Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: January 15, 2023
By: Laura Deni
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THE GARBAGE MUSIC PROJECT

Photo: Crowd Fund

One man's trash is another man's musical instrument.

Turning waste into musical instruments is becoming a worldwide movement to save the environment.

Landfill musicians are increasing in popularity. In 2012 a documentary spotlighted an orchestra in Paraguay, whose young members play instruments made out of trash. The musicians, who were raised in a slum, have toured the world with their "garbage" instruments. They've played with Stevie Wonder.

Egyptian businessman and musician Shady Rabab started the Garbage Music Project in Luxor, Egypt to get kids off the streets through making musical instruments from plastic. Its purpose is to counter plastic pollution with art and also help poor kids who live on the streets of Egypt with the knowledge of making musical devices from trash and also teach them how to play music on them.

Twelve months after winning the Young Champion of the Earth prize for Africa 2018, his project became a reality. He worked with children from vulnerable backgrounds and marginal communities to make instruments, and a community came together to make new melodies.

"The Garbage Music Project was just an idea on a paper. The Young Champions of the Earth journey turned this project idea into a reality," said Rabab.

"During this journey, I enjoyed being surrounded by experts who helped me develop the idea into a project, followed on every step, introduced me to new networks and increased my knowledge on the dangers facing our planet. More importantly, I felt being surrounded with care and I came out with some true friendships.

"Our project team trained more than 36 young girls and boys in Luxor, Egypt on how to repurpose garbage into music instruments in the first phase of the project," he added.

Example of a garbage musical instrucment. Photo UN Environment Programme

"In the second phase, the team taught these children how to perform music and to play on these instruments. After months of training, together we have created a music piece which was turned into a filmed a video. It was released in September 2019 and received globally more than half a million views in only one week."

The girls and boys targeted by the project did not have the opportunity to have a quality education and had no background in music or art. The project created one of the very few art spaces available in Luxor for young people, representing an opportunity for them for co-learn, share, experiment and have fun.

"This project started off largely as an experiment,"the organization quotes Rabab as explaining. "Today, it is renowned and celebrated locally, nationally and even internationally for the educational, artistic and environmental messages and achievements.

"The results of the project have gone beyond our expectations. The environmental messages the project carries resonated with tens of thousands of people worldwide.

"The children who have been part of the project have been engaged and get inspiration through this work. Other children and their parents are approaching us asking to be included in future phases. We are receiving invitations to conduct trainings at schools in Egypt and across the Middle East and North Africa region."

The project team designs workshops and classes to help the youth master different instruments, with the ultimate aim of playing music together as a band: the Garbage Music Band.

"What was accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without the genuine and generous support of the team working at the UN Environment Programme, the CoalitionWILD and the Do-School. We are truly honored for the opportunity to have met and worked with them. They are for us like a family," emphasized Rabab.

Turkish band named Fungistanbul also develops music using instruments made from plastic and metal trash.

Playing a garbage instrument. Photo UN Environment Programme

Fungistanbul started experimenting with a sound they call "Trash Oriental" in 2019, joining a growing global movement of musicians playing on dump sites and trash bin instruments.

"We had no idea we would come up with this sound when we first started," band member Roni Aran told AFP.

The group owns a studio, which can be found in a grimy part of Istanbul surrounded by auto repair shops.

"We were all surprised with the result, and so was the audience."

The instruments aren't without their issues. For one, keeping them tuned.

Artuc, a percussionist who specializes in Latin jazz, pounds plastic mannequins to add a variety of sounds. Fungistanbul follows in the steps of groups such as Latin Latas (Latin Cans), formed in Colombia a decade ago who now have an international following and a strong social media presence.

The young musicians in this orchestra from Paraguay built their instruments from recycled materials Photo Sustainable Cutues, courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay used through a Creative Commons license.

In 2011, Andrea Defrancisco and her three bandmates, who were all passionate about music and the environment, launched the band Latin Latas, which roughly translates to "Latin tin cans".

