Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: September 10, 2017
By: Laura Deni
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THE OLD VIC IN LONDON RECEIVES OFFICIAL ROYAL SUPPORT

The Old Vic is a 1,067 seat, Georgian architecture style theatre in London which has an official American Association.

All performance arts spaces appreciate and need support. But, when that support is both official and royal then it becomes bust your buttons celebration time.

That is what is taking place in London at the The Old Vic which was "thrilled to announce that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has become the Royal Patron of The Old Vic to mark our bicentenary year in 2018."

In a letter introducing The Old Vic's bicentenary year, Prince Charles said: 'As The Old Vic celebrates this remarkable milestone, I can only congratulate its staff and supporters on all that has been achieved so far and I wish this great national institution every possible success for the next two hundred years.'

To mark the appointment and the institution’s 200th birthday, a new partnership with The Prince’s Trust was announced to provide work placements for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.

American Kevin Spacey headed up The Old Vic for a decade and was knighted by Prince Charles. Photo: Clarence House

In June 2015 Prince Charles represented his mother bestowed upon two time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey the title of Knight Commander, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, which was conferred upon the House of Cards actor for his services to theatre, arts and international culture at Clarence House, London.

"I feel like an adopted son" said Spacey as he was knighted. "Theatre is alive and well, people love it."

Spacey can now officially place the letters KBE behind his name.

Referring to the support of Prince Charles, the Old Vic stated: "His patronage maintains a royal connection with the theatre dating to its establishment in 1818. The foundation stone for the theatre, originally named the Royal Coburg, was laid by Princess Charlotte of Wales. It was renamed the Old Vic in honor of Queen Victoria, who first visited in 1833 aged 14. Its centenary gala in 1918 was presided over by Queen Mary, Charles’ great-grandmother. Then in 1929, his grandmother Elizabeth - later the Queen Mother - unveiled a plaque on the front in honor of its benefactress Emma Cons, which will be restored in the coming year. As part of Charles’s association, the Old Vic will provide four work placements a year for those who attend The Prince’s Trust’s Get Hired projects, which help thousands of disadvantaged young people."

Claudia Jolly (Katherine Draper) and Sam Reid (Gene Laine) in Girl From The North Country at The Old Vic. Photo by Manuel Harlan

Currently on stage is Girl From The North Country written and directed by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dyland which continues through October 7 with persistent reports that the musical will transfer to Broadway.

The Old Vic is encouraging American participation in the Old Vic.

A well kept secret is that for several years there has been The American Associates of The Old Vic, comprised of a group of theater-lovers who support theater in New York and London and, in particular, the work of The Old Vic. The group "puts strong emphasis on showcasing American artists; in NY, we run a unique mentoring program for the best young actors, directors, writers and producers; we also partner with BAM and Neal Street Productions in the Bridge Project."

Old Vic in London is now trying harder to get the word out.

Their website states: "Did you know that if you are an American tax payer, wherever in the world you live, you could be part of The American Associates of The Old Vic which is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization? The American Associates of The Old Vic (AAOV) play an important part in forging the transatlantic partnerships and associations that make such cultural exchanges possible."

Girl From The North Country is a recipient of 2016 Edgerton New Play Award and was supported by the American Associates of The Old Vic.

Vivien Leigh, 1941, by Cecil Beaton.

2018 will also mark the 50th anniversary of Vivien Leigh’s death. From September 12 to 26 Sotheby’s will present a selling exhibition of portraits of the Gone With The Wind star taken by the acclaimed British photographer and costume designer Cecil Beaton. Part of the proceeds from the sale of prints will go to The Old Vic as the theatre itself heads for an important anniversary, turning 200 in May 2018, according to Sotheby's.

Beaton and Leigh first became friends in Edinburgh when Leigh was starring in a George Bernard Shaw play. Beaton subsequently photographed Vivien on film sets and for many fashion shoots.

According to Sotheby's "She was an excellent host and conversationalist. Hugo Vickers, a friend of Suzanne Farrington, Leigh’s only daughter from her first marriage, who wrote a Vivien Leigh biography in 1988 (Hamish Hamilton) noted, "At her homes in the country and in London table ware, soft furnishings and artwork were arranged in tonal harmony with Olivier and Leigh’s large collection of Georgian satin wood furniture. One can imagine her socializing at home with her charm bracelet jingling and bell-like laugh. She frequently was the last to bed and the first to rise and she valued her friendships as true treasures."










