Dorothy, a Wizard and The Ordway: OH MY!

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts welcomes "The Wizard of Oz" to it's stage this holiday season with performances running December 4th-29th. The cast includes stars of film and stage Jay Brazeau as the Wizard, Jacquelyn Piro Donovan as the Wicked Witch and introducing Danielle Wade as the loveable and famous Dorothy Gale.

The story (for those of you living under the rock for the last 100 years) is as follows: Dorothy gets swept up in a twister that sends her from her home in Kansas to the magical land of Oz. Through her journey to get back home, she learns with the help of some friends- the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion- that there truly is "no place like home."

As someone who has grown-up on the iconic Judy Garland movie version, I was skeptical about how the stage version would make the story come to life for me. I have lived the last 15+ years knowing exactly what munchkinland looked like, or how Oz came to life for me at the end of the movie. I was worried that this version would fall flat, and be lackluster for me. And really, who can top that moment when Judy belts out "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and all of the goosebumps stand up on your body? But as soon as the show started, I knew I had nothing to be worried about.

What blew me away (literally) from the beginning of the show was how true to the movie the story stayed. Everything from the costumes, to the characters to magically changing the set from black & white/sepia to color when Dorothy enters Oz, put me in awe. I was immediately taken back to the first time I watched the Wizard of Oz with my mom, no bigger than that of a munchkin, watching the story come to life. It for me, was a rebirth of the story I have loved and cherished so dearly for so many years.

I wanna take a moment to recognize the true beauty of the costumes. Not only were they what I had imagined, but they were modernized in a way that added a new twist to the characters wearing them. Of course Dorothy had her iconic blue checker dress, and all of the character actors still had their recognizable costumes, but it was little additions, like the tin man in tap shoes, or adding a twist to the witches' dresses. For me, it brought the story to life in a whole new way, in a way I didn't expect.

And the sets....let's take a moment to talk about the sets. What a way to bring MAGIC to the stage! With such little space to create numerous locations, the set designer did a phenomenal job making me believe that we really traveled down the yellow brick road. As someone who is a huge fan of Wicked, I saw so many similar characteristics, especially in the sets and costumes. For me, it tied the two shows together in a way that I had not thought possible.

Last but not least, I would like to applaud Danielle Wade, who took on the difficult job of playing such an iconic  character and making it her own. I will never say that anyone was better than Judy, because let's be real, no one can or ever will be, but Danielle did the role justice. As someone who is so unknown in the states as a stage actress, Danielle's rendition of "Somewhere" actually made me cry. I was rooting for her the whole way leading up to it, wishing and hoping she would do well. When the song ended (after a solid minute of holding a note) and the audience burst with applause, I knew that we were in for a good show. To play such iconic, well-known characters is no easy feat, and while they all put their own edge on them, the ensemble did the show and their roles fair justice. They may not have been conventional, but it was no less than what I expected.

As an avid theatre goer and HUGE Wizard of Oz fan I have to truthfully say, this was one of the best productions I have EVER seen. I was doubtful going in, but was not let down in the least bit. My mom, whom I so graciously took with me, felt the same way. For generations we have passed down this story, through book and movie, and now for the first time on stage.

I recommend everyone of all ages go and see this classic story brought to life. Whether you have grown up with the movie version, or have read the book a million times, you will not disappointed by what you see and the magic you feel. Seats are going fast and there is not a bad spot in the place. Some seating may even surprise you. :)

Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online or through the phone at 651-224-4222. I suggest getting them early as I see the show selling out fast. What a great Holiday gift for those you love, or a way to spend time together during this magical season.

"Why God, Why" did Miss Saigon end that way?

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts welcomed the touring cast of Miss Saigon to it's stage this week, October 8th-13th. Despite it's catchy tunes and high-paced dance numbers, the show opened to some heated audience reviews both in and out of the theatre.

As a blogger, I was lucky enough to catch the show on it's opening night, and from the moment I arrived at the theatre, I could tell that the "heat was [definitely] on in Saigon."

As both a theatre scholar and enthusiast, I pride myself on knowing many different plays, musicals and genres. However, going into this show, I knew absolutely nothing about what to expect in regards to content or reviews, and I found that I was surprised in many ways.

