Rock of Ages Free Mini Concert Tomorrow!

"Any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it..."

Cast members from the hit musical Rock of Ages will perform a free mini-concert of ‘80s music on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

The public is  invited to a free lunchtime mini-concert by the cast of Rock of Ages at South Coast Plaza on the ground level of Jewel Court. Rock of Ages cast members will sing a selection of songs from its rocking score which includes tunes by Journey, Styx, Pat Benatar, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Bon Jovi and many more. Following the performance, cast members will be available to sign autographs and meet audience members. There will also be ticket giveaways to see ROCK OF AGES during its engagement at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 1 – 6.

 Rock of Ages is set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, where a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fall in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.  Rock of Ages is a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers. It’s when big hair meets big dreams and the result totally wails.

You won't want to miss this free lunchtime fun! Look for Amy while you're there!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over"

Beauty & The Beast at OCPAC

"Little town, it's a quiet village, little town, like the one before. Little town, full of little people waking up to say-"
"Bonjour!"
"Bonjour!"

And thus begins the familiar, epic love story, Beauty and the Beast. Good news for kids, romantics, and Disney-lovers alike: the classic tale hit OCPAC's stage on Tuesday and is currently playing nightly, with two performances (afternoon and night) scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The only bad news is that the play's taking a short run- its closing night is this Sunday, November 21st. Amy and I were able to attend opening night, and the place was packed with enthusiastic people like us, so I advise you to plan a night and nab your tickets quickly! They start at just $20!

I think there's a bit of Belle in us all- aching for adventure, romance, and wanting a little more than what everyone says we ought to be content with. It's not that we're ungrateful, it's that, like Belle, we're dreamers. We have something in us that stirs us to pursue greatness. We have hope. 
Liz Shivener plays Belle, and along with her characteristically graceful optimism, Shivener adds a hint of sauciness- Shivener's Belle bites back a bit more than the colorful cartoon we're all used to, but she does so in a way that doesn't draw us away from the Belle we love; rather, her portrayal adds even more life and fullness to an already dynamic heroine. Picture classic Disney Belle with a sprinkle of Amy Poehler.

[Liz Shivener as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

Opposite Liz Shivener is Justin Glaser as the Beast. Arguably one of the most complex Disney "princes," the Beast is a tough role to play. Glaser tackles the role with gusto, portraying a Beast that is at times intimidating and unpredictable, and at times vulnerable and misunderstood. The Beast is like an onion, and Glaser makes himself the best sort of onion. Midway through Act II, we're a bit more familiar with the Beast, and ready to chum up to him, despite his little temper tantrums. It doesn't hurt that he has the voice of an angel. Picture He-Man mixed with Josh Groban and Will Ferrell as the Devil.

[Justin Glaser as the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

The play is filled with all the familiar Disney songs plus a few more new songs sprinkled into the mix. There were two show-stealing scenes, in my humble opinion; one of which was NETwork's renditions of "Be Our Guest" (in which golden-clad cutlery prances among elaborately decorated dishes and salt and pepper shakers in a beautifully choreographed number that ends with "champagne explosions" on stage and confetti streamers into the audience [who doesn't love confetti? The audience went wild]):

[Liz Shivener as Belle and the cast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c)Joan Marcus]

 The second of my two favorite scenes was the pub scene with the singing of "Gaston." I should back up to mention that Nathaniel Hackmann as Gaston stole the show. The man is brimming with talent and oozing personality- two traits that work well in his favor as he portrays the world's most lovable egomaniac, Gaston. Hackmann sprinkled his portrayal with freeze-frame sports/model poses, one-hand eye-brow smoothing, Elvis-like pelvic movements, and a brilliant use of chin. Picture John Travolta as Danny Zuko mixed with Uncle Jesse and add Elvis' hips. Got it? Good. 