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ART AND ABOUT

MARK ROTHKO: REFLECTION

Mark Rothko's early painting Thru the Window (1938–39), never before exhibited in the United States. Photo: MFA Boston

an immersive display of 11 masterpieces by Mark Rothko (1903–70), on loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, invites visitors to contemplate the power of art to shape human experience.

The installation opens with Rothko’s early painting Thru the Window (1938) and Rembrandt’s Artist in his Studio (about 1628) - portraits of artists reflecting on the act of painting. Contrary to notions that Rothko’s work represented a dramatic break from past traditions, the side-by-side comparison positions him within the broader history of Western art.

The exhibition’s other Rothko paintings showcase the full sweep of his career - from early surrealist work to multiform compositions to classic color field paintings - and trace his exploration of the expressive potential of color.

Enveloped by the large-scale paintings in an intimate setting, viewers can experience Rothko’s work as the artist had originally intended.

September 24, 2017 - July 1, 2018 Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

EXPEDITION FASHION FROM THE EXTREME

Wedding dress by Paco Rabanne. Photo: MFIT.

examines high fashion inspired by clothing made for survival in the most inhospitable environments on earth and beyond.

Today’s luxurious parkas trace their roots to the “heroic era” of polar navigation (1890 to 1922), while down-filled “puffer” coats and backpacks were originally perfected for extreme mountain climbing during the mid-20th century.

Experimental, high-tech materials made for exploration to otherworldly realms - such as neoprene (deep sea) and Mylar (outer space) - have also made their way onto the runway.

Fashion from the Extreme is the first large-scale exhibition of high fashion influenced by clothing made for survival in the most inhospitable environments on the planet — and off of it.

On view in Expedition are approximately 70 ensembles and accessories from MFIT’s permanent collection, as well as a compelling selection of objects borrowed from leading museums and private collections. These garments are presented within dramatically designed environments.

Interest in the natural world flourished during the Victorian era. Thanks to the pioneering works of explorers and naturalists such as Charles Darwin and the wildly popular science fiction books by Jules Verne, quests to reach the poles, the peaks of the highest mountains, the depths of the oceans, and even outer space, became increasingly popular, aspirational endeavors.

Alexander McQueen, dress, Plato’s Atlantis collection, Spring 2010, England, museum purchase. Photo: MFIT.

Expedition: Fashion from the Extreme illustrates the ways in which select items of clothing made for survival on such journeys of discovery eventually become modern wardrobe mainstays.

The parka, for example, was invented by indigenous Arctic peoples; then, during the “heroic era” of polar navigation (1890 to 1922), it was appropriated by explorers. Eventually, the parka was redesigned for sports and the military, before finally finding its way into leading fashion magazines.

Likewise tracing the progression from strictly utilitarian to fashionable, the exhibition presents an array of down-filled “puffer” coats — perfected for extreme mountain climbing — that includes opulent, high-fashion versions created strictly for show. Experimental, high-tech materials, such as neoprene and Mylar, initially developed for deep sea and outer space exploration, have also made their way onto the world’s most exclusive runways and into this exhibition.

The deep sea is the third environment in Expedition. A number of the fashions featured in this section refer to scuba diving and surfing, beholden to the early pioneers of deep sea exploration who sought to invent materials - such as neoprene - to keep them warm in the icy ocean depths. A range of garments made with this spongy, breathable material includes menswear by Junko Koshino, Versace, and Thom Browne, as well as women’s fashions by Donna Karan, Junya Watanabe, and Ohne Titel. Karl Lagerfeld’s sequined jacket for Chanel evokes the look and lines of this diving material.

The fourth and final environment of Expedition is a lunar landscape. The futuristic, astral moon setting is enlivened with an array of bright and light 1960s fashions by Parisian couturiers, such as Pierre Cardin, André Courrèges, and Paco Rabanne, and American designers, such as Betsey Johnson for Paraphernalia. Later space-inspired designs by Helmut Lang and Hussein Chalayan round out this section.

Opens Friday, September 15, 2017 - January 6, 2018 at Fashion Institute of Technology - State University of New York Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

SWEET CHARITY

JANET JACKSON AND BEYONCE'

Janet Jackson

Beyoncé

have been Houston visiting victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Jackson performed at the Toyota Center Saturday night, but arrived in Houston a day early in order to made an appearance at the George R. Brown Convention Center to visit those who are still sheltered at the downtown center.

