Chicago is a Must See
by Kyla Cook - Chugiak High School
On February 23, at 7:30pm, Chicago opened with a bang, quite literally. After “All that Jazz” Roxie Hart (Bianca Marroquin) shoots an “intruder”, and so the drama begins.
The show started out strong with “All That Jazz” and continued the same dark, seductive tone throughout. Some other highlights included “Cell Block Tango”, which mixed humor with clever staging and admirable talent, “When Your Good to Mama” sung by Matron “Mama”Morton (Carol Woods), whose talent sent the audience into an uproar, and “Mister Cellophane” sung by Amos Hart (Tom Riis Farrell). In between songs, the cast wowed the audience with considerable dancing and acting talent, the audience especially enjoyed the part in “We Both Reached For The Gun” where Roxie is flopping around like a marionette at the hands of Billy Flynn (Tom Hewitt) .
One of the best parts of “Chicago” is that it makes the audience laugh and think in turns, and while this performace did spectacularly in the first category, at some points it opted for laughs in parts that could have been more affective if left to allow the audience to think about the serious side of the story. For example, the “Hungarian disappearing act” left the audience laughing hystarically, when in fact it is the point when naïve Roxie Hart is supposed to realize the dark side of the legal system and finally fears for her life more than her fame.
Overall Chicago went off very well, and left the audience satisfied, and wanting more. Through out intermission the audience could be heard calling friends and family members, telling them to come see the show. Apparently, Chicago is a must see.
Chicago will be playing February 23-28th at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Chicago
Anchorage Concert Association
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 7:30pm
Atwood Concert Hall
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra's Passion & Seduction
by Terra Laughton - West Anchorage High School
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra’s Passion and Seduction concert on February 20th was a satisfying, multifaceted program sponsored by Alaska Regional Hospital. Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte Overture provided a light opening and a gentle transition into the Sympony’s program. Next came Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana, a serene piece perfect for the evening’s romantic theme. The final work before intermission was Bartok’s Miraculous Mandarin Suite. In 1928, Bartok reduced his final ballet to this suite, which contains two-thirds of its score. Conductor Randall Craig Fleischer chose to provide super titles describing the ballet’s storyline; some were directly taken from notes in Bartok’s score, the rest Fleischer wrote himself. The ASO seamlessly moved from the suite’s frenzied pace to slower, suspenseful selections and back again. The dissonance present throughout the suite was reminiscent of Stravinsky’s famous Rite of Spring, a ballet written around the same time and a clarinet solo played by Karl Pasch beautifully depicted the seductive dance of a young girl forced into a perilous scheme. The Symphony resumed with what is arguably the most famous piece from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, Montagues and Capulets. The selection transitioned into a pastoral-feeling representation of the character Friar Laurence. Finally, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances rounded out the program with active, playful rhythms. Several changes in personnel took place on the 20th. Matt Berman served as Concertmaster while Kathryn Hoffer was unavailable. In addition, UAA percussion major Brady Byers assisted in the percussion section and Don Cosgrove played tenor saxophone, a rare sound in a symphony orchestra. The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra easily achieved their goal of evoking passions and romance in their fourth concert of the season.
Passion and Seduction
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ 8:00pm
Atwood Concert Hall
by Terra Laughton - West Anchorage High School
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra’s Passion and Seduction concert on February 20th was a satisfying, multifaceted program sponsored by Alaska Regional Hospital. Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte Overture provided a light opening and a gentle transition into the Sympony’s program. Next came Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana, a serene piece perfect for the evening’s romantic theme. The final work before intermission was Bartok’s Miraculous Mandarin Suite. In 1928, Bartok reduced his final ballet to this suite, which contains two-thirds of its score. Conductor Randall Craig Fleischer chose to provide super titles describing the ballet’s storyline; some were directly taken from notes in Bartok’s score, the rest Fleischer wrote himself. The ASO seamlessly moved from the suite’s frenzied pace to slower, suspenseful selections and back again. The dissonance present throughout the suite was reminiscent of Stravinsky’s famous Rite of Spring, a ballet written around the same time and a clarinet solo played by Karl Pasch beautifully depicted the seductive dance of a young girl forced into a perilous scheme. The Symphony resumed with what is arguably the most famous piece from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, Montagues and Capulets. The selection transitioned into a pastoral-feeling representation of the character Friar Laurence. Finally, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances rounded out the program with active, playful rhythms. Several changes in personnel took place on the 20th. Matt Berman served as Concertmaster while Kathryn Hoffer was unavailable. In addition, UAA percussion major Brady Byers assisted in the percussion section and Don Cosgrove played tenor saxophone, a rare sound in a symphony orchestra. The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra easily achieved their goal of evoking passions and romance in their fourth concert of the season.