Miss Saigon tells the story of a Vietnamese girl named Kim who is struggling to find her place during the Viatnam war. Doing anything to survive, she becomes a sex-slave, where she falls in love with an American G.I. After promising to take her away and save her from this life, Chris is sent back to America to leave Kim to fend for herself. 3 years later, Chris and Kim find each other again, only to discover that a love that once was, can never be again. The story is a testament of hope, survival and through it all overcoming life's struggles no matter how tough they may seem. The show itself has won over 30 major theatre awards, including 3 Tony Awards and 4 Drama Desk Awards, making it a notable show in the theatre world.

The tour itself is very short, stopping in only 4 cities before it makes it's revival debut on London's West End. I think it is important to note that the show is nearly sold out for opening in London, making it a faster seller than most New York Broadway shows, including the Book of Mormon. To stop in a city that has a huge Hmong population is no easy feat, and the welcome the tour received was anything but joyful. There were numerous protesters outside of the Ordway Tuesday night with shirts that read "Miss Saigon Lies" and flyers that adorned a parody of Gone With The Wind, with a heading "Miss Saigon with the Wind." For myself, I could not understand the fuss--to disagree with a show because of it's message and insensitive/racist remarks is to hate all theatre itself. Every show, to me, can be protested and hated upon, but to me, that's the point of theatre- to send a message in a powerful and beautiful way.

I have vowed to not focus on the negativities surrounding the show, but rather the experience I myself had. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and I think it is important to point out the technical aspects of the performance.

First, this has to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful shows I have ever seen. From the sets to the costumes, to the extraordinary lights and gobos, the whole show was a true sculpted piece of art. Every little part was carefully thought out to add to the grand scheme and feel of the show. I was shocked at how well all of the elements tied in to give it an oriental feel, with a contemporary twist.

The music was very moving, and in many way resembled that of Les Mis in the style of the songs as well as the way they flowed together. There was minimal dialogue not sung, and I think that it was powerful from an audience perspective. I do have to admit that some songs seem disjointed to me, not having much of a connection to the others, or sticking out like a sore thumb at points in the show. While on their own, many songs such as The American Dream were glitzy and everything a Broadway song should be, I didn't feel the need for it in the show. Because of this, some parts seemed to drag, being filled with "fluff" pieces that could have been taken out for the sake of the show.

My biggest and most notable complaint had to do with the way the show ended. I was baffled at the closure of the show that a script would leave an audience member hanging, unanswered questions in the back of their mind. SPOILER ALERT: Ending a show in a suicide is NOT a proper way to close. Especially when there is no musical accompaniment, or reprise of a song (cough cough, when an actor screams "WHY?" at the end of the show, it usually leads into a reprise of an earlier song by a similar title). Beginning and continuing a curtain call seemed so out of place for me, and I felt as if the show just ran out of time, steam and script....ending us with a quiet, dull stage. This leaves me to wonder if the problem was in the show itself, or a technical problem that comes with opening night. My bet is on the script though, and I suggest to the writers, producers and actors that they should review this ending before opening to sold out crowds in a very short time. It leaves me question, "why god, why" did you end the show this way?

I could go on and on about the show from both an actor, technician and even feminist stand point, but then again, I am not writing a thesis. In the end, the show was not my favorite, but it was not the worst thing I have ever seen (look up Ruthless and then you'll know what I'm talking about...), regardless, I am happy I got to see it. It opened my eyes in many ways as an artist and an 'ignorant' audience member.

Miss Saigon plays at the Ordway theatre until October 13th. Tickets are going fast, but there is still time to pick yours up. It's an educational experience for all, although I would consider it before bringing young ones (there is some graphic visuals and naughty languages for the young ones). After seeing this show, you will understand why "the heat is on in [St. Paul and] Saigon."

Pre-Show Q&A with the cast of Miss Saigon.

The Ordway Theatre welcomes the touring company of Miss Saigon, a love story set during the Vietnam War, to it's stage this October 8-13. 

Photo credit to Miss Saigon, West End.

The story, originally based on Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, centers around the conflicting love of a young Vietnamese girl, Kim and an American G.I., Chris. Written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, who brought you Les Mis, Miss Saigon appeals to all senses and emotions. 

