Category: arts

Jazz bandleader Gerald Wilson to be included in two upcoming documentaries

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 30, 2010

According to a recent news release, recording artist Gerald Wilson will be included in two upcoming documentaries — the first about Cab Calloway, produced by ARTE France and expected to air in America on PBS, and the other about Los Angeles’ storied Million Dollar Theater.
Wilson is best known in the music community as a premier composer, trumpeter, arranger, bandleader and educator. His work has supported some of the greatest names in jazz including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Carter, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn and Ray Charles, as well as a scorer for motion pictures and television shows such as Otto Preminger’s “Anatomy of a Murder” and ABC’s variety program “The Red Foxx Show.”
Wilson also scored a top-40 pop hit with El Chicano’s version of his song “Viva Torado” in 1971. Recently, Wilson was in the studio recording new material for his sixth release for the Mack Avenue Records label (which is yet to be titled), a follow up to 2009’s Detroit.
Wilson has earned seven Grammy nominations, a recent NAACP Image Award nomination, a NARAS President’s Merit Award, top Big Band and Composer/Arranger honors in the Downbeat International Critics Poll, the NEA American Jazz Masters Fellowship, two American Jazz Awards for Best Arranger and Best Big Band, and currently his masterpieces are ensconced in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. His love for jazz and his 30 year educational career in teaching music also earned him the Teacher of the Year award at UCLA in 2008. Most recently, The Gerald Wilson Orchestra’s Detroit (Mack Avenue, 2009) won Record of the Year at the 2010 JazzWeek Awards.
Despite earning such various accolades throughout his career, his road to success hasn’t always been easy. At 91 years old, Wilson has struggled through more than nine decades of opposition to contribute to the fight for civil rights and to share his passion for music with the world. Born in 1918 into a hotbed of racial tension in Shelby, Miss., Wilson was sent by his mother to live with family in Detroit, where his musical talents afforded him the opportunity to attend the performing arts school, Cass Tech High School, a school that was second only to Juilliard at the time. As Wilson will tell you, this is where his musical career truly began.
Wilson’s passion to incorporate his art into his selfless crusade for civil rights has remained paramount in his life and has touched the lives in countless cultures and countries around the world. When asking this humble legend about his great successes, Wilson, who will be 92 years old this September, responds with sincere humility, “I just try to be a person worthy of being a part of this great art form.”

arts Heller Theatre Oklahoma performances theater tulsa United States

Heller Theatre holds auditions on Monday, July 26, 2010 for production “And the Winner Is”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 24, 2010

Open auditions for Heller Theatre’s “And the Winner Is” by Mitch Albom will convene from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2010 at Henthorne Performing Arts Center, 4825 S. Quaker in Tulsa, OK. If needed, callbacks will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010.
“And the Winner Is” tells the comic story of Tyler Johnes, a self-obsessed movie star, who is finally nominated for an Oscar, only to die the night before the awards. Outraged at his bad luck and determined to know if he wins, he bargains with a heavenly gatekeeper to return to earth for the big night. Along the way, he drags his agent, his acting rival, his bombshell girlfriend and his ex-wife into the journey, in a wildly twisting tale of Hollywood, the afterlife, and how we are judged. Written by Mitch Albom, the writer of “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” this is a quirky, heartfelt and slightly wicked tale of life, death and sacrifice.
Characters needed are: One woman – age 20s-30s; one woman – age 30s-40s; two men – age 30s-40s; and two men – age 30s-60s, one with an Irish accent.
Performances are Sept. 24-25, 28, 2010, and at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-2, 2010, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010.
For more information, call (918) 746-5065 or visit www.hellertheatre.com.

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Sand Springs Community Theatre to hold callbacks for “Steel Magnolias” on July 29, 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 24, 2010

Sand Springs Community Theatre will have callbacks for the six women’s roles for the production “Steel Magnolias” at 7 p.m. Thurs., July 29, 2010, at Charles Page High School Auditorium, 500 N. Adams Road, Sand Springs, OK. The auditions were July 23-24, 2010.
The rehearsals will begin early August. Production dates are at 8 p.m. Sept. 9-11, 2010. and 2 p.m. matinee on Sept 12, 2010.
Sidney Hunt will be directing the show, and she chaired the auditions. Her e-mail address is snhunt1@cox.net. The play all takes place in the home beauty shop of Truvy. Characters include Truvy Jones – owner of the beauty shop; Annelle Dupuy-Desoto – Beauty shop assistant. Late teens / early 20s; Clairee Belcher – Widow of former mayor. Grande dame.; Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie – ( 25ish) Pretty and popular young lady; central character of the story, daughter of M’Lynn; M’Lynn Eatenton – Mother of Shelby, socially prominent career woman; and Ouiser (pronounced “Weezer”) Boudreaux – Wealthy curmudgeon. Acerbic but loveable.
The production is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, La., where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich older curmudgeon, Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength — and love — which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
For more information, call (918) 246-2196.

arts New York organizations United States

JazzReach Inc., among 79 arts organizations in New York to receive $11 million in grants

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 24, 2010

PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE DIDONNA

According to a news release, to give a boost to New York City arts organizations hard hit by the financial crisis, the Open Society Foundations announced $11 million in grants to support community and educational arts initiatives.

