Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: October 15, 2023
By: Laura Deni
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MARY H WANTED TO BE PAID FOR TEACHING MUSIC. INSTEAD, SHE WAS COMMITTED TO A MENTAL HOSPITAL. THE UNRAVELLING OF MISS H BY RED GRAY AND SARAH NICOLLS TELLS THE STORY.

Mary Frances Heaton (1801-1878) was an Englishwoman who was committed to an insane asylum in 1837 for insulting an Anglican vicar and was never released.

She was born into an affluent family in Doncaster then in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Her father was made bankrupt when she was 11. She became a music teacher, living and working in London; but returned to Doncaster to care for her dying father. After his death, she resumed teaching, in Doncaster. One of her pupils was the daughter of Rev. John Sharpe, vicar of St George's Minster, Doncaster. He failed to pay for the twice-weekly lessons she had given in 1834 and 1835; and she interrupted one of his sermons, calling him "a whited sepulchre, a thief, a villain, a liar and a hypocrite".

She was arrested for a breach of the peace.

Taken to court, the tribunal judged her to be "a lunatic insane and dangerous idiot", and committed her to the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Wakefield, then in the West Riding.

During her incarceration, she was subjected to a variety of what are now considered pseudo-scientific treatments, including electric shocks to the pelvis, purgatives, and the ingestion of mercury. Her medical records describe her at various times as wild, flighty, excitable, ungovernable, extravagant, violent and abusive.

Over time, her mental and physical health deteriorated. After a failed escape attempt in 1843 and with her spirit broken, she became docile and, according to local historian Sarah Cobham, who, along with other members of the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project, researched Heaton’s life. She "took to quietly embroidering her story [in samplers] as a way of preserving her memories". Only a few of her samplers survive; she gave many away as gifts. Towards the end of her life, she was transferred to another asylum in what is now South Yorkshire; she died at age 77, and was buried in a pauper's grave.

In 2020, a blue plaque was installed in Wakefield, West Yorkshire to commemorate the injustices "the tragic patient" had suffered. It highlights her small collection of needlework samplers, a legacy of her life in stitches.

At the time of the plaque unveiling Cobham told the press: "Women were deemed dangerous and insane during the 1830s for all sorts of reasons, none of which had anything to do with their actual mental health but had more to do with the lack of their perceived ‘womanly attributes. Speaking out, getting excited, challenging male authority and refusing to conform would quickly be used as evidence of insanity." Such "irrationality" was thought to be connected to women’s menstrual cycles, Cobham added.

"Hysteria" was also believed to be the result of unsatisfied maternal drive, sexual desire and bad habits, reported Cogham.

“It was much easier to blame hysteria for these things than to investigate women’s intellectual frustration, lack of mobility or needs for autonomy and control,” Cobham was quoted as saying in an article published by The Guardian. "The trio of men who had sentenced Mary decided she was insane simply because she was a woman."

Sarah Nicolls and Red Gray. Photo: Wireless Theatre

The story of Mary Frances Heaton inspired The Unravelling Fantasia of Miss H a fusion of theatre and opera in a stage performance with dance, telling the story of music mistress Mary, incarcerated in an asylum for 41 years. Samplers stitched by Mary Frances Heaton, on display in the Wakefield Mental Health Museum, inspired writer and composer Red Gray to tell her powerful, poetic, poignant and tragic tale.

The one hour and seven minute performance features a cycle of songs especially composed and performed by Red Gray as Mary Frances Heaton and Sarah Nicolls as fellow inmate, another Mary, Mary Matthewson. Nicolls also plays the extraordinary Inside Out Piano. Both Gray, who trained at London University, and Nicolls are from Stitched-up Theatre. The production is directed by Zoe Bouras with choreography by Kate Webster who also performs as the authoritative Overseer and abusive Asylum Attendant. Lighting design by Kristina Hjelm and costume design by Rosie Whiting.

Entries in Mary's medical record as well as the words from her embroidered samplers - one of which was addressed to Queen Victoria asking for Her Majesty to intervene with an arbitration, became the libretto for The Unravelling Fantasia of Miss H.

Almost acting in a co-star role is the Inside-Out Piano designed by experimental pianist and co-composer Nicolls. The front is open providing access to the strings, enabling her to pluck the strings to create sounds not usually associated with a piano.

In 2008, Nicolls built her first ‘Inside-Out Piano’ by taking an old upright apart and turning the strings through 180 degrees – so instead of the strings running from just above the keys down to the ground, they now went straight up from the keys, according to a post on meet the artist.

In 2014, she commissioned Pierre Malbos to reconfigure a straight-strung Erard in the same way. It turned out that this model could move very fluidly (including swinging from side to side!) and that has exploded what I do at the piano, allowing me to also make theatre shows."

She divulged that "working towards a lightweight piano has forced me to seek out collaborators in aerospace engineering (because piano strings have up to 30 tonnes of tension to be held, so doing that in lightweight means using very advanced materials)."

Gray described to Wireless Theatre that the Inside-Out Piano gave "opportunity for a soundscape to reflect the inner feelings of a troubled heart and mind and of the emotions of pain, anger and revolt felt by the protagonist, as well as being able to accompany songs like a regular keyboard can. It is a very impressive instrument and actually serves as our 'set' on stage as well as almost feeling like a fourth character! It swings on a giant ball bearing and it weighs two tonnes!! For us it reflects a disruption of the status quo."

This is a British production and one of the actresses does possess a pronounced UK accent. However, after a few sentences, the senses adjust and the words can be understood. Backed by that incredible piano, the production is introduced like a carnival show.

Everything Mary Heaton says or does is twisted to make her seem insane.

The production begins when Heaton was a child, when her life was affluent and as she put it "I was mistress of my own castle." She was giving the vicar's daughters music lessons.

Sarah Nicolls and her Open Piano. Photo: Stitched Up.

When she demanded payment she was sent to jail, leading into the first song "Half an Hour to Procure Bail." The second number had Heaton asking for arbitration. A judge's gavel sounds. Her explanation had fallen on deaf ears.

A physician was brought into her jail cell who stared and "poked and prodded". She had no legal representation. She was sentenced to an institution for the insane.

Determined to prove she was not like the other patients, she soon learned her fate.

The drugs she was forced to take made her appear crazy.

Red Gray's soprano voice is just one facet of this multi-talented creative.

