At the end of “Fast 5,” the characters had pulled off the heist of a lifetime in Rio, each of them driving off into the sunset with ten million dollars. Now, things are personal, as Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), the FBI agent formerly on their trail, needs their help to take down an international thief whose accomplice is none other than Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), the former flame of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). She supposedly died in the fourth film, “Fast & Furious,” but much like soap operas, death can’t stop a character from living. In exchange for full pardons, Dom, Brian (Paul Walker) and the rest of the crew from the other “Fast” films convene in London to take down this criminal mastermind, played by Luke Evans.

After some hiccups along the way, the “Fast” franchise has molded itself into a finely tuned machine, focusing on what the audiences want most: vehicular warfare. “Fast 5″ worked so well because the formula was tweaked into a heist film, making it a fun, low rent version of “Ocean’s Eleven” with cars. “Furious 6″ returns to the kind of film the others were, capping off a sort of trilogy that began with “Fast 4.” Making things business as usual leaves the story somewhat lacking, with scenes that tread water, especially at the beginning. To compensate, “Furious 6″ features some of the biggest action to date in the series, with cars designed to make other cars fly through the air, people jumping across bridges from car to car and, not to be outdone, also from a moving cargo jet to a moving car. The whole thing is just a little too over the top, especially for a purist like me who longs for the non-CGI car chases of old featured in “The French Connection” and “The Road Warrior.” Few things are as viscerally exciting as a car chase, with one wrong turn resulting in chaos, but something about CGI car chases kill that sense of danger.

The huge action setpieces are entertaining, but the “Fast” series has veered directly into cartoon land. Everyone is more super human than human, especially Hobbs, who can throw people his own size up into the ceiling like they were stuffed dolls. Even funnier, Hobbs and Dom seem to be competing in a man-off in the scenes they share, with Johnson holding his arms out like they’re so big he can’t keep them by his side. That’s on top of the oil that makes his muscles nice and shiny. Dom, despite being a millionaire now, still traipses around in wife beaters, presumably so he can also show off his massive arms and teach Johnson that he isn’t the only one in the movie who knows how to lift a weight or two.

All of the over-the-top shenanigans aside, “Furious 6″ is a fun summer blockbuster, featuring everything one could hope for in not only an action movie, but a “Fast” movie. Sure, it doesn’t compare to some of the better entries in the series, but the film is miles better than the worst movies in the series, like “Tokyo Drift.” Even better is the post-credits sequence, which makes the promise of “Fast 7″ more exciting than anything in “Furious 6.”

Jonathan Fitts

Burning Coal Theatre Company is proud to announce that Jonathan Fitts, a recent graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, will conduct its 2013 Summer Theatre Conservatory for Teens in July.  Jonathan will then take over as Director of Education at Burning Coal Theatre Company.

For further information about STC 2013, or about Burning Coal Theatre, please visit us at www.burningcoal.org or call us at 919.834.4001.  STC 2013 runs July 8 – 26, Mondays through Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm, with performances of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale at 7:30 pm on Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27th.  Admission is $395 and applications can be found at http://burningcoal.org/stc/.

Jonathan Fitts is a New York City based playwright, director, composer, and dramaturg. Over the past several years, Jon’s plays have been performed across the east coast from Florida to Massachusetts. Jon was recently the recipient of the Kennedy Center’s David L. Shelton Award in playwriting for his play THE PURSUIT OF MR.ROCKEFELLER, recently produced in Boone, NC and Daytona Beach, FL. It recently received a reading in New York City at Davenport Theatrical Studios. Last year, his play RED BUG, produced at Old Dominion University in fall of 2011, was a regional nominee for the Kennedy Center’s national short play award. This year, his one-act play WHITE OR THE MUSKOX PLAY won the Kennedy Center’s John Cauble Outstanding Short Play Award and was a finalist for the O’Neill National Playwright’s Conference. It will be published in the Applause Books anthology, “The Best American Short Plays 2011-2012,” this August. His play LOBOTOMOBILE was a finalist for the 2013 terraNOVA Groundbreakers Playwrights Group and was recently workshopped at The Public Theater through New York University. He was recently commissioned to develop an immersive experience based on Akutagawa’s, “Hell Screen.”

Other produced works include syzygy in erebus, a summoning (Experiment America/Huntington Rep./A.R.T.), the musical WHITECHAPEL (Campbell University, NCTC), IN TIME (Know Theatre), THE LAST DRINK OF QUINCY WRIGHT (SETC, ACTF), PLAYGROUND (Burning Coal Theatre Company Second Stage), THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAYS AND BICYCLES (The Distillery Collective), workshops of WHITE OR THE MUSKOX PLAY and BELVEDERE OR THE BREASTS OF MICKEY CLARKE (both at Cape Cod Theatre Project), and staged readings of OUTRUNNING BULLETS (Burning Coal Theatre Company), HIBAKUSHA (KCACTF Region 1) and GAS (Appalachian State University).

Jon also composed music for the American premiere of David Edgar’s THE SHAPE OF THE TABLE, the world premiere of E. Bert Wallace’s QUEM QUERITIS, and a regionally acclaimed production of Gao Xingjian’s THE OTHER SHORE. He also co-composed the music for Burning Coal Theatre Company’s adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s JUDE THE OBSCURE, PARTS 1 & 2.

Jon is a company member with Burning Coal Theatre Company and is also an alumnus of the Kennedy Center’s Playwriting Intensive, working with such artists as Paula Vogel, Marsha Norman, David Ives, Kristoffer Diaz, and Jocelyn Clarke. He was the inaugural Kennedy Center Fellow with Cape Cod Theatre Project. Jon is an MFA Candidate in Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and is the recipient of a departmental fellowship.

Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh will present “I Do! I Do!” on May 29-June 2 and June 5-9 in the Sara Lynn and K.D. Kennedy, Jr. Theater in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh

NOTE: This is Triangle Review’s Master Theater Calendar for shows announced for the entire month of May. If your productions are not listed in this calendar, please e-mail the SHOW TITLE(S), DATE(S), LOCATION(S), and PRESENTER’S NAME to RobertM748@aol.com, and be sure to e-mail all your news releases and publicity PHOTOS to that address. (Our “snail mail” address is Triangle Theater Review, 1828 Honeysuckle Road #13, Raleigh, NC 27609-6220.)

June 1: “Beanie & the Bamboozling Book Machine” (Holly Springs Stars Youth Theater at the Holly Springs Cultural Center).

June 1: “Cinderella or the Story of Bigfoot” (Stars Homeschool Group at the Stars Theater and Art Center in Fuquay-Varina).

June 1: “The Comedy of Errors” (Bare Theatre in Raleigh Little Theatre‘s Louise “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre).

June 1: “Ron & Rhonda … Totally Rad!” starring Annie Zipper and Jeffrey Moore (Wholesome Twins in association with Common Ground Theatre).

June 1-2: “Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music” (PNC Arena).

June 1-2, 7-8: “Welcome to Mitford” (Neuse Little Theatre in “The Hut” in Smithfield).

June 1-2, 5, 8-9, 12, 14: “Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will” (University Theatre at N.C. State’s TheatreFest 2013 in the Titmus Theatre in Frank Thompson Hall).

June 1-2, 5-9: “I Do! I Do!” (Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh in the Kennedy Theater).

June 2: “Triangle Rising Star Awards” (Durham Performing Arts Center, Theatre In The Park, PlayMakers Repertory Company, and ABC11-WTVD at DPAC).

June 4: “One Night Stands!” starring Kevin Bozeman and Mike Brown (The Comedy Zone at the Temple Theatre).

June 4, 18: “The Little Red Hen” (Carolina Puppet Theatre at the Holly Springs Cultural Center).

June 5: “New Orleans Jazz Gathering,” starring Ramon Kenan as Louis Armstrong in story, trumpet and song (fundraiser for Growing Together Preschool) (Christ Church in Raleigh).

June 5: “The Standup Comedy of Kevin James” (Durham Performing Arts Center).

June 5: Tracy Morgan (The Carolina Theatre).

June 6-7, 9, 13, 15-16, 19, 22-23: “Murder at the Howard Johnson’s” (University Theatre at N.C. State’s TheatreFest 2013 in the Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre in Frank Thompson Hall).

June 6-8: Josh Blue (Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh).

June 7-8: “Beanie & the Bamboozling Book Machine” (Stars Youth Theater at Stars Theater and Arts Center in Fuquay-Varina).

June 7-9, 13-16, 20-23: “Once on This Island” (Raleigh Little Theatre in its Cantey V. Sutton Theatre).

June 8: “Improv Bender: Colour by Numbers” (Love Assassins at Common Ground Theatre).

June 8: “Once Upon a Dance” (Stage Door Raleigh in A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater).

June 14: “Comically Challenged,” starring Dan Sipp, Jeffery Moore, Steven Warnock, Emily Sharples, Jon Kuczynski, Joe Mancini, and Rus Hames (Russ Hames at Common Ground Theatre).

June 14-16, 20-23, 26-30: “Fuddy Meers” (Theatre In The Park).

June 14: “The Rascals: Once Upon a Dream” (Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Regency Park in Cary).

June 14-16, 21-23, 27-30: “Ragtime” (The Justice Theater Project in Clare Hall at the Catholic Community of Saint Francis of Assisi in Raleigh).

June 15: Carolina Puppet Theatre, starring Carolyn Johnson as Ms. Poly and Helen Dawkins as Ms. Ester (Stars Theater and Arts Center in Fuquay-Varina).

June 15: “Broadway: 18th Annual Recital” (Cary Dance Productions at The Carolina Theatre).

June 19-23, 26-30: “God of Carnage” (Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh in the Kennedy Theater).

June 20-21, 23, 26-30: Agatha Christie’s “Black Coffee” (University Theatre at N.C. State’s TheatreFest 2013 in the Titmus Theatre in Frank Thompson Hall).

June 22: “Broadway Blockbusters” (North Carolina Symphony at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Regency Park in Cary).

June 22-23: “Mama Juggs: The Breast Health Show,” starring Anita Woodley (fundraiser for Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center) (Princess Dragon Productions at Health Touch NC in Durham).

June 23: “Annual Membership Season Sneak Peek” (The Justice Theater Project in Clare Hall at the Catholic Community of Saint Francis of Assisi in Raleigh).

June 28-29: “Debris,” starring Katja Hill with special guest Lormarev Jones (Katja Hill at Common Ground Theatre).

June 28-29: Paul Reiser (Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh).

June 28-30; July 26-28: “Ella!” (Temple Theatre Summer Youth Conservatory).

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Robert W. McDowell is editor and publisher of Triangle Review, a FREE weekly e-mail arts newsletter. This calendar is reprinted with permission from Triangle Review.

If YOUR productions are not listed, please e-mail the SHOW TITLES, DATES, LOCATIONS, and PRESENTER’S NAME to RobertM748@yahoo.com, and be sure to e-mail all your news releases and publicity PHOTOS to that address. (Our “snail mail” address is Triangle Review, 1828 Honeysuckle Road #13, Raleigh, NC 27609-6220.)

To start your FREE subscription to Triangle Review, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE TR in the Subject: line.

To read all of Robert W. McDowell’s Triangle Review previews and reviews online at Triangle Arts & Entertainment, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/author/robert-w-mcdowell/.

Come Out and Join us for the Most Fun You’ll Have This Summer! 60 Beers, 40 Bourbons & Lots of BBQ!

Last year’s show was a SELL-OUT and this year is sure to repeat.  Enjoy a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE  sampling of beer and bourbon.  Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry and you can also enjoy seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music.www.beerandbourbon.com

What You Can Expect:

• Souvenir Glass For Tastings
• Unlimited Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to table and tent to tent. There  are 40 Bourbons and 60 Beers on Tap. Enjoy, but please drink responsibly.
• BBQ Galore! Enjoy the great barbeque selection – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and any fixin’ you could imagine.  We’ll keep the portions heavy and the prices low.
• Enjoy Seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters From the Deep South
• Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music and great Bluegrass on The Main Stage
• Enjoy the Great Contests on the Main Stage
• Browse Cool Exhibits of Brewerania, Hot sauces, bbq accessories, and even a cigar tent for all guests.

Friday Night Pig Pickin’ – August 2nd/6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday VIP Session – August 3rd/noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday Regular Session – August 3rd/2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT VIP ADMISSION:
$55 ADVANCE, $65 ON-SITE/DAY OF EVENT
VALID FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY – 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.–In addition to the all of the features above, the Friday Night VIP Session offers an exclusive tasting experience. Each guest will enjoy a BARBECUE DINNER with Pulled Pork and all the fixins, ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE BOURBON AND BEER. Other fun things will be available like: taking the BBQ Sauce Challenge, The Rare Bourbon Tasting Table and other surprises.  There will be four different Pitmasters on-site to show off all their latest tricks and let you taste the BEST. No DD Tickets available for this session

SATURDAY VIP ADMISSION:
$45 ADVANCE ONLY
Valid Saturday from noon – 6 p.m.–Includes admission into the event, a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited beer and bourbon sampling, TWO EXTRA hours of tastes, and all live entertainment.

BBQ will be available at affordable prices.

SATURDAY REGULAR ADMISSION:
$35 ADVANCE / $45 ON-SITE
THIS SOLD OUT LAST YEAR
Valid Saturday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.–Enjoy a fun day of Beer, Bourbon and BBQ. Your admission includes over 40 bourbons and 60 beers for your tasting pleasure. The Tasting Theater and Main Stage offer great entertainment.
Go Hog Wild!

DESIGNATED DRIVER TICKET
$25 ADVANCE & ON-SITE
Valid during any Saturday session.–$25 in advance & on-site valid for any Saturday session and includes admission into the event only.

KIDS 12 & UNDER ARE FREE
This event is not designed for children.  They are welcome but you will find very little of interest to them.

Tickets on Sale Friday, May 24th at noon

Tickets can be purchased at Booth Amphitheatre (Tuesday- Friday, Noon – 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or through etix.com. By phone call (800) 514-3849
Etix hours: Monday-Friday/ 9 a.m.-8 p.m. EST
Saturday/10 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST & Sunday/12 p.m. – 8 p.m. EST

We had an awesome time at this year’s Artsplosure!

While we certainly enjoyed the amazing arts and crafts from local artists, the delicious food, and the live music, our favorite part was meeting our readers.

Thanks to everyone who goofed off with us and posed for a picture at our photo booth. We hope you’ll enjoy putting yourself on the cover of Triangle Arts & Entertainment. We believe that all of our readers are stars, and what better way to proclaim your star status than by modeling on our cover? See you soon!

Instructions:

1. Find your picture below and click on it to open to a new page.
2. Click on the picture in the new page to see the full size image.
3. Right-click to download your picture and save.

Click this link to have prints made at your nearest Office Depot.

You can also picture yourself on the cover of Triangle Arts and Entertainment magazine by uploading your photo at TriangleAandE.com

On June 8th, The ArtsCenter is excited to present internationally-acclaimed Italian guitarist Beppe Gambetta in its Earl and Rhoda Wynn Theater. Tickets are $14 in advance, $10 for ArtsCenter Friends, and $18 the day of the show and can be purchased online at www.ArtsCenterLive.org, over the phone at (919) 929-2787, or in-person at our Box Office at 300-G East Main St. Carrboro, NC.

“Beppe Gambetta has been one of the world’s foremost acoustic guitarists for three decades. Wherever six string acoustic guitar players gather, the name of this Italian master is mentioned with the greatest respect. Also a world class chef, Beppe’s exquisite playing blends the very best of Appalachian soul and Mediterranean sunniness. To witness Beppe play the guitar is to take an aural journey around the world.” notes Art Menius, Executive Director of The ArtsCenter.

From his unique background as an Italian musician in love with both American roots music as well as the music of his native country, Beppe has travelled the world and even crossed the “Iron Curtain” to dazzle and charm music enthusiasts everywhere. After eleven CDs, DVDs, teaching books and collaborations with many other top-flight musicians, Gambetta is increasingly known as one of the true live master innovators of the acoustic guitar. While Beppe still lives in his native Genova, he travels to North America at least three times each year. His reputation in the U.S. and Canada is reinforced by his participation in prestigious festivals like the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Merlefest in North Carolina, the Four Corners Festival in Colorado and Canadian Folk Festivals in Winnipeg and Edmonton, as well as events like the radio shows “All Things Considered” and “E-Town”

Beppe is releasing his newest album this summer titled American Album.

“If this American Album is your introduction to Beppe Gambetta, you’re about to learn why musicians around the world count him among today’s absolute best acoustic guitarists. One ingredient is technical skill and virtuosity. Like only a few of the other great players, Beppe’s guitar is often recognizable whether the tune is unbelievably fast or hauntingly slow. Another is his deep feeling and respect for the traditions of folk music – not just the tunes and songs themselves, but also the lives of the people who made them and the role of music in fostering and shaping cross-cultural communication and community.

“But amazing technique and a rich understanding of the past would not have been sufficient to elevate Beppe to the top tier of world musicians. What he also brings is something magical and harder to describe. It is a unique vision and fearless creativity through which he explores and evolves new layers of musical territory and technique without ever losing a firm footing in his roots. ” – John Weingart, host for more than 33 1/3 years of Music You Can’t Hear On The Radio on WPRB-FM and WPRB.COM in Princeton, New Jersey.

