centennial Wireless. This performance is also supported in part by grants from Southern Arts Federation, and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and additional grants as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.
The first event is a community discussion led by ULL's Dr. Susan Nicassio at the Iberia Public Library main branch on Tuesday October 21 at 6:00 p.m. that will focus on The Comedy of Errors, a classic Shakespearean comedy that is considered by some to be a brilliantly encrypted message to a deeply divided Elizabethan England. Others consider it is a hilariously entertaining comedy written by one of literature's greatest dramatists.
Aquila Theatre returns to the Parc International stage exactly 3 years after they launched the very first PASA in the Parc. In 2005, PASA was set to present Aquila Theatre's Hamlet at the Heymann Performing Arts Center but due to the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Heymann Center became unavailable due to the housing of storm evacuees.
After deciding to go forward with the performance, PASA decided to move the show to Parc International and was such a hit that PASAthe Park became an annual offering
The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare's most well known comedies. The plot of the story involves two pairs of identical twins in the same household separated by a devastating shipwreck and a hilarious case of mistaken identity. But as the comedy unfolds, all is not what it seems.
The New York Times says: "No one who sees the rousing production by the excellent Aquila Theater Company will forget a whit of it."
The Aquila Theatre's imaginative production of Shakespeare's classic comedy is a "must-see" for newcomers to Shakespeare and current enthusiasts alike. The company has won international praise for their innovative presentations of classical drama and their unique staging of classical comedy. Aquila has also received prestigious international awards and high praise from audiences, critics and scholars. Some of their accomplishments include representing the National Endowment of the Arts at the White House and performing Shakespeare for the President and First Lady and, in the summer of 2007, making their Edinburgh Festival debut.
"This is a great night of fun for everyone come out and see theatre in best way possible at Parc International under the stars with family and friends," says PASA Executive Director Jacqueline Lyle, "The best part is that it is free so everyone will have the chance to experience a fantastic theatrical production."
In addition to the performance, audience goers are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume and compete for a variety of prizes, including tickets to upcoming PASA performances. The contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and costume categories include: most creative, scariest and cutest costume. This is an all ages contest and everyone is invited to participate.
Limited bleacher seating will be available and PASA in the Park-goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase and picnic dinners are welcome. However, no ice chests or pets are allowed.
The evening event on October 30th is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted but not required.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Theatre--Contest
PASA is sponsoring a contest to choose a local performer in the 100 Years Of Broadway show. Winner will sing a solo part in the finale! Runners up will sing one chorus number with the stars of the 100 Years of Broadway Show at the Heymann Center on Thursday November 13,2008. All runners-up and winners will receive a pair of tickets, and a free show CD.
Audition Today!
To submit an audition: You must be 15 years of age or older. No purchase necessary. Winner must be available at the Heymann Performing Arts Center by 1 PM on the day of the performance for sound check and rehearsal. Entries recieve an automatic 15% discount on tickets to the show. You can upload your audition using MySpace, Facebook and YouTube.
MySpace: Submit a friend request to Singing With the Broadway Stars.
Facebook: Become a fan of Singing With the Broadway Stars.
YouTube: Add Singing With the Broadway Stars as a friend.
No video camera? No problem!
Acadiana Open Channel will video auditions and assist applicants with uploading the video to the contest website for free! Interested applicants should call AOC at (337) 232-4434 ext. 201 to schedule an appointment.
For more detailed information and how to submit your audition go to: www.singingwiththebroadwaystars.com.
Contest Ends: Friday, October 31 at 5 pm
Questions? Visit us online at www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787.
Audition Today!
To submit an audition: You must be 15 years of age or older. No purchase necessary. Winner must be available at the Heymann Performing Arts Center by 1 PM on the day of the performance for sound check and rehearsal. Entries recieve an automatic 15% discount on tickets to the show. You can upload your audition using MySpace, Facebook and YouTube.
MySpace: Submit a friend request to Singing With the Broadway Stars.
Facebook: Become a fan of Singing With the Broadway Stars.
YouTube: Add Singing With the Broadway Stars as a friend.
No video camera? No problem!