This powerful production shows how women in insane asylums were expected to embroider and paint as explained in song by Gray.

Heaton divulges that when women are confined together, altercations occur and black eyes were prevalent at the embroidery sessions. Heaton, who was obsessed with human rights, was gaining a reputation of complaining about everything.

Red Gray (bottom) and Sarah Nicolls (top). Photo: Tête-à-Tête

Electric shot treatments sear through her pelvis every second day.

Gray ably captures Heaton’s raw anger and extravagant excitability. Heaton says she can feel deranged but "never insane."

30 years confined and Mary Heaton goes around the grounds in a chain. She is beginning to feel old.

The music tempos can be desperate and alarming. Duets from the two Marys are defiant and persuasive.

How drugs, electric shocks and confinement break down Heaton's spirit are heart retching.

The open piano is a powerful aural presence – capable of being both tender and defiant. It captures those disturbing electric shocks and the listener can't help but be moved by the horror.

Excellent acting, singing and Inside Out piano accompaniment.

As Mary points out, had she been born a man things would have been different.

Heaton was a victim of Victorian society’s fear of female self-determination, and of that society’s intent on controlling those who spoke out and challenged, who defied ordained standard of 'femininity', who strove for intellectual and creative fulfillment.

41 years confined and "little changes. I seem to have no particular fight left in me. Sometimes I lie on the floor."

"The words that I have stitched, I leave."

First presented at Tête-à-Tête’s 2021 Opera Festival, it’s really a play with music, which is woven "intimately into the dramatic fabric of the work." That production was followed a by mounting at Studio 1 at the Arcola Theatre, at the Grimeborn Festival in September 2022.

When this show was staged at the The Cockpit in London the audience learned that the pre show music - as the audience take their seats - featured "the works of composer and performer Kate Loder a contemporary of Mary Frances Heaton though born a little later in 1825 who at the age of 19 became the first female Professor of Harmony at the Royal Acadamy. Once married it was insisted upon by her husband that she give up her career as a public performer although she did continue to teach and compose. We wanted to give her back the chance to have a 21st century London audience."

This production was supported by the Arts Council of England.

In 1990 the US Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW (Mental Illness Awareness Week) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. October 10 was World Mental Health Day.

The Unravelling Fantasia of Miss H is an important, interesting and memorable presentation offered by The Wireless Theatre.

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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

HANDEL'S WILL: LOVE & LEGACY Handel the philanthropist. See Handel's original will as well as portraits, documents and musical scores relating to his bequest.

In 1750 Handel wrote two copies of his will, and over his remaining nine years he added four codicils. They offer a rare glimpse of his personal as well as his professional life, naming friends as well as colleagues, placing his servants at the head of his list of beneficiaries, and reflecting his compassion for those who had not achieved the comfort and status which he enjoyed.

Handel’s Will: Love & Legacy investigates the people who benefited from his will, as well as the charities he endowed. As well as the original will, the display includes portraits, documents and musical scores relating to the bequests, the beneficiaries and those preparation of the documents themselves, placing it in the context of other musicians’ wills and exploring the context for Handel’s support of two charities, the Fund for Decay'd Musicians (now the Royal Society of Musicians) and the Foundling Hospital.

October 20, 2023 – April 28, 2024 at the Foundling Museum in London.

GUERRILLA GIRLS a world-renowned art collective, present a new takeover of the Tate Edit shop at Tate Modern in London.

Featuring a range of products curated and designed in partnership with the US-based group, it marks the third year of artist takeovers for Tate Edit - a space dedicated to experimental shopping experiences - following collaborations with Chila Kumari Singh Burman in 2021 and Bob & Roberta Smith in 2022.

Bringing together art and activism, Guerrilla Girls is an anonymous group of women artists formed in New York in 1985 to fight discrimination and corruption in the art world, using facts, humor, and outrageous visuals. They have produced hundreds of posters, billboards, books, stickers, animations, and actions – not just about art, but also covering politics, film, war, and more. The collective has a long history with Tate, with the gallery having collected and shown their work for over 20 years.

The specially designed range for Tate Edit includes a series of the artist’s provocative archival posters dating back to the 1980s, branded merchandise, stationery, bottles from sustainable water bottle brand Chilly’s, and bags by LOQI. Alongside fashion products featuring slogans taken from their works, there will be a Feminist Masked Avenger range for children, a large-scale neon gorilla light for art collectors, a selection of giclée reproduction prints and a collection of feminist books curated by the collective.

The shop’s striking window and entrance have been designed in collaboration with the Guerrilla Girls, depicting their iconic gorilla mask tearing through the vinyl in a comic book style. Providing shoppers with an immersive experience, every inch of the space is painted, graffitied, or decorated in the signature style of the collective. The shop is divided into two sections: one for contemplation, the other focusing on action. The rousing visual centerpiece is a wrap-around fly-poster wall created in the spirit of how the Guerrilla Girls display their work, which aims to inspire and represent multiple voices. Content highlights include a chalk blackboard inviting visitors to write their own slogans in response to the artist’s participatory work, Complaints Department, and a Guerrilla Girls-themed photobooth complete with giant sunglasses, inflatable bananas and masks for visitors to interact with. Video content from the collective’s archive, some of which has never been viewed publicly before, will be streamed on screens throughout the space.

Visitors to Tate Modern can also see several works by the Guerrilla Girls as part of a free display on Level 4 in the Natalie Bell Building entitled Media Networks. The group’s most iconic poster works, including Dearest Art Collector, 1986, The Advantages of Being A Woman Artist, 1988 and Do Women Have to be Naked to Get into the Met. Museum, 2012 are on show.

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SWEET CHARITY

WOMEN WHO ROCK presented by Gibson Gives, 6th Annual Live Benefit Concert returns to Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA on October 21, 2023.

Starring the legendary Ann Wilson of Heart & Tripsitter.

The 100% female-fronted music lineup on the GBU Life Stage will also feature special guest The Vindys, an alt-rock band from Youngstown, OH. The Vindys deliver ripping guitars, a driving horn section, and powerhouse vocals led by front woman Jackie Popovec with a sweet and sultry style reminiscent of Amy Winehouse. You might have heard their song “Are You Ready” which has been used to promote several sports franchises as well as in ESPN commercials, and their latest music video “Bugs,” which screened at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. The lineup also includes local support with a DJ set from Madame Trio. Host of iHeart Radio 102.5 WDVE Michele Michaels will return for the sixth year in a row as the emcee.

