Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: November 13, 2016
By: Laura Deni
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POLITICAL ACTIVIST CELEBRITIES NEED TO SUPPORT A UNITED AMERICA - AND THEN KEEP QUIET

No matter what anyone thinks of Donald Trump, he will become our next president. American needs to unite.

The role of celebrities in the recent presidential election has been disturbing.

Celebrities take note - your endorsements are meaningless.

Newspaper endorsements were proven not to be worth the paper they were written on, either. However, the vast majority of newspapers were quick to take the high road and urge cooperation. Not so with celebrities who have continued to not only complain but - incite hostility.

Celebrities have always had a significant political role. One of the most important events took place years ago when celebrities - especially the younger generation celebrity - got on board for the Get Out the Vote campaign. Stars popular to the late teens and 20s age groups traveled the nation to encourage people to register to vote, get informed and then vote. The celebrities were carefully not to openly endorse a candidate. The celebrity involvement was important and successful for the country.

It was also a win for the celebrities. They gained new followers. That showed in concert ticket sales, recording sales and fan club memberships.

High powered, mega stars have always been powerful in obtaining massive funds for their favorite candidates. Those funds were raised by superstars appearing at private events attended by political party loyalists who wrote large donation checks. There may have been press coverage that an event took place, but few specific details.

For some reason, this past election resulted in celebrities of every stripe, feeling their opinions were so important that they were compelled to constantly, vigorously opine about their views, instructing their fans or viewers in how to vote. Snarky lines found their way on stage. Celebrities insulted anyone who questioned their stance.

That can be counterproductive for both sides.

Why would a performer want to take a chance on alienating half of their fans?

Fans, and that includes ticket and product buyers, come supporting both sides - or none at all. If you strongly speak out about favoring a specific candidate, you are throwing the dice on losing part of your fan base.

Nothing is more fickle that a loyal, devoted fan.

The general citizen didn't attend Julliard or graduate from the Yale Drama Program. They don't have a television network's promotional department sending a memo to all affiliates indicating which person or performer is a "friend" and should be promoted; or which person's name or accomplishments they are barred from mentioning. The average citizen doesn't have access to a cracker jack legal department, a tax accountant and have manufacturers offering them free product if only they'll wear or talk about the item.

Most citizens don't have drivers, maids, "assistants" or other flunkies to do their bidding. They worry about paying bills for food, housing, clothing, medicine and education. Most have nothing saved for retirement.

If a show business person is worried about paying their bills - chances are it's regarding a mortgage on a multi-million dollar abode and maintaining their image than can mislead fans into thinking they are more than they are.

What qualifications do performers have in telling others how to vote? Not every person in the show business category is bright or emotionally stable. Nobody is more removed from the reality of everyday life challenges faced by the vast majority of Americans than somebody in world of entertainment whose life blood is dependent upon attention.

Celebrities who spoke political during paid concerts assumed their fans not only worshiped at their performance hemlines but were robots programmed to follow celebrity directions.

Why did so many performers believe they needed to explain what any candidate said?

What made any household name person think some farmer, who is worried about the crops coming in, cares a bushel basket full of anything about what is worrying that personality? Somebody with a 10th grade education who tends cows, knows manure. They step on it and over it every day. They can tell what kind of a seed it is by smelling it. They can do their own sniff test on a candidate. Some guy out of work because a factory closed has had his life ripped out from under him. Don't throw insult on top of that by taking the position that he needs a celebrity to explain to him who is running for office.

People living in desperation decided for themselves what they were willing to step over to gain what they hope will be a better life.

Celebrities who spouted off about minority issues and immigration - should have been more cautious. Nobody is going to be against illegal immigration more than an immigrant who did it the right way. They filled out all the forms, paid the fees, waited their turn. They obtained jobs - even jobs they might not have wanted, then showed up and did the work. They may speak their native language at home, but they attempt to learn the Language of Commerce, that would be English - for use in the workplace. That's a positive. Speaking and writing more than one language is a definite plus in the world of business. Legal immigrants, more than any other group, are vehemently against anybody who tries to cut the line. Why don't celebrities know that?

The fact that election results have resulted in demonstrations and violence isn't surprising. Following the most disgusting election process in the history of America, civil disobedience would have occurred no matter who won.

Some of the protestors are young, dependent upon others for all or part of their support. Some aren't old enough to vote and some of the protestors didn't vote because they are illegal immigrants.

For celebrities to encourage unrest isn't beneficial to anyone. Inciting individuals who normally don't exhibit a lot of self control, are only marginally sensible and don't reason well, tips them over into wanting to - or actually - committing violence. Celebrities need to stop name calling and fear mongering. What their fans are hearing is the celebrity issuing a call for protests and violence.