Acadiana Open Channel will video auditions and assist applicants with uploading the video to the contest website for free! Interested applicants should call AOC at (337) 232-4434 ext. 201 to schedule an appointment.
For more detailed information and how to submit your audition go to: www.singingwiththebroadwaystars.com.
Contest Ends: Friday, October 31 at 5 pm
Questions? Visit us online at www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Theatre--Review (UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre)
Secrets Every Traveler Should Know is inspired by the Fodor travel guide of the same title. This revue, which ran for 900 performances on Broadway, is packed with useful information and suggestions. Uzbekistan is a place to get away from it all--from it ALL. You can have a hot time in Martinique. The William Morris Travel Agency will do for your travel plans what is has done for Paris Hilton's career plans. Dark pleasures and heartaches await those intrepid enough to actually wait for the next operator.
Originally performed with only four actors and a small combo, this production has expanded the cast to 14 singers and dancers accompanied by a piano and bass. This presents no problems and creates the opportunity to see an additional ten talented young people on the stage. Although not all of the performers are Vocal Arts majors, all of them have experience singing and dancing on stage. It shows. The clever lyrics are clearly enunciated and the dances are fun to watch. There is even an audience participation line dance taught by the cast at the end of the intermission!
A revue is just a collection of skits, songs and dances, usually humorous and satirical. Secrets is genuinely funny and the cast has a wonderful time presenting the material. It would be hard to pick a favorite performer although Jared LeBlanc has "star" written all over him. Martha and Ruth Diaz and Jenee Luquette are perfect as Barbie Doll stewardesses. Sasha Massey is a torch-singing Carol Burnett. Nick Manzo brought the house down with a rubber glove. Kristina Marshall can dominate a stage just standing there--although she does considerably more than that in a Carmen-Miranda getup backed by a male chorus right out of Vegas. Lindy Waldmeier is a martini-swilling beauty on a cruise to ennui with Brandon Breaux who may be the incarnation of Noel Coward's id. Evan Melancon can milk an audience sleeping in a chair! Nathan Abbot brings Rat Pack savoir-faire to a scene about what we leave behind when we leave home. Kevin Credeur looks like Ratso Rizzo as he sweats through customs. Alex Hollerman is a hoot as a small-town girl with a big city heartache who has a bus ticket and isn't afraid to use it. Stacy Broussard shows us why Star Search will never go out of fashion.
The whole cast just sparkles playing a variety of characters in the thirty or so songs and skits. Music Director/Pianist Marcus McCullough gets some great lines in a salute to the Salzburg Mozart Festival. Marcus is worth watching anyway. This man lives his music. He also has the best musical joke in the show as he tries to extricate himself from the last few bars of a Mozart concerto. Robert Nash, on bass, has some great expressions.
The costumes are witty, especially the stewardess outfits and the costume for NAKED IN PITTSBURGH which was a clear audience favorite. HOT LAVA puts the emphasis on HOT. I have to say it was my favorite number for staging, costume, performance and all-round pizzazz. But really, any number would be someone's favorite and they all deserve it. Check out Ruth Diaz and Evan Melancon in orthotic devices singing and dancing like Astaire and Rogers--in body casts. What's not to love?
Small pieces moving on and off the stage combined with a clever backdrop let the show move along smoothly and quickly and supply all the visual reference we need. Sound and lights are smooth.
You could see a production of this show that spent more money, but you won't see a better production.
Smart Traveler Secret # 100--This show is about to close. Catch it tonight. Secret #101--Director Shawn Roy is a local treasure. Tell him so.
Secret #120--The acoustics in the room are fine unless you sit right next to the piano, as I did. Leave a little space so that you can hear the singers better. The show is not amplified so the singers have to hold their own with the musicians. They can and do, but they're more successful when they are closer to the audience than the musicians are.
---Walter Brown
Originally performed with only four actors and a small combo, this production has expanded the cast to 14 singers and dancers accompanied by a piano and bass. This presents no problems and creates the opportunity to see an additional ten talented young people on the stage. Although not all of the performers are Vocal Arts majors, all of them have experience singing and dancing on stage. It shows. The clever lyrics are clearly enunciated and the dances are fun to watch. There is even an audience participation line dance taught by the cast at the end of the intermission!