Passion and Seduction
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ 8:00pm
Atwood Concert Hall
Friday, February 19, 2010
Late Nite Catechism
by Terra Laughton - West Anchorage High School
Late Nite Catechism, running through Sunday February 21st at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, is an engaging satirical performance worth attending. Diana Carl, playing Sister, single-handedly brings her tightly-run classroom to the Discovery Theatre. In her tenth year playing Sister, Carl portrays the perfect raised eyebrows, lilting tone and boring glare of a feisty nun. In a uniquely interactive performance, audience members are forced to give their first, middle and Confirmation names before answering a vocabulary question or after (heaven forbid) disrupting class. Their reward? A holographic Saint card, a small statue of Joseph or a sheet of Adam and Eve stickers, delivered by Sister herself. Although Sister’s class curriculum guided the performance, Carl brilliantly weaved well-executed improvised jokes and plenty of public punishments into the script. Not Catholic? Not a problem. The humor is very accessible although most appreciated by those whose “parents cared about them enough” to send them to Catholic school. Originally conceived and produced at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago, Late Nite Catechism was well received here in Anchorage. “Students” were on their feet as Sister exited the classroom, not onstage but through the aisles. Late Nite Catechism is spontaneous but not nerve wracking, biting but not offensive, and best of all, true to life! It’s great entertainment and Sister will be thrilled to see you there.
Late Nite Catechism
Anchorage Concert Association
Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 7:30pm
Atwood Concert Hall
by Terra Laughton - West Anchorage High School
Late Nite Catechism, running through Sunday February 21st at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, is an engaging satirical performance worth attending. Diana Carl, playing Sister, single-handedly brings her tightly-run classroom to the Discovery Theatre. In her tenth year playing Sister, Carl portrays the perfect raised eyebrows, lilting tone and boring glare of a feisty nun. In a uniquely interactive performance, audience members are forced to give their first, middle and Confirmation names before answering a vocabulary question or after (heaven forbid) disrupting class. Their reward? A holographic Saint card, a small statue of Joseph or a sheet of Adam and Eve stickers, delivered by Sister herself. Although Sister’s class curriculum guided the performance, Carl brilliantly weaved well-executed improvised jokes and plenty of public punishments into the script. Not Catholic? Not a problem. The humor is very accessible although most appreciated by those whose “parents cared about them enough” to send them to Catholic school. Originally conceived and produced at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago, Late Nite Catechism was well received here in Anchorage. “Students” were on their feet as Sister exited the classroom, not onstage but through the aisles. Late Nite Catechism is spontaneous but not nerve wracking, biting but not offensive, and best of all, true to life! It’s great entertainment and Sister will be thrilled to see you there.
Late Nite Catechism
Anchorage Concert Association
Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 7:30pm
Atwood Concert Hall
Monday, February 8, 2010
Perfect Jazzy Romance Night
By Dominique Williams – East Anchorage High School
Have you ever heard an instrument belt? Dave Koz made his multiple saxophones belt on Saturday night and his grooves brought the almost sold-out crowd to their feet. This jazz artist is a performer that everyone should see and would enjoy!
Romance is in the air this season, and Koz certainly put the lovebirds in a good mood. His song “Surrender,” off The Dance album, was the love song of the night. This slow groove created an intimate atmosphere for all the lovers in the audience. Not only was this song a highlight to the night but the song also had some choreography that the band was involved with to put a humorous touch on the serious topic of love.