The performer dedicated her concert to the victims of Harvey and said she will donate a portion of the proceeds to local flood relief efforts.

Beyoncé who brought along her daughter Blue Ivy, mother Tina Knowles-Lawson and Destiny's Child bandmate Michelle Williams visited St. John's Church in downtown Houston to meet with Harvey survivors.

St. John's is the childhood church of Beyoncé who is a Houston native. That church is where the singer performed her first solo.

Beyoncé recently launched BeyGOOD Houston, an initiative that works with local residents affected by the hurricane through Bread of Life, Inc. and Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Knowles-Lawson, Williams and rapper Ingrid, who is also from Houston, put on aprons and helped serve lunch to 400 evacuees who enjoyed a chicken and fish lunch with cobbler and brownies for dessert.

HAND IN HAND: A BENEFIT FOR HURRICANE HARVEY AND IRMA RELIEF a one-hour live telethon featuring musical performances, appearances, and messages from the entertainment industry’s leading talents, will be broadcast live September 12 on all major networks and will reply for West Coast viewers.

Among the stars announced to appear are Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, George Clooney, Karlie Kloss, Matt Lauer, Rob Lowe, Matthew McConaughey, Norah O'Donnell, Dennis Quaid, Julia Roberts, Kelly Rowland, Adam Sandler, Ryan Seacrest, Michael Strahan, Blake Shelton, Strait, and Reese Witherspoon, with additional talent to be announced.

Hand in Hand will be staged live from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, Times Square in New York and the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles.

The broadcast will also feature a special performance from country music star and Texas native George Strait, who will perform live from his benefit concert at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre.

Proceeds will benefit United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas, and The Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief (administered by the Greater Houston Community Fund) through the Hand in Hand Hurricane Relief Fund managed by Comic Relief USA.

THE FIVE FORMER LIVING PRESIDENTS Jimmy Carter, George H .W Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama, have announced that they have l come together to create the One America Appeal to raise money for storm recovery from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

The current president, Donald Trump, tweeted his support: “We will confront ANY challenge, no matter how strong the winds or high the water. I’m proud to stand with Presidents for #OneAmericaAppeal.”

Organizers said a special restricted account had been established through the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation to collect and quickly distribute donations. Officials said “100 cents out of every dollar” donated will help hurricane victims. All donations are tax-deductible.

The effort was launched with a public service announcement broadcast on NBC during the Thursday night kickoff of the NFL season.

"People are hurting down here," George W. Bush, a native Texan, said in the 30-second television spot. "But as one Texan put it, we've got more love in Texas than water."

Donations designated to help victims of Harvey will be distributed to the Houston Harvey Relief Fund and the Rebuild Texas Fund.

THE 3RD ANNUAL GRAMMY MUSEUM GALA will honor 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster. Taking place September 19, 2017 at The Novo in Los Angeles, Foster will receive the Architects of Sound Award in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to music.

The benefit will support the Museum's newly expanded music education programs, which were integrated with those of its sister organization, the Grammy Foundation, earlier this year.

The Gala will also recognize Nathan Strayhorn, the recipient of the 2017 Jane Ortner Education Award, which honors K-12 academic teachers who use music in the classroom as a powerful educational tool.

The Gala will begin with a dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering, followed by the award presentation and a tribute concert.

THE NAC GALA benefiting the National Youth and Education Trust. Investing in young Canadians through the performing arts, takes place Saturday, September 16, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The gala will star iconic Canadian superstar k. d. lang who takes to the Southam stage with her band, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Ingénue.

Patrons will start the evening with a spectacular welcome from their very own Alexander Shelley and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. After the concert, stay and party the night away. It’s being billed as "the music event of the season!"

Bonnie & John Buhler are Honorary Patrons. Gary Zed is the Committee Chair.

FROZEN GALA at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts takes place Friday, September 15, 2017.

The $500 tickets include a donation to DCPA Education.

A Pre-performance celebration takes place in the Seawell Ballroom followed by the performance at the Buell Theatre. The Post-show party includes a toast to the show.

Explore an icy wonderland in the Seawell Ballroom full of surprises for you and your guests. Sit down to an elegant dinner and drinks courtesy of Epicurean Catering until the show, when you'll be swept off to the best seats in the house. Inspired by the hit award-winning film, Frozen will feature more music, incredible stagecraft, and the epic story you love - all seen for the first time right here in the Mile High City. Be the first to toast the show at the post-show party back in the Seawell Ballroom. The Frozen company members have been invited to join the after-party.

