Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: August 21, 2022
By: Laura Deni
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ON THREE - FULFILLING THEIR SON'S BUCKET LIST IS TOUCHING AND FUNNY

Timothy West stars as Clifford

Prunella Scales stars as Ann

Written by Stuart Price, this uplifting production from the Wireless Theatre Company stars two of Britain’s best loved actor Timothy West and Prunella Scales who have been real life husband and wife since 1963. One of their two sons, Samuel, plays Siegfried Farnon in the remake of the veterinary drama series All Creatures Great and Small.

It should go without saying that the acting of West and Scales in On Three is brilliant.

The four scene play On Three opens with a bickering couple, Clifford and Ann, standing 100 feet up on a platform extending out over a bridge. Clifford carps that they have paid their money, signed their lives away on consent forms and are now tittering on the edge - expected to jump "in their own time" as people below gape - but why? Couldn't they have just run a marathon, instead? No, explains Ann. It wasn't on the list.

Cut to a therapist's office where Clifford is making his first visit.

He wants to be able to make his wife laugh again. He and his wife have found things difficult to cope with since the death of their son, Christian - a young man who died from AIDS.

Scene three is at their home where the couple is cleaning out Christian's effects, discovering his bucket list.

Ann complains that people will write 10,000 word manuals on how to operate things such as a DVD player, but nobody writes a manual on what to do if your son dies.

The bucket list contains places and events that Christian wanted to do and see.

The final scene returns to the bridge where Ann had seen Christian's face peering out from the clouds telling her everything was going to be okay. They are crossing off the list things they have completed to fulfill Christian's bucket list. They are about to complete the last on the list - the Bungee jump.

Edited By: Neil McIntyre, Directed By: Tom Brazier, Music By: Ethan Lewis Maltby. With Norgan Giles as the psychiatrist.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

HISTORIC VOODOO MUSEUM is in New Orleans' French Quarter. It is one of few museums in the world dedicated entirely to Vodou art.

Serving the New Orleans community since 1972 and bringing you a casual and curious experience intended to preserve the legacy of New Orleans' Voodoo history exploring a fascinating and mysterious side of New Orleans' fabled history.

A permanent staple in New Orleans, once inside you can see historic voodoo relics, paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts.

The Voodoo Museum offers daily Walking Tours to the nearby St. Louis Cemetery (the City of the Dead) and the tomb of Marie Laveau. The Voodoo Museum may assist interested persons in special services such as psychic readings, consultations, special gris-gris, rituals and ceremonies. While the museum does not provide these services directly, they can facilitate contacts with contemporary practitioners who may, "upon mutual interest and consent, provide such services."

For over 35 years the Voodoo Museum has helped students from grade school, to Ph.D. candidates, excel in their projects. Writers, movie producers and documentary filmmakers have long relied on the Voodoo Museum for advice, guidance and general assistance.

Conjur up some spirits and visit the Voodoo Museum.

THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY in London has announced that Haneem Christian, Clémentine Schneidermann and Alexander Komenda have been shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.

The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022, now celebrating fifteen years under Taylor Wessing’s sponsorship, is the leading international competition, celebrating and promoting the very best in contemporary photography. For the second year, the exhibition will take place at the arts hub Cromwell Place, London from October 27 – December 18, 2022, while the National Portrait Gallery building in St Martin’s Place is closed until 2023 for major redevelopment works.

PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART in Portland, Maine announces participation in Art Bridges Collection Loan Partnership, an innovative art lending model that allows artworks from a diverse group of museums to travel the country. The museum will display an array of American artworks from the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, which will be on view from August 2022 through Summer 2023. Art Bridges supports museums around the country to share works from their collections with the public, championing art accessibility and diversity.

In alignment with the PMA’s ongoing Art for All mission, the collection will include artworks from American artists of diverse backgrounds. The loans will be displayed throughout the museum’s permanent collection, deepening the conversation throughout the galleries around the complex history of American art. The loans will include works from Jacques Lipchitz, Helen Frankenthaler, Winslow Homer, and John Sloan, among others. The PMA also requested a piece from Kerry James Marshall, which will add a powerful and integral perspective to the collection. The Art Bridges Foundation generously accommodated this request, and Marshall’s work Lost Boys: AKA BB will be on view from August 2022 through November 2022.

