By JOANNE DODDS
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
My dear fellow Puebloans, our talented young people need you! The usually sold out Summer Musical at the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center has seats available for tonight and the 20th through the 23rd at 7:30 p.m. The show is very good and the kids are great. Go. You will be glad that you did.
While we are on the subject, all of the arts are hurting nationwide. While I have a thing about math and reading skills, the arts are equally important. It is not enough to read the words. True understanding requires imagination, creativity, and exposure to the “Arts”. If our children are to be all that they can be, then participating in and experiencing live performances is essential and it starts with shows like the Summer Musical.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is the 51st. Summer Musical. Directors Wayne Genova and Donna Stinchcomb have been doing it for 26 years and their teamwork has paid off.
The large cast, recruited from Pueblo City Schools, did complex dance routines, knew every word to the songs and exuded a sense of fun which is hard to do when you are very young and on stage. Children’s Musical Director Tina Emmerson did a fine job with the wide range of young voices. The set design by John Wilbar and Nic Roberts was as good, if not better, than some of the Broadway Theater League sets. The costumes were at times pretty and at times funny. The program included a plot synopsis, a musical synopsis and all the other features that prepare the audience to enjoy the performance.
And, what a performance it was! At the end of play I overheard a woman say that she was tired when she came in but now she felt great! It was that kind of a show. From the opening notes of the Overture, played by the 17-member orchestra, under the direction of Michael DeLuca, the play was light-hearted.
Mixing Biblical times with the present gave the play a wacky tone that resonated with the cast. “One More Angel in Heaven Hoedown” featured the entire cast, as did most of the play.
Ninety percent of the play was a team effort but there were notable moments such as Torren Friberg and Sierra Reynolds during the hoedown, Carly Torres as Mrs. Potiphar chasing Joseph through a line of the Wives, Nick Radford as Jacob, Andrew Alfonso as the Butler and Dane Anderson as the Pharaoh/Elvis during the “Poor, Poor, Pharaoh” song. The “Cannaan Days” dance by Rebecca Higgs and Austyn Simpson was well done.
The biggest unit of the team were the very talented Brothers! They were Torren Friberg, Nate Adams, Dane Anderson, Joshua Dasher, Tyler Barnes, Andrew Alfonso, Cody Saunders, Austyn Simpson, Josh Smith, Christian Nafziger and Matt Comden. Coming as a close second were the equally talented Wives. They were Sierra Reynolds, Elizabeth Scoggins, Carly Torres, Alexandra Pepin, Kaitlyn Cook, Jerica Khosla, Rebecca Higgs, Shayla Margison, Ashley Minnich, Natalie Stanaway and Marie Kidd.
Saving the best for last, Jenilyn Bartolo and Kimberly Sewell as the Narrators were a wonderful mixture of shepherds of the younger performers, talented on-stage actors and singers of great talent. Both women are now in college pursing careers in music.
Zachary Friberg was Joseph who wore his coat of many colors with skill beyond his years. His singing voice was rich and deep. Every time he was on stage, the audience’s eyes were drawn to him. He was the talented star that held the show together. Bravo!
Article available from The Pueblo Chieftain
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Pueblo Connection/Patti Gallagher’s Musical Notes
By John M. Valdez, PPAG Reviewer
What does a Noble Prize and Academy Award winning Irish author, Two musical guys from New York, and some singers in Pueblo have in common? They all had some part in bringing a night of music to La Renaissance Restaurant. Patti Gallagher's Musical Notes brought the music of Lerner and Loewe to the excited but sparse crowd Thursday night. Lerner and Loewe have given us some of the most popular and best Broadway shows like My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, and Camelot.
Lerner and Loewe have delighted audiences for generations, from their first stage production in 1942, Life of the Party. To their final collaboration in 1974’s musical film The Little Prince. Without a doubt, their most famous and well-known show was My Fair Lady, based upon the play, Pygmalion written by the afore mentioned Irish author George Bernard Shaw. Shaw won an Oscar in 1934 for the screenplay of Pygmalion, based on that play.
