Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: December 24, 2023
By: Laura Deni
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WELCOMING THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TO NOSTRADAMUS SAYING 2024 ENDS IT

The 12 days of Christmas begins on Christmas day and ends with the coming of the Three Wise Men on January 6th, also known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day.

There is the popular song The 12 Days of Christmas

First day: Partridge in a pear tree
Second day: 2 turtle doves
Third day: 3 French hens
Fourth day: 4 calling birds
Fifth day: 5 golden rings
Sixth day: 6 geese a-laying
Seventh day: 7 swans a-swimming
Eighth day: 8 maids a-milking
Ninth day: 9 ladies dancing
Tenth day: 10 lords a-leaping
Eleventh day: 11 pipers piping
Twelfth day: 12 drummers drumming

Since 1984, PNC Bank has been tracking the price of giving each gift mentioned in the song with the PNC Christmas Price Index. The index uses current market rates to calculate how much each gift would cost, on average, for the modern consumer. All those gifts added up together would cost you a whopping $197,071.09 when you count each repetition of the song according to the current Christmas price index — swans alone are really expensive ($1,875 each). But the real reason the final number is so eye-popping is that the gifts are cumulative — you give each previous gift a mention with each subsequent gift, which brings your total number of gifts to 364.

According to Good Housekeeping in an article by Katie Bourque and Annie O'Sullivan: Nobody is too sure where that song originated, although some speculate it was France. However, the first documented appearance of the song was in the English children's book Mirth With-out Mischief. published in 1780. Somebody even anted up $23,750 at a Sotheby's auction for a first edition.

In 1909 British composer Frederic Austin penned the lyrics that we are all sing today.

The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon during "12 Days of Xmas Sweaters - Door 11" on December 8, 2023 . Photo: Todd Owyoung.NBC

Jimmy Fallon has brought the ugly Christmas sweater into status favor by giving away one outrageously creative ugly sweater- designed and constructed by costumer Mario Martines and his crew of four - each day during the last 12 days before his Christmas vacation. Just like Santa, Martines begins working on next year's "gifts" of ugly sweaters the day after Christmas. Each knitted, wearable art work can takes 3 months to create.

Nobody is positive where the ugly sweater originated - although the first ugly sweater Christmas party is listed as Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2002, according to Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On. Co-author Brian Miller, is also the founder of online shop UglyChristmasSweaterParty.com.

According to CNN: 2012 was a turning point for the ugly sweater craze. UK charity Save the Children launched Christmas Jumper Day, a fundraising event encouraging people to don their most cringe-worthy sweaters. British newspaper The Telegraph described the item as "this season’s must-have," while the New York Times reported on ugly Christmas sweater-themed runs, pub crawls and specialized e-tailers booming across the States. Concurrently, the knits began showing more tinsel, bells and wacky details, reaching peak kitsch.

According to data provided by the National Retail Federation, holiday spending has increased by 45% over the last decade. the average person in the United States spends approximately $269 on decorations each year — and around $549 on gifts for family and friends. Although the majority of individuals (43%) spend around $100 on decorations each year, nearly 15% spend upward of $500. Older individuals spend under $200 on average because they already have amassed a wealth of decorations over the years. When it comes to outdoor decorations, 63% of individuals put holiday lights up on their house or in their front yard.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association: there are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year. There are close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers. North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada .There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States. For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring. There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry. It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 – 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years. The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.

Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

Entertainment abounds at Christmas time. "The 2022-2023 season included 1,474 playing weeks and 11,506 performances. During the season, 88.4% of seats were filled, comparable to pre-pandemic levels, according to The Broadway League.

It was Charles Dickens' creating A Christmas Carol which put Christmas on the map as something to celebrate and a reason to spend money. Prior to Dickens' novella celebrating Christmas was forbidden in several religious or social setting. The Puritans consider Christmas celebrations evil. in fact, out outlawed Yuletide festivities. You were forced to work on Christmas. If you didn't you'd be arrested.

In the regions where Christmas was acknowledged no decorations were permitted.

The conversation.com points out: "The most significant steps toward integrating Christmas into popular American culture came in the context of the American Civil War. In January 1863 Harper’s Weekly published on its front page the image of Santa Claus visiting the Union Army in 1862. This image, which was produced by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast, represents the very first image of Santa Claus."

Shooting off fireworks on New Year's Eve? It's predicted revenues could exceed $2.3bn for the 2023 fireworks season projected the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA.

The average markup for fireworks is roughly three times the wholesale price. Buying a case of fireworks for $100 means the business owner will likely rake in revenue of $300, according to insights.bu.edu.