The ArtsCenter is a non-profit teaching and presenting organization founded in 1974. The largest employer of artists in Orange County, NC, it serves more than 80,000 people annually, through classes, studios, concerts, theatre, spoken word, gallery displays, more than 80 school shows, and more. The ArtsCenter exerts a local economic impact exceeding $3,200,000 which generates the equivalent of 103 full time jobs and $301,000 in state and local tax revenue.

The North Carolina Symphony will present music from one of classical music’s greats, combined with the songs of one of rock’s most enduring bands as it presents the special concert “Symphonic Mashup: The Music of Radiohead Meets Brahms.” The performance will take place Wednesday, June 5, at 8 p.m., in Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh, and intertwines Brahms’ First Symphony (1882) with music from Radiohead’s landmark 1997 album “OK Computer.”

The performance is free and open to the public. A discussion with the creative artists will follow. Space is limited and based on availability. To reserve seats, contact the PlayMakers box office at (919) 962-7529.

Now in its earliest stages, the piece will be a year-long exploration of the difference between drive and discipline. Each member of the five-member ensemble will commit to a year of learning a new skill or task — banjo, writing a novel, electric guitar — and to spending the year learning Mandarin as a group.

While in residence at PlayMakers from May 24-30, they will begin their studies, as well as meet with UNC faculty to learn about cognitive therapy, early childhood education and contemporary American politics.

The TEAM is a young, innovative theater company comprised of a core group of New York University alumni plus associated artists dedicated to dissecting and celebrating the experience of living in America today. Their performances have been described as “at times a rock concert, at times a sporting event” and “Gertrude Stein meets MTV.” The Village Voice (New York) describes The TEAM as “staggeringly ambitious.” The Herald (Scotland) called the ensemble “the artistic conscience of a younger generation.”

They will be joined in the creative process by guest artist Taylor Mac, who was seen in April as the Emcee in PlayMakers’ hit season finale “Cabaret.”

The TEAM is at PlayMakers as part of a residency program that provides support for the company’s creative research and development with access to PlayMakers’ professional staff, production shops, rehearsal halls, performance spaces and the intellectual resources of UNC. The TEAM will then take its creation, incubated at PlayMakers, on to performances around the world.

The ensemble is the third participant in the PlayMakers residency program, which is supported by a $200,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation which funds annual residencies by theater ensembles. Previous participants have been Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theatre Company and SITI Company of New York.

The grant also supports the Innovate@Carolina Campaign, a drive to help make Carolina a world leader in launching university-born ideas for the good of society.

Based in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences, PlayMakers is the Carolinas’ premiere resident professional theater company. The Drama League of New York has named PlayMakers one of the best regional theaters in America. Season ticket packages are currently available for PlayMakers’ 2013-2014 season. For more information and to purchase season tickets, visit www.playmakersrep.org.

The TEAM website: http://theteamplays.org

Taylor Mac website: www.taylormac.net/

by Preston Lane

A Redneck Romance

written and directed by Preston Lane
freely adapted from J.M. Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World

Everyone loves a bad boy.

It’s just another rainy night at a 24-hour truck stop in East Tennessee when a stranger staggers in with a shocking tale of a murder most foul. He killed his father, he claims—knocked him over the head and left him for dead. Desperate, Chuck Macadie begs for a place to hide. His story is so thrilling and his deed so daring that instead of turning him over to the law, the locals embrace him as a hero. But his fortunes change when an unexpected visitor suddenly appears. This world-premiere adaptation is a celebration of first love, tall tales and second chances.

866.579.TIXX - www.triadstage.org 

Margaret Severin-Hansen and Gabor Kapin in Giselle

When I watched the movie Casablanca for the first time I found I already had some familiarity with many iconic lines and scenes. Giselle may be the Casablanca of ballets. The romantic era ballet contains many of the images that have come to represent ballet, giving it an iconic familiarity for first-timers.

Carolina Ballet’s production of Giselle is a grand event. It’s the story of Giselle, a young girl with a weak heart. And her weak heart can’t take it when she learns that her betrothed, Count Albrecht, is already engaged to a princess. After her death she becomes one of the ghostly Wilis (feminine beings who lure men to their deaths by dancing) in the forest of her grave. When the Count visits Giselle’s grave she protects him from the Wilis. Having spared his life with her love, she is released from the Wili existence to rest in peace, leaving the prince alone.

The ballet opens with a bright sun over a humble peasant village. Margaret Severin-Hansen was exquisite as naive and vulnerable Giselle. She was bursting with youthful energy when dancing and showed a true desire to keep dancing when she became fatigued. There were no signs of fatigue, though, in Giselle’s variation in Act I. It was a teasing sort of dance, with hanging movements and slow descents followed by a flurry of fast footwork. Severin-Hansen was impressive as she hopped on one toe across the stage with her other leg extended followed immediately by a series of fast turns around the stage. Once she learned the Count was being dishonest, the sweet and humble peasant in Severin-Hansen became weakened and crazed with a gut-wrenching performance of heartbreak that would make Sally Field proud. You could see beams from the setting sun through the trees as the villagers surrounded Giselle’s lifeless body.

Gabor Kapin as Count Albrecht was phenomenal, with acting skills equivalent to his powerful dancing. Twice this season he has mourned and taken the blame for the death of his loves, in two very different circumstances. (The other was in Carolina Jamboree, The Mystery of Beautiful Nell Cropsey.) His facial and physical expressions in both cases told the story of his heartbreak, regret and fear for the future.

The Peasant Pas de Deux in Act I, danced on opening night by Lindsay Purrington and Yevgeny Shlapko, was non-stop and breathtaking.

Act II takes place in the forest by Giselle’s grave. Lara O’Brien was a commanding Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis. She and her two attendants, Alicia Fabry and Lindsay Purrington made an ominous trio. All three were captivating with their slow descents off pointe, creating anticipation as they pulled away from an arabesque with hesitation.

The fight for his life against the Wilis brought out the best in Pablo Javier Perez, who leapt and jumped weightlessly.

There is a large corps of dancers in both acts and on opening night they were remarkable as both peasants and Wilis. The power of uniformity and repetition were evident as the corps dancers hopped on one foot, holding their bodies motionless in horizontal positions, between each other across the stage. This is an iconic image that will never become cliché. The rows and rows of arms matched down to the intricate curl of the fingertips. The sea of white tulle reflecting light through the trees made the Wilis appear truly supernatural, and the controlled movement gave the impression they were floating.

The Wilis in Giselle

This is a ballet for ballet lovers. The sets and lighting effects are remarkable. You can enjoy this ballet as a meditation on beauty from the beginning to the end. Judging from audience response on opening night, Giselle serves as the perfect grande finale for Carolina Ballet‘s incredibly strong and diverse season. 

Review and pictures by Denise Cerniglia

See more pictures at ArtsViewNC

See Giselle at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium May 17-19, and at DPAC May 23.  For ticket information visit: http://www.carolinaballet.com/program/giselle

I DO! I DO! at the Kennedy Theatre in the Duke Energy Center

May 26-June 2
www.TheatreRaleigh.com
Tickets range from $22-$30

RALEIGH, NC  – On the heels of the successful run of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Theatre Raleigh gets ready for the next engagement of their popular Hot Summer Nights Series with I Do! I Do!  This is the touching story of two soul mates navigating the perils of life, set to the strains of a tuneful, charming score.  The show opens on Wednesday, May 29 and runs through Sunday, June 9 at Kennedy Theater at the Duke Energy Center.

Tickets range from $22-$30 and can be purchased through:
THEATRE RALEIGH website http://www.theatreraleigh.com
 ovationtix.com

“We are thrilled and honored to have Amy Jones captain this ship. She is a director, choreographer and musician that I have had the pleasure of working with in NY as well as crossed paths with at Flat Rock Playhouse. Between her and our real life married co-stars, we are definitely turning up the heat on the already HOT Summer NIghts!”   says Lauren Kennedy

I Do! I Do! begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day. Their vows behind them, they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together. We watch as they go through their wedding night jitters, raise a family, and negotiate mid-life crises.  They re-discover how much they really need each other. Then, after 50 years of marriage, the couple leaves their house to the next pair of newlyweds. For ALL ages.

“I Do! I Do! is a charming, heartfelt and entertaining piece from beginning to end; anyone who’s been in a longterm relationship or marriage will relate to Schmidt and Jones’ witty, humorous and honest music and lyrics. The show was originally written to begin in 1898, but I’ve decided to begin in 1952 with this production, taking us into and through the “Mad Men” era. The myriad of changes in gender roles, design, and fashion that occurred in the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s will be fun to explore and I think will bring an added depth and nostalgia to those who see it.,”   says Amy Jones, Director.

Amy Jones (Director) directs this match made in heaven, as real-life couple Annie Gane Floor (Agnes) and Erik  Floor *(Michael) star in this intimate and  nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones.  Lauren Kennedy (Artistic Director) and Alan Campbell (Executive Director) have compiled an impressive list of cast and crew that will surely delight.

The shows creative team includes Chris Bernier (Set & Lighting Designer), Stevan Dupor (Sound Designer), Jay Wright (Music Director), Mette Schladweiler (Production Stage Manager), LeGrande Smith (Costume Designer), Eileen Tack    (Prop Master) and Michele Weathers (Managing Director).

Additional crew includes Bobby Furmage (Wardrobe Supervisor), Steph Byrd (TD Intern), Sawyer Stone (Assistant Stage Manager), Richard Roland (Richard Roland Associate Artistic Director) Morgan Parpan (Management Assistant).

Remaining 2013 Season Hot Summer Nights Series:

God of Carnage – Kennedy Theatre (June 19th – 30th) is a comedy of manners without the manners! This internationally acclaimed comedy takes you into the most dangerous place on Earth: parenthood. The play is about two pairs of parents, one of whose child has hurt the other at a public park, who meet to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. However, as the evening goes on, the parents become increasingly childish, resulting in the evening devolving into unmannered chaos. From the writers that brought you the hit comedy Art comes this savagely funny Tony(C) Award-Winning Best Play that will leave you roaring with laughter! For Mature Audiences.

The Fox On The Fairway – Kennedy Theatre (July 10th – 21st) A tribute from Ken Ludwig (Lend Me A Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo) to the great farces of the 1930′s and 1940′s, The Fox On The Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club.  Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, it’s a furiously paced comedy that recalls the Marx Brothers’ classics.  A charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and a man’s eternal love affair with…golf. For ALL ages

Urinetown – Fletcher Opera Theatre (August 6th- 11th) One of the most uproariously funny musicals in recent years, Urinetown is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs.   Ages 13+.

Oh What A Night III – Fletcher Opera Theatre (August 23rd- 25th) Come celebrate Broadway with our annual concert event featuring a whole new crop of songs from all the BIGGEST AND HOTTEST shows on Broadway that are “too big” for us to produce at Hot Summer Nights! You can expect songs from Jersey Boys, Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked, Les Miserables and so much more…starring all your favorite stars from Raleigh and New York. For ALL ages.

* Member of Actor’s Equity Association

About Theatre Raleigh
The mission of Theatre Raleigh, Inc. is to produce work with an artistic scope that includes musical theatre, drama, comedy, concerts, theatre for young audiences, as well as the development of new theatrical projects. Theatre Raleigh, Inc. will nurture a tradition of intimate, professional live performances while enhancing, stimulating and providing opportunities to our community, thus contributing to its vitality.

Theatre Raleigh, Inc. is the umbrella institution under which the Hot Summer Nights Series, along with a planned Theatre for the Young Series and Backstage at the Kennedy Music Series, operates with the goal of providing audiences diverse programming in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information please go to http://www.theatreraleigh.com.

About Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights at The Kennedy began in the summer of 2005 in an effort to bring a smaller and more intimate professional theatre to Downtown Raleigh. By having a strong group of producers who each have an extensive background in the arts, they are able to share an array of shows with our audiences by combining some of the best talent from both North Carolina and New York. From musicals to comedies to thought provoking dramas, Hot Summer Nights is proud to continue the excellence of bringing you our critically acclaimed summer series.

Hot Summer Nights is also reaching new heights this season by adding more shows and performance locations. This is something that has been part of Artistic Director, Lauren Kennedy’s mission along with Tony(C) Award nominated actor Alan Campbell, who is the company’s Executive Director.

Common Ground Theatre (www.cgtheatre.com) is a performance and teaching space located in west Durham, offering performing arts and educational groups a flexible, well-equipped alternative space.  The Theatre provides a convenient venue for Triangle audiences to experience the diversity of our area’s arts and educational offerings. All events listed will be held at Common Ground Theatre.

Wholesome Twins in association with Common Ground Theatre presents: Ron & Rhonda…. TOTALLY RAD!!!

Love Assassins Presents: Improv Bender: Colour by Numbers

Rus Hames Presents: Comically Challenged

Ta’Rea Campbell (center right) stars as fugitive nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence, in “Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy” at DPAC (photo by Joan Marcus)

You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy, playing now through Sunday at the Durham Performing Arts Center, but it does heighten the hilarity of this laugh-out-loud Broadway musical version of the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg as a nightclub singer who witnesses a murder and is sent to hide out in a convent until the police can arrest the killer and bring him to trial.

An African-American Protestant, Deloris Van Cartier (portrayed and sung with flash and pizzazz aplenty by Ta’Rea Campbell) is no angel — and the unlikeliest candidate ever for the novitiate. Her fish-out-of-water reactions to convent life are a scream, and her run-ins with the convent’s strait-laced Mother Superior (sternly but compassionately played by Hollis Resnik) are entertaining encounters.

Mother Superior Deloris to the nuns as “Sister Mary Clarence,” and she may flunk the piety test but she knows how to whip the sadsack convent choir into shape. Soon they are attracting crowds to fill the formerly empty pews of their church, and even get the attention of the Holy Father himself! But although publicity of the choir is a good thing for the convent, it is a bad thing for Deloris — and puts her once again on the radar of her murderous gangster ex-boyfriend Curtis (played with palpable menace by Kingsley Leggs) and the three stooges who comprise his gang: his nincompoop nephew T.J., Joey, and Pablo (portrayed by Charles Barksdale, Todd A. Horman, and Ernie Pruneda). Indeed, Barksdale’s outrageous antics as T.J. make him a crowd favorite.

Also tickling the funny-bones of DPAC patrons are the choice comic characterizations by Lael Van Keuren as novice Sister Mary Robert, Florrie Bagel as hilariously hyper Sister Mary Patrick, Diane J. Findlay as the aged but still lively Sister Mary Lazarus, E. Clayton Cornelious as police Lt. “Sweaty Eddie” Souther, and Richard Pruitt as the jovial Monsignor O’Hara.

The exuberant musical staging of Broadway and West End director Jerry Zaks, choreographer Anthony Van Laast — recreated on tour with brio by associate director Steven Beckler, associate choreographer Janet Rothermel, and musical director Brent-Alan Huffman — combines with the spectacular soaring sets of scenic designer Klara Zieglerova and the flamboyant fashions of costume designer Lez Brotherston to make this latest film-turned-musical a production to remember.

SECOND OPINION: May 15th Durham, NC Herald-Sun review by Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan: http://www.heraldsun.com/lifestyles/x1592158767/REVIEW-A-joyful-noise-at-Sister-Act and May 10th preview by Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan: http://www.heraldsun.com/lifestyles/x1592156210/-Sister-Act-brings-disco-to-a-convent (Note: You must register to read this article); May 15th Raleigh, NC News & Observer review by Roy C. Dicks http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/15/2894680/sister-act-makes-successful-shift.html; and May 15th Triangle Arts and Entertainment review by Susie Potter: http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/2013/05/sister-act-makes-a-flawless-transition-from-film-to-stage-in-dpacs-charming-production/. (Note: To read Triangle Arts and Entertainment’s online version of the May 14th Triangle Review preview by Robert W. McDowell, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/2013/05/unlike-the-1992-film-sister-act-a-divine-musical-comedy-is-set-in-philadelphia-in-the-1970s/.)

The Durham Performing Arts Center presents SISTER ACT: A DIVINE MUSICAL COMEDY at 7:30 p.m. May 16, 8 p.m. May 17, 2 and 8 p.m. May 18, and 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. May 19 at DPAC, in the American Tobacco District, at 123 Vivian St., Durham, North Carolina 27701.

TICKETS: $42.50-$111.00 (including fees), except $17.50 Student Rush Tickets (plus a service fee if purchased online), located on Row P of the Balcony.

BOX OFFICE:

DPAC Box Office: 919-680-ARTS (2787), tickets@DPACnc.com, or http://www.DPACnc.com/events/how_to_buy_tickets.

Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115558/1555394.

GROUP RATES (10+ tickets): 919/281-0587, Groups@DPACnc.com, or http://www.DPACnc.com/events/group_services.

SHOW: http://www.DPACnc.com/events/detail/sister-act.

VIDEO PREVIEW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdDsU5CsP8g.

CONTEST (win two opening-night tickets and a $20 gift card for Bull City Burger and Brewery): http://www.DPACnc.com/contests/detail/raise-your-voice-with-sister-act.

PRESENTER/VENUE: http://www.DPACnc.com/.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.DPACnc.com/plan_your_visit/getting_here.

PARKING: http://www.DPACnc.com/plan_your_visit/parking_guide.

