Tag: live theatre

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Reviews Theatre Women in Entertainment

You will never forget ‘The Book of Us’

Artwork by Alissa Wynne

Missoula has had a great arts community for many years, and with the arrival of the Cadmium Company, that legacy will surely continue.  The newly-formed theater group is composed of University of Montana students and alumni.  Their current production is The Book of Us, a new play by local playwright and University of Wisconsin-Madison PhD student Joshua Kelly.

The play is wonderfully directed by recent UM MFA graduate Natasha Conti, who we reviewed during her amazing performance in The Madwoman of Chaillot at the University’s Masquer Theatre.

The play is being performed in the basement of a private residence which has been configured into a black box theater very similar to the Masquer, with audience members watching from both sides.

”The opportunity to do a boutique house show – and to bring Kelly’s second full-length play to life – was one that couldn’t be passed up,” Conti said.  “The intimate nature of a show on location means the audience members are literally inches away from the actors. There’s no room for pretense, and that kind of theatre is fascinating.”

The play  examines the relationship between a young writer, his steadfast boyfriend, and his intermittent girlfriend.  Zachary French turns in a Tony-worthy performance as Xavier, the young writer, who must re-evaluate the nature of his relationships with Jacob, played by Thain Bertin, and Hadley, played by Brit Garner.  Jasmine Sherman portrays Jacob’s sister, Jennifer, in a supporting role.

The performances of the ensemble are equally breathtaking, but it is the riveting performance of French that is truly memorable.  Nevertheless, every cast member truly shines in their respective roles, and as a result, the audience will have a treasure trove of amazing  moments to look back on.

Annika Hanson composed the music and does an outstanding job of playing background guitar, adding the perfect musical backdrop for the play.  Stage Manager Aaron Turner was likewise outstanding in his technical support.

The play continues at 8 p.m. on July 13 and 14.  Tonight is sold out but there are still tickets available for Saturday.  Tickets are a suggested $5 donation at the door, and reservations are available by emailing cadmiumcompany@gmail.com.  The lobby opens at 7:30 p.m. and seating begins at 7:45 p .m.  There is no late seating.

Audience discretion is advised as the play contains adult themes, language, and nudity.   Seating is limited so audience members are encouraged to reserve seats early.  You don’t want to miss this play.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: vol 16

Welcome to the last week of April.  We have been getting so much response from indie artists lately, and are proud to be able to introduce you to some new artists that are definitely worth checking out.  Grab your coffee, put on your headphones, and check out what’s happening in the world of indie music and theater.

MCT’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ OPENS THIS WEEK

The final production of the season for the Missoula Community Theater, The Wizard of Oz, opens to the public on Friday, April 28.  Featuring a large cast and directed by local dance icon Heather Adams, the show is scheduled for three weeks of performances.  Tickets are available at the MCT Center for Performing Art Box Office, as well as online at MCTink.org.  We’ll have a review of the opening night performance this weekend.

ALEXIS KEEGAN HONORS PRINCE WITH LATEST LIVE VIDEO

Hard to believe that Prince has been gone for a year.  Multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Alexis Keegan recently honored Prince during her concert at the world-famous Mint in Los Angeles.  Check out her amazing cover of “When Doves Fly/Purple Rain.”

ADHOC RELEASES VIDEO FOR ‘MY CITY’

Adhoc is a band out of Montreal that has reached out to debut their new music video for “My City.”  Check it out and let us know what you think about these guys.

K-SYRAN IS BACK WITH THE VIDEO RELEASE OF ‘DIZZY’

Norway’s K-Syran is back with another dance tune that has been very popular in Europe.  Check her out and let us know your opinion of this interesting artist.

BIRDSWORTH PROMISES TO ‘TREAT US GOOD’

Just learned about this promising British group Birdsworth, who record all their music in a shed and toss out their own blend of tea bags at their shows.  We think you’ll like their latest music video, which was released last month.  Let us know what you think.

MESALFIE RELEASES VISUALLY STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO

Rome-based indie pop artist MesAlfie has released a beautiful, artfully stunning music video for his single, “Must see New York.”  We think you will love it for the amazing artwork, but we love the song as well.  Let us know what you think and we’ll see you next week.

 

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Reviews Theatre

‘Noises Off’ brings laughter and mayhem to UM’s Montana Theatre

The final production of the 2016-2017 school year for the University of Montana’s College of Visual Arts and School of Theatre & Dance opened on campus on April 19, and it was the perfect closing number for a season of great works.

The play, written by Michael Frayn, has always been a favorite of theatre geeks and participants, and this production pulled out all the stops to make it especially meaningful.  Director Pamyla Stiehl, with help from Scenic Designer Alessia Carpoca, Costume Designer Linda Guilis, Lighting Director Mark Dean, and Audio Designer Cole Milligan, perfectly capture the spirit and intent of the playwright’s vision, while the stage managing job of Sophia Holter brought it all together on stage, all to the delight of the packed house.

The chemistry between the nine members of the cast was truly evident in this magical farce, which depends on that chemistry in order to pull off the multitude of pratfalls and physical comedy that make Noises Off the penultimate homage to the theatre.  Putting on a great show while looking totally inept takes a great deal of talent and skill, and this cast excelled in both.  Christina Heagney as Dotty Otley, Ryson Sparacino as Lloyd Dallace, Dillon Westhoff as Garry Lejeune, Christina Tripp as Poppy Norton-Taylor and Natalie Johnson as Brooke Ashton were all hilarious in their featured roles, especially the slapstick antics of Johnson, who had to be spot perfect In her ability to look inept.  They were truly complemented by Tyson Gerhardt Hirsch as Frederick Fellowes Genevieve Barlow as Belinda Blair, David Mills-Low as Selsdon Mowbray and Curen Feliciani as Tim Allgood in their supporting roles.  Feliciani truly stood out as the bumbling stage hand and understudy for the hapless production, the play within the play, Nothing On.