As usual Mrs. Gallagher was outstanding doing what she does best joining her on stage was Brent Ritter who is constantly great and whose amazing tenor voice filled the space. Jenily Bartolo a complete and utter delight she shinned on "Show Me." The two standouts of the night were the youngsters of the group. Tabitha Rooney with her gorgeous and striking voice will surely go far. Thomas Runyon will most defiantly be one to watch. He was a joy to listen to, especially on his performance of "The Street Where You Live." The stunning list of songs included such Lerner and Loewe classics as, "I Could Have Danced All Night," and "Grown Accustom to Her Face," from the award winning My Fair Lady, "How to handle a Woman from Camelot," "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," from Gigi and one of my personal favorites from Brigadoon, "Heather on the Hill."
Mrs. Gallagher a Pueblo native and star of stage and screen returned to Pueblo and along with her equally famous and talented husband Ed created Musical Notes. Since its creation in 2005 they have been doing all they can to raise the spirit and awareness of arts, music and culture here in the Pueblo area and we all owe them a hardy thank you.
Providing the music for those on stage were the very well known, and talented Barbara and Michael Beck co-directors along with the Gallaghers. You would be well pleased to see this array of talent gracing this stage. So gather up the heather, root for Dover and enjoy Patti Gallagher’s Musical Notes’ tribute to the music of Lerner and Loewe.
What: Patti Gallagher’s Musical Notes
When: Friday and Saturday May 1-2
Time: Dinner 6:45pm, Show 7:45pm
Cost: $40 per person
What does a Noble Prize and Academy Award winning Irish author, Two musical guys from New York, and some singers in Pueblo have in common? They all had some part in bringing a night of music to La Renaissance Restaurant. Patti Gallagher's Musical Notes brought the music of Lerner and Loewe to the excited but sparse crowd Thursday night. Lerner and Loewe have given us some of the most popular and best Broadway shows like My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, and Camelot.
Lerner and Loewe have delighted audiences for generations, from their first stage production in 1942, Life of the Party. To their final collaboration in 1974’s musical film The Little Prince. Without a doubt, their most famous and well-known show was My Fair Lady, based upon the play, Pygmalion written by the afore mentioned Irish author George Bernard Shaw. Shaw won an Oscar in 1934 for the screenplay of Pygmalion, based on that play.
As usual Mrs. Gallagher was outstanding doing what she does best joining her on stage was Brent Ritter who is constantly great and whose amazing tenor voice filled the space. Jenily Bartolo a complete and utter delight she shinned on "Show Me." The two standouts of the night were the youngsters of the group. Tabitha Rooney with her gorgeous and striking voice will surely go far. Thomas Runyon will most defiantly be one to watch. He was a joy to listen to, especially on his performance of "The Street Where You Live." The stunning list of songs included such Lerner and Loewe classics as, "I Could Have Danced All Night," and "Grown Accustom to Her Face," from the award winning My Fair Lady, "How to handle a Woman from Camelot," "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," from Gigi and one of my personal favorites from Brigadoon, "Heather on the Hill."
Mrs. Gallagher a Pueblo native and star of stage and screen returned to Pueblo and along with her equally famous and talented husband Ed created Musical Notes. Since its creation in 2005 they have been doing all they can to raise the spirit and awareness of arts, music and culture here in the Pueblo area and we all owe them a hardy thank you.
Providing the music for those on stage were the very well known, and talented Barbara and Michael Beck co-directors along with the Gallaghers. You would be well pleased to see this array of talent gracing this stage. So gather up the heather, root for Dover and enjoy Patti Gallagher’s Musical Notes’ tribute to the music of Lerner and Loewe.