NOTE 1: The Durham Performing Arts Center will sell Student Rush Tickets, located on Row P of the Balcony, for just $17.50 (plus a service fee if purchased online). For details, click http://www.DPACnc.com/events/special_offers.

NOTE 2: Arts Access, Inc. of Raleigh will audio-describe the 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18th, performance.

OTHER LINKS:

Sister Act (1992 film): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Act (Wikipedia) and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105417/ (Internet Movie Database).

Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy (2006 musical): http://www.sisteractthemusical.com/ (official website), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Act_%28musical%29 (Wikipedia), and http://ibdb.com/show.php?id=488902 (Internet Broadway Database).

North American Tour: http://sisteractbroadway.com/ (official website).

Tour Cast: http://sisteractbroadway.com/cast.html (official web page).

Tour Creative Team: http://sisteractbroadway.com/creative.html (official web page).

Brent-Alan Huffman (music director/conductor) https://www.facebook.com/brentalan.huffman/ (his Facebook page) and http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=112684 (Internet Broadway Database).

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Robert W. McDowell is editor and publisher of Triangle Review, a FREE weekly e-mail arts newsletter. This review is reprinted with permission from Triangle Review.

To start your FREE subscription to this newsletter, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE TR in the Subject: line.

To read all of Robert W. McDowell’s Triangle Review previews and reviews online at Triangle Arts & Entertainment, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/author/robert-w-mcdowell/.

“Into Darkness” has about as bare bones a plot a “Trek” film has ever had. Genetically enhanced terrorist John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) wages a one man war against the Federation, and Kirk (Chris Pine) volunteers to bring him to justice. What makes the film so delicious is the complexity with which that plot is executed, with surprising twists, characters with ulterior motives and Kirk, devastated over an attack the resulted in the death of his mentor Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood), too blinded by rage to figure out who’s playing him and who isn’t.

“Into Darkness” takes place some time after the events of the previous film, and it shows. Everything has a very lived-in feel to it, especially the banter between Pine and Zachary Quinto, who reprises the role of Spock. The pair’s relationship has evolved from animosity to friendship and, dare I say it, even love. This makes the appearance of Harrison even more thrilling, as he acts as a lightning rod, tearing the crew of the Enterprise apart. Cumberbatch, best known for his work on the outstanding BBC series “Sherlock,” lowers his gravelly, British voice an octave or two, giving Harrison a vicious growl, like the man is annoyed at having to even tolerate the presence of what he considers to be lesser life forms.

The last “Star Trek,” as good as it was, seemed afraid to dip its toes into the water with “Trek” lore. “Into Darkness,” however, dives in head first. While every bit as action packed as the previous film, “Into Darkness” is brimming with confidence, embracing the fact that yes, this is an actual “Star Trek” film. The modern day allegory is there (this time an examination of 9/11 and the our response to it), as well as the friendly friction between Kirk and Spock over the Vulcan’s inability to understand human behavior, despite being half-human himself. It’s literally the best of both worlds. Yes, the “Star Wars” elements are still present, and better than ever, but this is a pure “Trek” film through and through, something Abrams was too afraid to go near in the last film.

“Star Trek” rewrote the rulebook for reboots by creating an entirely new timeline, where what happened before won’t necessarily happen again. “Into Darkness” has a lot of fun playing in this new sand box, and in melding old “Star Trek” sensibilities with this new world, “Into Darkness” is the best that popcorn filmmaking has to offer. It’s easily the best film in the series since “The Wrath of Khan,” and arguably the best in the entire franchise. “Into Darkness” is an event not to be missed.

Haskell Lee Fitz-Simons, 1948-2013

One of the lies that we all tell ourselves is that there will always be time — to mend broken relationships, to tell the people who love us that we love them right back, to say goodbye to old friends battling serious illnesses. Sometimes, we wait too long. Like many of his friends, I knew that 64-year-old Raleigh Little Theatre artistic director Haskell Lee Fitz-Simons was undergoing chemotherapy. At our age — Haskell was 12 days younger than I am — we have far too many friends battling the Big C. But I had no idea that Haskell had entered the UNC Hospitals in his hometown of Chapel Hill until I read the shocking announcement of his unexpected death this past Sunday night — on Facebook, of course, where Haskell and I have 233 mutual friends. My initial response on Facebook on Monday morning was:

R.I.P. Haskell Fitz-Simons. He was one of my favorite people to interview, because he always had a really interesting take on the show that he was directing. He was always “good copy.” But more than that, he was good people. We shared a number of interests outside the theater, and it was great fun to hear his impressions on several FX series to which we were both addicted. I will miss so many things about Haskell, but most of all his sunny disposition.

More than 50 people so far “Like” this Comment, which is so totally inadequate in taking the measure of the man. There is so much more to say about Haskell, who would have celebrated 30 years as artistic director of Raleigh Little Theatre this July. Only Theatre In The Park executive and artistic director Ira David Wood III has a longer tenure in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. Ironically, it was David Wood who first e-mailed me that Haskell and another pillar of the Triangle theater community were very sick. We have been e-mailing back and forth about ways to honor both men, as they so richly deserve; but now Haskell’s honor will have to be posthumous. You have no idea how painful it is for me to write that last sentence.

Even more than his accolades as a director of Raleigh’s oldest community theater or the credit he so often deflected for transforming the Prince Street Players’ one-act version of Cinderella into a two-act musical extravaganza that became a Triangle tradition and will celebrate its 30th year this December, Haskell Fitz-Simons was responsible for changing the insular mindset at Raleigh Little Theatre. In July 1983, when he arrived, RLT had a still huge chip on its shoulder about Theatre In The Park and his upstart director David Wood.

There was also a pervasive paranoia about reviewers. If you wrote anything short of a rave review of an RLT production, the Unwelcome Mat was put out for you the next time you entered the theater. When I wrote for the late, great Raleigh Times (the afternoon daily not the restaurant), I once had an irate delegation from RLT arrive at the newspaper’s offices with a Letter to the Editor protesting my review of their latest production — a couple of days before I wrote it! Morever, RLT keep an “anatomically correct” (whatever that means) voodoo doll of me backstage.

Haskell changed all that, although I did have an ex-girlfriend — a redhead — who wanted to see the doll — and promised to bring her own packet of pins for the viewing! After Haskell’s arrival, onstage and backstage talent were able to move freely between RLT and TIP; and diehard RLT boosters started buying tickets to TIP shows as well. Both theaters — and Triangle theatergoers in general — benefited greatly.

In October 2011, Haskell directed the stage version of the 1987 nail-biter The Woman in Back, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from novelist Susan Hill’s 1983 ghost story. Several months later, when the motion-picture version of Hill’s novel starring Harry Potter himself — a grown up Daniel Radcliffe — arrived in local theaters, I asked Haskell if he would like to review it, and he happily accepted. Haskell’s experience directing the stage version of The Woman in Back provided invaluable insights into the celluloid version of the story. (To read his Feb. 23, 2012 Triangle Arts and Entertainment critique of The Woman in Back, click here.)

Moreover, I am convinced that Haskell would have been an equally fine reviewer of opera — which he loved — but his ill health scuttled our tentative plans for him to write an occasional opera review, whenever his schedule permitted. Sadly, his voice is stilled — far too soon — and the Triangle theater community has lost one of its true giants.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: According to news reports, Haskell Fitz-Simons’ memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd., Raleigh, NC 27608. (Click here for directions.) There will be a reception afterwards in the church’s fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St. Raleigh, NC 27607; the Wake County Animal Shelter; or 820 Beacon Lake Dr., Raleigh, NC 27610; or SafeHaven for Cats, 8431-137 Garvey Dr., Raleigh, NC 27616.

ONLINE GUEST BOOK: To leave a message, click http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/newsobserver/guestbook.aspx?n=haskell-fitz-simons&pid=164814665.

SECOND OPINION: May 20th Raleigh, NC CVNC remembrance by John W. Lambert: http://66.147.242.165/~cvncorg/2013/05/20/remembering-haskell-fitz-simons/; May 20th Raleigh, NC News & Observer editorial: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/19/2899752/man-of-the-theater.html, May 19th obituary: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/19/2899752/man-of-the-theater.html and May 13th article by Renee Elder: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/13/2890485/raleigh-little-theatre-director.html; May 14th Raleigh, NC Triangle Business Journal article by Jason deBruyn: http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2013/05/13/rlts-haskell-fitz-simons-dies-at-64.html and May 13th article by Dale Gibson: http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/2013/05/local-theater-community-loses-a-giant.html; and May 13th Durham, NC Indy Week article by Byron Woods: http://www.indyweek.com/artery/archives/2013/05/13/long-time-regional-director-haskell-fitz-simons-dead-at-64.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Robert W. McDowell is editor and publisher of Triangle Review, a FREE weekly e-mail arts newsletter. This article is reprinted with permission from Triangle Review.

To start your FREE subscription to this newsletter, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE TR in the Subject: line.

To read all of Robert W. McDowell’s Triangle Review previews and reviews online at Triangle Arts & Entertainment, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/author/robert-w-mcdowell/.

Three Shows, One Month!

Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will

by Del Shores
Directed by Allison Bergman

Titmus Theatre

It is summer of 1986 in Lowake, Texas, and the Turnover family is trying to settle Buford Turnover’s affairs before he kicks the bucket. Buford has misplaced his will, and his four children—spinsterish Sara Lee, estranged preacher’s wife Lurlene, beer-swilling Orville, and country singer wannabe Evalita— need to find it. As Buford’s offspring drag out old wrongs, sharp-tongued Mamma Wheelis and Evalita’s hippie boyfriend Harmony try to keep the peace and save the family. Powerful, poignant, hilarious and the too familiar moments that are the true magic of family. May 30, 31, June 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 14

Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick
Directed by Rachel Klem

Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre

Is all fair in love—even murder? Self-absorbed Arlene is married to blundering car salesman Paul, who adores her. Arlene’s lover Mitchell, a dentist who fancies himself an irresistible ladies’ man, joins her to plot the murder of her husband. But wait—a betrayal shifts the alliances and the intended victim. A rambunctious suspense comedy in a Howard Johnson’s Motor Inn, where the target keeps changing and the laughs keep coming! June 6, 7, 9, 13, 15, 16 (2 performances), 19, 22, 23

Black Coffee

by Agatha Christie
Directed by John McIlwee

This little known mystery will surprise and delight Christie fans. Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s most popular detective comes to life in BLACK COFFEE, the only play written by Christie in which Poirot appears. Noted atomic scientist Sir Claud Amory, on the eve of dispatching his formula for a powerful new explosive to the Ministry of Defense, realizes that someone in his family circle has filched the formula from his safe. Sir Claud assembles the suspects in hopes of extracting the truth and Poirot and Captain Hastings arrive at the height of this experiment. Many wonderful twists and turns in true Christie tradition.
June 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 (2 performances), 30

Show times are 7:30 PM, Matinees at 2 PM.

Seating is RESERVED

TICKETS may be purchased by mail, phone 919.515.1100, or online at Ticket Central ncsu.edu/ticketcentral or in person at Ticket Central, Check ncsu.edu/ticketcentral for summer hours

Season Tickets: (limited availability) $39, Pick two $28

Individual tickets: Adult: $16; Seniors/students, $14; NCSU students $5

Ta’Rea Campbell (center) stars as fugitive nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence, in “Sister Act” at DPAC (photo by Joan Marcus)

Just about every 90s kid (and adult) has seen the 1992 fish-out-of-water comedy “Sister Act” starring Whoopi Goldberg. Unfortunately, not everyone has had the incredibly fun experience of seeing the film brought to bigger and better life in its stage version as adapted by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner and playing now at DPAC.

Embarking on a slightly different path than the beloved film, the stage version first introduces Deloris Van Cartier (Ta’rea Campbell) as she’s belting her lungs out in a sassy musical number at her bad-news boyfriend, Curtis’ (Kingsley Leggs) club. Curtis is accompanied by his equally bad-news comrades, including a fluffy and incredibly funny character named TJ (Charles Barksdale), and things take a quick downward turn for Deloris when she witnesses Curtis and company killing a member of their posse. She then makes a run for it in a chase scene that features magically smooth scene transitions.

That initial chase scene may be where the magic starts in this charming and ultimately touching production, but it’s certainly not where it ends. Much of the magic must be attributed to Campbell, who positively shines in this fun role. With her powerhouse voice and her knack for being endearingly spunky, she delivers a performance that rivals—or is at least as good as—Goldberg’s in the original film. In fact, almost as a nod to the original actress, Campbell even manages to resemble a young Goldberg at certain angles.

While Campbell is definitely the star of the show, she’s not the only one who turns out a star performance. Once Deloris goes into hiding at a local convent, a colorful cast of nuns joins the fun. Hollis Resnik, as the fearful-of-change Mother Superior, adds more sass to the role than one might expect. And then there’s crotchety Mary Lazarus (Diane J. Findlay), a character who benefits from some perfectly-delivered and bitingly punchy one-liners, and joyful Mary Patrick, as portrayed by a cute-as-button Florrie Bagel. The entire cast of nuns is as delightful as can be expected, but the play doesn’t gloss over the film’s darker themes, though it does manage to make them humorous. In a dark musical number, for example, Curtis and crew deliver a jarringly hilarious rendition of “When I Find My Baby,” in which they detail the horrendous things they plan to do when they get their hands on Deloris.

The film and its multiple layers transfer perfectly to the stage. In fact, the transition works so well that the stage version may actually be better and fuller than the film—a rarity indeed. Though the show is played for mostly laughs and giggles, it ultimately delivers a powerful message: that faith and “the real world” can combine and that each can actually reinforce and strengthen the other. Prepare for fabulous songs, sequins and glitter snuck in whenever possible, and an ultimately heartfelt story about how one woman transforms a convent through music and how the convent transforms her through love.

The Durham Performing Arts Center presents SISTER ACT at 7:30 p.m. May 15 and 16, 8 p.m. May 17, 2 and 8 p.m. May 18, and 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. May 19 at DPAC, in the American Tobacco District, at 123 Vivian St., Durham, North Carolina 27701.

TICKETS: $42.50-$111.00 (including fees), except $17.50 Student Rush Tickets (plus a service fee if purchased online), located on Row P of the Balcony.

BOX OFFICE:

DPAC Box Office: 919-680-ARTS (2787), tickets@DPACnc.com, or http://www.DPACnc.com/events/how_to_buy_tickets.

Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115558/1555394.

GROUP RATES (10+ tickets): 919/281-0587, Groups@DPACnc.com, or http://www.DPACnc.com/events/group_services.

SHOW: http://www.DPACnc.com/events/detail/sister-act.

VIDEO PREVIEW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdDsU5CsP8g.

CONTEST (win two opening-night tickets and a $20 gift card for Bull City Burger and Brewery): http://www.DPACnc.com/contests/detail/raise-your-voice-with-sister-act.

PRESENTER/VENUE: http://www.DPACnc.com/.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.DPACnc.com/plan_your_visit/getting_here.

PARKING: http://www.DPACnc.com/plan_your_visit/parking_guide.

NOTE 1: The Durham Performing Arts Center will sell Student Rush Tickets, located on Row P of the Balcony, for just $17.50 (plus a service fee if purchased online). For details, click http://www.DPACnc.com/events/special_offers.

NOTE 2: Arts Access, Inc. of Raleigh will audio-describe the 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18th, performance.

OTHER LINKS:

Sister Act (1992 film): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Act (Wikipedia) and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105417/ (Internet Movie Database).

Sister Act (2006 musical): http://www.sisteractthemusical.com/ (official website), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Act_%28musical%29 (Wikipedia), and http://ibdb.com/show.php?id=488902 (Internet Broadway Database).

North American Tour: http://sisteractbroadway.com/ (official website).

Tour Cast: http://sisteractbroadway.com/cast.html (official web page).

Tour Creative Team: http://sisteractbroadway.com/creative.html (official web page).

From the opening scene throughout the rest of the play, Lozoff creates a living, breathing set. Twelve jurors, stuck in a sweltering (a broken air conditioner is to blame) deliberation room, struggle to render a verdict in a murder trial. The characters’ discomfort, both with the temperature and with the decision with which they have been faced, is made evident by the fact that the characters constantly fan themselves, get up for drinks of water, and move about restlessly. Imagine a simple set littered with coffee cups, rustling newspapers, nail polish, notepads, briefcases, and other effectively used characterization devices. Clever costume choices also play a role in the show’s brilliance by effectively turning the teens into well-worn adults.

While each member of the cast shines in his or her own right, there are definitely some standouts. Juror 1—the foreman of the group—is soft-spoken and sweet with a southern twang, and Emma Gilmore-Cronin’s no-nonsense, older-than-her-years portrayal is spot-on. Then there’s Alice Monroe as Juror 4, an even more no-nonsense business type who is all practicality and no heart. Monroe is every bit as severe as the role calls for, making it difficult to believe she is only a freshman in high school. Skylar Narotsky’s Juror 5 impresses as well, painting a perfect picture of a now-successful businessman with a checkered childhood. One also can’t forget Coleman Churchill’s soberingly angry portrayal of Juror 3, Celia Roskin’s sassy portrayal of the not-so-bright-but-definitely-ignorant Juror 10, or Meghan Everly’s intensely emotional rendition of Juror 11. Even actors who aren’t given quite as much to do, including Anna Claire Mauney’s thoughtfully quiet Juror 2, Emily Langlan’s pragmatic yet wishy-washy Juror 12, and Charles Monroe’s silently intense Juror 9, make the most of their few lines.  The show also features Daniel Roth as near-silent juror 6, Rachel Freedman as definitely-not-silent Juror 7, and Ana Radulescu as The Guard. The standout, however, is certainly Raven Angeline Whisnant’s Juror 8. Whisnant stepped in as a self-proclaimed “last minute replacement,” but it certainly doesn’t show. Demonstrating considerable stage presence and a knack for even the most emotionally precarious of scenes, Whisnant’s is a name to remember.