In NETwork's performance of "Gaston," the 15 or so members of the pub crowd sing and dance in an impressively choreographed routine, complete with rhythmic metal beer stein clinking, stomping, and overall hoo-hawing. It was glorious. Words fail to fully describe it, so I will simply say this: see it.

[Justin Glaser as the Beast and Liz Shivener as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

I've seen the Disney movie a thousand times, but NETwork's production still had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Belle and the Beast would fall in love before the last rose petal dropped- and anxious for a stage transformation of the Beast into a handsome prince.
SPOILER ALERT! The magical transformation did of course occur, and it was far from the cheesy, fog-machine, man-behind-the curtain swap scene from a high school drama that I half expected; the Beast's body rose into the air and swiveled by the use of what I can only assume was an invisible harness, lights flashed and twinkled (in a way that didn't interrupt the audience's perception of the scene), and truly, like magic, the Beast was transformed into a man. He and Belle have the moment of recognition, kissing ensues, warm feelings blanket the audience, and we have our ever-welcome happily ever after ending. Watch for Chip, the boy who was a teacup- he turns into quite possibly the cutest little red-haired boy imaginable. 

So, if you're in the mood for a little romance, a little magic, a little wit, and a lot of fun, grab a couple loved ones and head to OCPAC for a performance that won't disappoint. Remember: closing night is this Sunday, November 21st! So, plan a night and get your tickets now! Like I said, they start at only $20 per person!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Disney's "Gaston"

Idina Menzel Comes to Orange County!

For our 301st post here at the OC Gazette (we are quite the dedicated bloggers aren't we?) we are giving you big news. Like, New York City big. Literally.


All you Broadway fans, brace yourselves; Idina Menzel - the New York, New York native and Broadway's current reigning diva - is going to be in Orange County this weekend at OCPAC! If you're not a Broadway geek and you've never heard of the Tony Award winning performer, you've definitely seen her. She graced the silver screen with Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams in Enchanted and she recently joined the cast of the Fox hit show GLEE. Now you can see her LIVE, in person, performing all the songs she sings oh-so-well. Idina will perform everything from pop hits, to the musical numbers from all of her most notable musical performances (Wicked, Rent, and more), and also songs from her solo album I Stand. It's going to be a night you won't want to miss!


Get your tickets for the November 7th show at the Orange County Performing Arts Center here.


Check out the video below for a quick intro to the amazing performer.

- Amy
Listening to: Idina Menzel performing "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.

South Pacific at OCPAC

[ David Pittsinger as Emile de Becque and Carmen Cusack as Nellie Forbush. Photo by Curtis Brown ]

Rogers and Hammerstein are to musicals what Joel and Ethan Coen are to film. You’re hard-pressed to find a dud in their repertoire of work. Together they are a hit-making machine, Richard Rogers providing the music, and Oscar Hammerstein II providing the lyrics. South Pacific is a prime example of their creative prowesses combined to make sweet, sweet music… literally.

[The cast performing "I'm Going To Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair." Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

OCPAC is showing South Pacific right now. I attended opening night along with hundreds and hundreds of other musical lovers. Everyone was bustling and excited to see the reinvention of the classic musical produced by the Lincoln Center Theate. The production rode into Orange County on a wave of rave reviews and incredible success at the 2008 Tonys. The production took home seven Tonys including Best Musical! The anticipation of the audience to see this award-winning production was the equivalent of a bunch of giddy children awaiting Christmas morning. I even heard one elderly gentleman singing “Some Enchanted Evening” (the most well-known South Pacific hit) as I shimmied to my seat. As the lights dimmed, the music swelled from the orchestra pit, which was full to capacity on this night, holding a full orchestra of 26 members, the largest orchestra of any touring Broadway production.

[ Anderson Davis as Lt. Joseph Cable and Sumie Maeda as Liat. Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

South Pacific follows the lives of two pairs of lovers on an island in the South Pacific during the second world war as they struggle to keep their relationships intact amidst the struggles of war, the call of duty, and the pressures of a racially prejudiced 1940’s society. The starring roles of French plantation owner Emile De Becque and Nellie Forbush, USN are played by David Pittsinger and Carmen Cusack. The second pair of lovers, Lt. Joseph Cable and young Tonkonese beauty Liat, are played by Anderson Davis and Sumie Maeda.

