Sunday, March 31, 2013
Big Kansas City "Harlem Shake" video by Nathan Eaton
The Harlem Shake video meme may be dying off, but a crowd of Kansas City entrepreneurs kept it alive and well this week with a spot involving more than 200 people.
more at the KC Business Journal
Musical Theater Heritage "Sunday in the Park With George" preview by Joel Nichols
Musical Theater Heritage puts songs in the spotlight
KC Symphony, Scriabin preview by Patrick Neas
more at kansascity.com
Make-up artist Marie Shereman interview by Carolyn Kaberline
more at the Topeka Capital Journal
Saturday, March 30, 2013
"Heart and Soul" performed by the cast of "Carousel"
How many cast members of Carousel does it take to play Heart & Soul?
Come see them (and many more!) in Carousel at KC Rep presented by The
Living Room ending April 6.
Coterie Theatre rebranding by Robert Trussell
more at kasnascity.com
George Harter "Sunday in the Park With George" interview by Steve Kraske
In the first part of Friday's Up to Date, we talk with Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Associate Curator of European Art, Nicole Myers and Executive Director of Musical Theater Heritage George Harter about where art and theater fuse Seurat’s classic,
more at Up to Date
Sarah Jane McMahon "Mikado" interview with the Lyric Opera
more at the Lyric Opera
"Sketelon" short film by Rex Hobart
In this 2013 stop-motion animated
movie by Rex Hobart, the mysterious appearance of a skeleton in the
desert prompts a trigger-happy gunslinger to tempt fate.
Musical Theatre Heritage "Sunday in the Park With George" preview by Julie Denesha
Musical Theater Heritage opens
their 11th season with the Kansas City premiere of Stephen Sondheim's
"Sunday in the Park With George." The musical explores the intense
single-mindedness of artist Georges Seurat during the creation of "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."
more at KCUR
more at KCUR
Musician Joe Schoonover interview by Michael Goehring
more at the Topeka Capital Journal
True/False panel on filmmaking in repressive regimes
During the True/False Documentary Film Festival in
Columbia, directors from around the world gather to screen their films
and talk about their craft. The discussion relates to filming in countries with repressive regimes: Vladimir Putin's Russia and two former Soviet republics.
more at KBIA
Friday, March 29, 2013
Caroline Robinson "Pipedreams" Organ Concert Series preview
To showcase the grand Julia Irene
Kauffman Casavant Organ in Helzberg Hall, the Kansas City Symphony
presents the Organ Concert Series hosted by Michael Barone, host of
American Public Media's popular radio program, "Pipedreams." Caroline
Robinson, of the Curtis Institute of Music, begins the evening with a
discussion with Michael Barone followed by a performance of Sowerby's
Pageant, Bach's Präludium and Fugatum in organo pleno a 5 voci in E-s,
Vierne's Carillon de Westminster and more.
Brent Huff "Chasing Beauty" interview by Michelle Davidson
Filmmaker Brent Huff spent years as an actor and model before moving behind the camera. Those years in the business prompted him to make the documentary, "Chasing Beauty". The film tells the wonderful, and not-so-wonderful, stories about working in the modeling world.
KCPT president Kliff Kuehl interview by Susan Motley
more at the Leawood Lifestyle
KC FilmFest film lineup
more at the KC FilmFest
Musician Jerry Dodgion interview by Joe Klopus
more at kansascity.com
Musical Theatre Heritage "Sunday in the Park With George" preview by Robert Trussell
more at kansascity.com
Lyric Opera "Mikado" scenery construction photos
more at the Lyric Opera
and more here
or at Flickr
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Inge Festival "Great Wilderness" preview
more at Broadway World
Commericals by Joseph Pollock
Water bottles are environmentally wasteful,
right? Wrong – meet Dlo Water, a new and exciting startup that seeks to
redeem the way bottled water is purchased and use profits to help and
aid those affected by the global water crisis. Created by Tom Baurain
and myself.