A revue is just a collection of skits, songs and dances, usually humorous and satirical. Secrets is genuinely funny and the cast has a wonderful time presenting the material. It would be hard to pick a favorite performer although Jared LeBlanc has "star" written all over him. Martha and Ruth Diaz and Jenee Luquette are perfect as Barbie Doll stewardesses. Sasha Massey is a torch-singing Carol Burnett. Nick Manzo brought the house down with a rubber glove. Kristina Marshall can dominate a stage just standing there--although she does considerably more than that in a Carmen-Miranda getup backed by a male chorus right out of Vegas. Lindy Waldmeier is a martini-swilling beauty on a cruise to ennui with Brandon Breaux who may be the incarnation of Noel Coward's id. Evan Melancon can milk an audience sleeping in a chair! Nathan Abbot brings Rat Pack savoir-faire to a scene about what we leave behind when we leave home. Kevin Credeur looks like Ratso Rizzo as he sweats through customs. Alex Hollerman is a hoot as a small-town girl with a big city heartache who has a bus ticket and isn't afraid to use it. Stacy Broussard shows us why Star Search will never go out of fashion.
The whole cast just sparkles playing a variety of characters in the thirty or so songs and skits. Music Director/Pianist Marcus McCullough gets some great lines in a salute to the Salzburg Mozart Festival. Marcus is worth watching anyway. This man lives his music. He also has the best musical joke in the show as he tries to extricate himself from the last few bars of a Mozart concerto. Robert Nash, on bass, has some great expressions.
The costumes are witty, especially the stewardess outfits and the costume for NAKED IN PITTSBURGH which was a clear audience favorite. HOT LAVA puts the emphasis on HOT. I have to say it was my favorite number for staging, costume, performance and all-round pizzazz. But really, any number would be someone's favorite and they all deserve it. Check out Ruth Diaz and Evan Melancon in orthotic devices singing and dancing like Astaire and Rogers--in body casts. What's not to love?
Small pieces moving on and off the stage combined with a clever backdrop let the show move along smoothly and quickly and supply all the visual reference we need. Sound and lights are smooth.
You could see a production of this show that spent more money, but you won't see a better production.
Smart Traveler Secret # 100--This show is about to close. Catch it tonight. Secret #101--Director Shawn Roy is a local treasure. Tell him so.
Secret #120--The acoustics in the room are fine unless you sit right next to the piano, as I did. Leave a little space so that you can hear the singers better. The show is not amplified so the singers have to hold their own with the musicians. They can and do, but they're more successful when they are closer to the audience than the musicians are.
---Walter Brown
Friday, October 10, 2008
Theatre--Review (UL- Lafayette Opera theare)
Don’t miss the boat! Secrets Every Traveler Should Know, the UL- Lafayette Opera Theater Guild’s presentation at Fletcher Hall, is a winner. Full of humor, great music, enthusiastic performances, and recalling Everyman’s travel experiences, it provides two hours of pure fun, joy and pleasure! Based on Wendy Perrin’s Fodor travel guide of the same name, it presents in song, dance and skit the mishaps, pitfalls, and pleasures every traveler has experienced … whether by plane, boat or bus. It also deals with a few “closer to home” experiences.
A “Revue,” rather than proper “book musical,” Secrets presents a series of vignettes related to travel and travelers. There are the archetypal stewardess types, car rental agents, customs officials, and of course tourists--tourists who have lost their luggage, tourists seeing America first, tourists with “Montezuma’s Revenge,” tourists at the buffet. A running joke everyone in the audience will identify with is the frustrated customer on the other end of an automated service call. Whether dealing with a travel agent or a credit card company, everyone can empathize with the man trying, and trying, and trying to get a hold of a live person! The music ranges from Latin dance numbers (two of them), to a French cabaret song, to a take-off (pun intended) on the Salzburg Music Festival. Much of the music, though, reminds one of what might have been heard in the nightclubs in Vegas, New York, or maybe Monte Carlo in the 60’s and 70’s. With songs and sketches by a group of thirteen writers, the show is hip, nostalgic, irreverent and clever. There is never a dull moment.
