Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR BILL O'ROURKE: 

Editors Note: Lizzie was written by Steven Cheslik-deMayer, Tim Maner and Alan Stevens Hewitt. Here’s an interview between them and our Bill O’Rourke.

Bill: Steven, you recently received a MacDowell fellowship to begin work on a new solo music theater piece. Will this interfere with your continuing work on Lizzie?

Steven: Not at all. The writing on LIZZIE is really done, so now we're working with other artists to bring our vision to the stage, which is demanding but it's not the same as writing. It takes FOREVER to write and develop a show, so to keep momentum going, you need a good start on the next thing as your current project comes to fruition.

Bill: Tim, which roles did you originate in Robert Wilson shows?

Tim: I originated roles in Robert Wilson’s production of Heiner Müller’s Hamletmachine, which won an Obie-award in NYC and then toured Europe (Man Leaning Forward) and his production of Richard Strauss’ Salome at Teatro alla Scala, Milan , Italy (Herod).

Bill: And your own theater. I love it’s name “tiny mythic theater.” How did you come up with that?

Tim: My co-founders and I came up with the name “tiny mythic” drunk in bar in Cambridge , MA , during a summer teaching fellow residency at Harvard.  The name definitely reflected the kind of productions we wanted to do: big ideas and high-end production quality on shoestring budgets that still allowed us to focus on the details.

Alan Stevens Hewitt – You played bass on Broadway for Lysistrata Jones. That was by Douglas Carter Beane, who is better known for Xanadu. Do you have any stories about DCB that you would like to share? Did you learn anything from doing LJ that you feel helped you in making Lizzie?

Alan: DCB was always quick with a quip and impeccably dressed--with a little bit of "zhuzh" (as he would call it) of a pocket square in his jacket.  Lyssie J was a fun show and a great group of folks to work with--the rhythm section were and are dear friends (we met playing the 1st Natl. Tour of Spring Awakening) and we still play and hang together.  I try to learn as much as possible from all of my experiences, and I think everything I do in the theatre informs everything else.  Perhaps not specific to Lyssie J, but in general I do feel that as a performing musician (coming up I will be the bass chair for ROCKY on Broadway), I have a perspective that is very useful when writing and orchestrating, and helpful in communicating with the musicians who are playing my work. 

Bill: The audience for Lizzie should be HUGE! But I know you’ve played some very small audiences.

Alan: I know both Steven and I have experience touring in bands, he in a duo (sometimes trio?) called Y'all, myself in a group called The Low Road.  I recall a couple times on the road when we played to fewer people than were on stage (TLR was a five-piece), but you play your show for the folks who are there, and you play as well and with the same commitment you would were you playing to 1500.  I think what you learn from that is to make sure the work is self-justifying.  

Bill: There have been TV shows and movies about Lizzie, but the only show on Broadway that I know of was quite a while ago. (Note: I’m not sure who answered these next questions. The interview was done by email.)

Alan: Our take on this story is so different from anything that's been done before. If anything, we feel like the fact that there have been lots of other adaptations of the story works in our favor because people are familiar with the story. One of the main reasons we chose this story to make into a musical is because it's sort of an American myth, it's a story people have a connection to even if it's only the jump-rope rhyme.

The show may seem intimate on paper because it's only four characters, but it's actually big. The music is big, the emotions are big. We'd love to see it on Broadway.

Bill: From here to Philadelphia , to Denmark , to Portland . How did you wind up going to Denmark ?

Alan: The folks at Fredericia Theatre in Denmark saw a presentation of LIZZIE at NAMT. (National Alliance for Musical Theater is an organization based in New York that puts on a big festival of new musicals every year and theater producers and presenters from all over the world come to see what's new.) We were really lucky to be included in that festival in 2010.

Bill: Who came up with the excellent idea to tell the whole story through only four on-stage performers?

Alan: Tim and Steven had the idea from the beginning that the conceit of the show would be 4 women singers in front of a rock band. We saw the Lizzie Borden story as essentially about 4 women in a house. There are men in the story, historically speaking, but they're not essential from our point of view.

Bill: Have you played Houston before? Do you have any other links to our area? How do you like it? If you’ve had time to look around, what’s your favorite thing about our city?

Steven: Years ago when we toured with a musical act, I spent time in Houston and all over Texas .