Black House Collective, Nelson-Atkins performances
I would like to thank the Nelson-Atkins for documenting our performance.
more at the Black House Collective
UMKC Musical Bridges program gives urban students music instruction
KCTV5
There's a program in the Kansas City metro that aims to give students in the urban core one-on-one classical musical instruction. One young woman nervously auditioned to land a spot in the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance Musical Bridges program. Students from all over the metro are also auditioning in hopes of getting a leg up on the competition to one day play professionally.
more at KCTV
There's a program in the Kansas City metro that aims to give students in the urban core one-on-one classical musical instruction. One young woman nervously auditioned to land a spot in the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance Musical Bridges program. Students from all over the metro are also auditioning in hopes of getting a leg up on the competition to one day play professionally.
more at KCTV
Starlight seeking applicants for Vincent Legacy Scholarship
Midland "Spank!" preview by Lisa Gutierrez
more at kansascity.com
Opera singer Tara Cooper interview by Justin Kendall
more at the Pitch
KC FilmFest "We Are Superman" preview
We Are Superman is the story of the American
urban core in a time when racism has gone underground, prejudice is
glossed over, and progress is built on the backs of the poor. The film
is an emotional testament to a select few who are working tirelessly in
the heart of Kansas City at the corner of 31 Street and Troost Avenue;
working to transform a dividing line into a gathering place.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Joe Sample interview by Steve Kraske
Musician Joe Sample has made his life about all that jazz.
In the second part of the program, we'll talk with Sample about his
career, music and what's next in his musical odyssey.
more at Up to Date (mp3 link)
Don Dagenais "Mikado" interview with the Lyric Opera
Don Dagenais of the Kansas City Lyric Opera Guild previews the Lyric
Opera of Kansas City production of Gilbert and Sullivan's THE MIKADO.
The production will be performed at the Kauffman Center for the
Performing Arts April 20-28, 2013.
Kauffman Center "Peter Cottontail III" preview by Michelle Davidson
Peter Cottontail III tells the story of young Peter who is training to take over the role as the Easter Bunny, but encounters some struggles along the way. The show is full of music, bright colors and plenty of dancing.
more at KC Live
O’Riada-McCarty-Manning Academy of Irish Dance going to Boston
more at the Prairie Village Post
Erik Hess hired to manage Standees cinema
more at the Prairie Village Post
Dancer Stephen Plante interview by Sarah Gish
Between performances with City in Motion Dance Theater and the Owen/Cox Dance Group, the 23-year-old Kansas City dancer works at Latteland and Christopher Elbow Artisan Chocolates.
more at Ink
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Heartland Men's Chorus 'Falling in Love Again" review by Steve Wilson
A blanket of fresh snow made the Heartland Men’s Chorus Spring
Show seem more like a winter show. The harsh winter weather was not
able to halt the production of a strong, moving performance by the
chorus. “Falling In Love Again” ran on the stage of the Folly Theatre,
in downtown Kansas City, on Saturday and Sunday. The production was
presented in conjunction with the Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals
1933-1945 exhibit at the Dean’s Gallery in the Miller Nichols Library at
the University of Missouri at Kansas City campus.more at examiner.com
Pat Jordan, Mayor's Task Force for the Arts interview by Susan Wilson
more at KC Currents
Lincoln College Prep wind ensemble going to Carnegie Hall
Congratulations to the Lincoln College Preparatory Academy wind
ensemble. They’re headed to a performance at famed New York venue
Carnegie Hall on March 31.more at the Midtown KC Post
Kauffman Center in the snow
Even though I already have probably a thousand photos involving the
Kauffman Center, I had about none with snow, and someone has expressed
interest in licensing some snow/KPAC pics, so I grabbed a few in case.more at Eric Bowers Photoblog
Artist Inc takes training program to Arkansas, Oklahoma
more at Artist INC
UMKC music student Aaron Markarian killed in shooting
A UMKC professor remembers student
Aaron Markarian, who died in a quadruple shooting last week, as a
talented, hard-working and charismatic person.
Shea Coffman performing songs from "Children of Eden" and "Godspell"
Shea Coffman sing Lost in the Wilderness from Stephen Schwartz's musical, Children of Eden.
Shea Coffman sing Beautiful City from Stephen Schwartz's musical Godspell.
Shea Coffman sing Beautiful City from Stephen Schwartz's musical Godspell.
