BYUtv will be broadcasting live from Cedar City on Monday, bringing viewers "A Midsummer Night's Dream" from the Shakespeare Festival. Here is a link to more information at www.bard.org.
Oh, and I saw "The Drowsy Chaperone" at the Hale Theater in Orem last night -- it was very funny. I didn't like the songs well enough to invest in a recording, but I laughed and laughed my way through it. It plays until October 1st -- surely you can find an evening between now and then when you will need a laugh, a chortle, a giggle, or two?
Why I have a blog
- Holly
- Since I never seem to get around to sending out Christmas cards or letters, I decided to blog a bit to keep my fans updated. :-)
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Friday, August 26, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Shakespeare Festival 2011
I've just returned from Cedar City, Utah where I took in three of the 2011 offerings -- The Music Man, Noises Off, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. All three were absolutely delightful!
The Music Man
There are many things to recommend this production of The Music Man. I'm not sure why, but I've seen more live productions of this one than any other musical, play, or opera. This version has just captured *first place* of all the productions I've seen. Here are some of the reasons why...
Brian Vaughn was a FABULOUS Harold Hill. I posted something to that effect on Facebook yesterday, and my High School English teacher promptly responded with "and so was your brother!" I was amazed she remembered that he played that part at the high school 25 years ago!
Laura Griffith was the best Marion (the Librarian) I've seen/heard.
The choreography was playful and fun and very well executed. I loved it when the kids in the library acted out Romeo and Juliet (which is one of the other plays at the Festival this year)
The supporting cast members left nothing to be desired!
And last, but definitely not least, there was a live pit orchestra!
Noises Off
This was a British farce in the form of a play within a play. The second act (of three) was my favorite. It takes place backstage and had me in stitches. At the first intermission, I mentioned to my friend that this one just wasn't grabbing me and she said she'd felt that way about "39 steps" last year, but then the second act just sucked her right in. Well, that's what happened for me in "Noises Off". My favorite moment came in the third act (hopefully you don't censure me for this), when one of the characters falls down a flight of stairs, headfirst. I reminded me of a skeleton run in the Olympics without a sled or helmet. I was fascinated.
Afterwards, Quinn Mattfeld, the fall-down-the-stairs fellow, made a pitch for extra donations for an Artistic Initiative project they are doing and said he would personally fall down the stairs again for anyone donating at least $20. Alas, I only had $5 on me, so while I did contribute, I did not get to see the stunt again.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
I was happy to see Kymberly Mellen (Hippolyta/Titania)again this year. She became a favorite last year as Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing". However, I think Bri Sudia (Helena, Max Robinson (Nick Bottom) and Ben Charles (Puck) stole the show whenever they were onstage. Bri Sudia and Max Robinson also regularly stole the spotlight in The Music Man - she as Ethel Toffelmier, he as Mayor Shinn.
This show was a lot funnier than I remember -- I'm guessing this was just the spin that this group put on it. Towards the end when Nick Bottom's "Pryamus" character is dying (as his merry troupe puts on a play for the other characters), a young child in the audience giggled -- and "Pryamus" stopped in his tracks and stared towards the area from whence the giggle has sounded - and the audience howled with laughter. He acknowledged the giggle, then resumed his dying scene. It was priceless!
One of the best things about seeing the shows in Cedar? I never know who else will be there, but I always run into someone or two!
Sidenote: if you are a David Ivers fan and/or a Brian Vaughan fan, you might want to take in the Fall season. They are both in "The Winter's Tale", plus David Ivers is in "Dial M for Murder" with Brian Vaughan directing. A friend and I will be there for the evening show on Oct 21st and the matinee on the 22nd -- come join us! Here's the website for more info: www.bard.org.
The Music Man
There are many things to recommend this production of The Music Man. I'm not sure why, but I've seen more live productions of this one than any other musical, play, or opera. This version has just captured *first place* of all the productions I've seen. Here are some of the reasons why...
Brian Vaughn was a FABULOUS Harold Hill. I posted something to that effect on Facebook yesterday, and my High School English teacher promptly responded with "and so was your brother!" I was amazed she remembered that he played that part at the high school 25 years ago!
Laura Griffith was the best Marion (the Librarian) I've seen/heard.
The choreography was playful and fun and very well executed. I loved it when the kids in the library acted out Romeo and Juliet (which is one of the other plays at the Festival this year)
The supporting cast members left nothing to be desired!
And last, but definitely not least, there was a live pit orchestra!
Noises Off
This was a British farce in the form of a play within a play. The second act (of three) was my favorite. It takes place backstage and had me in stitches. At the first intermission, I mentioned to my friend that this one just wasn't grabbing me and she said she'd felt that way about "39 steps" last year, but then the second act just sucked her right in. Well, that's what happened for me in "Noises Off". My favorite moment came in the third act (hopefully you don't censure me for this), when one of the characters falls down a flight of stairs, headfirst. I reminded me of a skeleton run in the Olympics without a sled or helmet. I was fascinated.
