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
Monday, February 8, 2010
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
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Strong Night of Dance Dedicated to a Soft Season
By Dominqiue Williams – East Anchorage High School
There are few times when the body can form geometric shapes. At last night’s performance Alaska Dance Theatre dancers made the audience think other wise. Strong port de bras and strong turns set the plane for the night.
The first ballet piece was “Configurations on a Cloud.” This dance was a tender start to the night showing the principal dancers at their very best. Brian Kerton and Sam Franklin carried the leading ladies with envied strength and poise. Another thing standing out in this dance were the dynamics. The string quartet with the accompaniment of the piano shaped the background for the dancers to set their beautiful story.
The next piece was a contemporary called “Suite Intro.” Brian Ketron, Avianna CJ McKee, and Keisha Saddler performed the fast paced piece. All three dancers performed a solo and danced in unison. The highlights to the dancing in this piece were the precision and the turns. The footwork was quick but spot on with the music creating a precision that made the dance look extremely clean. The turns were flawless and executed with grace.
“Toma Tres” was a sassy jazz number with a Latin feel. The red dressed trio comprised of, Sarah Grunwaldt, Laura Hicks, and Keisha Sadder, exemplified a flirty side to the night. The flavor feeding of the stage was tasteful. These ladies smiled and truly enjoyed the piece making the audience enjoy it as well.
“Designer Skyline” was a modern piece and a favorite among the crowd. This dance showed the company’s pop culture because of the music. The song “Designer Skyline” by Owl City and the costumes created an art deco feel and made the piece look abstract and different in a very cool way.
The final piece was a ballet called “Tchaikovsky Sutie.” This piece had the most musicality. The dancers played up the musical cues giving the piece brilliant dynamics. Mr. Brian Ketron stole the dance with his solo, which at one point he did at least twenty pirouettes in a row! The crowd sat in awe as all four principal couples executed extraordinary lifts with strength and grace. This dance was an awesome finale to an already amazing show.
Alaska Dance Theatre’s Winter Repertory was a beautiful event that the company should be proud of. The dancers are all amazing in their own way showing strength and poise that many dancers envy. This show is a “can’t miss performance!”
Winter Repertory
Alaska Dance Theatre
Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 7:30pm
Discovery Theatre
By Dominqiue Williams – East Anchorage High School
There are few times when the body can form geometric shapes. At last night’s performance Alaska Dance Theatre dancers made the audience think other wise. Strong port de bras and strong turns set the plane for the night.
The first ballet piece was “Configurations on a Cloud.” This dance was a tender start to the night showing the principal dancers at their very best. Brian Kerton and Sam Franklin carried the leading ladies with envied strength and poise. Another thing standing out in this dance were the dynamics. The string quartet with the accompaniment of the piano shaped the background for the dancers to set their beautiful story.
The next piece was a contemporary called “Suite Intro.” Brian Ketron, Avianna CJ McKee, and Keisha Saddler performed the fast paced piece. All three dancers performed a solo and danced in unison. The highlights to the dancing in this piece were the precision and the turns. The footwork was quick but spot on with the music creating a precision that made the dance look extremely clean. The turns were flawless and executed with grace.
“Toma Tres” was a sassy jazz number with a Latin feel. The red dressed trio comprised of, Sarah Grunwaldt, Laura Hicks, and Keisha Sadder, exemplified a flirty side to the night. The flavor feeding of the stage was tasteful. These ladies smiled and truly enjoyed the piece making the audience enjoy it as well.
“Designer Skyline” was a modern piece and a favorite among the crowd. This dance showed the company’s pop culture because of the music. The song “Designer Skyline” by Owl City and the costumes created an art deco feel and made the piece look abstract and different in a very cool way.
The final piece was a ballet called “Tchaikovsky Sutie.” This piece had the most musicality. The dancers played up the musical cues giving the piece brilliant dynamics. Mr. Brian Ketron stole the dance with his solo, which at one point he did at least twenty pirouettes in a row! The crowd sat in awe as all four principal couples executed extraordinary lifts with strength and grace. This dance was an awesome finale to an already amazing show.
Alaska Dance Theatre’s Winter Repertory was a beautiful event that the company should be proud of. The dancers are all amazing in their own way showing strength and poise that many dancers envy. This show is a “can’t miss performance!”