Jazz then and now by kcjazzlark
more at kcjazzlark
Monday, March 25, 2013
Creating Original Music Project streams original music
more at the Mizzou New Music Initiative
Stephens College "Sprouts Plays for Living" program by Janese Silvey
more at the Missourian
Jan Allan Zarr takes over Topeka Performing Arts Center
more at the Topeka Capital Journal
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Monterey Jazz Festival Anniversary Tour review by Libby Hanssen
more at kansascity.com
KC Repertory "Carousel" review by brave_one
CAROUSEL
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Walking through the backstage area to our seats was interesting enough apart from my eagerness to see this show, partnered creatively by KC Rep and the Living Room. Older theatre patrons were looking around, curious to see the other side of the theatre, which made me smile.
Being both part of the audience and somewhat part of the show was intimate and exciting all at the same time. The light bulb effect was the perfect touch to this mostly bare stage, and the timing of this effect was seamless.
I would have known Steven Eubank was credited for the choreography without looking at the program: energetic, whimsical and anything but standard.
Although Rusty Sneary does a fine job portraying a rough-around-the-edges Billy, and Molly Denninghoff a strong and confident Julie, it was Liz Clark Golson that really stood apart from the rest of the cast. Yes, the character of Carrie is simply that: a "character," but Golson's energy and expert comic timing were outstanding. Also, Nick Uthoff is memorable as Jigger, with an excellent comic scene between he and Golson.
Lastly, kudos to the ensemble for keeping their energy up throughout this lengthy show!
A few constructive criticisms: 1) The opening scene for Act 2 (That Was a Real Nice Clambake) simply did not match the rest of the production. It was too sex-heavy and seemed out of place. 2) Mrs. Mullin's character was wearing a dress that looked like a current-day fashion you could pick up at Target, and showed way too much skin. 3) There is a scene where the ensemble enters from behind the audience with a sudden loud noise/yell that made everyone jump - maybe a little bit much with the age of some of the patrons - don't want a medical emergency.
Overall, a unique and refreshing take on a classic piece of musical theatre in a setting like none other, and a talented and energetic cast that will leave you wanting more. Bravo to Kyle Hatley, KC Rep and The Living Room for a job very well done!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Olassa performance and interview with Michael Mackie
Lawrence folk band, Olassa, wasn't
complete until they met their third band member in the grocery store.
Bazillion Commercials
Client: The Whole Person
Agency: Meers Advertising
Client: Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Agency: The Collaboration
Client: John Deere
Agency: Bazillion
A broadcast campaign consisting of three :30 spots for Boone County National Bank. The spots were created around Boone County's tagline "Strong roots. Endless possibilities".
Client: Boone County National Bank
Agency: Woodruff Sweitzer
2013 Bronze Telly: Local TV Campaign
2013 Bronze Telly: Local TV Banking commercial - Lending spot
A series of origami-style transitions for Burger King's website.
Client: Burger King
Agency: VML
Client: Bedhead
Agency: Bernstein Rein
Web Banner
Client: GE
Agency: VML
Tatsuya Nakatani, Walnut Place Laundromat performance by Dave Michael
Amazing percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani playing at the Walnut Place Laundromat in Kansas City, MO.
Phtotos at Rocket Grants
Nakatani, a creative percussionist originally from Osaka, Japan, has been residing in the USA since 1994. Currently based in Easton, PA he has released over sixty recordings in the USA and Europe and has performed countless solo percussion concerts through intensive touring since the late 1990s. He has collaborated with hundreds of other artists internationally and presented master classes, workshops and lectures across the USA and around the world.
For more information visit his website: hhproduction.org/TATSUYA_NAKATANI_WORKS.html
This concert was part of "Byproduct: The Laundromat" a program organized by Sean Starowitz to cultivate a deeper understanding of socially engaged art practice in Kansas City. The program will bring together both local and national practitioners from the field to collaboratively discuss and challenge the notion of art spaces, community programming, and the role of the audience, all while utilizing a laundromat as its main venue. The project is financed by a Rocket Grant through the Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO and the KU Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence, KS, with funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
More information available here: rocketgrants.org/rocket-grants-projects/the-projects-2012-2013/byproduct-laundromat/
Blue Springs City Theatre "Charlotte's Web" review by BWS
A fantastic show!
