Monday, March 30, 2009
Lots of great shows in this busy time of year
A few thoughts from me:
I was absolutely blown away by the African Children's Choir's energy and joy for performing. These kids put in a huge day at the BCPA, with a morning performance for K-12 students as part of our Student Spotlight Series. Their evening performance also had the audience in rapt attention, as they sang a wonderful mix of traditional African songs, spirituals, and some classical and popular selections.
There's little you can add about how wonderful the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are. After all these years, the NGDB knows who they are and, more importantly, how to bring you into their heads for a couple of hours. It was no wonder watching their magnetic performance why this band had so many imitators and admirers, including members of the Eagles and Alabama.
There were moments during The Second City's March 12 performance when I could barely see straight, I was laughing so hard. A man who travels home with a friend, remarking on their journey that "people really see me for who I am here," forgets to mention everyone in this small town sees him as "an old black woman," when in actuality he's a tall skinny white kid. It was hilarious to watch his friend Steve's expression as his buddy for all intents and purposes turned to Maya Angelou ... (and learned that these same townspeople also saw him as a woman named Sarah).
I have to admit, the thing I was looking forward to most at The Lettermen's March 20 performance was the pre-show. Tony Butola, the last remaining original member of the group, led a pre-show discussion with Tom MacEwan, the new lead vocalist of the Classics IV, who were the evening's opening band. Butola comes from a classic performance tradition dating back to the true glory days of Hollywood and Las Vegas, when triple-threat performers reigned king. His stories included doing gags with legendary talents including Buster Keaton ... a legacy that was emphasized in a video they showed of the band performing in their heyday with a variety of different artists, and on programs like the "Ed Sullivan Show." The audience went home with a song in their hearts. It was, by many accounts, one of the most thrilling performances in the new BCPA's history.
There was a big crowd and a great vibe when the Carolina Chocolate Drops performed in the BCPA Ballroom on Friday night. The band was amazing, performing with a easy confidence that perfectly fit their style and music. Soft-spoken banter added an additional layer of easiness that in no time wrapped the entire audience in a sense of relaxed enjoyment.
Looking ahead to having outdoor performances on the CEFCU Summer Stage has me hoping the Chocolate Drops will be back sometime for a show we can enjoy with the stars overhead.
Speaking of, we're all very excited about the new CEFCU Summer Stage space and our five-concert lineup for this first summer. It's a terrific lineup, and it's going to be a fun summer series.
Hope to see you all there!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"Buddy Holly's Winter Dance Party"
Indeed, reports there was a "day the music died" have been greatly exaggerated.
The audience was up on its feet at the end (and throughout), wrapped in the nostalgia of this tribute to one of the most pivotal moments in rock history. Great performances, great songs -- it was a night to savor.
Were you there? Tell us what you thought.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Ailey II
It was a spectacular concert! It was also the first modern dance performance scheduled as part of the BCPA's series of touring artists ... but certainly not the last given the tremendous response the show brought from the community.
The Ailey II dancers put in a very long day with us on Friday. At 10:00 the company danced a wonderful Spotlight Series school matinee, performing selections from two ballets for a group of K-12 students.
Troy Powell, the company's Associate Artistic Director also gave the students in attendance a little "Theatre 101," with a little tour of the lights, curtains, Marley flooring, and backdrops, explaining how all of the technical theater components make the choreography really pop.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Wailers
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
the subdudes
The band performed an all-acoustic set, which really emphasized their cohesiveness and musicality. For me there were two highlights:
The audience will agree that one of the most magical moments in the show was the band's unamplified performance of "The Rain," which they sang with spare instrumentation from the house left box seats.
For me, the other top moment was their first encore number, "Brightest Star." I saw the subdudes last in a summer 2007 concert and was won over by the chilling harmonies on this song (see video below), but it was even more thrilling in this acoustic performance.
Following the concert, the band (minus Tommy Malone) joined the show's event sponsor Ronda Glenn (seen above sitting with the band) and the BCPA's ArtsPartners at a reception at the FlatTop Grill.
The party was wonderful, and a great celebration of all of the members of the community who help the BCPA with additional financial support.