Latin Latas is a Bogota-based band makes instruments out of recycled rubbish then uses concerts and workshops to raise awareness about environmental issues, especially among young people.

While Defrancisco has remained at the centre of the band, over the years, other members have changed. The band has also tackled a variety of musical styles, from rock to jazz to cumbia to reggae, to name a few.

Lately, Latin Latas has been doing a lot of folk and electro. Defrancisco writes the majority of their songs (about diverse environmental themes including water, bicycling, and seeds). The three other bandmates specialise in guitar, percussion, and wind instruments, respectively. From plastic to scrap metal to wood, Latin Latas uses all different kinds of rubbish to make instruments (along with musical material.) For instance:

"Estrato Trasher II" : an electric guitar made out of an old wooden bookshelf, a dialysis machine found at a scrap merchant’s, recycled springs and plastic bags. The microphone comes from the Colombian parliament building. "Hoponoponófono" : a ukulele made out of wood from old furniture and the flooring of an old house, a old box of Swiss chocolates and crisp packets. Marimbotella" (a play on the words "marimba", a kind of xylophone, and "botella", which means "bottle"): an instrument made out of old soda bottles and bicycle valves. SécafonoFX" (a play on the word "secador", which means hairdryer): a microphone made from a hairdryer. "TeleControlpad": a controler (a device used by a DJ to manipulate his or her software) made out of computer keyboards, buttons from various machines and a 1970s television set. “Tubotellas" (a play on the words "tube" and "botellas", which means bottles): Drums made from cloth-covered cardboard tubes and bottles.

Defrancisco stressed that the group doesn’t just imitate, they invent.

They make instruments that resemble existing instruments, but also invent instruments depending on the kind of music that they intend to produce. However, playing those instruments will always be a different experience. The instruments are usually heavier, the strings aren’t always located in the same place and the sound is always different.

According to the group: "Latin Latas is a cultural, environmental and educational organization, that aims to inspire people, communities and other organizations to transform their consumption habits by using music as a privileged communication channel and waste as a mean to encourage concrete actions.

"For 11 years, we have performed more than 500 shows in Colombia and abroad (México, France, Spain), designed and led workshops, talks, social projects and other innovative activities to promote the adoption of a Zero Waste lifestyle and to raise awareness about the environmental challenges we face today by calling our partners, clients and public to action.

"We vision to position Latin Latas in the next years to come, as one of the lead cultural and educational organizations in Latin America to promote cultural transformations towards environmental action, through music, urban lutherie, the maker movement and the STEAM(S) education.

"With our work, we promote Sustainable Development Goals."

The group also holds workshops to teach people how to make musical instruments. Recently they staged "Sinfonia Reciclada – Paz con la naturaleza" ("Recycled symphony – Peace with nature") with children who are victims of armed conflict.

United Nations Environment Programme’s Sustainable Lifestyles Officer Garrette Clark said: "The amount we consume is increasing exponentially for some. Yet we need to rethink how we meet our needs and live our aspirations in ways that are less impactful on our environment. We must consider what we really need, and design and buy products that will last longer, be used multiple times and enhance everyone’s well-being. Young entrepreneurs like Shady Rabab are showing the way. Inspired by available resources, he has created a new business model."

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ART AND ABOUT

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT This exhibition presents sixteen remarkable Chinese works illustrating how rabbits have been a prominent artistic subject since ancient times.

Their earliest depictions are featured on jade pendants and sacred ritual bronze vessels dating from China’s Shang (ca. 1600–1048 BCE) and Western Zhou (ca. 1046–771 BCE) dynasties.

A popular figure in literature and folklore, a rabbit is believed to inhabit the moon and assist the goddess Chang’e by preparing her elixir of immortality, as shown on the back of an eighth- to ninth-century bronze mirror as well as on a nineteenth-century embroidered silk mirror case.