In a traditional musical, one has the luxury of meeting and following the characters. By my count over sixty “characters” are introduced to the audience during this show. And the cast numbers but fourteen! Let’s see, my travel computer tells me that’s about 4 characters per cast member! And every character was distinct, every one was perfect. Through marvelous costuming, a quick-change set, and outstanding acting we meet ‘em all. (Hey, if you travelled you met ‘em all and maybe even did it all before!). The singing is outstanding, as is par for a Shawn Roy production. Whether in individual numbers, duets, or choral singing, every (unmiked) word and note were crystal clear! In this show even the pianist had lines, and both pianist and bassist had a costume change. And the audience, well, at one point half of them were dancing on the stage. It was that much fun!
A revue, by definition, is a true ensemble endeavor, so I won’t even attempt to pick out the best among them. I had my favorites, and others had theirs. Suffice it to say that every one of these performers was wonderful. Ranging from college graduates, to current UL students, to community members, these fourteen young performers would make anyone proud they are in our area!
The finale of both the first and second act is the song “See It Now.” And you better! The remaining performances are Friday and Saturday night (October 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday Matinees (October 11 and 12 at 3:00 p.m.). Tickets are only available at the door. Don’t miss the boat! You’ll regret it.
---Donald Voorhies
A “Revue,” rather than proper “book musical,” Secrets presents a series of vignettes related to travel and travelers. There are the archetypal stewardess types, car rental agents, customs officials, and of course tourists--tourists who have lost their luggage, tourists seeing America first, tourists with “Montezuma’s Revenge,” tourists at the buffet. A running joke everyone in the audience will identify with is the frustrated customer on the other end of an automated service call. Whether dealing with a travel agent or a credit card company, everyone can empathize with the man trying, and trying, and trying to get a hold of a live person! The music ranges from Latin dance numbers (two of them), to a French cabaret song, to a take-off (pun intended) on the Salzburg Music Festival. Much of the music, though, reminds one of what might have been heard in the nightclubs in Vegas, New York, or maybe Monte Carlo in the 60’s and 70’s. With songs and sketches by a group of thirteen writers, the show is hip, nostalgic, irreverent and clever. There is never a dull moment.
In a traditional musical, one has the luxury of meeting and following the characters. By my count over sixty “characters” are introduced to the audience during this show. And the cast numbers but fourteen! Let’s see, my travel computer tells me that’s about 4 characters per cast member! And every character was distinct, every one was perfect. Through marvelous costuming, a quick-change set, and outstanding acting we meet ‘em all. (Hey, if you travelled you met ‘em all and maybe even did it all before!). The singing is outstanding, as is par for a Shawn Roy production. Whether in individual numbers, duets, or choral singing, every (unmiked) word and note were crystal clear! In this show even the pianist had lines, and both pianist and bassist had a costume change. And the audience, well, at one point half of them were dancing on the stage. It was that much fun!
A revue, by definition, is a true ensemble endeavor, so I won’t even attempt to pick out the best among them. I had my favorites, and others had theirs. Suffice it to say that every one of these performers was wonderful. Ranging from college graduates, to current UL students, to community members, these fourteen young performers would make anyone proud they are in our area!
The finale of both the first and second act is the song “See It Now.” And you better! The remaining performances are Friday and Saturday night (October 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday Matinees (October 11 and 12 at 3:00 p.m.). Tickets are only available at the door. Don’t miss the boat! You’ll regret it.
---Donald Voorhies
Theatre--Article
Cody Daigle has an article about The Rocky Horror Show in the Friday, October 10th edition of the Daily Advertiser.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Theatre--Workshops
Acting Up (in Acadiana) invites the public to take part in free, open to the public sessions exploring the collaboration of actors, musicians, and writers.
Observe a process which will generate a contemporary story exploring issues of our time and the potential for music to heal. Observe the creative process. Talk with artists. Offer feedback during the development sessions.
Each Monday, October 13th - December 8th.
6:00 - 7:45p.m.
Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA)
101 W. Vermilion St. in downtown Lafayette
Each Monday will highlight a new musician!