If you'd like to know more about this program, which offers its members with first notice of BCPA programming, priority ticket buying opportunities, parking privileges, and (as seen here) special opportunities to attend receptions and meet the artists, please follow this link.
Anyway, the word from the subdudes is that they left Bloomington on Sunday for Ft. Collins, Co., where they will begin work recording their next studio CD. We'll be looking forward to that this spring ... and hopefully having the subdudes back again sometime soon.
Do you have any pictures or memories you'd like to share from the night. If so, please share them by clicking the Comments link below, or by emailing me at jaalberts@cityblm.org.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas at the BCPA
We kicked the final month of the year off with Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's "Movin' Out," a thrilling night of musical theater/dance that rightfully got the audience up on their feet.
For me, this was the second time I'd seen the show, but it was the better of the performances. The dancers were incredibly strong, and the band sounded terrific. I found it fun to anticipate the moments I remembered from my first viewing and appreciated the language of Tharp's choreography better.
And, as I mentioned in May, "Summer, Highland Falls" never sounded better.
And how about those holiday shows!?
"FRANKLIN'S FAMILY CHRISTMAS"
"Franklin's Family Christmas" began with our usual pre-show activities for families. The Zoo Lady was in top form, finishing a holiday-themed face painting design roughly every 60 seconds. The theater was absolutely full of little reindeer- and mistletoe-faced children.
It was a cute performance, with memorable songs and dancing. A sing-along of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" featuring some dads pulled up from the audience was also a hit.
CHERISH THE LADIES, "A CELTIC CHRISTMAS"
We love Joanie Madden! The Hostess with the mostest, Ms Madden kept the mood light and the music and dance churning as the Ladies delighted the crowd with their own Celtic take on the holidays. It was a joyous and thoughtful performance that really set the mood for the holidays.
A ROCKAPELLA HOLIDAY
Pure fun from the kings of contemporary a cappella! As I've written before, I'm a longtime Rockapella fan, but this was the first time I'd seen them perform their holiday set, and I was surprised how well their stage act translated to this material. Scott still struts in his showmanly way, Kevin is still the quiet and sensitive one, and George is a rock on the bass line.
Except when he's channeling his inner Whitney Houston ... which is absolutely amazing -- and knock-you-to-the-floor hilarious.
Were you at any of these shows? Any memories/photos/ or requests you'd like to share. We'd love to hear from you.
Leave a note by clicking the Comment link below, or send me an email at jaalberts@cityblm.org with any photos or thoughts. We'll get them all posted soon.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Bjorn Again
That said, "Take a Chance on Me" and "Mama Mia" definitely brought down the house!
What a fun show! Were you there? Tell us what you think by using the Comments section below.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Nunsense, featuring Sally Sturthers
One thing is certain, Nunsense was the perfect show at the right moment. I mentioned the election before, and it's no coincidence that ticket sales for the show went through the roof beginning on Wednesday, November 5, when people stopped watching cable news and went out looking for something light and fun to celebrate THAT IT WAS ALL OVER.
I hope you all had fun!
Tell us what you thought by clicking the comment link below.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Paul Rodriguez
What did you think?
Monday, October 27, 2008
"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
Presented thanks to sponsorship from Tim and Vicki Tilton (who acknowledged their own family's affection for the story was a major reason for their sponsorship) and the Monroe Center, the show was preceded by an hour of free activities in the BCPA ballroom, including crafts and games provided by Big Brother & Big Sisters, and face painting by the Zoo Crew.
Los Lobos (with Backyard Tire Fire)
East L.A.'s hardest working band delighted a large, enthusiastic audience at the BCPA with some incredible rock 'n' roll this weekend. Warmed up by Bloomington's own Backyard Tire Fire, Los Lobos took the stage a little before 9:00 on Saturday night with a collection of old and new ... some of the most influential rock music of the past 30 years.
I had a good talk with Ian Moore at his October 16 BCPA Underground show about Los Lobos. He was excited the band would be here, as he was a big fan and had himself been taken under the wing of Cesar Rosas, Los Lobos' perpetually be-sunglassed frontman.
Ian's comments confirmed what we all assumed regarding the influence Los Lobos has had on the music industry. Known best by the American public for their cover of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," the group has produced over a dozen highly respected albums, all critical favorites for their wide range and musical risk-taking.