Alan: For me, traveling is always about the people you meet.  And the people of Houston have been absolutely lovely.  I am so grateful for the warm embrace and hope to be back before too long.

Tim: This was my first time in Houston , and it was a wonderful experience. The people have definitely been the standout (both the incredible staff at TUTS Underground and the audiences we got to meet).

More of Bill O'Rourke's theatre reviews and stories can be found HERE.

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is excited to announce the cast for A Chorus Line, running July 16 - 21 at Miller Outdoor Theatre.  A Chorus Line is “one singular sensation” that garnered virtually every award imaginable, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize.  The groundbreaking musical, set during an audition for an upcoming Broadway show, shines a light on the hopes, fears and dreams of performers vying for a chance to do what they all know they were born to do.

In true A Chorus Line fashion, the cast will feature an ensemble of unique experience and talent, including Broadway and TUTS veterans: Michael Callahan, Caitlin Cannon, Mike Cannon, Erica Cenci, Kevin Curtis, Rob Flebbe, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Martin Harvey, Jordan Fife Hunt, Jolina Javier, Logan Keslar, Julia Krohn, Bryan Langlitz, Alissa LaVergne, Kristen Paulicelli, Michaeljon Slinger, Selina Verastigui, Karley Willocks and Mikey Winslow. 

In a special connection to the show, Mitzi Hamilton, who served as the inspiration for Val in the original Michael Bennett production of A Chorus Line, will both direct and choreograph the TUTS production.  Beyond her influence in the Bennett version of A Chorus Line, Hamilton’s legacy with the show includes performing as Val in both the original London company and later on in the Broadway version.  Joining her will be Thom Culcasi as the conductor and musical director.  He last worked at TUTS for Man of La Mancha and Miss Saigon.  Other creative team members include sound designer Dennis Craig and lighting designer Richard Winkler.

For those who are serious theatre buffs know this production of A Chorus Line will undergo a slight update from its original production in order to speak to today’s audience.  To modernize the storyline, the dialogue has been refreshed to remove the pop culture references to the 70s, and the costumes have been moderately reconfigured.

For tickets and times CLICK HERE!

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) proudly welcomes Flashdance – The Musical, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, to Hobby Center from June 4 to 16.

With electrifying dance at its core, Flashdance – The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Joining Jillian Mueller as Alex, Matthew Hydzik as Nick and Katie Webber as Tess are Kelly Felthous as Gloria, DeQuina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah,David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon and showcased a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. Flashdance – The Musical features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world  including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), Flashdance features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley, co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas. 

In addition to the US touring company, a second company will be assembled for the creatively reworked production of Flashdance, which will begin performances on Broadway in August 2013 for an open-ended engagement. 

To celebrate Flashdance – The Musical and provide an unforgettable musical theatre experience, TUTS will offer special events in conjunction with the show.

• The Totally ‘80s Sing-Along:  Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Picture Show (2442 Bartlett)
  
  • Co-presented with Aurora Picture Show, the Totally ‘80s Sing-Along is a FREE event - Get ready to sing, dance, and party along with a custom subtitled collection of the best music videos from the decade that invented the music video - the 1980s. Alamo Drafthouse's Action Pack has put together this event of custom subtitled videos full of big hair, bright neon tights, keytars, and Rick Astley just for this event, and it's guaranteed to make you stand heartache to heartache with Pat Benatar as you watch 99 Red Balloons float by. The night will also include music from TUTS’ upcoming production of Flashdance. 
    
    
• Flashdance Pre-Show VIP Package:  Friday, June 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Break out those leg warmers and head bands! Treat yourself to an exclusive pre-show VIP party at the beautiful Downtown Club at Houston Center. $25 gets you two drinks, light bites, complimentary parking at the Center Club, an exclusive Flashdance VIP pass, and plenty of chances to win some amazing prizes. Come ready to sing because no 80s party is complete without a Karaoke contest! Purchase your package now as tickets are limited!  Visit TUTS.com/Events for tickets.

TUTS will also offer dinner-and-a-show packages, post-show parties and more.  Visit TUTS.com/Events for more information.

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available by clicking HERE!!

Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

See you there, DISHIES!!! With leg warmers on, of course!