Also on view are images of the zodiac animals in jade and ceramics that were meant to adorn people’s homes as well as dispel harmful influences.

January 21, 2023 – February 4, 2024 at The Met Fifth Avenue in New York City.

On January 21, the Met stages Year of the Rabbit. May art bring you good fortune! Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with performances, interactive activities, and artist-led workshops for all ages. All activities are free with Museum admission, and no registration is required.

The full schedule of events is available in English, Korean, simplified Chinese, and Spanish.

Stop by the welcome table in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education (ground floor) to request an assistive listening device, an American Sign Language interpreter, a sighted guide, and a large-print or Braille schedule of events, or to learn more about access accommodations, programs, and resources at The Met. During this period of high virus transmission, masks are strongly recommended.

AMERICAN FRAMING originally presented at the U.S. pavilion of the 2021 Venice Biennale of Architecture, Paul Andersen and Paul Preissner developed the exhibition American Framing to examine wood framing—one of the country’s most overlooked yet common construction systems.

Originating in the early 19th century, softwood construction was a pragmatic solution to a need for an accessible building system among settlers with limited resources of wealth, technical skills, and building traditions. It has been the dominant construction system ever since—more than 90% of new homes in the U.S. today are wood framed.

Despite its ubiquity, wood framing is also one of the country’s most under-appreciated contributions to architecture. Its lack of disciplinary prestige stems from the same characteristics that make it so prevalent—ease of use, lightweight, and affordability. However, it is these very qualities that introduce a flexibility for form, labor, composition, class, sensibility, access, and style that expand the possibilities for architecture.

This exhibition presents models, furniture, photographs, and a full-scale wood structure, which together argue that a profound and powerful future for design can be conceived out of an ordinary past.

Participating artists include Ania Jaworska, Norman Kelley, Daniel Shea, Chris Strong, and students from the University of Illinois Chicago.

American Framing is presented at Palm Springs Art Museum with the support of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). American Framing was originally made possible by The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State and the University of Illinois Chicago for presentation at the Pavilion of the United States at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia.

On display through July 2, 2023 at the Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion in Palm Springs, CA.

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SWEET CHARITY

AN EVENING WITH ERIC BOGOSIAN: MONOLOGUES, DIGRESSIONS AND AIR GUITAR a benefit for the Chain Theatre in New York City takes place January 21, 2023.

A Pulitzer Prize finalist for his play Talk Radio which was adapted to film by Richard Linklater, Bogosian has starred in AMC’s Interview with a Vampire, Uncut Gems, Succession, Talk Radio, Law and Order: Criminal Intent the performance is written by and starring Eric Bogosian.

This exclusive one night event will highlight Bogosian's latest work and most well known pieces. Benefit tickets support Chain Theatre’s upcoming season.

Saturday, January 21st 2023 @ 8PM at the Chain Theatre.

EPIPHONE LES PAUL SPECIAL signed by alternative rock band, Toad the Wet Sprocket is up for auction.

TTWS is best known for their Billboard-charting hits, Walk on the Ocean; All I Want; Something’s Always Wrong, and Fall Down, among others. They share the kind of musical chemistry that can only come from meeting in high school and writing, recording and touring for over 30 years. Bring home this piece of music history, signed at their Ridgefield Playhouse gig this past year.

The Auction closes at 5:00 pm on January 31st.

Proceeds will benefit the Leir Foundation Arts for Everyone Outreach Program at The Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT.

SPREADING THE WORD

THE PRICE OF GLEE a Three-Part Limited Series Premieres Monday, January 16 at 9/8c on ID and discovery+.

Cory Monteith overdosed at age 31. Photo: Publicity.

The cultural phenomenon and hit musical series, Glee, catapulted a cast of relative unknowns into international superstardom and literally rocked pop culture. But, the show that sparked a new era of acceptance was also saddled with extreme devastation on the inside. Endless scandals, tabloid gossip and fatal tragedies plagued the rising stars on what was supposed to be the most joyful show on television. Now, ID pulls back the curtain on Glee to explore the harsh reality of fame with the three-part limited series.