Frozen attire fit for royalty is encouraged.

SPREADING THE WORD

THE PLACE TO HAVE BEEN LAST NIGHT September 9 was at Guild Hall in East Hampton, New York for a reading of the play Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? by Eric Bentley.

The Guild Hall readings always are worthy presentations, but this sold out event seemed to have a little more sparkle in the star power.

Lending their voices were lifetime Tony Award achievement winner James Earl Jones, Tony winner Matthew Broderick, Richard Kind, Peter Riegert, Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin, who will also directed.

The show debuted on Broadway in 1979 and centers on real witnesses who testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee of the 1950s, including director Elia Kazan, choreographer Jerome Robbins and actor José Ferrer.

Bentley turns 101 on September 14. The British-born American critic, playwright, singer, editor and translator was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1998

Beginning in 1953, Bentley taught at Columbia University and simultaneously was a theatre critic for The New Republic. Known for his blunt style of theatre criticism, Bentley incurred the wrath of playwrights Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, both of whom threatened to sue him for his unfavorable reviews of their work. From 1960–1961, Bentley was the Charles Eliot Norton Professor.

TATTOOED NOTES WITH HENRY HALE hear from Amy WInehouse's tattoo artist Henry Hate as he talks about his friendship with Amy and the tattoos he designed for her. Henry is the owner of Prick and established the studio 15 years ago. Henry has over 20 years experience in the industry. He'll be joined by two guitarists; Matt Jones of Beady Eye and Rob Holliday who has worked with The Prodigy, Marilyn Manson, The Mission, and Gary Human.

Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Jewish Museum in London.

PARADISE LOST having twice been to Sint Maarten, that area of the world has long been one of my favorite places to visit. The area is gorgeous; the residents so polite and friendly. Beautiful and relaxing. To have 70% of their infrastructure destroyed is mind bogglingly heartbreaking.

Sint Maarten is the Dutch controlled southern half of an island - the other half is Saint Martin, which is French.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 is National Chocolate Milkshake Day. Wednesday is National Peanut Day while Thursday is National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day. Friday is National Double Cheeseburger Day.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

HAMILTON has delayed its opening at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London from November 21 until December 6, leaving the 16,000 patrons who had already purchased tickets for shows slated for two weeks in November - unhappy.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced the decision on Friday, September 9, and blamed the delay on problems with building construction.

The producers said: “A large number of seats were held in reserve to be released at the time the building was nearing completion which will allow affected patrons to be reseated early in the run with a minimum of inconvenience.”

FOR ONLY THE 6th TIME IN ITS HISTORY Disneyland closed a theme park. That took place Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, thanks to the approach of Hurricane Irma.

Other entertainment parks bowed to Irma by locking up were Legoland, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island.

Most of the attractions will remain closed through Monday, depending on how the wind blows.



SAN FRANCISCO OPERA DIRECTOR NICOLA LUISOTTI in his ninth and final year on the podium - received the San Francisco Opera Medal, the company’s highest honor, for his musical achievements. The presentation took place during the 95th annual Opera Ball on September 8, 2017, which is the Opera’s main fundraiser each year, supporting music education to 60,000 schoolchildren annually.

In accepting the award Luisotti told the crowd of 3,000: “The world is full of stupid things. Music fills our lives and souls so deeply.”

The Italian born Luisotti's final Opera Gala performance is guiding Puccini’s Chinese-themed Turandot. Performances take place September 12, 15, 21, 24 and 30, 2017.

Luisotti led the 100th-anniversary performances of La fanciulla del West at the Metropolitan Opera and was presented with the Premio Puccini Prize by the Fondazione Festival Puccini. He served as music director of the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples from February 2012 to December 2014. He served as principal guest conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra from April 2009 to the spring of 2012.



THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne’s magical Double Olivier Award-winning adaptation of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film and the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.

Directed and Choreographed by Matthew Bourne.

Music by Bernard Herrmann.

Arrangements by Terry Davies.

Featuring: Sam Archer, Steph Billers, Will Bozier, Cordelia Braithwaite, Jackson Fisch Marcelo Gomes, Glenn Graham, Joshua Harriette, Jack Jones, Nicole Kabera, Daisy May Kemp, Philip King, Dominic Lamb, Katrina Lyndon, Kate Lyons, Michela Meazza, Anjali Mehra, Andrew Monaghan, Leon Moran, Liam Mower, Dominic North, Danny Reubens, Ashley Shaw, Joe Walkling, Katie Webb, and Seren Williams.