October 13 Carol Fran
October 20 Chris Stafford
October 27 Henry Gray
November 3 Chris Courville
November 10 Bernard Pierce
November 17 Henry Gray
November 24 Bernard Pierce
December 1 Chris Courville
December 8 Chris Stafford
Please contact Paige Krause at (337)513-5106 with any questions.
These workshops are sponsored in part by the Acadiana Arts Council and the Louisiana Division of the Arts.
Observe a process which will generate a contemporary story exploring issues of our time and the potential for music to heal. Observe the creative process. Talk with artists. Offer feedback during the development sessions.
Each Monday, October 13th - December 8th.
6:00 - 7:45p.m.
Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA)
101 W. Vermilion St. in downtown Lafayette
Each Monday will highlight a new musician!
October 13 Carol Fran
October 20 Chris Stafford
October 27 Henry Gray
November 3 Chris Courville
November 10 Bernard Pierce
November 17 Henry Gray
November 24 Bernard Pierce
December 1 Chris Courville
December 8 Chris Stafford
Please contact Paige Krause at (337)513-5106 with any questions.
These workshops are sponsored in part by the Acadiana Arts Council and the Louisiana Division of the Arts.
Theatre--Performance
Acting Up (in Acadiana) voices its patriotism in The Patriot ACTs II, a series of short plays, video & song. Taking an often humorous look at the state of our political system as the 2008 Presidential Election approaches are fisherman in a boat without a paddle, a mother, a daughter and their socio-political generation gap, an oilman with an environmental conscience and a boss without one, a diverse cast of characters waiting in line to vote, and more.
The show features contributors from Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houston & New York City. Actors include Hannah Briggs, Ricky Briggs, Lian Cheramie, Brian Crutchfield, David Guarisco, Kara Guarisco, Megan LeBleu, George Saucier, andCissy Whipp. Writers include Vince LiCata (Caribou X-ing), Steven Cooper(Currents), Cindy Childress (Brick Walls Talking Again), Dennis Ward (Lowered Expectations) and Kimberly J. Wescott (Museum Peace). Highlights are Walter Pierce appearing as a musician/songwriter with The Middle Class Squeeze, and Joseph Lymus’ Stimulus Check music video. Amy Waguespack directs, Marla Kristicevich leads the carnival and Paige Krause choreographs.
The Patriot ACTs II will take place at The Blue Moon Guest House and Saloon (215 E. Convent Street) on October 16th, 17th, and 18th at 7 pm. Come early and stay late for the ‘carnival’. All tickets are $10 and are available at the
door. For more information call (337) 309- 4964 or (337) 739-4273.
The show features contributors from Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houston & New York City. Actors include Hannah Briggs, Ricky Briggs, Lian Cheramie, Brian Crutchfield, David Guarisco, Kara Guarisco, Megan LeBleu, George Saucier, andCissy Whipp. Writers include Vince LiCata (Caribou X-ing), Steven Cooper(Currents), Cindy Childress (Brick Walls Talking Again), Dennis Ward (Lowered Expectations) and Kimberly J. Wescott (Museum Peace). Highlights are Walter Pierce appearing as a musician/songwriter with The Middle Class Squeeze, and Joseph Lymus’ Stimulus Check music video. Amy Waguespack directs, Marla Kristicevich leads the carnival and Paige Krause choreographs.
The Patriot ACTs II will take place at The Blue Moon Guest House and Saloon (215 E. Convent Street) on October 16th, 17th, and 18th at 7 pm. Come early and stay late for the ‘carnival’. All tickets are $10 and are available at the
door. For more information call (337) 309- 4964 or (337) 739-4273.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tickets for the two performances of the Lafayette Ballet Theatre's upcoming production of The Nutcracker (7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center) are available now. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets may visit the Heymann Center box office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4p.m. and on weekends during scheduled events, or they may call (337) 262-8686 to reserve tickets by phone. Tickets are also available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including online at www.ticketmaster.com. They are priced according to seat location, as follows: front orchestra, $37; back orchestra, $32; first balcony, $27, second balcony, $22. Prices listed do not include Ticketmaster fees. Reduced rates are available for large groups and students.
