Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: September 29, 2024
By: Laura Deni
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FISK JUBILEE SINGERS INSPIRE MUSICAL JUBILEE

The Fisk Jubilee Singers of 1875. Photo: Wikipedia

Created and directed by Emmy nominated Tazewell Thompson, Jubilee tells the story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Beloved Spirituals. Enduring Legacies.

They performed before Ulysses S. Grant and FDR. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are an African-American a cappella ensemble, consisting of students at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. The first group was organized in 1871 to tour and raise funds for college.

Fisk University opened in Nashville in 1866 as the first American university to offer a liberal arts education to "young men and women irrespective of color." Five years later the school was in dire financial straits.

George L. White, Fisk treasurer and music professor then, created a nine-member choral ensemble of students and took it on tour to earn money for the University. The group left campus on October 6, 1871. Jubilee Day is celebrated annually on October 6 to commemorate this historic day.

The first concerts were in small towns. Surprise, curiosity, and some hostility were the early audience response to these young black singers who did not perform in the traditional "minstrel fashion."

One early concert in Cincinnati brought in $50, which was promptly donated to victims of the notorious 1871 fire in Chicago. When they reached Columbus, the next city on tour, the students were physically and emotionally drained. Mr. White, in a gesture of hope and encouragement, named them “The Jubilee Singers,” a Biblical reference to the year of Jubilee in the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 25.

Continued perseverance and beautiful voices began to change attitudes among the predominantly white audiences. Eventually skepticism was replaced by standing ovations and critical praise in reviews. Gradually they earned enough money to cover expenses and send back to Fisk.

In 1872 they sang at the World Peace Festival in Boston and at the end of the year President Ulysses S. Grant invited them to perform at the White House.

In 1873 the group grew to eleven members and toured Europe for the first time. Funds raised that year were used to construct the school’s first permanent building, Jubilee Hall. Today Jubilee Hall, designated a National Historic Landmark by the US Department of Interior in 1975, is one of the oldest structures on campus. The beautiful Victorian Gothic building houses a floor-to-ceiling portrait of the original Jubilee Singers, commissioned by Queen Victoria during the 1873 tour as a gift from England to Fisk.

In 1999, the Fisk Jubilee Singers were featured in The American Experience, a PBS award-winning television documentary series in a program titled "Singers: Sacrifice and Glory." More recently, the Tennessee Arts Commission used its American Masterpieces funds from the National Endowment for the Arts to produce a detailed teacher's guide focusing on the important history of the Fisk Jublilee Singers and the African American spiritual. The educational guide, with accompanying CD and DVD titled "The Fisk Jubilee Singers: Singing Our Song," has been distributed to more than 1,700 schools in Tennessee.

In July 2007 at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy, the Fisk Jubilee Singers traveled to Ghana for the first time and joined the Ghanaians in celebrating their nation's 50th anniversary of independence.

The Singers have performed with Danny Glover, Hank Williams Jr., Faith Hill, and Shania Twain.

Dr. G. Preston Wilson, Jr., is their current director.

Tazewell Thompson. Photo: Tazewell Thompson website.

Thompson,77, the former artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse who also served as assistant director at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., is the Director of Opera Studies at Manhattan School of Music. He is the creator and director of Jubilee. He began learning about African-American spirituals in his youth:

"I listened and loved it all: the abundant fund of compelling, addictive, syncopated melody; personally lived storytelling. Songs that are spare, precise, emotionally soaring, gut-wrenching, heartfelt and heartbreaking. Themes of pride, fear, faith, courage, loss, renewal, joy, celebration and community.

"I listened and loved it all: the abundant fund of compelling, addictive, syncopated melody; personally lived storytelling," he first told Opera. "Songs that are spare, precise, emotionally soaring, gut-wrenching, heartfelt and heartbreaking. Themes of pride, fear, faith, courage, loss, renewal, joy, celebration and community."

A world premiere opera tells their story. Not long after Emancipation and the end of the Civil War, the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers came together and changed music forever. Telling the story of the ensemble's early members, this opera—which includes over 40 African American spirituals—follows them on their first tours, raising funds for the fledgling Fisk University and spreading their music around the world. From threats of violence to a pivotal performance for Queen Victoria, the singers share their personal histories through powerful vignettes full of humor, heartbreak, and hope.

Featuring an enduring storyline by Thompson, Jubilee showcases 13 singers performing newly orchestrated spirituals such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Balm In Gilead," "Deep River," "Go Down, Moses," "On Ma Journey Now," "Wade In The Water," "Steal Away," "Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel," and many more. Originally conceived, written, and performed by enslaved peoples these powerful and popular pieces have been an integral part of American music throughout history.

