Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Diary of a Cowardly Lion- Entry Four

Dear Alys,

Costumes can be fun for an actor. The costumes for this show are way cool. When I say “way cool,” I mean that Melody Taylor as Dorothy, Stephen French as the Scarecrow, Ron Valentine as the Tin Man, Ron Bourdages as the Narrator, Ginny S. Loggins, Gabrielle Metz, Darrell Revel, Jessica Holdnak, Mark Kunkel and Edward Gurney as various other memorable characters all look incredible. Cool also has another meaning and that does not fit my costume at all. I think it looks good, but it is WARM underneath all that fur. It’s the price you pay for looking good. I have to give props to Mary Gurney and Janelle Cochran for their wonderful work on these costumes. I have worked with both of these fine ladies a number of times and they are really the best in Birmingham. When you come see the show, and I know you will, you’ll get to see their wonderful craftswomanship.

We have one more night of rehearsal before we open tomorrow. Jerry has gotten wonderful performances out of each one of these fine actors. The guy is talented. The cast is talented. The crew is talented. It’s a show not to be missed. One more post after we open tomorrow and then it's up to you to come see the magic.

Cowardly,
The Lion

Monday, March 22, 2010

Diary of a Cowardly Lion: Entry Three

Dear Alys,

Only three more days until we perform before an audience of kids. The first two days of shows are Educational Outreach performances. The Alys Stephens Center’s Education and Outreach programs are offered to local schools so that they may bring their kids to experience the ASC and embrace the arts I think that our education programs are phenomenal (disclaimer: although biased because I work in Education and Outreach, it really is an amazing program). Down the Yellow Brick Road is part of our “Meet the Artist” series and is free to local students. We will see close to 600 students during our 4 performances on Thursday and Friday! Amazing huh? They are completely full!!! YAY!

Tonight is tech rehearsal. What that means is that we will be working with lights and sound for the first time. Tech can be a tedious process of starting and stopping and starting and stopping. It’s usually different with these shows, because Russ Friedrikis did our lighting, sound and set. If you’ve never seen Russ’ work…. That’s reason enough to come to this show. The set is brilliant and the lighting and sound are stunning. It almost feels like a crime to be skipping, jumping and falling all over his set…. It really is a work of art.

So guys, are you going to come see the show on Saturday?!? I will probably post at least two more times before we open, just to convince you!

Cowardly,
The Lion

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Dedicate a Seat and Support the Arts



The seat dedication opportunity in the Jemison Concert Hall is an exciting way to bring the community together. Every year thousands of children come the Alys Stephens Center to see artists representing different genres and cultures for free performances through our outreach and education programs. By dedicating a seat in the Jemison Concert Hall, the community can actively participate in helping us to preserve this state-of–the-art facility. The donation range begins at $500 and can be made installments.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Diary of a Cowardly Lion- Entry 2

Dear Alys,

The blocking for the show is finished. This means, in actor speak, that we know where we are going and where we should be when we get there. Now comes one of the things that I really love about the acting process, the fine tuning. Jerry Sims, our writer/director will help us fine tune each moment so that the experience is the best it can be for our audience. I like finding new ways to deliver lines and new moments to get a laugh or make the moment POP!

I mentioned the music in the show in my last entry, but let me tell you a little more about it. The songs that Jerry and Ron have written and the voices we have attached to those songs are going to blow you away. They will have you dancing, they will touch your heart and they will be songs that will not leave your mind once the journey is over. One of the songs I sing has a dance break, which is new from the last time we did the show. Be prepared for that, because it’s a fun addition that Jerry wanted to add. I’m not dancing alone though, so that’s good. The audience dances with me! YAY! That song is called “I Need My Courage” and was written by Ron Bourdages and is super fun to sing, although after performing it last night, I wanted to call it “I Need Some Water,” because I was worn out completely. The Lion needs to work on his fitness. Some of my favorite songs in the show are “The Together Song,” “One Heart,” and “Friends.” One of the special things about these Kids’ Club productions, is that the songs are all originals and many of them have audience participation, which is awesome. This is a version of the Wizard of Oz that you can only see at the Alys Stephens Center. I am looking forward to tonight’s rehearsal and will keep you updated on our journey down the road.