This isn't a silly, petty fight between friends. Nor is it a serious family war. What is at stake is far more important - it's our country, which has always had difficulties and not always acted in the best interest of its own citizens. With an election process which contained the most repugnant, putrid, and repulsive comments, now more than ever citizens need to - neither overlook nor possibly even forgive - but rise above and look for ways to work together.

Turning personal anger into violence is self destructive. Feel frustrated? Eat a candy bar, exercise - or both. Try spending some time with your children and find out if anything is bothering them. Meditate, light a candle, go to a sporting event and scream your lungs out. Rejoice that the stock market, which experts predicted to crash - is at a record all time high. Do something, anything that gives a signal that you are above the level of a marauding animal.

No law has changed since the day before election.

Citizens whose lives are motivated by just trying to make it through the day are prey for fear mongers, rabble rousers and those who love to stir the pot and then watch the reaction of others. They incite anxiety and violence by screaming that Trump will enact policy which doesn't fall under the powers of the presidency.

The LGBT community has never been on more solid ground. There are thousands of legally wed gay/lesbian couples. Congress must approve those appointed to serve as ambassadors and gave the green light to at least four openly gay ambassadors. As for Congress, the 113th US Congress had at least seven LGBT members.

Many gay couples have children. When transgendered teens and the children of gay couples are old enough to vote, the issue of LGBT persons may still be a controversial religious doctrine among some faiths, but no longer any legal issue.

Nor do Americans have to fear that they can be, on a whim, stopped and frisked. No president has the authority to issue that order. Police departments aren't under the control of the federal government. They work for state and local governments. Stop and frisk policies are individual, local decisions, subject to limits set by the courts.

To end funds for Planned Parenthood would require approval of Congress.

No president can overturn a Supreme Court ruling by himself.

However, you might need to worry if you are a criminal, came into this country illegally and earn your living by holding a sign begging for money; or, if you are an immigrant related to anybody who espouses violence towards Americans.

For people who just want to see the first of anything occur - those days will happen. Eventually, there will be female, LGBT, Hispanic and non-Christian presidents. Demonstrating, rioting, inciting or causing violence, or making threats won't hurry the attainment of your goals.

Start paying attention to who really does have power - members of Congress. Those elected officials can make, stall or defeat laws. Congress can also overturn a presidential veto and a presidential order.

Celebrities could have helped by encouraging their fan clubs, twitter and Facebook followers to register people to vote or provide free transportation for others to the polls - without trying to tell somebody how to vote. As far as I know, there wasn't one celebrity fan club that attempted to take a helpful stance.

The election is over but celebrities are still carping. It is the job of late night talk show hosts and Saturday Night Live to skewer. They are masters at that craft.

All others in show business need to close their mouths and knock off the negative postings. Instead, help American heal emotional gaps. Stop making things worse.










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ART AND ABOUT

SHAPING CERAMICS

Antonia Salmon Wind Rush 2016 Photo: Jewish Museum

from Lucie Rie to Edmund de Waal. Discover the story of how Jewish ceramicists transformed British studio pottery and influenced successive generations of ceramic artists.

In the mid 20th century Jewish émigré ceramicists revolutionized British studio pottery, importing modernist ideas from central Europe and creating work that was sleek, sophisticated and cosmopolitan. Lucie Rie, Hans Coper, Ruth Duckworth and Grete Marks are some of the artists who produced simple and imaginative designs that were avant-garde for their time.

Shaping Ceramics explores the work of these pioneering ceramicists and traces their influence on subsequent generations of ceramic artists whose Jewish heritage has shaped their work.

An opportunity to discover the work of 13 ceramicists in an exhibition spanning over 80 years of ceramic art.

On display through February 26, 2017 at the Jewish Museum in London.

On Monday, November, 14, exhibited ceramicist Antonia Salmon will offer an introductory talk about her work, followed by a brief demonstration.

THE SAN FRANCISCO'S CARTOON ART MUSEUM originally made possible in 1987 thanks to an endowment from the foundation of Bay Area’s own Charles Schulz, the legendary creator of the iconic Peanuts. Now, almost 30 years later, the investment has paid off as one of the oldest museums of cartoon art in the United States expanding again: by signing a 10-year lease in an historic building along the City’s tourist-rich northern waterfront.

Opening to the public in the spring of 2017, the Cartoon Art Museum’s new location at 781 Beach Street in San Francisco is just one block from Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum, Ghirardelli Square, and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround. The new Museum will have nearly 8,000 square feet of spacious galleries with a screening area, classrooms, bookstore, library and collections facility.

GUILD HALL in The Hamptons, New York is accepting applications for the 2017 Guild House Artist-in-Residence Program through Thursday, December 1.

In its second year, the Guild House AIR program provides emerging artists with two months of living space, a stipend, introductions to the cultural community of the Hamptons, and access to mentorship through Guild Hall's Academy of the Arts. Four creative professionals working in the fields of visual, literary, and performing arts, and curatorial or critical studies, will be selected by a jury of Academy members.