What: Patti Gallagher’s Musical Notes
When: Friday and Saturday May 1-2
Time: Dinner 6:45pm, Show 7:45pm
Cost: $40 per person
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Students Impress at "Jazz Night"
by Ed & Patti Gallagher, PPAG Reviewers
A wonderful event took place Saturday evening, April 11th, at the Olde Town Carriage House. Al Eberhardt brought two magnificent Jazz Bands from Colorado State University-Pueblo to a better environment for jazz.. Hoag Hall, at the University, is a very good venue for many shows but it does not lend itself to a performance of jazz bands. On the other hand, the Olde Town Carriage house is perfect because of its casual atmosphere with many tables for refreshments and a dance floor that allowed people to “get up” and dance to the super music including one father who danced with his child who was about two years old..
The evening included two different bands, CSU-Pueblo Jazz II, with Al Eberhardt directing and the CSU-Pueblo Jazz I directed by Brad Eastin. Jazz II played seven numbers from Bluff Point (John La Barbera) to You and Me Against the World (Paul Williams) to Sidewinder (Lee Morgan). All arrangements were so very “danceable.” It amazed me that most of the members of the band were students with only a few “pros” sitting in. Brad Eastin conducted the Jazz I group with nine numbers, less familiar jazz (less familiar to me), with several arrangements by Bill Holman (Arranger for Stan Kenton). And the dancing continued.
I was particularly impressed with Speak Low (K. Weill and Bill Holman), but there was great enthusiasm expressed by the audience for each number. Soloists, too many to mention, were unbelievably outstanding. I, coming to Colorado from Los Angeles, believe that both of these groups would be sensations in L.A.
The University has a superb Jazz Section in the Music School. With such outstanding professionals as Al Eberhardt and Brad Eastin (both alumni from the Air Force Academy Band) leading the teaching of jazz performance, the University needs to publicize the music department much more.
Al Eberhardt stated that these performances, in cooperation with the Olde Town Carriage House, are planned to be monthly events. Watch for the dates. Don’t miss the next one…You will not regret one minute of this experience.
A wonderful event took place Saturday evening, April 11th, at the Olde Town Carriage House. Al Eberhardt brought two magnificent Jazz Bands from Colorado State University-Pueblo to a better environment for jazz.. Hoag Hall, at the University, is a very good venue for many shows but it does not lend itself to a performance of jazz bands. On the other hand, the Olde Town Carriage house is perfect because of its casual atmosphere with many tables for refreshments and a dance floor that allowed people to “get up” and dance to the super music including one father who danced with his child who was about two years old..
The evening included two different bands, CSU-Pueblo Jazz II, with Al Eberhardt directing and the CSU-Pueblo Jazz I directed by Brad Eastin. Jazz II played seven numbers from Bluff Point (John La Barbera) to You and Me Against the World (Paul Williams) to Sidewinder (Lee Morgan). All arrangements were so very “danceable.” It amazed me that most of the members of the band were students with only a few “pros” sitting in. Brad Eastin conducted the Jazz I group with nine numbers, less familiar jazz (less familiar to me), with several arrangements by Bill Holman (Arranger for Stan Kenton). And the dancing continued.
I was particularly impressed with Speak Low (K. Weill and Bill Holman), but there was great enthusiasm expressed by the audience for each number. Soloists, too many to mention, were unbelievably outstanding. I, coming to Colorado from Los Angeles, believe that both of these groups would be sensations in L.A.
The University has a superb Jazz Section in the Music School. With such outstanding professionals as Al Eberhardt and Brad Eastin (both alumni from the Air Force Academy Band) leading the teaching of jazz performance, the University needs to publicize the music department much more.
Al Eberhardt stated that these performances, in cooperation with the Olde Town Carriage House, are planned to be monthly events. Watch for the dates. Don’t miss the next one…You will not regret one minute of this experience.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CSU-Pueblo Chamber Ensemble and University Orchestra
by Sam Cogburn, PPAG Reviewer
In the five years that I have been attending CSU-Pueblo as a music major, I have had the privileged opportunity of watching our department grow. Nothing I’ve experienced has led me to realize this growth in the department, more than the chamber ensembles and university orchestra concert at Hoag Hall on April 15th. We most certainly have come a long way in a few short years. Not only in the sheer number of students, (particularly in the strings category), but also in the level of artistry achieved. This is credit to our leaders in the music department, along with all the professors and private teachers, and particularly to Dr. Jacob Chi with the amazing job he has done with the orchestra program.