Missourians spend the most on fireworks out of all Americans, KSDK reported. Missouri beat out all other states in terms of firework spending last year, with sales totaling nearly $125.9 million.

Toasting in the New Year?

In the US an average of 360 million glasses of this iconic sparkling wine are served every New Year's Eve.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council: "The average price of champagne this year is $55.85 but it can cost up to $73 in some states, whereas prosecco costs an average of $14-$20. Since 2020, a 750-milliliter bottle of champagne has seen a 25% increase in the average unit price. Over the past year, it's grown by roughly 6%. Tequila also saw record growth in its market share in 2022, dominating the distilled spirits industry with $1.2 billion revenue, Low-alcohol and flavored ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are equally becoming popular. Between 2020 and 2021, that market segment grew by $16 million. Non-alcoholic spirits, wine, and beer are also becoming increasingly popular, Data from the Drizly platform indicates that non-alcoholic wines have seen a 500% increase in the share of sales on its site. According to WalletHub:Top 9 New Year’s Eve Fun Facts:

125+ Million – Number of Americans who will travel for the New Year’s holiday this year, with more than half of them driving to their destination.
64% - Share of Americans who spend at least $50 on New Year's Eve food and drinks.
51% - Share of Americans who plan to celebrate New Year's Eve with family or friends. Only 32% will eat out or order food for pickup/delivery.
$872 – Average cost for a couple to enjoy dinner and a show on New Year's Eve in the three largest cities (New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago).
360+ Million – Number of glasses of sparkling wine that are drunk each New Year's Eve.
10% – Share of emergency room visits on New Year's Eve are drug/alcohol related.
46,500 – Number of people who get hurt in car crashes each New Year’s Eve holiday.
0.095% – Average BAC on New Year’s Eve, making it the most drunken night of the year.
2nd Friday in January – Most likely day for people to give up on their resolutions (known as "Quitters Day"), with 23% of Americans admitting that they didn’t succeed in accomplishing any resolutions they made.

And then there is Nostradamus - that fun lovin' French doctor and astrologer who wrote at least two books on medical science. He also liked to predict things - bad things, earning him the nickname of "the prophet of doom." Unfortunately, his predictions have a track record of coming true. If that continues to be the case then 2024 will be a tragic year to remember, expect none of us will be here, so you don't need to worry about remembering.

There are enough bad events expected to give you your choice of how you'd like to be snuffed out.

Way back when, in 1555, Les Propheties("The Prophecies") was published. In which Nostradamus predicted that the end of the world would take place in 2024. No specific date given.

Nostradamus predicted "combat and naval battle", and said that a "Red adversary will become pale with fear / Putting the great Ocean in dread." Some have concluded that means war with China.

A "King of the Isles" will be "driven out by force." Some have jumped to the conclusion that means King Charles III although the world has several kings and King Charles is doing a marvelous job. The prophecy continues that the deposed king would be replaced by "one who will have no mark of a king," which means no one in line to inherit the throne.

According to Nostradamus' predictions for 2024, a devastating nuclear explosion will cause climatic changes and significant depopulation in many European countries. Nostradamus wrote of irreversible climate changes in 2024. Temperatures keep rising, and he even mentions fish boiling in the sea and changes in humanity that won't leave traces for nearly a thousand years.

Jus He also predicted world hunger: "Very great famine through pestiferous wave."

A new Pope. "Through the death of a very old Pontiff / A Roman of good age will be elected / Of him it will be said that he weakens his see / But long will he sit and in biting activity,” he wrote. Pope Francis is 87.

Just to confuse the situation - another of his projections for 2024: Assassination of a world leader and the rise of another. However, true peace would only come in 2043, which does seem to contradict the world ending in 2024 - although the world as we know it now could still end with Nostradamus, in another prediction, proffering A "new world order" will be established. It should involve a man and a woman joining forces.

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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

HARRY POTTER THE EXHIBITION

Harry Potter Exhibition. Photo: Press Office

Celebrate the film-making magic and more of the Wizarding World! The 30,000-square-foot Harry Potter Exhibit at the Londoner Macao in Macao is a groundbreaking touring exhibition that celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the Harry Potter film series and the Wizarding World. Through best-in-class design and innovative technology, this exhibition delights visitors with iconic moments, props, costumes, characters, and locations from the Harry Potter film series, as well as the expanded Wizarding World - including some of the favorite creatures and stories from Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

Choose your favorite Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus to begin a personalized journey through this immersive experience: plop down in Hagrid's giant chair, squeeze into the Cupboard Under The Stairs, and practice your Quidditch skills by throwing a Quaffle, all while learning behind-the-scenes film making details.