"The Price of Glee unpacks the cast members' lives on and off set through never-before-seen interviews showcasing the demands of being on a hit TV series and dark behind-the-scenes drama. With unbiased filters, hear directly from those outside of the cast bubble who can provide no-strings-attached perspectives, such as: relatives and friends of Glee cast members; those who were on the set and close to it such as set decorators, hairdressers, stylists and publicists; and entertainment reporters who covered the phenomenon. Interviews from those close to the late Cory Monteith shed light on the actor’s journey to international acclaim and the demons that haunted him, which led to his overdose at just 31 in a hotel room in British Columbia.

"Those who worked on set and alongside Mark Salling provide commentary into their working relationship and shock of the dark and disturbing discovery of child pornography in Salling’s possession that led to his death by suicide at 35. George Rivera, father to Naya Rivera who he lost in a chilling and mysterious death by accidental drowning in a lake, gives a personal and intimate tribute to his daughter by taking a look back into Naya’s life as a young actress and how her career took off, showcasing her journey from child actor to cheerleader.

"ID will be sharing exclusive content online, along with working with pop culture influencers, to explore the tragedy and mystery around this iconic series. Exclusive clips and live social chats, along with in-depth videos and articles, will give users full insights into the special and explore the many facets of the Gleek phenomenon. "

BONO & THE EDGE JOIN DAVID LETTERMAN A Sort of Homecoming a feature-length music special in Dublin, to mark the release of Songs of Surrender on St Patrick's Day.

"Recently, I won a radio contest," says Letterman. "Winner gets to visit Dublin with Bono and The Edge (radio contest part not true, but I feel like a winner). They showed me around, introduced me to their musician friends, and performed some of their greatest songs in a small theater. It's a great tour. Get in touch with them ? I'm told there are still availabilities. I'm the luckiest man on the planet. (There are no availabilities)."

LINDA EDER who made her Broadway debut in Jekyll & Hyde, which garnered her a Drama Desk nomination, performs in concert on Sunday, January 22, at the State Theatre of New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ.

UNIVERSAL PARKS AND RESORTS have announced plans for a year-round, immersive horror experience in Las Vegas. The attraction will be the anchor tenant in a 20-acre expansion of Las Vegas’ AREA15 entertainment district, Universal officials announced. It will occupy 110,000 square feet and be home to several immersive, horror-centric experiences, officials said.

The attraction will include bars and restaurants and host seasonal events.

It will be the first time Universal Parks and Resorts, which said its Halloween Horror Nights is the world’s most popular global Halloween event, will create a permanent horror experience beyond its existing theme parks.

“Universal is known for our ability to deliver original, highly-themed and terrifying horror entertainment experiences for millions of fans every year,” Page Thompson, Universal Parks and Resorts president of new ventures, said in a statement.

“We are excited to give our global fanbase yet another way to get scared and have fun with fear in the heart of Las Vegas, the perfect place for this type of unique concept,” Thompson said.

PRINCE EDWARD the Earl of Wessex who is Patron of The Production Guild of Great Britain will attend the Talent Showcase at The Savoy on January 24. The Production Guild has announced a new award named in honor of Royal Patron, HRH The Erl of Wessex that will recognize inspirational work in the UK film and TV industry to help the British screen production work force become more inclusive.

The new annual Erl of Wessex Award recognizes an organization or individual in the UK production industry "who has found a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive." The Award will be presented by HRH in person at the inaugural PGGB Talent Showcase in association with Disney Studios Content.

The Producer guild of Great Britain is the UK's leading membership organization for those working in production. Course are designed specifically to meet the needs of all grade in production, accounts, locations, assist directing, post-production and VFX.