A beloved fairytale and Academy Award -winning movie, The Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its tale of obsession, possession, and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men who inspire her passion.

An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes promises to "dazzle your senses and break your heart."

This American premiere is set to a new score arranged by Terry Davies using the mesmerizing music of golden-age Hollywood composer, Bernard Herrmann whose work ranges from the witty and playfully robust to the achingly romantic and bittersweet.

Designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting), and Paul Groothuis (sound).

American premiere September 15 – October 1, 2017 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

GREY NOMAD by Australian playwright Dan Lee.

Directed by Iain Sinclair.

Two couples, a wet T-shirt competition - and one vast country. As a growing number of Australian retirees choose to continuously circumnavigate the world’s largest island in their caravans and RVs, a new comedy captures their unique spirit and sense of camaraderie.

David Ross Paterson stars as Jim, who has waited his whole working life for this. He’s bought the camper and the folding chairs, packed the fishing gear and the BBQ; and the only question that now remains is which direction — clockwise or counter-clockwise? Jim’s wife, Helen (Ros Gentle), is not quite as sure about just up and leaving her family and the life she spent so long creating. When the couple suddenly finds themselves traveling the same circuit as “glampers” Tim (Paul Tassone) and his wild American wife, Val (Wendy Hammers), Jim just can’t relax. But for Helen, a whole new world of possibilities opens up.

The creative team for Grey Nomad includes scenic designer Se Oh, lighting designer Jared A. Sayeg, sound designer Cricket S. Myers and costume designer Kate Bergh. Jackie Diamond, Nick Hardcastle, Nate Jones and Joshua Thorburn produce for Australian Theatre Company.

L.A.’s Australian Theatre Company presents this world premiere in a visiting production at the Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles. Grey Nomad opens on Monday, September 11, 2017 and continues through October 8, 2017.

NATIVE GARDENS by Karen Zacarias.

Directed by Blake Robison who is the Artistic Director of Cincinnati Playhouse.

Reprising their roles from the celebrated Guthrie Theater run, and making their Arena Stage debuts, are Jacqueline Correa as Tania Del Valle, Dan Domingues as Pablo Del Valle, Steve Hendrickson as Frank Butley and Sally Wingert as Virginia Butley.

Good fences make good neighbors...right? From the outrageous mind of playwright Karen Zacarías) comes this hot new comedy about the clash of class and culture that pushes well-meaning neighbors over the edge. Tania, a very pregnant Ph.D. candidate, and Pablo, her rising attorney husband, move next door to Virginia and Frank, a deep-rooted D.C. couple with an impeccably trimmed backyard. But when a questionable fence line puts a prize-worthy garden in jeopardy, neighborly rivalry escalates into an all-out border dispute, challenging everyone's notions of race, privilege and where to draw the line on good taste.

Reprising their roles from the celebrated Guthrie Theater run and making their Arena Stage debuts are Jacqueline Correa as Tania Del Valle, Dan Domingues as Pablo Del Valle, Steve Hendrickson as Frank Butley and Sally Wingert as Virginia Butley. Joining the company for the D.C. run are Guadalupe Campos, Oscar Ceville, Javier del Pilar and Christopher Rios as supplemental extras.

The creative team for Native Gardens includes Scenic Designer Joseph Tilford, Costume Designer Kara Harmon, Lighting Designer Xavier Pierce, Sound Designer Scott W. Edwards, Dramaturg Jo Holcomb and Vocal Coach Anita Maynard-Losh.

Native Gardens is a co-production of Arena Stage with Guthrie Theater and runs September 15-October 22, 2017 in the Kreeger Theater, Washington, DC.

WINGS by Arthur Kopit.

Directed by Natalie Abrahami.

Wings is a 1978 play by American playwright Arthur Kopit. Originating as a radio play, it was later adapted for stage and screen. In 1976, Kopit was commissioned to write an original radio play by the NPR drama project Earplay. Just prior, his father suffered a debilitating stroke, which inspired Kopit to write the play about the language disorder and psychological perspective of a stroke victim. The female character of the play is an amalgam of two women who were both patients at the rehab center that cared for his father.