The first half of the concert consisted of four small chamber groups; two string quartets and two trios, all playing a single movement from larger works. The program started off nicely with a piece by Shostakovich, (a twentieth century Russian composer who wrote extensively for the string quartet). The group played very admirably, doing a great job with intonation especially considering the strange tonalities in the music and also some enjoyable solo work by each player at one time or another. This was followed by a short, delightful Schubert piece, and next a Minuet by Beethoven. Both groups delineated the sections quite well with good contrasts in style, although struggled slightly in places with intonation. The last small group to play ended with a lyrical and beautiful Andante by Tchaikovsky. The piece provided a contemplative end to the first half, played with high sensitivity. More presence from the first violinist in this last group was needed, along with a higher sense of phrasing and rubato, especially for the big cadences to end large sections.
After intermission, the university orchestra opened with the Overture to the opera Magic Flute. The orchestra director Dr. Jacob Chi provided the audience with insightful introductions to the pieces throughout the night, and was in fine form when leading the group. I had the privilege of studying conducting privately with Dr. Chi for a semester along with taking some required courses with him. It’s my belief that his artistry and musicianship as a conductor is of the highest level. He always moves effortlessly in ways that reflect the music beautifully without forgetting the technical aspects so that the group is able to follow him. Couple this with his oversized personality and it makes for a great leader.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening came in the next two pieces when first, Rebecca Phillips (violin) played the Allegro from a Mozart concerto followed by Lauren Bell (cello) playing two movements from a Vivaldi concerto. Still in high school, these two young ladies were the winners from the 2008 Southern Colorado Honor Orchestra Concerto Competition, and their playing demonstrated why. The Mozart played by Ms. Phillips was full of style and lyricism ending with a dazzling and lengthy cadenza. Ms. Bell opened with the slow movement (adagio) of her piece first, setting the profound tone of this work in Cm early, and then ended with a much more active Allegro ma non molto. Congratulations to both of these highly talented two young artists, it is really great to see this level of musicianship coming from the young people of our community.
Next came another piece by a smaller chamber group. It was the Aria from Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and orchestra of violoncelli. Also joining the group were three double bass players, all led by Dr. Chi. CSUP music faculty member Barbara Beck sang the Soprano part. As a guitarist, I know this piece quite well as it was arranged for guitar and voice and is part of our standard repertoire. I was ecstatic when I saw it was on the program with its original instrumentation, something I had never heard before. It is a beautiful, romantic piece, with flowing melodic lines and lush harmonies. Ms. Beck was wonderful along with the principal cellist for this group, Stephanie Boese, who had extensive solo work with the melodic material, very pleasing indeed.
Before discussing the last piece, some of Dr. Chi’s recognitions to students should be noted. Concertmaster Erika Devins was recognized for her work and leading role in the orchestra, and also Theresa Richards (flute) and Daniel Smith (bass) were recognized for their achievements on their respective instruments and for their graduating status. Ms. Richards is planning on attending a school for flute playing in England with William Bennett in the near future, and Mr. Smith will be attending graduate school in Fort Collins this fall.
The last piece of the evening was the Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet. Taken from his 19th century opera, this music is light, fun, and certainly is a standard in the orchestra repertoire. The orchestra performed wonderfully, finishing with a crowd pleaser.
The full program on the night of the 15th was certainly an enjoyable one. Having attended a few orchestra concerts when I enrolled in school at CSUP five years ago, I am simply amazed at the development of our program. Congratulations to everyone involved!