Another highlight of the night were the impressive solos by the band. Mr. Bill “Rubberhand Man” Sharpe started the solos of the night with a killer bass solo! His fingers plucked those bass strings faster than the crowd could even process, but they loved every minute of it.
After Dave Koz explained to the crowd that this is his twentieth year as a jazz artist, he went into a three-song medley. All the songs had sentimental value to Koz from “Castle of Dreams” which was his first single, to “Faces of the Heart,” the theme song to the popular soap opera, General Hospital, buying him his first home, to finally a rendition to a song off his all time favorite movie Wizard of Oz, “Over the Rainbow.”
The next solo of the night was from drummer Mr. Stevo Theard. His solo led to the upbeat jam “Bada Bing.” This track also featured a very interactive guitar solo from Mr. Randy Jenkins. Jenkins was spinning, rolling on the ground, and jumping, while playing the guitar. Now that is a true performer, giving the crowd his all.
Another sentimental note to Koz’s concert was his song “Emily.” The song, written with Jeff Lorber and Bobby Caldwell, is about his goddaughter. This slow jam calmed the crowd and touched hearts. This song however did not stop the highlights of the night; the next track was one that only the youngest generation would not understand.
“The Pink Panther” theme song was a joy for the crowd. This smooth prowl into Hollywood came from Mr. Henry Mancini and led to a booty shake from the man of the night himself.
Making sure to hit every band member Koz introduces the crowd to his music director Brian Simpson who delivered an interactive and exciting piano solo. Not only did he play stationary at the piano but he also had a portable piano, which at one point he played behind his head!
The crowd was pumped and clapping after that impressive solo, and participated in a singing competition to the song “Can’t Let You Go.” The crowd loved this song. During this performance, Koz and the band traveled into the crowd for dancing with the audience. The ladies loved this!
The finale was a sweet serenade of “I’ll Be There.” In this the crowd sang along and waved their hands. The band members surprised us by all singing and Jenkins gave us his final guitar solo. This song finished the night on a sweet but rememberable note.
By far this was an amazing concert! The crowd enjoyed the artist, and Dave Koz truly enjoyed the audience. Fun anecdotes with a mix of serious love songs set the mood of the night. This intimate concert was a great start to this romantic holiday season.
Dave Koz
Anchorage Concert Association
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Atwood Concert Hall
By Dominique Williams – East Anchorage High School
Have you ever heard an instrument belt? Dave Koz made his multiple saxophones belt on Saturday night and his grooves brought the almost sold-out crowd to their feet. This jazz artist is a performer that everyone should see and would enjoy!
Romance is in the air this season, and Koz certainly put the lovebirds in a good mood. His song “Surrender,” off The Dance album, was the love song of the night. This slow groove created an intimate atmosphere for all the lovers in the audience. Not only was this song a highlight to the night but the song also had some choreography that the band was involved with to put a humorous touch on the serious topic of love.
Another highlight of the night were the impressive solos by the band. Mr. Bill “Rubberhand Man” Sharpe started the solos of the night with a killer bass solo! His fingers plucked those bass strings faster than the crowd could even process, but they loved every minute of it.
After Dave Koz explained to the crowd that this is his twentieth year as a jazz artist, he went into a three-song medley. All the songs had sentimental value to Koz from “Castle of Dreams” which was his first single, to “Faces of the Heart,” the theme song to the popular soap opera, General Hospital, buying him his first home, to finally a rendition to a song off his all time favorite movie Wizard of Oz, “Over the Rainbow.”
The next solo of the night was from drummer Mr. Stevo Theard. His solo led to the upbeat jam “Bada Bing.” This track also featured a very interactive guitar solo from Mr. Randy Jenkins. Jenkins was spinning, rolling on the ground, and jumping, while playing the guitar. Now that is a true performer, giving the crowd his all.
Another sentimental note to Koz’s concert was his song “Emily.” The song, written with Jeff Lorber and Bobby Caldwell, is about his goddaughter. This slow jam calmed the crowd and touched hearts. This song however did not stop the highlights of the night; the next track was one that only the youngest generation would not understand.