Women Who Rock concert attendees will experience an interactive beauty bar offering free beauty perks and giveaways, a social sharing photo booth, a silent auction to bid on one-of-a-kind experiences, a VIP lounge and VIP gifting suite presented by Baird, a pink carpet entrance, and a performance from the winner of the 2023 Women Who Rock Rising Star Contest.

All proceeds from the Women Who Rock Benefit Concert support Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI), the nation’s largest research institute dedicated solely to life-saving women’s health research.

This year, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, M.D., will receive the 2023 Women Who Rock Impact Award presented by Peoples, an Essential Utilities company. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and MWRI. Her research and advocacy have focused on mechanisms of female chronic pelvic and bladder pain, patient-centered outcomes of gynecologic surgery, reimbursement and funding disparities in gynecologic surgery and women’s health research, and the role of social and digital media in the promotion of women’s health.

As presenting sponsor for the Women Who Rock Benefit Concert from the beginning, Gibson continues to shape the sounds of generations of musicians across the globe. Gibson supports the global music community through its philanthropic arm, Gibson Gives. The mission of Gibson Gives-a 501©(3)-is to support non-profit organizations worldwide in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and health and wellness initiatives. 100% of donations to Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last four years, Gibson Gives has raised over $4.5 million dollars and enabled $46 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide.

TIPPING POINT 2023 the annual benefit concert supporting Tulane scholarship programs takes place October 20, 2023 at The Fillmore in New Orleans.

Tulane University is bringing positive change to the world through its renowned scholarship and relentless pursuit of cures for the most threatening diseases. It is discovering solutions to the greatest environmental challenges and working to transform the New Orleans economy by turning the region into a destination for advanced medical care and innovation. The seventh annual Tipping Point all-star benefit concert, executive produced by RWE Partners (Love Rocks NYC), to support scholarships for Tulane students – the next generation of leaders who will continue the university’s efforts.

The Tipping Point 2023 welcomes as headlining performers blues-rock icon Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule, formerly of the Allman Brothers Band; three-time Grammy Award winner guitarist, singer-songwriter, and contemporary blues ambassador Joe Bonamassa; soulful singer-songwriter Allen Stone; and rising soul and R&B singer-songwriter and guitarist Celisse. Legendary New Orleans-based festival producer and director Dr. Quint Davis will once again be The Tipping Point’s host. The CEO of Festival Productions, Inc., Davis is best known as the producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He attended Tulane before embarking on a career in the music industry and received an honorary degree at the university’s 2023 Commencement.

The Tipping Point will include an unforgettable, all-star gathering of artists including NOLA royalty George Porter Jr. from The Meters, gospel singer Jolynda Phillips, and the Queen of New Orleans neo-soul, Erica Falls. Two-time Grammy winner Eric Krasno will serve as the evening’s music director, leading an all-star New Orleans house band, featuring Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk founder, bassist, and vocalist Tony Hall (Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, the Neville Brothers), former Dumpstaphunk drummer Raymond Weber, and Mark Mullins & The Levee Horns, who have backed Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Sheryl Crow, Gregg Allman, Peter Frampton, and numerous other major artists.

The Tipping Point is the only concert series of this magnitude in the country that supports a university. Proceeds from The Tipping Point will fund scholarships that will enable students to attend Tulane regardless of their economic background.

A BENEFIT FOR THE HOMELESS LGBTQ+ YOUTH SUPPORTED BY THE ALI FORNEY CENTER takes place in New York City's Sony Hall on Monday, October 23, 2023. This annual show created by Jay Armstrong Johnson is a spoof of and tribute to the beloved cult classic movie Hocus Pocus.

In this year’s production Johnson returns as Winifred Sanderson with Allison Godleski and Amanda Williams Ware as sisters Sarah and Mary.

Also appearing are: DeMarius Copes, Drew Gehling, Karma Jenkins, Zachary Daniel Jones, Ashlyn Maddox, Tiffany Mann, Maddox Martin, Julia Mattison, Jake Pedersen, Meghan Picerno, Kathryn Priest, Ryann Redmond, Benji Rivera, Claire Saunders, Heath Saunders, Jackson Teeley, Tony Award Nominee Justin Cooley, Tony Award Nominee Robyn Hurder, recording artist Mila Jam, reigning SIX Queen Taylor Iman Jones, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15’s Marcia Marcia Marcia, Tomás Matos, Talia Suskauer. Connor Lyon is the understudy.

This program is a benefit for the Ali Forney Center (AFC), a full-service organization protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness.

The doors open at 7:00 p.m. for an immersive dance party, an 8:00 p.m. performance, followed by a blowout dance party and costume contest.

Referring to the Ali Forney Center, Johnson commented: "Their mission aligns with my personal conviction--growing up in Texas, I can’t imagine not having the support of my family after finally having the confidence to accept my queerness. In the hard times, my community showered me with love, support, and encouragement to be fully and unabashedly myself. For that, I am lucky and beyond blessed. The Ali Forney Center creates that community for those who can’t find it in their own backyards."

Directed by Ahmad Simmons. The live band: Will Van Dyke (keys), Trey Ware (drums), Nate Brown (Guitar), Yuka Tadano (Bass).

Lighting, Sound and Video Gear provided by Production Resource Group, Special effects equipment provided by J&M Special Effects.

The associate director and supervising choreographer is Michael Anthony Sylvester.

The creative team includes costume design and art direction by DW, makeup design by Kyle Krueger, props designed by Andy Diaz, video design by Caite Hevner with additional video design by Jamie Kiliany, sound design by Josh Liebert, lighting design by Andrew Garvis, hair department lead by Earon Chew Nealey, additional wigs by Bobby Clifton Zlotnik, Ashton Pickering is the stage manager.