Anyway, it was a great concert, and a rocker unlike anything we've had so far.
What did you think? Want to see more performances like this at the BCPA? Tell us about your night.
America's Hits on Parade
Were you there? Tell us your thoughts by clicking the Comment link below.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Ian Moore
Moore and his band were great together. And he stayed after to give autographs, visit with everyone, and even pose for this picture with me.
Were you there? What did you think?
And keep your eyes open. The next show in the BCPA Underground series will be announced next month.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Mike Super
Mike Super definitely lived up to his name on Saturday night with a thrilling mix of magic and humor that left the audience spellbound.
His show was an amazing mix of the seemingly-simple sleight of hand, and the big, bold illusion. A newspaper was ripped into shreds, then reappeared whole in a blink. A folded-paper flower floated in mid air, between the hands of a young girl brought up from the audience. A car appeared out of nowhere. The headlines of the day's paper were predicted with 100% accuracy. And there was voodoo.
An amazing night of fun, we're hoping to bring him back in the future. It will be fun to have him sign our wall of fame again ...
Were you there? Would you like to see Mike Super again? Tell us if you thought he was "lavenous" by clicking the comment link below.
Sones de Mexico
Next up for them was a Thursday afternoon workshop for area educators, providing instruction in bilingual and dual language education, as well as using Mexican traditional music and dance as teaching tools.
On Friday, Sones began their day out in the community, performing two mini-performances of their “La Danza del Sol,” (“Dance of the Sun”) at Brigham and Sheridan elementary schools in Bloomington.
Then came their mainstage performance which highlighted this Grammy-nominated ensemble's tremendous range and virtuosity.
Thanks again to State Farm Bank for supporting these wonderful performers.
Were you there? Share your comments by clicking the link below.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Randy Newman
The audience who came were definitely the winners in a busy performance night in Bloomington/Normal.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
100 Years of Broadway
Thank you for providing Bloomington/Normal the opportunity to enjoy and witness talent of this caliber. I will be first in line, should you bring them back again next year.
Were you there? Tell us about your experience. Would you also like to see more shows like this return to the BCPA?
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Capitol Steps
BCPA Underground: Ruthie Foster
This was the first concert in this new series, which is being held in a club-style setting within the BCPA's 11,000 square foot ballroom. The goal being to present some of today's most buzzworthy musicians in space where you can sit back and relax with a drink, or get up and dance.
Tricia Stiller, who contributes concert reviews to the Pantagraph, summed the evening up best in this write up she has also submitted to the paper:
Last night the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts launched it's newest entertainment offering, BCPA Underground with a captivating performance by the 'phenomenal' Ruthie Foster. Guitar in hand, the tiny Foster took to the stage in the modestly transformed ballroom, accompanied by Samantha Banks, on drums, and Tonya Richardson on the 5 string bass.
Foster's guitar work was inspired, fingers flying across the fret board with an indescribable ease, which,when accompanied by her deeply soulful vocals, exuded great warmth - like an old friend.
Between numbers, a very personable Foster shared stories of her varied influences, and of her home life, and only once or twice asked guests to take her home with them - she had CD's for sale. Foster embodied what the BCPA Underground is all about. The casual ambiance, created with lighting and family-style seating, encouraged this experience be shared and enjoyed and remembered. The 150 lucky folks who attended last night have earned boasting rights at the water cooler today. Like any moment in history, we can all say ' hey...I was there, man!'
But it was Foster herself, quite coincidentally, who summed it all up with her second number of the evening, when she sang, 'I do believe my soul's found a happy home.'
Indeed, Foster was great! And I already talked to her tour manager about our interest in bringing her back in a couple of years. Everyone who was there would undoubtedly go again ... and bring a friend!
Were you there? Submit your comments below. We'd love to hear about your experience.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Craig Morgan
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Fab Four
"Mr. Gary Thompson called to let us know that he and his wife thoroughly enjoyed The Fab Four. He said it was the best show they had ever seen!! They are looking forward to future shows this season, but he has no idea how we can top that one!"
Bloomington resident and Cultural District volunteer Carol Baker also wrote: "What a fabulous time everyone had at the Fab Four!"