Starring Julie Stevenson.

Design Michael Levine. Costume Holly Waddington. Lighting by Guy Hoare. Sound by Gareth Fry. Projections by Will Duke. Movement by Anna Morrissey. Casting Julia Horan CDG.

September 14-October 28, 2017 at The Young Vic in London.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare. Adapted by Barbara Gaines, with additional dialogue by Ron West.

Directed by Barbara Gaines.

Shakespeare’s comic battle of the sexes, here played with an all-female company in a production and framed as a performance by a group of suffragettes in 1919 on the eve of the passing of the 19th Amendment.

At the Courtyard Theater in Chicago September 16 - November 12, 2017.

HEAD OF PASSES by Genius Grant winner Tarell Alvin McCraney.

Directed by Tina Landau.

At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Shelah’s family and friends have come to celebrate her birthday and save her from a leaking roof. But in this contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job, unexpected events turn the reunion into the ultimate test of faith and love. As her world seems to collapse around her, Shelah (Rashad) must fight to survive the rising flood of life’s greatest challenges in this poetic and piercing new play.

Featuring Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad with Alana Arenas, Francois Battiste, Kyle Beltran, J. Bernard Calloway, James Carpenter, John Earl Jelks, and Jacqueline Williams.

The creatives include: G.W. Mercier (scenic design), Toni-Leslie James (costume design), Jeff Croiter, (lighting design), Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound design).

September 13 – October 22, 2017 at the Mark Taper in Los Angeles.

THE UNKNOWN ISLAND written by José Saramago.

Directed by Ellen McDougall.

Clare Slater is the Dramaturg.

We want to tell you a story
We want to take you on a journey
We want everything to be different

"This is an adaptation of José Saramago's inventive and beautiful short story, The Tale of The Unknown Island. It's a story about getting stuck, about trying to escape, about shooting for the moon, about going further than the furthest thing. It's a story about finding something you didn't think you needed."

September 11 - October 7, 2017 at The Gate in Notting Hill, London.

MARY JANE written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Amy Herzog.

Directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman.

During a rain-drenched summer in New York City, an indefatigable single mother navigates the mundane, shattering and sublime aspects of caring for a chronically sick child.

The cast of will feature 2017 Emmy nominee Carrie Coon as Mary Jane;, Liza Colón-Zayas as Sherrie/Dr. Toros; Danaya Esperanza as Amelia/Kat; Susan Pourfar as Brianne/Chaya; and Brenda Wehle as Ruthie/Tenkei.

Scenic design by Laura Jellinek, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Leah Gelpe. Lisa Chernoff will serve as the Stage Manager.

In previews, Mary Jane officially opens September 25, 2017 at New York Theatre Workshop playing through October 15, 2017.

WHO'S WHERE

ITZHAK PERLMAN'S CINEMA SERENADE a compilation of his favorite movie themes from the past half-century starring Itzhak Perlman backed by the NAC Orchestra conducted by Alexander Shelley. If you've seen the movie Schindler's List, you've heard the virtuoso violin of Itzhak Perlman. Also on the program will be R. Strauss Suite from Der Rosenkavalier and Ravel's La valse. September 13-14, 2017 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada. By the way did you know that Perlman's antique Soil Stradivarius violin was made in 1714, and was once own by violin legend Yehudi Menuhin.

AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA in Washington, DC presents Respect: The Music of Aretha Franklin on September 16, 2017 at Arena Stage. 18 Grammys, 75-million records sold, one incomparable artist – Aretha Franklin. Celebrate the music of Ms. Franklin in a concert that highlights some of the greatest hits of her career, featuring Michelle Williams, Ariana Debose, Bria Skonberg, Moya Angela, and Nova Payton.

ETHAN BORTNICK the teen-age singer/songwriter who has cross-generational appeal made history at the Las Vegas Hilton on July 22-23, 2011 as the youngest headliner ever in Las Vegas. He was 10-years-old. Ethan was slated to perform today, Sunday, September 10 at the Fine Arts Hall in Gainesville, Fl, which has been cancelled due to Hurricane Irma. Next Saturday he opens a two nighter at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

STEVE MARTIN, MARTIN SHORT and the Stone Canyon Band in the spotlight Saturday, September 16, at the PNC Pavilion at Riverbend in Cincinnati, OH.

LADY GAGA headlines Rock in Rio on Friday, September 15, at Rock City in Rio De Janeiro.