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) President and CEO John C. Breckenridge has announced TUTS’ 2013-2014 mainstage season running in Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.  The riveting lineup of shows will run the gamut from riotous to ribald, family friendly to funky, and from contemporary to classic – every musical theatre lover with find something to love in the upcoming season.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the line-up for our upcoming season.  There's a little something for everyone with shows ranging from the classics and the family favorites to Broadway's freshest and edgier productions,” says Breckenridge.

September 29 - October 12, 2013

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical

This outrageously fun show tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends, on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.  An international hit with over 500 dazzling, Tony Award-winning costumes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites including "It's Raining Men," Finally," and "I Will Survive."  The Hollywood Reporter calls Priscilla "funny and fabulous!  Joyous entertainment with eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart!"  Priscilla Queen of the Desert runs September 29 – October 12, 2013.

December 6 – 19, 2013

Elf – The Musical

One of the most beloved Hollywood holiday hits of the past decade is born again – live on stage!  Elf - The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.  Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.  The New York Times says that Elf is, “splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!”  USA Today calls Elf, “endearingly goofy!”  Variety proclaims, “Elf is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”  The polished score includes the hit tunes “A Christmas Song” and the satirical “Nobody Cares About Santa”.  After spending two huge seasons on Broadway, Elf - The Musical will delight the whole family during its Houston premiere December 6 – 19, 2013.

January 22 - February 2, 2014 

We Will Rock You

From London's West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to Houston for a limited engagement!  We Will Rock You features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Now in its 11th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes that you just can’t resist singing along to, such as “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and, of course, “We Will Rock You.” It’s the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don’t miss the party!  We Will Rock You runs January 22 - February 2, 2014.

March 4 – 16, 2014

The Wizard of Oz

"We're off to see"…the most magical adventure of them all.  Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic totally reconceived for the stage.  Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.  Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they journey though the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires.  Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.  The Wizard of Oz runs March 4 - 16, 2014.

May 6 – 18, 2014

Evita

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical returns at last!  Eva Peron used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady.  Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world -- while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic.  Evita tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story and features some of theatre's most beautiful songs, including 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," and "High Flying, Adored."  Don't miss the stunning new production of Evita, running May 6 - 18, 2014.

June 13 – 26, 2014

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid takes place in a magical kingdom fathoms beneath the sea, where the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. First, though, she'll have to convince her crabby sidekick Sebastian to help her defy her father King Triton and leave the underwater palace.  The plot thickens when Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula that forces her to convince handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice.  Family members will remember the catchy hit “Part of Your World” and the Academy Award-winning song “Under The Sea”. The Wall Street Journal claims The Little Mermaid is "a musical that does justice to the lovely film from which it sprang," and Time Magazine calls it "one of the most ravishing things I have seen on a Broadway stage."  Based on the Disney animated film and two-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical, make the Houston debut of The Little Mermaid a part of your world June 13 – 26, 2014.  Dive in – life is the bubbles under the sea!

New and renewing subscriptions to the Theatre Under The Stars 2013-2014 season are available online at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office (800 Bagby at Walker).  For a full season brochure, call Theatre Under The Stars at (713) 558-2600.  Discounted group subscriptions of 15 or more are also available by calling (713) 558-8888.  

In addition to a phenomenal season schedule, TUTS continues to provide new and exciting theatre experiences. With each show come a number of associated events and opportunities:

• Exclusive VIP events including intimate cast talk-backs, exclusive events with show partners, backstage tours, and more!

• OUT@TUTS, the GLBT-friendly group which hosts a cabaret-style evening in Artista restaurant the first Thursday of each show. Visit TUTS.com/OUT for more information.
  

Throughout the season, special event information will be available at TUTS.com/Events.

Theatre Under The Stars’ 2013-14 season is generously sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System. For all of Theatre Under The Stars’ 2013-2014 shows, air transportation is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of Theatre Under The Stars. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle.  Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is Houston’s acclaimed nonprofit musical theatre company whose mission is to enrich life through the experience of quality musical theatre and to positively impact lives beyond the stage through innovative education & community engagement programs.  Currently TUTS engages more than 200,000 people annually through productions at Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center and at Miller Outdoor Theatre.  TUTS was the first theatrical organization in Houston to perform free to the public when it was founded in 1968 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park and is the only Houston arts organization that has performed there free to the public every year since the theatre opened.  Founded by Frank M. Young and currently under the direction of President and CEO John C. Breckenridge and Artistic Director Bruce Lumpkin, TUTS has produced more than 300 musicals including many local, national and world premieres such as Kopit and Yeston’s Phantom, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll & Hyde, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as well as critically acclaimed re-inventions of classics Cabaret and Les Miserables.  Through its membership in the Independent Presenters Network, TUTS has helped bring Bombay Dreams, 9 to 5, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spamalot, Legally Blonde, Ragtime, Curtains and The Color Purple to Broadway and ultimately back to Houston audiences.

