Beautifiul - The Carole King Musical on Tour

The writing duos of Carole King & Gerry Goffin and Cynthia Weil & Barry Mann wrote many of the top hits of the 1960s and 1970s.  Beautiful- The Carole King Musical tells the story of a sixteen year old girl  from Brooklyn who becomes one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time.  The story is exciting and fun but also very real and emotional, and it is coupled with an incredible B-plot of the relationship between Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.

I had the privilege to see the original Broadway cast including Jessie Mueller as Carole King, who won a Tony for the role, and it was one of the best musicals I had ever seen (and the first time I saw the show I had a standing room only ticket, so I sincerely mean that).  When it was announced that the show would be going on tour I knew I would have to make it a point to see it!

My excitement was further escalated by the announcement that Abby Mueller would be playing Carole King! Yes, she is the sister of Jessie Mueller, but that's not the only reason it's great that she's playing Carole King.  She is also a fantastic musical theater performer in her own right, and she brings her own unique aspects to the portrayal of Carole King.  The rest of the cast is also incredible! Liam Toby plays Gerry Goffin, Ben Fankhauser, who was recently seen as 'Henry' in North Carolina Theatre's production of Next to Normal, plays Barry Mann and Becky Gulsvig plays Cynthia Weil.  And you can't forget about the excellent ensemble of actors who bring the music to life in a big way!

I can't say much of anything that's new about why this show is so incredible and truly a must-see, but I will tell you I got my mom tickets for her birthday and had to basically drag her to see the show with me, but I chose to drag her because I knew she would thoroughly enjoy it. Since we saw the show, she has told every single person she has encountered that they need to get to DPAC immediately and see this fantastic show!

Here are just a few of the local reviews Beautiful - The Carole King Musical has received:

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical is playing at DPAC through October 4 and then moves on to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C..  You can find all of the upcoming tour dates here. Don't miss this incredible show when it comes to a city near you!

NRACT Shines Like the Sun with 9 to 5 the Musical!

A few weeks ago, I told my parents that I would do anything to see 9 to 5 the Musical.  After years of seeing the movie and listening to the original cast recording, I was ready to see the show outside of a few youtube videos.  A random Facebook ad led me to hear about a local production of the show. Well, I did say I would do anything.

     

                                                            Photo courtesy of nract.org.

I was not expecting to be blown out of my seat by the sheer talent, force, and heart of North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre's production.

In 2009, Dolly Parton's musical, 9 to 5, opened on Broadway and earned fifteen Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations.  The show starred Allison Janney (NBC's The West Wing, CBS's Mom), Stephanie J. Block (The Boy From Oz, Wicked), Megan Hilty (NBC's SMASH, Wicked), and Marc Kudisch (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Thoroughly Modern Millie).  While the production was short-lived, it certainly lived on among Dolly and Broadway fans.

Video courtesy of ABC via youtube.

Directed by James Ilsley, NRACT's production brings together some of the area's most talented to bring the show to life.  It should be noted that, unlike other groups, the cast and crew are volunteers - simply coming together to share their love of performing with each other and their audience.

    

               Mary Reilly, Mary Beth Hollmann, and AC Donohue as Judy, Violet, & Doralee. Photo courtesy of nract.org.

The show stars Mary Beth Hollmann, AC Donohue, and Mary Reilly as Violet, Doralee, and Judy respectively.  Alongside them, Bill Andrews plays Mr. Frank Hart, Natalie Turgeon plays Roz Keith, and David Kerman as Joe.  I cannot say how talented every person in the cast is; all have powerful voices that bring down the house in every number.  

A show like 9 to 5 requires a big cast to help carry the musical numbers, but the 18 performers in this production are the epitome of the phrase "less is more."  From the  beginning, a video of Dolly Parton leads the cast through the tale of three women who begin to fight back against their egotistical boss. The same video continues throughout the show providing the audience with a sense of location, as the sets are limited.  Following Dolly's lead, the cast brings audience members into the offices and homes of the characters.

Overall, the production is nothing short of stellar.  As mentioned, everyone involved is a volunteer - simply in it because they care.  It is rare to see a live show in which everyone is performing simply for the joy of performing.  Yes, the singers and actors are talented, but the passion is what makes this show shine like the sun!

9 to 5 runs until July 26!  Get your tickets now!

Be sure to like NRACT on Facebook, twitter, and instagram!  Also, check out their website for information about the rest of the season!

Ingrid Michaelson's A Summer Night Out Tour

Last night, Ingrid Michaelson brought her latest tour to the recently renovated The Ritz in Raleigh, NC. On her A Summer Night Out Tour, she is playing a different city almost every night during the month of June and playing songs she hasn't performed often on past tours. Her set included some of her more recent songs off of Lights Out, as well older fan favorites including "The Way I Am," "You and I," "Keep Breathing" and "Overboard."