Visitors of Harry Potter: The Exhibition can practice their Quidditch skills, brew a potion, pot a Mandrake, earn points for your Hogwarts house and more, all while learning behind-the-scenes filmmaking magic. It celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen from the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, as well as the wonders of the expanded Wizarding World, including the costumes, props, and imagery from the Tony award-winning Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Guests can experience the beautifully crafted environments that honor many of the unforgettable moments fans and audiences have loved for more than two decades, getting an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a personalized journey through innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical environments using best-in-class immersive design and technology.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd., said: "We are thrilled to welcome the global phenomenon of Harry Potter: The Exhibition to The Londoner Macao. We are delighted to be the first tour stop in Asia for this spellbinding global tour which contributes to our diverse portfolio of non-gaming offerings and echoes the Macao Government Tourism Office's 'tourism+ entertainment' cross-sector integration initiative."

The immersive record-breaking exhibition premiered at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA and has welcomed over a million visitors and fans of the Wizarding World. It is also currently showing in Paris and in New York.

Exhibition Gallery Highlights:

From Page to Screen Gallery showcases a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone encased in a Gringotts-inspired vault and is surrounded by inspirational video and literary quotes, reconnecting guests to the story as they are introduced to the exhibition.

Hogwarts Castle Gallery features an immersive multimedia experience with iconic elements like the Whomping Willow, Dementors, and the Marauder’s Map, where guests will see their name appear, prompting them to continue their exploration of the exhibition.

The Great Hall Gallery is a space that allows visitors to celebrate magical seasonal moments in its iconic architecture.

Harry Potter Houses. Photo: Press Office

The Hogwarts Houses gallery sets the foundation for the exhibition experience, allowing guests the opportunity to experience more personalized moments with the Hogwarts house they select during their pre-registration. While guests may gravitate towards one house, this gallery will enable visitors to experience all the Hogwarts houses in a celebratory hall featuring an iconic Sorting Hat, perfect for photo ops, while surrounded by freshly designed house crests on meticulously created stained glass windows.

Hogwarts Classrooms are filled with iconic props, creatures, and costumes. Visitors will interact with magical lessons and games through digital touchscreens to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets about iconic classroom moments. They will brew potions in the Potions Classroom, predict the future in Divination, pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse, and use their digital wand to defeat a boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Hagrid's Hut and The Forbidden Forest offer an interactive Patronus charm experience. Guests will then uncover iconic creatures, such as centaurs and Acromantula, hidden in the forest and explore inside a recreation of Hagrid's Hut.

The Londoner Macao in Macao.

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SWEET CHARITY

THE MAJESTIC THEATER

This 1962 Red Corvette could be yours for a $10 raffle ticket. Photo: Majestic THeater

in West Springfield, MA has an attention getting auction.

Ten dollar raffle tickets afford the opportunity to win two significant prize. First prize in their 28th annual classic raffle is a beautiful 1962 Corvette, the last year for the C-1’s. This Corvette has a rare automatic transmission—a feature that we have been asked for years to find. 14,531 Corvettes that were manufactured in 1962, and you could win this 1 of 988 that have the very rare factory power windows. In Roman Red with a Black interior, this is a snazzy combination. There’s a removable hardtop, all original bonding strips, spinner hubcaps, and new tires. The engine is a later model 350 V8 NOM with the original mileage of 59,972. Appraised at $62,000.

Second place prize 2003 Harley-Davidson - the 100th anniversary Road King in Gunmetal Pearl paint with silver stripes—you don’t get any more classic than that look with the Harley roar! It has a 1450cc, air cooled, fuel injected, V-twin engine and a 5-speed transmission. There is also a passenger back rest. This was a one-owner motorcycle and was meticulously maintained with original mileage of 33,456. Appraised at $9,000.

Drawing: December 31, 2023. Winners need not be present to win.

The Majestic Theater has been staging locally-produced professional live theater since 1997. Before it was a live theater, local residents may remember the Majestic Theater as a movie house. It has since been renovated and reimagined to bring live performances to the West Springfield area, giving local performance and technical artists the opportunity to thrive. Every season at the Majestic consists of five productions, including at least one musical. The summer includes children's theater, concerts, plays, open mic nights, and improvisational comedy shows.

THE TURNER FOUNDATION held their sold out Legacy Gala on December 14, 2023.

Using laughter for fundraising, The Turner Foundation brought in comedian Jay Leno to their gala at the Rosewood Miramar Resort in Montecito, CA. Executive Director Dean Wilson welcomed about 400 people to the fundraiser. They all enjoyed laughing thanks to Leno.