Photo credit to MNSU. 

Being a blogger for The Ordway has given me opportunities unlike any other, and this show is no different. Much like other shows, I have the opportunity to see the production as well as give my feedback about what I thought afterwards. However, for Saigon, I was lucky enough to participate in a pre-show Q&A with the three main characters-Kim, Chris and the Engineer. I forwarded them my questions with hopes that they would answer, and they did! I have included the interviews below, in hopes that you will read them and find out a little more about the characters and the people who play them, much like I did. 

I encourage all of you, if you haven't already, to purchase tickets to this limited engagement. Tickets can be purchased through The Ordway website. Also check out the other special events The Ordway is offering with this incredible show, notably the talk-back with the cast on Wednesday, October 9th. I hope to see all of you there as you laugh, cry and sing-a-long to Miss Saigon. 

http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=850934
http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=850936
http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=850938

Oh boy, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story visits St. Paul

The Ordway Center for Performing Arts welcomed Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story to it's stage this week, June 11th-16th. The story follows the life and quick success of Buddy Holly, and included many popular songs such as "That'll Be the Day", "Peggy Sue" and "Oh Boy." To say the show did Buddy and his memorable life justice would be an understatement.

Buddy Holly. Photo courtesy of Google. 

Buddy has been seen by millions of fans in fifteen countries all over the world, and premiered in London's West End in 1989. In 1990, a Broadway production opened and in all, the production includes over 20 songs. In other words, it's been a huge hit.

The Buddy Holly Story. Photo courtesy
of The Ordway. 

When I had first heard this show was coming to the Ordway, I was ecstatic. I have grown up a fan of the 50's and of artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and of course, Buddy Holly. I knew I had to see it, but was worried how a show about such an iconic rock and roll artist would play out. Would they do him and his short, but very popular career, justice? I soon found out that it would not only tell his story, but transport us as the audience back to the 50's to an ACTUAL Buddy Holly concert, complete with signature Buddy Holly black-framed glasses.  

Although I had no idea what to expect (which is true of most musicals or shows, unless you are a die-hard fan) I knew the story of Buddy: a determined, talented individual who made a quick rise to fame and was killed at 22, the same age as me. Although he changed the face of Rock and Roll music forever, it is hard to think about someone so young having his life taken from him. I was impressed at how well the show focused on Buddy and his strong-willed determination, rather than his death. I was happy that they decided to focus on his successes and his impact on the world, and the joy he brought to music and artists for generation. 

The Buddy Holly Story. Photo courtesy
of The Ordway. 

The neat thing about this musical is that I felt like I was actually at a concert. I was transported back in time to Clear Lake Iowa, where Buddy played his last show, and I had the opportunity to dance and sing-a-long to his popular favorites as well as songs by The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. Many audience members around me danced and sang to their favorites, and I was surprised at how many songs I actually knew. Not only that, but the actor playing Buddy, Kurt Jenkins, was talented beyond words and if I had not known he was acting, I would have thought Buddy was onstage. I can only imagine the work and preparation he had to do to dance, walk, talk and of course sing, just like Buddy. What's even more amazing is that he shares this role with another person. Two Buddies, twice the work, twice the fun, both presenting a phenomenal performance.

I had decided to bring my mom to this performance, and she raved about how much of her childhood it brought back. For generations, we have grown up in my family listening to Buddy, and for my mom, the songs and the story brought up memories of her mother telling her about her love for Buddy and The Crickets. 

My Mom and I at The Buddy Holly
Story. Look at our complimentary Buddy
glasses! 

In the end, I am more than pleased to have seen a musical that showcased one of the greatest rock and roll legends. Although his life was short, he made such an impact the world, even now in 2013, could never forget. Buddy is a story for people of all ages, and we need to embrace musicals that keep Buddy's and other artists memories alive. 

There are still chances to catch Buddy at The Ordway! The show runs through Sunday June 16th and you can purchase tickets online or at the Ordway itself. I wouldn't miss out on this amazing opportunity, you never know when you could see Buddy perform again! 

Julie Andrews, Sing-a-longs, and The Ordway: These are a few of my favorite things.

All ready for blogger night. I even got invited
to the Captain's Ball! 