THE GEORGE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART will finally becoming a reality. Last Wednesday, November 9, 2016 the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to endorse and support building the facility in the Exposition Park area which includes the California Science Center, the California African American Museum and is the final landing pad of space shuttle Endeavor.

The futuristic shaped five-story Lucas Museum will house exhibit space, a cafe, theaters and a library. Lucas turned to California after considering Chicago, but he withdrew his proposal there.

SWEET CHARITY

ELLIE GOULDING AND SPECIAL GUESTS will perform a headline show in support of the homeless charity Streets Of London, joined by some very special guests. All ticket proceeds to go to Streets of London. Monday, November 21, 2016 at Royal Albert Hall in London.

"I am so thrilled to put on my third show for Streets of London. My passion to tackle homelessness continues to drive me and I feel so strongly that we CAN effect a change for the better. We have a responsibility to help create a more compassionate world for people whose lives have taken a bad turn and who, for whatever reason, find themselves on the streets." Ellie Goulding.

THE ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION (EJAF) hosted its 15th annual An Enduring Vision benefit at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. The star-studded evening raised over $3.2 million for the Foundation.

According to the organization: "Award-winning producer and popular talk show host Andy Cohen (served) as our emcee this year. Grammy-winning performer Diana Krall mesmerized our guests with an enthralling set of jazz standards and original songs. Jeffrey Tambor, the Emmy Award-winning star of the Amazon hit series Transparent, spoke movingly about the importance of advocating for and helping transgender people."

BULLYING, HARASSMENT, POSSIBLE HARM INVADE PRINCE HARRY'S PRIVATE LIFE

Prince Harry has issued a stern plea to leave his girlfriend alone. Photo: Kensington Palace.

Romances of royalty have always been a fascination for the press and public.

A few weeks ago reports surfaced that Prince Harry was dating the beautiful, 35-year-old American actress, Meghan Markle, best known for playing Rachel Zane in the TV drama Suits.

The press went into overdrive as nasty gossips hyperventilated.

Instead of wishing the couple well - or at least leaving them alone - poison claws came out. The actions and spewed vitriol so spiraled out of control that on November 8, 2016 Kensington Place took the highly unusual step of issuing a statement regarding Prince Harry's private life. It was the only topic that took attention away from the American election.

The official statement reads:

Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads.

He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it. He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about.

But the past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public - the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments. Some of it has been hidden from the public - the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.

Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm. He knows commentators will say this is ‘the price she has to pay’ and that ‘this is all part of the game’. He strongly disagrees. This is not a game - it is her life and his.

He has asked for this statement to be issued in the hopes that those in the press who have been driving this story can pause and reflect before any further damage is done. He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly.

Meghan Markle photographed at a promotional event for the TV show Suits at the Paley Center in January 2013.

Who is Meghan Markle and why is there such a fuss?

She appears to be a highly intelligent, thoughtful, lovely woman. Fom hearing her speak, the image is that she would make a wonderful friend, neighbor or co-worker. In the case of Prince Harry - girlfriend.

In the August 17, 2015 issue of Elle UK Markle is quoted as saying, "My dad is Caucasian and my mom is African American. I have come to embrace [it, and] to say who I am, to share where I'm from, to voice my pride in being a strong, confident mixed-race woman."

Her mother, Doria, has a Master's in Social Work and works in social welfare as a yoga therapist. Her father is Emmy Award winner Thomas W. Markle, whose profession - a director of photography - had resulted in his daughter spending many years as a child on the set of Married... with Children, according to the January 14, 2014 issue of Esquire.

Markle graduated high school from Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girls, independent Roman Catholic high school in Los Angeles. In 2003 she received a communications degree from Northwestern University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After graduating, she worked for the U.S Embassy in Buenos Aires.

Divorced, she married Trevor Engelson in 2011 after a long term romance and divorced two years later.

Markle is actively involved in the socio-political arena. In 2016 she became the Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada, traveling to Rwanda for the Clean Water Campaign. She has also worked with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women as an Advocate—she made a presentation at UN Headquarters for the HeforShe gender equality campaign in September 2014. Markle traveled to Afghanistan with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on a USO tour in December 2014.

Both Prince Harry and Markle share a passion for the protection of endangered species.

Prince Harry begins an extensive tour of the Caribbean next Sunday, November 20. He returns to England on December 4, 2016.

SPREADING THE WORD

NATIONAL CHORALE under the Artistic Direction of Everett McCorvey, continues its 2016-2017 Season at Lincoln Center in New York City with Beethoven's Symphony #9 and the World Premiere of a musical adaptation of Goodnight Moon on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Beethoven's monumental choral symphony - with the triumphal "Ode to Joy" - is considered the most powerful celebration of Man's faith and freedom ever written. The production features Angela Brown, Teresa Buchholz, John Pickle, and Erik Kroncke.res Angela Brown, Teresa Buchholz, John Pickle, and Erik Kroncke.