To Raleigh, she brought with her Oh Honey and Jukebox the Ghost.  Both openers brought something warm and fun to the stage, but Jukebox the Ghost in particular rocked. I didn't have an extensive knowledge of them before last night, but they made me a fan. Along with their songs, they covered "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen and it was awesome! They brought an energy to the stage that pulsated through the crowd and made audience members take notice.

If you've seen Ingrid Michaelson live before, you know that she's an incredible performer.  When she plays and sings it is obvious that she has something to say through her songs and you don't want to miss a minute of it.  Her voice can be light and airy hanging on to the softest notes and be charged and powerful in the next song, or event the next verse. She interacts with the audience and makes the concert even more fun, and makes each stop along her tour a unique experience for concert goers.  Last night, she brought up an audience member (selected from submitted videos) to sing "The Chain" with her and guitarist Allie Moss which was a fun experience not only for the guy who got to sing on stage with her, but for the whole audience.

Bottom line, if you have the chance to see Ingrid live on the A Summer Night Out Tour, don't miss the opportunity!

If you live in Raleigh and did miss this concert, there are still many more great shows coming to The Ritz this summer! Check out their event schedule for details!

Behind the Curtain with Alli Mauzey

Photo courtesy of Broadway.com

Alli Mauzey was most recently seen as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. She's also known for her roles in Cry-Baby and Hairspray.  

After finishing her show in Garner, North Carolina,  Alli answered a few fun questions we had about music and her career. 

   

What is your favorite cast album or one that inspired you greatly?

I don't tend to listen to a lot of cast albums often.  As far as contemporary singer/songwriters go, I like Sara Barellies and Ben Folds. I tend to listen to them a lot.

If you could sing a duet with anyone who would it be and why?
So many to choose from but a singer who I greatly admire is Judy Kuhn.  I love the versatility of her voice.  I was first introduced to her through a friend of mine in school who had a copy of the Tony Awards when she performed on the show as both Cosette in Les Miz and in the musical Rags.  I was so impressed with her beautiful soprano in Les Miz and her "meaty" belt in Rags. Both equally stunning. I just think she can sing anything and I was instantly hooked. I was also so impressed with her acting.

What was it like working with so many different actresses in Wicked? How difficult was it to adjust to playing with a different Elphaba?
I've gotten to work with so many fantastic women. Some of which will be my friends for life. I found that as long as the Elphaba and myself were open to what we each brought to the table and that we were both committed to telling the story every night then all was good.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given or one that you would give to aspiring actors?

Hard work was always good advice.  I had a teacher that said sometimes someone who might not have things come as natural right away can pass up someone who does.  When things come easy and you get a lot of attention it's easy to rest on your laurels and become lazy while someone behind you is doing the work and continues to grow.  And I think this doesn't just apply to actors but any field.

A Wickedly Good Evening with Alli Mauzey and Julia Murney

Broadway Voices series has brought some of the biggest names in Broadway to Garner since it began in 2011, including Stephanie J. Block, Christiane Noll, and Norm Lewis.  This year's season was a spectacular one with guests Elizabeth Southard and Gary Mauer, Capathia Jenkins and last night's final show with Alli Mauzey. We can't wait to see what is in store for next season! 

Alli Mauzey graced the stage at the Garner Performing Arts Center with her extraordinary voice and brought her good friend and fellow Broadway star Julia Murney with her to join in on the fun!  Julia was Alli's first Elphaba when she went on as a standby for Glinda.  The two have palpable chemistry and are incredibly nice and genuine people! 

The night consisted of some old classics, some out of the box songs, and more modern stage hits.  Alli took us on a trip through her childhood in Anaheim, California and led us all the way to present day Garner where her husband, Collin Batten, is from and where his family still lives.  

The night started with "Should I Be Sweet" and included "I'm Home" from Phantom by Maury Yeston, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow,""The Sound of Music," "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera, "How About a Hand for the Hog," "Popuar," and "Disneyland" in the first half.  After intermission she came back out with "Love is Where You Find It" and the second half included "Somewhere That's Green," an orignial song that Alli wrote with her brother when they had their band 2 AM, "Screw Loose," and "I Could Have Danced All Night."  

Alli's Husband, Collin, came out to sing a beautiful rendition of "Suddenly Seymour" with her.  Julia sang "Ring Them Bells" and Julia and Alli together sang wonderful renditions of "For Good" and "I Will Never Leave You". 

This concert was a joy to be in attendance for and we hope we have to good fortune to see them in concert again sometime! 

Don't miss the announcement of next seson's Broadway Voices guests! Follow GPAC on twitter.

Stay up to date with Alli on twitter and Julia on her website and twitter. 

BREAKING NEWS: Julia Murney will join Alli Mauzey for Broadway Voices

It was previously announced that Alli Mauzey will be at GPAC for Broadway Voices on Friday, March 6.  Alli Mauzey was most recently seen as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway.

Julia Murney, known for her roles as Elphaba in Wicked, Queenie in The Wild Party, and Florence in Chess will join Alli Mauzey on stage in Garner for Broadway Voices on Friday, March 6.  Her work in regional theatre and cabaret performances leave audiences in awe of her powerful voice.  Her vocals, added with Alli Mauzy's, will be a pleasant treat for Garner audiences.