Featured are Tiffany Townsend as America Robinson, Aundi Marie Moore as Maggie Porter, Sarah Joyce Cooper as Minnie Tate, Ibidunni Ojikutu as Mabel Lewis, Hannah Jones as Jennie Jackson, Natalie Lewis as Georgia Gordon, Lisa Arrindell as Ella Sheppard, Tyrone Chambers II as Isaac Dickerson, Martin Luther Clark as Frederick Loudin and Greg Watkins as Benjamin Holmes.

In English with English subtitles.

The Seattle Opera presentation of Jubilee, on stage October 12-26 at McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington.

Synopsis Translations available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Tagalog, and Somali.

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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

MIKE KELLEY: GHOST AND SPIRIT

Eviscerated Corpse 1989 The Art Institute of Chicago. Photo: Tate Modern

at Tate Modern in London holds a press preview on October 1 with the official public opening on October 3, 2024.

This will be the first major UK survey exhibition of American artist Mike Kelley (1954–2012). Kelley’s influential and experimental practice ranged from drawings and collages to videos, performances and multimedia installations to create a kind of "dark pop art".

From the late 1970s to 2012, Kelley made a diverse body of work using drawing, collage, performance, found objects, and video.

Spanning Kelley’s entire career, the exhibition features his breakthrough 'craft' sculptures made from textile and plush toys through to his multi-media installations such as Day Is Done.

Drawing on references from popular and underground culture, literature, and philosophy, Kelley explores how the roles we play in society are entangled with historical fact and imaginary characters from the films and images we consume.

Discover the elaborate, provocative and imaginary worlds created by experimental artist Mike Kelley.

Over a decade since he was found dead in his bathtub of his home in South Pasadena, California, Kelley’s reflections on identity and memory continue to resonate.

Organized by Tate Modern in collaboration with Bourse de Commerce, Paris, K21, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Dusseldorf and Moderna Museet, Stockholm.

Michael Kelley was an American artist whose work involved found objects, textile banners, drawings, assemblage, collage, performance, photography, sound and video. He also worked on curatorial projects; collaborated with many other artists and musicians; and left a formidable body of critical and creative writing.

He is regarded as one of the most influential members of the Conceptual Art movement.

On display through March 9, 2025.

CHURCHILL LECTURE Join Professor Turi King for her Churchill Lecture about "cracking one of the biggest forensic DNA cases in history" – the identification of the remains of King Richard III. Turi will share the American and UK side of her discoveries and the importance of museum work, alongside her findings.

October 15, 2024 at the American Museum and Gardens in Bath, England.

UNVEILED: DRESS OF THE YEAR 2023

Dress of the year selections: Womenswear: Simone Rocha and Menswear: Bianca Saunders. Photo: The Fashion Museum

as the 60th anniversary of Dress of the Year with the announcement of two outstanding outfits joining The Fashion Museum's collection.

Chosen by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, the pieces celebrate British fashion talent: a stunning silk, tulle, and sequin gown by Simone Rocha and a vibrant printed cotton menswear ensemble by Bianca Saunders.

"Each year we work with an industry expert to select a standout design to capture the fashion trends and mood of the past year."

"Caroline Rush's selection of Bianca Saunders and Simone Rocha for the 2023 Dress of the Year highlights the exceptional creative talent emerging from the UK. As alumni of the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN scheme, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, their designs showcase the diversity and strength of British fashion."

Womenswear: Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha’s delicate silk and tulle gown, embroidered with large green sequinned daisies, stunned on the runway as part of her Spring/Summer 2023 collection.

A reaction to 'distress, digging deep, and digging the earth', the collection was 'very much harnessing a feeling' and saw feminine ruffles juxtaposed with utility-style strapping and Rocha’s signature floral embroidery.

Menswear: Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders’ bold menswear look of a colorful belted coat, shirt and twisted seam trousers was specially commissioned for The Missing Thread: Untold Stories of Black British Fashion exhibition at Somerset House in 2023

Inspired by the work of Trinidadian textile artist Althea McNish (1924-2020), one of the first designers of African-Caribbean descent to receive international recognition, Saunders created the three-piece ensemble using her own screen-printed design featuring the natural scenes and plants found near her home in southeast London.

On display at The Fashion Museum in Bath, England.

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SWEET CHARITY

ANNUAL NEW YORK POPS POPSED FUNDRAISER takes place Monday, October 7 at 54 Below in New York City.