[ Matthew Saldivar as Luther Billis and The Seabees of SOUTH PACIFIC. Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

The men stole the production, led fearlessly by stars David Pittsinger and Anderson Davis. Less than five minutes into the musical, Paulo breaks out into an amazing rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening” that would have made late great baritone (and original cast member) Ezio Pinza proud. Then the men continue to shine in “There Ain’t Nothing Like A Dame,” one of my favorite moments of the show. The song laments the side effects of going through withdrawals from women, and the cast members sell the song, moaning and groaning around the stage, commiserating with one another. Next we get introduced to my favorite character, Lt. Joe Cable. I had high expectations for this character, as I loved the version that John Kerr played in the 1958 film version of South Pacific. I was not disappointed. Anderson Davis played Cable as a strong, tortured (and did I mention handsome?) young marine officer torn between love and duty. The way he sings “You Have To Be Carefully Taught” and “Younger Than Springtime,” is so beautifully vulnerable that it could make a grown man cry, to use the words of Mick Jagger. David Pittsinger takes the reigns again with a moving version of “This Could Have Been Mine.”

One woman stood out amongst the men, and surprisingly it wasn’t the leading lady, but rather the sharp tongued, ill-tempered Tonkonese souvenir slinger, Bloody Mary, played by Jodi Kimura. The sailors’ ode to her, “Bloody Mary,” is almost as funny as the character itself. Settle provides many a laugh throughout the 2 hour and 40 minute production, which at times is much needed when the musical hits on the deeper subjects of race and war.

South Pacific had it all: love, romance, action, rib-tickling humor, and some amazing singing performances. South Pacific at OCPAC was nothing less than an “enchanted evening.”

- Amy

Don't miss the show! It plays through October 24th.

More details:

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

October 12 – October 24, 2010

Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets:            Start at $20

In person -       The Center Box Office

                        600 Town Center Drive

                        Costa Mesa, CA 92626

                        Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Online -            OCPAC.org

Phone -            714.556.2787

                        Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

TTY number -   714.556.2746

Group Services - 714.755.0236

Peter Pan at OCPAC

You've seen the cartoon movie, probably even a live action version; You've likely seen a theatrical production, maybe put on by a high school drama team; but you've never seen Peter Pan like this. In threesixty°'s production of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan at OCPAC, you'll feel as if you're truly part of the adventure. The action of the play takes place on a round stage in the center of the audience, in a large cricus-like tent, hearkening back to Shakespearean-Globe Theatre days. As it hearkens back, it simultaneously hearkens forward to a virtual reality of sorts, as the top half of the tent is used to project a vivid moving picture and changing backdrop for the action of the play.

[Peter Pan In The Round (c) Kevin Berne]

This photo might look like a psychedelic blur - or the all-seeing eye of Sauron - at first glance, but look closer and you'll discover that this scene from threesixty°'s Peter Pan takes place in the woods, at the headquarters/hide out of "the lost boys." The projections provide a truly 360° experience that moves and changes as the characters continue their adventure. The most breathtaking moment of this experience comes whenever the characters fly; you'll feel like you're flying alongside them as you soar above London, dodging buildings and navigating through archways on the way to Neverland (Sidenote: applause and audible "oohs" and "ahhs" from the audience are to be expected, and even partaken in). 

 

[Flight to Neverland (c) Kevin Berne]

"To live would be a very big adventure," Peter Pan (Nate Fallows) says before beginning to cry.  This was perhaps my most favorite moment of the play - though the flight to Neverland was a very, very close second. The emotional weight of this line still hits me. For all his fun, adventuring, and refusal to grow up, young Peter - even if only for an instant - realizes his loneliness, and longs for the one thing he is most afraid of: growing up. Barrie perhaps intended for readers/viewers/listeners of the tale to then understand that there is beauty in maturity, and even beauty in that which we fear. For this reason and much more, the line which was delivered so flawlessly by Fallows hit me deeply.