“The Pink Panther” theme song was a joy for the crowd. This smooth prowl into Hollywood came from Mr. Henry Mancini and led to a booty shake from the man of the night himself.
Making sure to hit every band member Koz introduces the crowd to his music director Brian Simpson who delivered an interactive and exciting piano solo. Not only did he play stationary at the piano but he also had a portable piano, which at one point he played behind his head!
The crowd was pumped and clapping after that impressive solo, and participated in a singing competition to the song “Can’t Let You Go.” The crowd loved this song. During this performance, Koz and the band traveled into the crowd for dancing with the audience. The ladies loved this!
The finale was a sweet serenade of “I’ll Be There.” In this the crowd sang along and waved their hands. The band members surprised us by all singing and Jenkins gave us his final guitar solo. This song finished the night on a sweet but rememberable note.
By far this was an amazing concert! The crowd enjoyed the artist, and Dave Koz truly enjoyed the audience. Fun anecdotes with a mix of serious love songs set the mood of the night. This intimate concert was a great start to this romantic holiday season.
Dave Koz
Anchorage Concert Association
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Atwood Concert Hall
Eugene Onegin
By Kyla Cook - Chugiak High School
The idea of opera is often intimidating to the average person. The thought of watching someone sing for three hours, especially in a foreign language, sounds, to many, closer to torture than art. But on February sixth at eight o’ clock, Anchorage Opera challenged that stereotype with its first Russian opera, “Eugene Onegin.”
The storyline was simple enough: when she loves him, he’s not interested; when he loves her, she’s already taken. The sets were minimal, yet effective. What really energized this opera was the stellar performances. The individual talents of each actor were uniquely captivating and awe-inspiring . Particularly notable was Janice Meyerson (Filipyevna), Veronica Mitina (Tatyana), and, of course, Anton Belov, as Eugene Onegin.
The setup of the show was well designed for the typical observer. Two intermissions made for a comfortable experience, although the second act seemed oddly short. English supertitles ensured even non-Russian speaking patrons could follow the story. This latter asset had its downside though. At times the words were out of sync with the action, and quite often the wordings just didn’t make sense.
Overall, Eugene Onegin is an opera anyone can enjoy. Additional performances are on February 10th 12th and 14th at 8:00.
Eugene Onegin
Anchorage Opera
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Discovery Theatre
By Kyla Cook - Chugiak High School
The idea of opera is often intimidating to the average person. The thought of watching someone sing for three hours, especially in a foreign language, sounds, to many, closer to torture than art. But on February sixth at eight o’ clock, Anchorage Opera challenged that stereotype with its first Russian opera, “Eugene Onegin.”
The storyline was simple enough: when she loves him, he’s not interested; when he loves her, she’s already taken. The sets were minimal, yet effective. What really energized this opera was the stellar performances. The individual talents of each actor were uniquely captivating and awe-inspiring . Particularly notable was Janice Meyerson (Filipyevna), Veronica Mitina (Tatyana), and, of course, Anton Belov, as Eugene Onegin.
The setup of the show was well designed for the typical observer. Two intermissions made for a comfortable experience, although the second act seemed oddly short. English supertitles ensured even non-Russian speaking patrons could follow the story. This latter asset had its downside though. At times the words were out of sync with the action, and quite often the wordings just didn’t make sense.
Overall, Eugene Onegin is an opera anyone can enjoy. Additional performances are on February 10th 12th and 14th at 8:00.
Eugene Onegin
Anchorage Opera
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Discovery Theatre
With shoes like these, who needs instruments?
By Anthony Sallows - Alaska Pacific University
I’m going to assume that most people born in the last 20 years are more or less uninformed on what tap dance is. I know I was. Here’s a standard dictionary definition: “tap dance - noun a dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal taps, characterized by rhythmical tapping of the toes and heels.”
Ok, that gives a basic foundation on the art, but to truly appreciate the precision footwork of these dancers, one must go see a show. I was fortunate enough to attend Thursday February 4th’s performance of Tap Kids in the Atwood theater at the Performing Arts Center. The crowd that was drawn to the show was composed mostly of parents who had an appreciation for the arts, and their children. I love seeing parents bring culture into their children’s lives. Go parents!