The production is tense throughout, in a delicious kind of way, and keeps the audience close at all times. Audience members go through all of the agonizingly difficult decisions—or rather decision making processes—that the characters do, making this a play that asks tough questions and that should provoke fascinating after-show discussions.

The 31st Annual Hillsborough Hogg Day (formerly Hog Day) Friday, May 17 from 6 pm – 10 pm and Saturday, May 18 from 9 am – 6 pm.  The event incorporates Hillsborough’s great history and is named after James Hogg, a merchant originally from Scotland who became a leader in patriot activity. The family event downtown at the River Park at 140 E. Margaret Lane features barbecue provided by Hog Heaven, musical entertainment, bounce houses, colonial games, vintage and classic car show, arts and crafts, food trucks, beer garden, merchandise vendors and more. Admission is Free.

New cooker competition categories include pork ribs, chicken, pork barbecue and anything but (anything but pork, chicken and ribs) or compete in all four categories to be proclaimed Grand Champion. Hogg Day is presented by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Hillsborough is located off of I-40, exit 261 or I-85, exit 164 in Orange County in central North Carolina.  For information, call (919) 732-8156 or visit www.hillsboroughchamber.com.

Nora Jane Struthers

On June 7th, The ArtsCenter is thrilled to present Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line for a wonderful evening blending the traditional stringband sound with an innovative infusion of roots-rock stylings. They have been hailed as “right square in the intersection of a venn diagram describing bluegrass, old time, singer/songwriter and Americana music today.” — John Lawless, Bluegrass Today.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $6 for ArtsCenter Friends, and $14 the day of the show and can be purchased online at www.ArtsCenterLive.org, over the phone at (919) 929-2787, or in-person at our Box Office at 300-G East Main St. Carrboro, NC.

“Nora Jane Struthers is already a star; she just needs to recognition that goes with it. She has put together a killer band, collected some great new material, and forged a sound that blends the best of tradition and innovation. Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line deliver string band music for the 21st Century,” notes Art Menius, Executive Director of The ArtsCenter.

Programs at The ArtsCenter are supported in part by Brooks Pierce, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, Giorgios Hospitality Group, The North Carolina Arts Council, The Orange County Arts Commission, and Tony Hall and Associates and Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe.

The ArtsCenter is a non-profit teaching and presenting organization founded in 1974. The largest employer of artists in Orange County, NC, it serves more than 80,000 people annually, through classes, studios, concerts, theatre, spoken word, gallery displays, more than 80 school shows, and more. The ArtsCenter exerts a local economic impact exceeding $3,200,000 which generates the equivalent of 103 full time jobs and $301,000 in state and local tax revenue.

Ta’Rea Campbell (center) stars as fugitive nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence, in “Sister Act” at the Durham Performing Arts Center (photo by Joan Marcus)

The Durham Performing Arts Center will welcome the first U.S. national tour of Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy, to its 2,700-seat, state-of-the-art theater in the American Tobacco District for eight performances, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th, and running through 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 19th. The 2011 Broadway musical is based on the 1992 Touchstone Pictures film starring Whoopi Goldberg as a nightclub singer on the lam from the mob after she witnesses a murder and is forced to take refuge in a convent.

“The musical is different from the movie in that it takes place in Philadelphia in the 1970s,” notes the tour’s music director and conductor, 42-year-old Brent-Alan Huffman, a Blairsville, PA native. He adds, “The movie took place in Reno, NV, in 1992. The musical has a fresh new score by [composer]. It’s all new songs that have a 1970s pastiche feel to them.”

Earlier in the tour, Huffman told the Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette: “This musical definitely has a disco edge to it. When the nuns are singing, it’s usually the disco style that Deloris has taught them. When Curtis and his thugs are singing, you are going to hear an R&B sound. When Mother Superior sings, the orchestration leans a little bit toward Sondheim, and then there are just some Alan Menken traditional showstopping numbers….”

In a recent interview with Triangle Review, Huffman added, “The characters and story are all the same. People will recognize it very well…. Sister Act is the story of a woman who is being hidden by the police in a convent, because she has witnessed a murder. She teaches the nuns to sing; and they, in turn, teach her a few life lessons as well.”

The tour cast includes Ta’Rea Campbell as Deloris Van Cartier a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence; Kingsley Leggs as Van Cartier’s gangster boyfriend Curtis; Charles Barksdale, Todd A. Horman, and Ernie Pruneda as Jackson’s henchmen T.J., Joey, and Pablo; E. Clayton Cornelious as police Lt. Eddie Souther; Hollis Resnik as the no-nonsense Mother Superior of the convent where Lt. Souther hides Deloris out after she witnesses a murder; and Florrie Bagel as ultra perky Sister Mary Patrick. The cast also includes Diane J. Findlay as Sister Mary Lazarus; Richard Pruitt as Monsignor O’Hara; Lael Van Keuren as Sister Mary Robert; Melvin Abston as a Cop; Gisela Adisa as Michelle; Brian Cali as Joey Finnochio; Karen Elliott as Sister Mary Theresa; Trisha Jeffrey as Tina; Michelle Rombola as a Waitress. Jacqui Graziano and Erin Wilson alternate as Mary Martin-of-Tours.

The ensemble includes Mary Jo McConnell, Dawn Rother, Angie Marie Smith, Tricia Tanguy, Kelly E. Waters, and Dashaun Young; and swings include Danny George and Erin Henry.

Originally produced in 2006 by California’s Pasadena Playhouse, in 2007 the Alliance Theatre of Atlanta, GA, and in 2009 in London’s West End — and developed in association with Peter Schneider and Michael Reno — Sister Act made its Broadway debut on April 20, 2011 at the Broadway Theatre, where it played for 561 performances before closing on Aug. 26, 2012. Originally directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, the show features music by 2012 Tony Award® winner and eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies), lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner — with additional text by Douglas Carter Beane — based on the screenplay by Joseph Howard. Sister Act was nominated for five 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score Written for the Theatre, and Best Book of a Musical.

The tour’s producers include by Whoopi Goldberg, Stage Entertainment, Joop Van Den Ende, Bill Taylor, and Troika Entertainment. Associate director Steven Beckler and associate choreographer Janet Rothermel recreate the vivacious musical staging of Broadway and West End director Jerry Zaks and choreographer Anthony Van Laast. The rest of the creative team includes set designer Klara Zieglerova, lighting designer Natasha Katz, costume designer Lez Brotherston, wig and hair designer David Brian Brown, sound designer Ken Travis, production stage manager Daniel S. Rosokoff, and stage manager Monica Dickhens. Michael Kosarin serves as music supervisor/vocal and incidental music arranger, and Brent-Alan Huffman is the show’s music director and conductor.

Born on June 24, 1970 in Blairsville, PA, Brent-Alan Huffman was graduated from Blairsville Senior High School in 1988, and earned a degree in piano performance in 1992 from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. “I started off as a voice major, and switched over to piano,” he explains.

After college graduation, Huffman worked in a theme park in San Antonio, TX, for a year, and then worked in Omaha, NB, for a year and a half, before moving to New York City. In late 1994, he made his Broadway debut, playing keyboards in the 1994 revival of Grease.

Most recently, Brent-Alan Huffman was music director/associate conductor of Sister Act on Broadway from January 2011 to February 2012, music director/conductor of Leap of Faith on Broadway from January to May 2012, and music director/conductor of the first U.S. national tour of Sister Act.

Huffman says that he followed the usual path from keyboard player to associate conductor to conductor to musical director. “Like any corporate job,” he says, “you start from the bottom and work your way up.”

He notes, “I started with Sister Act pre-Broadway. We started this show about seven years ago in Pasadena, CA; and then it went to Atlanta, GA. It went to London before it came to Broadway.”

As the show’s music director, he says, “I help choose cast members. I teach the music to the cast during rehearsals, I conduct the show during performances and rehearsals of the cast and orchestra to keep them up to speed…. On the tour, we have 12 musicians; and the full orchestra travels with the show.”

Brent-Alan Huffman says, “The [tour's] set is a little different [from the Broadway set], so we can pack it into tractor trailers and move it around. But the show is the same. We have a few members of the Broadway company, but most of the cast is new….

“This musical is completely joyful,” claims Huffman. “By the end of the show, you are so lifted up. I can go to the show in any kind of a mood; and by the end of the show, I’ll be lifted up. It’s a joyful, positive piece.”

He adds, “Sister Act is definitely a family-friendly piece. In fact, I have family members coming to see it.

“The audience should stay until the very, very end,” says Brent-Alan Huffman. “There’s a little extra something at the end.

SECOND OPINION: May 10th Durham, NC Herald-Sun preview by Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan: http://www.heraldsun.com/lifestyles/x1592156210/-Sister-Act-brings-disco-to-a-convent (Note: You must register to read this article).

The Durham Performing Arts Center presents SISTER ACT at 7:30 p.m. May 14-16, 8 p.m. May 17, 2 and 8 p.m. May 18, and 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. May 19 at DPAC, in the American Tobacco District, at 123 Vivian St., Durham, North Carolina 27701.

TICKETS: $42.50-$111.00 (including fees), except $17.50 Student Rush Tickets (plus a service fee if purchased online), located on Row P of the Balcony.

BOX OFFICE:

DPAC Box Office: 919-680-ARTS (2787), tickets@DPACnc.com, or http://www.DPACnc.com/events/how_to_buy_tickets.

Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115558/1555394.

GROUP RATES (10+ tickets): 919/281-0587, Groups@DPACnc.com, or http://www.DPACnc.com/events/group_services.

SHOW: http://www.DPACnc.com/events/detail/sister-act.

VIDEO PREVIEW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdDsU5CsP8g.

CONTEST (win two opening-night tickets and a $20 gift card for Bull City Burger and Brewery): http://www.DPACnc.com/contests/detail/raise-your-voice-with-sister-act.

PRESENTER/VENUE: http://www.DPACnc.com/.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.DPACnc.com/plan_your_visit/getting_here.

PARKING: http://www.DPACnc.com/plan_your_visit/parking_guide.

NOTE 1: The Durham Performing Arts Center will sell Student Rush Tickets, located on Row P of the Balcony, for just $17.50 (plus a service fee if purchased online). For details, click http://www.DPACnc.com/events/special_offers.

NOTE 2: Arts Access, Inc. of Raleigh will audio-describe the 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18th, performance.

OTHER LINKS:

Sister Act (1992 film): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Act (Wikipedia) and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105417/ (Internet Movie Database).

Sister Act (2006 musical): http://www.sisteractthemusical.com/ (official website), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Act_%28musical%29 (Wikipedia), and http://ibdb.com/show.php?id=488902 (Internet Broadway Database).

North American Tour: http://sisteractbroadway.com/ (official website).

Tour Cast: http://sisteractbroadway.com/cast.html (official web page).

Tour Creative Team: http://sisteractbroadway.com/creative.html (official web page).

Brent-Alan Huffman (music director/conductor) https://www.facebook.com/brentalan.huffman/ (his Facebook page) and http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=112684 (Internet Broadway Database).

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Robert W. McDowell is editor and publisher of Triangle Review, a FREE weekly e-mail arts newsletter. This preview is reprinted with permission from Triangle Review.

To start your FREE subscription to this newsletter, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE TR in the Subject: line.

To read all of Robert W. McDowell’s Triangle Review previews and reviews online at Triangle Arts & Entertainment, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/author/robert-w-mcdowell/.

80th Anniversary Season

Tickets for the 2013 American Dance Festival (ADF) 80th Anniversary Season will go on sale Monday, May 13 at 10:00am. The 2013 ADF celebrates 80 years of presenting, preserving, and promoting modern dance with six and a half weeks of performances that feature some of the most celebrated artists making work today. The season includes 47 captivating performances by 25 companies and choreographers, including the return of festival favorites Shen Wei Dance Arts, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Pilobolus, as well as the ADF debuts of LeeSaar The Company, Camile A. Brown & Dancers, Canada’s The 605 Collective, Ireland’s ponydance, and many more. In all, this season features 11 ADF debuts, 9 ADF commissioned world premieres, 2 reconstructed classic works, and 1 US premiere.

Tickets for ADF@DPAC performances will be on sale through the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) Ticket Center; tickets for ADF@DUKE and ADF@OFFSTAGE performances will be on sale through the Duke University Box Office. Performances will be presented at DPAC, Reynolds Industries Theater, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, and Motorco Music Hall from June 13-July 27. Tickets will be available for purchase in person, by phone, by mail, and online for each venue. Please visit www.americandancefestival.org for information on performing companies, schedules, ticket prices, discounts, parking, and seating.

How To Buy

Tickets for ADF@DPAC performances are on sale through the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) Ticket Center.
phone: 919-680-2787
in-person: 123 Vivian Street
Buy DPAC Tickets Online

Tickets for ADF@DUKE
and ADF@OFFSTAGE performances are on sale through the Duke University Box Office.
phone: 919-684-4444
in-person: 125 Science Drive
Buy Duke & Offstage Tickets Online

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brooklyn
Presents
MISSIONARY IN MANHATTAN: THE DIRTY SOUTH TOUR
A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF
BIG HAIR, BLIND FAITH, AND PLURAL MARRIAGE
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 2013
8pm
CIRQUE DE VOL STUDIOS
www.greatuke.com

(RALEIGH, NC) –The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brooklyn, presents MISSIONARY
IN MANHATTAN: THE DIRTY SOUTH TOUR, a musical comedy about the
fundamentals of big hair, blind faith, and just how plural a marriage can get on Friday
June 7, 2013 onstage at Cirque de Vol Studios.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brooklyn penned MISSIONARY IN MANHATTAN,
the story of three polygamist-pop stars on the hunt for their brother husband in the dirty
south. Charles Gregory Howard has gone missing and was last seen doing missionary
work at Legends Nightclub (with his vocal coach named Gerard). Ukuleles in tow,
Gretchen, Fanny, and Bunny Catherine will turn pop songs into “God songs,” lament, and
stop at nothing to track down the father of their seven children. Missionary in Manhattan:
The Dirty South Tour intimately and hysterically lampoons the institution of marriage
as the audience helps the sister wives accept their husband for who he truly is. The show
runs at a super swift 45 minutes and will be performed at Cirque de Vol Studios, 300 W.
Hargett St.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brooklyn, a NYC based theatre company comprised of
UNCG Alumni, are taking their Manhattan based original play on the road with
MISSIONARY IN MANHATTAN: THE DIRTY SOUTH TOUR. After successful
runs in New York and Philadelphia, the members of the UOGB are coming home. The
founding members of UOGB are southern natives and alumni of UNCG. The cast of
MISSIONARY IN MANHATTAN: THE DIRTY SOUTH TOUR features Caitlin
Davis, Kaleigh Malloy, Elizabeth May, and Dave May.

MISSIONARY IN MANHATTAN: THE DIRTY SOUTH TOUR is on 6/7/13 at 8pm
and is unsuitable for children under the age of 13. Tickets are $15, with under 30 tickets
$10, and are available for purchase at the door or online at www.greatuke.com.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brooklyn provides a theatrical home for southerners in
the north and an invitation to those untouched by southern charm to “party til the cows
come home.” The founding members of UOGB challenge a generation criticized for its
apathy, detachment, and reliance on technology by demanding audience engagement
through outrageous comedy, musical celebrations, and honest storytelling.

Harnett Regional Theatre’s large-scale production of “Seussical” features plenty of perfectly-costumed Whos. Photo: Paul Stackhouse.

In his lifetime Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as “Dr. Seuss,” authored 46 books for children; the much-loved musical “Seussical,” written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, takes bits and pieces from 18 of those books and combines them into a flawless, frantic, and incredibly fun show that, when done well, provides endless entertainment that’s suitable for the whole family. Though a favorite with community theaters, “Seussical” is a challenging production, one that requires impressive sets, over-the-top costumes, top-notch choreography, and a large and gifted cast. Fortunately, Harnett Regional Theatre rises to the challenge on all counts.

The story begins when an elephant named Horton (Alec Carroll) hears a sound coming from a small speck of dust. That sound, as fans of Horton Hears a Who know well, turns out to be the voice of the Mayor of Whoville (John Dupree). Whoville, located on the microscopic planet of Who, is a funny little town full of quirky, oddly dressed inhabitants known as Whos.

“Seussical” splits its time between Horton’s world and Whoville and focuses on the intersection between these two distant places that, as it turns out, have a lot more in common than it might appear at first glance. Horton, despite becoming the laughingstock of (most of) his friends and neighbors, works tirelessly to protect the endangered Whos and, in the process, forms a relationship with the Mayor’s son, JoJo (Noah Massengill), who, like Horton, has trouble fitting in. The entire story is narrated by—who else?—The Cat in the Hat (Hunter K. Taylor).

