Skylight Opera Theatre kicked off its new season with a winner of a World Premiere with The Rivals, Kirke Meachem’s superb musical adaptation of Richard Brimsley Sheridan’s hilarious 18th century comedy. Now set in turn of the 20thtu in Newport, Rhode Island, Meachem has given this fresh update a new twist amid sparring lovers and dual identities (sounds a bit Shakespearean, doesn’t it?) including some memorable music. Alicia Berneche is perfectly cast as the spoiled , crazy in love Lydia and Christopher Burchett her perfect foil, and a much hard working one at that (no spoilers here!).
Dorothy Danner directs with her usual innovative flair and the entire stellar ensemble delights from start to finish. How nice to SO veterans Richard Carsey and Jamie Johns back at the helm of the orchestra. A rich mix of the familiar and the new at Skylight.
Another Openin,’ Another Show It hasn’t even opened yet but the early buzz around The Rep‘s new Stiemke show, Yellowman is very positive (try getting tickets for the next week. Harry’s Blog will review the Oct. 11 show and we anxiously await). Dael Orlandersmith’s two character play tells the story of Alma and Eugene, friends since childhood growing up in the South, united by a love for the Monkees (we still own the original vinyl) and acting out Batman moves.Can love and friendship survive prejudice and move past the past? Check it out for yourself. Runs through Nov. 13 in the Stiemke Studio.
Boulevard Ensemble ‘Studio Theatre starts off its 26th season with a staged reading of Pants on Fire, a new comedy by Milwaukee actress and playwright Brooke Wegner. The show runs tonight through Oct. 1 and is a . So for those of you who love to support good local theater (and local funnyman, director, all around talent Mark Bucher), here’s your chance. Call: 414-744-5757 or email tickets@boulevardtheatre.com
Musical Notes……………take a listen
The “Has-It-Already-Been-22-Years?” Dept.: Harry’s blog was thrilled to get the “new” Grace Jones CD (yep, that’s right. A NEW Grace Jones) entitled Hurricane. A perfect title for the grande dame diva who outdivas all other well, you know……..the “D” word. We’re very pleased to report that it’s as if the divine Miss J never missed a (drum) beat. Although technically released in 2008, the new version is a double-disc featuring dub versions of the 11 original tracks. At 63, that smooth, direct Jamaican inflection is still there, now mixing her speak singing with lite rap as in the opener “This Is” (I kept playing this one over and over) to the cool seductiveness of “Corporate Cannibal.” Welcome back Miss Jones. It’s been a while and you’re still very much in style.
Upcoming concerts we’re already anticipating include Richard Thompson this Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Marcus Center’s Vogel Hall, St. Vincent at the Pabst Theater Oct. 3, country Aussie singer Keith Urban Oct. 13 at the Bradley Center, Smashing Pumpkins at the Riverside Theater Oct. 13 AND, as if Oct. 13 isn’t brimming over with enough good music, Madeleine Peyroux with special guest Nellie McKay at the Pabst. All on the same night.
What’s a music lover to do?
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You can reach Harry Cherkinian at Harry’s blog by posting a comment below.
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