The evening will include the World Premiere of a musical adaptation of the children's story Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, composed by Glen Roven. Goodnight Moon, a story of barely thirty words, is told from the point of view of a child, who discovers new things every day, who marvels at a telephone, a red balloon, and a picture of a cow jumping over the moon. A special introductory reading of the original children's story will be given from the stage by television, movie, and Broadway star, Annie Potts.

THE 2016 CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND has awarded first prize and $400,000 to Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock. The womens' wear designer Adam Selman and Stirling Barrett, of the New Orleans–based eyewear line Krewe du Optic, were both named runners-up, with each to receive $150,000.

Founded 13 years ago, the fund has served as a launch pad, offering American talent financial rewards and integral mentorship from CFDA members and Vogue editors.

ALL OF THE TELEVISION TALK SHOW HOSTS need to cope with the situation that, since the election is over, their monologues will no longer write themselves.

The hosts might also be reflecting - hoping that none of their comments made during the past year will cause them to be the recipient of an IRS audit.

A BRONX TALE currently in previews on Broadway at the Longacre theatre had a line from the show used by ABC news in their election night coverage. In attempting to explain the Donald Trump surge, a political commentator referenced A Bronx Tale by saying that there was a line in the show and then quoted: "It is better to be feared than loved."

PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP standing 6 feet 3 inches will be the third tallest president after Abraham Lincoln at 6-feet 4-inches and Lyndon B. Johnson at 6-feet 3 1/2-inches.

Future First Lady Melania Trump who was born in Yugoslavia (now Slovenia) will be the first foreign born FLOUS since Louisa Adams, 1775-1852. John Quincy Adams’ wife was born in England. She played the harp, wrote satirical plays and raised silkworms.

Trump speaks six languages: her native Slovenian, and then Serbian, English, French, Italian and German.

NOVEMBER 14 is National Pickle Day and November 15 is National Raisin Bran Cereal Day.

FROM ONE END OF THE POND TO THE OTHER - WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATED THROUGH FILMS

Scene from The Rose and Poppy.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, during which among the fallen were thousands of rugby players, including four England internationals: Jack King, Lancelot Slocock, Rupert Inglis and Alfred Maynard.

As part of the RFU's World War I Commemorations, the RFU has commissioned a series of three films - known as The Rose and Poppy - telling of thousands of players who laid down their lives, rugby heroes, and the bonds between rugby, rugby values and the military.

Narration comes from former England captain Lewis Walton Moody, RFU Great War Ambassador, who shares the name of his great-grandfather, one of the soldiers to survive, the organization explained.

The film series includes interviews with Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Rory Underwood in telling the stories of three England internationals, two who died: Ronnie Poulton-Palmer and Jack King, and flying ace Cyril Lowe, who survived being shot down.

The films also link with a series of educational resources reflecting the history of the period and the role that the rugby community played in the Great War. They draw on the values shared by rugby and the armed forces from The First World War up to the modern day.

Last week Prince Harry introduced Part One of The Rose and Poppy film series.

Harry who serves as Vice-Patron of England Rugby also visited the newly installed Rose and Poppy Gates, and met those involved in the Rose and Poppy Film Series. He also heard about two major England Rugby projects commemorating World War I

In America, The World War I Museum in Kansas City, MO offers a free screening and panel discussion of the landmark documentary 1916 The Irish Rebellion on Sunday, November 20.

Narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson, the acclaimed documentary covers the story of the events that took place on Easter weekend 1916 in Dublin. Following the screening, Notre Dame Professors Christopher Fox and Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, also the originator, creator, and executive producer of the film, participate in a panel discussion.



THE EVENING STANDARD THEATRE AWARDS took place at The Old Vic Theatre in London today Sunday, November 13.

Prince William was on hand to present the Beyond Theatre Award which recognizes excellence away from the traditional platform of live performance to Sir David Attenborough, for services to broadcasting.

The Beyond Theatre Award isn't awarded every year. The last time the award was bestowed was for the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and the Proms.

The prestigious ceremony was co-hosted by Evening Standard proprietor Evgeny Lebedev and Sir Elton John who will jet in for the occasion.

Oscar-winners Dame Maggie Smith and Mark Rylance, alongside Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki and Tom Hollande, were among the presenters.