While the entire cast is strong, there are definitely a few standouts in the line-up. John Dupree brings real depth to his role as the Mayor of Whoville. Rather than playing the character as yet another silly Who, Dupree creates a relatable character grappling with the realities of parenting. At one point, JoJo is shipped off to military school, and Dupree effectively conveys how conflicted the mayor is about this decision. The actor’s talent has obviously been passed on to his real-life daughter, Ella John Dupree, who juggles multiple roles with ease. She’s the cutest Young Kangaroo one could ask for, and she always stands out in the crowd, whether she’s playing a Who or a Fish. Long-time readers of TA&E may recall her mention in our review of HRT’s The Sound of Music; she’s only gotten more talented since that performance, making her name one you’ll definitely want to remember.

Like Father, Like Daughter; Real-life dad and daughter team, John Dupree and Ella John Dupree, dazzle onstage. Photo: Paul Stackhouse

Other standouts include Massengill, with his sweet, searching, and slightly restless portrayal of JoJo; Carroll’s righteous Horton; and Taylor’s kooky, energetic Cat in the Hat. The superb performances all-around and the catchy musical numbers aren’t the only thing to love about this production, however. The entire show plays out against beautiful, hand-painted sets (Karen Stephenson) that feature perfect renderings of illustrations from Dr. Seuss books. Astute viewers will be able to pick out Dr. Seuss characters—“Thing 1” and “Thing 2” and “Sam I Am” included—hiding in the set. Even smaller set pieces, such as JoJo’s bathtub, feature fun little details—in this case, the red fish from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish—that will delight fans of the books.

The colorful set isn’t the only thing eye-catching about this production; Amy Langdon pulls out all the stops with her elaborate costumes (think feather boas, bright colors, and sequins galore!). As a nice counterbalance to the over-the-top sets and costumes, much of the make-up is kept minimalistic. Elephant Horton, for example, wears only a gray suit, and The Cat in the Hat relies on cat-like facial manipulation and slinky movements, rather than elaborate make-up, to bring his character to life. This unique choice makes for a production that is visually intriguing rather than visually overwhelming.

Director Vicki Wade makes some excellent staging choices. During the sentimental musical number “Alone in the Universe,” for example, Wade places the singing JoJo and Horton at parallel angles, effectively highlighting the connection they have and the similar yearnings they share. Her choices are complemented by George Savile’s mood-based lighting.

Though HRT’s “Seussical” is a perfect choice for the kids, astute adults will find that, as is the case with Dr. Seuss’ books, deeper themes lie beneath the surface. John Dupree and Amy J. Langdon bring rich complexity to their rendition of the song “How to Raise a Child” and other songs, such as “How Lucky You Are,” will give the adults in the audience a few things to think about. It’s rare for a show to offer true fun for the entire family, but HRT’s “Seussical” delivers just that.

The show will run through May 19th. For tickets or more information, visit OnlineHRT.org.

Marbles Kids Museum

New Monday Hours! This summer, the museum will be open on Mondays from 9am-12pm for family play only—no field trip groups. Starts Monday, June 3.Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm; Open late on First Fridays and third Tuesdays.

Kids Movie Series Features Animalopolis at IMAX at Marbles
Opens Friday, May 31
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents. For tickets and show times, visit www.IMAXRaleigh.org.

Grand Re-Opening of Around Town featuring ‘On the Farm’
Saturday, June 1 | 9am-5pm
Celebrate the re-opening of Around Town featuring the brand new ‘On the Farm’ exhibit. Enjoy a day of NC farm fun for the whole family. Hop on some big farm equipment in the courtyard, meet a farmer, play with fresh produce, and explore the newest exhibit at Marbles! The ‘On the Farm’ exhibit is sponsored by the United Soybean Board, North Carolina Soybean Producers Association and the North Carolina Pork Council.

Garden Gourmet
Saturday, June 1 | 10-11am
Whole Foods will join in the farm fun with a cooking demonstration in the garden. Create a delicious recipe using the season’s freshest harvest from farms across NC. Sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

Kick-off to Kindergarten at Marbles Kids Museum (for Rising Year-Round Kids)
Friday, June 7 | 5-8pm
For rising year-round kindergartners
Celebrate starting school! Practice a lunch line, get moving at recess, hop on a school bus and explore circle time. Free for rising year-round kindergartners and their families. Sponsored by Institute of Museum and Library Services. In partnership with Wake County Public School System.
*Kick-off to Kindergarten for rising traditional school kindergartners will be Saturday, August 17, at Marbles.

First Friday Kids Camp
Friday, June 7 | 5:30-8:30pm
Ages 3-5 and K5-11
$20 for the first child and $10 for each additional child for members
$25 for the first child and $15 for each additional child for non-members
Drop off your kids at Marbles for an evening of fun on their own, while you dine, shop or simply relax. Pre-registration required. Visit www.MarblesKidsMuseum.org/FFKC for more info.

Music Makers
Saturday, June 8 | 11am-2pm
Play around with orchestra instruments with the North Carolina Symphony’s Instrument Zoo. Create Out of this World art and meet a special guest from the symphony. The musical fun leads up to the symphony’s June performance of Holst’s the Planets: An HD Odyssey.

Green Energy Workshop – Solar Energy
Sunday, June 9 | 2:30-3:30pm
Calling all power pioneers! Join us for electrifying solar energy play in the courtyard. Sponsored by Duke Energy.

Elementary School’s Out Camp
June 11, 12, 13, or 14 |9am-5pm
$50 per day for members; $56 per day for non-members
Bring the kids to camp on the days they have off but you don’t for fun-filled days of museum discovery and unique classroom activities. Pick a day or stay all week! Extended care available. Pre-registration required. Visit www.MarblesKidsMuseum.org/SchoolsOutCamps for more info.

Summer Camps
Register Now!
Give your child a special learning adventure at a Marbles Kids Museum Summer Camp. Summer camps include museum access, an IMAX movie and countless opportunities to get active, have fun and be creative! Pre-registration required. Visit www.MarblesKidsMuseum.org/SummerCamps to register.

Man of Steel 3D in IMAX at Marbles
Opens Friday, June 14
A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman. Directed by Zack Snyder. Visit www.IMAXRaleigh.org for more information.

Superheroes and Superdads!
Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16 | 9am-5pm
Superheroes and their sidekicks are invited to show off their superpowers at our Father’s Day celebration. Design a superhero cape and mask. Experiment with the power of flight and feature dad in his own comic book with comic adventures art. Catch Man of Steel 3D in IMAX at Marbles to check out the real thing on the GIANT screen.

Future Vet with Banfield Pet Hospital
Saturday, June 15 | 1-2pm
Future vets and animal lovers! Participate in Banfield Pet Hospital’s FutureVet® interactive program led by a veterinarian. Kids explore careers in pet health, meet a therapy dog and graduate with a FutureVet® certificate. Free with museum admission. In partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital.

Target $2 Tuesday Night
Tuesday, June 18 | 5-8pm
Bring the family for a night of play for just $2 per person! As always, members play free. Join our friends from Target for story time and illustrate your very own Marbleous book. Sponsored by Target.

Garden Gourmet
Wednesday, June 19 | 10:30-11:30am
Spring into summer with a delicious recipe using the summer’s freshest harvest from farms across North Carolina. Sponsored by Whole Foods.

Project Dance with American Dance Festival
Saturday, June 22 | 11am-12pm
Get moving with guests from the American Dance Festival’s Project Dance. Help celebrate the traditions and culture of African dance and drumming. ADF faculty members will teach kids and adults the histories and joys of African movements, rhythms and musical instruments. Get ready to hear the beat and move your feet; no prior dance experience is necessary!

Guest Star Scientist – Food Masters!
Sunday, June 23 | 1-3pm
Join the FoodMASTER team from ECU and play around with the science of food and how healthy eating gives you the energy to play. Make a basil seed bracelet, experiment with emulsifiers, use vegetable juice to explore pH and test out your taste buds.

Sing! Dance! Play!
Wednesday, June 26 | 10-10:30am
Join Jammin’ Baby, a presenter of Music Together®, for musical fun and exploration. Appropriate for ages birth to five.

Hockey Fun with the Carolina Hurricanes
Saturday, June 29 | 1-3pm
Carolina Hurricanes staff members will be at the museum for hockey fun. Play around in the Canes inflatable slap shot booth and practice like a pro in the skills and drills zone full of sticks, pucks and goals.

Spook Handy

Folks Singer Spook Handy will appear at The ArtsCenter on Wednesday, May 15th at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10 Advance, $6 for Friends of The ArtsCenter, and $14 Day of Show. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.artscenterlive.org, visit our box office at 300-G East Main St – Carrboro, NC 27510, or call 919.929.2787.

“Spook Handy keeps the spirit of his mentor Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie alive today,” says ArtsCenter Executive Director Art Menius. “When Pete could not make it to the People’s Music Network convening a couple of years ago, it was Spook whom he chose to deliver his message. Spook is the real deal, a old-time folk singer or troubadour, traveling the country singing all the news that’s fit to sing for, by, and about the people. The ArtsCenter is very proud to host his Triangle debut.”

Spook can be heard in venues of almost all stripes, from festivals and arts centers to senior centers and churches – from TV and radio to libraries and schools. With a simple Martin D-35 guitar, harmonica, his own voice and the voices of the audience, Spook presents concerts of good honest acoustic songs that are true to the spirit, passion of purpose of American folk music. He sings about the local Mom and Pop’s store, the widow of a soldier, the landscape of Montana, economic hardship, dogs with fleas, and so many other experiences that everybody can relate to in one way or another. Connected to the Roots “Spook Handy brings to the stage an awareness and respect for the history and origins of the music. His enthusiasm, music and stories are infectious and draw the audience into the show.”

Spook will lead a guitar workshop for the general public from 6:00-7:15pm on the day of the show. Enrollment is $15 dollars for the public, $13 for ArtsCenter Friends.This workshop will cover 3 main areas according to individual ability: * Learn about bass lines, riff lines and chord embellishments * Learn and practice hammer-ons, pull offs, slides and bends * Learn and practice simple and intermediate finger style techniques.

This hands-on workshop is designed for the beginner and intermediate level guitar player. Bring your guitar, paper and pencil and the desire to drastically improve your guitar playing.

Programs at The ArtsCenter are supported in part by Brooks Pierce, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, Giorgios Hospitality Group, The North Carolina Arts Council, The Orange County Arts Commission, Tony Hall and Associates, & Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe.

The ArtsCenter is a non-profit teaching and presenting organization founded in 1974. The largest employer of artists in Orange County, NC, it serves more than 80,000 people annually, through classes, studios, concerts, theatre, spoken word, gallery displays, more than 80 school shows, and more. The ArtsCenter exerts a local economic impact exceeding $3,200,000 which generates the equivalent of 103 full time jobs and $301,000 in state and local tax revenue.

Head On Management & Booking is proud to announce their first summer showcase featuring the music of New Town Drunks, Michael Rank & Stag, Wood Ear, The Fair & the Foul, Mark Holland, Tom Maxwell, John Howie Jr, Salt to Bitters and more.  The showcase will take place on Saturday, June 8th at Southern Rail in Carrboro starting a 5:00pm.  The music will begin outside and move inside after sundown.

Head On Management has selected eight choice acts and a few surprises from its extensive roster of North Carolina roots artists to launch its first summer showcase.  Headlining the show will be New Town Drunks who are releasing a new album, Kiss, on May 28th.  Also performing are Michael Rank & Stag who are riding a wave of acclaim for their February release, In the Weeds, while also preparing for a second 2013 release, Mermaids, later this year.  Wood Ear, The Fair and the Foul and Salt to Bitters will bring their fresh passionate takes on personal southern folk, rock, and indie.  And veterans Mark Holland (Jennyanykind), Tom Maxwell (Squirrel Nut Zippers) and John Howie Jr (John Howie Jr and the Rosewood Bluff), will play solo sets to round up a showcase that will celebrate the wealth and depth of North Carolina music.

The showcase is also sponsored by Southern Rail, whose proprietors Michael and Christina Benson will be renewing vows at the showcase to celebrate 20 years of marriage.

Head On Management & Booking has gathered under its fold an impressive number of talented North Carolina acts.  Both newcomers and veterans have found a home where direct action is being taken on their behalf without compromising their independence.

For more info please contact:
Head On Management & Booking            http://headonmanagement.com/
Email: headonmb[at]gmail.com
Tel:      919-969-7104
Southern Rail                                                    http://www.thestationcarrboro.com/

Lineup from last to first (music will start at 5:00pm):

• New Town Drunks           http://www.newtowndrunks.com/
• Michael Rank & Stag       http://www.michaelrankmusic.com/
• Wood Ear                            http://www.woodear.net/
• The Fair & the Foul          http://thefairandthefoul.com/
• Mark Holland                     http://www.reverbnation.com/mhollandsrhythmforce
• Tom Maxwell                     http://www.tommaxwell.com/
• John Howie Jr                    http://www.johnhowiejr.com/
• Salt to Bitters                     http://www.reverbnation.com/salttobitters

artspace Summer Arts Program

Raleigh, N.C. – There’s still time to register for artspace’s Summer Arts Program classes!  Youth classes begin June 17 and Adult classes start May 20.  Spots are limited.  To register, interested participants should call artspace at 919.821.2787. Class descriptions and program details are available online at www.artspacenc.org.

artspace‘s Summer Arts Program provides a unique opportunity for students to work directly with professional artists and gain quality experience through hands-on activities. Youth classes are available for rising 3rd through 10th graders, with week-long, half or full-day options available. Students will typically complete one large individual art project and several smaller ones during this time. Summer classes cover a wide variety of topics including batik, painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, mural painting, portraiture, bookmaking, and even clock-making!

A variety of College Prep classes for rising 9th through 12th graders, and Adult classes for ages 16 and up are also offered during the summer.  New this year, artspace is offering College Prep class, Performance Video, instructed by Tracy Spencer-Stonestreet.  This class will introduce performance video art to students, and students will work as a group to brainstorm fun choreographed tasks to make up their own group video. artspace also offers several summer Saturday classes for rising 3rd through 8th graders at both artspace (201 E Davie Street) and artspace Pop-up (4421-103A Six Forks Rd).

ABOUT artspace:
artspace is a nonprofit visual art center dedicated to providing arts education and community outreach programs, creating an environment of more than 100 professional artists and presenting nationally acclaimed exhibitions. Located in downtown Raleigh in the historic Sanders Ford building, artspace has been providing the community with the opportunity to interact with working artists and to participate in hands-on arts education since 1986.  For more information about artspace, exhibitions, programs, or membership, please visit www.artspacenc.org.

Historic Interpretations proudly announces that Alison Davis and Linda Depo will direct The Hollow Crown for hiSTORYstage. The production will run for two performances at Common Ground Theatre at 8pm nightly, July 26th and 27th, and for four performances at Sertoma Amphitheater in Bond Park in Cary, NC, at 6:30pm nightly, August 1-4, 2013.

The Hollow Crown is an evening’s entertainment by and about the Kings and Queens of England.  The action unfolds through music, poetry, speeches, letters and other writings. The players bring to life British Royals from William I to Victoria; three singers intersperse songs from the proper period – some of which are sad tunes on the death of kings while others are uproariously funny.

A favorite of the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Hollow Crown has enjoyed perennial success since it hit the stage in 1961.  What makes The Hollow Crown remarkable is that, in some instances, the audience is hearing the story in the monarch’s own words.

While it may sound highly academic, the play is not a history lesson, but instead a piece of compelling entertainment.  The Hollow Crown will appeal to those with or without a firm grasp on the past.

Audition Times:  Wednesday, May 29th: 6:00pm – 9:00pm  and Thursday, May 30th: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

You do not have to attend both audition dates. Please plan to stay the entire time and arrive by 6:00pm to allow time to submit your paperwork. We will begin auditions promptly at 6:30pm. Photos (not necessarily headshots) would be helpful, but are not required.   For more information about auditioning, call 919-339-1558 or visit www.historystage.org

Callbacks:  Saturday, June 1st – 12:00pm – 2:00pm (Please plan to remain the entire time)

Music:   If you wish to audition as a singer, please prepare a short selection for your audition. We may also do a brief teaching of a selection from the show as a group before giving you an opportunity to perform in private.

Forms:   Please download the Audition Form and Conflict Calendar from www.historystage.org and bring them with you to the audition.

Roles:  For those that may be familiar with this play, we are not following the “Reader A, B, C, D” staging. We have specific roles identified for the various pieces that relate tales about life events at court.

King – male any age (18+)
Queen – female any age (18+)
Lady of the Court – female any age (18+)
Knight – male any age (18+)
Chamberlain – male any age (18+)
Singers:   We have 3 additional singing parts for short musical transitions. All ages (16+) and abilities are welcome audition. We are looking for singers that are outgoing and can engage with the audience.

Townspeople:   3 -4 actors (any age 16+) seated in the audience to interact throughout the show. Improv ability and/or experience preferred. Directors will provide guidance on what is expected of the townspeople throughout the show.

Scripts:   Scripts for review are in the conference room at the Cary Art Center, 101 Dry Ave.  Please do not remove them.