Winter Repertory
Alaska Dance Theatre
Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 7:30pm
Discovery Theatre
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Traditional Gift to the Season
By Dominique Williams – East High School
The Sounds of the Seasons concert was a prefect gift from our military members to start the season. Lieutenant General Dana T. Atkins hosted the event. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. John Tracy.
From the commencement of the concert, the filled hall was ready for Christmas cheer. The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific started with the bands premier vocalist MSgt John Teamer, SSgt Amber Grimes, SSgt E. Justin Allen, and SrA Kelly Perry singing, “Joyful, Joyful,” which set the merry tone of the night.
The rest of the night was filled with old classic jingles such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let Snow,” “O Holy Night,” and “The Christmas Song,” to unknown songs such as “Greensleeves.”
The featured bands were Top Cover and The Greatlanders who both brought a unique sound. Top Cover was more of the rock oriented holiday tunes with a few modern jams; while The Greatlanders, a brass band, performed the classics. Top Cover’s songs featured guitar solos and The Greatlanders had different solos from each instrument creating a variety of sound.
At this event there was much crowd participation. There was an invitation for the kids to come on stage for the number “Sock it to Me Santa.” The kids enjoyed this because Santa and Mrs. Clause paid a visit and brought candy canes. Also through out the event people clapped and truly enjoyed themselves.
There were two special moments to last night’s program. “A Song for a Winter’s Night” was dedicated to the troops that are overseas for the time being. Mrs. Grimes and Mrs. Perry serenaded the crowd and touched hearts of many. Another heart wrenching moment was the Hometown Greetings. These videos from around the worlds show how truly dedicated these men and women are to their country.
Last night’s festivities made me feel proud of our service members and the warmth of holiday cheer.
Sounds of the Season
Air Force Band of the Pacific
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:00pm
Atwood Concert Hall
By Dominique Williams – East High School
The Sounds of the Seasons concert was a prefect gift from our military members to start the season. Lieutenant General Dana T. Atkins hosted the event. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. John Tracy.
From the commencement of the concert, the filled hall was ready for Christmas cheer. The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific started with the bands premier vocalist MSgt John Teamer, SSgt Amber Grimes, SSgt E. Justin Allen, and SrA Kelly Perry singing, “Joyful, Joyful,” which set the merry tone of the night.
The rest of the night was filled with old classic jingles such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let Snow,” “O Holy Night,” and “The Christmas Song,” to unknown songs such as “Greensleeves.”
The featured bands were Top Cover and The Greatlanders who both brought a unique sound. Top Cover was more of the rock oriented holiday tunes with a few modern jams; while The Greatlanders, a brass band, performed the classics. Top Cover’s songs featured guitar solos and The Greatlanders had different solos from each instrument creating a variety of sound.
At this event there was much crowd participation. There was an invitation for the kids to come on stage for the number “Sock it to Me Santa.” The kids enjoyed this because Santa and Mrs. Clause paid a visit and brought candy canes. Also through out the event people clapped and truly enjoyed themselves.
There were two special moments to last night’s program. “A Song for a Winter’s Night” was dedicated to the troops that are overseas for the time being. Mrs. Grimes and Mrs. Perry serenaded the crowd and touched hearts of many. Another heart wrenching moment was the Hometown Greetings. These videos from around the worlds show how truly dedicated these men and women are to their country.
Last night’s festivities made me feel proud of our service members and the warmth of holiday cheer.
Sounds of the Season
Air Force Band of the Pacific
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:00pm
Atwood Concert Hall
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Anchorage Symphony's Messiah
by Anthony Sallows - Alaska Pacific University
The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra together with the Alaska Chamber Singers, the Anchorage Concert Chorus, and guest vocalists from the Resident Ensemble of San Francisco Opera performed George Fredrick Handel’s Messiah on December 12, 2009 under the musical direction of guest maestro George Hanson. With a docket of musicians and artists like that, the night was stacked to be memorable and epic - and it was.
Handel’s Messiah is regarded as one of the most influential works to come out of the Baroque style of music. It is rumored that Beethoven found Handel to be “the greatest composer that ever lived.” When experiencing Messiah, one can see why Beethoven would be inclined to say so. The music and lyrics are easily felt by the layman as well as those versed in the art of music. Numerous times I caught myself tapping my feet or fingers to a rhythm that is beyond my awareness, proving that music transcends conscious thoughts and standard forms of communication.