ON JANUARY, 1942 Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky (as Cassius Clay). On January 19, 1809 Edgar Allen Poe poet and writer of mystery and suspense tales, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He died in 1849.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT

Zhenni Luo wearing an elaborate gown in the style from Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty). This particular clothing design normally was used during ceremonies or on special days, like New Years. Photo by Cedric.

Celebrations abound: In San Francisco the Chinese Flower Fair ends today, January 15. The Miss Chinatown USA Pageant occurs on February 3, 2023. Gods of Wealth (Choy Sun) distribute red envelopes with prizes to kids on January 22. The Chinese New Year Parade is February 4 and the Chinatown Street Fair takes place February 4 & 5, 2023.

The Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park takes place January 20, 2023 – February 15, 2023. There will be food, festivals, and character experiences. Highlights include Mulan’s Lunar New Year Processions, live entertainment, sip and savor passes for culinary experiences, festive decorations, commemorative merchandise, and crafts and activities for the kids. Don’t forget to visit the Lucky Wishes Wall with ornamental lanterns and add a special message for the upcoming year.

In Houston the celebration will include a vocal performance by a Chinese Opera singer, a special bilingual story time, a demo of Tai Chi and even the Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves at the Toyota Center will take on a special Lunar New Year night at the basketball arena.

Chinese New Year in New York city is considered as noisy and colorful as it is in China. The Parade takes place Sunday, February 12, 2023.

In London, every year hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West end to enjoy a colorful parade. There will also be stage performances in Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross and Shafesbury Avenue. Performances include the traditional dragon and flying lion dance. Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays, Chinese pop hits and a lineup of artists from China.

In Chicago you can close out the Chinese New Year as Preston Bradley Gall is transformed into a lively Chinese marketplace. In Chinatown welcome the year of the Rabbit featuring the traditional parade with floats, marching bands. and a lion dance.

Las Vegas started celebrating Chinese New Year a couple of weeks ago - because - why not?. On Saturday, January 7 the Bellagio Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip opened their Lunar New Year display for 2023.

All the mega-resorts lining Las Vegas Boulevard offer traditional Chinese culinary delights, all kinds of fashion, shopping, and live entertainment activities to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit, wishing health and good fortune to all.

Presented by MGM Resorts in partnership with NV AAPI Chamber of Commerce, Celebrate 2023 Chinese New Year at Chinatown Plaza. Enjoy a fun two-day event January 21-22 filled with food vendors, cultural and traditional performances, guest community speakers & leaders, vendors, and more.

To everyone celebrating Chinese New Year - Broadway To Vegas wishes a happy, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Rabbit.

The celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 5th, 2023.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

US COMEDIAN AND ACTOR KEVIN HART is looking for an ambassador for Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, who will be offered $100,000 for the two-month role. Hart, who is Yas Island's chief island officer, used Instagram to announce the job opening.

Individuals who are 21 years old or older can apply for the job by making a 60second video.

Once hired, the ambassador will take part in a variety of tourism activities for Yas Island, after arriving in Abu Dhabi in business class. The ambassador will then be provided accommodation on the island's Fabulous Suite of W for 60 days. The winner will get to experience karting sessions on the Formula 1 track, as well as indoor climbing and skydiving at A Clymb.

The person will also be provided with two Yas Theme Parks annual passes, for unlimited access to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World. The gig also comes with a 60-day club membership package at Yas Links Golf Club, with golfing sessions thrown in.

The ambassador will also be chauffeured in a luxury company car, followed by access to Yas Island's Events and Annual Access to Theme Parks.

No previous experience or cover letter needed, just your video up to 60 seconds (videos over 60 seconds will be disqualified), according to the website.

The 60-second video must then be submitted via the online portal, however, applicants can raise their chances of winning by posting their video on social media with the hashtag #YasIslandAmbassador. No inappropriate content and the video must be exciting. The video also must not exceed 100MB.

After receiving all submissions, the winner will be announced on February 3.

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HANG IN THERE . . .