Featuring Matt Doyle and Max Clayton. This event is a rare opportunity to see Matt Doyle and Max Clayton share the stage as they sing songs from their illustrious careers including material from Company; Crazy For You; The Music Man, and Spring Awakening.

Max was most recently seen on Broadway in Chicago, and Matt is a Tony Award winner for his performance in the revival of Company.

"Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke will serve as host, and guests will enjoy a three-course meal with wine pairings during Matt and Max's performance. We will also be joined by The PopsEd Alumni Ensemble as our opening act."

All proceeds from The New York Pops Underground support their PopsEd music education programs. This is their only fundraiser dedicated solely to PopsEd, and they count on your support to provide students life-changing music education experiences.

SPREADING THE WORD

PRINCE HARRY

Prince Harry and Jimmy Fallon at Fallon's "Tonightmares" haunted maze. Photo: NBC.

screaming and cursing his way through Jimmy Fallon's Tonightmares featuring 10 frightening rooms based on the Tonight Show host's nightmares. The segment featuring Harry making his way through the haunted Halloween maze aired on Fallon's late night show Thursday, September 26, 2024, rivaling publicity his participation in charitable events garnered during his current New York City trip.

Those serious events included the The HALO Trust, The Diana Awards, Travalyst and introduced The Archewell Foundation Parents Network at the Clinton Global Initiative on Tuesday, September 24.

No stranger to American late night talk shows Harry has previously guested on the respective shows of James Corden and Stephen Colbert.

Harry's early Halloween celebration was a highly successful promotion for Fallon's spooky immersive attraction which opened Friday, September 20, and will run select nights through October 31 at New York City's Rockefeller Plaza.

Interesting was that most of the ghoulish characters scaring Harry didn't immediately recognize him.

While in The Big Apple Harry also spent some time at a tattoo parlor - no tattoo - rather "a promotional stunt he's filming for a project."

FIRST ROUND OF GRAMMY VOTING opens Friday, October 4, 2024, when Recording Academy Voting Members will determine the nominees for the 2025 Grammy's.

From July 17, 2024 to August 30, 2024, Media Companies and Recording Members submit recordings and music videos/films released between September 16, 2023 and August 30, 2024 for Grammy consideration.

If it wasn't formally submitted, it will not be considered for the 2025 Grammys.

The Recording Academy Awards Department and genre screening committees manually review all entries and ensure they are in the appropriate categories. The purpose of genre screening committees is not to make artistic or technical judgements about the recordings, but rather to ensure each entry is eligible and placed in its proper category.

From October 4 - October 15, 2024, Recording Academy Voting members will participate in First Round Voting to determine the official Grammy nominees. To ensure the quality of Grammy voting, members are directed to vote only in their areas of expertise.

To maintain integrity in the voting process, ballots are collected and tabulated by the independent accounting firm Deloitte.

The top 5 finalists in each category are nominated for a Grammy Award, except for the General Field Categories of Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist, where the top 8 finalists are the nominees.

THE UNAUTHORIZED JIM'S STEAKOUT MUSICAL a musical about chicken fingers and the people who love them.

This is the latest Alleyworks Development Series production: In this new musical, six strangers stumble into a Jim's during a "once in a generation storm." What happens next is something only the imaginations of Justin Karcher and Steven Edward can dream up.

This new musical will receive readings, workshops, and development support throughout the year from Alleyway's Alleyworks Development Series. Alleyway Theatre, Inc. prides itself as Buffalo's home for new plays.

THE PECCADILLO THEATER COMPANY In association with Burke-Cohen Entertainment presents a one-night-only-reading of Squeaky an autobiographical comedy by Jeff Cohen, directed by Dan Wackerman featuring an award winning cast: Craig Bierko, Latanya Richardson Jackson, Dan Jenkins and Harris Yulin.

Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen "has penned an audacious autobiographical comedy about his eccentric father, Stan “Squeaky” Cohen - the man who was banned from every Old Country Buffet in metro Baltimore. Squeaky lives in Baltimore’s most crime-ridden neighborhood in a ramshackle house that is a city inspection away from being condemned. His son Jeff, a writer living in New York, finds himself battling his older brother Rob - a charmer with a felonious past for drug trafficking - over what is best for their father. Jeff is forced to reckon with childhood events he’s spent a lifetime trying to forget. At its core, Squeaky is about wrestling with end-of-life issues while maintaining your sense of humor."

Monday, October 7 at 7:00 pm at Theatre at St. Clements, New York City.

RUFUS NORRIS 59, has announced that this is his last season directing the National Theatre in London.

His final season will include 9 productions opening in 2025, including 4 world premieres.