And did they ever! From Ed Sullivan's monologue to the first notes of "She Loves You"; From "Yesterday" to "Imagine," the Fab Four delivered a note-perfect Beatles' experience that had people standing in their seats, waving their hands over their heads, and jumping back in time to welcome in the British Invasion with the best band of all time.
The pre-show speaker, W. Michael Weiss, a professor of history at Illinois Wesleyan, put it best when he said the music of the Beatles knew no generational bounds. Kids today are as familiar with Beatles music as their parents (and now grandparents), in a way we had never seen in previous generations.
The audience comments I've heard since support the timelessness of this music. There was the Beatles fan who felt like they were transported back to their youth, to that moment when they first saw the band perform on Ed Sullivan. There were also the Gen X'ers and Millennials in the audience who enjoyed the show as an opportunity to experience a live performance of this music as the Beatles would have performed it.
Indeed, everyone seemed to have a great time. Were you there? What did you think? Would you like to see the Fab Four back at the BCPA in seasons to come? Email me at jaalberts@artsblooming.org and I'll post your comments here.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Missoula Children's Theatre
Do you have any memories and photos of the show? Please send them to me and I'll post them here.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Show by Show: Footloose
"Footloose" means something ... well ... to just about everyone. Debuting in 1984, this classic tale of teen rebellion is accented by memorable dance sequences, surprisingly realistic performances, and some of the most memorable songs of the mid-'80s.
Not to mention Kevin Bacon.
The movie tells the story of Ren, a big-city kid from Chicago who moves with his mom to a small Midwestern town where rock music and dancing are, believe it or not, illegal. Fortunately for Ren, there is one small pleasure: Ariel, a lovely blonde who is herself rebelling against a jealous boyfriend and father, himself the small-town minister responsible for keeping the town dance-free.
A character with a great spine, excellent taste in '80s rock, and infectious charisma, (spoiler alert) Ren rebels, falls in love, has a few fights, offers some strong sentiments about the power of dance, and before you know it has led a teen rebellion and everyone is cutting a rug.
It's great fun!
"Footloose" was an exciting show to add to our 2008-09 season. First hitting our radar last fall, we put the show on an audience survey and received a huge, favorable response. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that a show that has been a part of our cultural mindset for almost a quarter century would have broad appeal.
More importantly, though, Footloose speaks to everyone who has had to defend the culture and cultural choices of their generation to their elders ... something that has been going on so long that it's hard to imagine the argument "Dad, Aeschelus is so last year. Kids today love melodrama. It's all about Euripedes. Get with it!" didn't happen at least once.
"Footloose" the musical debuted on Broadway in 1998, was nominated for several Tony Awards, and played for audiences drawn in by its enthusiastic music and cast. It premiered in London's West End in 2006, where it continues in an open-ended run. Featuring many of the original movie songs, the show is an exciting blast from the past, a fun way to enjoy a movie that has touched several generations.
"Footloose" comes to the BCPA on Sunday, April 19 at 3 pm
- The show's running time is approximately two hours and 20 minutes, with one intermission.
- It's a story about teens, religion, music, and relationships. Probably best suited for someone who's 10, 11 or older.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Show by Show: "Nunsense"
Anyway, I'm bringing up Dody because she was also a mainstay in the musical "Nunsense." She played Mother Superior Mary Regina in the show, as well as in many of its spinoffs numerous times at the end of her career. In fact, she was in that role when the "Nunsense" tour came to my college in the late '80s.
Dody was spellbinding on stage and I can only hope that somewhere a group of nuns is celebrating her life and mourning her passing by staging their very own variety show.
It would be perfect!
For those of you who don't know "Nunsense," here's a quick summary of the plot:
The musical features five of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken, a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony. Bad times have hit the convent. We learn that 52 of their nuns have just died, victims of a food poisoning incident -- tainted vichyssoise prepared by convent cook Sister Julia, Child of God.
With many burials to pay for, the Mother Superior, inspired by a vision, starts a greeting card company to raise funds. The greeting cards are an enormous success but, thinking there is plenty of money, the Reverend Mother buys a VCR (In the original script it is a VCR, but as VCR's have now mostly gone the way of the dodo, the splurge purchase is now usually an entertainment center) for the convent, leaving the sisters strapped for cash once again with four burials left undone.