MICHAEL FLATLEY 64, who underwent major surgery last Thursday, January 12, 2023 following an aggressive cancer diagnosis.

The Irish dancer and choreographer found fame in the Irish dancing production Riverdance, which was first performed as a seven-minute interval break in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.

The post on Flatley's Instagram account said:

"Dear friends, we have something personal to share, Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

"He has undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors.

"No further comments will be made at this time.

"We ask only for your prayers and well wishes. Thank you. Teamlord."

In 2021 Flatley disclosed that in 2003 he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. He insisted that the melanomia was fully dealt with and left no side effects.

After the success of Riverdance at Eurovision, it was extended into a full-length show and opened at Dublin's Point Theatre in 1995.

Flatley, who was born into a blue-collar Irish-American family in Chicago, followed up with his own stage show, Lord Of The Dance.

Flatley's shows have played to more than 60 million people in 60 countries and have grossed more than $1 billion.



POET SELIMA HALL has been awarded King Charles' Gold Medal for Poetry, Buckingham Palace announced.

Known for tackling "‘difficult" subject matters, her body of work covers family conflict and mental health.

The King approved the award to Hill after she was recommended by the Poetry Medal Committee chaired by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, which described her as an "inimitable talent."

The Gold Medal for Poetry was established by King George V in 1933, at the suggestion of the then Poet Laureate, John Mansfield, and is awarded annually for excellence in poetry.

During Queen Elizabeth's reign the Medal was known as the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry. The award is the first Gold Medal for Poetry presented in the King's reign, since the death of the Queen in September.



JUBILEE written by Tazewell Thompson.

Directed by Tazewell Thompson.

An innovative and heart-stirring score to life with this uplifting a cappella tribute inspired by real life. The world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shattered racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad, entertaining kings and queens. For more than 150 years, the bold a cappella African American ensemble born on the campus of one of the nation’s premiere HBCUs has blended their rich voices together to share a heritage of suffering, strength, and endurance.

Featuring uplifting spirituals and hymns including "Wade in the Water," "Ain’t That Good News," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen," this a cappella performance promises to "ignite audiences of every generation."

Performances through January 29, 2023 on the festival stage of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama.

LUCY a new play written and directed by BAFTA Award nominee Erica Schmidt.

Ashling is every busy parent’s dream: a professional nanny with experience and a warm, sunny attitude. But from the moment Mary hires her to look after her young children, things start to feel just a little…off.

"Are Mary’s stressful work schedule and lack of sleep playing games with her own sanity, or has she welcomed an unstable troublemaker into her home? At once harrowing and hilarious, Erica Schmidt’s Lucy explores the wild range of parents' emotions, asking if we can entrust others with our family's safety."

The cast of Lucy features Drama Desk Award nominee Brooke Bloom, Lynn Collins and Charlotte Surak.

Lucy’s creative team features scenic design by Amy Rubin, costume design by Kaye Voyce, lighting design by Cha See, and sound design by Justin Ellington. Gigi Buffington is the vocal and text coach, Lorenzo Pisoni is the physical movement coordinator, and casting is by The Telsey Office. David Lurie-Perret is the production stage manager. Technical supervision is by Hudson Theatrical Associates with general management by Baseline Theatrical's Andy Jones and Jonathan Whitton.

Lucy begins performances on Friday, January 27 with an official opening on Monday, February 6 at the Minetta Lane Theatre, Audible’s creative home for live performances in New York. The limited engagement will run for five weeks only, through Saturday, February 25, 2023.

CORNELIA STREET book by Tony Award winner Simon Stephens. Music & lyrics by Mark Eitzel.

Directed by Tony Award nominee Neil Pepe.

In a back street in the West Village, Jacob Towney tries to save the restaurant that has been his home for longer than he can remember and release his daughter to the life he dreams she can have. His place is a home for the odd ghosts of the village. It is out of place and out of time and running out of luck.