At the same time, Wilson encouraged ongoing donations to the Turner Foundation projects.

Currently, two of the Turner properties for low income residents provide about 120 units on the Santa Barbara westside. There are also transitional homes for young people over the age of 18, including those coming from foster care.

Wilson said they are looking to add more buildings in the future where they can find collaboration for funding and the staff to provide the on site services. The Turner Foundation has what's called hopeful housing. "We have multi family communities on the west side and we now have three houses for transitional age youth that have been homeless which I didn't know what a big problem this was until recently," said Wilson.

Past gala's have featured former President George W. Bush and basketball stars Magic Johnson and Jerry West.

KING CHARLES INDUSTRIAL FREEZERS

King Charles at the Felix Project. Photo: The Royal Family

have helped save food for a million meals.

A year ago, in honor of his 75th birthday, through the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund, which has since changed its name to the King Charles III Charitable Fund, the King gave £1m to buy 800 industrial freezers, as first reported by the BBC.

Recently his Majesty visited The Felix Project, a charity that distributes surplus food from supermarkets and caterers to see if the donated freezers have helped.

"The extra freezers have been transformational, and I am so proud of the fact we have been able to double the amount of food saved," declared Charlotte Hill.

The Felix Project, a charity created in 2016 to address food insecurity and food waste in the U.K. identified that 6.7 million adults and children in the U.K. suffer from food insecurity. Meanwhile, each year the food industry in the nation produces three million tons of food waste. The goal of The Felix Project is to redistribute this food to those who need it most, a press release from The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund noted.

"We know the need out there is so high at the moment, and with Christmas round the corner families are feeling even more pressure to spend money," Hill continued.

The Felix Project in London reported it has saved the equivalent of almost a million meals a year, using food which would otherwise be thrown away - thanks to a way to keep the food cold.

"It is not only items like vegetables, it is also items like ready meals and meat, the kind of food people put in their freezer at home. It means we can do the same on a huge scale and then give this food to people that really need it," Hill told the press.

Another food project in Towcester said the freezers had been a "game-changer" when demand had been rising sharply.

Among those getting help was a south London project, Keep the Drums, Lose the Knife, which runs a weekly food bank. "Before getting the fridge we couldn't accept many fresh items, like meat and fish, ready meals, dairy and more, it really limited what we could provide," stated charity founder Sarian Karim.

Baroness Casey, who has helped with the Coronation Food Project, said the practical impact of donating freezers was a good example of what could be achieved and would bring better access to food to "communities in need".

SPREADING THE WORD

MILK CRATE THEATRE in Alexandria, Australia announced that during 2023 they have: 197 Collaborative Artists engaged (including 158 new Collaborative Artists)
3429 hours of service
31 artists and arts workers employed
181 workshops
19 artists development sessions.

As they look ahead to their 25th anniversary, Milk Crate Theatre is embarking on new ambitious endeavors, such as introducing a new digital stream while continuing to strengthen and expand their existing programs. Milk Crate Theatre provides opportunities for people whose voices are under-represented to engage in artistic practice to build confidence, skills and connections; and shares bold and resonant stories to build empathy and break down barriers.

They are the leading arts organization in Australia working in the unique intersection of the arts, homelessness, mental health, and disability, providing professional development pathways and opportunities for collaborative artists to engage in creative practices as both performers and theatre and film creators of works.

THE NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER in Jamestown, New York announced that tis year's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival featured more than 50 live events and drew over 15,000 attendees from 40 U.S. states and four countries – in just five days. Record-breaking headliners Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, Taylor Tomlinson (CBS’s newest late night host in 2024), and more than two dozen other artists descended on Jamestown, New York, to celebrate comedy in Lucille Ball’s hometown.

During the festival, The Comedy Center cut the ribbon on the George and Jolene Brand Schlatter Theater, a showcase of comedy’s greatest artists and their extraordinary work, including a new retrospective on George’s legendary sketch comedy show Laugh-In, George and Jolene’s unparalleled legacy in comedy, and featuring new interviews with Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn and many more.

CHAPLAINS a two-parter on PBS about a profession most people associate with the military, prisons and hospitals. Just a tip of the iceberg. Major corporations, such as Tyson Foods, Coca-Cola and General Motors are among the companies now offering chaplain services to their employees. Tyson employs over 100 chaplains. The National Fellowship of Raceway Ministries offers the racing community chaplains. Auto racing as well as horse racing companies and venues employ chaplains. Chaplains serve all faiths including Wicca and native American.

