tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74225081013686665762024-03-18T12:17:29.334-04:00Delaware Arts InfoWe offer suggestions for arts lovers to discover (and re-discover) established and emerging artists, musicians and performers in and around Delaware. Although we particularly like to celebrate smaller arts organizations and individuals, we cover nearly anything that strikes us or that we feel you should know about. Periodically, we welcome guest bloggers and artists to join us.Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.comBlogger841125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-28598361682673594062024-03-10T11:59:00.002-04:002024-03-11T10:46:45.448-04:00Kick Up Your Heels with Wilmington Drama League's Snazzy "Kinky Boots"<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis<br />Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.wilmingtondramaleague.org/" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh2F7_AtkkejpK4RF0toNUaBtZdUrKTz4qDJ7UU3Rolfdcs85SvDq4AHDkKp0iD5IV2ckuJ_Vav_MTwDFnVJ3j9zQ-mHHRD9Je2wd9zbyj9BVxE-cBlkWAFp_0nly6PfyxzChNO9B-TZ5OY_Pqwu9orxf8qF5sSUV21jOpD_xiRMSR3GG3DxH_Uhs-mk/s7188/KB%20Press%20Image%203.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4427" data-original-width="7188" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh2F7_AtkkejpK4RF0toNUaBtZdUrKTz4qDJ7UU3Rolfdcs85SvDq4AHDkKp0iD5IV2ckuJ_Vav_MTwDFnVJ3j9zQ-mHHRD9Je2wd9zbyj9BVxE-cBlkWAFp_0nly6PfyxzChNO9B-TZ5OY_Pqwu9orxf8qF5sSUV21jOpD_xiRMSR3GG3DxH_Uhs-mk/s320/KB%20Press%20Image%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The cast of WDL's </i>Kinky Boots<i>. </i>Photography by Rich Lee<i>. <br /><br /></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The Wilmington Drama League</a> is staging an enthusiastic rendition of the much-beloved show <i>Kinky Boots</i> at its refurbished theater on Lea Boulevard. If the standing ovation the players received on Opening Night is any indication, this production is one the reader should make plans to experience!<br /><br /><i>Kinky Boots</i> is an award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. Based on the 2005 British film of the same name – written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth (and mostly inspiredby true events) – the musical tells the incredible story of Charlie Price. Having inherited a shoe factory from his father, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they aren’t so different plus are stronger together than apart.<br /><br />Disparate Charlie (Stephen Piergrossi) and Lola (Aubrey Murphy) connect over two common bonds – shoes and people. Charlie is as loyal to his factory workers as Lola is to her “Angels” – drag performers like her who form her family. They are also true to themselves – who they are and what they aspire to be. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Piergrossi and Murphy leapt off the stage with powerful voices and sincere emotions that kept the audience rapt. Piergrossi excelled with his touching solo “The Soul of a Man.” It seemed like every Lola song morphed into an epic disco number with bright lights, a chorus of dancers, and a party atmosphere. Murphy held the audience in a trance with her subtle yet strong movements and pointed dialog. You really can’t take your eyes off her. “Celebrate yourself triumphantly,” she says…and does.<br /><br />Kudos to director/choreographer Patrick Murray for filling every inch of the multi-level modular stage (by Aaron Cook) with dancers, props, and overall action. I especially enjoyed the slapping fans, elevated conveyor belt catwalking, and the visuals during the boxing match. Timothy Cannon and Laurene Eckbold must be cited for the costuming of everyone in the show, but especially Lola and her Angels. The sassy Angels were played by Cannon, Tommy Fisher-Klein, Keian Hagstrom, Todd Hartsock, Galen Keliikuli, and Ricky López.<br /><br />The crux of any show is the interaction between characters on stage and with the audience. There’s no room for “stupid hubris” (Charlie) and the actors bear all for us to appreciate. At the same time, the core for any musical is the performance of the songs. While many of the songs feel the same, the high energy and quality of the vocals elevate the musical numbers into crowd-pleasers. Simply put, this production of <i>Kinky Boots</i> has you rooting for all sides to win from the get-go. The coda “Raise You Up/Just Be” got the crowd up and moving in their seats for a rollicking finale.<br /><br />I’d be remiss if I didn’t single out solid performances by Meghan Arters (Nicola) and Catherine Callahan (Lauren) as Charlie’s romantic interests. Both portray characters with kind souls who have no real malice toward people when things aren’t quite going their way. They’re both strong actresses and singers whose postures and authenticities shone.<br /><br />Performances of <i>Kinky Boots </i>run from March 8 through 17 on Friday and Saturday nights (8 pm) plus two Sunday matinees (2 pm). Tickets prices are $25 with senior/student tickets $20 and children (12 or younger) $15. Group ticket rates are also available through the box office. Tickets can be purchased online at <a href="http://wilmingtondramaleague.org">wilmingtondramaleague.org</a>; by contacting the box office at 302.764.1172; or visiting in person at 10 Lea Boulevard. The show runs approximately 2.5 hours with one intermission.<br /><br />The Wilmington Drama League seats 260 patrons, including six wheelchair bays. The newly revamped theater is equipped with an ADA compliant entrance ramp and bathrooms. “Flex Tickets” are also an option for those who plan to watch several WDL shows, but maybe not all of them. Inquire at the box office. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;"><i>“The most beautiful thing in the world is a [red!] shoe.” – Lola</i></span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-84497056837317413852024-03-08T11:40:00.003-05:002024-03-08T11:40:25.577-05:00Maiss Hussein is Poetry Out Loud's Delaware Finalist<span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The content of this post comes from a release from <a href="https://arts.delaware.gov/" target="_blank">The Delaware Division of the Arts</a>...</span></i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi___lQzMnBKxcmfmEhjzDlK4LMZwPaQyV-LaBwAmoLrzEsN2EwcHaQUDseSIKkOuAEz_f1cx3X1Xjj6zqlm6VLzm9z6Rjmg-_1qiuML72ps_oVODzfsDtRzzJ4nNlOCDf3_ms_IYZXaRkis0MW1T8GufjGjCfnImg2kjPTYEm_kMinjqLu5PLIfUgdGHg/s1750/Maiss%20Hussein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1750" data-original-width="1167" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi___lQzMnBKxcmfmEhjzDlK4LMZwPaQyV-LaBwAmoLrzEsN2EwcHaQUDseSIKkOuAEz_f1cx3X1Xjj6zqlm6VLzm9z6Rjmg-_1qiuML72ps_oVODzfsDtRzzJ4nNlOCDf3_ms_IYZXaRkis0MW1T8GufjGjCfnImg2kjPTYEm_kMinjqLu5PLIfUgdGHg/w195-h293/Maiss%20Hussein.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>Senior Maiss Hussein (pictured at right) from Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech High School has been named the Delaware State Finalist for the national Poetry Out Loud competition. Maiss will represent Delaware and advance to the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, National Finals in Washington, DC on April 30-May 2, 2024, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.<br /><br />Hussein is currently in the dental program and plans to attend Dental Hygiene school. She loves poetry and has always had an interest in literature. Recently, she has started to write her own poetry. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Hussein also </span><span style="font-family: arial;">works with her school's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program, which correlates with her interest in literature and culture. She has great pride in her Palestinian heritage and loves to find connections between her culture and poetry.<br /><br /><i>Photo by Sam Wilson, Moonloop Photography</i></span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-21643297905171452122024-02-10T12:19:00.003-05:002024-02-10T12:19:44.098-05:00REP Delivers Multilayered Story with Stark Examination of Race in Play "Pass Over" <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RrPsjckyTvAqR-nNxciEfep06CxnbHCSiIpMuLJD8Mq0AQZg0pILvIwoljvq9iusCWKtfTxfrOTEzv9j4Xafx_PdWyflzFaWijv3HrwFl27KdAj_300_gvpVZzjqxLzxBsrRZzzpk_KzUf69FtVt2pXBQUB5zzpXaVCK69eqddipZYW3FWIEwA2XSHY/s1800/Pass%20Over.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RrPsjckyTvAqR-nNxciEfep06CxnbHCSiIpMuLJD8Mq0AQZg0pILvIwoljvq9iusCWKtfTxfrOTEzv9j4Xafx_PdWyflzFaWijv3HrwFl27KdAj_300_gvpVZzjqxLzxBsrRZzzpk_KzUf69FtVt2pXBQUB5zzpXaVCK69eqddipZYW3FWIEwA2XSHY/s320/Pass%20Over.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Justin William Davis (Moses) and Jeffrey Rashad (Kitch) in <br />The REP's </i><i>performance of </i>Pass Over<i> by <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial;">Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by Evan Krape.</i></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>The <a href="https://www.rep.udel.edu/" target="_blank">Resident Ensemble Players (REP)</a> deliver <br />a stark examination of race with the play, <i>Pass Over,</i> by award-winning American playwright Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu. <i>Pass Over</i> is a loose amalgamation of the classic <i>Waiting for Godot</i> (Samuel Beckett) and the Book of Exodus told in a modern urban setting. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The play spotlights two young black men who pass each day on a city street corner talking trash, killing time, and dreaming of the “Promised Land.” Then, a (white) stranger wanders into their space and disrupts whatever plans they may have…or wish for. <br /><br />“It’s a spiritual and existential story,” says Hassan El-Amin, REP company member and director of <i>Pass Over</i>. “It’s a story of love, joy, hope, despair, longing, friendship, family, social conditioning. <i>Pass Over</i> is multilayered.” <br /><br />Nwandu began writing <i>Pass Over</i> after the 2012 killing of 17-year-old Floridian Trayvon Martin and the outcome of the ensuing George Zimmerman murder trial. Nwandu channeled her feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration into this compelling, unfiltered play. <br /><br /><b>Word of caution:</b> This is a mature show with adult language and scenes of violence, including gun shots. While the bawdy talk sometimes feels gratuitous, there is contextual relevance in the vernacular Moses (Justin William Davis) and Kitch (Jeffrey Rashad) use to describe their seemingly never-ending situation. <br /><br />Moses and Kitch appear to exist in a state of purgatory, where their days are fruitless and tedious due to their lack of initiative and impulse. Police choppers fly over their corner of Martin Luther King and Freedom Drives while the two pals make top ten lists of what their dream lives would entail. <br /><br />But an odd white man (Mic Matarrese) in a suit and boater hat interrupts their usual discussions. Mister (or “Master”) disrupts whatever semblance of constancy the two black men had in their patch of the city. Challenges of norms by Mister and verbal provocations by both sides take the action to heightened levels. Matarrese (as Mister) is excellent at pushing Moses’ buttons while Kitch somehow sees positives in what the visitor represents, even though there are cultural chasms and significant distrust between them. <br /><br />Visiting actors Davis and Rashad do a beautiful job of switching from wistful to defensive to brotherly to defiant. The roles must be fully embraced to spew the sorts of emotions Moses and Kitch feel throughout the show. REP company member Matarrese plays his roles of Mister and Ossifer — a policeman — with a certain menacing poise. He must walk a thin line between the huckleberry lost stranger Mister and the no-nonsense Ossifer. <br /><br />To reveal dialog and plot direction in this review would be a disservice to the writing and performance of the company. During this play, both the journey and destination are worth deep evaluation. The ending was affecting and sudden. Many remained in their seats absorbing what had just happened. <br /><br />Nwandu has embraced revising <i>Pass Over</i>’s ending to continue to engage with the current events and audience. “Each time I go back with this play, I ask, ‘What’s happening in the world? Who’s actually going to be in those seats?’” <br /><br />Acknowledging that having multiple <i>Pass Over</i> scripts offers multiple interpretations, Nwandu encourages theaters to use the version that fits the needs of the specific community. “I now have three versions of this play from this era of American history,” says Nwandu. “If your community needs the angry version, then do that. Present whichever version you need.”<br /><br />“To be able to put this play on stage in 2024 when it was born in 2012, shows you the power of the story,” says director Hassan El-Amin. “But it also shows you how far we have to go to overcome whatever this sickness is, this disease, we have when it comes to the value of life for African Americans in the United States.” <br /><br /><i>Pass Over</i> is an emotionally charged and powerfully impactful story that brilliantly blends modern poetry, Biblical verse, and funny modern refrains. Kudos to the creative team at the REP: El-Amin (Director); Stefanie Hansen (Scenic Designer); Jo Fulmer (Costume Designer); Eileen Smitheimer (Lighting Designer); and Ryan P. McGinty (Sound Designer). <br /><br />Performances of<i> Pass Over</i> run from February 8 through 18 with Opening Night being February 9. Informal talkbacks with the cast take place following the evening performances on Saturday February 10 and Thursday February 15. Tickets prices are only $20 with discounts available for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rep.udel.edu; by contacting the REP box office at (302)831-2204; or visiting in person at 110 Orchard Road Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 to 5 PM. The show runs approximately 85 minutes. <br /><br />The Thompson Theatre at the Roselle Center for the Arts is located on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus and is ADA-compliant. It is equipped with a hearing loop system, which works with hearing aid t-coils, cochlear implants, and in-house hearing devices. Wheelchair and other seating requests can be made prior to the performance by calling 302.831.2204 or emailing <a href="mailto:cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu">cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu</a>. <br /><br /><i>“You are men and you are free to go.” – Kitch</i></span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-53414719040302919772023-12-18T11:26:00.002-05:002023-12-18T11:26:21.146-05:00 Delaware Shakespeare Announces New Leadership<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>The contents of this post comes from a press release from <a href="https://delshakes.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Shakespeare</a>... </i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><a href="https://delshakes.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Shakespeare</a> will begin 2024 with two dynamic arts leaders heading up the state’s largest professional Shakespeare company:<br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Mariah Ghant</b>, now the artistic associate and literary manager for the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, will become Delaware Shakespeare’s artistic director.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Robert Tombari</b>, now the program director of Goshen Theater in Goshen, Indiana, will step into the role of managing director.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJKQLC7qPz4OixDqHMfW9gFmls-C8e3-7jd1XlYMji8YcC52eoH1GfSt6cDn1oH4ucN3f3tozrRXIPxxTVwdM2p78Znlzp_1NmksZEdxTFgmSfHh7XcG8kZaMZYAewxvkwHNDIlqP-iK2t_wOwrGayYltDg0PQBq1S_MA_FQvOdTBzXBD6ZpnlKmsATg/s1661/DelShakes%20Photo%20Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1661" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJKQLC7qPz4OixDqHMfW9gFmls-C8e3-7jd1XlYMji8YcC52eoH1GfSt6cDn1oH4ucN3f3tozrRXIPxxTVwdM2p78Znlzp_1NmksZEdxTFgmSfHh7XcG8kZaMZYAewxvkwHNDIlqP-iK2t_wOwrGayYltDg0PQBq1S_MA_FQvOdTBzXBD6ZpnlKmsATg/s320/DelShakes%20Photo%20Collage.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>DelShakes' new Managing Director, Robert Tombari, <br />and new Artistic Director, Mariah Ghant. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>“After a months-long search, the board and I are incredibly excited to welcome Mariah and Robert to Delaware, and to introduce our audiences to them,” said Julie Russ, president of the board of Delaware Shakespeare. “Individually, they impressed us with their talent, their passion, and their drive to continue the work that David Stradley has pursued over the last decade. Together, they’ll be unstoppable.”<br /><br />Delaware Shakespeare audiences will recognize Ghant as having played Hippolyta/Titania in the company’s <i>A Midsummer Night’s Dream</i> at Rodney Square, and last summer as the title role in <i>Macbeth</i>. She has served a term on the Delaware Shakespeare Artistic Squad and has held various arts administration roles in Philadelphia, as well as being a former Arden Theatre Company Apprentice (Class 26), a member of Theatre Contra, and an improviser with ComedySportz Philly. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she is an alumna of Vassar College. <br /><br />"I have a strong desire to continue making meaningful art for the Delaware community, a vibrant collection of folks and organizations who have embraced me and my artistry,” Ghant said. “This is a team and an organization that has an incredible opportunity to develop theatre for everyone in the community, and I look forward to the journey ahead!" <br /><br />Tombari has been the program director of Goshen Theater since 2022. Robert and his partner, Peter, are both from Spokane, Washington. While living in Washington, Robert co-founded The Spokane Shakespeare Society, served as board president of Stage Left Theater, and was the executive director of Spokane Ensemble Theatre. He has previously served on the board of Goshen Pride, and is a current board member/production team member of The Cursed Players based in Los Angeles. He received his BA in Performance from Boise State University, and his MFA in Acting from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. <br /><br />“It’s exciting to be joining such an amazing organization as Del Shakes,” Tombari said. “The work that previous leadership, board members, artists, creatives, and volunteers have done for this organization shows me how community minded and forward thinking it is, and I am excited to continue to work for and with my new community.”<br /><br />David Stradley has led Delaware Shakespeare as the company’s producing artistic director since 2011, spearheading a period of exponential growth that saw the creation of the Delaware Shakespeare Community Tour and art programming throughout the state. He will step down from his role at the end of the year.<br /><br />"I'm elated that Mariah and Robert have said 'yes' to leading Del Shakes during its continued evolution as a community-centered theatre company,” Stradley said. “It's been an honor to work with Mariah as a member of the Artistic Squad and watch her lead a wide variety of programs that spoke to a broad mix of Delawareans. And I can already tell that Robert is going to be a force upon his arrival in Wilmington, embracing the opportunity to provide theatre for as many of his new neighbors as possible. I look forward to supporting them both, and joining you all as audiences for the thrilling experiences that are coming our way."<br /><br />Ghant and Tombari will announce plans for the 2024 season of Delaware Shakespeare early next year.<br /><br /><b><u>About Delaware Shakespeare<br /></u></b>Now in its twenty-first season, Delaware Shakespeare creates year-round professional theatre and learning programs for residents and friends of the State of Delaware. At Del Shakes, people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean work.