Key notes about production:   The show in Cary is in an outside venue that is accessible to the public. To maximize the outdoor atmosphere, we are striving for a family friendly outdoor castle courtyard feeling; informal and interactive with the audience. It will be important for actors to project loudly, not be overly distracted by noise, people talking and moving about, animals, planes etc. Please remember, it will be hot in August at the Sertoma location.

MICHAEL BUBLÉ ANNOUNCES TOUR PNC Arena – Friday, October 25

(RALEIGH, NC) – Michael Bublé announced his upcoming tour today during his appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” The Canadian superstar will embark on a 40-city U.S. concert tour beginning in Chicago on Sept. 7, 2013 and will stop at PNC Arena on Friday, Oct. 25.

“I’m very excited to get back on the road and perform for my fans… It’s been awhile but we’re rested up and ready to have a big party on stage every night,” commented Bublé.

“To Be Loved” is Bublé’s latest CD and debuted at the No. 1 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top 200 Pop Charts. It is Bublé’s 4th consecutive No. 1 album. In conjunction with the release, he co-hosted the “Today” show and appeared on “LIVE with Kelly and Michael,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Nightline,” “Dancing With The Stars,” “Chelsea Lately” and a surprise appearance in a NY subway station which immediately went viral. The multi-Grammy winning artist has had global sales of 45 million albums in the course of his extraordinary decade long career. Bublé’s last CD, the multi-platinum “Christmas,” was the second biggest selling album of 2011 following Adele.

He has already sold out 10 nights at the 17,000 capacity O2 Arena in London beginning June 30 and five nights at the 10,000 capacity O2 in Dublin beginning July 15. His previous Crazy Love Tour sold out in 80 U.S. cities and was seen by over two million fans worldwide.

PlayMakers Rep’s Summer Youth Conservatory presents Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning musical “Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street” from July 17 through 20 at 7:30pm and July 21 at 2:00pm at the Center for Dramatic Art at 250 Country Club Rd. in Chapel Hill.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

For more information, visit: www.playmakersrep.org

Dr. Ronald Carter

Father’s Day Jazz Concert Features National and Local Artists

Jazz fans and families will want to mark their calendars for a special Father’s Day concert that will feature local and national jazz musicians in the Raleigh Little Theatre Scottie Stevenson Amphitheatre.  The second annual Paul Montgomery Memorial Father’s Day Jazz Concert is planned for Sunday, June 16, at 6:30 pm.  The concert will cap a weekend of free jazz clinics to be conducted by the director of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University, Dr. Ronald Carter.

In keeping with the family focus of the Concert, Dr. Carter will perform with his daughter, Demetria Carter, a singer who studies at North Carolina Central University.  Also performing will be the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra which are both directed by Dr. Gregg Gelb, and Kathy and Chris Gelb, daughter and grandson of the late Paul Montgomery, a longtime musician in the Raleigh area and beloved “Uncle Paul” of WRAL.

Music lovers are in for a treat in hearing Dr. Ronald Carter.  He serves as lead artist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Band Director Academy and education consultant for the Essentially Ellington Program.  He has performed with Clark Terry, Lou Rawls, Jimmy Dorsey, Terrell Stafford, and many others.  He is in Downbeat Magazine’s Hall of Fame and has recently performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Dr. Carter will provide jazz clinics on Saturday, June 15, at Marsh Woodwinds for the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and members of the public.  Ticket information for the June 16 concert also is available at the Raleigh Little Theatre website http://raleighlittletheatre.org/events/jazz.html The clinics are free and more information and sign-up will be available soon at www.carolinajazz.com

Sponsors are needed for these events.  To learn more about how you can help, contact Dr. Gregg Gelb at gregg@carolinajazz.com

Art is a sacred medium to Tibetans. The North Carolina Piedmont area will once again be hosting the monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery’s Sacred Art Tour, in Saxapahaw, North Carolina. Drepung Gomang Monastery was established in 1416 in Lhasa, Tibet and is renowned as a seat of philosophical study and debate. Presently, it has been reconstructed in South India.

The monks will be sharing their cultural traditions of Tibet, including the creation of a sand mandala at the SaxArt Gallery located on Jordan Street in Saxapahaw. Admission is free to all visitors to the gallery and donations are welcome. All visitors are welcome to come and witness the great skill and concentration of these remarkable monks, as they create a memorable artwork in sand that will be deconstructed on June 16th, 2013. Many opportunities for photographs and interviews with the monks are possible during their stay. To schedule an interview contact  ebarkley@monkstour.info or call (919) 368-4517.

This event has been made possible through the sponsorship of the SaxArt Gallery, located at 1616 Jordan Street in Saxapahaw. The location is ideal for visitors, it is handicapped accessible and the deconstruction ceremony scheduled for June 16th at 2pm, at the Haw River that is steps away from the gallery.

Visitors of all ages are invited to join the monks as they create this peace offering to the community of Saxapahaw, North Carolina, beginning June 12th to June 16th. In addition to watching the monks create this temporary work of art, the public is welcome to come at 10 am to listen to the morning prayers or in the late afternoon to hear evening prayers chanted by the monks. For up to the minute information on all events see  www.monkstour.info

Events Scheduled at SaxArt Gallery in Saxapahaw

• June 12th  at 10 am:         Opening Ceremony
• June 12th  all day:            Mandala Construction and Merchandise Sales at Tibetan Bazaar – Evening prayers can start during 4pm to 6pm.
• June 13th 10am to Gallery closing: Mandala Construction and Merchandise Sales at Tibetan Bazaar – Evening prayers can start during 4pm to 6pm.
• June 14th 10am to Gallery closing: Mandala Construction and Merchandise Sales at Tibetan Bazaar – Evening prayers can start during 4pm to 6pm.
• June 14th 7pm to 9pm: An Evening with the Monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery – donations requested – this is a ticketed event
• June 15th 10 am to Noon: Sand Painting Workshop given by the Monks – donations requested – sign up online at  www.monkstour.info
• June 15th noon to Gallery closing: Mandala Construction and Merchandise Sales at Tibetan Bazaar – Evening prayers can start during 4pm to 6pm.
• June 16th  10 am to 2pm: Final viewing of the Mandala
• June 16th  2pm: Mandala Deconstruction Ceremony

“The Homosexuals” Extended!
Performances added for the hit new play at Manbites Dog
Now playing through May 25
at Manbites Dog Theater, 703 Foster Street, Durham

Added Special Event: Meet the Playwright on Friday, March 24, in a post-show conversation with artistic director Jeff Storer

(Durham, NC) The Homosexuals are here, they’re queer, and they’re sticking around. Due to audience demand and consistently sold-out performances, Manbites Dog Theater is extending this hit play through May 25.

Critics have called The Homosexuals “the best play of the year” (Triangle Arts & Entertainment) and “maybe the very best I’ve seen in all [Manbites Dog’s] years” (The Five Points Star). IndyWeek gives the play four stars, writing that “[playwright Philip] Dawkins’ writing is muscular, and his ear for dialogue serves him and his characters well.” The News & Observer writes that the play’s success is “a tribute to director Jeff Storer’s deep understanding and the cast’s uniform excellence,” while The Five Points Star praises the “extraordinary ensemble acting by several of the Triangle’s most consistently fine actors.”

In honor of the extension, playwright Philip Dawkins will be flying in from Chicago to see the play and participate in a post-show conversation following the performance on Friday, May 24. This special event is free to those who attend that evening’s performance.

The Homosexuals is now playing through May 25, featuring actors Ryan Brock, Chris Burner, Thaddaeus Edwards, Derrick Ivey, Gregor McElvogue, Jeffrey Moore, and Amber Wood. Directed by Manbites Dog’s Artistic Director Jeff Storer.

Tickets

Tickets are $17 Friday-Sunday, $12 Wednesday/Thursday. Student tickets are $5 with ID, and Seniors (62+) and Military receive a $2 discount. Manbites Dog Season Vouchers are accepted for all shows. Thursday, May 2 is a special pay-what-you-can preview. (Door sales only, $5 minimum.)

Order online at www.manbitesdogtheater.org or by calling 919.682.3343.

Performances

Further performances run through May 25 on the following schedule:
- Wednesday, May 15 at 8:15pm
- Thursday, May 16 at 8:15pm
- Friday, May 17 at 8:15pm
- Saturday, May 18 at 8:15pm
- Friday, May 24 at 8:15pm
- Saturday, May 25 at 8:15pm

Bachelor Mother

Sunday, May 12, 2013

7:00 pm

The Rialto Theatre

1620 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, North Carolina

BACHELOR MOTHER

USA, 1939, B&W, Not Rated, 82 Minutes.
Directed by Garson Kanin. Starring Ginger Rogers, David Niven,
Charles Coburn, Frank Albertson, E.E. Clive.

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PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Please be aware that parking is not permitted in the Rite Aid parking lot and that cars will be towed.   Please wait outside of the theater until the previous film ends.
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Imagine for a moment that you are a single shop-girl, living in New York in 1939.  Not the 1939 of soup kitchens and “Buddy, can you spare a dime?”,  but a frothy, madcap New York where people had money to shop for tchotchkes at venerable department stores and a girl could still marry a millionaire.  This is the setting of Bachelor Mother.

In Bachelor Mother,   Polly Parrish (Ginger Rogers) is a young, single woman, working at a New York department store for the Christmas season.  Her job seems to consist of standing at a counter and winding mechanical Donald Duck toys all day long.  Her hopes for continued employment are dashed as she receives her “pink slip” with her paycheck just a few days before Christmas.

Determined to remain on her own in New York, Polly decides to visit a nearby employment agency on her lunch break.  On her way, she encounters an older woman leaving a baby on the steps of an adoption agency.  Fearing that the baby will be injured, Polly confronts the situation by taking the baby inside.   In chatting with the employees, Polly eventually realizes that the case workers believe her to be the unwed mother of the abandoned baby.  Despite Polly’s ardent protestations, they contact her employer, a carefree bachelor (David Niven), the son of the owner (Charles Coburn) of the department store where Polly works.  When the store is guilted into retaining Polly in order to allow her to keep her baby, the resulting tug of war between truth and fiction creates a sterling comedy of errors that still holds up today, showcasing Ginger Rogers’ warmth and pluckiness and naturally providing her with an excuse to dance.

In 1939, the subject of single motherhood would have been a tricky one, to say the least.   The Depression fractured many homes as men left their families to travel and find work, or even abandoned wife and children out of a sense of desperation and shame.  Unwed mothers were unmentionable or spoken of only in whispers.   To say that this proposed film contained very dicey subject matter is a vast understatement.    However, the script written by Norman Krasna and Garson Kanin manages to humanize the comedy and the performances by the adorable Ginger Rogers and a highly flummoxed David Niven are timeless and stellar.

The tone of the film is a familiar one in 1930s cinema – utter escapism.  One could consider this to a “Depression Denial” film – a movie where the story line hearkens back to happier, more prosperous times and completely denies the fact that no one was entirely untouched by the Depression, and the reality of the situation was that countless people were living on the brink.

However, beneath the fun and the froth of Bachelor Mother is a darker subtext.  While this film depicts New York as unscathed by economic failure, the idea of a woman abandoning a baby would have been a stark reality in those desperate days.  We don’t know why the baby was abandoned, the script never tells us, but the act of abandonment is shown to have been done with deepest regret.  There is a great deal of pathos in this scene and audiences then, as now, would have understood the emotional depths only hinted at here.

Bachelor Mother is a remake of a German film, Kleine Mutti (Little Mother, 1935) and was remade in a musical version called Bundle of Joy in 1956.  It was Ginger Rogers’ first cinematic venture outside of her association with Fred Astaire after they completed the story of Vernon and Irene Castle.    Rogers is the heart of this film – an Everywoman, so to speak, and we root for her plucky all-American attitude from the first frame to the last.  Bachelor Mother was David Niven’s first lead role in a romantic comedy and it seems to have informed his performance in The Bishop’s Wife (1947).

Bachelor Mother is a fun romp with sparking dialog, career defining performances and a wealth of one-liners.  Is it any small wonder that it came out of 1939, Hollywood’s Golden Year?    (kb)
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If either your home or e-mail addresses changes,

please notify us by email at thecinemainc@gmail.com

or by mail at The Cinema, Inc. P.O. Box 20835, Raleigh NC 27619

in order to continue receiving our monthly film notifications.

We do not share this information with any other organization.

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If you are interested in joining Cinema, Inc.’s Board of Directors,

please contact Jerry Folden at gcfolden@usa.net.

To suggest films for future seasons, please submit, at a minimum, the title, year, and director;  we appreciate any additional information such as cast, synopsis and awards.

www.cinema-inc.org  thecinemainc@gmail.com

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North Carolina Museum of Art Spring Film Series continues:

Fridays at 8pm

East Building, Museum Auditorium

Tickets $7.00 ($5.00 students, NCMA members)

Friday 5/10/13       Cinema Paradiso
Friday, 5/17/13   Roman Holiday

Summerfest William Henry Curry and audience.

Children 12 and Under Admitted Free on the Lawn

The North Carolina Symphony’s popular outdoor concerts return for another season as the Rex Healthcare Summerfest Series brings thrilling music for relaxed listening to Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre May 25 through July 6. This summer marks the 28th anniversary of performances in Cary and the orchestra’s thirteenth season in the stunning lakeside pavilion built by the Town of Cary.

While performances begin at 7:30 p.m., concertgoers may bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs as early as 5:00 p.m. to enjoy the striking natural surroundings before the music begins. Children ages 12 and under are free on the lawn, so attending a North Carolina Symphony concert at Booth Amphitheatre is a wonderful summer bargain for families.

Some of music’s most exciting offerings—as well as costume contests, instrument zoos for the kids, games, prizes, Fourth of July fireworks and so much more—make these evening performances under the pines a special treat for everyone in the family.

Summerfest Opening Night launches your summer of music on May 25, featuring Play with the Pros.* Enjoy the evening as the Triangle’s most gifted citizen musicians of all ages join forces with Resident Conductor and Summerfest Artistic Director William Henry Curry and the North Carolina Symphony in a robust evening of classical masterpieces, including Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D Major, plus Ferdinand Hérold’s Zampa Overture, Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, and Jean Sibelius’Finlandia.

* Play with the Pros features citizen musicians, who join the North Carolina Symphony for select works. For more information on becoming a citizen musician, call Sarah Preston, Performing Arts Coordinator for the Town of Cary, before April 9 at 919.462.3969.

The Symphony’s summer celebration continues on Saturday, June 1, with At the Movies. Join Grant Llewellyn for a special performance of music from some of the greatest movies of all time, including the James Bond films, “Out of Africa,” “Indiana Jones,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Gone With The Wind.”  And, the Symphony is hosting a costume contest for folks who come dressed as their favorite movie character, with a chance to win free Summerfest tickets, and more.  Lights!  Action!  Music!

Back by popular demand, the orchestra will host the “Fab Four” as part of the Classical Mystery Tour, which celebrates the 45th anniversary of the release of the Beatles’ White Album.  On Saturday, June 8, guest conductor Martin Herman will lead the North Carolina Symphony and the Classical Mystery Tour band in some of the greatest Beatles tunes ever, such as “I Am The Walrus,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and “Penny Lane,” along with beautiful ballads such as “The Long and Winding Road” and “Yesterday.”  The Symphony guarantees that the audience will love it… yeah, yeah, yeah!

On Saturday, June 15, Maestro Curry and the orchestra will be joined by guest pianist Di Wu for Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.  Praised in the Wall Street Journal as “a most mature and sensitive pianist” and named one of the “up-and-coming talents” in classical music by Musical America, Chinese-born Di Wu continues to enhance her reputation as an elegant and powerful musician. Her concerts have taken her across the globe, charming audiences from East to West with her “charisma, steely technique, and keen musical intelligence” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and her “fire and authority” (Washington Post).

The concert on Saturday, June 22, will definitely have audiences leaving the concert humming.  Join Maestro Curry and the orchestra for an evening of Broadway Blockbusters.  Mega-hits such as “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables, and “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera, plus hits from Music Man and Fiddler on the Roof, and The Sound of Music are perfect for singing along!

The Symphony plays music that is out of this world on Saturday, June 29, when it performs Holst’s The Planets: An HD Odyssey. Conductor William Henry Curry will guide listeners on the ultimate journey through the galaxy with Gustav Holst’s symphonic powerhouse, The Planets, live with high definition images from NASA projected on a giant screen above the orchestra.

Summerfest’s Finale will be held on Saturday, July 6, with a Classics Celebration.  Some of music’s greatest works will explode from the stage, including Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, featuring the Concert Singers of Cary, and Tchaikovsky’s epic 1812 Overture.  Ready…Aim…Play!

And, as always, on Thursday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m., the North Carolina Symphony will celebrate with the Town of Cary at a free Independence Day concert that is a salute to the Red, White, and Blue.  A Triangle tradition, the concert will feature patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics to honor the USA on its birthday. Come early to Booth Amphitheatre and grab the best seats on the lawn for the area’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks display.

Summerfest 2013 is sponsored by Rex Healthcare, with additional support from the Town of Cary, First Citizens Bank, ABB, Balentine Investing, CaptiveAire, and Whole Foods Market of Cary.