Chaplains become a safe haven for employees to express their feelings about anything in total confidentiality. The excellent documentary pointed out that it takes as long to become a certified chaplain as it does to become a medical doctor.

PETE DAVIDSON LIVE a celebrated stand-up comedian, actor, writer and producer. In 2023, Davidson starred in Peacock's Bupkis, a semi-autobiographical comedy series. He'll be on stage explaining it all on December 28, 2023 at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas.

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THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA WANTS YOUR MOVIE

Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan

Moldova has positioned itself at the forefront of European cinematography, hosting the CinemaHora Co-Production Forum, a prestigious event that brought together 70 filmmakers from 20 countries. The National Film Center of Moldova orchestrated this two-day forum on December 16-17, 2023, featuring prominent attendees including President Maia Sandu, Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan, and U.S. Ambassador Kent D. Logsdon.

Th Republic of Moldova is a unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic with its capital in Chi?inau, the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial center.

The United States supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

"Republic of Moldova actively aligns with European values, recognizing culture as an essential pillar in building a prosperous democratic society. Cinematography leads in spreading new values and promoting cultural diversity, and film is one of the most powerful ways to tell the story of a nation," President Maia Sandu emphasized.

"From 2014 until now, with the emergence of the Cinematography Law, filmmakers in the Republic of Moldova have made efforts to demonstrate that we can, and indeed, we achieve this goal we set for ourselves—to make films. We are aware of the importance of this moment, and we will make every effort for cinematography to become the most important tool in Moldova's communication with the world," mentioned Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture.

"The Cinema Hora Forum inaugurates a new stage in international collaboration for the Moldovan film industry. In the creative industries in Moldova, approximately 9,000 employees work, receiving salaries up to 50% higher than in other fields, and the United States, through USAID, supports these growth opportunities for Moldova. I am looking forward to seeing the results of the partnerships established during this event," stated Kent D. Logsdon, the U.S. Ambassador to Moldova.

The forum’s first day included insightful sessions at the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. International filmmakers shared their experiences on various topics, including the international film ecosystem, women in film and TV, and strategies for funding and co-productions.

"In Slovenia, for a film from abroad to obtain funding, it is necessary for the applicant to be a co-producer from Slovenia. Another criterion, and the most important one, is that the project must be funded to the extent of at least 50% by the country of origin of the main producer of the film. We can say that we are looking for films that already have a part of the funding secured," mentioned Nika Gricar, the head of the Film Development Department at the Slovenian Film Center.

Filmmakers from outside the country also came with some recommendations for those in the Republic of Moldova. "It is essential to invest not only in the production of films but also to try to invest more in the promotion of these films and your talents. If the money only goes into production, you may not achieve anything or very little internationally. I can say from my own experience that it is crucial to invest in the promotion of films, distribution, participation in international festivals, and other similar activities," said Simone Baumann, a film director from Germany.

During the forum, local filmmakers had the opportunity to showcase their creative ideas and identify potential partners among representatives of the film industry from Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Denmark, Montenegro, Croatia, Armenia, Norway, North Macedonia, Georgia, Israel, and the Baltic countries.

"I believe that the best thing we can do now is to learn from those with experience, so we expect from this forum as many international co-productions as possible," said Sergiu Pascaru, a film producer from the Republic of Moldova. "Moldova's cinematography needs to be visible internationally because we have a lot to say. We are like an archaeological site that has not yet been discovered," mentioned Ana Gurdi?, a documentary film director from the Republic of Moldova.

The purpose of the event was to position Moldova internationally as a country open to multicultural projects. "This event is very important for our country because making a film means having friends, partners, understanding how this industry works today in the world and what the audience expects. Moldova is gradually finding its place in the film industry, and obviously, it needs support to grow," said Valentina Iusuphodjaev, the director of the National Film Center.

The last day of the forum was dedicated to Moldova. During this day, local filmmakers pitched several film projects, exchanging opportunities for collaborations and experience and subsequently, international guests visited attractive filming locations.

Organized by the National Film Center of the Republic of Moldova, the Cinema Hora Forum was supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Future Technologies Project, funded by USAID, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This event marks a significant milestone in Moldova's journey in the global film industry, fostering international partnerships and cultural exchange.



THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP (TCG) the national organization for theatre, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards. The awards, totaling $722,000, allow 12 productions extra time for the development and rehearsal of new plays with the entire creative team, hoping to extend the life of the world premiere play after its first run.