The deceased nuns now in the deep freeze, they decide to stage a variety show to raise the necessary funds. The five nuns participating in the project are Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer who can't resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world's first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.
What follows is a laugh-a-minute performance filled with dance routines, unforgettable songs, and an audience quiz.
The November 7 performance of "Nunsense" at the BCPA is part of the show's 25th anniversary tour featuring Sally Struthers as the Mother Superior. Still best-known for her role as Gloria Stivic (nee Bunker) on the classic television sitcom "All in the Family," Struthers is a thrilling stage actress. I've seen her twice, starring as Ms. Lynch in a tour of "Grease" and playing Ms. Hannigan in the 20th anniversary tour of "Annie." People who know her from TV undoubtedly recognize she's a legend, but her talents really shine when she's live on stage.
One final fun story to tell about Nunsense. Sponsoring the BCPA performance is local couple Irv and Jobie Tick, who themselves have a long connection with "Nunsense." Twenty-five years ago, Irv and Jobie were among the original financiers of the musical, an opportunity Jobie still describes as "once in a lifetime." It's an investment that has reaped benefits for them for a quarter century, not just financially, but in the continued success of a show Jobie says they still find so charming.
Nunsense comes to the BCPA on Friday November 7
- The show's running time is approximately two hours, with one intermission.
- It's a show about nuns, so the humor is clean, but probably best enjoyed by someone who's 12 or older.
Have you seen "Nunsense?" Looking forward to seing it for the first time with us? Contribute your story to the blog by writing me at jaalberts@cityblm.org.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Show by Show: Red Riding Hood
It's a procedure the cast/crew of the MCT know well. The MCT is the nation's largest touring children’s theatre. The tour team arrives in town with a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up, everything it takes to put on a play... except the cast. Participants spend the week rehearsing an original adaptation of a classic children's story, which they then perform for the public. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through the participation in this unique, educational project.
See for yourself. "Red Riding Hood" takes the stage on August 8.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION INFORMATION
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Show by Show: Rockapella
I first saw Rockapella in 1990 on "Spike & Co. Do It A Cappella," a Spike Lee-produced television special that highlighted many of the top a cappella groups of the era. Admittedly, I'd tuned in to see groups I knew, including Take 6 and Ladysmith Black Mambazo ... but it was the show's first performer, Rockapella, who earned my lasting devotion.
(You can skip ahead to approx. 2:30 in this clip to see their show-opening performance.)
Almost 20 years later and still awesome!
Rockapella was founded in 1987 by four Brown University alumni, Elliott Kerman, David Stix, Sean Altman, and Steve Keyes, who had all sung together in one of Brown's numerous a cappella groups and reunited for street corner gigs in New York after graduation. Altman, Kerman, and Keyes appear in the video above along with bass Barry Carl, who joined the group in 1989. Another early, and important, change in the group's lineup was the addition of high tenor Scott Leonard, who replaced Keyes in 1991 and is now the group's primary arranger.
Rockapella expanded their audience as the "house band" on the popular PBS children's game show "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" from 1991-1996. Singing the show's well-known theme song and providing interlude music between segments, the group became easily identifiable to a large audience -- including, I can imagine, more adults than just me who watched the show regularly to hear them sing (with the side benefit of being able to point at Burkina Faso on a map).
No doubt a sign of the times, many of Rockapella's fans were drawn to "Carmen Sandiego" because at that time it was largely impossible to hear Rockapella anywhere else. The group had signed a recording contract with a Japanese record label and, prior to the days of iTunes and easy Web access, their CDs were either not available, or only available with a cost over $35 per unit (remember, we're talking early '90s here) through specialty retailers.
In 1995, the group had their first American release, "Primer." Released on an independent label, the disc featured Altman, Leonard, Kerman, and Carl, and introduced fans to vocal percussionist Jeff Thatcher (who's amazing, as you'll see on a video of him performing solo here) singing a wide variety of the group's previously unreleased songs.
Ironically, this disc is no longer in print and used copies are available beginning at $97 on Amazon.
(Editor's note: I'm rich!)