Alli Mauzy and Julie Murney

(Photo courtesy of broadway.com)

We are sure that this will be an amazing concert and tickets are still available! 

In the meantime, check out this awesome video of these two divas in action!

For more information about Broadway Voices, check out Garner Performing Arts Center website and Twitter. 

Be sure to follow Julia Murney on Twitter and check out her website. 

Broadway Voices: Capathia Jenkins

After making her Broadway debut in the Frank Wildhorn and Gregory Boyd musical, The Civil War, Capathia Jenkins' indescribable talent has taken her on an amazing journey.  She has worked with artists such as Burt Bacharach, Martin Short, and many others.  She starred as the Washing Machine in the incredible musical, Caroline, Or Change.  She also appeared in the 2000 revival of Godspell. She even found herself in the company of an amazing cast in Martin Short - Fame Becomes Me.  And that's just a few roles she has had.

She most recently starred as "Medda" in in Tony Award-winning show Newsies on Broadway. She came to North Carolina to perform her show, "More Woman Than You Know," at the Garner Performing Arts Center as a part of the Broadway Voices Concert Series.  This incredible artist brought a blend of soul, blues, Broadway, and jazz to an audience that was astounded by the immense level of talent from just one woman.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Capathia before her show.

Martha: How did you first get involved with singing and acting?

Capathia: I grew up, in Brooklyn, NY, singing in the church.  In third grade, my music teacher said to my mom "I think this girl has some real talent, you should nurture it." and my mom did. I started learning how to sing classically from then through high school, I went to the high school of music and art in New York, and then to Temple University in Philadelphia for a jazz program.  I always knew that I would sing.  From the time I was a little girl with a hairbrush, but I didn't know it would be theater necessarily until I got older and started to audition, and I just loved it.  I loved the element of it being live, and anything can happen.  It's risky and I loved that.

I started doing shows, and my first professional show was a review at a resort in Bermuda.  I was Aretha [Franklin], and there was a Dionne [Warwick] and Gladys Knight that we did for nine months.  I did quite a few of those for the next three or four years and then I realized that I could do those forever, or I could go back home and start to audition and see if I'm good enough to do Broadway or off-Broadway.  That's what I did.  I went back to New York and I started to book tours, for Ain't Misbehavin and Dream Girls.  I finally go my first Broadway show in 1999, Frank Wildhorn's The Civil War, and I haven't looked back.

M: Do you have a standard or go-to audition song that you use?

C: Well, auditions are so specific these days, I'll do a blues song if they want something big and brassy or something small where I just sing the melody, it depends.  I love songs like "Over the Rainbow".  I remember in my audition for Caroline or Change they wanted a 60s/70s R&B style song.  My agent told me I was going in to audition for "The Radio" and I went in and sang the Aretha Franklin song "'Til You Come Back To Me".  Apparently, when I walked out of the room

 George Wolfe leaned over and said "That's our "Washing Machine"." So you never know. I think auditions are so specific, and I try to give them what they ask for so I can be in the wheelhouse of whatever the project is.  Some of my friends have a standard song that they do regardless, it's something they know, it's in them, but I try to be as specific as I can with style and era, etc.

Sarah: You mentioned working with Frank Wildhorn, and you've worked with Burt Bacharach and other amazing singers and composers, are there people that you haven't yet gotten to work with that you would like to?

C: Here's the thing, you don't really know that you want to work with them until you work with them and you realize it's amazing.  I definitely have people I still want to work with because I love collaborating with other artists and seeing what makes them tick.  Having seen someone from a far for a long time and then getting to sit with them one on one is incredible.  That's how it was with Martin Short. He's so funny it was a wonder we were getting any work done and I'm such a huge fan.  I wish I could work with everybody just to see, so the list is probably infinite.

S: What was it like working so closely with Martin Short on Fame Becomes Me?

C: It was fun. To have something written for you is amazing anyway, who get's that chance you always have to audition.  I didn't have to audition, they just wrote it for me. Then I met Marty and he is so nice! I met his family, the kids, everybody, and he's such a regular guy but really funny.  We would be working on a scene and he's making jokes. Even when we were doing the show on stage, one of his favorite things to do during a slow matinee when people weren't laughing was to make cricket noises, he can make the sound with his mouth closed so you couldn't tell but we could hear him on stage.  I was the biggest crack up. Everybody else could keep a straight face but I would crack up laughing.  That's what it was like from the very beginning to the last day. He's just that kind of guy that makes you laugh from the moment you start talking to him! He's so great and we still talk.

S: Going into some of the other roles you've played, in Caroline or Change how did you approach th role of "The Washing Machine"?