Booth Amphitheatre is located at 8003 Regency Parkway in Cary, N.C.

Ticket Information
To subscribe, or for information about subscription options to any of the Symphony’s 2013/14 concert series across the state, visit the North Carolina Symphony season tickets page at www.ncsymphony.org/subscriptions or call North Carolina Symphony Audience Services at 919.733.2750 or toll free 877.627.6724.

Flex tickets on the lawn and covered tables are also available for the entire Summerfest series. Beginning at $84, Flex tickets allow music lovers the easiest access to the Rex Healthcare Summerfest Series, for savings of up to 46% when compared to single-concert ticket prices.   Flex 4 ticket subscriptions are $84.  Flex 8 ticket subscriptions are $159.  Flex 12 ticket subscriptions are $211.  Single ticket sales will begin in late April.  Children ages 12 and under are admitted free on the lawn.

About the North Carolina Symphony
 
Founded in 1932, the North Carolina Symphony performs over 175 concerts annually to adults and school children in more than 50 North Carolina counties. An entity of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the orchestra employs 66 professional musicians, under the artistic leadership of Music Director and Conductor Grant Llewellyn and Resident Conductor William Henry Curry.

Based in downtown Raleigh’s spectacular Meymandi Concert Hall at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and an outdoor summer venue at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, N.C., the Symphony performs about 60 concerts annually in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary metropolitan area. It holds regular concert series in Fayetteville, New Bern, Southern Pines and Wilmington—as well as individual concerts in many other North Carolina communities throughout the year—and conducts one of the most extensive education programs of any U.S. orchestra.

Voices

On June 1, the worlds and talents of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Paul McCartney will collide as Voices (130-member choral group) performs “Mozart Meets McCartney” at Memorial Hall at UNC at 8 pm.  They will perform Mozart’s Missa Brevis in F Major along with McCartney’s Ecce Cor Meum.  Voices will be joined by a children’s choir and orchestra along with several soloists.  Cantari (Voices select ensemble) will also sing a “Tribute To The Beatles” during this performance.

Miss Brevis is a short that was written by Mozart when he was only 18 years old.  Four soloists each have lyrical lines that emerge from within the choral piece rather than as separate arias or ensemble movements.  The soloist are Jane Thurston, Cathy Burt, Bill Kodros and Eric Dashman.

Ecce Cor Meum (Latin for Behold My Heart) is Paul McCartney’s fourth classical album.  It is a work composed in the style of sacred English choral music and includes chorus, orchestra, organ, children’s choir and a soprano soloist.  The oratorio was partly inspired by Linda McCartney. It was written shortly after her death.  It premiered in the US on November 14, 2006 at a sold-out show in Carnegie Hall.  Andrea Edith Moore will be the featured soprano.

“A Tribute to the Beatles” featuring choral settings of the tunes that put the band on the map, will be performed by Cantari during this performance.  Many professional choral groups such as Chanticleer, the King’s Singers and the Swingle Singers have recorded entire albums of Beatles arrangements in many musical styles.

On June 9th, Cantari will perform “From The Convent to Abbey Road” at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro at 4pm.  This performance will feature pieces from medieval chants by Benedictine Abbess Hildegard von Bingen, to Latin motets, to modern humorous songs, American spirituals and pop songs straight from the English pub scene of the 1960’s including the aforementioned “Tribute to the Beatles”.

Benedictine Abbess Hildegard von Bingen was a writer, composer, philosopher, mystic and visionary.  She produced many volumes of theology.  “O Successores” will be performed by the Cantari women in procession. “Ave Maris Stella” was written by famous 16th century Spanish composer Tomas Luis de Victoria who is sometimes called the Spanish Palestrina.  This motet has seven sections.  The odd number sections are performed in plainchant and the even numbered are sung in four-part harmony.  Minneapolis composer Carol Barnett arranged the two American spirituals that will be performed.  British composer John Tavener has put music to a William Blake poem about a tiger. Canadian composer Stephen Chatman composed a short piece called “Mosquitoes” mimicking the sounds of insects.  Eric Whiteacre is a Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor from Nevada.  He brings his love of choral music, piano keyboard technique and his wit to the short pieces of “Animal Crackers” based on the poetry of Ogden Nash.

CLICK to Visit The Honeycutters’ Kickstarter Site!

Honeycutters

The Honeycutters are thrilled to announce the launch of their Kickstarter campaign on Thursday, April 25, 2013 for a Spring 2014 album release! The band is fronted by vocalist and songwriter, Amanda Anne Platt and lead guitarist/ producer Peter James and includes Tal Taylor on mandolin, bassist Rick Cooper and Josh Milligan on drums.

The Kickstarter campaign launches during this weekend’s x, where The Honeycutters are set to perform, and will run for forty days. The goal is set to raise $28,000, which will be earmarked for recording; the mixing & mastering of the album at the prestigious Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville; album packaging design; album pressing; distribution; publicity and radio promotion. Supporters will receive an assortment of special gifts for pledging to the campaign including a day at the studio w/ The Honeycutters; handwritten lyrics booklets to accompany the album; house concerts featuring The Honeycutters; an invitation to a either a guitar workshop w/ Peter James or a songwriting workshop w/ Amanda Anne Platt; a special edition poster; pre-release copies of the album; stickers; digital downloads and more.

“We love playing music, being on the road, and meeting the people that make our lives as musicians possible,” Platt says. “We’re hoping that the release of this next record will afford us a greater opportunity for doing what we love–we want to bring more Honeycutters music into the world!”

Last year marked a successful year for The Honeycutters, with the release of their second album, When Bitter Met Sweet, which was also fan funded. The album released at MerleFest and was one of the top ten selling albums at MerleFest 2012. The band went on to sell out the Grey Eagle in Asheville for their official CD release party, and they performed at Strawberry Music Fest in California. Highlights for the band in 2012 included opening for Guy Clark in Nashville, TN and for Jim Lauderdale in New York City.

When Bitter Met Sweet remained on the Americana Radio Chart for 11 weeks after its June release where it reached #23. It  landed at #94 in the top 100 Americana releases for 2012 and placed #4 in WNCW’s Top 100 Albums of the same year. Regionally, it was the #2 record, right behind The Avett Brothers’ The Carpenter. Asheville’s Mountain Xpress reader’s poll selected The Honeycutters as “Best Local Americana Country Band” for the second year running. The group’s first release, Irene (2009) also received positive accolades like placing #32 on WNCW’s Top 100 Chart and a listing on Iaan Hughes’ No Depression Podcast’s Top Twenty of 2009.

The Honeycutters are currently featured in CMT’s Concrete Country series where they perform three original songs live in the heart of Downtown Nashville.
Watch it here: http://www.cmtedge.com/2013/04/22/concrete-country-the-honeycutters/.

For a free download of a sampler of The Honeycutters’ music, visit NoiseTrade: http://bit.ly/honeycuttersntm.

The Honeycutters on Tour:
Fri & Sat 4/26-27/13 MerleFest – Wilkesboro, NC
Fri & Sat 5/17-18/13 Isis Music Hall – Asheville, NC
Wed 5/29 The Berkeley Cafe – Raleigh, NC *w/ Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers
Thu 5/30 US National Whitewater Center – Charlotte, NC
Sat 6/1 Nelsonville Music Fest – Nelsonville, OH
Wed 6/5 Old St Francis Theater, Bend OR *
Thu 6/6 Kennedy School – Portland, OR *
Fri 6/7 Hotel Oregon – McMinnville, OR *
Sat 6/8 Treehouse Cafe – Bainbridge Island, WA
Sun 6/9 Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR *
TUe 6/11 Oly Club Centralia – WA *
Wed 6/12 Edgefield – Troutdale, OR *
Thu 6/13 Sand Trap – Gearhart, OR *
Fri 6/14 Grand Lodge – Forest Grove, OR *
Sat 6/15 Conor Byrne Pub – Seattle, WA
Sun 6/16 Green Frog Acoustic Cafe – Bellingham, WA
Thu 6/27 Western Carolina U’s Summer Concert Series – Cullowhee, NC
Fri 6/28 High Rock Outfitters – Lexington, NC
Sat 6/29 Amanda Anne Platt solo opening for Jill Andrews (Barley’s Knoxville, ticketed show)
Wed 7/10 Eddies’ Attic – Decatur, GA w/ Rebecca Pronsky
Sat 7/20 Magnolia Music and Medicine Show – Eastman GA
Sat 8/10 Dead On The Creek Music Festival – Willits CA
Fri 8/23 Summer Tracks Series – Tryon NC
Sun 8/25 Music On The Lake, Blue Ridge Community College – Flat Rock, NC (  (duo show)
Sat 9/7 Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival -  – Harmony PA
*as part of McMenamins Great American Northwest Music Tour

More information can be found at www.thehoneycutters.com

ABOUT THE HONEYCUTTERS
The Honeycutters are, at the heart, the musical collaboration of singer/songwriter Amanda Anne Platt and lead guitarist/ producer Peter James. While their sound has drawn comparisons to such artists as Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris or Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Platt and James produce a refreshingly unique blend of Americana music that is comfortingly familiar while being entirely original. Whether performing as an acoustic duo or a full fledged Honky-Tonk five piece band, The Honeycutters leave smiles on the faces of the ears that they catch.

Like so many of country music’s great duos, Platt and James have a musical chemistry that can be felt throughout the songs they play, from the sounds of their guitars to their vocal harmonies. Perhaps this is why they are frequently mentioned along with the movement to “take country music back to its roots.” The Honeycutters are just doing what they know how to do: make music that feels as good to hear as it is to play. Tal Taylor on mandolin, Rick Cooper on bass, and Josh Milligan on drums round out Platt’s songs and create a sound that carries just as well across the bar room as it does in a church or a music hall.

Broadway’s funniest New Hit Musical will be taking the DPAC stage in just two weeks! Called “ridiculously fun” by the New York Post, the story follows wannabe diva Delores Van Cartier. After witnessing a crime, the cos hide her in the last place anyone would think to look___a convent!

Along the way, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. “Sing nuns rock” in SISTER ACT (Bloonberg News)!

STUFF NUNS SAY! See the hilarity unfold among Deloris and her fellow sisters!

More Info Tickets:

Sparky&Rhonda: Sparky and Rhonda Rucker PHOTO CREDIT: Pam Zappardino

June’s largest event at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh will be presented with Our State in celebration of the magazine’s 80th anniversary. On Saturday, June 8, meet Our State editor Elizabeth Hudson, hear bluegrass music by Kickin’ Grass, sample scrumptious food, and experience much more. The event ties in with the museum’s 2nd Saturdays program featuring Tar Heel potter Hal Pugh, who will make traditional earthenware pottery.

Other June programs include songs and stories by Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, as well as a tour of the outdoor exhibit History of the Harvest to learn about North Carolina crops.

Admission is free for all June programs. Parking is free on weekends.

PROGRAMS
*Storytime in the Gallery
Ages 3 and up (with adult)
Every Thursday in June: June 6, 13, 20, 27
10-10:30 a.m.

Meet a staff member at the information desk and follow the guide to one of the museum galleries. Look around and listen to a history-related story.

2nd Saturdays Programs on June 8

Artist at Work: Hal Pugh
Saturday, June 8
Noon-3 p.m. (drop-in program)

Hal Pugh, Owner/Operator at New Salem Pottery, Author, Consultant on Early Ceramic Techniques

Watch North Carolina potter Hal Pugh as he makes traditional earthenware pottery with the look and feel of pottery from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries.

Our State Day
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate the magazine’s 80th anniversary! Enjoy bluegrass music, see displays about Our State and meet editor Elizabeth Hudson. Wendy Perry, whose cakes are featured in Our State, will share samples of her creations. Grab a smoothie and try a s’more. At 2 p.m. guest speaker Dr. Elliot Engel will take you back to North Carolina in 1933, the year Our State was founded. Stoke County’s award-winning teacher Eric Marshall, who was recently featured on CBS “Sunday Morning,” will have a display about the Civil War. Get a free issue of Our State, share your Our Statememories, and more. Make a day of it!

*Make It, Take It: Decorate It!
Saturday, June 8
Noon-3 p.m. (drop-in program)

Watch North Carolina potters at work and decorate your own ornament in the tradition of 18th-century artisans.

Music of the Carolinas: Sparky and Rhonda Rucker
Sunday, June 9
3-4 p.m.

Hear songs and stories relating to slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the westward migration, the birth of the blues, and the Civil Rights movement — all to mark the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Presented with PineCone, with support from the N.C. Museum of History Associates, Williams Mullen, and WLHC-FM/WLQC-FM.

Saturdays in the Garden
Saturday, June 15
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join one of the museum’s garden staff for an informal tour of our History of the Harvest exhibit in Bicentennial Plaza and see what’s going on in the garden! Meet your tour guide at the information desk in the lobby.

For more information about June programs, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook.

* marks programs of interest to children or families

File Decorating: Watch North Carolina potter Hal Pugh as he makes traditional earthenware pottery.

About the N.C. Museum of History
The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton Street, across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

About the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources (NCDCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s cultural resources to build the social, cultural and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan W. Kluttz, NCDCR’s mission to enrich lives and communities creates opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history and libraries in North Carolina that will spark creativity, stimulate learning, preserve the state’s history and promote the creative economy. NCDCR was the first state organization in the nation to include all agencies for arts and culture under one umbrella.

Through arts efforts led by the North Carolina Arts Council, the North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Museum of Art, NCDCR offers the opportunity for enriching arts education for young and old alike and economic stimulus engines for our state’s communities. NCDCR’s Divisions of State Archives, Historical Resources, State Historic Sites, and State History Museums preserve, document and interpret North Carolina’s rich cultural heritage. NCDCR’s State Library of North Carolina is the principal library of state government and builds the capacity of all libraries in our state, developing and supporting access to traditional and online collections such as genealogy and resources for the blind and physically handicapped.

NCDCR annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation’s first state-supported symphony orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council and the State Archives of North Carolina. NCDCR champions our state’s creative industry that accounts for more than 300,000 jobs and generates nearly $18.5 billion in revenues. For more information, please call 919-807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

The exhibition Freedom Coming, Freedom for All, opening Wednesday, May 15, at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, will be complemented by The Legacy of Freedom Symposium. On Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, this free symposium examines President Abraham Lincoln’s reasons for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, the resulting constitutional amendment that abolished slavery, and the overall impact of the change on legal and academic communities.

Both days will include a guest speaker, panel discussions, freedom songs, and historical re-enactments, followed by Q&A sessions. Symposium hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 31 and 9 a.m. to noon on June 1. The Legacy of Freedom Symposium is sponsored by the North Carolina Freedom Monument Park and the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information and to register for The Legacy of Freedom Symposium, visit www.ncfmp.org.

The exhibit Freedom Coming, Freedom for All is presented by the North Carolina Freedom Monument Park and the North Carolina Museum of History. The exhibit features the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which is on loan from the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Major sponsors of the exhibit are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina; Mechanics and Farmers Bank; News & Observer; North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company; PNC; Radio One; and Spectacular Magazine. Additional support is provided by Epiphany Public Relations of N.C., LLC; the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission and the State Archives of North Carolina.

About the North Carolina Museum of History

The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton Street, across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. To learn more, visit ncmuseumofhistory.org or call 919-807-7900.

About North Carolina Freedom Monument Park

Through beautiful public art and educational programs, North Carolina Freedom Monument Park is a community-initiated effort that will honor what freedom means to all people in North Carolina. The organization’s goals are to create and strengthen bonds among diverse people; educate and enhance mutual understanding; and serve as a model of cooperation, respect and common values. North Carolina Freedom Monument Park, planned for completion by 2017, will honor the African American experience and affirm the struggle for freedom for all by the creation of a public art park on a large corner space near the State Legislative Building and State Library, a spot visited daily by thousands of tourists, schoolchildren and local community. For more details, go to www.ncfmp.org or Facebook.

About the North Carolina Humanities Council

The North Carolina Humanities Council is a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National  Endowment for the Humanities. The Humanities Council serves as an advocate for lifelong learning and thoughtful dialogue about all facets of human life. It facilitates the exploration and celebration of the many voices and stories of North Carolina’s cultures and heritage. In addition to grants, awards and publications, the Council offers the Road Scholars speakers bureau; the Let’s Talk About It library discussion series; Museum on Main Street, a traveling exhibition in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and rural communities statewide; the Teachers Institute, a professional development program for the state’s public school educators; and Literature and Medicine, a scholar-facilitated book discussion group for hospital staff to reflect on the larger mission of medicine. For more information about the North Carolina Humanities Council, visit www.nchumanities.org, or get information on Facebook and Twitter.

About the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources

The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources (NCDCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s cultural resources to build the social, cultural and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan W. Kluttz, NCDCR’s mission to enrich lives and communities creates opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history and libraries in North Carolina that will spark creativity, stimulate learning, preserve the state’s history and promote the creative economy. NCDCR was the first state organization in the nation to include all agencies for arts and culture under one umbrella.

Through arts efforts led by the North Carolina Arts Council, the North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Museum of Art, NCDCR offers the opportunity for enriching arts education for young and old alike and economic stimulus engines for our state’s communities. NCDCR’s Divisions of State Archives, Historical Resources, State Historic Sites and State History Museums preserve, document and interpret North Carolina’s rich cultural heritage. NCDCR’s State Library of North Carolina is the principal library of state government and builds the capacity of all libraries in our state, developing and supporting access to traditional and online collections such as genealogy and resources for the blind and physically handicapped.