BEST ACTOR NOMINEES
Sir Kenneth Branagh The Entertainer, Garrick Theatre
O-T Fagbenle Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, National Theatre, Lyttelton
Ralph Fiennes The Master Builder/Richard III, Old Vic/Almeida Theatre WINNER
James McArdle Platonov, Chichester Festival Theatre/National Theatre, Olivier
Ian McKellen No Man’s Land, Wyndham’s Theatre

NATASHA RICHARDSON AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS NOMINEES
Noma Dumezweni Linda, Royal Court, Jerwood Downstairs
Helen McCrory The Deep Blue Sea, National Theatre, Lyttelton
Sophie Melville Iphigenia In Splott, National Theatre, Temporary Theatre (a Sherman Theatre production)
Billie Piper Yerma, Young Vic WINNER

BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE NOMINEES
Glenn Close Sunset Boulevard, Coliseum WINNER
Andy Karl Groundhog Day, Old Vic
Sheridan Smith Funny Girl, Menier Chocolate Factory/Savoy Theatre

BEST PLAY WITH HISCOX, PARTNER EVENING STANDARD NOMINEES
Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) by Suzan-Lori Parks, Royal Court, Jerwood Downstairs
The Flick by Annie Baker, National Theatre, Dorfman
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child by Jack Thorne, J K Rowling and John Tiffany, Palace Theatre WINNER

MILTON SHULMAN AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR
Dominic Cooke Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, National Theatre, Lyttelton
John Malkovich Good Canary, Rose Theatre Kingston WINNER
John Tiffany Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Palace Theatre

BEST DESIGN
Jon Bausor You For Me For You, Royal Court, Jerwood Upstairs
Gareth Fry with Peter Malkin (sound design) The Encounter, Edinburgh International Festival/Barbican WINNER
Rob Howell The Master Builder/Groundhog Day, Old Vic

BEST REVIVAL
Les Blancs National Theatre, Olivier
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom National Theatre, Lyttelton
No Man’s Land Wyndham’s Theatre WINNER
Young Chekhov: Platonov, Ivanov and The Seagull Chichester Festival Theatre/National Theatre, Olivier

CHARLES WINTOUR AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING PLAYWRIGHT NOMINEES
Charlene James Young Cuttin' It Vic/Royal Court Theatre WINNER
Jon Brittain Rotterdam, Theatre 503/Trafalgar Studios
David Ireland Cyprus Avenue, Royal Court, Jerwood Upstairs

EMERGING TALENT AWARD NOMINEES
Jaygann Ayeh The Flick, National Theatre, Dorfman
Anthony Boyle Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Palace Theatre
Aoife Duffin A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing/The Taming Of The Shrew, The Corn Exchange, Dublin and Young Vic/Shakespeare’s Globe
Tyrone Huntley Jesus Christ Superstar, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre WINNER

Established in 1955, the awards recognize outstanding achievement on the London stage. Winners have included Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir Richard Burton, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Mendes, Tom Hiddleston, James McAvoy, Gemma Arterton, Nicole Kidman and Imelda Staunton.



DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

(from left) J. Bernard Calloway as The Grinch and Tyrone Davis, Jr. as Young Max in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Photo by Jim Cox.

book and lyrics by Timothy Mason.

Music by Mel Marvin. Additional Lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel. Additional Music by Albert Hague.

Original Production Conceived and Directed by Jack O’Brien. Directed by James Vásquez.

Original Choreography by John DeLuca. Additional Choreography by Bob Richard. Choreography Restaged by James Vásquez.

Musical Direction by Elan McMahan.

A favorite holiday tradition is back for its 19th incredible year - a wonderful, whimsical production that will once again jump right off the pages of the classic Dr. Seuss book.

Featuring: J. Bernard Calloway (The Grinch), Tyrone Davis, Jr. (Young Max), Steve Gunderson (Old Max), Mikee Castillo & Mia Davila (Cindy-Lou Who), Robert J. Townsend (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Larry Raben (Grandpa Who), Nancy Snow Carr (Grandma Who), Ava Harris & Hannah Lee (Annie Who), Taylor Coleman & Viviana Peji (Betty-Lou Who), Levi Laddon & John Perry Wishchuk (Boo Who), Mackernan Jarman & Max Wieczorek (Danny Who); ensemble members Emily Sade Bautista, Jacob Caltrider, Bobby Chiu, Sadie Tess Coleman, Kyrsten Hafso-Koppman, Katrina Heil, Tristan Heil, Brooke Henderson, Selah Howard, Katelyn Katz, Gerry McIntyre, Kennedy Nibbe, Bethany Slomka, Clay Stefanki, Hannah Tasto, Kelsey Venter; and swing James Vásquez.

The creative team: John Lee Beatty (Scenic Design), Robert Morgan (Costume Design), Pat Collins (Lighting Design), Paul Peterson (Sound Design), Anita Ruth (Orchestrator), Joshua Rosenblum (Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music), David Krane (Dance Music Arranger), Caparelliotis Casting (Casting), and Leila Knox (Production Stage Manager).

Performances through December 26, 2016 at the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, Old Globe in San Diego, CA.