Audiences will enjoy a magical experience as talented artists, dazzling stage sets, spectacular special effects and Peter Tchaikovsky’s delightful musical score bring this engaging E. T. A. Hoffmann tale to life before their eyes! An Acadiana tradition, this full-length classical ballet featuring local dancers and principal guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet sold out in previous years, so organizers are advising patrons to purchase tickets early to ensure availability.
For more fun and to further support Lafayette Ballet Theatre--a nonprofit ballet company and arts education outreach organization--Nutcracker fans of all ages are encouraged to attend the annual fundraiser “Land of the Sweets.” This social event immediately follows the Sunday, Dec. 7 matinee Nutcracker performance (about 4 p.m.) at Iberiabank Tower (200 W. Congress St. in Downtown Lafayette). Attendees may enjoy coffee or soft drinks while sampling hors d’oeuvres and sweets from area restaurants. Stars of The Nutcracker will be on hand for autographs as well as photos, so don your dressy apparel!
Tickets for “Land of the Sweets” are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and are only sold by Lafayette Ballet Theatre. For more information or for tickets to “Land of the Sweets,” call (337) 262-0444 or visit our web site at www.LafayetteBalletTheatre.org.
Audiences will enjoy a magical experience as talented artists, dazzling stage sets, spectacular special effects and Peter Tchaikovsky’s delightful musical score bring this engaging E. T. A. Hoffmann tale to life before their eyes! An Acadiana tradition, this full-length classical ballet featuring local dancers and principal guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet sold out in previous years, so organizers are advising patrons to purchase tickets early to ensure availability.
For more fun and to further support Lafayette Ballet Theatre--a nonprofit ballet company and arts education outreach organization--Nutcracker fans of all ages are encouraged to attend the annual fundraiser “Land of the Sweets.” This social event immediately follows the Sunday, Dec. 7 matinee Nutcracker performance (about 4 p.m.) at Iberiabank Tower (200 W. Congress St. in Downtown Lafayette). Attendees may enjoy coffee or soft drinks while sampling hors d’oeuvres and sweets from area restaurants. Stars of The Nutcracker will be on hand for autographs as well as photos, so don your dressy apparel!
Tickets for “Land of the Sweets” are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and are only sold by Lafayette Ballet Theatre. For more information or for tickets to “Land of the Sweets,” call (337) 262-0444 or visit our web site at www.LafayetteBalletTheatre.org.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Theatre-Performance
The UL Opera Theatre production of Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know opens Thursday, October 9th at 7:30 pm. Performances will be Thursday, October 9th; Friday, October 10th and Saturday, October 11th at 7:30 pm. There will also be 2 matinees: Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th at 3 pm.
Tickets are available only at the door. For more information, call 482-6012.
Theatre--Performance
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Cody Daigle as Hedwig
Hedwig And The Angry Inch continues its run at Cite Des Arts on Thursday, October 9th and Saturday, October 11th.
For times, reservations or more information, call Cite at 291-1122.
Theatre--Performance
Dr. Frank-n-Furter
The DiscoProdutions presentation ofThe Rocky Horror Show continues its run at Cite Des Arts on Friday, October 10th.
For times, reservations or more information, call Cite at 291-1122.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Theatre--Review (The Abbey Players)
The Abbey Players are currently presenting a thoroughly delightful production of the Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts musical revue, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. It's a series of skits, mostly comic, about relationships between men and women. The views expressed are nothing new but that does not mean that they are shallow or untrue. As in real life, some relationships are wonderful, some are OK and some are failures. There are some sharp comments and some racy dialogue so you may want to leave the younger kids at home. However, nothing in the show is offensive.
The score is the kind you will forget even while you are listening to it, but the clever lyrics more than compensate.
Staging is elegantly simple with a bare stage graced by a bandstand and a few tables and chairs plus a rolling platform which becomes a bed and a sofa. Changing the arrangement of furniture, adding a few hand props, evocative lighting and a few slide projections are more than enough to set each scene.
The accompaniment is two keyboards played by Jason Pennington and Rebecca LeBlanc. They support the singers admirably. Accompanying is a rare talent and a good accompanist is a godsend in live performance.