C: We worked on it from the Public Theater.  The first time we worked on it the Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori had only written the first act, so at that time it was more like a reading the scenes and songs. By the time we got back and they had written the second act they were writing with our voices in their head.  George Wolfe really challenges you and he asks you "What do you think about this? Who is "The Washing Machine" to "Caroline"?".  I told him I thought she was like her good girl friend.  She was brand new, she's hot, she's sexy, she's the part of "Caroline" that she has covered up with anger and bitterness.  "The Washing Machine" is that side of her and she gives her a little groove in the gloomy basement, but she's also that good girlfriend that tells you the truth. That's what we played with when we put it up on its feet and George would push me and say "You've got to go further".  He taught me so much about reaching across the foot lights and not just having it be right here on stage, but really shooting your energy way out.  It's an interesting thing to play an inanimate object and infuse it with emotion and human feelings.  It was a huge challenge but one where I felt accomplished on the other side of it.

S: You most recently played "Medda" in Newsies, what was it like playing her from almost start to finish?

C: It was great.  They had done it at Paper Mill Playhouse, which I didn't see, but when they announced it was coming to Broadway they went on The View and I watched them on the view.  I thought "damn these boys are amazing" and then Jeremy [Jordan] came out and sang a little bit of "Santa Fe" and I knew I was going to go see it on Broadway. Then, I get a call that they wanted me to come in for Newsies. I said to my agent "It's all these dancing boys what do they want me to do?" because I hadn't seen it. I go in and I sing for them and I get it.  It was a cast full of young boys, most of whom were making their Broadway debut, Andy Richardson turned 16 the first few days of rehearsals and his mom brought cupcakes.  It was all of these kids who were so excited to be on Broadway, and for me, because by this time I was a veteran, it reminded me of how fun and amazing Broadway is.  To see it through their eyes when they get to the theater the first day and look up at the marquee and see their pictures and their names it was so exciting.  It was like I was back to my own debut.

I did take a break in the middle. I left the show about September and came back last June because LaVon [Fisher-Wilson] was pregnant and they asked me to come back and cover for her while she was gone.  I said yes, and then we got the closing notice so I got to open and close it. It's amazing and I tell them it's the happiest place on Earth to work.  It was just happy and wonderful and there were kids running around.  The story is so great, it's about these boys who galvanize themselves against these big guys and they win. I get to be sort of a mother, nurturing character which is the closest to who I really am because I was like that backstage with them.  It was a wonderful opportunity and amazing experience. I actually met up with the "Oldsises" of the tour cast a couple of weeks when I was in Charlotte. I just love those people and it was a wonderful experience.

M: Talking about characters, what do pull from for inspiration to take on a character when you get a script?

C: The best thing for me is to go with the words, what's on the page.  If it's music for me it's how do I tell this story so that it makes you come with me on the journey.  It's not about the sound of my voice or if I can embellish or riff, it's all about the words and the story.  How I approach a song or a script is first with the words, and then I try to get inside this character and to why are you saying these words.  I try to leave Capathia as far behind as I can and maybe bring a little bit of Capathia's life experience and sprinkle it in there and then be a vessel for the words.

M: You work closely with Covenant House, what has been the most rewarding part of working with the organization?

C: The most amazing thing is the kids.  I often say to them that they are my heroes.   As I was saying earlier, my mom nurtured my dreams and these kids articulate to me their dreams and they're so big in spite of their circumstances and they're my heroes. I could dream easily because I had people to help me, my mom was just there. These are kids and their stories are so varied and they somehow out of adversity still triumph. Every story, every chance I get to be with the kids is the biggest joy for me. It takes me out of myself.  What I do for a living is all about me, but with Covenant House it's all about them and they stretch my heart so big. Sitting on the Board of Directors is great because I get to help with policies, but really that's not my wheelhouse. But the time with the kids is everything. I'm happiest when I'm on stage, but Covenant House is a close second or I'm just as happy when I'm with those kids.

M: What's one piece of advice you would give to aspiring singers or actors?

C: I would say a couple of things. I can't take credit for this, I heard Quicy Jones say it, he said "Young people should use their time to instead of trying to get over, try to get better" so that when opportunities come you're ready.  My biggest note for young people is to trust your instincts, it has served me well throughout my career. That even means when life is swirling around you and seemingly everybody is doing a particular thing to make something happen and you feel in your gut that's not for you, you have to do something else. Trust your gut, it has never let me down. Even when it's unpopular, that's the hard thing.

 I went in for an audition for my Broadway debut in The Civil War, and I sat in a room and every girl that went in before me was singing the song and belting it out while I had planned to do it small and just the melody and the words.  I remember walking into the room and everybody was there, they started the into and I took a deep breath and said do what you practiced and trust your instincts and I got it.  From that day on I knew I had to trust my instincts even if they lead me wrong.  If I go into an audition and follow my instinct to make a bold choice, the worst thing that can happen is that the director says try it again and try it like this, and that's the worst possible scenario. So trust your instincts always. 

Capathia Jenkins' performance was phenomenal, to say the least.  She came on stage singing the iconic Chicago number, "All that Jazz."  She wowed the audience with her signature number from Newsies, "That's Rich."  After telling the audience about losing her best friend, she sings "Home," from The Wiz, as a moving tribute to a loved one.  She also sang one of her favorite songs, "Over the Rainbow."  Before intermission, she literally stopped the show with her Fame Becomes Me number, "Stop the Show."   Along with some jazz and blues numbers, she performed "Candle in the Window" by Frank Wildhorn.  She wowed us with her final number, Gladys Knight's "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me."