Rating: 5
Charlotte's Web
Blue Springs City Theatre
This show came as a bit of a surprise, as I'd never seen a version of Charlotte's Web that actively tended toward comedy. (But oh, did I love it!)
With that said, Ms. Burris's talent for comedy shines clearly in her direction of these young performers. (Those who saw her portrayals of Mrs. Teevee and Mrs. Fezziwig know what I mean.) Brooklynn Tomlin commands your attention and your laughs as Wilbur the pig, and her performance is wonderfully contrasted by Lexi Poindexter's caring and understated portrayal of Charlotte the spider. I think (and hope) that we haven't seen the last of these two delightful young actresses!
But even more than the principal characters, there are dozens of smaller roles whose performers left a lasting impression on me. (My personal favorites being the crotchety old sheep played by Zoe Bea Edgar, and Lurvy, played by Matt Barris.) The show is littered with tiny wonderful moments such as a dance by the little goslings and a two minute scene with a rival pig (known as Uncle) that nearly had me rolling in the aisles.
The sets were beautiful, if a bit simple. (As expected for a community theater show.) The only weaknesses with the performance were sound issues with mike feedback and a brief hot mike moment when a cue was being given to the cast backstage.
Special recognition goes to the folks who designed and created the costumes. They were creative in concept and design, and the entire cast looked amazing.
So, if you could use a couple of hours filled with laughter tempered by tender moments of heartwarming friendship and love, I highly recommend you check out BSCT's production of Charlotte's Web.
KC Repertory "Carousel" review by Mark Edelman
more at KC Confidential
Friday, March 22, 2013
Tatsuya Nakatani, Walnut Street Laundromat performances by Steve Paul
Improvisational percussionist
Another clip from laundromat recital.
Never seen this before: Nakatani blows through cymbal opening on top of drum head, a primal wail.
Heartland Men's Chorus "Falling in Love Again" preview by Laura Spencer
more at KCUR
WTCT Players "War of the Worlds" preview by Bill Blankenship
more at the Topeka Capital Journal
Barbara Wiggins steps down as director of Topeka Performing Arts Center
more at the Topeka Capital Journal
KC Repertory "Carousel" review by BobEvans
Carousel
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
If the Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRea movie of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel is one of your all time favorites, chances are you will not appreciate the re-tooled version of the classic to appeal to more modern audiences.
If, however, you are open minded, be sure to check out the Kansas City Repertory Theater's version of Carousel and see a show so different from what you expect. Historically, The Living Room produced the classic with innovative style and changes about two years ago. The show drew the attention of the REP and talks began to recreate The Living Room's version of the classic, but staged and presented by the Rep in its theater. But, to recreate the new version, the REP had to redesign their entire stage and seating. And wow, what a transition. Instead of seeing the ample stage and terraced seating, ushers escort patrons onto what was the original stage and also escort patrons through back stage corridors to find seats. Gone are the terraced seats, and four new sections are positioned on the actual stage. Two additional sections replace the area where the orchestra seating formerly lay.
Carousel puts the audience directly in the performance space. The show, performed in the round uses all aisles as entrance and exit areas for the actors as they work through the show. Should a patron need to leave during the performance, he or she is actually in the performance areas.
To be more earthy and realistic, the high soprano strains of the characters of Julie and Carrie have been lowered an octave. The booming baritone of Billy has also been lowered some as well. The vocals now resemble more real persons and not near operetta-style performances. That alone gives the show a well-needed shot in the arm. Similarly, costumes now reflect the styles one would see on a coastline fishing village. And, the clothes look like what normal people would wear. The set is void of extravagant props and no carousel is ever seen in this production.
With the show performed in the round, the audience feels like it is actually inside the show. But, even with the innovate re-tooling of the show, the story line remains weak. While audiences remember the musical score of the show, the music does not match the story. The musical score is light and the story is darker. The long anticipated resolution remains weak as it does in the original story. But, that's the flaw in the original script, not a weakness of the production. The REP does a wonderful job of interpreting Carousel, and it should not be missed.