ALCATRAZ EAST CRIME MUSEUM located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee features Master Manipulation exhibit, opening on August 26, 2022.

According to the American Psychological Association, manipulation is behavior designed to exploit, control, or otherwise influence others to one's advantage. Some individuals excel at manipulation and some get caught and go to jail for their antics. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is putting manipulators in the spotlight.

"This is an exhibit that will not only share information about some infamous manipulators but will teach people about their methods," says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager for Alcatraz East. "People will walk away from this exhibit with a better understanding of how criminals manipulate so they can help protect themselves and others.”

Master manipulators are found all over the world. They can be difficult to spot at first because they are either skilled at hiding their motives or have enough influence that others assist in their cover-ups. There are many different ways that manipulators can work to achieve their goals. They may form a friendship or relationship where the person trusts them, and then the relationship becomes abusive as it progresses, or they may use their pomp and circumstance to persuade individuals to act in ways they typically would not.

The new exhibit will focus on providing numerous examples of how criminals manipulate others for personal gain. Some of the methods explored in the exhibit include:

Manipulation regarding abuse of power and circumstances. These people use their position in society to manipulate people. Notable names that fall into this category include Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Larry Nassar, the former U.S. gymnastics doctor.

Manipulation in cults and groups with extreme beliefs. Since the beginning of America, some groups and their leaders have had radical views. Many of those leaders use a variety of manipulation tactics while directing their groups.

Human trafficking manipulation. This has become a widely discussed issue in the country in recent years. According to the Polaris Project, in 2020, there were 10,583 situations of human trafficking reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, involving 16,658 individual victims.

The museum has over 100 temporary and permanent exhibits about crime in the country. The museum features information and artifacts about the history of crime, crime scene investigation, consequences of crime, crime-fighting, counterfeit crimes, pop culture, and more. There are numerous popular items on display for people to see, including the famous white Bronco from the O.J. Simpson chase and Ted Bundy's famous Beetle.

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SWEET CHARITY

PRINCE CHARLES HIGHGROVE BOUQUET EAU DE PARFUM

Prince Charles Highgrove Bouquet Eau De Parfum

the heir to the British throne has always been an avid gardener. His flowers at Highgrove are breathtaking. Now, his flowers are turning into a perfume which his charity The Prince's Foundation hopes will pleasantly take your breath away.

Last week Prince Charles unveiled his Penhaligon perfume which pays a tribute to the 'magnificent fragrance' of the garden of his and his wife's private residence, Highgrove Gardens in Wiltshire, England.

. The Highgrove website declared: Highgrove Gardens and The Prince's Foundation are pleased to announce a new collaboration with British perfume house Penhaligon's to bring you the Highgrove Bouquet Eau De Parfum.

“Inspired by and created with HRH The Prince of Wales, this new scent pays homage to the magnificent fragrance of Highgrove Gardens in summer," it continued.

“It is a time when the odor of blossoming weeping silver lime fills the air, and Highgrove Gardens is full of its branches with their blooming, uplifting, floral notes." "A crisp, confident burst of warm energy opens the dance with vibrant lavender and geranium. As floral, powdery notes appear, a shroud of delicate yellow blossoms seem to fill the air, and to the mimosa, tuberose brings longevity and depth, a solar storm of rich delight" it explains. "The restful, soothing base is a blend of elegance and sophistication from cedar woods and Orris." Top notes include Geranium, Lavender and Hyacinth, with middle notes of Weeping lime headspace, French Mimosa and Tuberose. Followed by base notes of Cedarwood, Orris Fusion and Musks."

The eagerly anticipate perfume costs £152 a bottle. Packaging is made from 100 per cent recycled and recyclable paper. The downside is that, because of shipping restrictions, the product cannot be shipped outside of England. Real downer.

Proceeds benefit The Prince's Foundation.

Charles himself is reported to splash on Green Irish Tweed which costs around £245 a bottle.

UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY IS AUGUST 24 since the capital Kyiv is still under attack and curfew, Ukraine is unable to celebrate. However, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, which has been an avid supporter of Ukraine ever since the start of the war, has stepped up and is hosting a rave to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day. World-famous Ukrainian DJs ARTBAT will lead a huge dance by the White Bridge in the center of the city. Guest DJs Miss Monique and 8kays will be hyping up the audience.

"As we were striving for freedom for a long time, we understand perfectly well the importance of Independence Day for Ukrainians this year. They have been fighting for half a year for the right to be citizens of a free and independent country. The Ukrainian courage and resolution inspire us all, and the least we can do is to keep providing any possible support to them," said Remigijus Šimašius, Mayor of Vilnius.

Throughout the rave, Music Saves UA, a fund established by the Ukrainian Association of Music Events, will collect humanitarian aid for the victims of the war.

Later on the same day, Lithuanian and Ukrainian performers will hold a free concert in Vilnius Town Hall Square. The performers include the Lithuanian band "Thundertale," the Ukrainian band "Taruta," and the international men’s choir "Unia" under the artistic direction of Pavel Gonca.

The final show, a multidisciplinary art project Walls Have Ears, will wrap up the festivities with a modern video and musical interpretation of the classical Ukrainian works Flowers and Gunpowder.

The Lithuanian musicians - piano player Darius Mažintas and drummer Adas Gecevicius - together with the French bassist, composer, and vocalist Ieva Barbora Juozapaityte are going to modernize the interpretation of the well-known works of the Ukrainian composers and present them to the audience in a new light.

Video artist Andrius Seliuta is preparing a special premiere for the event. He will use the documentary images from the war zone to revive the realia of the neighboring country and the memory of people in his own particular manner - by turning the walls of the building of the Town Hall into a special window to Ukraine. During the concert, a visual artist Vytautas Žarnauskas is going to create a colorful video installation so that modern technologies would grant a new image to the stiff and conservative space. The installation will be the highlight of the rave and a surprise gift to the attendees.

COMEDY GIVES BACK staged the The Brody Stevens Festival of Friendship 818 Walk yesterday, August 20th, 2022 in Reseda, California in cooperation with the city and local law enforcement.

The comedy community mourned the loss of Brody Stevens in 2019, and friends of Brody’s started the 818 Walk in honor of his memory for his fans and friends. The 818 Walk will directly benefit Comedy Gives Back, the organization dedicated to acting as a safety net for comedians in need of mental health services and addiction treatment.

There was a post-walk rally ceremony with guest speakers, comedians, and music w/ LA Clippers Dj, DJ Dense and food trucks.

The Comedy Store also honored Brody with a special Brody Stevens 818 Day show on Thursday, August 18th to kick off the weekend and raise awareness about the walk.

Brody Stevens was known for appearances on" Chelsea Lately" and other comedy shows as well as roles in films such as The Hangover and Due Date. He committed suicide on February22, 2019. He was 48.

GREASE has returned to more than 100 movie theaters this week-end in Memory of Olivia Newton-John who starred in the 1978 clssic film and recently died of breast cancer.

$1.00 of the $5.00 tickets will be donated through charity AMC Cares to breast cancer research.

SPREADING THE WORD

DID YOU KNOW THAT asbestos was used to simulate snow in the original 1939 film The Wizard of Oz?

BUG THERAPY SPECIAL SCREENING AT (National Alliance of Mental Illness) NAMI 2022 followed by Keynote Speech and Q&A with Filmmakers Meghan Trainor, Dr. Phil, Jay Leno, Sterling K. Brown, Tom Green, Emily Goglia & creators/producers/writers Michael Jann and Michele Jourdan.

The event takes place at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa on Thursday, August 25, 2022 "to promote mental health and well-being through the art of film, storytelling and real-life events that connect us all in the most positive and meaningful ways."

The film follows Citronella, (Trainor) a mosquito who faints at the site of blood, as she tries to muster the courage to attend group therapy, led by Dr. Pill (Dr. Phil McGraw). Jay Leno, Sterling K Brown, and Tom Green are bugs with mental-health issues. The message is simple: Everyone struggles with something, and there’s no shame in asking for help.