He has led the company for a decade "creating a lasting impact for generations to come."

JAPAN SOCIETY OF NEW YORK presents National Bunraku Theater, in New York City for the first time in 32 years. Starring a full roster of 14 master puppeteers and musicians, this program features two major climaxes from bunraku repertoire: The Fire Watchtower scene from Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (Oshichi, the Greengrocer’s Daughter), depicting a woman’s desperate act to save her lover, and The Forest by the Tenjin Shrine scene from Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), one of the most influential works written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725), often referred to as Japan's Shakespeare.

The program also includes an intimate puppetry demonstration, in which puppeteers describe and showcase the unique components of bunraku theater for American audiences, such as its globally influential three-person puppet manipulation technique. Evening performances will be preceded by a lecture on bunraku, presented by Hunter College Professor Claudia Orenstein. A separate workshop will also be held to provide a closer look at bunraku puppetry and give participants an opportunity to operate puppets themselves. with four performances only taking place Thursday, October 3 through Saturday, October 5 at Japan Society in New York City.

ANNE, THE PRINCESS ROYAL President, UK Fashion and Textile Association, will visit The SIL Group's Fibre Processing Mill at Ladywell Millson October 1, 2024.

Formed in 1970, The SIL Group is a family-owned business specializing in sourcing natural fibers from worldwide origin markets and selling them to a full spectrum of clients who are involved in processing, manufacturing and tailoring the finest fabrics or finished garments.

Their group business partners, in particular Seal International, their fibers division specializing in cashmere and mohair and Stanley Mills Weavers recognized as one of the finest weavers of luxury cloths producing worsted suiting cloth and woolen jacketing and coating. They have an enviable reputation as only a handful of specialist weavers of fine mohair fabrics recognized around the world.

CATHERINE, THE PRINCESS OF WALES

Giselle at Sadler's Wells. Photo: Sadler's Wells.

made an under the radar appearance at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London last Thursday to attend a matinee performance of the English National Ballet's production of Akram Kham's ballet Giselle.

Kate later praised the performance on The Prince and Princess of Wales @KensingtonRoyal, official Kensington Palace channels:

"Congratulations and thank you to @ENBallet and @Sadlers_Wells for the wonderfully powerful, moving and inspiring performance of Akram Khan's Giselle," she wrote, signing off: "Creativity at its best! C."

English National Ballet @ENBallet posted back: "Thank you so much for attending. We're incredibly proud of our team and cast who poured their hearts into Akram Khan's Giselle. Your words are a beautiful affirmation of our work. We hope to see you again soon."

Akram Khan's Giselle returned to Sadler's Wells Theatre for the first time in five years.

Khan's re-imagined Giselle: As the curtain rises, dancers in shadow push against a forbidding wall. From that moment on, this ground-breaking production stuns with powerful images. Mesmerising choreography, atmospheric lighting by Mark Henderson and a towering set by Academy Award-winner Tim Yip conjure up a condemned factory and the vengeful ghosts that appear in its shadows.

The ominous score by Vincenzo Lamagna – adapted from the original by Adolphe Adam and performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic – intensifies the story’s emotional impact."

The piece had its London debut in 1842 and was seen by Queen Victoria that same year, with the monarch noting in her journal that it was a "very pretty" performance.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT INC. has announced it will build a new 50,000-capacity outdoor stadium at Toronto’s Downsview Park, which would be the country's biggest purpose built concert venue. It is expected to open as soon as summer 2025. The venue is termed " temporary" with an operational lifespan of approximately five years.

To be named Rogers Stadium, it will be built on lands owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board’s Northcrest Developments, which is leading a decades-long redevelopment of the 520-acre Downsview site with a neighboring landowner, the federal crown corporation Canada Lands Co.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by representatives from the promoter along with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Details were provided on how Rogers Stadium will distinguish itself as a major attraction in Toronto, featuring a unique horseshoe-like structure with seating that can be reconfigured to suit the varying demands of large-scale concerts and events. Operating annually from June through September, the venue plans to host between 12 to 15 major concerts each year, attracting top-tier international artists.

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TONY WINNER CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY has been named Roundabout's new Artistic Director.

Ashley succeeds interim Artistic Director Scott Ellis, who stepped into the role after the death of Todd Haimes. In honor of Haimes the Roundabout has changed the name to the Todd Haimes Theatre, in honor and memory of the company's late artistic director who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 66.

Ashley's appointment takes affect July 2026.

Ashley has spent the last 17 years as artistic director of California's La Jolla Playhouse.