“The arts – and arts education – are a vital part of the fabric of New York City,” said George Soros, chairman of the Open Society Foundations. “This funding will help organizations that have been under severe strain because of the economic crisis.”

The $11 million investment is made through the Performing Arts Recovery Initiative, a special one-time grant program sponsored by the Open Society Foundations and managed by the Fund for the City of New York. The program is focused on supporting nonprofit music, dance, and theater groups that are recognized for the quality of their artistic work, their strong educational programs for young people, their employment of artists and their other contributions to the vibrancy of New York City’s cultural life.

In addition to JazzReach, seventy-eight other organizations will receive two-year operating-support grants ranging from $65,000 to $250,000. The groups, located in all five boroughs of New York City, vary in budget size from $75,000 to $7 million and are primarily small and less visible than larger mainstream organizations; consequently, they are most impacted by the economic crisis and most in need of assistance. Some of the other organization’s selected to receive funding include the New York Youth Symphony, Bronx Arts Ensemble, Ballet Hispanico, Mark Morris Dance Group, Epic Theatre Ensemble and Dance Theater of Harlem.

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Laurette Willis featured in Playmakers Youth Theatre Workshop July 12-16, 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 12, 2010

Laurette Willis, the Woman of 101 Voices, will be featured in a week-long youth theatre workshop, “Turn Tale and Perform,” from Monday, July 12, 2010 to Friday, July 16, 2010 at The Playmakers’ Theatre, 121 W. 3rd St., Grove, OK.
The workshop is for students from third grade to 12th grade.
Ms. Willis has been praised by teachers and students alike in her storytelling workshops, and by many others who have seen her original “Women of…” series: “Women of the Frontier,” “Women of Shakespeare,” and “Women of the Oil Fields.” Her interpretations of Emily Dickenson and Belle Starr have also drawn praise.
“We are pleased to be able to bring Ms. Willis to the participants in the workshop,” said Sandy McCabe of The Playmakers in a news release. “She will work with students once they have developed a folktale for the stage, prior to the performances. She will present a story for them, also, and as a special component, teach them the skills involved in ventriloquism.
Storytelling is an art form that has a basic kinship with theatre and the stage actor. The skills prevalent in both disciplines will give students a foundation in building a character, interpreting that character vocally, and improving breath control as well as in types of story-telling and their influence in other cultures. The students will learn to adapt a folktale for the stage and these creative theatre pieces will be presented for parents and friends on the last day of the workshop.
Sandy McCabe and Suzanne Boles will lead the workshop on other days. The fee for the 5-days is only $80/ student. Some scholarships will be available. For more information, call (918) 786-8950 on specific times and curriculum content. Students in the workshop will be grouped by age where necessary.
This workshop will be the first of more workshops to be part of the 2010-2011 after-school program.

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“Toy Camp” continues at Sapulpa Community Theatre on July 15-17, 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 12, 2010

Sapulpa Community Theatre continues the presentation of children’s musical “Toy Camp” on July 15, July 16 and July 17. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and matinee performance is at 2 p.m. “Toy Camp” is a fun, colorful and upbeat story for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Group rate is available. For more information, call (918) 227-2169 or e-mail stheatre@sbcglobal.net for reservations.

arts Clark Theatre education Heller Theatre Oklahoma perforrmances tulsa United States

Heller and Clark Theatres to offer home-school drama classes at Henthorne Performing Arts Center

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 25, 2010

Heller and Clark Theatres will offer two home-school drama classes in the fall for youth interested in theater.
The first class, Home School Drama, taught by Genie Reiman, is designed for home-schooled students ages 10-17. Goals are to provide students with an introduction to theatre through individual and group drama experiences. The class will culminate with a final presentation that will demonstrate the performance skills and talents of the students. Classes are 9 to 11 a.m., Sept. 14 through Nov. 16. Cost is $85 total for 11 classes.
Reiman is a teaching artist with the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa. She is an Oklahoma A+ fellow and is on the Oklahoma State Arts Council’s roster of teaching artists. She has also acted and directed in the Tulsa area for over 25 years. She has also served as costume designer for Clark theatre as well as many Harwelden productions. Before coming to Tulsa, Genie received her BFA in Theatre from the University of South Dakota and her MFA in Acting/Directing with an emphasis in Child Drama from the University of North Carolina/Greensboro.
The second class, Advanced Home School Drama, taught by Sara Phoenix, is designed for home-schooled students that have previously attended the Home School Drama class at Clark Theatre. Goals are to provide students with an advanced approach to theatre through individual and group drama experiences. The class will culminate with a final presentation that will demonstrate the performance skills and talents of the students. Class times are 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays,, Sept. 8 through Nov. 17. Cost is $85 total for 10 classes. Ages 10-17. Instructor authorization will be required to enroll in this class.
Phoenix is an award-winning actress, dancer, director and choreographer with a BFA in Theatre from the University of Oklahoma. Having worked in many community theatres, high schools, and recently at Clark Youth Theatre, she has experience with all ages of performers. Sara was the director of John and Jen, the 2009 AACT Region VI winning production, which performed at the National AACT Festival in Tacoma, Wash.
For more information on the courses, call Julie Tattershall at (918) 746-5065, e-mail jtattershall@cityoftulsa.org or go to www.clarktheatre.com.