SLIM MAN who fronts his Slim Man Band is back to performing without a stool or crutches. Last April he broke his leg and it took 10 screws and a metal plate to put his fractured fibula back together. Last night, Saturday, August 20, the group had a successful gig at the Ram's Head in Annapolis, Maryland. in addition to Slim Man, it was Rick O’Rick on keys, John E Coale on drums, Hit Man Howie Z on bongos, Kevin Levi on sax, Shea Welsh will be playing guitar and special guest Michael Gregg sitting in on violin. The Hazelrigg Brothers (George, Geoff and John O'Reilly) opened the show.

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT AND THE EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS are building a $650 million casino resort in Danville, Virginia. The casino will be named Caesars Virginia and is scheduled to open in 2024. It will be located on the former site of Dan River Mills' Schoolfield Division. Caesars Virginia will include a casino, hotel and entertainment center. The casino will feature 1,300 slot machines, 85 table games, a poker room and a sportsbook. The hotel will feature 500 guest rooms with meeting rooms and a conference center. The entertainment center will have a 2,500-seat capacity.

Magician Wayne Alan, owner of the Historic North Theatre, was one of the invited guests for the groundbreaking last Thursday for Caesars Virginia. He is excited about the new visitors who will be coming to town. "Some have said that as many as 2 million new tourists will come here. The economic boost for the city should be good." He hopes many will stop by his theatre fora show

BRITNEY SPEARS AND ELTON JOHN have recorded a new version of John's classic 1971 song Tiny Dancer called Hold Me Closer.

The recording took place in Los Angeles with Andrew Watt producing.

TONY AWARD WINNER DEBRA MONK AND ACCLAIMED BROADWAY MUSICAL DIRECTOR DAVID LOUD at Barnes & Noble at Union Square in New York City on August 24, 2022 for a reading from his book Facing the Music: A Broadway Memoir an emotionally revealing memoir that explores his storied Broadway career, his struggle with Parkinson's, and his love of music. Debra and David worked together on the Broadway hit Steel Pier.

David has a unique place in Broadway history. He recounts his journey from childhood to his phenomenal string of successes as arranger and conductor on top Broadway shows such as The Visit; The Scottsboro Boys; Sondheim on Sondheim; Curtains; Ragtime; A Class Act; Steel Pier, and revivals of Porgy and Bess; She Loves Me; Company, and Sweeney Todd. He also reveals his struggle and triumphs in his battle against the ravages of Parkinson’s. This memoir is also a remarkable love letter to music.

TREASON in concert performed by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra.

Treason is the explosive new musical about the gunpowder plot, set to completely blow you away, featuring stunning music by Ricky Allan and book & lyrics by Ricky Allan & Kieran Lynn.

Treason will be live in concert in front of an audience for the very first time at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane August 22 and 23, 2022.

The Cast features: Carrie Hope Fletcher, Bradley Jaden, Cedric Neal, Les Dennis, Simon-Anthony Roden, Daniel Boys, Emilie Louise Israel, Adam Pearce, Waylon Jacobs, and Rebecca LaChance.

Songs include Take Things Into Our Own Hands; The Cold Hard Ground; and The Day Elizabeth Died.

SIEGFRIED AND ROY'S estate, located on 12 acres along Rainbow Boulevard and Rancho Drive in Las Vegas will be demolished, allowing for the Calida Group to built a 334 unit, four story apartment complex. The Las Vegas City Council voted 5-1 in favor of the project.

The famed illusionists are both deceased. Siegfried Fischbacher died in January 2001, and Roy Horn passed away in May 2020.

The apartment complex project will begin construction in 2024.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER and husband Matthew Broderick who own a home in Donegal, Ireland were visiting the country with their three children, James, 19, and twins Marion and Tabitha, 12, when they stopped by Soup 2 in Dublin for dinner. According to multiple reports in the Irish press, owner Conor Hughes told Hello that Sarah inquired if he was short staffed, as he was both cooking and waiting on customers and "jokingly" offered to help in the kitchen. According to Conor's report, the family had fried chicken starter and ramen for their main course, and Hughes noted that James "seems like a real foodie."