Be sure to follow Capathia on twitter for updates!

The final show of this season of Broadway Voices will be Friday, March 6 with Alli Mauzey! Get your tickets now!

Nashville Predators Vs. Hurricanes Recap

Nashville the top team in ESPN's power rankings, #1 in their division, and riding a 4 game win streak came into PNC Arena Tuesday night with a lot of momentum. The Hurricanes coming off a loss Saturday against Pittsburgh was ready to play and look well rested after a day off Sunday and a strong practice Monday.

Liles 

Nashville came out strong testing Cam Ward early but Carolina matched their intensity and kept the offensive fore-checking going strong. Cam Ward saved 28 of 29 shots faced and had a save percentage of .970; even thought Cam's overall record doesn't reflect the type of performance he is putting on the ice, fans can really see the improvement for last season and the confidence he has gained under new goalie coach David Marcoux.

Victor Rask

Hurricanes got on the board late in the 1st period on a goal from Jeff Skinner who has 5 goals and 5 assists in his career against Nashville. The Hurricanes got another goal to add to the lead from Victor Rask and held that lead till Mike Ribeiro got a goal in the middle of the 3rd period. That was all the Predators could get past Ward; what didn't help Nashville was the 2 penalty they received half-way through the third period. Even though the Hurricanes did not score on those PowerPlays it took the momentum away from Nashville.

Hurricanes ended Nashville's win streak and also ended their own losing streak! A win over one of the top teams in the West had to be a great confidence booster for the team and for Elias Lindholm who celebrated his 20th birthday. This was also a family affair for Elias Lindholm; his cousin Calle Jarnkrok is a recent call up for the Predators.

Upcoming Hurricanes Home Game

#1 Star Skinner

12/4 - Washington Capitals @ 7pm
12/7 - Detroit Red Wings @ 5pm
12/8 - New Jersey Devils @ 7pm

Three Stars of the Game 
1. Jeff Skinner: 1Goal 1 Assits
2. Cam Ward: 28 saves
3. Victor Rask: Game Winning Goal

Hurricanes Goals
1st Period: Jeff Skinner (6) ASST: Nestrasil (3) Liles (4)
2nd Period: NONE
3rd Period: Victor Rask (4) ASST: Jeff Skinner (7)

Carolina Hurricanes Recap: Jets and Sharks Game

Andrew Ladd as a Hurricane

Once again the Carolina Hurricanes had 3 games in 4 nights starting with the Winnipeg Jets flying in on Thursday and two old but familiar faces returning to Raleigh. Paul Maurice the 2 time Carolina coach returned with the 2004 top draft pick for the Carolina Hurricanes Andrew Ladd. The Jets saw 2 goals for assistant captain Blake Wheeler and an empty goal from Zach Bogosian. Carolina seemed flat the whole game and got a lone power-play goal from the Swedish Beast Elias Lindholm and another strong performance from Cam Ward. Ward stopped 34 of 36 shots faced and had a plethora of amazing saves; Cam Ward kept the Hurricanes within 1 for much of the game till the final minutes when he went to the bench for the extra attacker.

Saturday the Hurricanes had an early 1 PM game at TD Garden in Boston; where they face a Bruins team that was going to put up a fight after having horrible losses in their past 2 game. With Jay Harrison and Alex Semin out with injury;Cam Ward was net once again! The Hurricanes looked like they found their identity again, out shooting Boston greatly in the opening period. Hurricanes even scored first which has been hard for the team to do as of late but like everything else this season that didn't last long; Boston got two quick goals that they held for the rest of the afternoon. The only good things to come out of the Bruins game was that Juri Tlusty added to goal total on the season with 7 which is leading the team.

Quick flight back to Raleigh, the Hurricanes had a 5 PM meeting with San Jose Sharks. Upon arriving at the arena Sunday morning the Hurricanes found out they lost a very good friend Sgt. Mike Cathcart. Sgt. Cathcart lost his life in Afghanistan due to injuries sustained during combat on Friday November 14th. Sgt. Cathcart met the Hurricanes in early 2014 when the team went to Fort Bragg to practice and Sgt. Cathcart got to practice with the team and formed a tight bond with most of the players.

When the game began the Hurricanes faced Troy Grosenick a young kid from Brookfield, Wisconsin who was playing in his 1st NHL game and his family was in attendance. Once again like previous games the Hurricanes looked flat and got another unlucky bounce that ended in the back of the net and that was all that was needed. The Hurricanes posted 45 shots on the young goalie... yes 45 shots and none of them went through the first timer who looked to be a seasoned veteran. Grosenick had one memorable night that saw him break the record for most saves in an NHL debut that was previously held by Andre Gill who stopped 41 on December 23, 1967!