Act One concerns getting to the altar and ends with a wedding; Act Two concerns what happens afterwards. Each performer gets a chance to shine. J. Larry Blount is wonderful in "Shouldn't I Love You Less" which is a Valentine to successful, long-term relationships. When he and Jill Stewart, as his wife, connect for a moment at the end of the song it is as true and affecting a moment as you will ever see on stage.
Scott Meddows uses his impressive size and a complete personality makeover to portray a prisoner who literally frightens a mismatched couple into new lives. Jessica Quinn is funny, heartbreaking and admirable as a divorced woman trying to keep her dignity while rebuilding her life in "Rosie Ritz's First Dating Video". And Jill Stewart is hysterical in "Always a Bridesmaid".
But, to be honest, they are all wonderful as characters ranging from lounge lizards to nerds to sophisticates. Director Diane Moss has a dream cast and she has showcased them beautifully. This is a cast which glows with the joy of live performance on the stage. Their enthusiasm is infectious!
The choreography by Rebecca LeBlanc is simple and sparse but very clever. I particularly loved the opening number and "On The Highway Of Love" which is performed entirely in chairs!
It's hard to imagine a better production of this show. If you are looking for an entertaining evening with a little bite and a lot of heart, be sure to catch I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.
---Walter Brown
The score is the kind you will forget even while you are listening to it, but the clever lyrics more than compensate.
Staging is elegantly simple with a bare stage graced by a bandstand and a few tables and chairs plus a rolling platform which becomes a bed and a sofa. Changing the arrangement of furniture, adding a few hand props, evocative lighting and a few slide projections are more than enough to set each scene.
The accompaniment is two keyboards played by Jason Pennington and Rebecca LeBlanc. They support the singers admirably. Accompanying is a rare talent and a good accompanist is a godsend in live performance.
Act One concerns getting to the altar and ends with a wedding; Act Two concerns what happens afterwards. Each performer gets a chance to shine. J. Larry Blount is wonderful in "Shouldn't I Love You Less" which is a Valentine to successful, long-term relationships. When he and Jill Stewart, as his wife, connect for a moment at the end of the song it is as true and affecting a moment as you will ever see on stage.
Scott Meddows uses his impressive size and a complete personality makeover to portray a prisoner who literally frightens a mismatched couple into new lives. Jessica Quinn is funny, heartbreaking and admirable as a divorced woman trying to keep her dignity while rebuilding her life in "Rosie Ritz's First Dating Video". And Jill Stewart is hysterical in "Always a Bridesmaid".
But, to be honest, they are all wonderful as characters ranging from lounge lizards to nerds to sophisticates. Director Diane Moss has a dream cast and she has showcased them beautifully. This is a cast which glows with the joy of live performance on the stage. Their enthusiasm is infectious!
The choreography by Rebecca LeBlanc is simple and sparse but very clever. I particularly loved the opening number and "On The Highway Of Love" which is performed entirely in chairs!
It's hard to imagine a better production of this show. If you are looking for an entertaining evening with a little bite and a lot of heart, be sure to catch I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.
---Walter Brown
Friday, October 3, 2008
Theatre--Reviews
Ray Blum of the Daily Advertiser reviews That's the Spirit (an IPAL production that recently ended its run) and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (the Abbey Players' currently running production) in the Friday, October 3rd edition.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Theatre--Performance
Discoprodutions and Cite Des Arts presents The Rocky Horror Show, opening October 4th at 8 pm at Cite. Performance dates are October 4th, 10th, 18th, 24th and 31st and November 1st. October 4th through the 24th and the November 1st performances are at 8 pm. On October 18th, 24th and 31st there will be midnight performances. All tickets for The Rocky Horror Show are $15.
For additional information and to reserve tickets, please call Cite des Arts at
291-1122.
For additional information and to reserve tickets, please call Cite des Arts at
291-1122.