Over the last 18 years, the Edgerton Foundation has awarded over $17,890,534 to 533 productions, enabling many plays to schedule subsequent productions following their world premieres. Thirty-eight have made it to Broadway, including: Skeleton Crew, Paradise Square, Curtains, 13, Next to Normal, 33 Variations, In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), Time Stands Still, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, A Free Man of Color, Good People, Chinglish, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Bronx Bombers, Casa Valentina, Outside Mullingar, All the Way, Eclipsed, Bright Star, Hamilton, The Columnist, In Transit, A Doll's House Part 2, Indecent, Dear Evan Hansen, Oslo, Escape to Margaritaville, The Prom, JUNK: The Golden Age of Debt, SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, Head Over Heels, and Cost of Living. Twenty plays were nominated for Tony Awards, with All the Way, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Oslo winning the best play or musical awards. Thirteen plays were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, with wins for The Hot Wing King (2021), Cost of Living (2018), Hamilton (2016), The Flick (2014), Water by the Spoonful (2012), and Next to Normal (2010).

The 2023-24 Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards were presented to:

Furlough’s Paradise at Alliance Theatre by a.k. payne.

A Mirror at Almeida Theatre by Sam Holcroft.

Infinite Life at Atlantic Theater & National Theatre by Annie Baker.

Black Cypress Bayou at Geffen Playhouse by Kristen Adele Calhoun.

Female Troubles at Goodman Theatre music by Curtis Moore, lyrics by Amanda Green, book by Jennifer Crittenden & Gabrielle Allan.

Highway Patrol at Goodman Theatre text arranged & curated by Jen Silverman based on the digital archives of Dana Delany. Created by Dana Delany, Mike Donahue, Dane Laffrey, & Jen Silverman.

Untitled Unauthorized Hunter Thompson Musical at La Jolla Playhouse music and lyrics by Joe Iconis. Book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss.

Sumo at La Jolla Playhouse & Ma-Yi Theater Company by Lisa Sanaye Dring.

Babbitt at La Jolla Playhouse by Joe DiPietro.

Redwood at La Jolla Playhouse. Book by Tina Landau, music by Kate Diaz, lyrics by Kate Diaz & Tina Landau, conceived by Tina Landau & Idina Menzel, with additional contributions by Idina Menzel.

Nye at National Theatre in co-production with Wales Millenium Centre. By Tim Price.

Hell's Kitchen at The Public Theater. Music & lyrics by Alicia Keys. Book by Kristoffer Diaz.

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE

As the year comes to a close some individuals are departing - their long list of accomplishments remaining.

LESLIE MARCUS who has been Managing Director of Playwrights Horizons since 1993 has announced that she will step down in the summer of 2024. Over the course of her 30-year tenure, Marcus has overseen the growth of Playwrights Horizons from a respected Off-Broadway company into one of the nation’s leading theatrical institutions. Under Marcus’s leadership, work from Playwrights Horizons has received four Pulitzer Prizes, nine Tony awards, and 47 OBIEs.

Considering the above mentioned accomplishments the following description of her skill set (copied directly from RocketReach) must have been written by either somebody whose long term goal is to become an intern or by her worst enemy - the only listed job skills are hilarious: akin to listing the Pope's skill set as 'having a Bible and enjoying going to church.'

"LESLIE MARCUS'S LOCATION
New York, NY, US
LESLIE MARCUS'S EDUCATION
Northwestern University
1976 - 1980
Horace Greeley High School
LESLIE MARCUS'S SKILLS
Microsoft Office
Project Management
Marketing
LESLIE MARCUS'S SUMMARY
Leslie Marcus, based in New York, NY, US, is currently a Managing Director at Playwrights Horizons. Leslie Marcus holds a 1976 - 1980 Northwestern University. With a robust skill set that includes Microsoft Office, Project Management, Marketing, Training, Strategic Planning and more, Leslie Marcus contributes valuable insights to the industry."

Playwrights Hotizons is now conducting a search for Marcus' successor.

THE BLACK HILLS PLAYHOUSE (BHP) has announced that three of their board members are stepping down.

Victor Shonk an Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of South Dakota who has worked as a scenic designer at the BHP for many years. Victor has designed scenery for theatre, opera, Industrials, and television receiving a 2005 Regional Emmy Award. His work has also been seen in Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and California.

Sharla Steever is a Climate, Courage, and Culture Project Manager for Technology & Innovation in Education in Rapid City, a division of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. Sharla is a 2011 Classroom Teaching Ambassador Fellow with the US Department of Education and an elementary science recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. As a board member, Sharla helped to grow Dakota Players through innovative online Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings (native Americans) programs and aided the organization as it embarked on cultural learning and strategic planning.