In the five years that I have been attending CSU-Pueblo as a music major, I have had the privileged opportunity of watching our department grow. Nothing I’ve experienced has led me to realize this growth in the department, more than the chamber ensembles and university orchestra concert at Hoag Hall on April 15th. We most certainly have come a long way in a few short years. Not only in the sheer number of students, (particularly in the strings category), but also in the level of artistry achieved. This is credit to our leaders in the music department, along with all the professors and private teachers, and particularly to Dr. Jacob Chi with the amazing job he has done with the orchestra program.
The first half of the concert consisted of four small chamber groups; two string quartets and two trios, all playing a single movement from larger works. The program started off nicely with a piece by Shostakovich, (a twentieth century Russian composer who wrote extensively for the string quartet). The group played very admirably, doing a great job with intonation especially considering the strange tonalities in the music and also some enjoyable solo work by each player at one time or another. This was followed by a short, delightful Schubert piece, and next a Minuet by Beethoven. Both groups delineated the sections quite well with good contrasts in style, although struggled slightly in places with intonation. The last small group to play ended with a lyrical and beautiful Andante by Tchaikovsky. The piece provided a contemplative end to the first half, played with high sensitivity. More presence from the first violinist in this last group was needed, along with a higher sense of phrasing and rubato, especially for the big cadences to end large sections.
After intermission, the university orchestra opened with the Overture to the opera Magic Flute. The orchestra director Dr. Jacob Chi provided the audience with insightful introductions to the pieces throughout the night, and was in fine form when leading the group. I had the privilege of studying conducting privately with Dr. Chi for a semester along with taking some required courses with him. It’s my belief that his artistry and musicianship as a conductor is of the highest level. He always moves effortlessly in ways that reflect the music beautifully without forgetting the technical aspects so that the group is able to follow him. Couple this with his oversized personality and it makes for a great leader.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening came in the next two pieces when first, Rebecca Phillips (violin) played the Allegro from a Mozart concerto followed by Lauren Bell (cello) playing two movements from a Vivaldi concerto. Still in high school, these two young ladies were the winners from the 2008 Southern Colorado Honor Orchestra Concerto Competition, and their playing demonstrated why. The Mozart played by Ms. Phillips was full of style and lyricism ending with a dazzling and lengthy cadenza. Ms. Bell opened with the slow movement (adagio) of her piece first, setting the profound tone of this work in Cm early, and then ended with a much more active Allegro ma non molto. Congratulations to both of these highly talented two young artists, it is really great to see this level of musicianship coming from the young people of our community.
Next came another piece by a smaller chamber group. It was the Aria from Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and orchestra of violoncelli. Also joining the group were three double bass players, all led by Dr. Chi. CSUP music faculty member Barbara Beck sang the Soprano part. As a guitarist, I know this piece quite well as it was arranged for guitar and voice and is part of our standard repertoire. I was ecstatic when I saw it was on the program with its original instrumentation, something I had never heard before. It is a beautiful, romantic piece, with flowing melodic lines and lush harmonies. Ms. Beck was wonderful along with the principal cellist for this group, Stephanie Boese, who had extensive solo work with the melodic material, very pleasing indeed.
Before discussing the last piece, some of Dr. Chi’s recognitions to students should be noted. Concertmaster Erika Devins was recognized for her work and leading role in the orchestra, and also Theresa Richards (flute) and Daniel Smith (bass) were recognized for their achievements on their respective instruments and for their graduating status. Ms. Richards is planning on attending a school for flute playing in England with William Bennett in the near future, and Mr. Smith will be attending graduate school in Fort Collins this fall.
The last piece of the evening was the Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet. Taken from his 19th century opera, this music is light, fun, and certainly is a standard in the orchestra repertoire. The orchestra performed wonderfully, finishing with a crowd pleaser.
The full program on the night of the 15th was certainly an enjoyable one. Having attended a few orchestra concerts when I enrolled in school at CSUP five years ago, I am simply amazed at the development of our program. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Imps Have a Hit with Kimberly Akimbo
By Sarah Bruestle, PPAG Reviewer
Five characters, multiple issues, one stage and a teenage octogenarian connecting them all. Kimberly was born with a genetic disorder from which she ages four times faster than normal. This comedy catches Kimberly around her sixteenth birthday. “Kimberly Akimbo” by David Lindsay-Abaire is being performed by The Impossible Players in April.