The Hurricanes go on a long road swing that sends them out west looking to stop this losing streak!! The Hurricanes return home on November 29th to conclude a Home & Home series with the Pittsburgh Penguins! This will mark the 1st return to Raleigh for
former Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford

NC Comicon with John and Carole Barrowman

November 15 & 16, at the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham, NC, hundreds of fans gathered together to celebrate a universal love of comics, tv shows, movies, and more at NC Comicon!  We were among those hundreds and we loved every minute of our time there!

This year, the featured guests were none other than John Barrowman (Doctor Who, Arrow, Torchwood) and his sister, Carole (author, with her brother, of Bone Quill, and Hollow Earth among others).  Saturday of the con began with a Q&A with John Barrowman.  He was filming in Vancouver the night before up until the time of his flight and arrived at the convention center just in time to start the session.  Dashing out onto the stage with luggage in tow, he began a hilarious and sincere hour of question and answer with fans.  He answered questions from his favorite color (asked by a 3 year old girl; it's Blue) to his advice for aspiring actors (don't do it unless your serious about it, and be trained in your craft). He didn't uphold his tradition of the pants drop (remember he was fresh off the plane) but he followed through and did the deed at his Sunday session, and upon request we got to hear his Scottish accent.  At the Sunday session we also learned who were the biggest stars they had in their cell phone which led to John ringing David Tennant. He's quite an entertainer!

He did a picture session with fans who had purchased tickets and he and Carole did autograph signings multiple times throughout the weekend.  They are both so gracious and great people! At one point during the photo session John whistled to quite down the crowd and asked people to please organize themselves in a better manner to avoid traffic jams in the hallway.  He had a conversation with everyone who came up to get an autograph and it didn't feel as rushed as many convention lines can.

The day consisted of many wonderful panels including how comics are conceptualized and brought to life, artist roundtables, and our personal favorite, a writing workshop with Carole Barrowman.   She gave an excellent 45 minute workshop about how to improve your writing, and it was a privilege to learn from her.  She made some excellent points, the main takeaway of which was to make sure that your writing has energy. She made the workshop interactive and captivating. We wish Carole was our English professor!

The dealer's room was filled with stalls of comic books, action figures, drawings, posters, and anything else you'd want or expect to see at a comic book convention.  We really enjoyed that the focus was actually on comic books, as some conventions have a poor selection of vendors and focus on other aspects than comics. Towards the end of the day Saturday evening  John and Carole came into the dealer's room to shop for comics.

Carole and John shopping for Comic Books

Throughout the entire weekend, Artist's Alley was filled with amazingly talented people selling prints, hairbands, jewelry boxes, drawstring bags, exclusive comic books, and so much more.  We had the pleasure of meeting Chris McJunkin, a freelance illustrator who is currently working on Zero's Heroes for New Haven Comics.  He had some amazing pieces for sale, including some Doctor Who and Star Wars pieces.  We also had a chance to speak with Kelly Yates, an artist best known for his work on Doctor Who comics at IDW.  He told an awesome story about one particular piece he did featuring the Eleventh Doctor and Amy and Rory.  The goal of the piece was to combine all the Doctors in one image; BBC was concerned about doing so, but they loved his piece so much that they approved it the minute they saw it.  

                                    

 

One of the greatest things about being a part of this amazing community of fans is that giving back is a big part of who we are and what we do.  Throughout the weekend, we encountered many artists who were giving some of their proceeds to charities.  The 501st Legion had a raffle to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.  The grand prize included books, shirts, artwork, comics, action figures, and few other Star Wars trinkets.  Many vendors were donating a portion of their profits to charities of their choice, including one vendor who donated half of his proceeds to Wounded Warrior Project.  He had many tin signs, featuring some favorite comic book heroes.  

Comic conventions are one of the best places to see cosplayers, including many quality costumes. Throughout the entire weekend, we saw many Doctors, several Jack Harknesses, a bunch of Wonder Women, a baby Spider-Man, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. We even saw the Tenth Doctor walking K-9!

The Doctor walking K-9!

                                        

Overall, NC Comicon was a terrific weekend!  As mentioned before, this was a comicon that truly focused on the comics, with a splash of television and film.  With a unique collection of venders, artists, guests, cosplayers, and visitors, it's no wonder that NC Comicon is one of the best in the state.  If you are ever given the opportunity to go, you will not be sorry.

NC Comicon: Facebook | Twitter | Website

John Barrowman: Facebook | Twitter | Website 

Review: NC Theatre's 'A Chorus Line'

A Chorus Line is kicking off North Carolina Theatre’s 2014-15 season in a big way.  North Carolina Theatre is the region’s premiere nonprofit professional regional theatre and has been producing professional Broadway revivals for 30 years.  The current season includes some amazing titles beginning with the singular sensation that is A Chorus Line.

A Chorus Line tells the story of 17 dancers who are auditioning to be on the chorus line of an unnamed Broadway show.  The show centers on the dancers’ struggles and determination to get the job.   It is based on interviews of real chorus dancers by director and choreographer Michael Bennett.  Bennett transformed the stories he heard from dancers into a groundbreaking musical hit. Each character in the show is based off of the story Bennett heard from a dancer.