arts Cushing Community Theatre Oklahoma theater United States

Cushing Community Theatre highlights local history with production “Caravan of Stars”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 25, 2010

SpiritBank presents the production “Caravan of Stars,” written and directed by Linda Miller-Logan, on June 18-19, 20, 25-27, 2010, at the Cushing Community Theatre, 105 E Broadway, Cushing, OK.
Dinner performances are at 6:30 p.m. June 18-19 and June 25-26, 2010, and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinée performances on June 20 and June 27, 2010. No dinner is served during matinée performances. Reservations are required for dinner performances. Reservations are not required for the Sunday matinée non-dinner performances.
“Caravan of Stars” takes the audience back in time to the fun and nostalgia of Cushing’s history in 1953. There are popular singers, celebrities and comedians involved in the production, which targets the entire family and showcases local talent.
Advance non-dinner tickets may be purchased for $10 at the Cushing Community Theatre, Escotts Grocery, Cushing Chamber of Commerce, SpiritBank, Bank of Cushing, Bill Cubbage, attorney, or CBEW Professional Group. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $12. For more information, call (918) 225-4141 or go to www.cushingcommunitytheatre.com.

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Grove Community Playmakers present production “The Crane Wife”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 16, 2010

Grove Community Playmakers present “The Crane Wife” at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday performances and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees today through June 27, 2010, at The Playmakers, 121 W. Third St., Grove, OK. The recommended minimum age level is elementary school age.
According to a news release, “The Crane Wife” is based on an ancient Japanese folktale, adapted for the stage by Barbara Carlisle. She has has formed the story into a stirring theatrical experience, with lovely imagery, stylized choreography, and a mixture of narrative and theatrical conventions adapted from Japanese theatre. This haunting tale is unlike any other Playmaker production and will entertain adults and children alike. The music by David P. Newsome underscores the stylized movement of the Village Chorus who use narration, masks, puppets, and mime to tell the tale. The play is produced with assistance from The Oklahoma Arts Council and by special arrangement with Anchorage Press Plays.
Carlisle writes for a multigenerational audience so that children and adults can experience theatre together. The minimum age for this production is elementary school students.
The cast of adults and youth include Villagers: Ashley Davidson, Jimmie Gwin, Hailee Gwin, Jaxson Oakley, Meghan Stowe and Sunny Uttley. The role of the peasant, Kokuro is performed by Justus Fletcher. Kirby Williams portrays the Crane Wife. Dancers are Emma Lawson and Kennedy Tackkett. Josh Fletcher and Bob Brogdon take turns in the role of a Samurai.
The Playmakers have chosen to put the play in the Heian period, somewhere between the 9th and 12th centuries. Marge Chowning has designed the period clothing for the cast with historical accuracy as a guideline. Dennis Neff has produced the sound track. Masks and puppets are made by Flora Elmore and Vicki King. Set and prop construction is by Jimmie Gwin with set decoration is by Jonathan Elmore. Lighting is designed by the director, Suzanne Boles, with technical assistance from Keith Klickman.
For more information, call (918) 786-8950 or e-mail 1groveplaymakers@sbcglobal.net. Adult tickets are $15 including tax; students (first through 12th-grade) are $8 including tax. Tickets are available online. Pay What You Can Afford seats are available at most performances.

arts Grace Ann Productions Love Letters Oklahoma production tulsa United States

Grace Ann Productions present “Love Letters” this summer in Tulsa

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 8, 2010

Grace Ann Productions present “Love Letters” at 5 p.m. each Sunday for the following dates (June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25 and August 1, 2010). Location is at Village at Central Park, 1125 E. 8th St. in Tulsa, OK.
Wry and poignant, “Love Letters,” written by A. R. Gurney, is a play told entirely through letters. From the first scrawled valentines of childhood, to the last guilty goodbyes, “Love Letters” envelops us in a unique nostalgia. Rediscover youth’s innocence, the fears and fancies, the goals and dreams all contained within the pages of their lifelong relationship … the letters that were at its very root.
Tickets are Adults $15 and $12 for seniors/students. The play, directed by E. Kirby, Jr., stars Ann Archer as Melissa (June 6-27), David Carpenter as Andy and Laura Mathy as Melissa (July 11-August 1).
For more information, call (918) 491-3410.