Beginning the play with lyrics of “I won’t grow up”, this play illustrates the life a teenage girl coping with her aging and frail body in addition to dealing with her family’s dysfunctional interactions. A pregnant hypochondriac mother, an alcoholic father, a scheming aunt, and a friend yearning for attention from his father. Laura Hays plays Kimberly, the sixteen year old who looks like she is going on 80.
The simple, functional stage allowed for easy transitions to observe the characters’ interactions in their home, car, or library with minimal set changes. Sound effects and lighting added to the story. The character appropriate costumes showed this family in their daily clothes. Make-up allowed the audience to see Kimberly age, yet her attire was that of a teenager. If it weren’t for her fragile walk, aged face, and grey hair the audience would swear they were watching a teenager on the stage.
Watching the cast grow-up, whether expedited by ailing health or personal decisions, you are guaranteed to laugh.
Performances April 16, 17, 18th, 8pm at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St.
Tickets $10-Adults, $7-Seniors/Military, $5-Students, Call (719) 542-6969.
Five characters, multiple issues, one stage and a teenage octogenarian connecting them all. Kimberly was born with a genetic disorder from which she ages four times faster than normal. This comedy catches Kimberly around her sixteenth birthday. “Kimberly Akimbo” by David Lindsay-Abaire is being performed by The Impossible Players in April.
Beginning the play with lyrics of “I won’t grow up”, this play illustrates the life a teenage girl coping with her aging and frail body in addition to dealing with her family’s dysfunctional interactions. A pregnant hypochondriac mother, an alcoholic father, a scheming aunt, and a friend yearning for attention from his father. Laura Hays plays Kimberly, the sixteen year old who looks like she is going on 80.
The simple, functional stage allowed for easy transitions to observe the characters’ interactions in their home, car, or library with minimal set changes. Sound effects and lighting added to the story. The character appropriate costumes showed this family in their daily clothes. Make-up allowed the audience to see Kimberly age, yet her attire was that of a teenager. If it weren’t for her fragile walk, aged face, and grey hair the audience would swear they were watching a teenager on the stage.
Watching the cast grow-up, whether expedited by ailing health or personal decisions, you are guaranteed to laugh.
Performances April 16, 17, 18th, 8pm at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St.
Tickets $10-Adults, $7-Seniors/Military, $5-Students, Call (719) 542-6969.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Grease a Revival of the 50's
by Patti and Ed Gallagher
The Steel City Theatre Company in cooperation with CSU-Pueblo Music Department presented a production of the musical “Grease”, opening on Thursday, March 19th at Hoag Hall on the CSU campus. It was an enjoyable presentation ending with a standing ovation. The show had many memorable moments, especially with much physical humor and wonderful dance sequences. The comic dialogue sequences, however, lacked snappy pacing with many deadly short moments of silence and were staged too far upstage away from the audience.
The show included a very large cast that caught the flavor of the 1950’s. Unfortunately, the diction of many of the cast was unclear although this did not include the enunciation of the leading characters, Sandy, played by Bethany Nafziger and Danny, acted by Curtis Fleecs, both displaying good singing voices. Bethany’s interpretation of the “nice” girl was underplayed but, at the end, when she was transformed into a much more appealing and aggressive persona, she was splendid. Curtis, the leading Greaser” was a consistently convincing character. Jenilyn Bartolo played Rizzo who succeeded in portraying a “naughty” young lady and did an outstanding job in singing and in preparing the audience for her transformation from the rivalry with Sandy to an influential friend. The singers were well prepared by Barbara Beck and the orchestra, directed by Alan Mills, was well balanced, never overpowering the singers. A few times it appeared that the microphone was turned off on the soloists making it difficult to catch the meaning of the songs. Especially effective were the dance sequences at the end of Act I and again at the end of Act II. There were so many characters that it would not be possible to review each, but outstanding performances were given by Jenni Barrett as Cha-Cha, Michaela Shults as Jan, Tanner Munson as Doody and very amusingly, the “Greasers”. There were excellent “cameo” performance by James Amos and Linda Harpel.