Incorporating a plot into a tap show would seem like an impossible task, but the story actually fit quite nicely. Thursday’s show told the tale of teens going through the obstacle course known as high school. From awkward first days, to asking that cute girl to a dance, and finally culminating with graduation and visions for the future. While the story was entertaining, the graphics projected on the screen behind the dancers were sub par for a “Broadway caliber show”. Non the less, they did add extra flair to the night’s entertainment.
Shortly after intermission, one of the dancers, Matthew Gershen, did a little gig that was about reciprocity. No music, no flashy lights, just him, his shoes, and the energy of the audience. He literally drew his inspiration from the cheers and applause. The louder the audience got, the more fervent his dance became. Reciprocity in action. This tipped me off to the simple fact that tap dancers more or less use their feet as a percussion instrument. Throughout the show they also demonstrated the percussion capabilities of other objects like lunch trays and basketballs.
Besides having expert tapping prowess, the dancers did most of the show in blue jeans. Incredible. I don’t normally think of jeans as the most comfortable clothing for breaking a sweat in. And to kick it up another notch, the female performers did most of the second half in heels! Thankfully, no ankles were twisted as they flawlessly finished the act. Props to the ladies for that one.
The program stated that Tap Kids was composed of eight of the most talented dancers, but only seven were preforming. Another dancer worth mentioning is Brittany Magill. Who was recently in the movie Fame, which I had the coincidental pleasure of watching on a flight right before the show. Tap Kids will be holding one more show on Friday the 5th, I recommend corralling the little ones and attending. Or simply go to let the child within you smile a bit. :)
Tap Kids
Alaska Junior Theater
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Atwood Concert Hall
By Anthony Sallows - Alaska Pacific University
I’m going to assume that most people born in the last 20 years are more or less uninformed on what tap dance is. I know I was. Here’s a standard dictionary definition: “tap dance - noun a dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal taps, characterized by rhythmical tapping of the toes and heels.”
Ok, that gives a basic foundation on the art, but to truly appreciate the precision footwork of these dancers, one must go see a show. I was fortunate enough to attend Thursday February 4th’s performance of Tap Kids in the Atwood theater at the Performing Arts Center. The crowd that was drawn to the show was composed mostly of parents who had an appreciation for the arts, and their children. I love seeing parents bring culture into their children’s lives. Go parents!
Incorporating a plot into a tap show would seem like an impossible task, but the story actually fit quite nicely. Thursday’s show told the tale of teens going through the obstacle course known as high school. From awkward first days, to asking that cute girl to a dance, and finally culminating with graduation and visions for the future. While the story was entertaining, the graphics projected on the screen behind the dancers were sub par for a “Broadway caliber show”. Non the less, they did add extra flair to the night’s entertainment.
Shortly after intermission, one of the dancers, Matthew Gershen, did a little gig that was about reciprocity. No music, no flashy lights, just him, his shoes, and the energy of the audience. He literally drew his inspiration from the cheers and applause. The louder the audience got, the more fervent his dance became. Reciprocity in action. This tipped me off to the simple fact that tap dancers more or less use their feet as a percussion instrument. Throughout the show they also demonstrated the percussion capabilities of other objects like lunch trays and basketballs.
Besides having expert tapping prowess, the dancers did most of the show in blue jeans. Incredible. I don’t normally think of jeans as the most comfortable clothing for breaking a sweat in. And to kick it up another notch, the female performers did most of the second half in heels! Thankfully, no ankles were twisted as they flawlessly finished the act. Props to the ladies for that one.
The program stated that Tap Kids was composed of eight of the most talented dancers, but only seven were preforming. Another dancer worth mentioning is Brittany Magill. Who was recently in the movie Fame, which I had the coincidental pleasure of watching on a flight right before the show. Tap Kids will be holding one more show on Friday the 5th, I recommend corralling the little ones and attending. Or simply go to let the child within you smile a bit. :)
Tap Kids
Alaska Junior Theater
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Atwood Concert Hall
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