</span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-73985223983700811912023-12-09T16:28:00.003-05:002023-12-09T16:29:03.500-05:00CTC Rocks this "Wicked Little Town" with Revival of Hedwig & the Angry Inch<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>By Hannah Leposa, guest blogger<br />Theater fan Hannah Leposa is excited to be living in Wilmington where there is a lively theatre community and high quality performances. </i></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.city-theater.org/" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqnao47jYudZcioW7I3TUnkF8p7O8hkHLOz1jtPq8u6e2bfzo8LEQSKu3LrZJTujzpe5iIzTPHVGVcj5ATf6eGSQ2nlgLySptAwZ7y5LJfztjYNBW8qwqE2Z_BS9lp35K4i3rf7svtljt5tts1fCXR4WKh0I18ti6zUAXjUaT7Du71ACLVIMEhYKZyw/s3000/Hedwig-2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqnao47jYudZcioW7I3TUnkF8p7O8hkHLOz1jtPq8u6e2bfzo8LEQSKu3LrZJTujzpe5iIzTPHVGVcj5ATf6eGSQ2nlgLySptAwZ7y5LJfztjYNBW8qwqE2Z_BS9lp35K4i3rf7svtljt5tts1fCXR4WKh0I18ti6zUAXjUaT7Du71ACLVIMEhYKZyw/w400-h266/Hedwig-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Hedwig and her Angry Inch band. Photo by Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>City Theater Company</a>'s <i>Hedwig and the Angry Inch</i> follows Hedwig and her stage show as she tells the story of her botched sex change operation, leaving the titular Angry Inch behind. We also follow her journey from an angry woman to self acceptance and loving herself for who she is. The show is a cult classic, written by John Cameron Mitchell with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask.<br /><br />Hedwig, portrayed by Diva Baby, was emotional and a little over-the-top, which is expected from the character as a drag queen headliner. Her portrayal of Hedwig's breakdown was raw and captivating and a 180 turn from the levity she brought to the opening. I did not expect to be laughing as hard as I did during this show, but Diva Baby’s delivery of the cheeky jokes in the first half of the show were impeccable. Her performance of <i>Wig in a Box</i> was a standout of the night as it allowed the line between actress and character to blur. The song, which started out vulnerable, ended with a silly audience sing-a-long directed by Hedwig, who had more notes for the audience than they sang. <br /><br />Hedwig is joined on stage by her rock band, The Angry Inch. The musicians were part of the show, as they are in costume and on stage interacting with Hedwig and her husband/backup singer Yitzhak for the entire show. The performance was truly like a rock concert at times. CTC did provide earplugs for those whose ears are more sensitive to loud music. <br /><br />Hedwig's husband Yitzhak, played by Mackenzie Brockmeyer, is the final cast member of the production. Her portrayal of the quiet Yitzhak surprised me, as I caught myself watching her on more than one occasion. She beautifully portrayed the emotions of Yitzhak and I could imagine exactly what her character was thinking without her having to say a word. Her voice shined in <i>The Long Grift</i> and her reveal at the end was beautifully executed. <br /><br />City Theater Company is celebrating its 30th season and is reviving Hedwig for the second time, having previously staged the show in 2004 and 2005. Despite CTC having produced this show before, the interpretation of the show felt fresh. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The wigs were beautiful — if not temperamental — but being a true performer, Diva Baby worked that into the show so beautifully that I barely realized it wasn't scripted. The costumes and makeup mirrored Hedwig's dissolution of her image of her life, starting grand, and fun and dissolving into nothing more than a holey shirt and shorts.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Set in the early 2000s, the intimate cabaret-style seating at The Delaware Contemporary made the perfect venue for this performance, making it feel more like an authentic stage show. When I first saw the set, I was apprehensive, as I usually feel screens as set pieces are not used well and they detract from what is happening on stage. That was not the case for Hedwig. The images and videos shown added so much, the show would have been great without them, but they added just enough to elevate the actors' performances. The drawings by Echo Chappelle made the already great performance of <i>The Origin Of Love</i> superb, and the videos used during Hedwig’s breakdown heightened the emotion and intensified Diva’s portrayal of Hedwig’s emotional state.<br /><br />The remaining performances of <i>Hedwig and The Angry Inch</i> are December 10 at 2pm and December 13-16 at 8pm. All shows are at The Delaware Contemporary.The show runs around 90 minutes with no intermission. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at tickets available now at <a href="http://city-theater.org/">city-theater.org</a>.</span><br /></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-29023501509735802022023-11-06T08:52:00.000-05:002023-11-06T08:52:20.817-05:00The REP Heats Up the Stage with New Production<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis<br />Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><br /><br /> The <a href="https://www.rep.udel.edu/" target="_blank">Resident Ensemble Players (REP)</a> deliver suspense, intrigue, and stage magic with John Ball’s <i>In the Heat of the Night</i>. Adapted by Matt Pelfrey from the book that inspired the 1967 Oscar-winning film, <i>In the Heat of the Night </i>is compelling theater with themes that often touch on modern ones.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotKspnQ9NdoZ2oXrkorHG4kB1ZX15w0GjL63CF0HE8oxozMCdu8PpSyNnuPWNXjU4q-Zq3a-W06QqyXg6mdaw1TcLmadyb2QujMZyMP3cXvW7ErADRRdeRdHEwWjqw1Wqx0J_XoogQYjZz7BUhieQ97tyWOepxzLzZQ58D4MBhUXoTJC0qm0XBy-iX08/s1080/REP%20PHoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotKspnQ9NdoZ2oXrkorHG4kB1ZX15w0GjL63CF0HE8oxozMCdu8PpSyNnuPWNXjU4q-Zq3a-W06QqyXg6mdaw1TcLmadyb2QujMZyMP3cXvW7ErADRRdeRdHEwWjqw1Wqx0J_XoogQYjZz7BUhieQ97tyWOepxzLzZQ58D4MBhUXoTJC0qm0XBy-iX08/w320-h320/REP%20PHoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Detective Tibbs and Officer Sam Wood driving to the scene <br />of the crime. Photo courtesy of The REP.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Set in the early 1960s, the piece tells the story of a white man is discovered dead in tiny Argo, Alabama. Local police arrest the only stranger in town — a black man named Virgil Tibbs (Hassan El-Amin). Little do they know that their suspect is an expert homicide detective from California. Left with no witnesses, no motives, and no clues, Detective Tibbs becomes this racially tense community’s only hope of solving the brutal murder.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />El-Amin is excellent in portraying Tibbs as thoughtful and strong in a setting where the color of his skin can (and does) lead to dehumanizing actions by those around him. Tibbs is always trying to be the bigger man, upholding the honor of his person and race despite overt attacks against both. <i>(Be prepared for onstage violence and strong language which includes racist, antisemitic, and homophobic slurs.)</i><br /><br />Chief Gillespie (Lee E. Ernst) is a key antagonist to Tibbs. He dislikes both the situation and the race of the man who’s been tasked to help him solve the murder. But with each passing day, a modicum of respect creeps into the Chief’s interactions with Tibbs. Ernst does well as an often-flustered man who should control more than he does but is always being told otherwise. Ultimately, even after Tibbs “starting to grow” on him, Gillespie can’t bring himself to shake the man’s hand whose respect he’s earned.<br /><br />While this story hits all the checkboxes for an entertaining detective story, it’s also an undeniable social commentary. Director Cameron Knight said, “We are at a moment in our country, with our art, politics, and even our interactions, where we operate in extremes: extreme rage, patriotism, protesting, etc.”<br /><br />“For many, it makes any conversation of our history; our journey to this moment and how we deal with each other a delicate subject and often avoided. I believe we must be able to go towards difficult, uncomfortable conversations and at times, actions, in order to grow positively. We are fractured as a society and if we don’t begin to confront our past and the needs of our future, we are on a path towards despair.”<br /><br />“This play offers a glimpse into the many levels of corruption that exist within our culture and institutions, shows the harsh and firm mindsets that are at odds, and invites us to examine who we want to be. Do we want to grow, or do we merely want to win?”<br /><br />Hats off to the creative team for making the production a multimedia feast for the senses with articulating stage parts, 3-D dynamic curtains, and graphic video enhancements. Britton Mauk (Scenic Designer), Dawn Chiang (Lighting Designer), and Patrick W. Lord (Projection Designer) took the collective vision of Director Knight plus Interim Producing Artistic Director Steve Tague and did an amazing job.<br /><br />Standout performers include Michael Gotch as conflicted policeman Sam Wood and Stephen Pelinski as both defiant Harvey Oberst and eerily protective Mr. Purdy. If this were a classic melodrama, we’d all boo and hiss at Mic Matarrese for his strong work as Pete — a cop and Klansman whose segregationist beliefs are pungently strong.<br /><br />Performances of<i> In the Heat of the Night </i>run through November 19 in the Thompson Theatre at the Roselle Center for the Arts on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus. Tickets prices are $30-39 with discounts available for students, seniors, and University of Delaware faculty and staff. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Tickets can be purchased online at <a href="http://rep.udel.edu" target="_blank">rep.udel.edu</a>; by contacting the REP box office at 302.831.2204; or visiting in person at 110 Orchard Road Tuesdays through Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00pm. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.<br /><br />The Thompson Theatre in the Roselle Center for the Arts is ADA-compliant and is equipped with a hearing loop system, which works with hearing aid t-coils, cochlear implants, and in-house hearing devices. Wheelchair and other seating requests can be made prior to the performance by calling the number above or emailing <a href="mailto:cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu">cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu</a>.</span></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-70092027841758195822023-10-31T12:24:00.005-04:002023-10-31T12:24:50.161-04:00The DSO Invites Audiences to Dance in the Aisles for ¡Musica Bravo! <span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The content of this post comes from a press release from the Delaware Symphony Orchestra...<br /></span></i><br />The <a href="https://www.delawaresymphony.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Symphony Orchestra</a> (DSO) continues its 118th season with a performance of ¡Musica Bravo! on Friday, November 10, 7:30pm at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington and Sunday, November 12, 2:30pm at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYK7pHACSoZIkar1QzhJ53DMXDUBL4hngnZ6AtfUzFdvdOFhSFrkATGWBzxYgsktsLsWN6Qh5mrR0B_fDOVxxIhjHlPevx_OPYeYJJhoZ_uZlnrz23Mc3kvYQ-jtJSw_fDmYYDLEloM1Fc0kKUaerGVIimk4zSIyFzPqLmlg2a9MuG9Bu2w-taL9TLeI/s1080/Duo%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1080" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYK7pHACSoZIkar1QzhJ53DMXDUBL4hngnZ6AtfUzFdvdOFhSFrkATGWBzxYgsktsLsWN6Qh5mrR0B_fDOVxxIhjHlPevx_OPYeYJJhoZ_uZlnrz23Mc3kvYQ-jtJSw_fDmYYDLEloM1Fc0kKUaerGVIimk4zSIyFzPqLmlg2a9MuG9Bu2w-taL9TLeI/s320/Duo%20photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The DSO welcomes guest condcutor Michelle Di Russo<br />& guest guitarist João Luiz for its November concerts. </span></td></tr></tbody></table>The concert welcomes guest conductor Michelle Di Russo and guitarist João Luiz in a performance that features Latin- and Hispanic-inspired works. Di Russo will be the first female conductor to take the DSO podium in several decades. <br /><br />“If I could pick a program that represents my absolute love for music, it would be this one,” says Di Russo. “I believe it truly showcases where my passion for music and my roots connect through classical music.” <br /><br />Di Russo is certain this program will resonate with both first-time concertgoers and experienced music lovers. “This program will make you fall in love with the hypnotic, beautiful Latin and Hispanic melodies and rhythms,” she says. “I am also happy that I get to share music by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. It is extremely special for me to be able to perform music from my country.” <br /><br />Di Russo, who is of Argentinian/Italian descent, is known for her compelling interpretations, passionate musicality, and championing of contemporary music. She currently serves as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony in Raleigh, N.C. <br /><br />Guest artist João Luiz — half of the Brasil Guitar Duo who have performed previously with the DSO — joins the Symphony on Spanish acoustic guitar to bring the sounds of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez to life. The program also includes works by Márquez, de Falla, Rimsky-Korsakov, and the aforementioned Ginastera. <br /><br />The orchestra will repeat this performance in Sussex County, travelling to Cape Henlopen High School on Sunday, November 12, for a 2:30 p.m. concert. <br /><br />“We're very excited to bring you this dynamic program and welcome to the stage guest conductor Michelle Di Russo,” said Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Barker. “Don't miss these concerts. You will be dancing in the aisles!" <br /><br />Subscription packages and single tickets for all concerts are available. Visit DelawareSymphony.org or call 302.656.7442 for more details.</span><br />Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-75355978776457572792023-10-01T11:02:00.006-04:002023-10-01T11:02:47.487-04:00Bootless Splatters You with Fun in Its Zombie Apocalypse Musical<div><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">By Mike Logothetis<br />Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.<br /></span></i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.bootless.org/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bootless.org/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrTvJezLlmoLi2DM4v2T93_RW54Dkr6YGuw8sugm8QVc9hgYUzNZWRKAMtmA6a0v1VokJqZMl9oy3fFOZaLLtqarIV9N69-2Y3kXbPBeo9i_51MqCp3kVQt-RC8nU4b9fFjt5TcQh48muDZmha0QfGSH1I42OcfTz2pDg1tlGcJEiTpCZXlnLbqtQgIc/s300/Dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrTvJezLlmoLi2DM4v2T93_RW54Dkr6YGuw8sugm8QVc9hgYUzNZWRKAMtmA6a0v1VokJqZMl9oy3fFOZaLLtqarIV9N69-2Y3kXbPBeo9i_51MqCp3kVQt-RC8nU4b9fFjt5TcQh48muDZmha0QfGSH1I42OcfTz2pDg1tlGcJEiTpCZXlnLbqtQgIc/w200-h200/Dead.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Bootless Stageworks' </span><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Night of the Living Dead! The Musical!</span></i><span style="font-family: arial;"> takes audiences on a rip-roaring journey beyond the grave. The show is an exuberant, campy rock musical version of George Romero’s iconic 1968 horror film. Seven hopeful survivors of a recent zombie apocalypse are trapped in a farmhouse trying desperately to escape with their lives. The ever-growing horde of zombies outside forces our protagonists to act quickly and decisively, even if those choices aren’t the wisest.<br /><br />Show creator Jordan Wolfe delivers with crisp, clever dialogue and some jaunty tunes. Director Rosanne DellAversano keeps things tight through the almost 2-hour run time. The songs range from rock to jazzy-pop to more traditional musical theater fare. <i>Night of the Living Dead! The Musical!</i> is a hysterical, hummable doomsday adventure, complete with Bootless’ infamous “Pit Splatter Zone.”<br /><br />Full disclosure for those in the “Pit Splatter Zone:" <i>This is a messy show with fake blood splattering all around.</i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Bootless </span><span style="font-family: arial;">is not responsible for damage to clothing or any other personal items. It is strongly recommended that you don’t bring purses, bags, or anything else that can’t get wet, dirty, or needs to be left on the floor. Ziplock bags are suggested for cell phones. Bring your own poncho or other covering as Bootless does not offer or sell such items. If you're sitting in the new comfortable tiered seats, there’s no need to worry about protecting yourself or your personal items.<br /><br />The story begins when Barbara (Mariza Eperanza) and her brother Johnny (John Jerbasi) are attacked by a zombie while visiting a graveyard with only “Babs” escaping to a nearby farmhouse. There she finds six other living humans hiding from roaming gangs of the undead. She falls for the de facto leader Ben (Antoine Martinez-Jones), who has plenty of swagger. Dippy couple Tom (Jose Bernard) and Judy (Lauren Knecht) plus a three-person family believe taking refuge in the basement is the best way to ride things out while Ben thinks escaping to the nearby town is optimal. Harry (Dale Martin) and his alcoholic wife Helen (Adrienne Baranowski) only want what’s best for their young daughter Betty-Lou (Meg Arters). Between the infighting and the waves of attacking zombies, tension and angst run rampant.<br /><br />Having said that, the show is a musical comedy, so these tough times are sprinkled with lots of songs and jokes. Standout numbers include “What Could Go Wrong Today” (ensemble), “The Juice” (Helen), and “Doctor’s Orders” (Dr. Greishen and Dr. Gretchen). Meg Arters delivers in a big way from her knees in the reprise of “Night of the Living Dead!” before the company joins in. Arters acting from her knees (playing a little girl) is one of the great sight gags in the show. From Ben’s poor job boarding up the windows to Helen juggling liquor bottles to blood splattering all over those in the front rows, the show commands your attention. Perhaps the best “special effect” comes early when Babs is running away from an attacking zombie through the woods.<br /><br />There are plenty of funny one-liners and song lyrics peppered throughout the show. Some get lost in the theater space, but most come through. Sage words from Harry like “Never inconvenience yourself” or Judy’s battle cry “Namaste, bitches!” are just a couple of examples. The lyric that evoked the most laughs came via radio news announcer Robin Graves (Abbey Ketterling) who sings to her audience, “You’re [expletive]!” The closing stanza of “The Love Song” has the lines “I hope my love won’t trigger your gag reflex” and “Swallow my love.” <i>Yeah, it’s an adult show.</i><br /><br />Bootless Stageworks sells alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor) from a fully stocked bar. In fact, there is a proposed drinking game for the show which has patrons drink every time the actors say “Babs” or “basement.” The atmosphere is a mature one, so you might want to leave younger children at home with a sitter. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Act II introduces characters outside of the farmhouse like Dan the Science Man (Jerbasi), Holden D’Séance (Henry Stenta), doctors Greishen and Gretchen (Baranowski and Knecht), and Sheriff Tractor (Benji Deivert).<br /><br />Jerbasi shines in his delivery of “Radiation” while Stenta is cool in his TV hosting duties. Sheriff Tractor is a flawed but funny man who even leads the ensemble in a County Western line dance during “This Ain’t My First Rodeo.”<br /><br />Live musical accompaniment is provided by The Zombie Loving Band – Joe Eigenbrot, Jim Fazzino, John Hutchinson, and Deb Bialecki – under the direction of James W. Fuerst. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Do our heroes escape with their lives and sanity? Will you leave the show covered in fake blood? Come to Bootless Stageworks and find out!