The setting, a large painting of a 1950’s juke box surrounded by staircases, was painted exquisitely but the use of the full stage of Hoag Hall was a mistake. Although it was intended to give space for the many dances, the forward part of the stage could have been utilized to greater advantage. Also, placing the wonderful orchestra in the remote part of the stage was a error because it should be a much more vital part of the production, not a necessary evil.
Grease will be performed Saturday and Sunday, March 20 &21, 7:30pm at Hoag Hall. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling 719-289-0293.
The Steel City Theatre Company in cooperation with CSU-Pueblo Music Department presented a production of the musical “Grease”, opening on Thursday, March 19th at Hoag Hall on the CSU campus. It was an enjoyable presentation ending with a standing ovation. The show had many memorable moments, especially with much physical humor and wonderful dance sequences. The comic dialogue sequences, however, lacked snappy pacing with many deadly short moments of silence and were staged too far upstage away from the audience.
The show included a very large cast that caught the flavor of the 1950’s. Unfortunately, the diction of many of the cast was unclear although this did not include the enunciation of the leading characters, Sandy, played by Bethany Nafziger and Danny, acted by Curtis Fleecs, both displaying good singing voices. Bethany’s interpretation of the “nice” girl was underplayed but, at the end, when she was transformed into a much more appealing and aggressive persona, she was splendid. Curtis, the leading Greaser” was a consistently convincing character. Jenilyn Bartolo played Rizzo who succeeded in portraying a “naughty” young lady and did an outstanding job in singing and in preparing the audience for her transformation from the rivalry with Sandy to an influential friend. The singers were well prepared by Barbara Beck and the orchestra, directed by Alan Mills, was well balanced, never overpowering the singers. A few times it appeared that the microphone was turned off on the soloists making it difficult to catch the meaning of the songs. Especially effective were the dance sequences at the end of Act I and again at the end of Act II. There were so many characters that it would not be possible to review each, but outstanding performances were given by Jenni Barrett as Cha-Cha, Michaela Shults as Jan, Tanner Munson as Doody and very amusingly, the “Greasers”. There were excellent “cameo” performance by James Amos and Linda Harpel.
The setting, a large painting of a 1950’s juke box surrounded by staircases, was painted exquisitely but the use of the full stage of Hoag Hall was a mistake. Although it was intended to give space for the many dances, the forward part of the stage could have been utilized to greater advantage. Also, placing the wonderful orchestra in the remote part of the stage was a error because it should be a much more vital part of the production, not a necessary evil.
Grease will be performed Saturday and Sunday, March 20 &21, 7:30pm at Hoag Hall. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling 719-289-0293.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
'Pied Piper' bids Fernando adieu
By SCOTT WHITED
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
The pied pipers of the Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre for nigh onto the last decade have been the wife-and-husband team of Artistic Director Karen P. Schaffenburg and her husband, Artistic Adviser Fernando Schaffenburg. Fernando is best known to the Pueblo public as Herr Drosselmeier, the mysterious enchanter that he played for many years in SBT's annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Sadly, a week ago Friday, Fernando Schaffenburg went to join the Great Ballet Company del Cielo at the grand old age of 83. Saturday's performances of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," the latest entry in the Children's Playhouse Series at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, were dedicated to his memory. His former charges did him proud.
The hour-long production told of the popular folk tale in which the title character rids Hamelin of an unpleasant infestation of mice. When the town council refuses to pay up, the piper lures all of the town's children off and away, ne'er to be seen again.
The moral for the hundreds of children in the near-capacity crowd? Always pay the piper. Whether they understood the moral or not, most of the children - and their accompanying adults - enjoyed the goings-ons.