The dance ensemble includes David Alea, Laura Aronoff, Hugo Brument, Delaney Burke, Emma Cook, Natalie Rose Copeland, Anakeiry Cruz, Justin DeParis, Zachary Eisenberg, Ava Esposito, Tom Feeney, Zachary Flores, Pedro Garza, Cassandra Gauthier, Jules Geiss, Jada German, Cam Gradel, Erin Joy Grgas, Rachel Grinde, Markelle Grutch, Anna Guerra, Niara Hardister, Abbey Hunt, Brittany Jenkins, Will Jewett, Dainique Jones, Anjali Kanter, Maya Kitayama, Erin Lazarro, Grace LeMieux, Giuseppe Little, Sam Lobel, Alexa Magro, Kelly McMillan, Justin Mock, Nick Nazzaro, Natalie Occhino, Shane Taylor Pretty, Gabriel Reyes, Kristin Roa, Aliya Rose, Kevin Santos, Olivia Schuh, Jamal Shuriah, Christopher Tipps, Ahren Victory, Jason Wells, Jon Yepez, and Cole Zieser.

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to protecting LGBTQ youth from the harms of homelessness. Each year AFC sees over 2,000 young people who are kicked out of their homes due to homophobia and transphobia. 90% of the young people we see state religious beliefs as the leading cause of their homelessness. "A Staggering 95% of our clients are individuals of color largely comprised of Black and Latino communities. Nearly half of these young people come to NYC from across the country, mainly the south, fleeing homophobic homes, and communities. Due to the current political climate, we have experienced a 20% increase in the number of youth fleeing their homes from these states.

"Our programs are designed to help young people overcome the traumas of homelessness and family rejection through medical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. Simultaneously, homeless youth are placed in one of our 19-site-scattered housing program. Including the Bea Arthur Residence, which opened its doors in 2018 in memory of one of our first celebrity supporters.

"Once stabilized, housed, and engaged in therapeutic care we engage young people in specially developed career and educational services designed to engage these youth in completing high school, and moving on to higher education, and credentialing programs. These services also include career placement and skills development through onsite programs and job readiness."

SPREADING THE WORD

MUSIC CHINA 2023

Gibson partnered with motorcycle brand Triumph China displaying the Triumph 221 motorcycle at the Gibson booth. Photo Triumphroswell

was a four day event ending yesterday October 14, 2023. Taking place in Shanghai at the International Expo Centre, Music China offered varied fringe programs, including educational workshops, industry forums and live musical shows.

Participants came from more than 70 countries and regions, including 1,822 international exhibitors who unpacked their products. This year's exhibition hall space stretched across ten halls and three marquee areas across 120,000 sqm of exhibition space.

Occupying almost 20% of the exhibition space, this year’s Piano Halls continue to be the biggest in the world in terms of scale and variety, while the Bowed Instruments Halls, and Chinese Instruments sections are also the world’s largest.

As always, international diversity is well represented, with exhibitors from 23 countries and regions participating. Signifying the ASEAN region's growing influence in the MI industry, this includes first-time involvement from Indonesia and Thailand in the guitar category. Elsewhere, seven overseas and national pavilions led by Italy and Germany – hosting 25 and 21 exhibitors respectively – highlight categories such as heritage piano, string instruments and accordions. Buyers can also find additional diversity at major pavilions from China, the Czech Republic, France, Japan and Spain.

Some of the biggest names in the business participating this year include Altamira, AXL, BAM, C. Bechstein, Central Music, Chairman, Conn-Selmer, D’Addario, Dun Huang, EUTERPE, Farida, Fazioli, Fender, Fengling, Gibson, GEWA, Hailun Piano, Hu Qiu, Jin Bao, Jin Yin, Kawai, KHS, Maderas Barber, Marigaux, Martin, Medeli, Parsons Music, Pearl River, People’s Music Publishing House, Pianodisc, Pioneer DJ, Rampone & Cazzani, Reliance, Rönisch, RSL, Samick, Saverez, Schimmel, Seiko, Seiler, Selmer, Shanghai Music Publishing House, Steinway, Strauss, Taylor, Tenon, Thomastik, Toyama, Yamaha, Yanagisawa, and Yue Hai.

Gibson, the iconic and leading American-made instrument brand, was a major player, showcasing an array of new guitars, products and events. For the past 21 years, Music China has generated tremendous growth power for the music industry in China and Asia Pacific and the annual Music China exhibition in Shanghai is the largest music trade show in China.

Gibson introducedg the new 2023-24 Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer and KRK line-ups to the Chinese media and consumers, as well as the first ever launch of Mesa Boogie to China. Gibson showcased the new 2023 Gibson Custom Color Series, Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab (acoustic and electric), Gibson and Epiphone artist signature guitars, and celebrated the 150 year Anniversary of Epiphone with the new Limited Edition models introduced this summer.

"Gibson is proud to bring our prestige and history to Music China and showcase our bold new products as we continue to be trendsetters in the industry and drive the culture to Chinese consumers," says Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product, Gibson Brands. "Music China attendees can enjoy major artist performances, and our brand partnership with Triumph motorcycles at our Gibson experience booth during this influential global event."

Koehler was referring to Gibson partnering with the global motorcycle brand Triumph China, UMPG China, and Guitar China for worldwide social media campaigns. Triumph touted its brand new Triumph 221 motorcycle model at the Gibson booth during Gibson China. In addition, Guitar China and Gibson invited winners of the 2023 Guitar China x Gibson China Electric Guitar Competition to showcase their shredding skills on the large outdoor stage.

Music China 2023 also included performances from an array of Gibson artists of the region including headlining Music China act AJ from the renowned pop group Nanquan Mama, UMPG China singer-songwriters Erin Wu and Huang Shashan, as well as the celebrated bassist Pu Yu.

With an impressive roster of educational events and live shows, this year's fair continued to promote music culture and provide unique opportunities for music appreciation and education. Some highlights included:

• Industry Forum: keynote speeches delivered by Mr Wang Shicheng, the Deputy Party Secretary of China National Light Industry Council and President of China Musical Instrument Association, and Mr John Mlynczak, the President and CEO of NAMM. A panel discussion, moderated by Mr Chen Jinwu, the Vice President of the China Musical Instrument Association also took place.

• "How to" Sessions: workshops focusing on art school management, all-age teaching methods and tips for instrument stores and studios.

• Tech+ Music Lab: covering all four days of the fair, this event explored the intersection of technology and music.

• Advanced Piano Tuning Training Seminar: taking place on day 3 for both novices and experienced practitioners, guided by technicians from Petrof and Kawai.

• Music China Educational Program: including Music Master Classes, Music Trial Classes, and the music+Talksconference.

Music China was organised by Messe Frankfurt, the China Musical Instrument Association and Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co Ltd.