After the show ended, I felt a bit of a loss for words (something that doesn't happen often for this writer). Not only that, but I felt a bit daunted by the task I knew that laid ahead of me: writing this review.  I asked myself, "Are there words to describe this production?" The resulting answer from myself to myself resembled something like a hen plucking at a surplus of corn scattered before her, or a miner picking away at a ginormous gem in a stubborn rocky cavern; single words came to mind, one at a time: awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. Captivating. Beyond our time (ok, that's more than a single word at a time, but it did come to mind). This presentation tells a classic story in a way that is new, beautiful, and wildly vivid. I hope you make it a priority to see threesixty°'s Peter Pan at OCPAC while you can - just expect to be swept away and carried off to a familiar and magical place. 

[Peter Pan Illustration by Steve Rawlings, Design by Feast Creative]

Peter Pan is running now through November 21st at OCPAC.  For tickets and show times, click here.

-Blythe

on my blip: The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize?"

In The Heights Hits OCPAC

[In The Heights National Touring Company. Photo by Joan Marcus]

Every great American story starts somewhere else. It’s just the basics of how America began, and why it remains the final stop on a universal brand of “Manifest Destiny.” This land of promise only remains a greener-looking pasture because of that torch-bearing, copper lady of freedom standing in New York Harbor, heralding in all people with a somewhat forgotten welcome: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free… I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"  

In The Heights is like any great American story – just with amazing hip-hop choreography and musical numbers. But besides all the infectious beats and dance, it’s about those who come here and the struggles, lessons, and even humor that accompany different people bringing uprooted lives and cultures to re-root in new lands.

Now playing at OCPAC in Costa Mesa, the Tony-award winning musical In The Heights pivots around the life and relations of young, corner-shop owner Usnavi (whose parents proudly named him after a regal ship they saw while entering America which bore the name U.S. Navy). Usnavi is the hub who connects a community of colorful characters living in Washington Heights, a Latino barrio in northern Manhattan. He and his friends and neighbors come from all over the world with one common dream: to make a home for themselves away from home, to find belonging in a place they seemingly do not belong in.

 [Lexi Lawson, Joseph Morales IN THE HEIGHTS Tour. Photo by Chelsea Lauren]

As much as it could be a story about immigrants, it is a story about humanity, about one of life’s most basic questions: how to find your place, your space, your meaning. In The Heights presents the perfect formula for solving the problem: embrace the humor, the singing, the dancing, the friends, the loved-ones, that make life worthwhile, no matter where you are or where you came from. It’s like Zelda Fitzgerald (wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald) once said, “I don't want to live. I want to love first, and live incidentally.”

The musical soars in story, and it grooves and moves in beat and word. Through rap, rhythm, break dancing, and just good ol’ fashioned vocal-pipe work, a lively, colorful story is told as only Latinos could tell one. The package definitely has Tony’s seal of approval: In The Heights won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical; Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show's creator, won the Tony Award for Best Music and Lyrics; Andy Blankenbuehler won for Best Choreography; and Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman won for Best Orchestrations. Besides that, the original cast recording won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, and Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to produce a feature film based on the smash-hit musical. Needless to say, I’m not the only one who enjoyed it.

 [Lexi Lawson, Isabel Santiago, Arielle Jacobs, Genny Lis Padilla IN THE HEIGHTS Tour. Photo by Chelsea Lauren, 2010]

In The Heights continues it’s feel-good beat at OCPAC through August 15^th. Snag a pair of tix, enroll an accomplice, and head over to the performing arts center for a night of culture, humor, and melody.