"Primer" was followed in 1997 by "Lucky Seven," Altman's last recording with the group. He was replaced by Kevin Wright, a former Broadway actor whose easy charm was a hit with audiences, despite turning the rest of the group into caffeine addicts:
As more American releases began to follow ("2" and "Christmas" in 2000, "In Concert" in 2001, and "Smilin'" in 2002, "Comfort and Joy" in 2002, and "Live in Japan," in 2004) Rockapella began to tour more. What had been their schedule of performing live every couple of weeks became a routine of performing over 40 dates per year).
The last time I saw them was at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival in 2002. At that concert, Barry Carl announced his retirement and the audience got what was perhaps a first look at replacement bass George Baldi. To me, Barry Carl's deep, deep voice was in theory one of the most un-replaceable elements of the combo. But George is amazing. A one-time member of the group that would become Boyz to Men, he has a stunning lower range, as you can see in this video from one of their Christmas concerts:
The last original member of the group, Elliott Kerman, has also recently left the group, replaced by John K Brown, whose distinctive vocal range other members acknowledge has changed their approach to a number of their songs.
I can't wait to hear them!
A couple of show notes:
A Rockapella Holiday comes to the BCPA on Saturday, December 20.
This is an all-ages show. Patrons young and old will be knocked out at how good these guys sound. They're terrific entertainers and their arrangements of Christmas songs are unforgettable.
One last video before I finish. This is the promotional video they sent us: Nine minutes, but a great look at everything they do.
My favorite part is the combined performance with the Boston Pops.
Wow! Just Wow!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Show by Show: The Capitol Steps
It has to be an exciting day for the Capitol Steps' creative team to finally be able to focus on the songs they'll use to lampoon the 2008 general election. They've already created numbers for each candidate in the 2008 primaries (which you can hear here), but you can imagine the general election season offers a distinctive opportunity.
Where will they begin?
Sure, Larry Craig is always funny, but there are many other possibilities still waiting to unfold. Who knows what Hillary's role will be come November? If she's added as a running mate, we might still hear an update of "Ebony and Ivory." The promise to be appointed as a supreme court justice? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a rewrite of "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress."
Whatever happens, the BCPA audience is going to leave their September 27 performance in a great mood. This troupe of former congressional staffers have perfected political humor, allowing us to laugh at our public servants, both Democrats and Republicans, in a way that has made our democracy more fun for almost 30 years.
The Steps performed at the BCPA in our inaugural 2006-07 season and hold the distinction of being the show we've had booked the longest for this current season. Immediately after their 2006 performance the decision was made: We want you back just in time for the 2008 election.
Check them out. There's a terrific (-ly silly) write up about them on their Wikipedia page that talks about all of their various songs and members. But the best way to experience The Capitol Steps is to see them live. The Capitol Steps come to the BCPA on September 27. And remember to get your tickets early. Their show is one of the top sellers for the season and good seats won't last.
Like voting in the election, it's something you don't want to miss.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Show by Show: the subdudes
- Drummer Steve Amedee does not use a standard drum kit. He instead creates the band's signature percussion sound by holding a tambourine on one leg and hitting it with a drum stick. It's surprisingly cool and effective.
- The subdudes offer their fans an excellent look at their history and a host of rare tracks of the band and its principal members performing solo or with other groups, on the subdudes podcast, accessible through their Website at http://www.subdudes.com/podcast.php, and also on iTunes. I subscribe and it's like getting a personal mini-concert on my iPod monthly. Definitely check it out.
- "Live at Last" (1997). The subdudes are a band best heard live and this gives a great feel for their music and their talent.
- "Annunciation" (1994). With great songs including "Angel to Be," "Poverty," and the ultimate "front porch" track "Sugar Pie," this is in my mind the band's best studio disc.
- "the subdudes" (1989). Their debut CD features the studio version of "Light in Your Eyes," a fan (and my personal) favorite.
- The band's three most recent studio releases "Miracle Mule" (2004), "Behind the Levee" (2006) and "Street Symphony" (2007). As a fan it is so thrilling to hear this group record together again and their new music proves the band's timelessness with their cool harmonies on songs like "Brightest Star" and pulsating rhythms on tracks like "Papa Dukie and the Mud People."