BILLIE JEAN KING legendary tennis player and women’s rights advocate has become the first individual female athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

The award honored the 80-year-old’s trailblazing achievements both on and off the court and recognized a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society."

"The bipartisan legislation passed through the US Senate and House of Representatives before President Joe Biden signed it into law on Thursday," read the release.

Nine individual athletes, as well as the 1980 US Olympic team, had previously been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal which is Congress’ most prestigious way of recognizing someone’s achievements. Until King, all those individuals had been men with the likes of Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson and Jack Nicklaus all being presented with the award.

THE EARTH SHOT PRIZE FINALISTS The finalists’ come from five key Earthshot goals: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate.

The finalists are:
Protect and Restore Nature category:
Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, Ecuador: An alliance of 30 indigenous nations protecting 86 million acres of critical rainforest, advocating for a regenerative bioeconomy.

NatureMetrics, UK: A global intelligence startup specializing in environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, aiming to make biodiversity monitoring accessible.

Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative, Kazakhstan: An organization achieving the rapid recovery of endangered large animals.

Clean Our Air category:
GAYO Ghana: A youth-led organization implementing a “zero waste model” to improve waste management practices across Africa, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and pollution while generating income for communities.

d.light, Pan-Africa: A successful company providing affordable solar home systems, poised to transform the lives of one billion people by replacing polluting kerosene lamps.

MYCL, Indonesia: A company addressing crop-waste burning and harmful leather production, both major sources of air pollution.

Revive Our Oceans category:
High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Global: A coalition of 119 countries aiming to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030, identifying gaps in technical and financial support.

MiAlgae, UK: A company offering a circular economy solution for sourcing marine Omega-3s without depleting wild fish stocks.

Coast 4C, Philippines: A social enterprise focused on building the largest supply of regenerative seaweed, aiding marginalized fishing communities.

Build a Waste-Free World category:
Natural Fiber Welding, USA: A company creating biodegradable fibers to replace plastics across various industries.

Ferment’Up, France: A company upcycling food waste into nutritious ingredients through dry fermentation, drastically reducing carbon emissions.

Keep It Cool, Kenya: A business addressing cold-chain logistics across Africa with solar-powered refrigeration solutions, reducing post-harvest waste.

For the Fix Our Climate category, finalists include:
Equatic, USA: An early-stage company using seawater electrolysis to remove carbon dioxide from the ocean at unprecedented rates.

Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems, USA: A company converting industrial heat waste into electricity.

Build Up Nepal, Nepal: A social enterprise creating earthquake-resilient bricks with significantly lower carbon emissions.

The five winners will be chosen by Prince William and members of the esteemed Earthshot Prize Council, including Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Cate Blanchett, Sir David Attenborough, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The winners of the 2024 Earthshot Prize will be revealed at the fourth Earthshot Prize Awards on November 6 in Cape Town, South Africa. This event, part of Earthshot Week, will gather global leaders, investors, and NGOs to explore opportunities with the finalists and winners.

In addition to the £1 million prizes, each finalist will receive dedicated mentorship, resources, and technical support through the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Program, providing access to a network of businesses, investors, and climate experts, as well as Launchpad, Earthshot’s innovative finance platform to help scale proven environmental solutions.

This year’s 15 finalists were selected from nearly 2,500 entries across 139 countries—the largest pool of applicants in the prize’s history.



MACBETH by William Shakespeare. Composer & Musical Director Alasdair Macrae.

Directed by Max Webster.

David Tennant and Cush Jumbo return to their landmark performances in Shakespeare’s most extraordinary psychological drama.

Unsettling intimacy and brutal action combine at breakneck speed as Max Webster directs the tale of love, murder, and nature’s power of renewal. Groundbreaking sound design and live Celtic folk music (all played through lightweight headphones provided) immerse the audience in every whisper, cry and thought.

Cast: Moyo Akandé, Annie Grace, Brian James O’Sullivan, Cush Jumbo, Casper Knopf, Cal MacAninch, Kathleen MacInnes, Alasdair Macrae, Rona Morison, Noof Ousellam, Raffi Phillips, Jatinder Singh Randhawa, David Tennant, Ros Watt and Benny Young.

The creatives are: Designer Rosanna Vize. Lighting Designer Bruno Poet. Sound Designer Gareth Fry. Movement Director Shelley Maxwell. Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown of Rc-Annie Ltd. Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG.

Featuring the original company of the sold out Donmar Warehouse season, this unforgettable staging plays a strictly limited run at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London from October 1, 2024.

HEADING INTO NIGHT: A CLOWN PLAY ABOUT ... [FORGETTING] by Cirque du Soleil clown Daniel Passer and award-winning director Beth F. Milles.