Rose Ann Hofland works as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Levitt at the Falls. She is an accomplished director, working with companies such as The Good Night Theatre Collective and Monstrous Little Theatre Company in Sioux Falls. Prior to her BHP board experience, she served on the Dakota Players board for many years.

HANG IN THERE . . .

MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS who turned 79 last Thursday, December 21, 2023, has withdrawn from conducting the San Francisco Symphony January 18-20 or February 23-25 to focus on his health. The Symphony's music director laureate was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He made the news public in 2022.



OUR CLASS an award-winning play by Tadeusz Slobodzianek.

Directed by Igor Golyak.

Features an ensemble of artists hailing from New York, Los Angeles, Ukraine, and Russia, bridging the worlds of New York and international theater, film, and television: Gus Birney as Dora, Andrey Burkovskiy as Menachem, Jack DiFalco as Zygmunt, José Espinosa as Rysiek, Tess Goldwyn as Zocha, Will Manning as Heniek, Stephen Ochsner as Jakub Katz, Alexandra Silber as Rachelka/Marianna, Richard Topol as Abram, and Ilia Volok as Wladek.

Our Class is based on real events, and follows 10 classmates — five Jewish and five Catholic — as they grow up as playmates, friends and neighbors, then turn on one another with life and death consequences. Inspired by real life events surrounding a horrific 1941 pogrom in the small village of Jedwabne, Poland, the play follows their lives from childhood through eight decades in a contemporary new production.

"The cast…the whole team…this is more than just a play for us. The story hits close to home. Our incredible group of actors are bringing their full selves to the project – many are Jewish, some have Polish roots, others are from the former Soviet Union and now live here in the US and grapple with the creation of new lives here. It’s an honor to work with them," says Igor Golyak. "We all recognize the characters and the circumstances in Our Class - it’s a play about how neighbors turn on neighbors, as we experience today in the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and it’s about antisemitism, what we are capable of, and who we can become in the face of war and aggression. We are living this every day in today’s world - it is unfortunately not a story of the past, but a cycle that keeps repeating. I can’t think of a more timely play, or a more generous or gifted group of actors with which to collaborate on this powerful, deeply human project."

The creative team: scenic designer Jan Pappelbaum of the Schaubheune, ?ostume design by Anka Lupes, lighting design by Adam Silverman, music by Oscar winner Anna Drubich, sound design by Ben Williams, projections design by Eric Dunlap, hair & makeup design by Timur Sadykov, and dramaturgy by Rachel Moss. Kyra Bowie is the production stage manager.

Our Class will be accompanied by a series of in person author’s talks, special events and multimedia initiatives designed to engage communities, young people, and audiences in exploration and dialogue about the human consequences of war, antisemitism, immigrant experience, identity, empathy, and our shared humanity.

Presented by Arlekin Players Theatre January 12 - February 4, 2024 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in New York.

COME FROM AWAY features a book, music and lyrics by Olivier, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winners and Grammy and two-time Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff & David Hein.

directed by Tony Award-winner and Outer Critics Circle Award-winner Christopher Ashley.

Musical staging by Olivier Award-winner and two-time Tony Award nominee Kelly Devine.

Music supervision by Olivier Award-winner and Grammy Award nominee Ian Eisendrath.

The tour is directed by Daniel Goldstein with musical staging by Richard J. Hinds, based on the original Broadway direction and choreography.

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. On September 11, 2001, the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all.

The cast of the touring production includes Danny Arnold, Kathleen Cameron, Trey DeLuna, Addison Garner, Andrew Harvey, Andrew Hendrick, Hannah Kato, Chelsea LeValley, Kristin Litzenberg, Miranda Luze, Stanton Morales, Candace Alyssa Rhodes, Molly Samson, Jason Tyler Smith, Nathan David Smith, Shawn W. Smith, Dekontee Tucrkile, and Andre Williams.

The creatives are: scenic design by Tony Award-winner Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by two-time Tony Award-winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Olivier & Outer Critics Circle Award-winner and Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Olivier Award-winner and Grammy and Tony Award nominee August Eriksmoen, music arrangements by Olivier Award-winner and Grammy Award nominee Ian Eisendrath, tour music supervision by Wendy Bobbitt-Cavett, and casting by The Telsey Office.

Performances January 5-7, 2024 at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ.

MAMMA MIA! Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson.

It's time to break out the platform shoes and feather boas - celebrate with Mamma Mia as it celebrates 25 years since this sunshine-filled show redefined the concept of the jukebox musical for the new century. It's a bittersweet yet hilarious story of single mother Donna, struggling to cope with her young daughter's impending marriage on a picturesque Greek island. Throw into the mix three lovers from her past, any of whom could be the father of her daughter. Sparks are sure to fly!