Afterwards, Quinn Mattfeld, the fall-down-the-stairs fellow, made a pitch for extra donations for an Artistic Initiative project they are doing and said he would personally fall down the stairs again for anyone donating at least $20. Alas, I only had $5 on me, so while I did contribute, I did not get to see the stunt again.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
I was happy to see Kymberly Mellen (Hippolyta/Titania)again this year. She became a favorite last year as Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing". However, I think Bri Sudia (Helena, Max Robinson (Nick Bottom) and Ben Charles (Puck) stole the show whenever they were onstage. Bri Sudia and Max Robinson also regularly stole the spotlight in The Music Man - she as Ethel Toffelmier, he as Mayor Shinn.
This show was a lot funnier than I remember -- I'm guessing this was just the spin that this group put on it. Towards the end when Nick Bottom's "Pryamus" character is dying (as his merry troupe puts on a play for the other characters), a young child in the audience giggled -- and "Pryamus" stopped in his tracks and stared towards the area from whence the giggle has sounded - and the audience howled with laughter. He acknowledged the giggle, then resumed his dying scene. It was priceless!
One of the best things about seeing the shows in Cedar? I never know who else will be there, but I always run into someone or two!
Sidenote: if you are a David Ivers fan and/or a Brian Vaughan fan, you might want to take in the Fall season. They are both in "The Winter's Tale", plus David Ivers is in "Dial M for Murder" with Brian Vaughan directing. A friend and I will be there for the evening show on Oct 21st and the matinee on the 22nd -- come join us! Here's the website for more info: www.bard.org.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Theatre fix
Last weekend I headed up to Logan to see some of the offerings of Utah Festival Opera and Music Theatre company. My friends and I started with Don Giovanni on Friday night, followed by South Pacific and Boris Godunov on Saturday. Whew. Three very different shows, each glorious in its own way. I think my most favorites thing about UFOMT is that you see the same people in different shows/roles. By the end of the weekend, the performers feel like friends since you've seen them in multiple shows. My second favorite thing (don't worry, I'll stop here even though there are other favorites) is that the theatre itself is small enough that every seat is great and it feels quite intimate. This makes it so easy to get completely caught up and absorbed into the happenings on stage. Rejoining the real world after three hours can be shock to the system!
Next year the musicals will be Kiss Me Kate and My Fair Lady, and I am already looking forward to them.
In a few weeks I will head to Cedar for the Shakespeare Festival. This year we are seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream, Music Man, and Noises Off. That should satisfy my desire for live theatre for awhile. At least until October when we are going back for the Fall season. :-)
Next year the musicals will be Kiss Me Kate and My Fair Lady, and I am already looking forward to them.
In a few weeks I will head to Cedar for the Shakespeare Festival. This year we are seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream, Music Man, and Noises Off. That should satisfy my desire for live theatre for awhile. At least until October when we are going back for the Fall season. :-)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Upcoming performances
Where does time go? It has been forever since I've added to my blog. Sigh. But, canning is mostly done now, so I will try to start posting more regularly.
First on the agenda -- something for YOUR agenda. If you would like to hear some great music, here is the Fall schedule for the two community choirs to which I belong:
Utah Baroque Ensemble
Sunday November 15th Orem East Stake Center - 600 N 800 E Orem, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Sunday Nov 22nd Provo Sharon East Stake Center, 2400 N 1060 East, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Monday December 8th, Orem Public Library (Holiday concert and sing-along) (This is the one I recommend for kids) Times TBA - There are two concerts that evening because it's been a very well-attended event in years past. I will update this posting when I have the times)
Christmas Chorus
The Christmas Chorus is celebrating it's 30th year!
Saturday December 5th, 1:30 PM (a good time to bring kids)
Sunday December 6th, 7PM (Ages 8 and up)
Both performances are in the chapel at the State Hospital (top of Provo Center Street)
All of these performances are free, though both choirs love donations! There will be someone collecting donations at the Christmas Chorus concerts, but not at the UBE concerts. If you wish to donate, send it to Utah Baroque Ensemble, PO Box 1630, Orem UT 84059
First on the agenda -- something for YOUR agenda. If you would like to hear some great music, here is the Fall schedule for the two community choirs to which I belong:
Utah Baroque Ensemble
Sunday November 15th Orem East Stake Center - 600 N 800 E Orem, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Sunday Nov 22nd Provo Sharon East Stake Center, 2400 N 1060 East, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Monday December 8th, Orem Public Library (Holiday concert and sing-along) (This is the one I recommend for kids) Times TBA - There are two concerts that evening because it's been a very well-attended event in years past. I will update this posting when I have the times)
Christmas Chorus
The Christmas Chorus is celebrating it's 30th year!