Directed by Beth F. Milles.

Performed by Daniel Passer. Also featuring actor Peter Mark and musician Redfield Clipper Mills.

Longtime collaborators, Milles and Passer devised and developed this interactive piece as an investigation into the work being done at kinder, gentler care dementia villages based on Hogeweyk, an eldercare facility in the Netherlands where people facing cognitive loss are nurtured in a community. Preparing for the work, the two delved into cognitive science research about repetition, connecting the mental looping characteristic of cognitive loss with clowning and commedia dell’arte theater.

"Clowning is often built on repetition, so this seemed a very organic connection," says Milles. "There is nothing less certain than not knowing. And there is a mystical, tenuous fragility in the state of losing one’s place, as well as an audacious power in just 'being.' This work is focused on the joy of rediscovery."

Heading Into Night premiered at The Cherry Arts in Ithaca, New York, where Milles is a member of the acting and directing faculty at Cornell University. As a director and theater creator, she specializes in new and devised work investigating the comic impulse. Milles has directed on Broadway and at theaters around the country, including award-winning productions with the celebrated Actors Gang in Los Angeles.

The creative team includes costume designer Márion Talán de la Rosa; lighting designer Russell Champa; projection designer Gabrieal Griego; technical consultant Pierre Clavel; and graphics designer Luba Lukova. The stage manager is Bella Peters. Beth Hogan produces for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.

A clown ode to loss and remembrance comes to the Los Angeles' Odyssey Theatre stage, exploring the unexpected humor and discoveries to be found in the loss of memory, and deeply honoring the experience of people whose memories are fading. The West Coast premiere of Heading Into Night: A clown play about... [forgetting] will run October 5 through November 17 at the Odyssey’s venue in West L.A., with two preview performances on Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4.

THE FEAR OF 13 by Lindsey Ferrentino. Based on the documentary film by David Sington.
Directed by Justin Martin.

"The first thing you should know is that this is true. It’s what actually happened.
I know it seems like it’s a story – inside of a story – inside of a story.
–but that’s how it is for most people. At least the ones in here."

Nick’s got a story to tell you. About how a routine traffic stop turned into a conviction for murder. About how he spent the next 22 years on Death Row. About how he finally petitioned the court to ask not for an appeal, but for his execution date. And about what happened next…

Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris, Academy Award winner Adrien Brody makes his London theatre debut.The cast also includes: Nana Mensah, Michael Fox, Aidan Kelly, Posi Morakinyo, Cyril Nri, Ferdy Roberts, Tommy Sim'aan, Matt McClure.

The creatives are: Miriam Buether Set Designer, Luke SmithAssociate Set Designer, Brigitte Reiffenstuel Costume Designer, Jon Clark Lighting Designer, Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound Designer, Ash J Woodward Video Designer, DJ Walde Composer and Music Director, Campbell Young Associates Hair, Wigs & Make Up Design, Anna Cooper CDG Casting Director, Ed Burnside Associate Director, Grace Duggan Resident Assistant Director, Lucy Hind Intimacy Director, Kev McCurdy Fight Director, Sam Lyon-Behan Fight Director, Barbara Houseman Voice Coach, Aundrea Fudge Dialect Coach, Joy Chen Assistant Set Designer, Sarah Victoria Assistant Sound Designer, Amelia Fenwick Assistant Lighting Designer.

October 4 - November 30, 2024 at the Donmar in London.

Tickets are sold out.

ORLANDO a new musical based on Virginia Woolf’s classic novel, the new musical retelling of a feminist classic features book by Nora Brigid Monahan with music by Cynthia Saunders and lyrics by Tricia Dunn & Cynthia Saunders.

Directed by Kimille Howard.

Emily Young heads a cast of nine as Virginia.

The cast features Matty Balkum; LaDonna Burns; Jessie Cannizzaro; Tymothee Harrell; Micki Hardenberg; Evie Schuckman; Ariella Serur; Anita Welch-Smith.

It’s 1928, and Virginia Woolf sees a crumbling world. Corruption, pollution, an empire in decline – and yet somehow, shining through it all… there’s Orlando. A miraculous, singular being who defies description and has lived over three hundred years, Orlando captivates Virginia’s imagination and inspires her to write a fantastical, biographical adventure that one day will be called the "most charming love-letter in literature." In this new musical, Orlando charts the rise and fall of queens, kings, and poets and sets to song the immortal love of two of the most brilliant women of the 20th century.