Emily Aldag as the Piper and her Lieutenant Piper, Rebecca Van Dover, were green-clad in tights reminiscent of this weekend's St. Patrick's Day festivities. They entranced both their mice and children targets with lithe aplomb, especially Van Dover. The plethora of pesky mice was led by Sydney Gettel as the Queen Mouse and Megan Duling as the Princess Mouse. Gettel has matured into possibly the company's finest young ballerina, and this performance was demonstrative of her lovely dancing skills. She was precise in her footwork, beautiful in her posture, and warm in her personal presentation. Duling was a delightful complement to Gettel. She is quickly blossoming into one of the corps' stalwart fixtures.
The "Rainbow" of Paige Cipperly, Grace Lobato, and Cissy McDaniel brought entertaining elan to their featured dance, sporting solid-red, solid-white, and solid-blue full-length leotards as the Piper wound her musical web around their befuddled resistance. They combined bemusement and amusement in proper teen-age proportions.
The balance of the troupe, consisting of some 40 members, acquitted themselves well, their brightly energetic performances complemented nicely by a simple-yet-effective set design by Timothy F. Gately and a wide variety of complementarily colorful costumes designed by Jennee Duling.
Fernando and Karen Schaffenburg worked closely with Sydney, Emily, Paige, Grace, Megan, Cissy and Rebecca, as well as most of Saturday's other performers, over an extended period of time. Their expertise and guidance will continue to bear fruit, even now that one of them has moved on to a greater gig.
Vaya con Dios, Herr Drosselmeier.
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
The pied pipers of the Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre for nigh onto the last decade have been the wife-and-husband team of Artistic Director Karen P. Schaffenburg and her husband, Artistic Adviser Fernando Schaffenburg. Fernando is best known to the Pueblo public as Herr Drosselmeier, the mysterious enchanter that he played for many years in SBT's annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Sadly, a week ago Friday, Fernando Schaffenburg went to join the Great Ballet Company del Cielo at the grand old age of 83. Saturday's performances of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," the latest entry in the Children's Playhouse Series at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, were dedicated to his memory. His former charges did him proud.
The hour-long production told of the popular folk tale in which the title character rids Hamelin of an unpleasant infestation of mice. When the town council refuses to pay up, the piper lures all of the town's children off and away, ne'er to be seen again.
The moral for the hundreds of children in the near-capacity crowd? Always pay the piper. Whether they understood the moral or not, most of the children - and their accompanying adults - enjoyed the goings-ons.
Emily Aldag as the Piper and her Lieutenant Piper, Rebecca Van Dover, were green-clad in tights reminiscent of this weekend's St. Patrick's Day festivities. They entranced both their mice and children targets with lithe aplomb, especially Van Dover. The plethora of pesky mice was led by Sydney Gettel as the Queen Mouse and Megan Duling as the Princess Mouse. Gettel has matured into possibly the company's finest young ballerina, and this performance was demonstrative of her lovely dancing skills. She was precise in her footwork, beautiful in her posture, and warm in her personal presentation. Duling was a delightful complement to Gettel. She is quickly blossoming into one of the corps' stalwart fixtures.
The "Rainbow" of Paige Cipperly, Grace Lobato, and Cissy McDaniel brought entertaining elan to their featured dance, sporting solid-red, solid-white, and solid-blue full-length leotards as the Piper wound her musical web around their befuddled resistance. They combined bemusement and amusement in proper teen-age proportions.
The balance of the troupe, consisting of some 40 members, acquitted themselves well, their brightly energetic performances complemented nicely by a simple-yet-effective set design by Timothy F. Gately and a wide variety of complementarily colorful costumes designed by Jennee Duling.
Fernando and Karen Schaffenburg worked closely with Sydney, Emily, Paige, Grace, Megan, Cissy and Rebecca, as well as most of Saturday's other performers, over an extended period of time. Their expertise and guidance will continue to bear fruit, even now that one of them has moved on to a greater gig.
Vaya con Dios, Herr Drosselmeier.
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