Today, Sunday, November 13, the official Grinch Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Old Globe Plaza to include special performance by the cast. The event is free.

THE SCARLET LETTER by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The original script has been adapted specifically for the Bay Street Theater stage from the classic novel by Scott Eck and Joe Minutillo who will also direct.

.East End resident Felix Bird has compose original music specifically for this production.

Set in the 1600s in a Puritan village, The Scarlet Letter is an account of the life of Hester Prynne, a married woman who becomes a social outcast, when after an adulterous affair she conceives a daughter during her husband’s long absence. She is required to wear the letter “A” for adultery on the breast of her gown. Refusing to name the father, Hester is forced to live a life set apart from nearly everyone she knows. Thanks to the intervention of the Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale, Hester and her daughter Pearl are permitted to stay together. When Hester’s missing husband, posing as a doctor, secretly returns as Roger Chillingworth, the stage is set for a story of sin, tragedy, and redemption. This show explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt.

The cast comprises Preston Truman Boyd as Beadle/Man 3; Kathleen Mary Carthy as Mistress Hibbins/Woman 3; Chloe Dirksen as Hester Prynne; Carolann DiPirro as Goodwife Doolittle/Woman 2; Luke David Young as Blacksmith/ Reverend Wilson/Man 1; Nick Gregory as Roger Chillingworth; Daren Kelly as Governor Bellingham/Man 2; Jessica Mortellaro as Goodwife Robson/ Woman 1; Dakota Quakenbush as Pearl/Young Child; and Michael Raver as Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale.

The production team includes Gary Hygom (Set Designer), Mike Billings (Lighting Designer), Kate D’Arcy (Costume Designer), John Sullivan (Production Stage Manager), and Michelle Tewksbury (Assistant Stage Manager).

Plays for Literature Live! are chosen from standards-based literature and are supported with teacher-developed lesson plans and reference materials.

Performances through November 26, 2016 at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York.

THE PIGEON IN THE TAJ MAHAL by Laoisa Sexton.

Directed by Alan Cox.

A dark comedy about trying to get home. In the West of Ireland, a lonely outsider is forced to live on an abandoned campsite on the barren outskirts of a seaside town. But late one night, when a lost bachelorette party discovers his caravan, he finds his whole existence challenged and his home life threatened. During this long night of reckoning, among the glitter and the grime, a battle for survival ensues, but in these few hours can tender love save us all? Worlds collide in this darkly funny pressure cooker of a play about how we live now.

Starring John Keating and Laoisa Sexton.

November 16-December 31, 2016 with no performance Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Mounted in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre of the Irish Rep in New York City.

MURDER FOR TWO: HOLIDAY EDITION a world premiere holiday adaptation featuring book and music by Joe Kinosian, book and lyrics by Kellen Blair.

Direction by Jeremy Lapp.

Murder for Two: Holiday Edition will star Kinosian, who created the role as The Suspects in the original Murder For Two. Brett Ryback, who also hails from the original cast of the Murder for Two Off-Broadway, stars as Marcus.

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. On Christmas Eve, shots ring out at a party given by Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed…fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills - with the help of his silent partner, Lou. But whodunit?

Everyone is a suspect in what is billed as "... a hilarious musical comedy with a twist ..." One actor plays the detective. One actor plays dozens of suspects. They both play the piano.

Performances through December 31, 2016 at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA.

A DOG STORY a new musical with music and lyrics by Gayla D. Morgan andbook by Eric H. Weinberger.

Directed by Justin Baldridge.

Musical direction by Emily Marshall.

A Dog Story is called "a charming new musical comedy about Roland, a career-driven lawyer, who thinks he must be married to make partner. To solve his dilemma, he gets a puppy as a chick magnet. Through first dates, angry tangos, and a sudden disappearance, Roland discovers there's more to life when you 'get a dog!'"

The cast includes David Perlman as Roland, Stefanie Brown as Blair, Lindsie VanWinkle as Miranda, Brian Ray Norris as Guy, and Alex Kidder and Chris Blem are the swings.

Senic design by Lauren Mills, sound design by Tyler Kieffer, lighting design by Jamie Roderick, costume design by Travis Chinick, and choreography by Shannon Lewis.

Opening night is Thursday, November 17, 2016 .at the Davenport Theater in New York City.

THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT by Gaetano Donizetti, Jules-Henri Vernoy De Saint-Georges and Jean-Francois Bayard.

Conducted by Christopher Allen.

Director and Choreographer is Robert Longbottom.

A woman raised by soldiers must convince her "fathers" to let her marry a peasan - just as a mysterious Marquise comes to whisk her away to become a proper lady. Lisette Oropesa and Lawrence Brownlee star in Donizetti's opéra comique.