A tip: the dialogue moves fast and the rapping can be hard to understand at points, but think of it as watching a Tarantino film. You’re not likely to catch all the dialogue and deep wit, but you will catch 70%, which in these kinds of productions is more than enough to captivate and delight.

Peripheral entertainment of the night: hearing older show attendees making excited and impressed comparisons to “that boy on So You Think You Can Dance” and Eminem.

Cheers,

Jen

On my iPod: "To The Dogs Or Whoever" by Josh Ritter

Movies, and festivals, and concerts! Oh, my!

Looking for summertime fun? Unable to skip town and jet to the Bahamas? No problem. Staycations are your new best friend. Allow me to introduce you to some great local events that don't require a suitcase, a station wagon, or your life savings. Some of these local happenings start as soon as today, some are happening this weekend, and some are going on all summer. These outdoor movies, festivals, and concerts will remind you why OC is so wonderful, and even though we practically celebrate summer all year long, these events only come once a year - and you won't want to miss out. Invite a few friends, and enjoy your staycation!

Movie Mondays at the Orange County Performing Arts Center 

1. FREE Movie Mondays at OCPAC - Beginning Monday, July 12th

Orange County Performing Arts Center presents their enormously popular FREE Movie Mondays on the Center's outdoor community plaza. The films are projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall - how cool is that? Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs (setup begins at 5:30 p.m.), pack their own snacks or picnic dinner (leave your barbecue at home), and there is even a costume contest (at 7:30 p.m.)! Dress like your favorite character from the night's film for a chance to win prizes such as tickets to the OC Fair, goodies from Broadway shows, and other fun-filled prizes. The film series returns next Monday, July 12th with The Wizard of Oz, starring the beloved Judy Garland. Movies start at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.).

 

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Movie Mondays summer lineup:
July 12 - The Wizard of Oz
July 19 - Some Like it Hot
July 26 - Oliver!
August 2 - Dirty Dancing
August 9 - Mad Hot Ballroom

2. Passport to the Arts - On sale now!

"One price. One pass. Three art festivals. All summer long." The Laguna Beach Passport to the Arts will get you unlimited admission all summer to three of Laguna's famous art festivals (Festival of Arts, Sawdust Art Festival, and Art-A-Fair) for only $19! Included in the low price is a one-time use free parking pass ($7 value) and tons of special offers and discounts from local businesses and restaurants - The Rooftop Lounge, Tivoli Terrace and Tivoli Too!, Sundried Tomato, Hennessey's Tavern, k'ya Bistro Bar, and more. Yum!

• Festival of Arts - Just outside the main entrance to the Pageant of the Masters lies the ever-interesting premier fine art exhibition, Festival of Arts. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Festival has been a canyon tradition since 1932. With plenty of exhibitors and demonstrators, this is truly a unique event with a wide spectrum of art media. You can also meet many of the artists live at their booths! Don't miss Beatles Sunday (every Sunday) with Jason Freddy and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. It's a great show, covering some of our favorite classic Beatles tunes. Check out the events calendar for more info! General admission is $7, and only $4 for seniors and students.

"Down to the Wire" by Lindsay Buchman (meet her at the Festival of Arts)

• Sawdust Art Festival - One of my favorite summer family outings happens at the Sawdust Festival. Featuring fine art and crafts from over 200 Laguna Beach artists, the Festival is an excellent venue for taking a leisurely stroll, grabbing a cold beer over at the Festival's terrace, and exploring different art mediums. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through August 29th. Save $1 off the admission price (limit four discounts with each printout). Print the coupon here! Be sure to check out the entertainment schedule and calendar of events. There's always a live demonstration or musical performance happening somewhere! And ladies, be sure to get some foot bling over at the ever-popular toe-ring booth!

Glass artist Christopher Jeffries at the Sawdust Festival

• Art-A-Fair - Celebrating its 44th year, the Art-A-Fair-Festival displays works from over 125 local, national, and international artists. Dine in a beautiful courtyard at Tivoli Too!, which serves Southwest cuisine, and try one of their award-winning margaritas.