Conor shared that the Parker-Broderick clan also enjoyed: "Cauli wings and salmon sashimi to share." He even sent over an extra plate of sashimi which Conor reported they "appreciated - Especially the kids."

He added that Jessica gave him a hug as her family left the restaurant.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

JENNIFER ANISTON has invested into the US animation studio Invisible Universe.

The company will use the investment to develop animated intellectual properties across social media and web3, expanding its footprint to new platforms, further monetising its franchisesL

Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation studio, developed Clydeo – a character inspired by Aniston’s dog, Clyde.

Content development will be funded in part by NFT sales, giving owners a digital opportunity to influence the storylines and other show aspects.

In addition to Aniston, stars who have invested in the company include Serena Williams and Will Smith. The company has raised $12 million in funding.

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IN THE COURTS

LAURA ONESS has sued The New York Post asking $5 million for defamation over an article that the newspaper's Page 6 section published a year ago.

The two-time Tony nominee claims that the newspaper’s "libelous conduct has caused, and continues to cause, [her] disgrace and humiliation, harm to her professional and personal reputation, mental anguish and emotional distress."

Page 6 printed that she was fired from an Guild Hall, East Hampton, New York, one-night concert presentation of Crazy For You in August, 2021 over refusing to comply with their Covid 19 vaccine protocol. She contends she "withdrew" because of the policy.

Other outlets including the Huffington Post reprinted the Page 6 report.

Writing in an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Osnes explained, "In early May, I accepted an invitation to perform in a one-night benefit concert at East Hampton's Guild Hall. A month ago, I was informed that protocols had changed, and I would now need proof of vaccination to participate. I was disappointed but responded that I would have to withdraw, as I have not yet gotten the vaccine. It is also important to clarify that none of my fellow performers ever 'pressed me on the matter' before I withdrew. It was a drama-free and discrete transition. ... I would have tested in a heartbeat—something I have been doing for months, and will continue to do, in order to keep working safely."

She went on to assert that "it is a legal right of all Americans to have their medical privacy protected. Mine has now been broadcast with an attitude of shame and demonization. Secondly, I believe individuals have the right to do the research, consult a doctor, and come to their own conclusions before deciding whether or not to get any injection. My case is personal. I stand by the decision my husband and I, with input from our physician, have made for ourselves, our family planning, and our future."



ALAN PAUL has been named Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company, taking the reins in mid September.

THE JOYCE THEATRE FOUNDATION in New York City has announced that Danni Gee is the new director of programming effective September 12, 2022.

A former principal dancer with the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater who started her career with Philadanco -- ThePhiladelphia Dance Company, Ms. Gee brings over 30 years of experience in the arts to The Joyce, including over a dozen seasons as Dance Curator for City Park’s Foundation’s SummerStage. Her work has afforded her the opportunity to work closely with emerging artists and world premiere pieces, as well as companies familiar to audiences at The Joyce, including Martha Graham Dance Company, Parsons Dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Limón Dance Company.

Next month, The Joyce continues its legacy of dance with its Fall ‘22/Winter ‘23 season, opening September 20-25 with the North American premiere of Burn, starring Alan Cumming in his Joyce Theater debut.

PLAYWRIGHT RYAN ENNISS the Queensland Premier's 2022-2023 Drama Award winner for Drizzle Boy a story about a young autistic man trying to make his way in a world filled with miscommunications, misnomers, and misunderstandings.

Enniss was selected from over 200 entries which were culled down to three finalists. In addition to Enniss the other two finalists were Phoebe Grainer and Anthony Mullins.

Alongside a professional production of Drizzle Boy as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2023 Season, Mr Enniss receives a $16,000 fee to develop the play ahead of the premiere production and a $30,000 cash prize from Queensland Premier’s Drama Award prize sponsor Griffith University.

"To date, the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award – facilitated by Queensland Theatre – has developed 36 new Australian plays and employed more than 260 local actors, writers and directors," stated The Honorable Leeanne Enoch, Minister for the Arts "The 2022-23 State Budget includes a $115.6 million arts funding boost over the next four years, including $50 million to support Grow 2022-2026, the second action plan supporting Creative Together 2020-2030: A 10-Year Roadmap for arts, culture and Creativity in Queensland."

THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY'S CLIVE DAVIS INSTITUTE OF RECORDED MUSIC, AND THE POP CONFERENCE announce 2022 Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award Winners.

The award honors "the finest books from around the world, showcasing the exciting and diverse landscape of writing on popular music."

1st Place: Liner Notes for the Revolution: The Intellectual Life of Black Feminist Sound by Daphne A. Brooks (Harvard University Press)
2nd Place: Singing Like Germans: Black Musicians in the Land of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms by Kira Thurman (Cornell University Press)
3rd Place: Songbooks: The Literature of American Popular Music by Eric Weisbard (Duke University Press)

Over 70 books were submitted for consideration. These winners were selected from a shortlist of fifteen books that were revealed at the 2022 Pop Conference (hosted by the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music). The award aims to encourage more publishing and reading of books about popular music from all over the world and to showcase the combination of passionate writing and scholarship across journalism and academia, which marked pioneer music critic Ralph J. Gleason’s work.

A prize of $10,000 has been distributed among the winners, underwritten through the Wenner Journalism Fund.

An event honoring this year’s winners will be hosted by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this fall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO . . . .

GLORIA DEA In 1941 - before there Bugsy Siegel and the Las Vegas Strip - then the 18-year-old female magician appeared for a short period at the El Rancho. Then she moved to Hollywood where she enjoyed a career as an actress in a raft of B movies such as Plan 9 from Outer Space; The Prodigal and The Sea Chase. When retirement came, she returned to Las Vegas.

David Copperfield credits her for being one of his inspirations.

On August 25th she'll turn 100 years old and Copperfield will join the birthday party celebration at the Westgate. He's even obtained one of her old costumes which he displays in his museum.



A RAISIN IN THE SUN by Lorraine Hansberry.

Directed by Wesley Enoch.

A dream for the future.

This production marks the first time ever that A Raisin in the Sun will be performed on an Australian mainstage.

A Raisin in the Sun is an iconic work of American theatre, a powerful portrait of one Black family’s struggle to hold onto hope in a society intent on keeping them down, and an unmissable night of theatre.

Premiering in 1959, when Lorraine Hansberry was just 29 years old, the play was the first by an African American woman to be shown on Broadway and it continues to challenge and move audiences generations later.

Living in a segregated neighborhood of Chicago in the 1950s, the five members of the Younger family are all looking for ways to improve their lot: some through activism, some through fortune and some through simple feats of self-determination. The arrival of a long-awaited life insurance check gives the close-knit family a chance to consider the possibility of a better life. But the distance between dreams and reality proves further than any of them anticipated.

This is a gripping and moving story of one family which contains all the pathos and resilience of the human spirit.

Zahra Newman and Bert LaBonté lead an exceptional cast featuring Nancy Denis, Angela Mahlatjie, Gaius Nolan, Gayle Samuels, Leinad Walker, Jacob Warner, Adolphus Waylee, and Ibrahima Yade.

The creatives include: Designer Mel Page - Lighting Designer Verity Hampson - Composer & Sound Designer Brendon Boney - Production Dramaturg Zindzi Okenyo.

Performances August 27 - October 15, 2022 on the stage of the Wharf 1 Theatre of the Sydney Theatre Company in Sydney, Australia.

KINKY BOOTS Based on the 2005 British film Kinky Boots, directed by Julian Jarrold and written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. The stage musical features 16 original songs by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Harvey Fierstein.

Direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell.

Mostly inspired by true events, the musical tells the story of Charlie Price. Having inherited a shoe factory from his father, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they are not so different after all.

The production stars Callum Francis as "Lola," Christian Douglas as "Charlie Price," Danielle Hope as "Lauren," Brianna Stoute as "Nicola," Sean Steele as "Don"” and Marcus Neville, reprising his role of "George" from the Broadway production.