The creatives are set design by David Goldstein; costume design by Lisa Renee Jordan; lighting design by Emmanuel Delgado; sound design by Guy Harrington; production props is Brendan McCann; choreographer is Michael Raine; music director is Megan Smythe; production stage manager is Emma Frances and assistant stage manager is Erika Graff. Visceral Entertainment serves as the General Manager.

The production will debut Off-Broadway on Friday, October 11 at Theatre Row – Theatre 5 for a limited engagement.

FATHERLAND conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs.

Fatherland is the true story of the 18-year-old son who turned the father he loves in to the FBI because of his militant role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Fast-paced and powerful, Fatherland lands Off-Broadway following a sold-out Los Angeles run at The Fountain Theatre. This compelling tale is told from public statements, case evidence, and official court transcripts from the explosive trial that ignited a media frenzy and grabbed headlines nationwide.

Reprising their roles from the Los Angeles' Fountain Theatre production, the Off-Broadway cast of Fatherland features Ron Bottitta as Father, Patrick Keleher as Son, Anna Khaja as U.S. Attorney and Larry Poindexter as Defense Attorney.

The creatives are Scenic Design by Joel Daavid; Lighting Design by Alison Brummer; Sound Design by Stewart Blackwood; and Costume Design by Danyele Thomas. Evan Bernardin Productions is the General Manager. Koppel Casting is the Casting Director.

Now playing Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II through November 23, 2024.

ADRIANA LECOUVREUR Music by Francesco Cilea (1866-1950). Libretto by Arturo Colautti, based on the play of the same name by Eugène Scribe and Ernest Legouvé.

Musical conductor Nicola Luisotti.

Stage direction David McVicar.

Chorus and Orchestra Coro y Orquesta Titulares del Teatro Real.

Adriana Lecouvreur comes to the Teatro Real stage for the first time in David McVicar's captivating production. Theatre and music combine with period touches, featuring a stellar cast including Ermonela Jaho, Maria Agresta and Elina Granca.

The production premiered at the Teatro Lirico in Milan on November 6, 1902.

Cast: Adriana Lecouvreur: Ermonela Jaho and Maria Agresta. Maurizio: Brian Jagde and Matthew Polenzani. The Prince de Bouillon: Maurizio Muraro. The Princess de Bouillon: Elina Garanca, Ksenia Dudnikova and Teresa Romano. Michonnet: Nicola Alaimo and Manel Esteve. Quinault: David Lagares. Poisson: Vicenç Esteve. Mademoiselle Jouvenot: Sylvia Schwartz. Mademoiselle Dangeville: Monica Bacelli. Abate de Chazeuil: Mikeldi Atxanlandabaso and Josep Fadó. Plus the Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real.

The creatives are: Set design: Charles Edwards. Costumes: Brigitte Reiffenstuel. Lighting: Adam Silverman. Choreography: Andrew George. Chorus master: José Luis Basso.

The production is in tribute to José Carreras on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his performance of Adriana Lecouvreur in Madrid, at the Teatro de la Zarzuela (1974), with Montserrat Caballé.

On September 23, 2024, Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia attended the opening of the 2024-2025 season at Teatro Real, attending the performance of Adriana Lecouvreur.

The Opera in four acts is staged through October 24, 2024 at the Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain.

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FINAL OVATION

DAME MAGGIE SMITH the beloved and iconic stage, film and television actress died way too soon on September 27, 2024 in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. She was 89.

Known for her wit in comedic roles, she had an extensive career on stage and screen over seven decades and was one of the world's most recognizable and prolific actresses.

Known for her wit and comedy timing I first became a rabid fan after seeing her on stage in New York City in Lettice and Lovage, for which she receive the Tony Award.

In 1952, aged 17, under the auspices of the Oxford University Dramatic Society, Smith began her career as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Oxford Playhouse. She made her professional debut on Broadway in New Faces of '56. Over the following decades Smith established herself alongside Judi Dench as one of the most significant British theatre performers, working for the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. On Broadway, she received Tony Award nominations for Noël Coward's Private Lives (1975) and Tom Stoppard's Night and Day (1979), and won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Lettice and Lovage (1990).

She won Academy Awards for Best Actress for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978). She was Oscar-nominated for Othello (1965), Travels with My Aunt (1972), A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001). She also acted in Death on the Nile (1978), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), The Secret Garden (1993), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), Quartet (2012) and The Lady in the Van (2015).

From 2001 to 2011, Smith played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies.

From 2010 to 2015, Smith appeared as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. The role earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards; and widespread household name status.