Interestingly, when watching Brian Thorsett, a guest artist from the Resident Ensemble of San Francisco, close his eyes and move his head to the sound, I realized that music is something that you can experience on a deeper level by removing a sense - sight. We’ve become so accustomed to a visual world, that we often forget the wonders our other senses can provide. Messiah is a keen reminder of the beauty that can lie in the audible world.
History tells us that King George II was so moved by the final piece, Hallelujah, that he stood up for the entire section. It has become tradition to do so as an audience member ever since, and those in the Atwood Theater this night were no exception. After the piece, the audience continued to applaud the symphony and chorus for a much deserved standing ovation, which brought about an encore performance of Hallelujah. During the encore George Hanson turned to face the audience and directed us to sing along. As if the lyrics weren’t powerful enough. Hearing a chorus of nearly 2000 sing it was truly spirit lifting. I’m a shockingly terrible singer, and even I was moved enough to attempt to sing along. Hopefully those around me remember the night for Messiah and not my lack of vocal talent.
Messiah
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8:00pm
Atwood Concert Hall
by Anthony Sallows - Alaska Pacific University
The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra together with the Alaska Chamber Singers, the Anchorage Concert Chorus, and guest vocalists from the Resident Ensemble of San Francisco Opera performed George Fredrick Handel’s Messiah on December 12, 2009 under the musical direction of guest maestro George Hanson. With a docket of musicians and artists like that, the night was stacked to be memorable and epic - and it was.
Handel’s Messiah is regarded as one of the most influential works to come out of the Baroque style of music. It is rumored that Beethoven found Handel to be “the greatest composer that ever lived.” When experiencing Messiah, one can see why Beethoven would be inclined to say so. The music and lyrics are easily felt by the layman as well as those versed in the art of music. Numerous times I caught myself tapping my feet or fingers to a rhythm that is beyond my awareness, proving that music transcends conscious thoughts and standard forms of communication.
Interestingly, when watching Brian Thorsett, a guest artist from the Resident Ensemble of San Francisco, close his eyes and move his head to the sound, I realized that music is something that you can experience on a deeper level by removing a sense - sight. We’ve become so accustomed to a visual world, that we often forget the wonders our other senses can provide. Messiah is a keen reminder of the beauty that can lie in the audible world.
History tells us that King George II was so moved by the final piece, Hallelujah, that he stood up for the entire section. It has become tradition to do so as an audience member ever since, and those in the Atwood Theater this night were no exception. After the piece, the audience continued to applaud the symphony and chorus for a much deserved standing ovation, which brought about an encore performance of Hallelujah. During the encore George Hanson turned to face the audience and directed us to sing along. As if the lyrics weren’t powerful enough. Hearing a chorus of nearly 2000 sing it was truly spirit lifting. I’m a shockingly terrible singer, and even I was moved enough to attempt to sing along. Hopefully those around me remember the night for Messiah and not my lack of vocal talent.
Messiah
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8:00pm
Atwood Concert Hall
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Jason and the Argonauts
by Terra Laughton - West High School
Visible Fictions’ production of Jason and the Argonauts in the Discovery Theatre on Saturday, December 5 was an energetic and well-told story. Scottish actors Simon Donaldson and Tim Settle recounted the adverntures of Jason as he seeks revenge for his father’s murder. In order to replace his uncle on the throne, Jason is told to travel to the end of the earth and to return with the Golden Fleece. In the process, he meets everyone from Hercules to the Goddess Hera. Donaldson and Settle played almost twenty distinct characters during the production, easily entertaining the audience with various voices, movements, and mannerisms. Masters of their script, Donaldson and Settle kept up faced-paced dialogue and narration while brilliantly using their one set item, a large and versatile cart. Their creative use of action figures provided another layer of comedy, at times reflecting the characters’ movement and at times telling their own story. The perfomance was subtly and successfully complemented by simple lighting and music, but Donaldson and Settle would have succeeded without it. Visible Fictions fulfilled their goal of providing vibrant, high quality and accessiblte theatre for young and adult audiences alike. Alaska Junior Theater brought us a jem in Jason and the Argonauts.