The world-famous Sound of Music Sing-a-long returned to the Ordway Center on Saturday May 18th for two performances only. The show is a screening of the classical Julie Andrew's film, with subtitles and choreography for the audience to dance, interact with and of course, sing-a-long.

But before we get into the actual show experience, let's start at the very beginning, because as Maria once said, it's a very good place to start...

These ladies were fully decked out.
Notice their brown paper package necklaces!

I walked into The Ordway Center on Saturday night not know what to expect. Not only was this to be my first blogging experience, but also my first ever sing-a-long, and I soon discovered, I was not prepared for what the night had to offer. The atmosphere in the lobby was explosive, as guests of all ages crammed in, many dressed in costumes. It warmed my heart to see young girls, ages 5 and up, dressed as little Maria or Gretl, ready to watch a timeless classic. Then there were the adults, some as old as my grandma, who were dressed to the part (many nuns and Maria's) ready to watch a movie they have loved decades. Each separate age group reminded me of own childhood, and watching SoM with my grandmother, who first made me fall in love with the story. I was lucky enough to snag some pictures of my favorite costumes, which I have included throughout my blog. I learned later on that there would be a costume contest at intermission, which I thought was a very fun and creative idea.

A nun, Rolf, and Maria. How cute and original! 

As I took my seat on the main floor, I realized right away that this would not be a normal production. I would not sit quietly in my seat while a chorus of talented individuals sang to me from stage. No. This time, it was my turn to put on the show, along with the close-to-sold-
 out audience. In addition, every member of the audience received "goodie bags" filled with SoM appropriate items that would be used throughout the production. This was such an innovative and creative idea--it kept the audience engaged and on the edge of our seats (especially for the youngsters, whom I was worried about falling asleep during the 3 hour movie).

While the audience waited excitedly for the show to start, we were introduced to our M.C. for the night (who was dressed appropriately for the role), Erin Schwab. I have heard it said that a good M.C. really makes a production, and I know now that this is entirely true. Erin was a blessing, and set the mood and tone for the rest of the night. She was outgoing, bubbly and enthusiastic and she encouraged involvement throughout the movie. She instructed us through our "goodie bags" as well as warm-ups and choreography for the production. She made me laugh and without her, I think the production would have been less than spectacular.

The ladies in front of me at the show. Their family made these
shirts together! 

Nuns and Maria. These were my favorite! 

We all know how the rest of the night went: beautiful operatic singing from Julie, a handsome Captain and adorable an Gretl showing us her hurt finger. It was such a wonderful experience to watch a movie I have loved for over 15 years gain a new life in that theater. Never before have I sang lounder to "Do Re Mi" or "So long, farewell," nor shouted at the screen more when the Baroness appeared. It is easy to say that if you missed this experience, you lost out on a terrific Saturday night. I encourage you to attend one, whether it be Sound of Music or not, in the near future. And bring those you love: it is a joy to watch their faces light up at a new
experience.

Even if you did miss out on this, don't fret! There are so many more Ordway experiences coming up:
2013 International Children's Festival
Make sure to get tickets at www.ordway.org or by calling 651-224-4222

Big women onstage: bold and boring?

As is my ritual every Tuesday night, tonight I sat down with a glass of wine to enjoy my favorite television show right now: Smash. For those of you who have never seen nor heard of the show, all you need to know is this: the show centers around the process of making a Broadway show—from the writing, to the directing, to the rehearsal and so on, until the opening of the show on Broadway. It focuses on two girls, fighting for the lead role, in this case, the role of Marilyn Monroe. While I love the show for theatre aspects and the snazzy musical numbers, I can’t help but feel a little saddened every time I watch the show. The girls on my TV screen are those who I strive to be, not only because I envy their talent but also because they are both so beautiful.  But week after week as I watch Karen and Ivy fight to be strong woman in the theatre world, I look at myself and can’t help but compare. If two women like this can’t make it (and I’m certain that the show is strongly dramatized and over exaggerated) can I, as a bigger girl succeed in my dream?