In support of TUTS’ mission, TUTS’ Education & Community Engagement programs provide instruction and stage experience for more than 48,000 Houstonians annually.  TheHumphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) offers technique-driven classes for all ability levels and ages, ranging from four to adult.  Through The River Performing and Visual Arts Center (The River), TUTS provides an accessible and inclusive arts education for individuals of all abilities that will enhance their development into confident, balanced individuals.  TUTS Education & Community Engagement provides extended on-site programming as well as off-site programming for children in schools, hospitals and other community-based sites.  TUTS’ community partnerships include collaborations with the Houston Independent School District and Region IV school districts, the YMCA of Greater Houston, M.D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital – Houston, among several other Houston-area organizations.  TUTS also annually presents the Tommy Tune Awards, honoring the best and brightest in Houston's high school musical theatre programs.

For more information CLICK HERE

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR: SCOTT ARTHUR

The first thing you notice about Robert is his voice. It’s deep and rich and very reminiscent of the late Robert Goulet. If you’re a fan of audio books, the voice might be familiar to you because he has narrated quite a number of best sellers.

Houston has heard this voice before ….Petkoff, an award winning stage actor, voice actor and singer, last appeared in the Bayou City reprising his Broadway role of Sir Robin in the TUTS production of Spamalot. Now, in CAMELOT, he graces the stage as Arthur, the man who will be king. Was it challenging as an actor to transform from the goofy version of the classic to the real deal?

 “I admit that there were times in rehearsal that we’d look at each other with a sparkle in our eye and go a little astray,” Petkoff chuckled.

CAMELOT, Lerner and Loewe’s timeless masterpiece, is one of history’s greatest love stories. A sumptuous tale set in a land where honor and chivalry reign. The musical follows the love triangle of King Arthur, his Queen Guenevere, and the young Lancelot. With one of Broadway’s most enchanting scores featuring the hauntingly romantic If Ever I Would Leave You, I Loved You Once in Silence, and Follow Me, CAMELOT is the definitive musical theatre fable.

Petkoff’s seasoned career shows that the California born actor is very much at home on stage performing Shakespeare or sitting behind a microphone reading books …but in the last decade he has become a Broadway musical star.  Since he had no musical training, how did that come about?

“A director saw me playing Hamlet and asked if I would audition for a singing role. I thought –what the heck, I sing in the shower all the time – why not?” 

His performance hit all the right notes and Petkoff’s musical career was launched in 2002 when he got the role of George in the Chicago production of Sunday in the Park with George.

He was pleasantly surprised at the reaction. “I told my agent to start booking me in musicals …and here I am.” he said. Since then, Petkoff’s Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Spamalot, and most recently Anything Goes with Joel Grey.

In CAMELOT Arthur sort of “sing-talks” his musical part. Are you comfortable with that?

“Absolutely,” Petkoff says enthusiastically. “The part was originally written for Richard Burton … much more a Shakespearean actor than a singer. This (sing-talk) style allows the actor to actually act out the song in the moment and lets the audience feel the passion. It also worked well for Richard Harris in the 1967 movie version."

Speaking of those two iconic King Arthurs, do you base your performance on either of their portrayals?

“Part of them creeps into whom you are on stage,” said Petkoff. “I saw Burton do it early in my career and it influenced me greatly. And I sometime occasionally slip into my James Mason impression. But for the most part – it’s my interpretation.”

The story of CAMELOT is more than half a century old. What about it has made it a classic that never seems to get old?

Petkoff smiles as he says,

“I think the idea of royalty still attracts us. And the story is really about a guy who won the lottery. He pulled a sword out of a stone and was allowed to rule a country. Arthur was an everyman – a good man with a sense of humor and a youthful awkwardness. We can all relate as we watch him grow into becoming a wise king.” 

CAMELOT runs from January 22 through February 3 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, located at 800 Bagby at Walker, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. An audio described performance is available Sunday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.; open captioning is available Sunday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Group tickets may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.