"Elephant Walk" by Keith Alway (see his work at Art-A-Fair)

Explore art in a serene garden setting, from oil paintings and watercolors to sculpture and ceramics. Be sure not to miss a variety of afternoon and evening musical performances. View the event calendar here.

Print this ticket to save $3 off admission!

Open Sunday - Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This festival ends on August 29th.

3. Pageant of the Masters - July 7th through August 31st

One of our most treasured, famous, local art shows, the Pageant of the Masters captivates the Laguna Canyon each summer season. Beginning at 8:30 in the evening, "living pictures" take the stage as famous pieces of art are recreated with live actors. The show takes place in a tucked away outdoor amphitheater, nestled into the canyon, and is accompanied by live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, and a live orchestra. (Read about the Pageant's history in our archives.) The Pageant's annual grand finale, Leonardo's "The Last Supper", provides an epic ending to this magical evening under the stars.

This year's theme "Eat, Drink and be Merry" is dedicated to "exploring the collective capacity for seizing the moment, letting our hair down and raising a heartfelt toast to the good life. From Bacchus to Bourbon Street, from the elegant fetes of 17th century Europe to the flappers of the Jazz Age ..." Arrive early to enjoy the wonderful art at the Festival of Arts just outside the Pageant's amphitheater entrance (entrance is free with your show ticket).

4. Music for a Cure benefit with Sugar Ray - Sunday, July 11th

The District at Tustin Legacy will host a special benefit this Sunday in support of Music for a Cure, a local non-profit organization (founded by members of Sugar Ray) that brings music therapy to critically ill children. Proceeds from the event will go toward music therapy services for referred patients and families with CHOC Child Life Development. Tickets are $50 and go towards a great cause! OC rock band Sugar Ray, who was recently recognized by the OC Music Awards with this year's Orange County Impact Award, will give a special performance following a silent auction just outside the Borders Books & Music at The District Stage. The event begins at 6 p.m.

The Union Line at HOB 12/11/09 

5. House of Blues, Anaheim - Friday, July 9th

Support local artists! This Friday at the House of Blues in Anaheim local bands will be dropping some sweet rock beats. The lineup includes The Rye Douglas Band, San Juan Capistrano-based band The Union Line, Santa Ana indie rockers Pacific Hurt (formerly Aushua), Kiev, and Huntington Beach-based surf/garage rock band Hindu Pirates. The show starts at 8 p.m. All ages. Tickets are only $12.50!

6. Yarning and Yakking, Tales and Snacking - Wednesday, July 7th, 14th, and 21st

OC Parks and South Coast Storytellers Guild present their 4th annual storytellers event at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. "Yarning and Yakking, Tales and Snacking" features live music, refreshments, and the finest storytellers from across Southern California weaving wonderful tales that will entertain the whole family. Admission is only $5 per person. Parking is free!

Enjoy your staycation and don't forget your sunscreen!

- Sara

Listening to "Love It All" by The Kooks

The Lion King at OCPAC

There are times when life seems like a chaotic, unorganized jumble of faces and conversations; when you can hardly hold your focus as your good friend recounts her weekend dating escapades because your mind is on a deadline, a dentist appointment, or a bit of advice your dad gave you that still doesn’t sit well. Times when one minute you’re enjoying afternoon coffee on Sunday and before you know it, it’s Friday afternoon and you’re scrambling to tie up loose ends before the work week is over. Life is a blur. To quote the much-adored Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in awhile, you might miss it.”

Such is the case with the Broadway production of The Lion King; the play has been touring for nine years now, and has received consistent praise from reporters and bloggers alike. I’ve wanted to see the play for years, and finally finally made a point to see it when I heard it was coming to our own OC Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.

On Friday night, I ventured out to Segerstrom Stage, giddy with anticipation for the magic I was about to partake in. Truly, my cup overfloweth with glee.