I recently read a pretty powerful article featured on the guardian’s website about the role of bigger women onstage. While this was no more than a critic piece, what the author said was inspiring. It spoke to me as a girl who feels hopeful and lost in the world of size 2, blonde actresses. Throughout my college career alone I have been pegged as many things due to my weight: the funny friend, the caring mother, and the bitchy Alpo-eating girlfriend. I see actresses like Melissa McCarthy shine in the comedic roles she is given, always the same. But very little are women like McCarthy recognized because of their true acting talent. Especially in an age demographic of younger people, being overweight is not seen as a positive trait, and if you are lucky enough to make it onstage or in movies, those people fight constantly to break out of it.

So I guess what I’m saying is, who are the true role models in the world of the rich and famous? Should aspiring actors and actresses look up to people like Megan Hilty or Katherine Mcphee, who are both extraordinarily talented (and know it!) but who use the way they look so often in Smash to get ahead? Or should we be looking up to girls who are confident in himself or herself, such as Melissa McCarthy or Octavia Spencer or even Rebel Wilson, who are also talented, and use that to be successful? Not only that, but are shows like this one teaching us that in order to be successful we need to “sleep our way to the top”? As someone who is passionate about theatre, I am also passionate about how to break the stereotypes we are put into, and fighting against this pre-conceived notion of what you need to look like or do in order to get ahead. I hope that when you watch shows that are about sex appeal and the way women look, you realize that this is superficial and not how real life should be. Let’s recognize those for their true talents, no matter the age, or weight. I’m a big actress, and I am proud of it. 

What's your "reason"?

Define “pretty”. Such an obscure question, with different meanings for different people. When I was asked this question at the beginning of the semester, I would never have been able to answer. How do you make an adjective such a tangible thing? And what is the one “true” definition? Is it about looks, or can it be a state of mind? Does pretty encompass a great deal of traits that a person has, or is it determined based on hair color or face qualities?

You don’t need to have a definite answer right now, nor may you ever have an answer (I’m not sure I will). But I wanted you to start thinking. Who determines what pretty is? Media? Those we grew up with? Men? Ourselves? In true theatre form, and in my efforts to keep this blog based on my life as a woman actress, I had to answer all of these questions and more to find a much more deeper meaning for a play I’m doing. In January I began working on a show called “reasons to be pretty” which centers around this very issue. The show centers around couple Steph and Greg who have been together for 4 years, but break up when Greg compares Steph to a girl he works with calling her “regular” and the new girl “pretty.” Greg is also friends with Kent, a total skeezeball, who thinks that pretty is only based on looks, and encourages Greg to leave Steph because she is not “pretty.” Through arguments and real-life situations, Greg and Steph discover what pretty means to them and how we achieve happiness based on that. I was originally drawn to the script, and actually proposed it as my senior capstone this year, because it was so honest; the story and situations are so true to real life that everyone can relate. It also made me pose the question: What is pretty and what is my reason to be pretty?

 

Through both extensive research and rehearsal the 4 person cast has discovered a few things about the word pretty. So many people think that pretty is simply based on how you dress, or your hair, or how you do your makeup, but I believe it is so much more than that. I think that to be pretty, you need to have a pretty soul: good intentions, morals and the willingness to help people in need. What’s more, you need to be confident: to me that radiates pretty more than anything. So no, pretty is not just based on the outside, it starts from inside more than anything.

I believe this is such a relevant topic always. We are always struggling to be what others expect of us, and we are constantly changing ourselves to fit into the media and construed ideas of “pretty” or “sexy” or “beautiful.” This play really hits home for me because after working on it for awhile, I realize how more and more I was the main character Steph: one comment based on my looks can set me off because I just want to fit into that pretty stereotype. Now, I know that pretty can mean a lot of different things, and I’m not sure if I will ever be able to define it fully. So stop worrying about what you look like, but instead focus on who you are, how you feel about yourself and the pretty soul you have. Remember that not everyone’s idea of pretty is the same, and that’s okay, but we must love and accept ourselves. I encourage you to answer the question

“What’s your reason to be pretty?” Mine is to be happy. Because if I feel pretty (inside or out) based on my idea of what pretty means, then I feel happy.

I also encourage all of you, theatre people or not to come see “reasons to be pretty” March 7, 8, 9 in the PAC Black Box Theatre. I think that being a feminist or someone who can appreciate the beauty of human life will make you understand and enjoy the overall message of the play more. Not only that, but you can test your theory of your “reason to be pretty.”