If you need a good physical release from your stress, combined with side-splitting laughter, then Noises Off is the perfect place for you.  The production will continue at 7:30 p.m. on April 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. on April 23 and 30.  Tickets are available at the UMArts Box Office or online at umt.edu/theatredance.  We highly recommend this production and can hardly wait to see what’s in store for the next season.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre

Monday Mashup Vol 4: What’s new in the indie world today?

Happy Monday – can you believe there are only two more Mondays after today left in this year?  Has it been a good one for you?  If not, what are you doing to change the future?  Indie artists are our hope for a brighter tomorrow, so get up, get busy, and let’s change the world for the better.

Kari Kimmel releases new album

Indie artist extraordinaire Kari Kimmel is one of the most well-known of indie artists, since her music has been heard in countless television shows, movies and commercials.  Hot on the success of her last release, Poppyfields, Kimmel is releasing an album of covers on December 15.  Check back for our review of the new CD.  In the meantime, get out and add it to your collection.  You can pre-order now on iTunes.

Foxtrax plays Sofar Sounds Los Angeles

Foxtrax, who we introduced to you in August, performed at last night’s Secret Holiday Show for Sofar Sounds Los Angeles, which was the 300th Sofar Sounds show.   They previously had performed a residency at Sofar Sounds in October.  Unfortunately we couldn’t be there, but we are sure it was a smashing success.  If you are an indie artist, you owe it to yourself and your career to become part of the Sofar Sounds experience.  Congratulations to Sofar Sounds on 300 shows.  Thanks for all you do for indie artists!!!

Alexis Keegan set to perform at The Mint

The music of Alexis Keegan was born in the soulful sounds of Motown and R&B, and Keegan wants to go back to those roots.  If you’re lucky enough to live in Los Angeles, you can get an early taste of the new sound by attending her performance on January 28, 2017 at the world famous Mint.  We think you will be pleased with the new sound.

Cindy Alexander to open for Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin

Speaking of upcoming concerts, two of the best artists on Blue Élan Records will be performing together in a special show at Hollywood’s famed Hotel Café on January 22, 2017 on their Second Stage.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some of the best music in Los Angeles when Cindy Alexander opens for the famed Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin.

Congrats to Janiva Magness for her Grammy nomination

And speaking of Blue Élan Records’ artists, we send out our heartiest congratulations to Janiva Magness for her recent Grammy nomination for Contemporary Blues for her album Love Wins Again, a first for both Magness and Blue Élan Records.

StageCrafts, L.L.C. to take over management of Stage/Sound

Theatre Unleashed Managing Director Gregory Crafts and his talented wife Jenn Scuderi Crafts have launched a new venture, StageCrafts, L.L.C., which will take over management of Koreatown’s Stage/Sound venue, effective January 1.  This is an amazing venue where we were able to catch Round Rock a few years ago.  We wish them the best as they continue to keep intimate theatre alive in the Los Angeles area.

Video Releases

Redhead Express, one of our favorite indie groups, has released their latest music video, just in time for Christmas.  This one is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit, as Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan cover “Away in a Manger,” bluegrass style.

Patrick Joseph has released a live video of his amazing song, “Piece of Your Love.”  This one gives us goosebumps.  Enjoy.

Come back tomorrow for another edition of Get it or Forget it.  Until then, keep it indie!

 

Categories
Reviews Theatre

UM’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical is the perfect treat for Thanksgiving

Once a year the College of Visual and Performing Arts joins with the Schools of Music and Theatre & Dance to present a musical in the University of Montana’s Montana Theatre.  This year’s offering is the delightful Legally Blonde the Musical, based on the 2001 Reese Witherspoon movie Legally Blonde.

Sometime in the 19th Century the phrase “The show must go on,” originated, and nowhere was it more evident than in last night’s opening night performance.  Several of the cast members had been sick for the past two weeks, including the lead actress, Whitney Blair Miller, who despite her sickness, delivered a believable portrayal of Elle Woods.

Skillfully directed by Teresa Waldorf, with assistance from music director Roxanna Jackson, choreographer Pamyla Stiehl and stage manager Jason McDaniel, the performance was enhanced by the scenic design of Mike Fink, costume design of Bayne Tilton, lighting design of Zach Hamersley and audio design of Timothy McHenry.

From the pink halls of the Delta Nu Sorority to the hallowed halls of Harvard Law, the cast turned in a worthy performance that captured the magic of the original movie, and allowed several cast members to truly shine.  Besides the stellar performance of Miller, other cast members who delivered in their roles were Eric Wills as Emmett, Taylor Caprara as Brooke, Royce McIntosh as Callahan, Saige Perchy as Paulette and Natalie Johnston as Serena.  Johnston totally stole the show with every on-stage appearance.  Other notable performances were made by Erynn O’Brien as Enid, Curen Feliciani as Warner and Kady Nordstrom as Vivienne, while Carissa Lund turned in the most outstanding ensemble performance, consistently amazing the packed house with her incredible dance moves and abilities.  Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the two canine members of the cast, who stole the hearts of cast and audience alike with their portrayals of Bruiser and Rufus.

By all means, you should definitely head out for a great night of theater and catch this show.  Tickets are available at the UMArts box office and online at GrizTix.  Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on November 25, 26 & 30 and December 3, as well as at 2 p.m. on November 26 & 27 and December 4.  There is a talk back with the cast following the November 25 performance.