I feel the need to stop and address the issue of giving over-hyped reviews; we all have that one friend who ruins movies we would have otherwise enjoyed for their subtle wit and subdued genius had not our aforementioned friend told us with an arm-clenching grip that we have to see the greatest movie ever and we’ll love it so much. That happened when I went to see Garden State; a well-meaning friend told me it would change my life, so me and my highest of expectations bought an overpriced ticket and braved the sticky theater floors to see this work of cinematic brilliance, only to be sorely underwhelmed. That’s not to say I didn’t like the film, but it was the perfect illustration of how people can ruin decent movies for us by building up our expectations. The reason I bring this up is because part of me feared that, as I made my way to Costa Mesa to see The Lion King at long last, my expectations were too high, and I would be disappointed. I also acknowledge this phenomenon to assuage any similar concerns you have about the apparent rave review I’m about to embark on; fear not, gentle reader. All will be accounted for.

I made my way into the theater, found my seat, and waited for the lights to dim, the music to start, the magic to begin (and to simultaneously silence the masses of small children giddily in attendance). And then it did; it all happened. The lights went low and one by one, a chorus of voices joined in a triumphant exclamation of the mesmerizing “Circle of Life.” Men emerged from the aisles and balconies, only they weren’t quite men—they were rams, with great big horned heads and wooden faces with permanently stoic expressions, with captivatingly beautiful voices belting out poignant melodies. An eclectically-clad baboon (Rafiki) led them in the melodic bellowing that opens the song, and soon, an entire safari of “humanimals” emerged: zebras, gazelles, elephants and rhinos composed of at least four people, women with shoulders of white birds fluttering about, a centaur-esque half lioness, half woman character moving gracefully, and every African safari animal you can think of, all making their way slowly and triumphantly toward center stage, exploding in song about the interconnectedness of life and nature. 

[Phindile Mkhize as “Rafiki” in the opening number “The Circle of Life” from THE LION KING National Tour. 

(c) Disney. Photo Credit Joan Marcus] 

To explain the impact all this had on me—the entrance, the animals, the song, everything happening right around and among us—it transported me to another world not quite human but not fully animal; it was a world above such distinctions, that connected us all on a soul level. I feel myself starting to sound a little too new age-y, like one of those people who is constantly concerned about her shakra and carries around a paper voodoo notepad and a thermos of yerba mate. But honestly, jokes aside, I could go on for hours about the opening alone, and I wouldn’t be overrating it; you have to experience it yourself.

From the enchanting dance of the lionesses to the masterfully enacted stampede (I had worried it would be corny; I was wrong) to the starry skyscape that slowly reveals Mufasa’s face during Rafiki’s song of encouragement to Simba that “He Lives in You” (and he lives in me as well, according to the song), the entirety of the musical moves you to a place of peaceful connection, and renewed confidence in universal order.

 [“Lionesses Dance” in THE LION KING National Tour. (c) Disney. Photo Credit Joan Marcus]

[André Jackson as “Simba” and the Ensemble singing “He Lives In You.” Photo by Joan Marcus (c) Disney]

Like I said, sometimes life seems like a muddled mess of people, places, and things; The Lion King reassures us that there is order, there is beauty and connection and endless possibility, and therefore, endless hope. It also gives us hope that if an outcast lion cub, a warthog with a gas problem, and a witty Meer cat with a penchant for enthusiastic cabaret-style diversions can become best friends, connection is possible within all levels of our own disordered and often dysfunctional society.

Ten years ago, they said a stage production of The Lion King couldn’t be done. Julie Taymor, the Tony award-winning woman behind the direction and costume design of the musical proved them wrong. Nine years later, The Lion King remains one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. Julie Taymor has directed the likes of Salma Hayek (a la Frida) and Anthony Hopkins (Titus), and played a major role in the making of Across the Universe in 2006. Taymor has a golden touch, and her vision continues to create theatrical and cinematic brilliance for us all to enjoy.