<br /><br />The remaining performance schedule of <i>Night of the Living Dead! The Musical!</i> is Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7, at 8:00pm. Tickets start at $28 and patrons can opt (or not) to sit in the “Pit Splatter Zone." Tickets can be purchased via Bootless' <a href="https://www.bootless.org/night-of-the-living-dead-wolfe/" target="_blank">website</a> or by calling 302.887.9300. There is one 15-minute intermission. The theater space is in the basement of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church at 1301 N. Broom Street in Wilmington.<br /><br /><i>“They’re coming to get you, Barbara!” </i></span></div></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-37242675565939723822023-09-29T10:52:00.003-04:002023-09-29T10:53:14.371-04:00 Oskar Stenmark Jazz Trio Opens The Arts at Trinity Series<span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://trinityoldswedes.church/the-arts-at-trinity/" target="_blank">The Arts at Trinity</a> (TAAT) opens its 23-24 season on Friday, September 29, at 7:30 pm with a free performance by the Oskar Stenmark Jazz Trio, which comes to Wilmington from Sweden via New York City!</span><div><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The overarching lyrical feel of Oskar’s music has a distinctive Nordic flavor, but the rhythms and harmonies come straight out of the NYC music scene. Jazz greats Art Farmer, Bill Evans and Stan Getz took interest in mixing Swedish folk music with jazz. Oskar’s trumpet playing takes this concept to a new level with his innovative mix of folk, jazz and improvisation.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQflykUgemIyWI3VOiJCcGPeabs1_mwYrOKTgk9IIprvhB__hLOPTf3cPGGQsDnNXRHHQDxIfxD0ntsOiadw4QVGIpxZoFzUiCC2uA2sRzUk21H8_l2yjpGTjT9ngortcUSZ_vcFdGUDqw1-1rCpn392lrZNEmAf8lEx-pldaWyVlcXV6d5I5XPch74Y8/s2048/Oskar1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQflykUgemIyWI3VOiJCcGPeabs1_mwYrOKTgk9IIprvhB__hLOPTf3cPGGQsDnNXRHHQDxIfxD0ntsOiadw4QVGIpxZoFzUiCC2uA2sRzUk21H8_l2yjpGTjT9ngortcUSZ_vcFdGUDqw1-1rCpn392lrZNEmAf8lEx-pldaWyVlcXV6d5I5XPch74Y8/s320/Oskar1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">Trumpeter Oskar Stenmark and his trio perform at Trinity tonight.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Photo courtesy of the artist.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Born and raised in Sweden, Oskar spent his early years in jazz clubs and the Gothenburg Symphony Hall before moving to NYC to obtain his master’s in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Oskar, tenth generation musician in his family, is joined by pianist Alex Pryrodny and bass player Evan Gregor as they open The arts at Trinity's 2023-2024 Concert Season.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This free performance will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams Street in downtown Wilmington. Light refreshments will be served on the outside patio before and after the concert. </span><br /></div></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-42171337369049671932023-09-24T14:27:00.002-04:002023-09-24T14:27:16.466-04:00Celebrating "Noises" Produced by Delaware Theatre Company<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><br /><a href="https://www.delawaretheatre.org/"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqXB5EQtEVxGPXApUZRz9L8O6xxHNLX0sAv58tEz2Hr5yOAOBVwyLC_SwSH4F_YUHXTbVk3T3bPERm4-kxN2i4vM5IZegsU33eA8c_nBzi-vfS5C9XgHGwCxtuzQdNxMmDATqJTUCiBxL__dbfy9JpWAR41JXKT1pYGUcsGB0CX4fzXVuj1WIkG2X7b0/s512/DTC%20Noises%20Off_Photo%20by%20Matt%20Urban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqXB5EQtEVxGPXApUZRz9L8O6xxHNLX0sAv58tEz2Hr5yOAOBVwyLC_SwSH4F_YUHXTbVk3T3bPERm4-kxN2i4vM5IZegsU33eA8c_nBzi-vfS5C9XgHGwCxtuzQdNxMmDATqJTUCiBxL__dbfy9JpWAR41JXKT1pYGUcsGB0CX4fzXVuj1WIkG2X7b0/w269-h269/DTC%20Noises%20Off_Photo%20by%20Matt%20Urban.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Noises Off<i> at Delaware Theatre Company.<br />Photo by Matt Urban.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.delawaretheatre.org/">Delaware Theatre Company</a> (DTC) opens its 2023-2024 season with the zany British comedy <i>Noises Off.</i> Nominated for multiple Tony and Drama Desk Awards including Best Play, the show lampoons the life behind the scenes of a theater production during its 10-week run. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Creator Michael Frayn wrote his “farce from behind” as a one-act play before it was commissioned as a full-length version. Obviously, the laughs were extended across the current three-act production. <br /><br />Each of the three acts of <i>Noises Off </i>contains a performance of the first act of a fictional sex farce (<i>Nothing On</i>), which is ridiculous in its premise. The audience experiences insider viewings of this “play within a play” at three distinct times: Act I is a technical rehearsal; Act II is during a matinée one month into the run; and Act III happens near the end of the production tour. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But the twist in this tale is that the viewpoint changes from the front of the house to the back (Act I to Act II) before reverting to the front again (Act III). If that sounds confusing, it makes more sense to the audience than to the characters on stage. Those poor souls have no clue what is happening — except spinning comedic gold! <br /><br />The ability to experience the front and the back of things is due to the brilliant work of Colin McIlvaine. His wonderful set demonstrates why he is a Barrymore-nominated scenic designer. The bilevel, multi-door set works (and “doesn’t work”) in clever ways, including rotating 180 degrees so the audience catches the action behind the (stage) action. <br /><br />In Act I, <i>Nothing On</i> actors Belinda (Karen Peakes), Brooke (Elise Hudson), Dotty (Grace Gonglewski), Freddie (Ian Merrill Peakes), Garry (Justin Jain), and Selsdon (Anthony Lawton) cannot seem to follow cues, remember lines, or hit their marks during a tech rehearsal from Hell which makes director Lloyd (David Bardeen) more fraught by the moment. Bardeen is wonderful in slowly swallowing his building rage and providing notes to his troupe as they flub scene after scene. Assistant Stage Manager Poppy (Bi Jean Ngo) must obediently clean up the messes and do Lloyd’s bidding to keep things rolling. The overworked Stage Manager Tim (Brenson Thomas) does everything from fixing sets to running surreptitious errands to making PA announcements to performing understudy duties. <br /><br />All the characters have their personality flaws up front for all to see — on stage and backstage. Garry can’t state anything definitively; Freddie falls to pieces when things get hairy; Brooke sticks to the script too closely; and Selsdon is a hard-of-hearing alcoholic with a penchant for forgetting his closing line. Speaking of mangling dialog, Dotty’s character changes a somewhat standard line so badly over the course of the show, it ends up as: “It’s good I can’t see far with this leg.” <br /><br />Most theater productions have their share of infighting and clandestine romances. Acts II and III reveal souring relationships between the <i>Nothing On</i> cast plus the set and props failing. In Act II, the audience sees how the fallout of numerous romances and off-stage problems affect the action on both sides of the stage. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">While the actors remain determined to cover up the mounting chaos during Act III, it’s not long before the players must invent some hysterical ad-libs to reach a new ending. Let’s hope <i>Noises Off</i> director Jennifer Childs didn’t have to deal with Lloyd’s problems while wrangling her actors. <br /><br />The show is somewhat dated, but still timeless in its cleverness and originality. The dialog is tight and the physical comedy will draw plenty of chuckles. Who knew that looking for a lost contact lens could bring down the house? Sometimes things get a little confusing, but stick with it and it’ll start to clear up. Come to DTC for a hearty laugh at the theater and maybe score a plate of sardines! <br /><br />The performance schedule of <i>Noises Off</i> is Wednesdays (2:00pm), Thursdays (7:00pm), Fridays (8:00pm), Saturdays (2:00 & 8:00PM except September 23 for Opening Night – 8:00pm only), and Sundays (2:00pm) through October 8. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Tickets start at $32, and</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> discounts are available for students, groups, and military members/veterans. The show is roughly 2.5 hours long with one 15-minute intermission plus an entertaining pause between Acts II and III. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There will be pre-show Viewpoints on Wednesdays at 1:15pm during the run plus talkbacks after Thursday performances. Call 302.594.1100 or visit <a href="http://DelawareTheatre.org">DelawareTheatre.org</a> to purchase tickets or for performance information. Delaware Theatre Company is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington.</span></div><div><div><i style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></i></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-9864427026162359322023-08-08T14:39:00.001-04:002023-08-08T15:23:21.528-04:00Five Delaware Arts Organizations Receive Special Presenter Initiatives Grants from MidAtlantic Arts<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>The contents of this post originate from a press release from the Delaware Division of the Arts...</i></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.midatlanticarts.org/">Mid Atlantic Arts</a>, in partnership with the <a href="https://arts.delaware.gov/">Delaware Division of the Arts</a>, has announced over $102,000 in grants, across five states, through the 2023-2024 Special Presenter Initiatives program.<br /><br />The Special Presenter Initiatives program provides funding to small and mid-size presenting organizations in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and the Native nations that share this geography. The program supports presenting projects with professional touring artists and ensembles from anywhere worldwide. The supported projects include public performances as well as community engagement activities that enhance the performance experience and offer meaningful exchanges between touring artists and a presenter’s community.<br /><br />The artistic engagements proposed by applicant presenters are diverse in performance genre and artist identity. Examples of Special Presenter Initiatives engagement and community exchange include Delaware-based, groundbreaking female Kora player Sona Jobarteh will be presented in her home state by Arden Club, along with her band, to share her evolution of the African musical tradition through performances and an open Q/A and sound-check. </span><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-206489" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_206489" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; margin: 5px auto; max-width: 96%; padding: 5px 3px 10px; text-align: center; width: 612px;"><img alt="African Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh." class="wp-image-206489 img-responsive" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" src="https://news.delaware.gov/files/2023/08/Template-News.Delaware.Gov-4.png" srcset="https://news.delaware.gov/files/2023/08/Template-News.Delaware.Gov-4.png 1024w, https://news.delaware.gov/files/2023/08/Template-News.Delaware.Gov-4-300x150.png 300w, https://news.delaware.gov/files/2023/08/Template-News.Delaware.Gov-4-768x384.png 768w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-206489" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">African Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh will appear at Arden Concert Gild this season, as part of Arden's <br />Mid Atlantic Arts grant. </span></figcaption></figure><span style="font-family: arial;">“We congratulate the grantees of the 2023-2024 Special Presenter Initiatives program,” said Jessica Ball, the Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “These grants will play a pivotal role in bringing exceptional artists and diverse performances to the First State. Our mission at the Delaware Division of the Arts is to foster artistic excellence and enrich the cultural landscape of Delaware, and these grants align perfectly with that goal. We are excited to witness the meaningful exchanges between touring artists and our communities, and we look forward to the transformative impact these performances will have on our state.”<br /><br />The 2023-2024 grantees from Delaware include:</span><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduL5ZSrWhFaGGYsEwttlcPdLNb1sO187RgLWWR89iRIwAZZa-oCQNQo4seD1Akwu8GWsjwaa8roOv8DxsQ-oEwBgQ%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482228676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3Fw1K37Bqwtu32cNqZ2HInH2%2Fy%2Fpq%2B%2FJPFclaPykBww%3D&reserved=0">Arden Club, Inc</a>., Wilmington presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLqStRCrh-tsUc80Nv4on6qhPb8UPrEGO-XoFI5WEOAPN9QxKG9gl_voYuBiLw9QIoqoMYRS9pTjEYXRgyoRj2Pw%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482228676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zCmCkkgNrEoeDYHn9HVqG5FU3cE0k1NwQcRU7QNow0I%3D&reserved=0">Lankum</a>, Ireland</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduL5ZSrWhFaGGYsEwttlcPdLNb1sO187RgLWWR89iRIwAZZa-oCQNQo4seD1Akwu8GWsjwaa8roOv8DxsQ-oEwBgQ%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482228676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3Fw1K37Bqwtu32cNqZ2HInH2%2Fy%2Fpq%2B%2FJPFclaPykBww%3D&reserved=0">Arden Club, Inc</a>., Wilmington presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLToqj649VlZkv4nqMp_B5a0946RG0_XWIDWD1l0ffncS-v8K4WivZHcuWcqLP6imuBs1mwYfZ5aP7sG9XhFI32w%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482228676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3bH9nYE%2FRkNbaBLRP9kzd0vgb1Pw%2BL0u8pg0zwYGjHg%3D&reserved=0">Sona Jobarteh</a>, DE</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_zaTgeHfLrrPl2oJBhzzNtl3PmosZ0T7slZod5624mp0L6Mt0DQUbaiPktXspjTsHV8YNBAUDaYvGR-kGLh6WvVtImxROBLFJQ%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482228676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0iLdDHE8yB8n33YzLwUnoW6%2FKBvIQo37uKt32dqtnas%3D&reserved=0">Christina Cultural Arts Center, Inc</a>., Wilmington presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduL9gz7Bxt2_FkJC8rFv44HHA3yg_-Qcxn3NP9xYgfzrnEkJJGzf1QR9JYEpScidaq9eikxkOUA6WXwqfQuUgFZ5VqZLCMD07x5%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482228676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZKHQJE%2B5NQM3vKSj3h7KtH0vkKVXpFOM2yGks%2B9xKuk%3D&reserved=0">Stacey Harcum</a>, DE</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLyR0CMzTtT-YZNxD0K0UsLInxF7YWPN9GTxskmakCCPUm9nGv0ZbehJfuuSt4-EC0aHFTonAU_XFYIjIX6Qhleg%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Pi%2B0zO%2BR6BK4PMehmwFljBWbwguMsWVk8QI813Lb2aY%3D&reserved=0">Cityfest, Inc</a>.<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLyR0CMzTtT-YZNxD0K0UsLInxF7YWPN9GTxskmakCCPUm9nGv0ZbehJfuuSt4-EC0aHFTonAU_XFYIjIX6Qhleg%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Pi%2B0zO%2BR6BK4PMehmwFljBWbwguMsWVk8QI813Lb2aY%3D&reserved=0">,</a> Wilmington presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLtEnAKc0-YBvBDAM94q4nPZQZmjnjM00m5D5EGHTJueWJm9KFAuFhjHL4VBiExNBTEHFEEnzLmJSWMlWneBYMug%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=27Pu5n0B2vDHQBg2HgVGrNvfk0cuukxSHrf9Z7jFWuE%3D&reserved=0">Gerald Veasly Electric Mingus Project</a>, PA</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_5yx7zeU5_r2dm850kJD5H0V1fzPNn5LwVFj8M-41ARnPXU1n0Bp2wmVkRoMq7y1o229GNrezqeDR7tPthm-smNmxpQtatVvENB5LesROQPS%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dnZWA5th1MzaL5hCH3SfgtT8pqLO8mspn9hVoMnb%2BaA%3D&reserved=0">Coastal Concerts, Inc</a>.<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_5yx7zeU5_r2dm850kJD5H0V1fzPNn5LwVFj8M-41ARnPXU1n0Bp2wmVkRoMq7y1o229GNrezqeDR7tPthm-smNmxpQtatVvENB5LesROQPS%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dnZWA5th1MzaL5hCH3SfgtT8pqLO8mspn9hVoMnb%2BaA%3D&reserved=0">,</a> Lewes presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLOy7Eo8hvdDmEB5heMdcGEp3xN5FhADbGsOdafTyqRh9J-bazah09EbBtjVOXD-YQd4g81oHqtaI%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bHrmc2jt88jnzKquY81eBHlKUcaKWSL8shNw0Ke3qnA%3D&reserved=0">JiJi, Guitar and Danbi Um, Violin</a>, NY</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_5yx7zeU5_r2dm850kJD5H0V1fzPNn5LwVFj8M-41ARnPXU1n0Bp2wmVkRoMq7y1o229GNrezqeDR7tPthm-smNmxpQtatVvENB5LesROQPS%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dnZWA5th1MzaL5hCH3SfgtT8pqLO8mspn9hVoMnb%2BaA%3D&reserved=0">Coastal Concerts, Inc</a>.<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_5yx7zeU5_r2dm850kJD5H0V1fzPNn5LwVFj8M-41ARnPXU1n0Bp2wmVkRoMq7y1o229GNrezqeDR7tPthm-smNmxpQtatVvENB5LesROQPS%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dnZWA5th1MzaL5hCH3SfgtT8pqLO8mspn9hVoMnb%2BaA%3D&reserved=0">,</a> Lewes presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_wTcSTYWDUgemr60nwxOs0zINrJ_mUnkbzGBii6Np9lsNyXrhlGHWP6HpRvfT5_8kqmxBCapmNE9TE3uSmAObBhUaOIP4tWNpA%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Jmyky5hnEAbcbrFNRYN8JxG8aggONR8yDQ170SQmoQ4%3D&reserved=0">Michelle Cann</a>, PA</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLGXfUD_rapXDUMoxZQ8EIdEm1FLc0N2PDZ1Rxtu-KMhs4LVGN237Q2FcRURpn-6zZPr5ecW9V3nzV6ommOhKZHpYWfd7-hY4n%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=16usbC02SrRrcPixDVE%2FqEHPbFJfTSbCXI7v%2BO7gbnw%3D&reserved=0">Delaware Symphony </a><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLGXfUD_rapXDUMoxZQ8EIdEm1FLc0N2PDZ1Rxtu-KMhs4LVGN237Q2FcRURpn-6zZPr5ecW9V3nzV6ommOhKZHpYWfd7-hY4n%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=16usbC02SrRrcPixDVE%2FqEHPbFJfTSbCXI7v%2BO7gbnw%3D&reserved=0">O</a>rchestra, Wilmington presenting <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D0018i-AyT8P9PbCHCtBXEBeIK0BHoYndSaCtHSVI0LLYW8umQyokmLf_275LJWbVduLvvSadB52ShLPp9wUJUM55qS_7lhxU0iBiDZIgra5o88sHfDV4zULMu0H3EWz9h_d8o6nGoi_p2fQ6UEfvU1LtA%3D%3D%26c%3DeUmIiUmlMstbok4flYid3fjQIt0RNkuIilElbthhZVsEGd3SODfrxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DJZlgLo70FzcWkQlrJCmScDo_w72qPPZWp7MFULYNBe7JYmubM0EFAg%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7CAndrew.Truscott%40delaware.gov%7C6a447003c98741b3e72008db8d183e09%7C8c09e56951c54deeabb28b99c32a4396%7C0%7C0%7C638258907482384917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1lIM01Ah83GvwZnsZE21AuhysIziIjCH44gqijJ2r7A%3D&reserved=0">André Raphel</a>, PA</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;">“Mid Atlantic Arts plays a vital role in bringing exceptionally talented artists to our community through their generous support,” said Delaware Symphony Orchestra CEO J.C. Barker. “Not only does their assistance enable the DSO to showcase these important artists, but it also provided the necessary resources to foster a collaboration with young talents at the Music School of Delaware. This partnership created invaluable opportunities for aspiring young musicians to learn from a musical virtuoso.”<br /><br />“CCAC is humbled and honored to be the recipient of a Special Presenter Initiative Grant from Mid Atlantic Arts,” said Christina Cultural Arts Center Executive Director James Rhodes. “As we continue to move beyond shuttered venues and welcome visitors back to CCAC, this funding allows us to engage dynamic artists from around our region and across the country to reconnect with our thousands of supporters.” <br /><br />Ron Ozer from the Arden Concert Gild stated, “the Special Presenters grant allows Arden Concert Gild to take bigger risks booking unusual eclectic but top tier artists from around the world, such as Lankum, in one of only 5 appearances across the US in one week in 2023.”