BACK-TO-BACK LECTURES ON UNRELATED TOPICS (That Are Somehow Connected). Part of the Palm Springs Art museum's Mixed Feelings series which pairs two speakers talking about unrelated subjects; you get to make the connections during the Q&A.

On October 26, 2023 it's Vegan Meat and The Representation of Zombies.

The speakers are Chef Tanya Petrovna & Mzilikazi Kone. The reception features a cash bar hosted by On The Mark Palm Springs. The lectures will then begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Springs, CA.

TOMMY VIG who spent decades starring in Las Vegas before relocating to Budapest, Hungary with his wife Mia of the famed Kim Sisters, last night October 14, 2023, delighted the audience with a musical program "The music of freedom: Tommy Vig's real Jazz evening" at the If Jazz Café.

In addition to Vig, who plays vibraphone and piano, he was backed by Joe Fritz (clarinet), Tibor Barna Csuhaj (bass), György Jeszenszky (drums), and of course Tommy's world-famous wife, singer and musician Mia Kim. The string quartet consisting of Ildikó Györei, Anna Hörömpöli, Csaba Gyurkovics and Katalin Négyessy also were part of the well received program.

HERE'S TO THE LADIES takes place October 16, 2023 at the Drama Book Shop in New York City. Learn about the fascinating careers of some of Broadway's greatest female performers in their own words: Tony award winner Faith Prince, Tony award winner Tonya Pinkins, Tony award nom Kerry Butler, and Tony award nom Mary Beth Peil.

In Here's to the Ladies, the follow-up to Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater, theatre journalist Eddie Shapiro sits down for intimate, career-encompassing conversations with yet more of Broadway's most prolific and fascinating leading women.

TRUE NORTH: A MAGICAL NEW HOLIDAY MUSICAL will have an invitation-only industry reading on Monday, October 23 in New York City. With book, lyrics, and music by Holly Reed, music by Kelvin Reed, and directed by Richard H. Blake, " this insightful new holiday musical tells the heartwarming story of a family who overcomes challenges to rediscover joy and an unwavering hope in the magic of Christmas."

In True North, a widowed father is deployed on a top-secret, military mission just weeks before Christmas, and his young son embarks on an unexpected quest to bring his dad—and Christmas—home. With a wish, a letter, and some unique seasonal help, the family discovers what just an ounce of belief can do.

The industry reading cast features Paolo Montalban, Kai Edgar, Salena Qureshi, Charlie Franklin, Amanda Jane Cooper, Major Attaway, Paige Faure, John Edwards, Cherry Torres, and Mike Backes.

GUYS AND DOLLS at the Bridge Theatre in London has extended until August 31 2024!

Daniel Mays, the production's original Nathan Detroit, returned to the crap game on October 16. At the same time, George Ioannides moved on from his current role of Dave the Dude, but staying with the show as he steps up to roll the dice as Sky Masterson.

Which means the company said goodbye to Andrew Richardson as Sky Masterson and Owain Arthur as Nathan Detroit. "We've loved every minute with them."

The company also celebrated the launch of the Guys & Dolls cast recording. There were cupcakes, dancing and of course, copies of the album.

LIVING THE GREAT WAR WEEK-END takes place October 21-22 at the World War I Museum in Kansas City, MO.

Guests will meet soldiers, nurses and more from all sides of the Great War. The Living History Volunteer Corps and other living historians bring WWI to life in a camp setting on the grounds. It all kicks off with Reveille - a gathering at the flagpole inside the front gates – on Saturday, October 21 at 10 a.m. This event is free and for all ages.

AI DEEPFAKES PLAGUE NEWSROOMS according to NAB Smart Brief. They report that "Only 10% of the more than 1,000 videos CBS News has sifted through related to the latest Israel-Hamas war can be used, says CEO Wendy McMahon, who notes the volume and sophistication of AI-generated content and misinformation being supplied to newsrooms is increasing. Many deepfake news stories posted on social media that feature real reporters have fooled viewers and have left newsrooms working to combat this misinformation, writes Forbes' Alexandra Levine, adding, "These made-up segments featuring real-life broadcasters are drawing more eyeballs than legitimate clips posted on news organizations' blue-check social media accounts."

JACQUELINE KENNEDY HOME AUCTION Following the tragic assassination of President Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy purchased an 18th-century residence in Georgetown, known as the Baker House, to be her personal home. She would move again a year later as the home attracted too much attention from the public and especially the paparazzi. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Federal-style mansion was also the residence of Georgetown Mayor Thomas Beall, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, and the former Miss America Yolande Fox. Now combined with two other homes to create a massive, 16,300-square-foot mansion, the property hit the market last year for $26.5 million, currently priced at $19.5 million. It is going to a no-reserve auction on October 24th.

The opulent compound includes 13 bedrooms, 13 full baths and 5 half baths across the three homes. The former Kennedy home has been meticulously maintained, with original fireplaces, impressive grand entry hall, and wood-paneled library. Renovations have created a showplace home with the highest-quality design, fixtures, and finishes. An elegant dining room with gold-leaf ceiling, a gym, an executive office, and a spacious-modern kitchen are just a few of the home’s amenities. The second floor is devoted to a spacious primary suite with parquet flooring, spa-quality bath, and a private balcony with garden views. Four additional bedrooms feature en-suites, and a lofted observation deck offers stellar views of the property and surrounding city, including the Washington Monument.

The additional homes are connected via passageways as well as an underground parking lot. One of the homes features a fantastic Italianate entertaining room and three bedrooms, while the other offers five bedrooms with oak herringbone flooring, a gourmet kitchen, and elegant moldings throughout. All three homes offer modern luxury while retaining their unique and historic character.

The listing agent is Jonathan Taylor of TTR Sotheby's International Realty. Auction conducted by Concierge Auctions.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

NEW LAW HELPS ART EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA known as Proposition 28, the Art and Music K-12 Education Funding Initiative, which was approved by voters last November, requires the state to establish and provide for new, ongoing programs that support credentialed arts instructors in schools beginning in the 2023-24 school year.

WE ARE PARABLE an organization that celebrates and promotes Black cinema, has announced that they are expanding into distribution, looking to acquire UK and international films for release. Founders, Anthony Andrews and Teanne Andrews, have begun work to establish relationships internationally, including working with the British Council in Jamaica to promote emerging Black British filmmakers and their Jamaican counterparts.

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JOANA MALLWITZ who has taken up the baton as chief conductor o and artistic director Berlin's Konzerthausorchester.