For tickets and showtimes to The Lion King, visit OCPAC's site.
For more information about Julie Taymor, click here.


-Blythe

on my iTunes: Elton John's "The Circle of Life"

 

Dreamgirls: Now Showing at OCPAC

Acting, singing, dancing: the triple threat that gets me every time. Throw in live music, glitter, and comedy, and I'm sold. Within the first five seconds of Act I in Dreamgirls, I got it all.

Dreamgirls, directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom, is making its debut at the Orange County Permorming Arts Center in Costa Mesa. Dreamgirls tells the story of Deena Jones, Lorrell Robinson, and Effie White, three rising singers, trying to make it big in the 1960s, while in the dreary company of adversity, heartbreak, and sacrifice. Their on-stage, show stoppin' performance is burdened and eventually curtailed by their off-stage diva drama.

Adrienne Warren (Lorrell), Syesha Mercado (Deena) and Margaret Hoffman (Michelle) (c) Joan Marcus

The story begins at a talent contest where The Dreamettes (the girls singing group) are offered their very first gig as backup singers to James "Thunder" Early. Lead singer Effie White proclaims, "I ain't singing behind nobody!" From the start, Effie reveals her frontman arrogance. They accept the job, but because of Effie's attitude and the nature of the cost of fame, the girls ride a slippery slope to stardom. 

After a stint of backing for James Early, The Dreamettes' manager Curtis Taylor, Jr., who is quite the hustler, transforms the trio into their own group: the Dreams. He makes drastic changes, moving Deena to the front of the group, and Effie to the back. With her ego wounded, Effie lashes out. To Effie, Deena has stolen her lead and stolen her man. Jimmy tries to tell Effie, "The best survive no matter where they're put." But, Effie leaves the group, giving a very emotional farewell with the number "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", demanding "you're gonna love me". 

 Moya Angela (Effie) (c) Joan Marcus 

Act II follows the cast on their individual paths as they try to find their way back to where they belong. Effie makes a refined comeback as a solo artist. She ends up going head to head with Deena and the Dreams, fighting on the music charts with the number "One Night Only". Will the girls reunite and put aside their diva differences? Or will the 'fame monster' eat them alive?

Moya Angela stuns us as Effie with powerhouse, velvety smooth vocals that will seep down into your soul. Her character's trials pull at your heartstrings, and make you want to rise up on your feet and join her in a march against everyone who has wronged her, despite the fact that she's dug her own grave.

Chester Gregory (James Early), Syesha Mercado (Deena), Moya Angela (Effie) and Adrienne Warren (Lorrell) (c) Joan Marcus

A colorful, talented supporting cast provides a refreshing break from the show's relationship drama. Chester Gregory steals the show as James Early, and continually provides comic relief. His singing and dancing is reminiscent of favored 50s- and 60s-era hit makers: a mash of Chuck Berry/Elvis Presley/Otis Redding/Little Richard/James Brown (mixed in with a little of Dave Chappelle's impression of Rick James). He has rhythm and blues running through his bones. "I'm Jimmy and I've got to have soul!"

The company of DREAMGIRLS (c) Joan Marcus
 

Dreamgirls is a feast for the senses: an ever-interesting ensemble of glittery costumes, brilliant lighting, soulful R & B singing, and sensational dance moves. This production hails straight from Harlem's Apollo Theater, and features a cast whose presence is larger than life as they give their all in this heart and soul performance. 

SEE DREAMGIRLS

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

April 26 – May 2

Monday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, May 1 will be sign-language interpreted.

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets:      Start at $20

In person - The Center Box Office:

                  600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

                  Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Online -      OCPAC.org

Phone -      714.556.2787

                  Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

TTY number -   714.556.2746

Group Services - 714.755.0236

Coming Soon to OCPAC: The Lion King - May 26th through June 13

- Sara

Listening to "Steppin' to the Bad Side" from Dreamgirls