Marie is no ordinary canteen girl - she was orphaned on a battlefield and adopted by a squadron of French soldiers she affectionately calls her fathers. All grown up, this spunky young woman is in love with strapping Tonio, a peasant who once saved her life but is still woefully forbidden to ask for her hand. Adding to this troublesome snafu, a mysterious Marquise from Marie's past has come to whisk her away and raise her as a proper lady. Facing a future of high-society fashions, classical ballet lessons, and a dreaded arranged marriage, what's a tomboy like Marie to do?

Military might meets aristocratic delight in this stylish production of Donizetti's masterful opéra comique, which blends instantly hummable melodies and flag-waving anthems with innocent romance and plenty of slapstick faux pas. Among all the vocal acrobatics, perhaps the most famous is the show-stopping Ah, mes amis (Ah, my friends), sometimes dubbed the Mount Everest of arias, requiring the tenor to sing a succession of nine high Cs.

Tonio is double cast with Lawrence Brownlee and Andrew Stenson while Marie is double cast with Lisette Oropesa and Andriana Chuchman.

Sulpice is played by Kevin Burdette. The Marquise of Birkenfeld is played by Deborah Nansteel. The Duchess of Krakenthorp played by Ruth Bader Ginsburg on November 12 with Cindy Gold performs the role in other performances. Hortensius is played by Timothy J. Bruno. Corporal is played by Hunter Enoch. The Dancing Master is Randy Snight.

Set Designer: James Noone. Costume Designer: Zack Brown. Lighting Designer: Mark McCullough. Hair and Makeup Designer: Anne Ford-Coates for Elsen Associates. Movement Director: Courtney Young.

In French with Projected English Titles.

New Washington National Opera presentation opened yesterday Saturday, November 12, 2016 with performances through Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

NOT THAT JEWISH written and performed by writer, actress and comedian Monica Piper.

Directed by Mark Waldrop.

Emmy Award-winning and Golden Globe nominated writer, actress and comedian Monica Piper stars in this autobiographical ride of a Jew...'ish' woman's life. From her show business family in the Bronx, to a WASP wedding, to her first step on a comedy club stage and life as a single mom, Piper shares the milestones and moments that shaped her life with the same signature wit found in her writing on Roseanne, Mad About You, and her Emmy Award winning work on Rugrats.

Set design by Michael Carnahan, lighting design by Julie Duro, sound design by Ian Wehrle, and projection design by Zachary G. Borovay.

Now playing through January 2017 at New World Stages in New York City.

WHO'S WHERE

JOHN CLEESE AND ERIC IDOL in their "Together Again At Last For The Very First Time" tour will blend scripted and improvised bits with storytelling, musical numbers, exclusive footage and aquatic juggling to create a unique comedic experience with every performance. No two shows will be quite the same. November 18-19 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

GORDON LIGHTFOOT The Canadian folk legend returns to the National Arts Center in Ottawa, Canada on November 19, 2016. Lightfoot has won 15 Juno Awards and been nominated for 5 Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2001. In May 2003 was made a Companion of the Order of Canada and is also a member of the Order of Ontario. In 2004 was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and, in 2012 into the U.S. Songwriters Hall of Fame.

TONY DANZA this Emmy-nominated television and Broadway actor/song-and-dance man combines selections from the Great American Songbook with storytelling, a dash of soft shoe, and a healthy dose of charisma. Sunday, November 20 at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn, NY.

MUNY STARS Danielle Bowen, Ali Ewoldt, Stephanie Gibson, Elena Shaddow performing songs by music legends November 16-17 at the Sheldon Concert Hall of the MUNY in St. Louis, MO.

OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN performs Thursday, November 17, at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA. Friday's show is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA. On Saturday she's in the spotlight at the Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, CA.

PINK MARTINI on stage Wednesday, November 16, at the Keller auditorium in Portland, OR.

ADELE opens a two nighter Monday, November 14, at the Palacio De Los Deportes in Mexico City, MX.

VINCE GILL stars at the Performance Center in Effingham, IL. On Friday he opens a two night stand at the Island Resort in Harris, MI.

OAK RIDGE BOYS finish out their stand at their own theaer in Branson, MO with shows Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday they can be found at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi, MS. Saturday's show is at the Golden Nugget is Lake Charles, LA. Next Sunday, November 20, they star at the Love Civic Center in Paris, TX.

FINAL OVATION

JOE MARQUETTE a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who covered the Olympics and Super Bowls, died November 5, 2016 at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a lengthy illness. He was 79.

Marquette worked with The Associated Press for a decade. He also worked for other news organizations, including United Press International, Reuters, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1999 in the category of feature photography for coverage of the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. He shared this award with a team of AP photographers.

Some of his most recognizable photos include one of Washington Redskins fullback John Riggins scoring the winning touchdown in the 1984 Super Bowl. His photo of British runner Sebastian Coe winning the gold medal in the 1,500-meter race at the Moscow Olympics won first place in sports in the World Press photo contest.