The woman who was the inspiration for the character of “Val”, Mitiz Hamilton, is the director and choreographer for NC Theatre’s production of the Broadway show.  Hamilton also played “Val” on Broadway and in the original London cast, and has directed more than 40 regional productions of A Chorus Line. 

NC Theatre is known for producing quality shows with casts of Broadway caliber talent, and A Chorus Line is no exception.  Every dancer in the show illuminates the struggles and hard work that it takes to be a dancer in the chorus line, while demonstrating the joy that comes from giving everything for your passion. 

Especially captivating is Jessica Lee Goldyn in the role of “Cassie”.  Her dancing was fantastic and even when she is in the line your focus easily falls to her.  The dance during “The Music and the Mirror” is long, but Goldyn’s movements kept it compelling throughout the entire number. 

Other standouts include Rachel Schur in the role of “Val” which can’t be an easy role to undertake when your director is the real-life inspiration for the character.  Schur hits her lines spot on and had the audience rolling during “Dance 10; Look 3”.  Hilary Michael Thompson played “Sheila” brilliantly and Alexandra Fassler in the role of “Diana” nailed the 11 o’clock number “What I Did For Love”.

The show culminates in a quintessential musical theatre number instead of the usual curtain call.  The final number is one of the best parts of the show and the set lends itself perfectly to making it a superb closing number.

Long story short, Mitzi’s still got it! This production is well worth seeing!

The show opened Tuesday night October 14 and runs through the 19^th at Duke Energy Center for the Performing arts. Buy tickets HERE.

Seth Rudetsky Deconstructs Broadway

Seth Rudetsky, Broadway actor, comedian, musical director, and Sirius/XM Radio host, brought Deconstructing Broadway to the Durham School of the Arts.  As in the style of his videos, he deconstructs recordings of everyone from Patti Lupone to Bea Arthur, with a sprinkle of Carly Simon and Cher.

The event was a sort of  lecture on how to deconstruct Broadway videos and audio, that is if lectures were incredibly hilarious and entertaining.  All learning should be so enjoyable; we learned as we laughed so hard that our sides ached.

Seth knows Broadway backward and forward, as he lip synched every song perfectly, stopping only to point out vibrato, head voice, chest voice, whether the singer was on key, and other technical details.  And, as his listeners know, his show would not be complete without his use of "amahzing," explaining the two proper uses of the term and providing examples for each.  The show was hilarious, and informative and we plan to deconstruct every song we have ever loved, but only after we spend hours deconstructing The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

Aside from deconstructing Broadway, Seth is also an author.  He has penned three books, the most recent of which is an amazing novel.  The Q Guide to Broadway is the ultimate insider's look to Broadway, as Seth demonstrates his incredible knowledge of musical theatre, Broadway Nights, and My Awesome (Awful) Popularity Plan are novels that capture the reader's instant attention and leave them wanting more. Even in those two works, his love of musical theatre shines through.

If you get the chance to see Seth deconstruct Broadway live or have the chance to take a master class with him, do it! You won't be disappointed!

Keep up with all of the amazing things Seth has going on with Twitter, Seth TV, and Sirius/XM channel 72.

Band Together's 2014 Main Event

On May 3 Band Together will hold it's annual Main Event.  This year's headliners will be Hall and Oates and the concert will benefit Communities in Schools of Durham and Wake County.  The event will be held at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and doors will open at 6 pm.  Get your tickets here before they sell out!

Band Together was started in response to September 11, 2001.  After the towers fell the founders, Danny Rosin, Phil Gruber, Shellie Gruber, Tom Lyon and Skip Mangum made the decision to take action and become the change they wanted to see in the world.  Every year since, they have put together a Main Event with a well-known headlining artist. We discussed the upcoming event and the organization with Brand Together's Executive Director, Matt Strickland.

September 11, 2001 sparked a national feeling that something needed to be done.  The aforementioned founders of Band Together choose a different approach to funding local causes than many organizations that were started as a result of the tragic events. Matt explained that "they got together and they knew they wanted to do something, and they thought about doing normal event-based fundraising ideas like golf tournaments, wine tastings, etc., but they were all young at the time and  they all loved music so they decided to give it a try and use music as their platform for social change."

Prior to Matt's hiring in 2011, the organization had been mainly volunteer based and driven, and they brought on an executive director to take the organization to "even dizzier heights". Having an executive director has helped the organization to grow and prosper.  When asked about his role, Matt added "We keep growing the brand within the community.  The money raised has jumped from $556,000 to last year $862,000 and this year we are trying to hit $1,000,000.  We are also trying to make the organization as a whole better."

The community has been welcoming of Band Together since their initial event over twelve years ago.  "They planned their first event in six weeks and were able to raise $60,000 from the thousands of people who attended.  To make money on a concert and have that many people show up is pretty fantastic."