World premiere musical with performances January 20 - February 26, 2023 at the Atlantic Theatre in New York City.

THE ART OF ILLUSION by Alexis Michalik, translated by Waleed Akhtar.

Directed by Tom Jackson Greaves.

Featuring Rina Fatania, Bettry Jones, David Langham, Norah Lopez-Holden, Brian Martin and Kwaku Mills.

"It’s a matter of perception. The hands of time turn at the same speed for everyone. Yet a child waits what seems to be an eternity for summer, whilst an old man watches a year pass in the blinking of an eye."

In 1984, as the France vs Yugoslavia match unfolds on TV, a man meets a woman in a Parisian café. He is returning a bag that she lost in the metro, but he doesn’t tell her he stole it… Instead, he tells her the story of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, watchmaker, inventor, and master magician of the 19th century. Together they set out to find a vanished theatre beneath a bank vault in the Boulevard des Italiens, to break into a museum in the Trocadero, to uncover the mystery of the Mechanical Turk, to witness the birth of the kinetograph… and to delve ever deeper into the Art of Illusion.

After winning three Moliere Awards when it Premiered in Paris in 2014 opens January 27 on the Mainstage of the Hampsted Theatre in London.

THE CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND by Lauren Yee. Songs by Dengue Fever.

Directed by Chay Yew.

Cast includes Obie Winner Joe Ngo as Chum, Geena Quintos as Neary/Sothea, Moses Villarama as Ted/Cadre/Lang, Francis Jue as Duch, Abraham Kim as Rom/Journalist, Jane Lui as Pou/S21 Guard and Understudies Alex Lydon, Kelsey Angel Baehrens, and Vi Tran.

Backed by a live band playing contemporary Dengue Fever hits and classic Cambodian oldies, this thrilling new play tells the story of Khmer Rouge survivor and his daughter, who prepares to prosecute an infamous war criminal. Secrets exposed in this electrifying epic of survival, family bonds, and music.

The creative team includes Scenic Designer Takeshi Kata, Costume Designer Linda Cho, Lighting Designer David Weiner, Sound Designer Mikhail Fiksel, Projection Designer Five Ohm Productions with Luke Norby, Wig Designer Tom Watson, Music Supervisor and Co-Music Director Matt MacNelly, Music Supervisor and Co-Music Director Jane Lui, Associate Director Graham Schmidt, Stage Manager Merrick A.B. Williams, and Assistant Stage Manager Caroline Duffin.

Alley Theatre in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Act Theatre/5th Avenue, Center Theatre Group presents the Signature Theatre production with performances beginning January 20, 2023 at the Alley in Houston, Texas.

NOT ABOUT ME written ans directed by Eduardo Machado.

The cast features Mateo d’Amato, Michael Domitrovich, Crystal Field, Ellis Charles Hoffmeister, Charles Manning, Drew Valins, and Heather Velazquez.

The creative team includes Mark Marcante (scenic design), Sean Ryan (production design), Alex Bartenieff (lighting design), Kelsey Charter (costume design), Bird Rogers (projection design), Emily Irvine (puppet designer/maker), and David Margolin Lawson (sound design). Not About Me will feature original music by Michael Domitrovich.

"Not About Me is a memory play that takes audiences on a haunting journey through the mind of a playwright during Covid-19 lockdowns. Long buried memories of friends lost to a mysterious "gay" disease come crashing into the present, and he is compelled to examine his artistic and political life in the theater. This play is a bittersweet reflection on how tragedy can unearth pain and laughter and bring back to life the treasures buried in the past."

Limited Off-Broadway Engagement with Opening Night set for Wednesday January 18th, at Theater for the New City. This limited Off-Broadway engagement will continue through Sunday February 5th only.

CITIZEN: AN AMERICAN LYRIC by Claudia Rankine, adapted for the stage by playwright and Fountain artistic director Stephen Sachs.