Event
UL-Lafayette and Cité des Arts presents the Second Annual Banned Book Reading Event. This event celebrates the American Library Association's Banned Book week--a week celebrating books that have been banned or challenged around the world. The reading will be Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 7:30pm in Cite des Arts. It will feature English Department faculty and graduate students from ULL sharing their most beloved banned books. Some of the works include the Bible, Harry Potter, Leaves of Grass, and Lolita. General admission is $5.00, and for students with proper ID admission is $2.00.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Theatre--Auditions
Omni Artiste Productions,Inc will hold auditions for the upcoming November production of Spirit North by Leslie Lee. This is a story of a black defense attorney who brilliantly wins successful acquittals for his clients that place him in profound conflict with his wife and family. It will be directed by Dr. Alex Marshall. The show requires two African American males (one in his late 30s to early 40s and one in his 70s) and two African American females (both in their 30s to early 40s). The audition will also require reading excerpts from the script.
WHEN: OCTOBER-11--2-4PM
OCTOBER 12--4-6PM
OCTOBER--13--6-8PM
WHERE: CITE DES ARTS
WHEN: OCTOBER-11--2-4PM
OCTOBER 12--4-6PM
OCTOBER--13--6-8PM
WHERE: CITE DES ARTS
Theatre--Review Addendum
The first paragraph was accidentally left out of the review of Hedwig And The Angry Inch. The second paragraph is in response to comments about this review which I think do deserve to be addressed.
Cody Daigle is one of the few performers in Acadiana who can sell tickets on his own name regardless of the project or the venue. If you don't already know why this is the case, his performance as Hedwig is a convincing demonstration. I would particularly recommend aspiring actors pay attention to Cody's use of his voice which encompasses virtually his entire vocal range from top to bottom; all of his dynamic range from pianissimo to fortissimo and a variety of tempos from slow to fast. Very few American actors use their voices as adroitly. When delivering lines by more than one character he makes each person vocally utterly distinct in accent and tonality.
Mea Culpa: I have a hearing impairment and it may be that my difficulty understanding the songs is a purely personal problem. Also, in response to complaints about my remark that there are really only two reasons to see the show let me add two more reasons. This is a genuinely unique theatre piece and we may not get another chance to see it live on stage. Sure, you could rent the film--but it's not the same thing.
---Walter Brown
Cody Daigle is one of the few performers in Acadiana who can sell tickets on his own name regardless of the project or the venue. If you don't already know why this is the case, his performance as Hedwig is a convincing demonstration. I would particularly recommend aspiring actors pay attention to Cody's use of his voice which encompasses virtually his entire vocal range from top to bottom; all of his dynamic range from pianissimo to fortissimo and a variety of tempos from slow to fast. Very few American actors use their voices as adroitly. When delivering lines by more than one character he makes each person vocally utterly distinct in accent and tonality.
Mea Culpa: I have a hearing impairment and it may be that my difficulty understanding the songs is a purely personal problem. Also, in response to complaints about my remark that there are really only two reasons to see the show let me add two more reasons. This is a genuinely unique theatre piece and we may not get another chance to see it live on stage. Sure, you could rent the film--but it's not the same thing.
---Walter Brown
Monday, September 29, 2008
Theatre--Performance
Mac Stearns, the director of the IPAL production If It's Monday, This Must be Christmas!, has announced the cast and crew of the show:
Harry Monday... Mike Berry
Titus Harrigan... Donald Voorhies
Loretta Mondello... Carmen Nicholson
Scarlet Kloontz... Erin Segura
Trixie O’Brien... Blythe Bull
Louie Grandville... Michael Durand
Carson Page... Travis Guillory
Penny Harrigan... Sarah Leonard
Mildred Wolensky... Kristin Anderson
Harold... Matthew Lasseighe
Opaline Lampbert... Martha Gilfoil
Polly Brogan... Isabell Gilfoil
Lieutenant Brogan... Mike Boroto
Stage Manager... Matthew Dugan
Harry Monday... Mike Berry
Titus Harrigan... Donald Voorhies
Loretta Mondello... Carmen Nicholson
Scarlet Kloontz... Erin Segura
Trixie O’Brien... Blythe Bull
Louie Grandville... Michael Durand
Carson Page... Travis Guillory
Penny Harrigan... Sarah Leonard
Mildred Wolensky... Kristin Anderson
Harold... Matthew Lasseighe
Opaline Lampbert... Martha Gilfoil
Polly Brogan... Isabell Gilfoil
Lieutenant Brogan... Mike Boroto
Stage Manager... Matthew Dugan
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