Originally the brainchild of British producer Judy Cramer and playwright Catherine Johnson, the two were inspired to use the band's hits in a theatrical setting after meeting with two of the band's founding members, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The show finally premiered in London's West End in 1999 and has spawned numerous international productions as well as inspiring the global smash hit movie starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.

This blockbuster musical contains all of the band's most famous hits, including 'Super Trouper', 'Lay All Your Love On Me', 'Dancing Queen', 'Waterloo', plus less well-known but equally touching songs such as 'Slipping Through My Fingers' and 'Our Last Summer'.

On the sunny Greek island of Kalokairi, Sophie is feverishly planning her forthcoming wedding to the handsome and idealistic Sky, but is saddened that her mother Donna has never told her the identity of her father. After poring secretly over Donna's diary, she identifies three potential candidates; adventurer Bill, stockbroker Sam and ex-rocker Harry and secretly invites them to the island, hoping to find out once and for all, who will walk her up the aisle as her father.

Needless to say, when all three men arrive at the same time, Donna is thrown into an emotional quandary, as old feelings long forgotten all stir up to the surface. With the help of her two best friends and ex-bandmates of their glam rock outfit Donna and the Dynamos, Donna takes a trip down memory lane. At the same time, Sophie and Sky are facing doubts of their own, with Sophie feeling obligated to help her mother refurbish their ramshackle hotel, but Sky yearning for adventure away from the island.

A hedonistic joint bachelor party for both youngsters winds up with surprising confessions and confrontations that threaten the wedding. Donna must face her ex-lovers and deal with the tumult of emotions running havoc through her. As the day of the wedding dawns, will Sophie ever discover who her father is? And will Donna finally lay the past to rest and follow her heart?

The cast includes: Christine Sherrill as Donna Sheridan; Alisa Melendez as Sophie Sheridan; Carly Sakolove as Rosie; Jalynn Steele as Tanya; Victor Wallace as Sam Carmichae; Rob Marnell as Harry Bright; Jim Newman as Bill Austin; Grant Reynolds as Sky.

With: Louis Griffin, Patrick Park, L'Oreal Roache, Dorian Quinn, and Amy Weaver.

Performances January 9 - 14, 2024 at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, Nebraska.

BACON written by Sophie Swithinbank.

Bacon is an unflinching and unexpectedly humorous look at masculinity, sexuality and power, through the dizzying lens of youth. We follow Mark and Darren on Year 10’s first day back at school. Mark is new and too scared to make friends; Darren is out of control and too scary to make friends. The two of them need each other – but neither would ever admit it. This production contains depictions of physical and sexual violence, references to self-harm and abuse, haze and strobe lighting. Recommended for ages 16+.

The plays stars Corey Montague-Sholay as Mark, and William Robinson as Darren.

Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the multi-award-winning play comes to New York for 24 performances only. Bacon was the winner of the Tony Craze Award, three Off West End Awards in London for Best Director and Best Lead Performer in a Play for both actors, and the Peggy Ramsay / Film 4 Foundation Award. Sophie Swithinbank is a writer on attachment to The National Theatre and Matthew Iliffe is a program member of The National Theatre. Bacon was first performed at the Finborough Theatre, London in 2022.

Running Off-Broadway in a limited engagement as part of the 2024 International Fringe Encore Series, from January 4 – 28. Opening night is January 8, 2024.

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FINAL OVATION

RICHARD HUNT was an American sculptor whose career spanned 70 years. Considered "the foremost African-American abstract sculptor and artist of public sculpture," died December 16, 2023 in Chicago, He was 88.

Hunt, the descendant of enslaved people brought from West Africa through the port of Savannah, studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1950s. While there he received multiple prizes for his work. In 1971, he was the first African-American sculptor to have a retrospective at Museum of Modern Art. Hunt has created over 160 public sculpture commissions, more than any other sculptor in prominent locations in 24 states across the United States.

With a career spanning seven decades, Hunt held over 150 solo exhibitions and is represented in more than 100 public museums across the world. His notable abstract, modern and contemporary sculpture work appeared in exhibitions and public displays as early as the 1950s.

He was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as one of the first artists to serve on the governing board of the National Endowment for the Arts and he also served on boards of the Smithsonian Institution. From 1980 to 1988, Hunt served as Commissioner of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American Art. From 1994 to 1997, Hunt served on the Smithsonian Institution's National Board of Directors.

Next Column: December 31, 2023
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Laura Deni

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