Cowardly,
The Lion

Monday, March 15, 2010

Diary of a Cowardly Lion- Entry One

Dear Alys,

It is true, I am becoming an animal again….. I am reprising my role as the Cowardly Lion in Jerry Sims’ original work ASC Kids’ Club presents Down the Yellow Brick Road. I have had the opportunity to play so many wonderful characters in my years as an actor. In all honesty, The Cowardly Lion, is a highlight and it’s such a joy to be roaring again for the Alys Stephens Center.



We had our first rehearsal yesterday and, just as I remembered, the script is fantastic, the songs (written by both Jerry and Ron Bourdages) are a treat, the cast is top notch and most importantly, I can’t wait to inspire the imaginations of all the kids and parents that come to the show. That is, in my opinion, the central theme of Jerry’s script…. Use your imagination.


Using my imagination to create something new with the Lion is difficult, because The Cowardly Lion is iconic, as are all the characters, in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the movie version featuring Judy Garland. I think I have the courage for it though. It’s a pleasure to be able to share this with the kids of Birmingham. I will keep you posted on our progress, but it’s already proving to be a remarkable experience. Tonight we start blocking…… until later.

Cowardly,
The Lion

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Peking Acrobats Look to Grace the Stage


The Peking Acrobats will look to grace the stage of the ASC Jemison Concert Hall on Sunday, March 28 at 3 P.M. This is a highly-oriented family show, with thrills for all ages. What could be better than watching fourteen people balance themselves atop little more than chairs?

"A spectacular feat of talent, costumes, and imagination! Hailing from the People's Republic of China, The Peking Acrobats are diplomats of their spirited culture. Since 1958, this elite group has toured the world over - including a sold-out stop at the ASC four seasons ago - leaving audiences spellbound by their grace and athleticism. Carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, these gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers transform 2000-year-old athletic disciplines into an all-ages kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder."

Acrobatics are like an illusion on-stage, to anyone from the youthful mind of a child, to the experienced mind of an adult. And it is equally fun for all. This is a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and it is, just as well, a one-time-only show. Kids tickets are only $10. Call (205) 975-ARTS for ticket information. Hope to see you there!

"Down the Yellow Brick Road" Brings an Original Touch to the ASC




"Down the Yellow Brick Road" will return to the ASC on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 3 P.M. "Down the Yellow Brick Road" is an Alys Stephens Center original, written and produced by our own Jerry Sims. This is a huge family event, so, quite literally, everyone is welcome.

"Back by popular demand! Will Dorothy find her way through the Land of Oz and back home again? Our audience is invited to help Dorothy and other familiar characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz find their way Down the Yellow Brick Road. In this fun and interactive performance the Narrator will invite members of the audience to become active participants in the story as Dorothy and her friends make their way to the Great OZ. This production is sure to enchant children from 3 to 103."

Tickets for this family favorite are only $8, so get your seats now!! After the show, bring your camera to have pictures with your favorite characters! For tickets, call (205) 975-ARTS.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Frank Stella Named National Medal of Arts Winner




"Washington, D.C. - "What you see is what you see," the painter (and sculptor) Frank Stella said of his paintings in 1964. Nearly four decades later, at a ceremony held at the White House yesterday, he had the opportunity to see a gold medal placed around his neck, as he was honored with the National Medal of the Arts, alongside 11 other recipients, by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama."

"The highest award presented to artists in the United States, the National Medal of the Arts dates back to 1984 and has previously honored artists including Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O'Keefe, Robert Motherwell, and Jasper Johns. Previously architects who have netted the prize include Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei, and Michael Graves."

For those unfamiliar, Frank Stella designed the statue (pictured above) in the Lower Circle. It is called "Princess Natalie" and it was commissioned by Ruth and Marvin Engel. We are so proud to have the work of a National Medal of the Arts winner right on our doorstep! Congratulations, Frank.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Rave Reviews From ASC Audience Members!





The Monterey Jazz Festival is currently on tour and performed at the Alys Stephens Center last Sunday, and the ones who were lucky enough to be there have been giving absolute praise on it. We love to hear from our audience, and that's exactly what we have gotten since. Feel free to send your input to ngarcia@uab.edu, and we’ll be glad to post it.