The Hildesheim native broke a major glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to conduct one of the seven large orchestras in the German capital. At 37, she’s also the youngest.

THE UNITED STATES NAVY bestows two important awards; the Lone Sailor & Naval Heritage Awards.

The Lone Sailor Award is given to Sea Service veterans who have excelled with distinction in their respective careers during or after their service. The award recipients join an impressive list of men and women who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful in their subsequent careers and lives while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

The U.S. Navy Memorial presents a Naval Heritage Award to distinguished Americans who have significantly supported the nation’s Sea Services, and whose lives and careers exemplify the core value of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The first person to win the award was Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith in 1995.

Lone Sailor Award Recipients of interest to Broadway To Vegas readers include:

Drew Carey, Bill Withers, Jack London, Ted Turner, Mark Russell, Lloyd V. "Beau" Bridges III, Jeffrey L. Bridges, Lloyd V. Bridges, Jr., Lawrence P. "Yogi" Berra, Arnold Palmer, Stan Musial, Arnold "Red" Auerbach, Benjamin Bradlee, Eddie Albert, Ernest Borgnine, Jonathan Winters, Tony Curtis, James A. Michener, and Herman Wouk.

Naval Heritage Award Recipients of interest to Broadway To Vegas readers include:

Last week Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) was honored at the U.S. Navy Memorial Lone Sailor Awards where she became the 15th person in history to win the Naval Heritage Award.

Past recipients of this award include: Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Bob Hope, John Wayne, and President Ronald Reagan.

She received this award for her years of dedication in the U.S. Senate to ensure America's Navy remains the world’s preeminent naval power. This includes securing the funding to increase the number of Bath Iron Works-built Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in the fleet and making generational investments to modernize our nation’s public shipyards including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery.



I NEED THAT by Pulitzer Prize finalist Theresa Rebeck.

Directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel.

A comedy about memory starring Danny DeVito, his daughter Lucy DeVito, and Ray Anthony Thomas who have been with the project since a staged reading at the Dorset Theatre Festival.

The play follows the reclusive Sam (Danny DeVito), who prefers the safety of his house and the company of his many, many things. Soon, a notice from the government arrives alerting Sam that he must clean up his property or face eviction.

The creatives are Tony Award-nominated scenic designer Alexander Dodge, costume designer Tilly Grimes, Tony-nominated lighting designer Yi Zhao and Tony-winning sound designer and composer Fitz Patton.

In previews at the American Airlines Theatre (the Todd Haimes Theatre), officially opening November 2, 2023 with performances running December 23, 2023.

I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE featuring music and lyrics by Harold Rome, a book by Jerome Weidman with revisions made by his son, John Weidman.

Directed by Trip Cullman.

It's 1937 in New York City's Garment District, and shipping clerk Harry Bogen would love to sell you a bill of goods. In this dark musical comedy, Bronx-born Harry must choose between the comfort of community and his own ambitious dreams. He'll have to do whatever it takes to get ahead, and even more to stay there. Better watch your back – sewing needles can be sharp.

The cast includes Santino Fontana and Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn, starring as "Harry Bogen" and "Mrs. Bogen" respectively, Adam Chanler-Berat as "Meyer Bushkin," Eddie Cooper as "Tootsie Maltz/Ensemble," Victor de Paula Rocha as "Sheldon/Young Harry," Adam Grupper as "Maurice Pulvermacher," Darren Hayes as "Ensemble," Greg Hildreth as "Teddy Asch," Rebecca Naomi Jones as "Ruthie Rivkin"” Tony Award nominee Julia Lester as "Miss Marmelstein," Hayley Podschun as "Miss Springer/Ensemble," Sarah Steele as "Blanche Bushkin," and Joy Woods as "Martha Mills."

The creative team features scenic design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by Adam Honoré, sound design by Sun Hee Kil, choreography by Ellenore Scott, score arranged and adapted by David Chase, and music direction and orchestrations by Jacinth Greywoode. Bess Marie Glorioso serves as the Production Stage Manager. Luner Eclipse Productions is the Production Manager.

In previews with the official opening set for Monday, October 30, 2023 at Classic Stage Company in New York City.

DEATHTRAP the Tony-nominated, gasp-inducing comedy thriller by master of suspense Ira Levin.

Directed by Jamie Torcellini.

Sidney Bruhl is a playwright desperately in need of a hit. Just in time, a former student sends him the manuscript of his first play, a murder mystery called Deathtrap. Sidney smells a hit… but he’s never been that fond of sharing credit.

Geoffrey Lower stars as Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers who hasn’t had a hit in way, way too long. Jill Remez plays his wife, Myra — who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her husband’s career. Coby Rogers is Sydney’s former writing student, Clifford Anderson, who’s written the script that has all the elements of a Broadway smash… the one Sydney would love to get his hands on. Michelle Holmes takes on the role of wacky neighborhood psychic Helga ten Dorp, with Patrick Vest as the Bruhl family lawyer (and amateur playwright) Porter Milgrim.

The ICT creative team includes set designer Fred Kinney, lighting designer Crystal R. Shomph, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Dave Mickey and prop designers Patty and Gordon Briles. Casting is by Michael Donovan, CSA and Richie Ferris, CSA. The production stage manager is Donna R. Parsons.

October 20 through November 5 at the International City Theatre which is located in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach, CA.

INTELLIGENCE an HGO Commissioned world premiere composed by Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer.

Director/choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.

The Civil War is raging, and the country is burning. Men are slaughtering each other on the battlefield, but it is two women who possess the deadliest weapon of all: Intelligence, made more powerful by its invisibility. Who would guess that Elizabeth Van Lew, from a prominent Confederate family, is running a secret pro-Union spy ring? That Mary Jane Bowser, born into slavery in the Van Lew household, not only has been taught to read and write, but is also possessed of a photographic memory?

The HGO-commissioned world-premiere opera Intelligence, inspired by the little-known true story of these two unlikely spies, unfolds as Elizabeth sends Mary Jane to live in the Confederate White House. As Mary Jane uncovers the secrets of the Confederacy to share with Union military commanders, she also uncovers the secrets of her own history and identity.

Shared through a fusion of music, words, and dance, the cast is led by mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton as Elizabeth, with soprano Janai Brugger making her anticipated company debut as the brilliant Mary Jane. Acclaimed conductor Kwamé Ryan takes the podium for his HGO debut.