The Fountain Theatre and Grand Performances present two free performances, previously announced as part of Grand Performances’ summer line-up but rescheduled due to rain, of the Fountain’s award-winning stage adaptation of Citizen: An American Lyric, the prize-winning book by Claudia Rankine. In this intensely provocative and unapologetic rumination on racial aggression, seemingly everyday acts of racism are scrutinized as part of an uncompromising testimony of “living while Black” in America - from the shooting of Trayvon Martin, to the tennis career of Serena Williams to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Original cast members Bernard K. Addision, Leith Burke, Tony Maggio and Lisa Pescia will be joined by Monnae Michaell and Adenrele Ojo.

The creative team includes director Shirley Jo Finney, video designer Yee Eun Nam, lighting designer Alison Brummer and sound designer Peter Bayne; the production stage manager is Chloe Willey.

Previously announced as part of Grand Performances’ summer line-up but postponed due to rain, both performances have been rescheduled to take place indoors in the Rosenthal Theatre at Inner-City Arts on Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., with an additional preview scheduled for Friday, January 20 at 8 p.m. at the Rosenthal Theater of Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles.

E-Book

Soft back Book

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.

FINAL OVATION

JEFF BECK famed English guitarist died from bacterial meningitis onJanuary 10, 2023. He was 78.

Widely considered one of the greatest rock guitarists in history, Beck rose to prominence in the 1960s while playing with the British rock band the Yardbirds. He later honed a sound ranging from hard rock to jazz fusion and electronica. launched an influential solo career.

Playing a Fender Stratocaster with the amps turned way up, he unleashed new sonic possibilities in rock music, along with guitarist contemporaries including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix.

Beck received eight Grammy Awards and was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, first as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and then as a solo artist in 2009.

He was a patron of the Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust.

He had an interest is classic Ford hot rods.

He is survived by his wife Sandra whom he married in 2005.

CAROLE COOK Broadway, television and film actress, passed away from heart failure in Beverly Hills, CA on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, three days before her 99th birthday.

She made her theatrical debut playing Mrs. Peacham in the 1956 off-Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, starring Lotte Lenya.

She made three appearances on Broadway, including the original production of the Tony Award winning 42nd Street,. She also appeared in Romantic Comedy and was the second actress, after Carol Channing, to star in Hello Dolly!

In 2018 she performed her one woman show in which she shared memories at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City.

She is survived by her husband Tom Troupe whom she married in March 1964 with Lucille Ball as matron of honor. Ball had mentored Cook in television. Cook is also survived by her stepson Christopher, his wide, Becky, sister Regina and nieces and nephews.

LISA MARIE PRESLEY the only child of Elvis Presley died from cardiac arrest on Thursday, January 12, 2023, less than 48 hours after she attended the Golden Globe awards. She was 54.

Looking unsteady and frail, she attended the 80th annual Golden Globe awards with her mother, Priscilla Presley. At one point, she needed assistance to remain standing.

Presley had a history of substance abuse. No drugs were found by paramedics who responded to the emergency call.

At one point she had a career in the music business and issued three albums.

In September 2003 she performed at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

She was married four times to: Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicholas Cage and Michael Lockwood.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her only son, Benjamin Storm Keough, who committed suicide in July 2020. Survivors include her children Danielle Riley Keough, and twin daughters Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood, and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood, mother Priscilla Presley , and half brother from her mother's second marriage, Navarone Garibaldi.

ROBBIE KNIEVEL American daredevil and son of stunt performer Evel Knievel died in hospice care in Reno, Nevada on January 13, 2023 from pancreatic cancer. He was 60.

Although he set 20 world records and performed 350 jumps in 1992, at age 29, he was injured when he crashed into the 22nd of 25 pickup trucks lined up across a 180-foot (55-meter) span in Cerritos, California.

Knievel’s father died in 2007 in Clearwater, Florida.

Survivors include his three daughters and his brother and two sisters.

Next Column: January 22, 2023
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Laura Deni

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