The ensemble includes Devin Bowles, Bella Coppola, Nick Drake, Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald, Ryan Halsaver, Matthew Michael Janisse, Lindsay Joan, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Marty Lauter, Tommy Martinez, Ryah Nixon, Lucas Pastrana, Liz Pearce, Ricky Schroeder, David J. Socolar, Ebrin R. Stanley, Tarion Strong, Ernest T. Williams, and Maria Wirries.

The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Gareth Owen, hair design by Josh Marquette, make-up design by Darion Matthews, music direction by Will Van Dyke, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Stephen Oremus.

Kinky Boots opens off-Broadway on Thursday, August 25th at Stage 42 in New York City.

ANIMAL FARM Adapted for the stage by Peter Hall from the novel by George Orwell. Music by Richard Peaslee. Lyrics by Adrian Mitchell.

Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott.

Musical Direction by Rod Bagheri.

Animal Farm charts the fall of idealism and the rise of tyranny after the animals of Manor Farm rise up against their oppressive human owner in a struggle for rights and equality. Led by the idealistic pig, Snowball (Stanley Andrew Jackson III), they take over the farm from the cruel Mr. Jones (Bert Emmett). Their plan goes well at first; all the animals—the horses (Geoff Elliott, Nicole Javier, Deborah Strang), goat (Philicia Saunders), donkey (Jeremy Rabb), cat (Sedale Threatt Jr.), raven (Cassandra Marie Murphy), cows, sheep, hens and pigeons—are equal and content. But eventually some of the pigs, led by Napoleon (Rafael Goldstein) and Squealer (Trisha Miller), yield to the lure of power and decide that “some animals are more equal than others.”

First published in 1945, Orwell wrote Animal Farm in reaction to Stalin’s rise to power following the Russian Revolution. But his allegory has continued to resonate across decades and up to the present moment.

The creative team includes music director Rod Bagheri; scenic and costume designer Angela Balogh Calin; wig and make up designer Tony Valdés; mask artisan Dillon Nelson; lighting designer Ken Booth; sound designer Kate Wecker; properties designer Shen Heckel; fight choreographer Kenneth R. Merckx, Jr.; dialect coach Andrea Odinov; and dramaturg Miranda Johnson-Haddad. The production stage manager is Pat Loeb.

Previews August 28–September 2. Performances September 3–October 2 at A Noise Within in Pasadena, CA.

DAMES AT SEA Book and Lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller. Music by Jim Wise.

Directed and Choreographed by Randy Skinner.

In the tradition of 42nd Street, Dames at Sea is the tap-happy stage musical that will lift your spirits! Ruby steps off a bus from Utah and into her first Broadway show, but hours before the opening night curtain is to rise, the cast learns their theater is being demolished. So Ruby and the cast, with the help of some adoring sailors, come up with an ingenious plan to ensure that the show goes on.

Featuring: Brianna Ascione, Julie Kavanagh, Drew King, Lesli Margherota, Keely Anne McCormick, Andy McLeavey, Thomas Ortiz, Daniel Plimpton, Byron St. Cyr and Daisy Wright.

The creatives are: Scenic Design: Anna Louizos. Costume Design: David Woolard. Lighting Design: Kirk Bookman. Sound Design: Joanna Staub. Hair and Wig Design: Jared Janus. Casting by Paul Hardt. Music Director: Jeffrey Campos.

Performances at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA through September 11, 2022.

DAWN RAIDS by Oscar Kightly.

directed by Troy Tu’ua and Tanya Muagututi’a.

25 years on, in the wake of the Apology.

Central Auckland. 1973. Fuarosa sleeps with one eye on the front door, in fear of it bursting open. Sione struggles to keep the peace by day and croons Elvis love songs by night. Teresa turns to activism to channel her rage but only her mate Bene hears her. Steve is a policeman, turning his own people out of their homes – even though it turns his stomach. Mose supports the raids and scorns overstayers. Join Sione and his band, the Noble Hawai’ian Sabretooth Tigers, as they welcome you to the Paradise Honeypot Club where everything is beautiful, until it isn’t. Oscar Kightley’s contemporary classic contrasts white-hot anger at the injustice visited upon Pacific People with wit and warmth, and Elvis - lots of Elvis.