The cast includes: J'Nai Bridges, Caitlin Lynch, Nicholas Newton, Michael Mayes, Joshua Blue.

The Urban Bush Women Dance Ensemble: Courtney J. Cook, Loren Davidson, Kentoria Earle, Roobi Gaskins, Symara Johnson, Bianca Leticia Medina, Love Muwwakkil, and Mikaila Ware.

October 20 - November 3, 2023 Houston Grand opera in Houston, Texas.

POOR YELLA REDNECKS by Qui Nguyen.

Directed by May Adrales.

The cast features Jon Hoche, Ben Levin, Samantha Quan, Jon Norman Schneider, Maureen Sebastian, and Paco Tolson.

"Qui Nguye, the wildly inventive playwright (and screenwriter for Marvel and Disney) known for his use of pop culture, pop music and puppetry, reunites with his frequent director, May Adrales, for this funny, sexy and brash new play. A young Vietnamese family attempts to put down roots in Arkansas, a place as different from home as it gets. A mom and dad balance big hopes and low-wage jobs, as old flings threaten to pull them apart. It all makes for a bumpy road to the American dream. From the world of Nguyen’s Vietgone, with its comic book and action movie influences, comes a play that melds a deeply personal story with the playwright’s trademark, killer humor."

The creative team includes Tim Mackabee (Scenic Design), Valérie Thérèse Bart (Costume Design), Lap Chi Chu (Lighting Design), Shane Rettig (Original Music & Sound Design), Jared Mezzocchi (Projection Design), David Valentine (Puppet Design), Kenny Seymour (Arrangements), William Carlos Angulo (Choreography), Cynthia Meng (Music Direction), Kelly Gillespie (Casting), and Alyssa K. Howard (Production Stage Manager).

Poor Yella Rednecks is in previews and officially opens Wednesday, November 1 at New York City Center – Stage I in New York City.

ARCADIA by Tom Stoppard.

Directed by Eric Tucker.

"Tom Stoppard’s absorbing play takes us back and forth between the centuries and explores the nature of truth and time, the difference between the Classical and the Romantic temperament, and the disruptive influence of sex on our orbits in life - 'the attraction which Newton left out’."

Starring Bedlam company members Alan Altschuler, Lisa Birnbaum, Shaun Taylor Corbett, Caroline Grogan, Deychen Volino-Gyetsa, Mike Labbadia, Arash Mokhtar, Randolph Curtis Rand, Jamie “Smitty” Smithson, Zuzanna Szadkowski, Devin Vega and Elan Zafir.

The creatives are: scenic design by John McDermott, costume design by Charlotte Palmer-Lane, lighting design by Les Dickert, with props by Buffy Cardoza.

Arcadia has performances at the West End Theater in New York City.

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA by William Shakespeare.

Directed by Jimonn Cole.

Set in a modern-day Italy, we meet two young men in search of identity—and Julia, the first Shakespearean female character to disguise herself as a young man. This company of 14 M.F.A. actors, now in training at The Old Globe and University of San Diego, brings a wild cast of characters to life in a bold staging of this timely, classy comedy that highlights themes of betrayal, loyalty, and friendship.

The cast of 14 features Danny Adams as Duke, Kevin Alicea-Minor as Speed, Jose Balistrieri as Proteus, Luana Fontes as Outlaw 3, Chris Hathaway as Host and Outlaw 2, Madeline Grace Jones as Julia, Erick Lindsey as Antonio, Angelynne Pawaan as Sylvia, Carter Piggee as Lance, Akoni Steinmann as Turio, Vandous Stripling II as Valentine, Emma Svitil as Eglamour, Michael Underhill as Pantino and Outlaw 1, and Lisa VillaMil as Lucetta.

In addition to Jimonn Cole, the creative team includes scenic design by Robin Sanford Roberts, costume design by Elisa Benzoni, lighting design by Jason Bieber, sound design by Evan Eason, text coaching and dramaturgy by Ray Chambers, fight direction by Ka’imi Kuoha vocal and speech coaching by Emmelyn Thayer, and production stage management by Danielle Dudley and Nora Kessler.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona will play in The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in San Diego, CA's Balboa Park from October 28 to November 5 for 11 performances only.

FEAR OF HEIGHTS Written and Performed by Kevin Flynn.

Directed by Tim Byron Owen.

"A heartwarming and often hilarious story about an Irish American kid's phobias, family life and the meaning of success. Kevin Flynn’s grandfather, a tough, Irish steelworker, may have been unafraid to perch precariously on a steel beam high above the New York skyline — but young Kevin finds himself dreaming of the bright lights of Hollywood instead. In this funny, moving autobiographical solo show, the former professional soccer player and current award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer and television host examines the American experience through the lens of his Irish immigrant family."

Performances through October 29, 2023 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

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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.

FINAL OVATION

LOUISE ELISABETH GLUCK an American poet and essayist who won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature, died October 13, 2023. She was 80.

Judges praised her work as "unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal".

Considered by many to be one of America’s most talented contemporary poets, Glück is known for her poetry’s technical precision, sensitivity, and insight into loneliness, family relationships, divorce, and death.

Glück is the author of 12 books of poetry, including the recent collections Faithful and Virtuous Night (2014), winner of the National Book Award, and Poems 1962-2012 (2012), which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, as well as the essay collection American Originality (2017). Glück’s early books feature personae grappling with the aftermaths of failed love affairs, disastrous family encounters, and existential despair, and her later work continues to explore the agony of the self. Her first book of poetry, Firstborn (1968), was recognized for its technical control as well as its collection of disaffected, isolated narratives.

In 2003 Glück was named the 12th US Poet Laureate. That same year, she was named the judge for the Yale Series of Younger Poets, a position she held until 2010. In addition to the Pulitzer and Bollingen Prizes, she has received many awards and honors for her work, including the Lannan Literary Award for Poetry, a Sara Teasdale Memorial Prize, the MIT Anniversary Medal, the Wallace Stevens Award, a National Humanities Medal, and a Gold Medal for Poetry from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She has received fellowships from the Guggenheim and Rockefeller Foundations, and from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2020 she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Born in New York City, Glück was the writer-in-residence at Yale University and lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts. . Her papers, including manuscripts, correspondence, and other materials, are housed at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University.