To reflect the popularity of Carousel, the Rep already announced extended performances. Some shows are already at capacity and others are filling fast. Call soon or take the chance of missing the production.
As for the acting, rest assured the casting by The Living Room remains mostly intact with only a few replacements of some smaller parts due to scheduling conflicts. Strong performances come from the principals, as expected from a carefully selected, well-seasoned cast. Molly Denningoff portrays Julie Jordan with a confidence found lacking in other versions of the show. Liz Clark portrays the simple-minded Carrie with less naivety than the better known screen version. Both ladies deliver strong acting and vocal skills. And, Katie Gilchrist consistently brings strong characterization and vocal performance to every performance. Expect no less in this version.
As for the male leads, Rusty Sneary gives the character of Billy more grit than other versions. While he is the "hero" of the story, he is a bad man that makes bad choices. Sneary threads the needle with his characterization and allows some of Billy's bad decisions to play larger while minimizing some of Billy's fatal faults to soften the character. Vocally, he matches the revised show with less grand, operetta-like vocals. His acting and vocals match well with this production. Kyle Hatley portrays an unnamed God-like character that helps guide Billy to repent of worldly faults. Uncredited in the program, Hatley provides pivotal interventions in Act II and moves the show toward its resolution. Though a smaller part, his expertise and delivery of the part stand apart from most of the cast.
Overall, expect not a traditional Rodgers and Hammerstein show. Go in open minded and enjoy a performance that would please the originators. They could never envision what the combined efforts of The Living Room and The Kansas City Repertory Theaters created.
Mayor's Task Force for the Arts update by Laura Spencer
more at KCUR
Thursday, March 21, 2013
American Heartland "Life Could Be a Dream" review by BobEvans
Life Could Be A Dream
American Heartland Theatre
American Heartland Theater of late provides light, fun shows that
entertain their patrons but do not challenge their thinking. The
current show, Life Could Be a Dream certainly follows this pattern;
however, this show strikes a fun note from its onset with a fantastic
cast, toe-tapping bebop music, a great band to back up the
performers and songs, and an element of happiness that grows the
show beyond its script.
UMKC Conservatory "Midsummer Night's Dream" review by Joey Hill
more at the University News
KC Art Institute "A Day in the Park" review by Joey Hill
more at the University News
Robert Trussell surveys small theatre companies
more at kansascity.com
Harrison Ford coming to Kansas City
more at kansascity.com
and at KSHB
and at the Pitch
and at KCUR
KC Repertory "Carousel" review by Deborah Hirsch
more at the Pitch
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
British traveler tours jazz, bbq, and the Kauffman Center
more at the Daily Mail
[Thanks, Plastic Sax]
Pete Weber "12th Street Jump" interview by Justin Kendall
more at the Pitch
Coterie "Slashdance" review by Joey Hill
more at the University News
KC Repertory "Fearless ête" promo
Mark your calendar now for our annual gala on Friday, April 5, at 7:00pm
at Spencer Theatre. We are turning our grounds into a carnival for this
year's Carousel-themed fête. Our annual gala will be a
celebration of all the things we love about a carnival, including
stunning performances, games, activities, and deliciously spectacular
culinary feats from some of your favorite local restaurants.
Angelina Sansone, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye "Splendid Isolation" interview by the KC Ballet
Dancers Angelina Sansone & Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye talk about performing
the ballet choreographed by Jessica Lang, 'Splendid Isolation III.' This piece is part of Kansas City Ballet's winter program featuring 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'
"Nailbiter" trailer from Lionsgate
On DVD May 28th! Forced to take
refuge from a deadly tornado, the Maguire family finds shelter in an
abandoned storm cellar. As the storm passes, the family tries to make
their way out, only to realize that someone - or something not quite
human - is holding them captive. Struggling to get out alive, they soon
find out they aren't alone.
KC Ballet "Midsummer Nights Dream" preview
There is one weekend left to see Kansas City Ballet's winter program
featuring 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' 'Splendid Isolation III,' and
'Concerto Grosso.' March 22-24 at the Kauffman Center!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Mizzou New Music Intiative receives state-wide coverage
more at the Mizzou New Music Initiative
Unicorn "Good People" review by Paul Donovan
more at Camp
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