Jason and the Argonauts
Alaska Junior Theater
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 3:00pm
Discovery Theatre
by Terra Laughton - West High School
Visible Fictions’ production of Jason and the Argonauts in the Discovery Theatre on Saturday, December 5 was an energetic and well-told story. Scottish actors Simon Donaldson and Tim Settle recounted the adverntures of Jason as he seeks revenge for his father’s murder. In order to replace his uncle on the throne, Jason is told to travel to the end of the earth and to return with the Golden Fleece. In the process, he meets everyone from Hercules to the Goddess Hera. Donaldson and Settle played almost twenty distinct characters during the production, easily entertaining the audience with various voices, movements, and mannerisms. Masters of their script, Donaldson and Settle kept up faced-paced dialogue and narration while brilliantly using their one set item, a large and versatile cart. Their creative use of action figures provided another layer of comedy, at times reflecting the characters’ movement and at times telling their own story. The perfomance was subtly and successfully complemented by simple lighting and music, but Donaldson and Settle would have succeeded without it. Visible Fictions fulfilled their goal of providing vibrant, high quality and accessiblte theatre for young and adult audiences alike. Alaska Junior Theater brought us a jem in Jason and the Argonauts.
Jason and the Argonauts
Alaska Junior Theater
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 3:00pm
Discovery Theatre
Eileen Ivers
by Kyla Cook - Chugiak High School
Who knew a violin could have this much soul? On December 4, at 7:30, Eileen Ivers proved to Anchorage that a Celtic violin concert didn’t have to be boring, and, in fact, could be an energetic, highly varied musical romp through Irish Christmas history.
“An Nolliag: An Irish Christmas” featured everything from Christmas classics, to Irish originals, to, in Ivers’ words, “jiggified favorites.” In between songs Ivers gave us humorous history lessons on everything from holly to fruitcake to Bach. In fact, her amazing playing came second only to her energy. She wasn’t afraid to stomp her feet, clap her hands and dance around the stage. The audience reacted very well. They were clapping, bopping up and down, singing along, and even stood up for the entirety of the encore. At many points Ivers had to shout to be heard over deafening applause. Even tuning her instrument received an audible reaction from the crowd.
Eileen Ivers’violin wasn’t the only attraction onstage. She was joined by Tommy McDonnell (vocalist, percussion) Buddy Connolly (accordion, whistle, and keyboard), Greg Anderson (guitar, backing vocals), and Leo Traversa (bass guitar), all four talented musicians and entertainers, with their own prestigious accomplishments. The band even incorporated young local talent into the mix. Friday’s show included performers from Alaska Children’s Choir and The Irish Dance Academy. Their part went off without a hitch, and added something special to the professional music.
Eileen Ivers’ performance was definitely a treat for Anchorage. The audience left feeling invigorated. You could hear comments like “wasn’t that fun?” and “I got my exercise for the day.” Eileen Ivers will have one more performance, Saturday at 7:30, before her next stop, at Carnegie Hall.
Eileen Ivers
Anchorage Concert Association
Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7:30pm
Atwood Concert Hall
by Kyla Cook - Chugiak High School
Who knew a violin could have this much soul? On December 4, at 7:30, Eileen Ivers proved to Anchorage that a Celtic violin concert didn’t have to be boring, and, in fact, could be an energetic, highly varied musical romp through Irish Christmas history.
“An Nolliag: An Irish Christmas” featured everything from Christmas classics, to Irish originals, to, in Ivers’ words, “jiggified favorites.” In between songs Ivers gave us humorous history lessons on everything from holly to fruitcake to Bach. In fact, her amazing playing came second only to her energy. She wasn’t afraid to stomp her feet, clap her hands and dance around the stage. The audience reacted very well. They were clapping, bopping up and down, singing along, and even stood up for the entirety of the encore. At many points Ivers had to shout to be heard over deafening applause. Even tuning her instrument received an audible reaction from the crowd.
Eileen Ivers’violin wasn’t the only attraction onstage. She was joined by Tommy McDonnell (vocalist, percussion) Buddy Connolly (accordion, whistle, and keyboard), Greg Anderson (guitar, backing vocals), and Leo Traversa (bass guitar), all four talented musicians and entertainers, with their own prestigious accomplishments. The band even incorporated young local talent into the mix. Friday’s show included performers from Alaska Children’s Choir and The Irish Dance Academy. Their part went off without a hitch, and added something special to the professional music.
Eileen Ivers’ performance was definitely a treat for Anchorage. The audience left feeling invigorated. You could hear comments like “wasn’t that fun?” and “I got my exercise for the day.” Eileen Ivers will have one more performance, Saturday at 7:30, before her next stop, at Carnegie Hall.
Eileen Ivers
Anchorage Concert Association
Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7:30pm
Atwood Concert Hall
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