<br /><br />Carol Dennis, Executive Director of Coastal Concerts stated, “I’m a strong believer that music has a special way of inspiring and transforming our lives in a multitude of ways. The Mid Atlantic Arts Special Presenter Initiative Program is a remarkable program that allows us to enrich the lives of the youth and adults in southern Delaware by supporting the presentation of our educational outreach programs and concerts by renowned musicians.”<br /><br /><b>About the Delaware Division of the Arts<br /></b>The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.<br /><br /><b>About Mid Atlantic Arts<br /></b>Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.</span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-58179875345051392362023-07-25T10:59:00.003-04:002023-07-26T09:44:24.955-04:00Macbeth Comes to Life in Innovative DelShakes Production<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis<br />Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0roACIucDfILaGz0FLDJcOY8nSG9btikzApFI7foQ6wdx1EPdMm71607BLQnhFA_E9S_QOu2zTPW-ebcyaEsuX7BbkVqCNVpaAE0engHj161MrUeBw5Zlt5ZS7KGYFcTEWj2NvwezGODeJ7GShfaz_tAjDLbAvb9NZCdOEZlWO3MCYdR-nk6RWF_CZs8/s1000/Del%20Shakes%20Macbeth%202%20LOWRES.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0roACIucDfILaGz0FLDJcOY8nSG9btikzApFI7foQ6wdx1EPdMm71607BLQnhFA_E9S_QOu2zTPW-ebcyaEsuX7BbkVqCNVpaAE0engHj161MrUeBw5Zlt5ZS7KGYFcTEWj2NvwezGODeJ7GShfaz_tAjDLbAvb9NZCdOEZlWO3MCYdR-nk6RWF_CZs8/s320/Del%20Shakes%20Macbeth%202%20LOWRES.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left; text-wrap: nowrap;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The ensemble fights for Scotland. Photo by Alessandra Nicole.</i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Macbeth comes to life in an innovative production by <a href="https://delshakes.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Shakespeare</a> in its 21st year of outdoor theatre at beautiful Rockwood Park. Utilizing two stages keeps the action moving as theater patrons descend the chute of bloody tragedy that is “The Scottish Play.” (Actors dare not speak its name during a production run.) Director AZ Espinoza has their cast enter and exit both stages from a variety of angles which changes the audience’s collective perspective as scenes change.<br /><br /><i>“By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” — The Witches<br /></i><br />The classic Shakesperean tale of Macbeth exposes the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition to those who seek power. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, celebrated general Macbeth (Mariah Ghant) slays King Duncan (Katherine Perry) and takes the Scottish throne for himself. But he is quickly consumed by guilt and suspicion of those closest to him.<br /><br />Consequently, Macbeth is forced to commit more murders and spiral deeper into paranoia and<br />tyrannical rule. The bloodbath swiftly takes Macbeth and his queen (Ciera Gardner) into the realms of madness and eventual death.<br /><br />That’s my summary of the plot, but if you arrive at the park early, you can see four actors perform a “Macbeth in two minutes” routine which is hysterical and pretty accurate. Other pre-show entertainment includes a game of “Scottish Ninja Warrior” involving a spirited version of Capture the Flag and a dance-off. There is a nightly “orientation” at 6:50 before the comedy bits and games begin. The actual play runs just under 2.5 hours with one 15-minute intermission.<br /><br /><i>“What’s done cannot be undone.” — Lady Macbeth</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i>The power of Macbeth resides in our sympathy with those who are spiraling downward. Ghant and especially Gardner take us with them as they journey to deeper and deeper depths of despair. We witness Gardner’s Lady Macbeth gleefully bathing in power yet to be assumed (or earned). We see literal blood on the hands of Macbeth after his unspeakable deeds. The Witches foretold this “violent sorrow” in the opening act, but how things unfold is revelatory.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2agbH_pxA1wrhE6yKPhEPwYdgcGNYUQvtHOqWwmFwXrbj8RgEvccFtGJn3vAkY0x0LsfTy8VQwRLIFBnMkbcc61JGdtVOegW2gbenml1bqPq_qxCw2znq8Kohm1WiJh76oimQMxueqZDENIJWkCw_bqO2x_Y01oDTyw5a34gx40kjOEqiTmpNJGFs-E/s1000/Del%20Shakes%20Macbeth%201%20LOWRES.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2agbH_pxA1wrhE6yKPhEPwYdgcGNYUQvtHOqWwmFwXrbj8RgEvccFtGJn3vAkY0x0LsfTy8VQwRLIFBnMkbcc61JGdtVOegW2gbenml1bqPq_qxCw2znq8Kohm1WiJh76oimQMxueqZDENIJWkCw_bqO2x_Y01oDTyw5a34gx40kjOEqiTmpNJGFs-E/s320/Del%20Shakes%20Macbeth%201%20LOWRES.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><text class="_textbox_1titd_17" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="8.43597412109375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left;" textlength="330.336074829102" x="109.02799987793" y="-679.299987792969">Hecate (Katherine Perry) and the three witches <br />(CJ Higgins, Rachel O</text><text class="_textbox_1titd_17" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="8.3280029296875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left;" textlength="1.91998291015625" x="440.482025146484" y="-679.299987792969">’</text><text class="_textbox_1titd_17" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="8.280029296875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left;" textlength="32.9760131835938" x="444.238006591797" y="-679.299987792969">Hanlon</text><text class="_textbox_1titd_17" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="3.40802001953125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left;" textlength="2.85601806640625" x="478.587982177734" y="-679.299987792969">-</text><text class="_textbox_1titd_17" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="8.2559814453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left;" textlength="50.3160095214844" x="482.907989501953" y="-679.299987792969">Rodriguez,</text><text class="_textbox_1titd_17" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="8.43597412109375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f5f2; color: #1a1918; text-align: left;" textlength="246.996063232422" x="108.559997558594" y="-664.659973144531">and Kimie Muroya) <br />greet Macbeth (Mariah Ghant).<br />Photo by Alessandra Nicole.</text></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Returning to the Witches or Weird Sisters…<br />they are the best part of the show. CJ Higgins, Kimmie Muroya, and Rachel O’Hanlon-Rodriguez dominate the natural (and supernatural?) setting with their synchronized physical movements, pitter-patter of language, and eerie energy. The arrival of Hecate (Katherine Perry), queen of the witches, only enhances the mystical power of the coven. They also get the benefit of special effects like a smoke machine and spooky audio reverb in their microphones.<br /><br />Other highlights of the production were the rhythmic dance-style murder of Banquo (Zach Valdez); the ghost of Duncan grabbing his buried crown; the changing of tartans upon new leadership; sword fighting without props; and the diverse cast taking on multiple roles successfully.<br /><br />Attending performances outside in the round at Rockwood Mansion is a delight that longtime area theater-lovers and budding fans should make plans to experience. The entire Festival area is wheelchair accessible. It is necessary to traverse a gravel walkway and a grass lawn. The seating area is on a grass lawn and patrons should bring their own blankets or chairs. Picnicking is welcomed and light concessions featuring foods from Janssen’s Market will be on sale.<br /><br />Macbeth runs from July 21 through August 6 with gates opening 75 minutes early for pre-show entertainment and picnics. Curtain is at 7:30 from Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 6 on Sundays. (Timing for pre-show events will alter accordingly for Sunday performances.)<br /><br />General admission is $25 with discounted tickets for seniors and active military ($22) as well as students ($20). Sundays are Family Nights when children 12 and under are welcomed for free with a paid adult. New this year are “Pay-What-You-Can Wednesdays” where patrons can choose from a variety of ticket prices.<br /><br />The 2023 Delaware Shakespeare season will include two full productions – the current Summer Festival (Macbeth) and a fall Community Tour (Cymbeline) spanning October 4-22. As usual, the Community Tour will bring high quality Shakespeare performances to non-traditional locations such as homeless shelters, prisons, and community centers.<br /><br /><i>“For Scotland!” — Company</i></span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-38775837425925165652023-07-11T16:41:00.004-04:002023-07-12T16:10:49.371-04:00New Music Venue Opens with Help from Longtime Music Community Member<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8ZKlNX6142V4iZjy4ypHNv8pWoShkoAPqZxffeWdiBtEuZ6oB5aEuflJEchS-jVWEHozj410uoHs9E-ANs-atHwHigEeP8HNXOrw1WCICmrFHx425Yx0ULXlkk8pfzyenysLW2pjLYqcZZJsicWoodSh__UYpkAVyVYANAZ7KjyzZXiOTjS1G2WrwWI/s2500/EMH-2023-07-15-OHD_CG-rev02_dice.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="2500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8ZKlNX6142V4iZjy4ypHNv8pWoShkoAPqZxffeWdiBtEuZ6oB5aEuflJEchS-jVWEHozj410uoHs9E-ANs-atHwHigEeP8HNXOrw1WCICmrFHx425Yx0ULXlkk8pfzyenysLW2pjLYqcZZJsicWoodSh__UYpkAVyVYANAZ7KjyzZXiOTjS1G2WrwWI/s320/EMH-2023-07-15-OHD_CG-rev02_dice.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After 20 years of volunteering as a concert promoter for Arden Gild Hall in North Wilmington's Village of Arden, Ron Ozer has stepped into a professional role in programming at <a href="https://www.elktonmusichall.com/" target="_blank">Elkton Music Hall</a>, located just over the state line in Elkton, Maryland. The new venue will open its doors on July 15, 2023. </span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first show at this brand new 300-seat capacity venue — housed in an entirely renovated 100-year-old storefront in the original downtown — will be a celebration of big bands from the Philly and DC areas. <br /><br />The group Cosmic Guilt, a WXPN favorite (WXPN radio is also supporting this show), brings their Laurel Canyon vibes from Philly to Elkton after selling out two shows in Arden last year. DC-based Oh He Dead comes to Elkton after stellar performances at Peach Festival and SXSW. <br /><br />Just added is beloved Delaware-born stage, film and TV star Johnny Gallagher with a solo acoustic set as the first artist on this new stage. <br /><br />Ron says he is thrilled to be working with venue owners Ric and Katie to bring major artists like Son Volt, Jerry Douglas, and Low Cut Connie to town!<br /><br />Tickets are available at <a href="http://elktonmusichall.com/">elktonmusichall.com</a>.</span>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-747182351923007502023-07-05T11:56:00.003-04:002023-07-05T12:01:28.072-04:00The Delaware Symphony Orchestra Announces 118th Season of Bold New Artists & Repertoire<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4rpeTxjCWQTlo2RTPJgVHgiy8OHDF-DBxXAuQPWFTL4qfNIbztXZ1dV28SyL0VuUJYhrgel0eOlhTdNMCMhEZbQipQXOtYJZ9Y3wTY39nWYc2EQmDwyL5d1NuANRekO7TXpcy_fpbKnB880Lj9eWiYZaoKkYxjfoOWGDnJYhbFS_iUdBKkUhkSwC7eM/s1750/_DSC4500-HDR_web.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4rpeTxjCWQTlo2RTPJgVHgiy8OHDF-DBxXAuQPWFTL4qfNIbztXZ1dV28SyL0VuUJYhrgel0eOlhTdNMCMhEZbQipQXOtYJZ9Y3wTY39nWYc2EQmDwyL5d1NuANRekO7TXpcy_fpbKnB880Lj9eWiYZaoKkYxjfoOWGDnJYhbFS_iUdBKkUhkSwC7eM/w391-h260/_DSC4500-HDR_web.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="text-align: start;">A sold-out audience at DSO's March 2023 concert.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by Joe del Tufo.</span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The content of this post comes from a Delaware Symphony Orchestra press release...</span></i><br /><br /><a href="https://www.delawaresymphony.org/">The Delaware Symphony Orchestra</a> (DSO) is proud to announce its 118th season, featuring a captivating lineup of performances. The season will include five Classics Series concerts, three Chamber Series concerts, a return to the Hotel du Pont's Gold Ballroom, and two concerts in Sussex County.<br /><br /><b>Classics Series:</b> The Classics Series is the DSO’s full-orchestra concert experience with featured guest artists performed at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington and Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.<br /><br />Kicking off the series on Friday, October 13, 2023, is <b>Sky, Sea, and Rhapsody</b>. Under the leadership of <b>Music Director Laureate David Amado</b>, the DSO will perform Rachmaninoff's <i>Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini</i>, featuring acclaimed guest pianist <b>Stewart Goodyear</b> as well as Claude Debussy's timeless masterpiece, <i>La Mer</i>.<br /><br />In the next Classics concert,<b> ¡Música Bravo!</b>, guest conductor <b>Michelle Di Russo</b> and guitarist <b>João Luiz</b> will take audiences on a vibrant journey through Hispanic and Latin-inspired works by Arturo Márquez, Alberto Ginastera, Manuel de Falla, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Rimsky-Korsakov. The program will be performed in both Wilmington and Lewes, Delaware, on November 10 and 12, 2023.<br /><br />On January 19, 2024, the New Year commences with <b>From Home to Rome</b>, directed by guest conductor<b> André Raphel</b> and featuring the virtuosic talents of violinist <b>Jennifer Frautschi </b>performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. In addition, this concert will feature West Chester native Samuel Barber's <i>Symphony in One Movement </i>and Ottorino Respighi's majestic<i> Pines of Rome</i>.<br /><br />March 22 and 24, 2024, invites you to <b>A John Williams Celebration</b> — the iconic themes from <i>Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park,</i> and more — led by guest conductor <b>Scott Speck</b>. This program will also be performed in both Wilmington and Lewes, Delaware.<br /><br />The final Classics concert on April 26, 2024 — <b>Amado Conducts Mahler</b> — welcomes Maestro Amado back to the podium for Gustav Mahler's epic masterpiece, <i>Symphony No. 7 "Song of the Night.”</i><br /><br /><b>Chamber Series:</b> The Chamber Series offers intimate concerts, featuring smaller ensembles, at venues including the DuPont Country Club and the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont.<br /><br />The first concert, <b>Percussionists of the DSO</b>, on October 24, 2023, promises an unforgettable evening showcasing the artistry and versatility of these DSO musicians. This exciting concert will feature the works of contemporary composers Joe Taylor, Michael Udow, Ney Rosauro, as well as the Baroque genius, G. F. Handel.<br /><br />On December 12, 2023, we return to the glittering Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont for <b>Holidays at the Hotel,</b> a delightful evening of festive melodies for the entire family, featuring the talents of Delaware's own baritone <b>Grant Youngblood</b> and works by Bach and Tchaikovsky.<br /><br />On February 13, 2024, the final Chamber concert showcases <b>Music of the African Diaspora</b>. The Musicians of the DSO will perform works by influential composers Valerie Coleman, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Adolphus Hailstork, Jessie Montgomery, and Carlos Simon.<br /><br />“This season represents our most diverse programming yet,” said Executive Director J.C. Barker. “Our audiences have grown significantly this past season, and we cannot wait to share this extraordinary lineup of music and artists with our friends, both old and new! We know this season will deliver performances that audiences of all ages and experience can connect with and enjoy.”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Subscription packages are available now; single tickets for all concerts will be available for sale starting August 15, 2023.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://DelawareSymphony.org">DelawareSymphony.org</a> or call 302.656.7442 for more details.</span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-70997966753807257782023-07-05T11:31:00.003-04:002023-07-05T11:31:49.161-04:00The Delaware Contemporary Announces 2023-2024 Artist-In-Residence Program<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>The content of this post comes from a <a href="https://www.decontemporary.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Contemporary</a> press release...</i></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.decontemporary.org/">The Delaware Contemporary</a> (TDC) is pleased to announce four accepted artists for its 2023-2024 Artist-In-Residence program (ARC 24) — Noel Cross, Cony Madariaga, Nasir Young, and Zifeng Zang. These artists were selected for a fully funded residency program; they will occupy a shared studio, receive one-to-one mentorship, and participate in professional development programming. </span></div><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial;"><br />The Delaware Contemporary focuses on assisting career growth of new and emerging artists with an emphasis on providing the ARC Residency Program to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the Great Arc region of Delaware. TDC is driven to provide equitable access to career development for underserved populations and strive to diversify the nonprofit and museum industries through this opportunity. To ensure equity, the selection process works with a unique set of arts professionals. The ARC 24 jurors include Studios@ artist and former Artist-in-Residence, Stephanie Boateng, and Vox Populi member artist and arts educator Natalie Hijinx. <br /><br />As part of the program, ARC 24 residents will engage with their fellow residents, the community of Studios@ artists, TDC staff, and public outreach projects. Residents will work toward a cumulative exhibition in The Delaware Contemporary's main galleries in Summer 2024.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a191a;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGP7fs2cWdnz11qY1_oE7H-MlnWPlFCIw7A7CbnLVX40CV2-LaxleOIzxcgf9r7pQ-wxRJPgfjj7xn6w_XV6zPRDcfSUtVS6KY_PaBVLryOALanNervuyCsH4b169aX_ccUYogu-sXXiTV0gpms0C3MndgwZbVHg_MncZ1TJg7qr8dy5s7okMms8mNcxY/s500/Noel%20Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGP7fs2cWdnz11qY1_oE7H-MlnWPlFCIw7A7CbnLVX40CV2-LaxleOIzxcgf9r7pQ-wxRJPgfjj7xn6w_XV6zPRDcfSUtVS6KY_PaBVLryOALanNervuyCsH4b169aX_ccUYogu-sXXiTV0gpms0C3MndgwZbVHg_MncZ1TJg7qr8dy5s7okMms8mNcxY/w184-h184/Noel%20Cross.jpg" width="184" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Noel Cross</b> is a
contemporary painter and photographer from New Jersey. As a young artist, Cross
attended Studio Incamminati Atelier in Philadelphia. She then went on to
receive her BA from Rutgers University before completing her MFA at the
University of Delaware. Her most recent works are grounded in research
exploring American commodity culture, the investigation of collective cultural
memory and challenging learned assumptions. The work honors the tradition of
painting as an enduring cultural practice while exploring the curiosity of
play. As pictorial competition redefines our contemporary visual experience,
the work invites you to be fascinated by the act of looking.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a191a;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVkmsW8HGKJE0GTeq1fcsQto4UeoQa_97B1KLynqO1cqI7hKwUvU_4k2SbuI4Yysvw7wYFMUH4eruiquAPADs3TZtnD-KHwNKnVzHpFm8Ge7vU1fzmo8-7mNGZAD8Xnv46ZFfZmI9Xm52lGAaUXG7oNSxZcKgq2-kAFnoNd6L5RjP4FghEU9twLfpd5I/s1404/Cony%20Madariaga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1200" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVkmsW8HGKJE0GTeq1fcsQto4UeoQa_97B1KLynqO1cqI7hKwUvU_4k2SbuI4Yysvw7wYFMUH4eruiquAPADs3TZtnD-KHwNKnVzHpFm8Ge7vU1fzmo8-7mNGZAD8Xnv46ZFfZmI9Xm52lGAaUXG7oNSxZcKgq2-kAFnoNd6L5RjP4FghEU9twLfpd5I/w157-h183/Cony%20Madariaga.jpg" width="157" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Constanza Madariaga</b>,
also known as Cony Madariaga, is a Delaware-based artist born in Santiago,
Chile. She has been in love with art since she was a child, and creating has
been her therapy and safe space to express herself throughout her lifetime.