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Show by Show: "Movin' Out"
As it's our top selling show in advance ticket sales, I thought it would be good to start with the Billy Joel, Twyla Tharp dance/musical Movin' Out.
It's safe to say interest in this show is well-founded. Movin' Out opened on Broadway in 2002 and played just over 1300 critically acclaimed performances. The production won two Tonys: Best Choreography for Twyla Tharp and Best Orchestrations for Billy Joel and Stuart Malina.
The show then went on to have a successful US National Tour, which is how I first saw it in 2004.
Movin' Out tells the story of a group of friends growing up in Long Island in the 1960s. Through Tharp's choreography and a selection of Billy Joel hits sung by a band suspended on platforms above the dance floor we get to know Brenda and Eddie ("Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"), James ("James"), Judy ("Why Judy Why"), and Tony (Anthony in "Movin' Out") as they fall in and out of love, deal with the Vietnam War, alcohol and life's other temptations, then stumble into adulthood.
The choreography and dancing are incredible, as are the Billy Joel songs. The songs span Joel's career, from "Cold Spring Harbor" (1971) to "River of Dreams" (1993). "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," "We Didn't Start the Fire," "Captain Jack" -- they're all here. As is, for me, the most surprisingly beautiful song inclusion in the show, "Summer, Highland Falls" (see video of Billy singing it below), a lesser known song from his album "Turnstiles" (1976).
Movin' Out comes to the BCPA on Saturday, December 6.
- Running time: One hour and 45 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission.
- The show does contain some strong images of war, addiction, and other adult topics, but should be appropriate for any child you would feel comfortable letting watch a prime time television drama.
Have you seen Movin' Out? Looking forward to seing it for the first time with us? Still need to buy tickets? Contribute your story to the blog by writing me at jaalberts@cityblm.org.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Some building specs ...
Highlights include:
STAGE from floor to stage lip 3-4 Feet
Proscenium width 46” – 0”
Proscenium height 26’ – 3”
Last row in house (balcony) to DS lip of stage 73’ – 0”
Main Floor
Row AAA to stage 2 feet
Aisle seats in Row BBB to stage 2 feet
Center of Row BBB to stage 4.5 feet
Aisle seats in CCC to stage 4.5 feet
Center of Row CCC 8 feet
Row A to stage 12–13 feet
Distance between back of seat
seatback in the following row 3 feet
Balcony
The first row of the balcony overhangs row H on the main floor.
Front railing of the balcony is 2.5’ high
Patrons enter the lower balcony at Row DD
There are two steps up from hallway to the lower balcony doorway
From there, there are six steps down to Row AA and 16 steps up to Row MM
There are over 20 from Level 3 to upper balcony
Ballroom
Height of ballroom ceiling 14’
Monday, May 19, 2008
Season Ends with Arlo Guthrie ... Another is set to begin
My wife and I have been to shows on Broadway, in Chicago and London, and many local venues. Shows of all kinds and variety. The Arlo Guthrie concert was one of the most enjoyable nights we have spent in a theatre. Thanks so much for bringing these types of shows to a venue where the audience and artist can feel connected and is right here at home. We have tickets for two shows next season and maybe more. The Bloomington Center of the Performing Arts has added so much to the quality of life here in Central Illinois. It makes special nights like the Arlo Guthrie concert possible.
--Gary Schwartz
The show was a great way to end the 2007-08 season. Classic songs, great humor, a night people won't forget anytime soon.
Were you there? Write me (jaalberts@cityblm) with your experiences at the Arlo Guthrie concert and I'll post your review in the Blog.
And now with just 110 days to go until the Fab Four open the season, we're already looking ahead to 2008-2009. Advance season ticket sales are incredibly strong with dollar figures for the end of May this year already ahead of our dollar totals for the end of July last summer. That said, if there are shows you want to see, get your seats early before the good ones are all gone.
As always, you can order them at http://www.artsblooming.org/
While you're at it, let us know what shows you're looking forward to most. My picks are posted here. You can tell me more about what has you excited by sending an email to jaalberts@cityblm.org.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Seussical
It was the biggest crowd yet at a BCPA Family Series event. Almost 900 people experienced 80 minutes of absolute charm. Simple staging, energetic performances, and music that I still find myself humming when I wake up in the morning.