In April 2019, after an eleven-year absence from theatre, Smith returned to the stage in Christopher Hampton's play A German Life as Brunhilde Pomsel at the Bridge Theatre in London. The new play by Christopher Hampton is a one-woman solo play consisting of Smith giving an extended monologue as Pomsel, an elderly German woman who, in her youth, wound up working as a secretary for Joseph Goebbels at the Ministry of Propaganda. Her performance won her a record sixth Best Actress Evening Standard award.

Over the course of her career she was the recipient of numerous honorary awards including the British Film Institute Fellowship in 1993, the BAFTA Fellowship in 1996 and the Society of London Theatre Special Award in 2010. Smith was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. Smith was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) for services to drama in the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours, becoming the third actress to receive the honor, after Dame Sybil Thorndike (1970) and Dench (2005).

She received numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award as well as nominations for six Laurence Olivier Awards. Smith was one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting.

In January 1988, Smith was diagnosed with Graves' disease, for which she underwent radiotherapy and optical surgery. In 2007 The Sunday Telegraph disclosed that Smith had been diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2009 she was reported to have made a full recovery.

Smith married actor Robert Stephens in 1967. They had two sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens and were divorced in 1975. Smith married playwright Alan Beverly Cross in 1975 and they remained married until his death in 1998.Smith had five grandchildren who also survive her.

King Charles III issued the following statement: "My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage."

TOMMY TURNER songwriter, composer, performer, died Thursday, September 12, 2024, in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California. He was 80.

Tommy, a two time Doo Wop Hall Of Fame inductee, worked with Dick Clark Productions for 30 years. He is also known for writing and performing on 1965 hits such as "I'll Be Gone", "Lady" and also performed on the certified gold record by Jewel Akens entitled "The Birds And The Bees", a top 10 hit in the first quarter of 1965, reaching No.2 on the US Cash Box singles chart, No.3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No.21 on the US Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart.

ADRIAN BAILEY Broadway performer who survived a serious theatre fall died September 22, 2024 at a rehabilitation facility in New York. He was transferred to that facility after suffering a fall in his New York apartment. He was 67.

Adrian Bailey was a Broadway singer, actor, and dancer whose career was tragically cut short by an onstage fall before a performance of “The Little Mermaid.” Born in Detroit, Bailey made his Broadway debut in 1976 as an ensemble member in "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God." He became a regular performer on New York City stages throughout the 1980s, ‘90s, and 2000s, returning to Broadway for roles in noted productions like "Sophisticated Ladies," "My One and Only," "Jelly’s Last Jam," "The Who’s Tommy," "Smokey Joe’s Café," "The Kiss of the Spider Woman," and "La Cage aux Folles." He also appeared in several television productions.

In 2008, Bailey was cast in the ensemble of "The Little Mermaid," and was also the understudy for King Triton. The show opened in January of that year, and in May, Bailey was preparing for a matinee when, just minutes before the curtains were to open, he fell 36 feet through an open trap door onto the stage of the Lunt-Fontanne Theater.

He suffered numerous fractures on his hip, back, pelvis, sternum, several ribs, both wrists and a foot, among others, and herniated several vertebral discs.

While he underwent numerous surgeries, he never made it back to the stage due to the gravity of his injuries. According to his brother in the official obit, while he eventually walked, he was unable to travel for more than two hours at a time. He did, however, survive for almost two decades, far more than what was originally predicted.

The Broadway supper club 54 Below, commented on Bailey's death: "We're deeply saddened by the loss of Adrian Bailey, whose many credits included the original cast of Smokey Joe's Cafe. They continue: "We were lucky enough to have him w/ us many times, & his presence will be missed."

BENNY GOLSON famed jazz saxophonist died September 21, 2024 at his home in Manhattan. He was 95.

Known for his grace, warmth and technical virtuosity, Golson was the composer of such elegant jazz standards as "I Remember Clifford," "Along Came Betty" and "Whisper Not."

He came to prominence with the big bands of Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie, more as a writer than a performer, before launching his solo career. Golson was known for co-founding and co-leading The Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer in 1959. From the late 1960s through the 1970s Golson was in demand as an arranger for film and television and thus was less active as a performer, but he and Farmer re-formed the Jazztet in 1982.

He is regarded as "one of the most significant contributors" to the development of hard bop jazz, and was a recipient of a Grammy Trustees Award in 2021.

Golson was married to Seville Golson; they had three sons, Odis, Reggie and Robert, and the marriage ended in divorce. He married the ballet dancer Bobbie Hurd in 1959; they had a daughter, Brielle. In an interview with Awake! on October 8, 1980, Golson said that since the late 1960s he and his wife had become members of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Next Column: October 6, 2024
Copyright: September 29, 2024 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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Laura Deni