Being able to have access to art classes in middle school and high school
allowed her to explore different mediums and techniques. Although she did not
continue her formal education in Arts, she has always gravitated towards it,
and always made a space in her life to be able to create. In 2019, she had her
first exhibition, since then she has participated in a number of exhibitions in
Delaware and surrounding cities including the 2023 Artist Fellowship through
the Delaware Division of the Arts.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a191a; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwonsiZefprHoEaAZuzJ0Z7Kmq9PnakfXvPdHY9HLWXVLFr20XtLhbNlPo20_9HNcELfkY0XlvHeDIOtdAv7DKft2OFuIVllJl2hiFVePACi0M6Hb_qy5Xjsb71I8w5ARj7Av6sf5Kfb_400Y4VzL1EuP7jIJUMIHhggigY6n4Nb-lzevJ3XXmpkSk9A/s1600/Nasir%20Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwonsiZefprHoEaAZuzJ0Z7Kmq9PnakfXvPdHY9HLWXVLFr20XtLhbNlPo20_9HNcELfkY0XlvHeDIOtdAv7DKft2OFuIVllJl2hiFVePACi0M6Hb_qy5Xjsb71I8w5ARj7Av6sf5Kfb_400Y4VzL1EuP7jIJUMIHhggigY6n4Nb-lzevJ3XXmpkSk9A/w157-h210/Nasir%20Young.jpg" width="157" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Nasir Young</b> received his BFA from Pennsylvania
Academy of the Fine Arts. In 2020, he was awarded The Raymond D. & Estelle
Rubens Travel Scholarship to go to London. Young was awarded an illuminate arts
grant in 2021 and 2022, and he was the second place winner of the Philadelphia
Sketch Club's 158th exhibition of small oils. In 2022, he was a Da Vinci Art
Alliance Resident. Nasir’s primary source of imagery is the everyday scenes of
urban inner city life. He has had multiple group shows in Philadelphia and
online exhibitions.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: arial;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSoNmusJNwyYNO-Q8cvV6WtsFGCKmdv-iiQ0heh_gph0j0EfscVKXaukFpIRk92E3Jg6hnM7Lb8MnKcnyZDlOqFE2Z60enykP9t37hOzItOSsdGno9ql7pPUpYLlm7nnciZm2cZC2DYwNfzwtZk3wwngiBnVIgamZQBONiATN97eykYaxtw_-a4v5Okw/s1595/Zifeng%20Zang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSoNmusJNwyYNO-Q8cvV6WtsFGCKmdv-iiQ0heh_gph0j0EfscVKXaukFpIRk92E3Jg6hnM7Lb8MnKcnyZDlOqFE2Z60enykP9t37hOzItOSsdGno9ql7pPUpYLlm7nnciZm2cZC2DYwNfzwtZk3wwngiBnVIgamZQBONiATN97eykYaxtw_-a4v5Okw/w151-h200/Zifeng%20Zang.jpg" width="151" /></a></b></div><b style="font-family: arial;">Zifeng Zang</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is an accomplished artist with a wealth of
education and experience in the field. Her love for art began at a young age
which grew as she received formal education, including earning dual BFA degrees
from Jilin University in China and West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her
career experience includes serving as a senior graphic designer and brand
manager at 4A Advertising Agencies and tech giants in China, where she honed
her skills in creating imagery characters and advertisement scripts using
digital tools. Despite this, she always felt drawn to the traditional art of
painting. This led her to pursue further education in the field and to study
painting in the US, where she is now focused on developing her favorite
abstract style, infused with her personal experiences and unique perspective.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For more details, visit <a href="http://DEContemporary.org">DEContemporary.org</a>.</span></p><p></p>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-35655651394664000542023-06-22T10:24:00.001-04:002023-06-22T10:24:07.128-04:00Delaware Art Museum & City of Wilmington's District 8 Mural Partnership<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The content of this post comes from a press release from the <a href="https://delart.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Art Museum</a>...<br /></i></span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6vC4myV4fiJK5EzkwYlrMHphn9JrtCywBwsSXrBvewDGkX6cB5C9rL8YmVP_ZNdyyAqKWqd9ClUag3ikRyz9_rMaY1VjChClHvVp5DiqDM_TqNG6di3n_IKsSYWUbqlp2LAPVTtTKgibDMEJJv4eTQ7WHJUumXtOc29spTLuUzH-qhf5BapDhNIxuF8/s1024/District%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6vC4myV4fiJK5EzkwYlrMHphn9JrtCywBwsSXrBvewDGkX6cB5C9rL8YmVP_ZNdyyAqKWqd9ClUag3ikRyz9_rMaY1VjChClHvVp5DiqDM_TqNG6di3n_IKsSYWUbqlp2LAPVTtTKgibDMEJJv4eTQ7WHJUumXtOc29spTLuUzH-qhf5BapDhNIxuF8/s320/District%208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Delaware Art Museum has partnered with Wilmington City Councilperson Nathan Field on a mural project, “Nature’s Palette,” with images and words inspired by nature. The works will be on view throughout City Council District 8 beginning in this month through the remainder of 2023.<br /><br />They will be installed throughout the built environment of District 8 in the following locations:<br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Gilpin Liquors </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Luther Towers </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">BrewHaHa Trolley Square </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The intersection of Delaware Avenue and Dupont Street </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lincoln Towers </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Southeast Kitchen </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Joseph E. Johnson Jr. School </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The intersection of Pennsylvania and Greenhill Avenues outside the Marian Coffin Garden</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;">The Museum is situated in the center of District 8, which begins at the western border of Wilmington that wraps around Rockford Park, and ends just east of Cool Spring Park, with its northern and southern borders defined by Brandywine Park and Wawaset Park, so the murals are all in the general Museum vicinity.<br /><br />District 8 Councilperson Nathan Field says, “I'm incredibly excited to work with the Art Museum team to grow the City of Wilmington as an Artistic and Cultural destination not just in the First State of Delaware but throughout the extended Tri-State region. Walking around the neighborhood and seeing scenes from nature that are so culturally meaningful to Delawareans integrated into the streetscape is so thrilling."<br /><br />“Nature’s Palette” features enlarged intricate and vibrant details of paintings and drawings from DelArt’s Pre-Raphaelite collection, combined with quotations inspired by nature and poetry penned by Victorian-era writers.<br /><br />Sophie Lynford, Annette Woolard-Provine Curator of the Bancroft Collection, says, “Pre-Raphaelite artists lamented that nineteenth-century industrialization was destroying both natural and historic landmarks. These concerns remain urgent today.”<br /><br />The murals include Pre-Raphaelite works by artists Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, Walter Crane, Henry Farrer, George James Howard, John Everett Millais, and William Henry Millais. Paired with these are quotations from authors Emily Brontë, George Eliot, Felicia Hemans, Christina Rossetti, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and John Ruskin.<br /><br />Margaret Winslow, Chief Curator and Curator of Contemporary Art, says, “The Pre-Raphaelite collection is a much-loved core of the Delaware Art Museum. These works of art have inspired generations of artists and art lovers throughout the greater Wilmington community and across the United States.”<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">See <a href="http://DelArt.org">DelArt.org</a>.</span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-58177398230687248902023-05-16T11:47:00.006-04:002023-05-16T11:47:50.218-04:00Artists Celebrate Latino Community Stories and Talents in Estampas De La Raza Exhibit<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjsb-9KChviafG04fM3PDRE4Y8vBREyO8SxZYEzI107YI7cCHnhnv0dj77aziCmUrotbrDldESkDlY7Ss3eAep1Wijy7x8WPrKhto3RM08Tz__5GL6EgR2L8FaRfI9UjttEdlctsJXcVNBRiJF7C_j-4mqNPzTr61ZJMLtui6BxSThvKFoXiloQf8/s996/Artists.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjsb-9KChviafG04fM3PDRE4Y8vBREyO8SxZYEzI107YI7cCHnhnv0dj77aziCmUrotbrDldESkDlY7Ss3eAep1Wijy7x8WPrKhto3RM08Tz__5GL6EgR2L8FaRfI9UjttEdlctsJXcVNBRiJF7C_j-4mqNPzTr61ZJMLtui6BxSThvKFoXiloQf8/w479-h139/Artists.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The <a href="https://delart.org/">Delaware Art Museum</a>’s (DelArt's) current exhibition, <i>Estampas De La Raza</i>, is a collection of 61 prints made to represent the Chicano movement. American artists of Mexican and Latino heritage in the decades following the Chicano movement of the 1970s created vibrant and exciting prints. For the first time in 12 years, the museum is displaying the works for the public. The exhibit opened on April 1, 2023 and is on view until May 28, 2023. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Cesar Viveros</b> is a Chicano muralist working with DelArt for the exhibition. Cesar has transformed the museum’s entry hall into a bodega with a new mural and is working with local Latino community centers to screen-print posters to be displayed around Latino businesses in the city. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Museum is also working with fashion designer, <b>Julieta Zavala</b>, who will incorporate the posters into 11 different looks in a fashion show at the museum.<br /><br />We connected with Cesar and Julieta to ask about their work and their thoughts on the exhibit. <i>(The interviews are provided below in both English and Spanish.)</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><b><u>Cesar Viveros Interview<br /></u><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">DAI:</span></b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"> Your mural is quite striking. What was your inspiration for the piece? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(Tu mural es bastante llamativo. ¿Cuál fue tu inspiración para la pieza?) </span><br /></i><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddNraVukwhve5BCiG107aDfbyLAVVNHWOVeoVoK3T1BWlChfmfqn-A8dmzL5tEDufU-EGg15HOhnh8B0Kd9NY0vj8XZeFTy7_9XCCvhLjVzix_poPWAQnHGAcVJgUwn8Q1oIc8mhPAywv9ewB3Z5che7fsc4VgGzO9oCB7bA0bwBpnc9FtFUAoeqp/s4032/20230331_182258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddNraVukwhve5BCiG107aDfbyLAVVNHWOVeoVoK3T1BWlChfmfqn-A8dmzL5tEDufU-EGg15HOhnh8B0Kd9NY0vj8XZeFTy7_9XCCvhLjVzix_poPWAQnHGAcVJgUwn8Q1oIc8mhPAywv9ewB3Z5che7fsc4VgGzO9oCB7bA0bwBpnc9FtFUAoeqp/s320/20230331_182258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CV:</b> I wanted to create a space that could feel familiar for the Latino community, where this audience could identify this space as part of their own; where they could feel that the art is about them and at the same time, the general public also could have the opportunity to respond to this visual occupation. In reality, I am basically ‘owning’ the space for a time, converting a simple wall that otherwise would be ignored into an obligated stop for patrons to find out what happened to the space; especially regular museum visitors, who may feel intrigued by the imposing, eye-catching blinking LED lights, inviting them to pay attention. <br /><br />I knew I was going to create a series of posters in response to the Estampas De La Raza exhibition, and I knew that I was going to get plenty of inspiration from community members telling me their stories, just as I do when painting murals. But the idea of the “tienda de la esquina” — or bodega, as we know the corner store — fit perfectly to display the posters the same way I would do in real life streets. The posters reflect personal and collective stories of the Wilmington community — immigrants from different countries of Latino America and the Caribbean.<br /><br /><b>CV:</b> <i>Quería crear un espacio que pudiera resultar familiar para la comunidad latina, donde esta audiencia pudiera identificar este espacio como parte de sí mismo; donde pudieran sentir que el arte es sobre ellos y al mismo tiempo, el público en general también pudiera tener la oportunidad de responder a esta ocupación visual. En realidad, básicamente soy “dueño” del espacio por un tiempo, convirtiendo una simple pared que de otro modo sería ignorada en una parada obligada para que los usuarios averigüen qué pasó con el espacio; especialmente los visitantes habituales del museo, que pueden sentirse intrigados por las imponentes y llamativas luces LED parpadeantes, que les invitan a prestar atención. <br /><br />Sabía que iba a crear una serie de carteles en respuesta a la exposición ESTAMPAS DE LA RAZA, y sabía que iba a obtener mucha inspiración de los miembros de la comunidad que me contarían sus historias, tal como lo hago cuando pinto murales. Pero la idea de la “tienda de la esquina” —o bodega, como conocemos la tienda de la esquina— encajaba perfectamente para exhibir los carteles de la misma manera que lo haría en las calles de la vida real. Los carteles reflejan historias personales y colectivas de la comunidad de Wilmington, inmigrantes de diferentes países de América Latina y el Caribe. </i><br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI: </b>Why did you choose to create a full-length wall installation over a multi-piece exhibit? <i>(¿Por qué eligió crear una instalación de pared de cuerpo entero sobre una exhibición de varias piezas?) </i></span><br /><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnzKxE8nzmTCF6e4BiSrjqK6LisQH73ZdI7LRiorcAXHmlQCs06RganlWZpfCLfp-n54LeP0Dg0pSQpHXnBWUWEQijzEFQ7Rkri2_agVIiO9nSyxESud7PpasHS6x77IjFeW2V4ytnmMj4o4rM_F9YnxLCY7O6PxST3l63bfWnU8vjifRlf6-cag8/s4032/20230331_184005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnzKxE8nzmTCF6e4BiSrjqK6LisQH73ZdI7LRiorcAXHmlQCs06RganlWZpfCLfp-n54LeP0Dg0pSQpHXnBWUWEQijzEFQ7Rkri2_agVIiO9nSyxESud7PpasHS6x77IjFeW2V4ytnmMj4o4rM_F9YnxLCY7O6PxST3l63bfWnU8vjifRlf6-cag8/w135-h180/20230331_184005.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>CV:</b> I thought that since I can always make paintings or posters to be hung up on walls, I should grab the rare opportunity of working in the museum, to come up with something fresh and fun, and to deliver more serious themes in the process. The themes that matter to the people on a daily basis, in their own words, honoring their stories; that’s what brought [inspiration to] my visual narrative. I decided that it would be more dramatic to use all the wall. That idea was playing in my head, given the nature of my work — I am constantly changing the spaces in the neighborhood. For me, it made sense to take advantage of the medium I know best and recreate scenarios that help to narrate the stories. <br /><br /><b>CV: </b><i>Pensé que dado que siempre puedo hacer pinturas o carteles para colgar en las paredes, debería aprovechar la rara oportunidad de trabajar en el museo, para pensar en algo nuevo y divertido, y presentar temas más serios en el proceso. Los temas que le importan a la gente a diario, en sus propias palabras, haciendo honor a sus historias; eso es lo que trajo [inspiración a] mi narrativa visual. Decidí que sería más dramático usar toda la pared. Esa idea rondaba en mi cabeza, dada la naturaleza de mi trabajo, estoy cambiando constantemente los espacios del barrio. Para mí tenía sentido aprovechar el medio que mejor conozco y recrear escenarios que ayuden a narrar las historia</i>s. <br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> What does this piece represent for you and the Latin community? What do you want viewers to "see" in this piece? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Qué representa esta pieza para ti y la comunidad latina? ¿Qué quieres que los espectadores "vean" en esta pieza?) </span><br /></i><br /><b>CV: </b>This piece aligns with my artistic practice: bringing to the spotlight vivid memories of community members or myself, creating a space not just for introspection but for conversation that can help us understand current issues affecting our daily lives. I want other people to know than in my process, I purposely intend to share my experiences — or, in this case, Latino Community experiences — with the audience that they otherwise may not be aware of: the impact caused by obsolete immigration laws; discriminatory policies; social numbness for other people’s lives, even when this could be the experience of the person who cooks our food, cleans our yard, drive us in Uber, or constructs our buildings. The art shows the beauty of people’s determination, moments of celebrations, and triumphs, but at the same time serves as a public denounce. I want the Latino Community to know that the Delaware Art Museum can be a place of acceptance. <br /><br /><b>CV:</b> <i>Esta pieza se alinea con mi práctica artística: sacar a la luz recuerdos vívidos de los miembros de la comunidad o de mí mismo, creando un espacio no solo para la introspección sino también para la conversación que puede ayudarnos a comprender los problemas actuales que afectan nuestra vida diaria. Quiero que otras personas sepan que en mi proceso, tengo la intención de compartir mis experiencias, o, en este caso, las experiencias de la comunidad latina, con la audiencia de la que de otra manera no estarían al tanto: el impacto causado por las leyes de inmigración obsoletas; políticas discriminatorias; entumecimiento social para la vida de otras personas, incluso cuando esta podría ser la experiencia de la persona que cocina nuestra comida, limpia nuestro jardín, nos lleva en Uber o construye nuestros edificios. El arte muestra la belleza de la determinación de las personas, momentos de celebración y triunfos, pero al mismo tiempo sirve como denuncia pública. Quiero que la comunidad latina sepa que el Museo de Arte de Delaware puede ser un lugar de aceptación. </i><br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> How did you choose the other works (prints) to be included in the mural? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Cómo elegiste las obras de los otros artistas (grabados) para incluirlas en el mural?) </span><br /></i><br /><b>CV: </b>The posters are my designs; the only thing regret is not having time to do more! I love this medium. Posters were used to effectively message and to reach out to the masses. I think [the medium] is still functioning well today. <br /><br /><b>CV:</b> <i>Los carteles son mis diseños; ¡Lo único que lamento es no tener tiempo para hacer más! Me encanta este medio. Los carteles se utilizaron para enviar mensajes de manera efectiva y llegar a las masas. Creo que [el medio] todavía funciona bien hoy. </i><br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI: </b>What is your favorite work in the Estampas De La Raza exhibit and why? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Cuál es tu obra favorita de la exposición Estampas De La Raza y por qué?) </span><br /></i><br /><b>CV: </b>My favorite piece is SUN-RAID by Ester Hernandez. It’s genius. This piece kind of set the direction for what I wanted to do with my installation — the alteration of words, the critical implications of my prints. But, I admit that the Hernandez piece pushed the accelerator all the way — crude and unapologetic right in your face — while I like to disguise things, letting the audience digest the subtle messages embedded in the posters and the signs. <br /><br /><b>CV:</b> <i>Mi pieza favorita es SUN-RAID de Ester Hernandez. es genial Esta pieza marcó la dirección de lo que quería hacer con mi instalación: la alteración de las palabras, las implicaciones críticas de mis grabados. Pero admito que el artículo de Hernández pisó el acelerador a fondo —crudo y sin disculpas justo en tu cara— mientras que a mí me gusta disfrazar las cosas, dejando que la audiencia digiera los mensajes sutiles incrustados en los carteles y los letreros. <br /></i><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> Why do you feel this exhibit is so important now? What do you feel can audiences learn from these works as a whole? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Por qué cree que esta exhibición es tan importante ahora? ¿Qué crees que puede aprender el público de estas obras en su conjunto?) </span><br /></i><br /><b>CV: </b>It seems like the themes of the Estampas De La Raza exhibition have a parallel sense of urgency today, as in the past: Kids in cages, gentrification, displacement, intolerance, ageism, classism, mass incarceration, etc. It’s important to continue the conversation, even when these are not currently in the news. <br /><br /><b>CV:</b> <i>Parece que los temas de la exposición Estampas De La Raza tienen un sentido de urgencia paralelo hoy, como en el pasado: niños enjaulados, gentrificación, desplazamiento, intolerancia, discriminación por edad, clasismo, encarcelamiento masivo, etc. Es importante continuar la conversación. , incluso cuando estos no están actualmente en las noticias.</i><br /><br /><b><u>Julieta Zavala Interview</u></b><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI: </b>What drew you to becoming a fashion artist? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Qué te llevó a convertirte en una artista de la moda?)</span></i><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w_m0KPTv43EXOtD795WUV4JTM-6zlVD8Jab7cQg_-3pc3ameXnn-2V2zhbSQrorcZzNwDd985z9XEVqXB-Y6FaQZSWkQWkwLivMkhPzCRxhH5faD4guh0Gg1NxcHMhEgOG4Ov091BCpPyDpAut1sfq8gTy1wNJ_Id139NFwFhV4kXnLgVxKIcN99/s4032/20230331_191215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w_m0KPTv43EXOtD795WUV4JTM-6zlVD8Jab7cQg_-3pc3ameXnn-2V2zhbSQrorcZzNwDd985z9XEVqXB-Y6FaQZSWkQWkwLivMkhPzCRxhH5faD4guh0Gg1NxcHMhEgOG4Ov091BCpPyDpAut1sfq8gTy1wNJ_Id139NFwFhV4kXnLgVxKIcN99/s320/20230331_191215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />JZ:</b> Since I was a child, I knew that I liked to make things like clothes for my dolls.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><b>JZ:</b> <i>Desde que era niña supe que me gustaba hacer cosas como ropa a mis muñecas etc.</i> <br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> Who are your artistic inspirations from the Latinx community? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Quiénes son tus inspiraciones artísticas de la comunidad Latinx?) </span><br /></i><br /><b>JZ:</b> I had the opportunity to meet many artists from the Philadelphia community in the "La Guagua 47" project, including Cesar Viveros, whose excellent work and great talent has inspired many, including me in the community. <br /><br /><b>JZ: </b><i>Tuve la oportunidad de conocer muchos artistas de la comunidad de Philadelphia en el proyecto de "La Guagua 47" entre ellos Cesar Viveros el cual ha sido su excelente trabajo y gran talento ha inspirado a muchos incluyendome en la comunidad. </i><br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> What do you want audiences to take away after viewing your work? <br /><i>(¿Qué quieres que se lleve el público después de ver tu trabajo?)</i></span><br /><br /><b>JZ:</b> I would like them to take a little bit of my culture with them, that they enjoy it and also that they have something to think about regarding our social problems. <br /><br /><b>JZ:</b> <i>Me gustaria que se llevaran un poquito de mi cultura con ellos que la disfruten y tambien que se queden con algo que pensar en cuanto a nuestros problemas sociales. </i><br /><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> What is your favorite work in the Estampas De La Raza exhibit and why? <br /></span><i><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">(¿Cuál es tu obra favorita de la exposición Estampas De La Raza y por qué?)</span><br /></i><br /><b>JZ: </b>My favorite work is "The March of Lupe Liberty" since it uses two powerful women who are icons of the most recognized, which represents us as immigrants and also culturally with the Virgin of Guadalupe. <br /><br /><b>JZ:</b> <i>Mi obra favorita es "La Marcha de Lupe Liberty" ya que usa 2 mujeres poderosas que son iconos de los mas reconocidos ,que nos representa como inmigrantes y tambien culturalmente con la virgen de guadalupe. <br /></i><br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>DAI:</b> Why do you feel this exhibit is so important now? What do you feel can audiences learn from these works as a whole? <br /><i>(¿Por qué cree que esta exhibición es tan importante ahora? ¿Qué crees que puede aprender el público de estas obras en su conjunto?)</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam_VC3_o6HbyWQzsfcklAcIB4yjaOrdXItPZRP5NETnmQclbA5zG9kwpyV1TMESeDdxfQgdicBlsj1RvcsaOaKR5d9v4Drpbg8EjPpnSuAs4njvzUfCUSAYIWoAPoKPEqNWDVwLebv957sjM954U7fk7QOycjTnXytdQolbTrzKsWcGEJrFY_dy4d/s4032/20230331_191300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam_VC3_o6HbyWQzsfcklAcIB4yjaOrdXItPZRP5NETnmQclbA5zG9kwpyV1TMESeDdxfQgdicBlsj1RvcsaOaKR5d9v4Drpbg8EjPpnSuAs4njvzUfCUSAYIWoAPoKPEqNWDVwLebv957sjM954U7fk7QOycjTnXytdQolbTrzKsWcGEJrFY_dy4d/w185-h247/20230331_191300.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><br />JZ:</b> I think it is a super important opportunity for the Latinx community because the museum is opening its doors to this gallery that represents us. We need more events that represent us culturally and art is an incredible medium to inspire others and bring communities closer. <br /><br /><b>JZ: </b><i>Creo que es una oportunidad para la comunidad Latinx super importante porque el museo esta abriendo sus puertas a esta galeria que nos representa .Necesitamos mas eventos que nos representen culturalme y el arte es un medio increible para inspirar a otros y acercar a las comunidades. </i></span></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-71857835288051362882023-04-17T09:01:00.003-04:002023-04-17T09:01:19.934-04:00Theatre Review: Man of La Mancha | Delaware Theatre Company<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</span></i><br /><a href="https://www.delawaretheatre.org/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.delawaretheatre.org/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN19mxh7Pm5d4gOYA6M6qQgzBsmigeenE8vuqdpcN4O1TrgUh8DucWPOfOeH4B698mqZuLSfVgfPijpqggptvpQI8EqP34diQ-KVtjY0i8VNzukpImBqdZ-6DUaM98JmlIWnIsv3WdmVxnxp_rWmT075jufPHnKiQqb7V6ZlwPhp8yN9ECvMBAHsEh/s1208/Molm%20PLAYBILL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN19mxh7Pm5d4gOYA6M6qQgzBsmigeenE8vuqdpcN4O1TrgUh8DucWPOfOeH4B698mqZuLSfVgfPijpqggptvpQI8EqP34diQ-KVtjY0i8VNzukpImBqdZ-6DUaM98JmlIWnIsv3WdmVxnxp_rWmT075jufPHnKiQqb7V6ZlwPhp8yN9ECvMBAHsEh/s320/Molm%20PLAYBILL.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br />Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) closes its 43rd season with the excellent and heartwarming <i>Man of La Mancha</i>. Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, <i>Man of La Mancha </i>features adventure, romance, and rousing classics like “The Impossible Dream” and “I, Don Quixote.” Set during the Spanish Inquisition, the titular <i>Man of La Mancha</i> embarks on an ambitious quest to right all wrongs in the world. <br /><br />The show was written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. It is skillfully directed by DTC Executive Director Matt Silva. Unique to DTC’s production, the sweepingly epic score is brought to life by the performers themselves – all actor/musicians who play their instruments live on stage. Simply stated, they are masters of their substantial crafts. <br /><br />The opening number (“Prison Scene”) exhibits the cast’s vast range of musical, vocal, and acting chops on a magical set designed by Chris Haig. The setting is a dungeon with articulating stage parts, platforms, stairs, entryways, and steaming floor gates. Literally, the stage is set for an epic theatrical adventure. <br /><br />And DTC’s <i>Man of La Mancha</i> delivers in a grand way. The story is captivating, the pacing is tight, the acting is superb, and the music is timeless. The company had the audience in the palm of its collective hand, delivering a great Opening Night performance. <br /><br />When Miguel de Cervantes (Scott Langdon) and his manservant (Victor Rodriguez, Jr.) are thrown into the dungeon by the Spanish Inquisition, doom pervades the scene. Their fellow prisoners attack the newcomers and are eager to steal the contents of a large trunk Cervantes has brought with him. However, a sympathetic criminal known as “the Governor” (Nichalas Parker) suggests setting up a mock trial instead. Only if Cervantes is found guilty will he have to hand over his possessions. Cervantes immediately pleads guilty, but then asks if he may offer a defense in the form of a play, acted out by him and all the prisoners. The “Governor” agrees, and the prisoners watch Cervantes transform into Alonso Quijana – an old gentleman who has read so many books of chivalry and thought so much about injustice that he has lost his mind and set out as a knight-errant. Quijana renames himself “Don Quixote de La Mancha” and goes off to find adventures with his squire, Sancho Panza. The pair tilt at windmills and later take refuge at an inn Quixote swears is a castle. <br /><br />Langdon and Rodriguez portray Don Quixote and Sancho Panza with prowess. Quixote’s wobbly knee and shattered mind is captured beautifully by Langdon with his powerful stage presence and voice. The role is difficult because the actor must inhabit a political prisoner playing an old man believing he is a chivalric knight. Langdon deftly shifts from mindset to mindset plus delivers superb singing in solo and ensemble pieces. The wonderful physical humor and sincerity Rodriguez imbues into Panza is matched only by his soaring vocals. To quote a line from Panza in the show, “I like him.” <br /><br />Of course, any great quest must have a damsel and Sierra Wilson towers in her portrayal of Aldonza/Dulcinea. Don Quixote sees the inn’s serving wench and part-time prostitute Aldonza and declares that she is his lady, Dulcinea, to whom he has sworn eternal loyalty (“Dulcinea”). Aldonza is confused and annoyed by Quixote’s persistence but comes around to his kindness by providing him a token of her esteem – an old dishrag. Wilson tempered her powerful voice when required and raised it to stratospheric heights in moments of passion. She commanded you to watch her whenever she was on stage. <br /><br />Back in the story, Don Quixote’s niece has gone with his housekeeper to seek advice from the local priest, who realizes that the two women are more concerned with the embarrassment Quijana’s madness may bring them than with his actual welfare (“I’m Only Thinking of Him”). Self-serving people want to return Quijana to his home, end the charade of Quixote, and have the old man quietly live out the rest of his life. <br /><br />What happens to Quixote, Quijana, and Cervantes</span> — <span style="font-family: arial;">plus the ancillary characters on stage </span>—<span style="font-family: arial;"> won’t be revealed herein. Suffice it to say there are epic battles, both verbal and physical; personal growth; and hope springing from despair. I can say with confidence that many theatergoers will be humming “The Impossible Dream” walking out through the lobby after the curtain drops.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Other highlights of the show include Josh Totora’s performance of “Barber’s Song” as a one-man band; the four-man guitar-playing arrangement (with percussion) during “Little Bird, Little Bird”; the brilliant effects during “Knight of the Mirrors”; and the overall motion of the action. Kudos to director Silva for keeping things dynamic on stage with insightful physical instructions for his players. <br /><br />The performance schedule of <i>Man of La Mancha</i> is: Wednesdays (2:00pm), Thursdays (7:00pm), Fridays (8:00pm), Saturdays (2:00pm & 8:00pm), and Sundays (2:00pm) through April 30. Tickets start at $29 while discounts are available for students, groups, and military members/veterans. The show is roughly two-and-a-quarter hours long with one 15-minute intermission. There will be pre-show Viewpoints on Wednesdays at 1:15pm during the run plus talkbacks after Thursday performances. Call (302)594-1100 or visit DelawareTheatre.org to purchase tickets or for performance information. Delaware Theatre Company is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington. <br /><br />My advice is to “sit aquí” at DTC and enjoy the show!</span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-55038126740582600252023-04-15T13:40:00.006-04:002023-09-11T18:15:36.727-04:00Theater Review: Assassins | City Theater Company<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis<br />Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4vLJ4qMRTfwBuPTpHYzZIKv0EmdMwiepLEFvOAX_wTFZ-RhaIy3V4scRKrfXKtjBejbWuhG7pkJ4d6rEbeIXGs7NzT77Jgr4e9_uohXRAX5VBfH5RO3kUn2u9pPnuQVpAJKYnIWKXZ4KcrnyHnlwcNgHuPCQjclyRLBWKAIliDS5n1PVeLmByopH/s6000/Assassins-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4vLJ4qMRTfwBuPTpHYzZIKv0EmdMwiepLEFvOAX_wTFZ-RhaIy3V4scRKrfXKtjBejbWuhG7pkJ4d6rEbeIXGs7NzT77Jgr4e9_uohXRAX5VBfH5RO3kUn2u9pPnuQVpAJKYnIWKXZ4KcrnyHnlwcNgHuPCQjclyRLBWKAIliDS5n1PVeLmByopH/s320/Assassins-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.city-theater.org/" target="_blank">City Theater Company (CTC)</a> closes its season with a bang by
staging the Tony Award-winning <i>Assassins</i> — a show described
as “one of the most controversial musicals ever written.” The script openly examines our nation’s
culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it. The story studies America’s four successful
and five would-be presidential assassins through music and lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman.