What does the future hold for the organization? Matt says "We are trying to figure out how we want to expand in the future whether it be expanding to larger music event in which multiple bands or events happen over a weekend, or package a band machine up and franchise it to other communities. In the next couple of years, we are content to focusing on growing our monetary contributions in support of the local community and we'll see what happens.  The Board of Directors is definitely entertaining some of those larger ideas to figure out what our next steps are going to be in the next five to ten years."

Band Together is a fantastic organization and they are always looking for volunteers for their events! If you can't volunteer you can support the cause by attending their Main Event featuring Hall & Oates on May 3!

Follow Band Together on Twitter to stay up to date on all of their events!

"A Little Potato and Hard to Peel" - An Interview with David Harrell

David Harrell's off-off-Broadway show, "A Little Potato and Hard to Peel" is making its way around the country, and soon the world, and is getting ready to make its appearance at the Paper Lantern Theatre in Greensboro, NC April 10 - 13.  

Tickets to his performances in Greensboro can be purchased here.

Luckily, we got a chance to talk with him about his inspirational show!

M: How did you get interested in acting?

D:  That's a good story.  I played a lot of sports when I was growing up, but I always did little performances in my church.  Although, I wasn't really serious about acting until I was in high school.  One day, I was in the library with a girl, that I had a crush on.  She told me that I might be cute if I performed on stage.  She said that I was funny and might be good on stage.  So, I auditioned for the drama class - thinking she might go out with me.  I was in the class and fell in love with theatre and not so much with her.  She never became my girlfriend, but the impulse to get into acting led to something that I felt like I was good at.

His show "A Little Potato Hard to Peel" is based off of a story his 'grandfather used to tell the story of his little league baseball team, “The Little Potatoes and Hard to Peel.” He said they were smaller than the other boys and maybe not as talented but they always played with their hearts. So no matter if they won or lost they never got down because they were tough…and hard to peel. David was born without his right hand and his journey of discovering what is normal will inspire, entertain and hopefully answer the question, “Are we truly more than the sum of our parts?”'

S: How did you get started working on "A Little Potato and Hard to Peel"?

D:  I worked in a children's theatre, when I had just finished undergraduate school.  The artistic director suggested that I write a play, having heard some of my stories about growing up.  He said that he thought audiences would really respond to them and find them funny and interesting.  I had this idea and would tell everybody that I was going to write one, but I had this in mind for four years.  I had a friend in North Carolina, who worked with the Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre Company, and he worked with me to get a solo show started.  This resulted in The Quest, which was my first solo show.  I performed it in Raleigh and took it to a festival.  Once I finished graduate school, at UNC-Greensboro, I knew that I wanted to develop my show more and make some changes.  I moved to New York and took a workshop at the PIT, or People's Improv Theatre, on solo performance.  Using that workshop, I was able to develop the show and begin to make it what it is today.  I produced it in New York in 2009 and I've been doing festivals and touring the show in schools, churches and universities.  So, it's has really grown and developed.

S: Do you think audiences are surprised by your humor and lax discussion of your disability in your show?

D:  I like to think that people are pleasantly suprised by the humor.  I wanted the show to be funny.  My personality - I like to laugh and make people laugh.  It's not meant to be a funny show.  There are moments of humor, but there are also moments that are poignant.  

S: Do you think that your humor is a way to communicate advocacy for people wth disabilities?

D:  I think so.  You know, people say that when you make people laugh, they are more receptive and open to new ideas that they may not have considered before.  And I don't think it is just the humor that does this.  I, also, think it is the idea of the universality of our shared humanity that communicates with the audience.

Through my specific story, people can see that we all face circumstances and limitations, whether they are put on by other people or by ourselves.  However, it's the idea that those circumstances, whatever they may be, do not define who we are.  People could look at my circumstances and I can look at other circumstances, and we wonder how we would deal.  But what makes us the same is that we are all on this earth now and we are together.  We don't let those circumstances take control, we see ourselves as valuable individuals and the differences should be celebrated.   My hand is just one small difference in a larger collection of differences and that's a good thing. 

M: What's your most popular anecdote in the show that people respond most to?

D: Probably my mother's character.  Everyone loves her tag-line, "I'll show you how we do it South-Georgia-style."  It seems to be the most popularly quoted line after the show.

M: Do you have other upcoming projects?

D:  Next month, I'll be taking "A Little Potato and Hard to Peel" to Toronto for the Canadian Premiere.  I am really excited to do that.  I've only ever been to Canada when I crossed Niagra Falls, so to actually go for a performance is very exciting.  I will also be taking the show to a festival in Eastern Europe over the summer, which is exciting - for the show to be taken outside the States.  

Last summer, I did an off-Broadway play for a festival written by Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale and A Bright New Boise).  He wrote this play for me and a friend.  He has adapted the play into a screenplay for us to do a short film. So, that is another project that I will be working on.  

David was a pleasure to talk to.  If you are in the Greensboro and Wiston-Salem areas, please go see David and his amazing one-man-show, "A Little Potato and Hard to Peel."

Follow David on Twitter.