His assignments at the White House included the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

His first marriage to Eva Marquette (now deceased) ended in divorce, as did his second marriage to Carol Giacomo. He is survived by Christopher M. Marquette of Cos Cob, CT, his son with Ms. Giacomo, a reporter with the Hearst newspapers in Connecticut; Anthony Marquette, his son with Ms. Marquette; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Erickson-Marquette, and a grandson, also named Anthony Marquette, all of Colorado; a brother, Eugene Marquette, a lawyer in Tennessee; and his partner, Kim Hewitt, of Tulsa.

LEONARD COHEN the Canadian-born singer-songwriter best known for his song Hallelujah died on November 7, 2016. He was 82.

Cohen was inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor. In 2011, Cohen received one of the Prince of Asturias Awards for literature and the ninth Glenn Gould Prize.

His last album was released three weeks before his death.

Neil Portnow President/CEO of The Recording Academy issued the following statement: "The complex musician released his 14th album last month.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Grammy Award winner and 2010 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Leonard Cohen. During an influential career that spanned more than five decades, Leonard became one of the most revered pop poets and a musical touchstone for many songwriters. His extraordinary talent had a profound impact on countless singers and songwriters, as well as the wider culture. We have lost a cherished artist and our sincerest condolences go out to Leonard’s family, friends, and collaborators. He will be missed terribly."

Cohen had romantic relationship with several women including during the 1960s a relationship with Marianne C. Stang Jensen Ihlen. The song So Long, Marianne was written to and about her. Marianne died July 28, 2016. Cohen's farewell letter to Marianne was read at her funeral, stating that "... our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine."

In the 1970s Cohen was romantically involved with Los Angeles artist Suzanne Elrod, with whom he had two children: a son, Adam, born in 1972, and a daughter, Lorca, born in 1974. In 2011 Lorca gave birth to a daughter, with biological father Rufus Wainwright. Lorca is raising the child.

In addition to his two children, Cohen had two grandchildren; grandson Cassius through his son Adam and granddaughter Viva through Lorca. Viva's biological father is Rufus Wainwright.

ROBERT VAUGHN Emmy winner and Oscar nominated television and film actor best known for playing the role of Napoleon Solo in the 1960s TV show The Man From U.N.C.L.E., died November 11, 2106 from acute leukemia at his home in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He was 83.

In August 1955, shortly before his screen debut, Vaughn was cast as Judas Iscariot in The Pilgrimage Play, at the historic Pilgrimage Theater in Hollywood. The venue, now known as the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, was built in the 1920s for annual productions of the play by theosophist Christine Wetherill Stevenson. In the early 1970s he appeared as the lead actor in several productions of the Tom Stoppard play, The Real Inspector Hound. He also portrayed Juror 9 in Twelve Angry Men at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in the UK in October 2013. Between November 2013 and June 2014, he played the same role when the production was transferred to the Garrick Theatre in London's West End.

Highly educated, he earned a master's degree in theater from Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences, where he earned a master's degree in theater. Continuing his higher education during his acting career, Vaughn earned a Ph.D. in communications from the University of Southern California in 1970. In 1972, he published his dissertation as the book Only Victims: A Study of Show Business Blacklisting.

He was the chair of the California Democratic State Central Committee speakers bureau and actively campaigned for candidates in the 1960s. Vaughn was the first popular American actor to take a public stand against the Vietnam War and was active in the Vietnam-War-era peace group, Another Mother for Peace. With Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner, he was a founder of Dissenting Democrats. Early in the 1968 presidential election, they supported the candidacy of Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy, who was running for president as an alternative to Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who supported President Lyndon Johnson's escalation of the war in Vietnam.

Vaughn is survived by his wife actress Linda Staab and their two children, Cassidy and Caitlin.

AL CAIOLA guitarist, composer and arranger died in Allendale, New Jersey on November 9, 2016. He was 95.

His career spanned a variety of music genres including jazz, country, rock, western, and pop. He recorded over fifty albums and worked with some of the biggest names in music during the 20th century, including Elvis Presley, Ferrante & Teicher, Frank Sinatra, Percy Faith, Buddy Holly, Mitch Miller, and Tony Bennett.

JULIE GREGG Tony Award nominated stage, film and television actress died from cancer on November 7, 2016 at her home in Van Nuys, California. She was 79.

She is best known for her portrayal of Sandra Corleone in The Godfather.

Her only appearance on Broadway was as school teacher Laurie Mannon in John Kander and Fred Ebb's 1968 musical production of The Happy Time, resulting in a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her co-star in the musical, Robert Goulet won the Tony that year for best actor in a musical.

Gregg was a veteran of national tours of Fanny and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.She also portrayed Julie LaVerne in Show Boat on tour in 1981.

Next Column: November 20, 2016
Copyright: November 13, 2016 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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