"I attended yesterday afternoon's Monterey Jazz Festival in Concert. It was, without a doubt, one of the finest jazz performances I've ever seen and heard. I lived in New Orleans for 15 years and have attended many Jazz Fests, but this was one of the most extraordinary jazz events I have ever had the pleasure to experience. Please include more concerts like this in future bookings. Keep up the very, very good work! Thanks." - Forrest Hinton, concertgoer.

“As for me, I was lucky enough to be able to see the show, and for the time that I was there, I was, quite literally, in Heaven. The sounds of Kenny Barron's piano playing, combined with Regina Carter's incredible violin skills, the absolute talent of Kiyoshi Kitigawa on cello/bass, the unbelievable drumming of Johnathan Blake, the spectacular doo-wop-style vocals of Kurt Elling, and the electrifying guitar playing of Russell Malone made for a fantastic afternoon that I will not soon forget. Never have I seen a live jazz show, and this certainly made me want to see more. There was one particular piece Kenny Barron called "Calypso," that was inspired by his days of listening to Caribbean-style rhythms, and it blew me away. It was nearly twenty minutes of sheer beauty, and the fact that, one, the piece, itself, was a brilliant example of composition, and two, the fact that every member of the group was able to play it so fluently. Obviously they had practiced, but it sounded like they had each been together for years. It was a moving sound the likes of which I cannot describe. It is concerts like these that I am glad to have gotten the opportunity to witness. What a show.”
- Andrew L Pressley, Student intern at the ASC


Monday, March 1, 2010

Upcoming: The Viva Health Starlight Gala, featuring the Legendary Smokey Robinson

For the past 11 seasons, the Viva Health Starlight Gala has been our city's premier black-tie event and most elegant celebration benefiting the arts. The evening typically involves a live performance from one of the world's most talented artists, and this year's Gala is no exception. Coming to the ASC on Saturday, April 24, is the legendary Smokey Robinson.
"As well as being at the birth of Motown 50 years ago with the Miracles, Robinson was a producer and, from 1961, vice-president of the label. And his work as songwriter provides an immense catalogue of magisterial pop and soul songs. Yet this show was all about Smokey the singer: a man with a voice age seems unable to wither.
It's hard to think of a singer of comparable stature who's anywhere near as compelling a performer today. On his most recent British dates, Stevie Wonder seemed unable to differentiate between moments of inspiration and bouts of cringe-worthy self-indulgence; Andy Williams's voice is increasingly frail; for all his manifold gifts, no one actually goes to a Bob Dylan gig to hear him sing. Robinson is arguably the last of the great song men left standing. If anything, his slightly increased huskiness – the only audible difference between the Robinson of today and the one who first had a hit with Shop Around 48 years ago – adds to his range, allowing for greater shading of those songs' rich details."

"Even at 68, that legacy burns brighter than it ever has before, allowing the living legend to still pack houses to capacity and captivate with a blend of ultra-smooth soul and heart on sleeve sincerity."
In essence, Smokey Robinson is the quintessential example of an artist who has found his way, and who has used it to inspire other artists, as well as everyday individuals. Much of the R&B industry today can say that it has it's roots from Smokey's time, and some of them could even say they get it from Smokey, himself. The word "legendary" is subjective, but Smokey Robinson needs no debate. He is legendary, through and through. We at the ASC are proud to welcome Smokey Robinson as our guest. Join us for the Viva Starlight Gala, Saturday, April 3 at the Alys Stephens Center. Call (205) 975-ARTS for ticket information.

An Evening With Shawn Colvin


One of our favorite artists makes her first visit to the ASC. Her latest release These Four Walls is perhaps her most assured and compelling work to date. Colvin is one of those rare performers, like Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, or her youthful idol Joni Mitchell, who has been able to grow up alongside her audience and mature into her role as singer and songwriter. She was rewarded with a Best Contemporary Folk Grammy for her 1989 debut disc Steady On and reached mainstream audiences when her story of a housewife's fiery revenge, "Sunny Came Home," became an unlikely top ten hit years later and earned Colvin another Grammy. She recently co-headlined with Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Buddy Miller in a string of acclaimed, sold-out performances. An Evening with Shawn Colvin at the Alys Stephens Center, this Friday, March 5 at 8 P.M. Call (205) 975-ARTS for ticket information.