The show is based on an original concept by Charles Gilbert, Jr.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">CTC first presented <i>Assassins</i> in 1998 when current Artistic
Director Kerry Kristine McElrone played Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McElrone is excited to revisit the show 25
years later: “When deciding on our 29th season, I knew I wanted us to do a
Sondheim piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Assassins</i> has
always been an important show to me [and] the time felt right to restage this
one for a new CTC audience.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The dark and slyly comic show shadows a group of successful and
wannabe Presidential assassins throughout U.S. history, framing their
experiences in a broader exploration of American ideals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show opens in a carnival shooting gallery
and moves through various venues including the 6th floor of the Texas School
Book Depository.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guns are central to the
fates of the characters and the overall theme of the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, one of the musical numbers is
entitled “Gun Song.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The score reflects the popular music of each era as the characters
tell their stories through scenes and songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While Sondheim’s music is often quite syncopated, many of these songs
were rhythmic and jaunty like “The Ballad of Booth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small live orchestra situated next to the
stage deftly accompanied the stage action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other noteworthy songs include “The Ballad of Guiteau,” “Unworthy of
Your Love,” and the closing number “Everybody’s Got the Right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter is a rallying cry which can be
taken a few disparate ways </span>— forcing the audience to fully consider what
they’ve just experienced on stage in front of (and next to) them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdlgVNhB5KBnxiWwPd4rf2zAfFH5opCj1B6ocTEAgRHvJDTTOzetMRF7SqyrwFRaDCG1sKeezp1x_JVpYRaifgJ3rA_KVcjgqky9CNkgoRIxk851sHz42My8nz1VrDhHguaJtoOi9_ppZwLh_8ptTKVhKSmdVK9d1LjlWcedv9ete_dQNDWk6p0dg/s6000/Assassins-2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdlgVNhB5KBnxiWwPd4rf2zAfFH5opCj1B6ocTEAgRHvJDTTOzetMRF7SqyrwFRaDCG1sKeezp1x_JVpYRaifgJ3rA_KVcjgqky9CNkgoRIxk851sHz42My8nz1VrDhHguaJtoOi9_ppZwLh_8ptTKVhKSmdVK9d1LjlWcedv9ete_dQNDWk6p0dg/s320/Assassins-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Director Joe Trainor has placed his actors where you cannot avoid
them </span>— on a stage almost touching the front row of patrons, in the middle
aisle, and on strategically-placed risers.
Kudos to Rick Neidig on his set design and “patriotic” backdrop. The pacing of the show is excellent with
entrances, exits, and dialog moving effortlessly.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Trainor is thrilled to be tackling his first Sondheim show: “For a
play that first premiered in 1990, <i>Assassins</i> is shockingly accessible in
2023. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an incredibly challenging
work, both in its subject matter and in its technical aspects. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music and its pastiche style are
incredible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[It] entertains us even as
it forces us to go uncomfortably deep within our own minds, and our collective
histories.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The musical opened in 1990 to many negative reviews </span>— mostly concerning
the subject matter and character focus.
Even Sondheim admitted he expected backlash due to the show’s content: “There
are always people who think that certain subjects are not right for
musicals...[w]e're not going to apologize for dealing with such a volatile
subject. Nowadays, virtually everything
goes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">McElrone says, “<i>Assassins</i> is about a disparate group of
loners who…find themselves in the same room at the same time, reliving their
crimes with relish almost for each other’s benefit, like a support group from
hell.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That hellish support group is played brilliantly by Chris Banker,
Daryan Borys, Jim Burns, Adam Cooper, Kristin Finger, Dylan Geringer, Joshua
Gold, Aidan McDonald, Paul McElwee, Emma Romeo Moyer, Kevin Regan, Kit Regan,
and Brian Turner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While all are
excellent, Finger captured the manic Sara Jane Moore to chilling perfection
while toting a gun and KFC bucket with equal diffidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McDonald was a compelling John Wilkes Booth
whose belief that “the country is not what it was” line resonates in the modern
politic now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are several powerful and unhinged diatribes in this play,
but those by Kevin Regan </span>— portraying Nixon-threatening Samuel Byck — were remarkable. Juxtaposing a deranged wanna-be hijacker and
assassin with a Bud-guzzling man in a Santa suit kept the audience rapt. Could this unrealistic loner really pull off what
he says he can? When Booth gets into Lee
Harvey Oswald’s head to convince him to squeeze his trigger and Hinkley refers
to Oswald as an inspiration for his shooting of Reagan, you know you’ve entered
serious satire. It is not for the faint
of heart, but it is compelling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All the cast members bring real intensity to their roles and the
subject matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the excellent Brian
Turner (The Balladeer) kept his darkly comic narration focused on mental
failings and perceived societal ills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
powerful voice both set the tone and analyzed the action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Simply put, all the parts of this show work together in beautiful
harmony not often found in regional theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kudos to “the underlings” who have risen to the occasion with aplomb!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Assassins </i>will be
performed April 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Curtain for all shows is 8:00pm except for the lone Sunday matinee at
2:00pm (April 16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Run time is
approximately 105 minutes without an intermission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>City Theater Company’s home is in the Wings
Black Box at <a href="https://www.decontemporary.org/" target="_blank">The Delaware Contemporary</a> located at 200 South Madison, Wilmington,
DE19801.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tickets ($30-45) can be
purchased at the box office or online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special
ticket pricing is available for military personnel and students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CTC does not currently require proof of COVID-19
vaccination. Mask-wearing is optional
per guest preference. Please be respectful of fellow patrons’ choices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> C</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">all the box office at 302.220.8285 or
email </span><a href="mailto:citytheatercompany@gmail.com" style="font-family: arial;">citytheatercompany@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> for details about the show.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">CTC’s mission is to create a body of work that takes risks
and breaks barriers — just as The Delaware Contemporary’s is to take risks and
push boundaries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both institutions are
invested in promoting the work of local and emerging artists, advancing
opportunity and growth by and for the community, and welcoming all those
looking to experience art.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">City Theater Company is supported, in part, by a grant from the <a href="https://arts.delaware.gov/">Delaware Division of the Arts</a>, a state agency, in partnership with the <a href="https://www.arts.gov/">National Endowment for the Arts</a>. The Divisions promotes Delaware arts events on <a href="https://www.delawarescene.com/">DelawareScene.com</a>. <br /></span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;">Advisory</b><span style="font-family: arial;">: </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Assassins</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> deals with mature content,
including R-rated and racially charged language. </span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This production uses non-firing, replica, prop
guns. </span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">No live ammunition or working
weapons are used in this production. </span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This
production features gunshot sounds throughout. </span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">All such sounds are pre-recorded. CTC can provide
disposable earplugs for your comfort.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To quote John Wilkes Booth: “There is no quiet desperation
here.”</span></p></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-79268044878800763242023-04-15T11:39:00.006-04:002023-05-01T12:54:07.381-04:00Theater Review: Medea | Resident Ensemble Players<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Steve Lanahan<br />Theater reviewer Steve Lanahan was born, raised, and lives in north Wilmington. He is a nerd, mead enthusiast, and servant to his cats.</i></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyf8xgPkF3dOnc8rKsehJ8bKj6vPr40xn7eQ9dn8OjUh0-5xv0v1PGBaUmMbpJaQeFCPT2hZJgdovQicJSLejUEL0ZbkXGSPyeLJQlAHuVR79SBNlLszt7w5gHESzQ_djACQ52EM1mWrRPR-9TxD5NGHJBqwjph_dbJBtdwgrp9-UifGMetC37Ofy/w279-h279/2022-medea.jpg" width="279" /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The <a href="https://www.rep.udel.edu/" target="_blank">Resident Ensemble Players (REP)</a> brings the ancient Greek tragedy <i>Medea </i>to the stage at the Roselle </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Center for the Arts. First produced in 431 B.C.E., this play asks important questions that remain relevant, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">even in this modern day. <i>What is the role of a woman in society? How far is too far? Are the Fates truly </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>so cruel?</i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Medea’s (Elizabeth Heflin) nurse (Kathleen Pirkl Tague) opens the performance with the tale of how </span><span style="font-family: arial;">they came to be in the kingdom of Corinth. She tells of how Jason (Stephen Pelinski) came to Medea’s </span><span style="font-family: arial;">home of Colchis, how she fell madly in love with him, and her terrible acts on his behalf. They were wed, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">she bore him two children, and they made a life together in Corinth. Now Jason has betrayed her and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">intends to marry Princess Creusa, daughter of King Creon (Hassan El-Amin). The nurse does not hold </span><span style="font-family: arial;">back her anger at Jason or her fear of what Medea will do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This betrayal leaves Medea heartbroken, ashamed, and furious, and she vows revenge. Her despair and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">rage are so great that King Creon, fearing for his life as well as his daughter’s, banishes her from his </span><span style="font-family: arial;">kingdom. She begs him for a single day to prepare for her travels, pointing out that her sons (Nicholas </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Farrel and James Muzzi), Jason’s sons, would suffer. The king relents and grants her a single day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Medea only needs one day to plan and take her revenge. Though she struggles with what she feels she </span><span style="font-family: arial;">must do, Jason helps by coming to chastise her for ruining his plan to give her and their children a better </span><span style="font-family: arial;">life by marrying this young princess. He feels his betrayal of their marriage is justified by his goals. She </span><span style="font-family: arial;">names him an oath breaker, and he counters that she got the better end of this deal. After all, he </span><span style="font-family: arial;">brought her from her barbarian home to civilization, and now she speaks to kings and gods.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the end, Medea’s revenge takes everything from Jason, even his children. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">All throughout this chilling tale, the Chorus speaks in despairing tones, taking on the voices of the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">women of Corinth. They speak in disjointed patterns, sometimes from the sides of the stage, other times </span><span style="font-family: arial;">on the stage, and later among the crowd. They never hesitate to add context for their reactions nor </span><span style="font-family: arial;">show horror at what is happening.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">Elizabeth Heflin's stunning performance as Medea embodies the range of her suffering. Despair, rage, and grief are plain and raw. Every time Medea steps on to the stage, there is a feeling of dread, because the tragic end is coming. Heflin ensures that none can look away from the wrath of Medea's revenge.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Kathleen Pirkl Tague, as Medea's nurse, sets the tone for the play and leaves dread hanging in her wake. The first to take the stage, her anger at Jason's actions is palpable, eclipsed only by her fear at what Medea might do. In the final lines, she leaves no question that what is to come will be spoken of in horror for all the ages. The performance is powerful, a fitting opening and final note that leaves no choice but to stare this tragedy head on and think about it for days to come.</span><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The simple stage setting focuses attention on Medea’s suffering, King Creon’s fear, and Jason’s </span><span style="font-family: arial;">unrepentant pride. Theatrical fog hangs about the stage, giving everything a gloomy edge, a feeling </span><span style="font-family: arial;">intensified by the haunting music. Strobe lights are used in concert with the soundscape to highlight </span><span style="font-family: arial;">thunder and Medea’s escape.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This tragedy has withstood the test of time, and the REP’s excellent adaption shows that it will continue </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to endure. The ending is not a happy one, but it is cathartic. The questions this play will raise will </span><span style="font-family: arial;">continue to haunt us through the ages.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Medea will run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm, with an additional show on Sundays at 2pm, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">until April 30. The run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Roselle Center for the Arts is located at 110 Orchard Road, Newark, DE 19716. Visit the REP's </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.rep.udel.edu/" target="_blank">website</a> or call the box office at 302.831.2204 for details.</span></p></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-83833590745044421872023-02-13T11:00:00.004-05:002023-02-13T11:00:54.889-05:00DDOA Announces Finalists for Poetry Out Loud State Competition<span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The content of this post comes from a press release provided by the <a href="https://arts.delaware.gov/" target="_blank">Delaware Division of the Arts</a>...</span></i><br /><br />Following a three-year hiatus, Delaware’s Poetry Out Loud State Finals returns for the first in-person competition since 2020. The recitation contest will be hosted at the Smyrna Opera House on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 7:00pm. Twelve student finalists will compete for the opportunity to represent Delaware and advance to the National Finals in Washington, DC from May 8-10, 2023. The event is free to the public and seating is limited.<br /><br />At their school, students selected and recited works from an anthology of more than 1,200 poems. Their teachers or facilitators ran their school’s local Poetry Out Loud competition that then selected a winner to be moved on to the state finals.<br /><br /> “Congratulations to the twelve talented and creative high school students who have been selected as semi-finalists in the 2023 Delaware Poetry Out Loud competition,” says Division Director Jessica Ball. “Your hard work and passion for the arts is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work and we can’t wait to see where your passion for the arts takes you in the future.”<br /><br />The 2023 Delaware State semi-finalists are:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Bekah Booth, Delaware Valley Classical School</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Maiss Hussein, Hodgson Vo-Tech High School</span></li><li>Emily Roth, MOT High School</li><li>Aiden Morris, Mount Sophia Academy</li><li>Lale Ergen, Newark Charter High School</li><li>Julia Nowaczyk, Padua Academy</li><li>Hunter Brown, Red Lion Christian Academy</li><li>Abigail Ehemann, Saint Mark’s High School</li><li>Kaylee Rathbone, Sanford School</li><li>Joelle Caternor, Smyrna High School</li><li>Morgan Burnett, Sussex Central High School</li><li>Ololade Olubowale, Tatnall School</li></ul><a href="https://www.poetryoutloud.org/">Poetry Out Loud</a> — presented in partnership with the <a href="http://arts.delaware.gov/">Delaware Division of the Arts</a>, <a href="https://www.arts.gov/">National Endowment for the Arts</a>, and <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/">Poetry Foundation</a> — is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.1 million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud.<br /><br />The Delaware state champion will receive $200 and will advance to the national finals where $50,000 in awards and school/organizational stipends will be distributed. The representing school or organization of the state champion will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for their school or organization. </span>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-75724864397758697462023-02-11T13:10:00.005-05:002023-09-11T18:16:10.400-04:00Theatre Review: The Year of Magical Thinking | City Theater Company<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">City Theater Company (CTC) returns to the stage in 2023 with
the one-woman autobiographical <i>The Year of Magical Thinking</i> by Joan
Didion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The play is <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">based on
her bestselling memoir of the same name and stars Mary Catherine Kelley in the
titular role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The production takes place
in the cozy Wings Black Box at The Delaware Contemporary (TDC) on the
Wilmington Riverfront.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxJIRwZjBbunJi-Ox10ue3MHD1RMSjsNBZN-uD3Xy6OF2Jyhmq7ZQlw7j3damlWEHfPuA2LEk7kg6Lv2-ma1ysV2etp7bveK2LKFcxfb13GvJiuyP_pBOAKC1gNAFvYZO5UXwnAckP8YXKZWxVeC3DqTKB31qPH21d0bMkSZjeRAHJ6hVMOiAEMaT/s8256/NZ9_0920.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="8256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxJIRwZjBbunJi-Ox10ue3MHD1RMSjsNBZN-uD3Xy6OF2Jyhmq7ZQlw7j3damlWEHfPuA2LEk7kg6Lv2-ma1ysV2etp7bveK2LKFcxfb13GvJiuyP_pBOAKC1gNAFvYZO5UXwnAckP8YXKZWxVeC3DqTKB31qPH21d0bMkSZjeRAHJ6hVMOiAEMaT/s320/NZ9_0920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mary Catherine Kelley stars in <i>The Year of Magical Thinking</i> at CTC.<br />Photo by Jim Coarse/Moonloop Photography.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Adapted by the author for Broadway in 2007, the award-winning play
is a riveting and heartfelt elegy that expands on the book, which won the
National Book Award and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work explores Didion’s grief following
the deaths of her husband John Gregory Dunne and daughter Quintana Roo.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In what amounts to an extended soliloquy, Didion recounts her
journey of loss, perseverance, and hope by using her signature wit to draw an
intimate portrait of the resilience of the human heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelley is moving as Didion…taking the
audience with her as she flutters between recounting good times and lamenting the
present without her loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
an easy line to walk, but Kelley deftly brings you inside Didion and her
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lack of stage microphones
heightens the intimacy as we hear every quiver in Kelley’s voice and each bold
statement of resilience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The production is directed by CTC Artistic Director Kerry Kristine
McElrone, who has opted for simplicity and straightforwardness in her guidance
of the action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelley isn’t asked to more
than be human and share Didion’s complex thoughts on death and dying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s no small task, but by getting down to
basics, the message becomes more powerful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kudos to set designer Rick Neidig and lighting man Stuart Thomas
for keeping things simple and effective, like McElrone with her direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The play starts with death and ends with death, but there is joy
interwoven in Didion’s words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you more than one more day” is a sort of mantra recalling the special bond
between lost husband and daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
aren’t distant figures, but spirits you feel are in the theater with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelley was powerful when describing how she
would brush “Q-Roo’s” hair and repeatedly brought up her daughter’s
ever-changing locks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in 2007, the New York Times called <i>The Year of Magical
Thinking</i> “a report back from an emotional abyss, yet for all its intensity,
it isn’t grim or overwrought. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
rigorously self-scrutinizing, dryly self-mocking, fairly stunned-somehow both