NCDCR annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation’s first state-supported symphony orchestra, the State Library, the North Carolina Arts Council and the State Archives of North Carolina. NCDCR champions our state’s creative industry that accounts for more than 300,000 jobs and generates nearly $18.5 billion in revenues. For more information, please call 919-807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

“This song is about Portland’s own most infamous bootlegger during prohibition, who happened to be a woman… known also for opium distribution, and shanghaiing unsuspecting patrons.” --Ashleigh Flynn

“Prohibition Rose” Lyrics:
Prohibition Rose,, knows what she knows,
From her hips to her toes – beneath her petticoat!
All day and into night, sailors while their time away
In her opium dens spending all their pay
Swilling her booze as they wait…

From Old Town to Old Shanghai,
the boys wake up under another sky!
They know how and they can’t ask why
When they wake from sleep in their bare feet
Shackled on a ship to the Far East.

Stumptown’s fairest queen, a
Denizen of the underground scene.
Rosie’s got the guile to get you a little high.
But not drop of hooch around
When the cops bust in like a pack of hounds.
Just Rosie readin’ from her bible –
With all the Whiskey stashed underneath her skirt…

From Old Town to Old Shanghai…

Click the links in the above text for a brief history on Prohibition Rose

About Ashleigh Flynn:
Portland, Oregon-based Ashleigh Flynn celebrates her latest CD, A Million Stars. Set for national release on May 14, 2013, Flynn’s fourth studio effort on her own Home Perm Records, is produced by Chris Funk, her longtime friend and musical collaborator, best-known as the Decemberists’ multi-instrumentalist. The record features Todd Snider and many of Portland’s most talented musicians including, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Nate Query, John Moen, Annalisa Tornfelt, and the Stolen Sweets singers, among others.

“Ashleigh Flynn represents the next generation of true songwriters. She rules!”
–Nanci Griffith

“One of my favorite people to perform and hang out with is Ashleigh Flynn. Her lyrics
are smart, she’s got a voice full of soul, and she knows how to handle a crowd.”
–Todd Snider

“True blue Americana…” –Paste Magazine

For more information, please visit: www.ashleighflynn.com
Full Link for Free Download of “Prohibition Rose”: https://soundcloud.com/smashedflynn-1/prohibition-rose

Clay Aiken stars as Man in Chair (photo by Curtis Brown Photography)

Now that the truth is out in the open, suffice it to say that, even without Aiken’s indomitable presence in his role as “Man in Chair,” North Carolina Theatre’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” would have been a success. This much-loved play,  a winner of five Tony awards, is brought to full life on the stage of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Complete with silly gags and corny-on-purpose puns, rousing choreography—including a major tap dance number, and larger-than-life costumes, this clever show, which serves as both an entertaining guilty pleasure and a smart parody of theatre itself,  lives up to its well-deserved reputation.

The story is told through  Man in Chair, a somewhat sexually ambiguous lover of theatre who puts on a record of his favorite play, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and imagines the entire cast performing in his living room. The audience sees the show the way  Man in Chair has always imagined it and gets to experience it right along with him. The action of the show-within-the-show even stops and skips as Man in Chair manipulates the record, making for some funny gags.

Aiken is, as one might expect, the star of the show. From the moment he was revealed onstage at the opening night performance, the audience simply couldn’t get enough of him. He did not, however, use his loyal fan base as an excuse to hold back on the performance. Though Aiken does not sing in the role, he steals the show time and time again with his perfect delivery of the character’s comedic commentary, and the man really knows how to milk a moment. During the “intermission” of the record, Aiken has his character eating a Power Bar and almost oblivious to the audience for a full two minutes or so. These types of antics and the fact that the story’s somewhat bittersweet ending is played up nicely  create an uncomfortable type of comedy and give the story an edge it often lacks in more mundane performances.

Aside from Aiken, Paige Faure as Janet Van Der Graaff and Beth Leavel as the show’s title character also turn out star performances. Faure brings a powerful voice and a charming presence to her role as the play-within-a-play’s heroine, while Leavel, who performed the role in the show’s first Broadway run, demonstrates the impeccable knack for comedy (and faux-drunkeness!) that made her a star.

Audiences looking for lighthearted fun and a hit-list of top performers will delight in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

Though the reviewer cannot disclose the lengths she had to go to to obtain this signed Clay Aiken CD, it should serve as proof of her fan-girl status.

Clay Aiken and Beth Leavel star as the star-struck Man in Chair and the tipsy title character in NCT’s robust rendition of “The Drowsy Chaperone” (photo by Curtis Brown Photography)

“American Idol” season-two runner-up Clay Aiken wins the hearts and minds of Triangle theatergoers with his pixilated performance as the star-struck Man in Chair in the North Carolina Theatre‘s uproarious rendition of The Drowsy Chaperone, playing now through Sunday in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in the downtown Raleigh, NC. Aiken, who made his professional debut at age 17 in NCT’s 1996 productions of 1776 and Shenandoah, is a hoot as an eccentric, effete musical-theater snob with a special affection for a forgotten 1928 Broadway musical romance entitled The Drowsy Chaperone.

Although he doesn’t have much of an opportunity to sing, Aiken demonstrates a fine flair for comedy as Man in Chair sets the musical ball rolling as he spins remastered LPs from his favorite guilty pleasure and — like magic — the original Roaring Twenties cast of The Drowsy Chaperone materializes all around him — to flirt and dance and crack wise. Meanwhile, Man in Chair scampers around and through the action, introducing the characters and the actors and actresses who play them with pep in their step, thanks to NCT artistic director Casey Hushion’s robust recreation of the original 2006 Broadway direction and choreography devised by her friend Casey Nicholaw, while Hushion served as his assistant director.

Clay Aiken’s fellow Raleigh native Beth Leavel is a scream as she reprises Tony Award®-winning performance as the perpetually sozzled and always hot-to-trot title character, whose signature song — belted in a big Broadway voice — is “As We Stumble Along.” While Leavel is hamming it up hilariously — and stealing every scene in which she appears — Johnny Stellard and Paige Faure keep the waves of laughter rolling with their antics as well-heeled groom-to-be Robert Martin and his fabulous fiancée, big Broadway star Janet Van De Graaff, who would be having cold feet if they ever cooled off from her sizzling dance routines.

The caffeinated comic characterizations of the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed supporting cast and the invigorating accompaniment of the red-hot NCT orchestra, under the direction of Edward G. Robinson, help elevate this offbeat musical- within-a-musical from a “star package” to a full-scale musical extravaganza that compares favorably with the deluze touring versions of Broadway musicals that regularly visit the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. (Indeed, the North Carolina Theatre is the Triangle’s foremost purveyor of home-grown Broadway musicals!)

Paige Faure is a pip as soon-to-be former showgirl Janet Van De Graaff, the acrobatic bride-to-be in “The Drowsy Chaperone” at NCT (photo by Curtis Brown Photography)

Original Drowsy Chaperone Broadway cast member Linda Griffin and her partner in mirth, Dirk Lumbard, amuse royally as the ditsy hostess of the Martin-Van De Graaff nuptials, Mrs. Tottendale (in her ante-bellum outfits), and the Underling who fulfills her every need (pun intended). Indeed, they raise the “spit take” to an art form!

Fearful of losing his prime attraction to marriage, the big Broadway producer named Feldzieg (puckishly played by Adam Heller) employs the oily would-be Latin lover Aldolpho (hammed to perfection by David Josefsberg) to seduce the bride, only things go awry almost immediately and Aldolpho sets his sights on another member of the wedding party — and provokes gales of laughter with his fumbling attempts to bed her.

Patrick Wetzel, who appears on the cast recording of The Drowsy Chaperone, adds a crisp comic cameo as George, Robert Martin’s hapless best man whose arrangements for the wedding unravel faster than he can knit them back together. Also making the most of their brief moments in the spotlight are Dana Zilman Harshaw as Feldzieg’s giddy girlfriend Kitty, who wants to replace Janet Van De Graaff as Feldzieg’s star of stars; Jeremy Morse as Gangster #1 and Eric Mann as Gangster #2, who are employed by Feldzieg’s chief investor and disguised as pastry chefs to pressure Feldzieg to ensure that the wedding gets called off; and Wake Forest chanteuse Yolanda W. Rabun as Trix the Aviatrix, who drops in just in time to save the day. The hijinks of Messrs. Morse and Mann are knee-slappers, and Rabun turns “I Do, I Do in the Sky” into one of the show’s musical highlights.

The Drowsy Chaperone’s magnificent scenery, originally designed for the Music Theatre of Wichita by J. Branson and George Mitchell, and the fab-u-lous 1920s fashions recreated by Branson and Mitchel for the Music Theatre of Wichita, Greg Barnes for The 5th Avenue Theatre of Seattle, and NCT costumer Ann M. Bruskiewitz provide a superlative setting and eye- catching costumes that make the Raleigh-based regional theater’s presentation of The Drowsy Chaperone look as good as it sounds. Don’t miss it!

SECOND OPINION: May 9th Raleigh, NC BroadwayWorld.com Raleigh review by Larisa Mount: http://raleigh.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-Raleigh-Natives-Shine-in-NC-Theatres-THE-DROWSY-CHAPERONE-20130509, May 9th BWW Blog by Paige Faure: http://broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Blog-Paige-Faure-A-Very-DROWSY-Opening-20130509, and May 8th opening-night video by Stage Tube: http://broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Blog-Paige-Faure-A-Very-DROWSY-Opening-20130509; May 4th Raleigh, NC News & Observer preview by Tim Stevens: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/04/2868535/drowsy-chaperone-is-the-musical.html and May 1st slideshow by Corey Lowenstein: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/01/2863682/first-look-the-drowsy-chaperone.html; May 2nd Durham, NC Herald-Sun review by Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan: http://www.heraldsun.com/news/x1592154894/Clay-Aiken-likes-Durham-s-flavor (Note: You must register to view this article); May 1st Raleigh, NC WNCN interview with Beth Leavel, conducted by Sharon Delaney and Valonda Calloway for “My Carolina Today”: http://www.wncn.com/video?clipId=8831174; May 1st Raleigh, NC WRAL-TV preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBD6dbMNiUw; April 30th Raleigh, NC Walter Magazine preview by Liza Roberts: http://www.waltermagazine.com/coming-full-circle-with-clay-aiken/; and Feb. 22nd New York, NY Playbill.com preview by Andrew Gans: http://playbill.com/news/article/175265-Clay-Aiken-and-Tony-Winner-Beth-Leavel-Will-Star-in-North-Carolina-Theatres-Drowsy-Chaperone. (Note: To read Triangle Arts and Entertainment’s online version of the May 7th Triangle Review review by Robert W. McDowell, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/2013/05/clay-aiken-and-beth-leavel-will-star-in-ncts-production-of-the-drowsy-chaperone-on-may-7-12/.)

North Carolina Theatre presents THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, starring Clay Aiken and Beth Leavel at 7:30 p.m. May 9 and 10 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 11 and 12 in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh, North Carolina 27601.

TICKETS: $30.10-$99.60 (including fees).

BOX OFFICE:

NCT Box Office: 919-831-6941, ext.6944.

Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115203/1014448.

GROUP RATES (10+ tickets): 919-831-6941, ext. 5204, or http://www.nctheatre.com/tickets/group-sales.

SHOW: http://www.nctheatre.com/shows/the-drowsy-chaperone.

PRESENTER: http://www.nctheatre.com/.

BLOG: http://www.nctheatre.com/stage-notes.

VENUE: http://www.progressenergycenter.com/venue/memorial-auditorium.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.progressenergycenter.com/directions.

PARKING: http://www.progressenergycenter.com/parking.

NOTE: Arts Access, Inc. of Raleigh will audio-describe the show’s 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11th, performance.

OTHER LINKS:

The Drowsy Chaperone (musical): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drowsy_chaperone (Wikipedia) and http://www.ibdb.com/show.asp?ID=412774 (Internet Broadway Database).

Study Guide: http://tuts.com/Images/SeasonShowDocs/drowsy_study.pdf (Theatre Under the Stars).

Casey Hushion (director): http://www.nctheatre.com/about/staff (NCT bio).

Clay Aiken (actor): http://clayaiken.com/ (official website) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_aiken (Wikipedia). Beth Leavel (actress): http://www.bethleavel.com/ (official website) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_Leavel (Wikipedia).

Robert W. McDowell is editor and publisher of Triangle Review, a FREE weekly e-mail arts newsletter. This review is reprinted with permission from Triangle Review.

To start your FREE subscription to this newsletter, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE TR in the Subject: line.

To read all of Robert W. McDowell’s Triangle Review previews and reviews online at Triangle Arts & Entertainment, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/author/robert-w-mcdowell/.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE TO KICK OFF THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE WORLD TOUR STARTING OCTOBER 31

GRAMMY® AND EMMY® AWARD-WINNING ARTIST’S FIRST HEADLINING TOUR IN SIX YEARS WILL VISIT CITIES THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA AND SOUTH AMERICA

THE JOURNEY WITH TIMBERLAKE’S THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE FEATURING 10 NEW SONGS WILL CONTINUE WITH WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 30

PNC ARENA – RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 13

(RALEIGH, NC) – One of this generation’s most-celebrated entertainers, Justin Timberlake, announced today he will kick off The 20/20 Experience World Tour starting this year on October 31. After dominating the global charts with the release of his acclaimed new album, The 20/20 Experience, Timberlake will bring his electrifying live shows to fans with a worldwide tour that will run through 2014. The Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winning artist’s first tour in six years will visit dozens of countries throughout North America, Europe, South America and Australia. The 20/20 Experience World Tour is promoted worldwide by Live Nation Global Touring. Justin also revealed today the musical journey started on The 20/20 Experience will continue with the worldwide release of the new album on September 30, 2013.

The 20/20 Experience World Tour will kick off in North America starting on October 31 in Montreal, Quebec at the Bell Centre. Justin Timberlake’s all-new fan club, The Tennessee Kids (#TNKids), will have access to a pre-sale starting on May 7 at 10 AM local time. Fans should visit www.justintimberlake.com/tennesseekids to register for the fan club and receive a special code to access the pre-sale. A pre-sale for MasterCard cardholders will begin on May 8 at 10 AM local time. Cardholders will also have access to exclusive after shows in select markets as a part of the MasterCard Priceless Cities program. Fans should visit www.priceless.com/justintimberlake for more information.

Justin Timberlake will perform at PNC Arena in Raleigh on November 13. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com, the PNC Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone 800-745-3000.

For the latest information regarding the tour, including pre-sale and on-sale dates, please visit www.justintimberlake.com or www.livenation.com. Hashtag: #JT2020TOUR

The 20/20 Experience, already hailed by critics as one of the year’s best albums, will continue with a second worldwide release this year on September 30. Written and produced by Justin, the epic album will feature 10 all new songs that explore the sonic boundaries fans discovered with the music found on this year’s earlier release.

Justin’s first album in 7 years, The 20/20 Experience, has been certified Double Platinum in the United States and is the year’s fastest selling album. It also earned Justin the biggest first week sales for a male artist in five years along with the third biggest digital debut in SoundScan history ranking just behind Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. After its release, the critically-hailed album immediately soared to the #1 spot in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland and across Asia. It spent a rare three weeks at #1 in both the United States and United Kingdom and has so far produced two chart-topping singles with ‘Suit & Tie’ and ‘Mirrors.’ Internationally, the album hit the #1 spot on iTunes in 93 countries, stormed the UK charts to become the biggest debut of 2013 and earned Justin his first #1 album in Germany. It also shattered iTunes records to become the fastest-selling album worldwide in their history. The long-awaited release became one of Target’s top three best-selling albums in the past decade, topping first week sales of his last release FutureSex/LoveSounds. It also led Timberlake to become Target’s biggest selling male artist since 2002.

This year, Timberlake has made a series of headline-making appearances including well-received live performances during this year’s Grammy Awards and the Brit Awards in the UK, an interview on the long-running “The Jonathan Ross Show” in London and a performance and interview on Germany’s popular program called “Wetten Dass.” He also delivered a ratings-busting hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” where he helped the show reach a 14-month high in audience numbers and did a week-long guest spot on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” where ratings were driven up 33% over last year among the coveted 18-34 demographic. Justin’s performances including several comedy sketches were often the most talked about events the following day and week earning praise from media across the world. He also delivered solid ratings for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in April where, for the first time in the show’s 10 year history, someone was both their sole guest and musical performer. Timberlake was honored this year by TIME Magazine as an Icon on their influential Time 100 List.

In addition to The 20/20 Experience World Tour, fans will be able to see more of Justin Timberlake live when he and JAY Z kick off their Legends Of The Summer Stadium Tour in Toronto, Ontario on July 17 that will take the musical heavyweights to 12 cities across North America. On July 10, Timberlake will perform at Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland. He will headline the sold-out Wireless Festival in London on July 12 and will take the festival stage with JAY Z two days later on July 14. Timberlake is also a headliner at the Rock In Rio Festival on September 15 and will guest host the Capital FM Summertime Bash in London on June 9 at Wembley Stadium.