The cast includes: Michael Falesiu Sione (Fabian), Gabrielle Solomona Fuarosa (Losa), Talia-Rae Mavaega Teresa, Jake Tupu Bene, Italia Hunt Steve, Lauie Tofa Mose, and Bella Kalolo-Suraj To'aga.

Band: Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson, Malcolm Lakatani, Lijah Mavaega, Posenai Mavaega, Tanya Muagututi’a, Andrew Sione.

Ensemble: Nimeti Akatere, Idalene Ati, Samson Chan-Boon, Rory Hough, Daya Sao-Mafiti, Bob Savea, Lewis Talo, Netane Taukiuvea, Jayne Uhi, Siana Vagana.

The creatives are: Jake Tupu Assistant Director. Posenai Mavaega Musical Director. Mark McEntyre and Tony De Goldi Set & Costume Designer. Jo Kilgour Lighting Designer. Mishelle Muagututi’a and Lafaialii Maila Flo Lafai Story Sovereignty & Well-being. Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua Spiritual Lead Support. Jonjon Cowley-Lupo Costume Assistant. Tanya Muagututi’a Producer. Petmal Petelo Lam Assistant Stage Manager. Grace Iwashita-Taylor Marketing Specialist. Samuel Kamu and Seluvaia 'Iloahefaiva Teaching Artist. Susi Afitu Assistant Producer. Contains themes of racism, violence and strong language that some may find triggering.

A co-production between Auckland Theatre Company and Pacific Underground until September 3 at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in New Zealand.

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FINAL OVATION

RAYMOND BRIGGS CBE illustrator, cartoonist, graphic novelist and author,s best known author and illustrator of his 1978 Christmas classic The Snowman, died on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. He was aged 88.

The Snowman has sold more than 5.5 million copies around the world.

Equal parts magic and melancholic, it tells the story of a boy, James, whose snowman comes to life at the stroke of midnight. On Christmas Day, the following morning, James wakes up to find that his snowman has melted, leaving him mourning the loss of his friend.

Briggs is survived by his step-children and step-grandchildren.

BILL ROBINSON a veteran talent agent died on August 6 in Malibu, CA after a long illness, He was 93 years old.

Over the years, Robinson has represented Robert Duvall, Alan Arkin, Carol Burnett, Judith Anderson, Tony Bill, Peter Falk, James Garner, Glenda Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Jayne Mansfield and Maggie Smith, among others. He also gave Mike Medavoy, currently the chairman and CEO of Phoenix Pictures as well as former chairman of Tri-Star Pictures, his first job as an agent.

He is survived by Mandy Robinson, his wife of 38 years, and their daughter, Hannah Robinson.

DARIUS CAMPBELL DANESH stage performer and singer died August 11, 2022 in Rochester, Minn. He was 41.

He first shot to fame on Simon Cowell’s reality show ‘Pop Idol, then later appeared in revivals of Chicago and Guys and Dolls in London

In 1008 in London he starre as Rhett Butler in a musical stage adaptation of Gone With the Wind.

The singer’s family said that he was found unresponsive in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota on Aug. 11 and pronounced dead by the local medical examiners’ office.

"The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances," the family said. "The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue."

Born in Glasgowm Scotland he made a foray into Hollywood as a co-executive producer on the 2016 horror film Imperium, starring Daniel Radcliffe. He topped British music charts with his single Colorblind.

Campbell Danesh married actress Natasha Henstridge in California in 2011; they divorced a few years later.

BILL BARRETT Country Music Hall of Fame member and former morning show host at McKenzie River Broadcasting KKNU Eugene, OR, died on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.

Barrett, whose 45 years in morning radio included 24 on 93.3, left radio early in 2021. His 50th anniversary in radio took place shortly before his retirement.

He is survived by 11 children and several grandchildren.

HENRY ENGEL 6-year-old- son of NBC News foreign correspondent Richard Engel and his wife Mary Forrest, has died from a lifelong battle with Rett Syndome, a rare brain disorder. According to a memorial page from Texas Children's Hospital he died on Sugust 9, 2022. His death was announced by his family on August 18, 2022.

In addition to his beloved parents he is survived by his three-year-old brother, Theo.

Next Column: August 28, 2022
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Laura Deni

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