She married Charles Hertz Jr. in 1967.On June 21, 1973, Glück gave birth to a son, Noah who would grown up to become a sommelier. His father was Louise's partner John Dranow. Her marriage to Charles Hertz Jr. ended in divorce, and in 1977 she married Dranow, an author who had started the summer writing program at Goddard College. In 1980, Dranow and Francis Voigt, the husband of poet Ellen Bryant Voigt, co-founded the New England Culinary Institute as a private, for-profit college. Glück and Bryant Voigt were early investors in the institute and served on its board of directors.

In 1980, a fire destroyed Glück's house in Vermont, resulting in the loss of most of her possessions. Her marriage to John Dranow ended in divorce in 1996, the difficult nature of which affected their business relationship, resulting in Dranow's removal from his positions at the New England Culinary Institute. Dranow died in 2019. Glück's niece is the actress Abigail Savage.

Glück's son wine expert Noah Dranow is the Director of Sales and Logistics at Thatcher's Wine in San Francisco. In addition to Noah, Louise Glück is survived by twin granddaughters.

SHIRLEY JO FINNEY stage, television and film director and actress died October 10, 2023. She was 74 and has fought an eight month battle with cancer.

The Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles, where Finney directed eight productions over the course of a decades-long artistic relationship, will host a memorial service in celebration of Finney’s life and accomplishments at a future date to be announced.

She wore her director’s hat in some of the most respected regional theaters across the country, including the Fountain Theatre, LA Theater Works, Pasadena Playhouse and Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles; the Goodman Theater in Chicago; Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.; the McCarter Theater and Crossroads Theatre Company in New Jersey; the Alabama Shakespeare Festival; Cleveland Playhouse; Humana Festival at the Actors Theater of Louisville; and the Sundance Theater Workshop in Park City, Utah.

Her affiliation with the Fountain began in 1997, with her acclaimed production of Endesha Ida Mae Holland’s From the Mississippi Delta, for which the LA Times highlighted her inventive staging. Under her direction, the smash hit world premiere of Stephen Sachs’ spin on L.A’s jazz history, Central Avenue, ran for seven months in 2001. Her Los Angeles premiere of Dael Orlandersmith’s Yellowman won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for best production, and earned Finney the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Theatre Award for best director. Her direction of the Fountain’s West Coast premiere of Ifa Bayeza's daring, folk and gospel-infused The Ballad of Emmett Till in 2010 resulted in an awards sweep: Ovation, Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Circle, NAACP and Backstage Garland awards for production, direction and ensemble.

She most recently directed Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage at the Ensemble Theatre in Houston, TX, where she had previously directed The Green Book in 2020. Other recent directing credits include the internationally acclaimed South African opera Winnie, based on the life of political icon Winnie Mandela, at the State Theater in Pretoria, South Africa; Facing Our Truth, The Trayvon Martin Project at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Los Angeles; and the Lark Foundation’s rolling world premiere of The Road Weeps by Marcus Gardley at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.

Miss Finney was also an established television and film director.

She was honored with the UCLA Department of Theater Film and Television Distinguished Alumni Award, the Black Alumni Associations Dr. Beverly Robinson Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the African American Film Marketplace Award of Achievement for Outstanding Performance and Achievement and Leader in Entertainment.

An accomplished actress with many television and film credits, she was best known for her portrayal in the historic title role of Wilma Rudolph, the first female three-time gold medalist in the made-for-TV bio picture Wilma.

Miss Finney was an alumnus of the American Film Institute’s Director Workshop for Women and held an M.F.A. degree from UCLA. She was a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the Director’s Guild, and the Screen Actor’s Guild. She was an artist-in-residence at several colleges and universities, including Columbia College in Chicago, UC Santa Barbara, USC and UCLA.

BUCK TRENTwas an American country music instrumentalist. He played the five-string banjo, dobro, steel guitar, mandolin, electric bass and guitar,renowned for work with Roy Clark, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, died October 9, 2023 in Branson, Missouri. He was 85.

He was a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys from 1960 to 1961, Porter Wagoner's "Wagon Masters" from 1962 to 1973, and also appeared on the Roy Clark Show and Hee Haw from 1974 to 1982. He played on Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene". In 2012 Buck was featured on two songs on Marty Stuart's album, "Nashville, Vol. 1: Tear the Woodpile Down". He and Roy Clark were twice named the Country Music Association Instrumental Group of the Year (1975, 1976) and he was twice the No. 1 Instrumentalist of the Year for the Music City Awards. Included in his nominations are the 1976 No. 1 Instrumentalist of the Year for Record World, 1972 through 1981 No. 1 Instrumentalist for the Music City News Awards and in 1979–1981 Instrumental Group of the Year (with Wendy Holcomb in the Bluegrass category) for the Music City News Awards.

In addition to The Porter Wagoner Show and Hee Haw, other television credits for Trent include The Marty Stuart Show; Country's Family Reunion on RFD-TV; Mike Douglas Show; The Tonight Show; Nashville on the Road; Tommy Hunter Show; Command Performance; Music City Tonight; Nashville Now and Dinah!

Trent's performing career also included many touring shows, in particular he toured the Soviet Union with Roy Clark in 1976. This was the first country music act to tour the Soviet Union.

In 1990 he became the first national act to open a live music show in Branson, performed in the morning. Trent's morning show in Branson, Missouri was called Buck Trent Country Music Show and (as of November 2015) was performed at Baldknobbers Jamboree Theatre. In 2016, his show moved to the Jim Stafford Theater. In 2017, he moved to the Branson Famous Theatre with the Baldknobbers.

Trent's last television appearance was a special guest appearance alongside Parton to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry induction.

His last studio recording, 2018's Spartanburg Blues, was produced by Marty Stuart and Bruce Hoffman and featured Parton, Connie Smith, Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives band, Rodney and Beverly Dillard, David Frizzell, Vince Gill, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Reno Brothers, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Van Shelton and Rhonda Vincent.

Branson Mayor Larry Milton recently proclaimed December 13 as Buck Trent Day in Branson. On Friday, October 13, 2023, the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City posthumously inducted Trent into the Banjo Hall of Fame alongside Kurt Abell, Grandpa Jones, Norbert Pietsch and Akira Tsumura.

Trent is survived by his wife, Jean Marie Trent, two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Next Column: October 22 2023
Copyright: October 15, 2023 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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