GREEN DAY headlines the Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM on Monday, September 11. Wednesday's show is in Chula Vista, CA at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre. On Saturday the tour stops in Pasadena, CA at the Rose Bowl.

PAUL McCARTNEY will perform for the first time at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Monday, September 11, 2017. He'll then perform at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

FINAL OVATION

WALKTER CARL BECKER musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of Steely Dan died September 3, 2017 from an undisclosed illness. He was 67.

Becker met his long-time musical partner, Donald Fagen, while attending Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Pretzel Logic (1974) was the first Steely Dan album to feature Becker on guitar.

He is survived by his wife Elinor, a yoga teacher, and their two children.

Neil Portnow President/CEO of the Recording Academy issued the following statement: "With Steely Dan partner Donald Fagen, Walter Becker created some of the smartest, most artful rock to ever hit the charts. Brimming with irony and filed in with brush strokes of jazz and R&B, three of the group's albums - 1977's Aja, 1980's Gaucho, and 2000's Two Against Nature - were nominated for the Album Of The Year Grammy, with the latter winning the award. Walter and Steely Dan set the standard for sophisticated progressive pop, and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues."

NOVELLA NELSON who earned more than 100 Broadway, off-Broadway and cabaret credits died September 1, 2017. She was 77.

Starting in 1961, Nelson had a decades-long stage career, performing, directing and producing, primarily in New York. She was a featured performer on Broadway in 1970 in the musical Purlie. During the 1970s she spent several years for Pearl Bailey in Hello, Dolly!

In 1975, Nelson directed the play La Femme Noire at The Public Theater. Her film career began at age 39 with a small part in 1977's An Unmarried Woman, and continued for the next several decades with roles in movies and television.

Nelson was honored last year by New York’s New Federal Theater for her contribution to African-American theater and film.

TROY GENTRY best known as part of the popular country music duo Montgomery Gentry, was killed in a helicopter crash that occurred just outside a Medford, New Jersey venue where the band was scheduled to play that evening, Friday, September 8, 2017. He was 50.

That Montgomery Gentry concert at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford was canceled an hour after the crash.

They also had a September 10 gig at the Wayne County Fair in Wooster, OH.

Gentry and the group have performed together since the 1990s and officially formed Montgomery Gentry in 1999. The duo is best known for their singles My Town, Daddy Won’t Sell The Farm and Gone.

In 2009 Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery were inducted into the The Grand Ole Opry He is survived by his wife Angie Gentry whom he wed in 1999 and their two children Kaylee and Taylor.

DON WILLIAMS an American country singer, songwriter, and 2010 inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame died September 8, 2017 after a short battle with emphysema. He was 78.

He began his solo career in 1971, singing popular ballads and amassing 17 number one country hits.

He was named male vocalist of the year by the Country Music Association in 1978.

Williams is survived by his wife Joy Bucher whom hemarried in 1960; their two sons, Gary and Timmy; three granddaughters; and one grandson.

MORRIS ELLIS famed trombonist died September 1, 2017 at his home in Beverly, Illinois. . He was 88 and had Parkinson’s disease.

In a long career as a trombonist and band leader, he played with Tony Bennett, Count Basie, Natalie Cole, Curtis Mayfield, Sammy Davis Jr., Gladys Knight, Donny Hathaway, Stan Getz, Lou Rawls, Sarah Vaughan, Ramsey Lewis, Jerry Butler, the Chi-Lites, Peabo Bryson, Joe Williams and Vic Damone.

He learned to play as a child and came from a prominent Chicago jazz family. His brother Jimmy and niece Diane Ellis became acclaimed saxophonists. On June 14, 2017 at the University of Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts, more than 30 musicians played a benefit for Diane a year after she suffered a stroke while performing on stage.

Morris Ellis formed his own orchestra which featured 11 to 16 pieces and performed at many society events.

The Morris Ellis Orchestra performed Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man at the inauguration of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington.

Although Ellis retired several years ago het continued to stage free summertime concerts in his backyard that drew as many as 180 guests to dance to Big Band standards. The most recent was on Aug. 30, 2017. He died two days later, according to the Chicago SunTimes.

He is survived Linda Ellis, his wife of 28 years, his daughter Shari, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His first wife, Barbara, died before him, as did his daughter Nicole, son Morris II, sister Martha and brothers Fred and Curt.

Next Column: September 17, 2017
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Laura Deni

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