unsentimental and consumed with love.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So what exactly is “magical thinking,” according to Didion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The play mentions anthropological ties to
mysticism, but from the stage action it seems to be more of a modern optimistic
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The script takes on a better
pace at the first inkling that Didion truly recognizes a death in her immediate
family – stepping out of initial denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She continues to revisit better times and sometimes felt her loved ones
were still with her, but as the dialog progresses, the audience realizes that
Didion has come to a sort of acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a powerful journey that is navigated with aplomb by CTC.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Winner of the 2005 National Book Award for Nonfiction, <i>The Year
of Magical Thinking</i> is one of many celebrated books by Joan Didion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a member of the American Academy of
Arts and Letters, which awarded her its 2005 Gold Medal in nonfiction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also received the 1996 Edward MacDowell
Medal, the 1999 Columbia Journalism Award, and the 2002 George Polk Book Award.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">CTC’s mission is to create a body of work that takes risks
and breaks barriers — just as TDC’s is to take risks and push boundaries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both institutions are invested in promoting
the work of local and emerging artists, advancing opportunity and growth by and
for the community, and welcoming all those looking to experience art.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">City Theater Company is supported, in part, by a grant from the <a href="https://arts.delaware.gov/">Delaware Division of the Arts</a>, a state agency, in partnership with the <a href="https://www.arts.gov/">National Endowment for the Arts</a>. The Divisions promotes Delaware arts events on <a href="https://www.delawarescene.com/">DelawareScene.com</a>.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Year of Magical
Thinking </i>will run Friday and Saturday nights through February 18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curtain is at 8:00pm and run time is
approximately 100 minutes without an intermission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>City Theater Company’s home is at The
Delaware Contemporary located at 200 South Madison, Wilmington, DE 19801.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tickets ($30-45) can be purchased at the box
office or online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special ticket pricing
is available for military personnel and students. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please call the box office at (302)220-8285 or
email info@city-theater.org for details.</span><o:p></o:p></p><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-91474709634011267852023-02-06T23:13:00.000-05:002023-02-06T23:13:21.649-05:00Theatre Review: One Man, Two Guvnors | Delaware Theatre Company<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>By Mike Logothetis <br />Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.</i></span><br /><br />If you’re searching for an energetic jolt of live entertainment, look no further than the <a href="https://www.delawaretheatre.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Theatre Company</a> (DTC) and its production of the hilarious <i>One Man, Two Guvnors</i>. It’s a romp wrapped in a musical farce. And, if you’re lucky (or unlucky?), you may end up on stage as part of the action.<br /><i><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-l8i31-uuO4P1Td__3yayF1I4dubVnQKgpBjEwWBy7EwH9RHiRz9gv56kWMc6Tj3HKl8VO6jqG-rHqnXFXKmGoont9-Dp2OADUe6W1T6zKpR0eHh6Av3053O47gP_x4Ca6dSBxpCa5oxMxlzr6Jo66WOGC1SNsEV4Z1fCxI4MwIS63a_dT_GKWbm/s967/OM2G.9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-l8i31-uuO4P1Td__3yayF1I4dubVnQKgpBjEwWBy7EwH9RHiRz9gv56kWMc6Tj3HKl8VO6jqG-rHqnXFXKmGoont9-Dp2OADUe6W1T6zKpR0eHh6Av3053O47gP_x4Ca6dSBxpCa5oxMxlzr6Jo66WOGC1SNsEV4Z1fCxI4MwIS63a_dT_GKWbm/s320/OM2G.9.PNG" width="289" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>DTC's production of One Man, Two Guvnors.<br />Photo by Matt Urban/NüPOINT Marketing</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One Man, Two Guvnors</i> is an English adaptation of Servant of Two Masters, a 1743 commedia dell’arte work by Italian Carlo Goldoni. In 2011, English playwright Richard Bean replaced the Italian period setting of the original with 1963 Brighton, added original music by Grant Olding, and created a worldwide hit. The play was the launch vehicle for James Corden in America. In June 2012, Corden won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. <br /><br />In this DTC production, the lead role of Francis Henshall is played skillfully by DJ Gleason. The easily confused Henshall makes his own life complicated by taking on more than his simple mind can handle. Gleason masterfully dances between scripted lines and improvisation while his character tries to please all parties involved in his current predicament. An argument that Henshall has with himself — which somehow turns violent — is a highlight of the show. <br /><br />In a nutshell, the always-peckish Henshall becomes separately and concurrently employed by two men: gangster Roscoe Crabbe (Karen Peakes) and Stanley Stubbers (Jake Blouch), an upper-class buffoon. Henshall tries to keep his “guvnors” apart to avoid each of them learning that he is also working for someone else. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Muddling events, Roscoe is really twin sister Rachel Crabbe in disguise. Roscoe had been killed by Rachel’s boyfriend…who is none other than Stanley. Complicating things further is local mobster Charlie the Duck (John Bellomo stood in for Peter DeLaurier on Opening Night) who has arranged an engagement between his daughter Pauline (Renee McFillin) and Roscoe. But Pauline only has eyes for actor Alan (Dave Johnson), the son of her father’s attorney (Bruce Graham). Amongst the chaos, Henshall has his romantic eye on Charlie’s bookkeeper Dolly (Kelly McCaughan). With Henshall in the middle, the chaotic swirl of characters keeps missing each other’s actions and antics. Thankfully, the audience sees it all. <br /><br />The snappy writing by Bean modernizes the classic farce and upgrades much of the humor for today’s audiences. Between the cleverly terrible metaphors, there is substance to the script, however wacky the plot may be. For instance, the virginal Pauline so often misses the point that she is described as “unsoiled by education.” The second act’s deep discussion of debilitating and deadly diseases has more alliteration than this sentence…and is hysterical. <br /><br />But, as in any farce, stage timing and physical comedy must shine. They do. Trembling octogenarian waiter Alfie (Brian McCann) steals a riotous lunch scene through physical humor alone. Feminist Dolly is overtly sexual and playful when being seduced. Alan’s passion for acting is so deep that he often prompts the audience to recognize his entrances before speaking or changes his spot mid-line to gain better light. The air of misguided entitlement around Stanley’s every movement is palpable. <br /><br />Kudos to Colin McIlvaine for his inventive scenic design. His wonderful inside and outside sets allow for the wacky physical comedy to shine while keeping the world grounded in period reality. <br /><br />Live music by Nero Catalano (Emmett Drueding stood in on Opening Night) and Andrew Nelson added a party atmosphere inside the theater. Scene changes meant live ditties with plot points mixed in with the song lyrics — not to mention guest musicians from the cast. Get ready for an energetic kazoo solo! <br /><br />The cast regularly breaks the fourth wall with an infectious sense of wink-wink mischief. The audience seems to be intimately involved in the capers on stage, with the actors in on the joke. It’s as if everybody in the theater wants to squeeze one more laugh out of a gag. It’s all very, very funny. <br /><br /><i>One Man, Two Guvnors</i> is the last show for </span><span style="font-family: arial;">outgoing Artistic Director Bud Martin.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /><br />The performance schedule of <i>One Man, Two Guvnors</i> is: Wednesdays (2 p.m.), Thursdays (7 p.m.), Fridays (8 p.m.), Saturdays (2 & 8 p.m.), and Sundays (2 p.m.) through February 19. Tickets start at $29 while discounts are available for students, groups, and military members/veterans. The show is roughly two-and-a-half hours long with one 15-minute intermission. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> There will be pre-show Viewpoints on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. during the run plus talkbacks after Thursday performances. Call (302)594-1100 or visit DelawareTheatre.org to purchase tickets or for performance information. Delaware Theatre Company is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington. </span></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-45743802047759446052023-01-13T11:29:00.004-05:002023-01-13T11:30:48.157-05:00DDOA Names 2023 Individual Artist Fellowships<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The content of this post comes from a press release from the <a href="https://arts.delaware.gov/" target="_blank">Delaware Division of the Arts</a>...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSdLmFKNUwyz40K4Q3cbUxomHlBO9LzNJhOc2o847Z6N3JAi4FRLTjg-y8_cUtBFRcvWZE2C53ObqnFfAHagi_DRO4UtZPoQgTqIJ0K0CiqmHVyk0iOIFb93P2fEiFC2AB5dtgwC9r-jao7vS3iXmIZ5Y3SQmgGCGVpRMTugUwQFRrJyvXf9pJJwu/w519-h150/unnamed.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="519" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Image detail: Artwork of Lauren E. Peters, 2023 Established Arts Fellow</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The prestigious
Individual Artist Fellowships from the Delaware Division of the Arts recognize
artists in a variety of disciplines for their outstanding quality of work and
provide monetary awards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In 2023, the Division
received work samples from 118 Delaware musicians, writers, and folk, media,
and visual artists. The work samples
were reviewed by out-of-state arts professionals who considered the
demonstrated creativity and skill in each artist’s respective art form.
Seventeen artists were awarded fellowships in the following categories — two Masters; seven Established; and eight Emerging. The 17 selected
fellows reside throughout Delaware including Bridgeville, Claymont, Felton,
Harrington, Lewes, Newark, Smyrna, and Wilmington.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">NEW FOR 2023:<b> </b></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Thanks to a generous increase in funding from the Department of
State, the awards have increased — $5,000 for Emerging Artists; $8,000 for
Established Professionals; and $12,000 for Masters — to allow artists to pursue
advanced training, purchase equipment and materials, or fulfill other needs
that will help advance their careers. This funding has also allowed the
Division to award a second Masters Fellowship.<span style="color: #7b6e65;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="color: #e37222;">Master Fellowship</span></b><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"> </span><span style="color: #e37222; font-weight: bold;">($12,000)</span><br /></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>B. Proud </b>— Visual Arts:
Photography, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>TAHIRA </b>—<b> </b>Folk Art: Oral
Literature, Claymont</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #e37222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Established Fellowship
($8,000)</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Joyce Barbagallo</b> — Literature: Fiction, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Ron Meick</b> — Visual
Arts: Sculpture, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Michael Miller</b> — Folk
Art: Music, Felton</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Mary Pauer</b> — Literature: Creative Nonfiction, Bridgeville</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Christopher Penna</b> — Literature: Poetry, Newark</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Lauren E. Peters</b> — Visual Arts: Painting, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>IVA (Emily Tepe)</b> — Music: Contemporary Performance, Wilmington</span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #e37222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Emerging Fellowship ($5,000)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Jill Althouse-Wood</b> — Visual Arts: Painting, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Bryant (Tee) Bell</b> — Visual Arts: Painting, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Liz DeJesus</b> — Literature: Creative Nonfiction, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Constanza (Cony)
Madariaga</b> — Visual Arts: Painting, Wilmington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>James Morgan</b> — Media
Arts: Video/Film, Harrington</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Charlese Phillips</b> — Visual Arts: Interdisciplinary, Smyrna</span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Kim Hoey Stevenson</b> — Literature: Fiction, Lewes</span></span></li><li><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><b>Anne Yarbrough</b> — Literature:
Poetry, New Castle</span></span></li></ul><p></p>
Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422508101368666576.post-41086063512908088322022-12-12T13:06:00.003-05:002022-12-15T17:07:07.211-05:00Delaware Art Museum Launches Initiative to Preserve Public Art<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Part of this post comes from a blog posting/release from <a href="https://delart.org/">Delaware Art Museum</a>...<br /></i></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--NMTIlMXnGnHV5pnwwp3cIos8ojWc1F-ExEvX3oudN71sQrsMNE1u3ZoqYFJWW-srLO1OXnM6B8ZF2lZOiQ0wa-YxLxfDQGGhwi7HQPHb61hvO5dBYSGRwkYScz7UXABaNuugkWI9YwWZN38f7po5UdzyufEKsqlqhXqvjgdyo54zCRf8nS6wL5k/s1735/Creative-Vision-Factory-large.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1735" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--NMTIlMXnGnHV5pnwwp3cIos8ojWc1F-ExEvX3oudN71sQrsMNE1u3ZoqYFJWW-srLO1OXnM6B8ZF2lZOiQ0wa-YxLxfDQGGhwi7HQPHb61hvO5dBYSGRwkYScz7UXABaNuugkWI9YwWZN38f7po5UdzyufEKsqlqhXqvjgdyo54zCRf8nS6wL5k/w403-h330/Creative-Vision-Factory-large.jpg" width="403" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Creative Vision Factory Members in front of the Kalmar Nyckel Mural.<br />Photo courtesy of Michael Kalmbach.</i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Contrary to popular belief, </span><i style="font-family: arial;">not all galleries are indoors. </i><span style="font-family: arial;">Some don’t have four walls, security guards, or <br />a sign reading “please do not touch the art.” Some galleries are right outside your door. Wilmington’s outdoor gallery boasts artworks ranging from the 19th Century to the present. From memorials and sculptures to mosaics and murals, our environments are beautified by artists. Their creations enliven the cityscape, acting as tangible expressions of their city’s cultural heritage, and becoming beacons for civic engagement, public pride, and even attracting business investments. [</span><a href="https://delart.org/public-art-stewards/" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">READ THE FULL DELART BLOG ENTRY HERE>>></a><span style="font-family: arial;">]</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />A new pilot program called <b>Public Art Stewards</b> — developed by the Delaware Art Museum and supported by the Delaware Division of the Arts and City of Wilmington American Rescue Plan Act funds — aims to train Wilmington residents to clean, conserve, and document 30 public artworks in downtown Wilmington and surrounding neighborhoods.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The Public Art Stewards program was officially launched with a press conference on Thursday, November 17, in front of one of the most visible displays of Wilmington's public art — the mosaic behind Christina Cultural Art Center at the corner of 7th and Shipley. <br /><br />This highly anticipated workforce training and city beautification program is headed by Benét Burton, Registrar Assistant/Curatorial Project Manager at the Delaware Art Museum.<br /><br /><b>Benét Burton</b> said of the program: "I’ve been able to speak with some artists of the pieces on our list and engage with residents who live near them. Everyone I have met while working on this project has shared their enthusiasm for it, and I’m excited to support the community and its artists in caring for the work they hold so dear."<br /><br />We asked <b>Burton</b> more about the project and why it is so important for our City of Wilmington...<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">*What made the art museum want to take up the mantle for this city project? <br /></span></b>The Delaware Art Museum is committed to our role as a regional anchor and aims to support identified needs in our community. By aligning our knowledge of public art with the city’s outdoor gallery, we’ve created an innovative project that will provide our participants with creative skills and support their workforce readiness.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">*What will the project entail? What work will your team do on the public pieces?<br /></span></b>The Public Art Stewards Training Program is a six-month “earn while you learn” program that employs six to eight Wilmington residents who will be taught transferable skills in conservation under the tutelage of Margalit Schindler of Pearl Preservation, our program conservator. Additionally, our Public Art Stewards will participate in workforce-readiness workshops such as interview practice, digital literacy, financial coaching, and resume building.<br /><br />Every piece on our list is unique and will have different needs. The transferable skills in conservation our participants will learn while working on the public pieces include assessment and condition reporting; photographic and written documentation; cleaning; and essential maintenance of sculptures and murals.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">*What are your goals for the first year of this project? Where is your first area of work based?<br /></span></b>Some of our goals for the first year are:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">to have our participants graduating feeling confident in the skills they’ve learned in conservation; </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">to have 30 works from Wilmington’s outdoor gallery properly maintained and documented so that we can create a living archive of our city’s public art;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">to connect our participants with local services and help provide them with continued support after graduating.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;">We are still working on our curriculum. However, I anticipate that the first area we’ll be working is the DelArt campus where One Way, 2008 by Chakaia Booker and Monumental Holistic No. VII, 1980 by Betty Gold live in our sculpture garden.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">*Do you have a "favorite" piece of public art in the city? What is the name of the work and where can we see it?</span></b><br />I have many favorite pieces, to be honest, but I will limit myself to one mural and one sculpture.<br /><br />A mural I’m currently obsessed with is The Divine Mind, 2016 by Terrance Vann on 7th and Windsor Streets. It’s so large and in charge, and the vibrant purple hue is almost like a beacon when you're a block away from it. Although I really love the crown, my favorite part is the way he styled the hair to be a cityscape. I sometimes add a few minutes onto my commute home from work just to drive by it.<br /><br />My favorite sculpture right now is Shipyard Gateway, 1998 by Roldan West on 4th and Church Streets. It hangs on the overpass in the middle of the street so it’s hard to get a good look at it if you’re not on foot. I’ve always loved metalwork because the technique is so fascinating, and this piece is eye-catching. I really wish it was closer to the ground so that I could sit with it and take in each form.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">*Who are some of your favorite Delaware artists?<br /></span></b>I love Edward Loper, Jr. When I look at his work, it feels like I’m reminiscing on a dream. The bright colors in his paintings and how he layers them are the first to grab my attention and pull me in. Then I notice the interesting perspective, and I feel I could stare at them for hours and just fall in.<br /><br />I also really like Geraldo Gonzalez (a.k.a. The King of Transit). I met him at the Creative Vision Factory when I was in undergrad at the University of Delaware. A lot of his work focuses on public transportation. I follow him on Instagram (@thekingoftransit), and I always find myself scrolling through his page and getting lost in all the vivid hues he uses on his pieces. I would love to see his work wrapped on some buses in Wilmington!<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">*What would you like people to take away from this project? Can other community members get involved?</span></b><br />From this project, I hope that people come to understand how integral public art is to our community and how important it is that we support our local artists and their creations. Wilmington is not just a city, but a canvas for many, and the public art that artists put their time, effort, and care into creating are a celebration of the city’s cultural heritage. Through the Public Art Stewards Program, the Delaware Art Museum aims to leverage its position as a cultural fixture and use its influence and connection to support Wilmington in upkeeping its outdoor gallery. We love these pieces, and we are committed to fighting for and finding resources that will help us and Wilmington residents maintain and archive them so that we can share them with generations after us.<br /><br />If anyone is interested in getting involved in the project, they can contact me at <a href="mailto:bburton@delart.org">bburton@delart.org</a> or 302.351.8507. <br /><br />Program Conservator <b>Margalit Schindler</b> adds: "I am grateful to be able to share my preservation knowledge with my Wilmington neighbors and to collaborate to care for our city. While the program focuses on supporting Wilmington artwork, I am equally excited to support the personal and professional goals of the Wilmington locals who participate in the program."</span></div></div></div>Arts in Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014726712067901634noreply@blogger.com0