Truthfully, I've been a fan of Seussical for years. And I've been a fan of its creators even longer. Ahrens and Flaherty's equally charming Once on This Island was a breakthrough hit in 1990. The versatile composer and lyricist then delivered two more equally interesting, and diverse tuners -- My Favorite Year (1993), Ragtime (1998) -- before penning Seussical in 2000.
Seussical won fans over quickly in previews, but received lukewarm reviews on Broadway. The songwriting team attributed the failure to the weightiness of the Broadway production. It was an economical production when it was seen in preview, with minimal staging and props -- a show that let the imagination fill in all the details. But it received the full treatment on Broadway, with big sets, big stars (Rosie O'Donnell and Cathy Rigby both had turns as the Cat in the Hat), and a big budget that led to the show closing after just 198 performances.
When Theatreworks took on the show, they brought the production back to the basics. They minimized the cast, made minor deletions to the storyline, cutting a drumbeats-of-war subplot taken from Seuss' "The Butter Battle Book," and made the costumes, sets, and props basic, so that the audience took its cue from the opening song "Oh, The Thinks You Can Think."
That said, the production was still the largest Theatreworks had ever mounted.
Critics nationwide have paid attention to the success of this version of the show. Composer Stephen Flaherty likewise called the show "One of the most fun-filled productions of Seussical I've ever seen."
It certainly lived up to my expectations. And everyone I talked to after the show, from seniors to my three-year-old son, were all given chills by the great storytelling and the memorable songs.
I'm sure I'll be humming them again tomorrow morning when I wake up. You too? Let us know what you think by sending me an email at jaalberts@artsblooming.org, and I'll post your comments.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
THE 2008-2009 SEASON
What a cool year of shows we have in store! Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 24 at 10 am, both Online and at the Box Office. Season brochures will follow.
So here's the season:
BLOOMINGTON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2008-2009 SEASON
8/8/2008 Missoula Children’s Theatre, “Red Riding Hood”
9/6/2008 The Fab Four
9/13/2008 Craig Morgan
9/27/2008 Capitol Steps
9/28/2008 “James and the Giant Peach”
10/3/2008 “100 Years of Broadway”
10/10/2008 Sones de México
10/11/2008 Mike Super
10/24/2008 Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Pied Pipers
10/25/2008 Los Lobos
10/26/2008 “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”
11/1/2008 Paul Rodriguez
11/7/2008 “Nunsense” (with Sally Struthers)
11/22/2008 Björn Again
12/6/2008 “Movin’ Out”
12/12/2008 “Franklin’s Family Christmas”
12/13/2008 Cherish the Ladies, “A Celtic Christmas”
12/20/2008 “A Rockapella Holiday”
1/17/2009 the subdudes
1/30/2009 Ailey II
2/7/2009 “Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party”
2/21/2009 Preservation Hall Jazz Band
2/27/2009 African Children’s Choir, “Journey of Hope”
3/7/2009 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/12/2009 The Second City
3/20/2009 The Lettermen
3/27/2009 Carolina Chocolate Drops
4/16/2009 The Manhattan Transfer
4/19/2009 “Footloose”
5/2/2009 “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show”
5/3/2009 “Pinkalicious: The Musical”
Mike Super: Did you see him on NBC's "Phenomenon" last year? Mike Super is arguably the best magician performing. He has a terrific stage manner. Cool, confident, and funny. Like watching Seinfeld, but with things disappearing. Bring the kids. Delight a date. It's a show you'll be talking about for weeks!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ragamala
It was lovely to visit with the artists afterward and hear more about their wide variety of projects and collaborations. It would be wonderful to see them perform with live musicians -- hopefully one day with Zap Mama (I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you) -- and see their upcoming collaboration with a painter who creates a work on stage during their performance.
Were you there? What did you think about Ragamala? Email me at jaalberts@cityblm.org and I'll post your comments.
Patron comments:
I LOVED the Ragamala dance program, both parts of it, traditional and modern. Awesome, moving, and breathtakingly beautiful.
I wish the auditorium had been filled.Please bring many more ethnic dance and music programs to BCPA. They will have to be mighty fine to give as good a performance as Ragamala!
--Carolyn Treadway