Saturday December 5th, 1:30 PM (a good time to bring kids)
Sunday December 6th, 7PM (Ages 8 and up)
Both performances are in the chapel at the State Hospital (top of Provo Center Street)
All of these performances are free, though both choirs love donations! There will be someone collecting donations at the Christmas Chorus concerts, but not at the UBE concerts. If you wish to donate, send it to Utah Baroque Ensemble, PO Box 1630, Orem UT 84059
Friday, August 7, 2009
Julie and Julia
Some friends and I went to see "Julie & Julia" tonight -- the new movie about Julia Child (Meryl Streep) getting her start in French cooking, and a woman, Julie (Amy Adams) who sets out to make all 524 recipes in Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in 365 days -- and blogs about her experiences. Naturally, I felt compelled to update MY blog as soon as I got home. :-)
In short, I LOVED the movie! One way I can tell whether a movie is good is how long it takes me to check my watch. The previews tonight started at 7:05, and I did not look at my watch until 8:50. That's about 20 minutes later than normal, since I usually last maybe 90 minutes before I start to fidget and wonder how much time has passed.
I predict this will cause a surge in the sales of the cookbook. I already own her "The Way to Cook" volume, and I've actually used it. For now, that will do for me, but perhaps I will put the 2 volumes of "Mastering" on my Amazon wish list. :-)
For those who are bothered by strong language, be forewarned that there is one use of a word that is normally only heard in R-rated movies. There is at least one other phrase that I found to be quite funny that some might find off-putting. However, if that doesn't scare you off, it is a delightful movie. Meryl Streep was amazing in her ability to channel Julia Child. Stanley Tucci was wonderful as Julia Child's husband. Amy Adams (Giselle in "Enchanted") was fun to watch too -- I especially loved watching her cook lobster for the first time.
And don't go see it hungry...movie treats won't satisfy.
Bon Appetit!
In short, I LOVED the movie! One way I can tell whether a movie is good is how long it takes me to check my watch. The previews tonight started at 7:05, and I did not look at my watch until 8:50. That's about 20 minutes later than normal, since I usually last maybe 90 minutes before I start to fidget and wonder how much time has passed.
I predict this will cause a surge in the sales of the cookbook. I already own her "The Way to Cook" volume, and I've actually used it. For now, that will do for me, but perhaps I will put the 2 volumes of "Mastering" on my Amazon wish list. :-)
For those who are bothered by strong language, be forewarned that there is one use of a word that is normally only heard in R-rated movies. There is at least one other phrase that I found to be quite funny that some might find off-putting. However, if that doesn't scare you off, it is a delightful movie. Meryl Streep was amazing in her ability to channel Julia Child. Stanley Tucci was wonderful as Julia Child's husband. Amy Adams (Giselle in "Enchanted") was fun to watch too -- I especially loved watching her cook lobster for the first time.
And don't go see it hungry...movie treats won't satisfy.
Bon Appetit!
Friday, June 19, 2009
A great play!
Last night I traveled up to Midvale to see the Pinnacle Acting Company perform "Charley's Aunt". I loved it! It is a very funny play, and the acting was terrific. So, if you need some entertainment in the very near future you can see it tonight or tomorrow, or next week on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Shows are nightly at 7:30 PM, with Saturday Matinees at 2 PM. Tip: Thursday is 2-for-1 admission.
To get there from Utah County, take I-15 up to 90th South, and turn left from the exit ramp. Turn right at the 2nd light (700 West) and take that to Midvale. At 7720 South, you will find a small 2-story building on the SE corner. That's the Midvale Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance (click here to purchase online) or $12.00 at the door. If purchasing tickets online for Thursday night, only buy half as many as you need for the 2-for-1 deal.
It's good, clean fun and you won't be sorry!
Oh -- seating tip...the stage is quite high, so I recommend sitting in the elevated area at the back of the theater on the padded folding chairs rather down in the regular theater seats. Much less neck-craning. When you get there, it will be quite cold - they cool it down before the performance and then turn off the A/C so that you can hear the actors (who are NOT wearing microphones. Hooray!) (I may not have mentioned that before, but I dislike it when actors and singers wear microphones. That's why I am not a big Tuacahn fan)
Pinnacle Acting Company
Midvale Performing Arts Center
695 W. Center Street. (7720 S.) Midvale, UT
To get there from Utah County, take I-15 up to 90th South, and turn left from the exit ramp. Turn right at the 2nd light (700 West) and take that to Midvale. At 7720 South, you will find a small 2-story building on the SE corner. That's the Midvale Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance (click here to purchase online) or $12.00 at the door. If purchasing tickets online for Thursday night, only buy half as many as you need for the 2-for-1 deal.
It's good, clean fun and you won't be sorry!
Oh -- seating tip...the stage is quite high, so I recommend sitting in the elevated area at the back of the theater on the padded folding chairs rather down in the regular theater seats. Much less neck-craning. When you get there, it will be quite cold - they cool it down before the performance and then turn off the A/C so that you can hear the actors (who are NOT wearing microphones. Hooray!) (I may not have mentioned that before, but I dislike it when actors and singers wear microphones. That's why I am not a big Tuacahn fan)
Pinnacle Acting Company
Midvale Performing Arts Center
695 W. Center Street. (7720 S.) Midvale, UT
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