February 2017 - NEohioPAL - lists.neohiopal.org

REVIEW: "Silent Sky" at Kent State Stark Theatre
by Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL 25 Feb '17

25 Feb '17

A Woman’s Cosmos In A Man’sWorld By Tom Wachunas Without waxing tootechnical about the specifics of Henrietta Leavitt’s (1868-1921) contributionsto our knowledge of the cosmos, suffice it to say that in her tireless work asan astronomer at Harvard College Observatory in the early years of the 20thcentury, she essentially paved the way for deciphering how we determine the ageand size of the universe. Inspired by Leavitt’s life, playwright LaurenGunderson’s Silent Sky is a trulyremarkable accomplishment. Gunderson’s lovingly crafted masterpiece ofequipoise is an emotionally gripping look at an insatiable pursuit of arcanescience amidst equally compelling yearnings of the human heart. For a morecomprehensive look at the play and its history, here’s a very useful link: http://silentskyplay.tumblr.com/ On the cusp ofWomen’s History Month, this current production is directed by Brian Newberg,Associate Professor of Theatre & Theatre Director of the Kent State StarkTheatre Program. He has assembled a sharp and sensitive ensemble of five giftedindividuals who deliver a wondrously nuanced performance, replete with bothpathos and humor that’s, well… stellarin every sense of the word. Even the elegant simplicity of the scenic design byLouis Williams – with a stage set made up of a few pieces of furniture and araised, railed platform that doubles at one point as the deck of and oceanvessel – is often infused with projections of starry nights and Milky Waypanoramas. The timeline is1900-1920. Cashing in her dowry, Henrietta Leavitt (Morgan Brown) leaves herhome where she’s been living with her musician sister, Margaret (Emily Weiss),and father, a Congregational Church minister, to live her dream of doingserious research as an astronomer at Harvard College Observatory. There, she’squickly mortified and frustrated tolearn that she was hired only to count stars and measure their luminosity asrecorded on glass plate photographs made by the grand telescope which women arenot allowed to use. She and her co-workers, Annie Cannon (Breanna Morton) andWilliamina Fleming (Jacki Dietz), are regarded by their male bosses, includingtheir immediate supervisor, Peter Shaw (Jesse Fulks), simply as “humancomputers” – bean counters, as it were. Ever undaunted – even obsessive - inher insistence on finding the truth and meaning of her/our place in our galaxy(and beyond, as it turns out), Leavitt discovers not only significant physicalrealities, but much about herself as well. The education of head and heart. Just so, she sacrifices much,in the process eschewing society’s traditional expectations of romance anddomestic family life. Imagine the cast asa solar system, with Morgan Brown’s radiant portrayal of Leavitt as the center,holding the other characters – luminous entities in their own right – in orbit.Brown is not just believable, but also wholly magnetic as she articulatesLeavitt’s longing and struggle to affirm her identity in an unsympathetic,indeed oppressive patriarchal milieu. She forges an increasingly sturdy bondwith her office colleagues. Breanna Morton, as Annie, is at first a distant anddemanding taskmaster, but visibly softens as her understanding of, and supportfor, Leavitt grows. No doubt her softening is greatly aided by Jacki Dietz’scharismatic portrait of the feisty, no-nonsense Williamina. In her startlinglyauthentic Scottish accent, Dietz provides many of the evening’s wisestobservations and funniest passages. Meanwhile, JesseFulks, often a target of the ladies’ ridicule, brings an exquisitely craftedawkwardness and shyness to his reading of Peter Shaw, apprentice to theobservatory’s head scientist, Dr. Pickering. His respect for, then infatuationwith Leavitt, blossoms into a matter ofthe heart, the hope of a nervous suitor, as he at one point asks her, justbefore embarking on a research trip to Europe, if they could “…continue theexperiment of our mutual compatibility” when he returns. So OK, he’s a scientist, not a poet. Still,this play has as much if not more poetry than astrophysics. Through it all,Emily Weiss convincingly presents Leavitt’s sister, Margaret, as a faithfulhomemaker while caring for their ailing father. Gentle and patient if notoccasionally resentful, she’s the picture of sincerity as she desperately triesto grasp the depths of her sister’s impassioned search for answers to cosmicquestions. In fact it’sMargaret’s playing a lilting melody on her piano that spurs Henrietta toultimately see the music of the spheres, as it were… to discern an order andpattern to those puzzling pulses of light visible from across impossibledistances. The play concludes on a bittersweet albeit tender note. It’s analtogether inspiring remembrance of Leavitt’s legacy. More importantly, inthese volatile times, the play is a timely beacon and an urgent reminder. Genderbias should never be permitted to squelch our pursuit of knowledge, theaffirmation of our purpose, or the realization of our destinies. Silent Sky, at Kent State University AtStark Theatre / Located in the Fine Arts building on Kent Stark campus, 6000Frank Ave. NW in North Canton / PerformancesFeb. 25, March 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m. / Feb. 26 & March 5 at 2 p.m. /Tickets: $10 for adults and $7 for non-Kent State students and senior citizens.All Kent State students admitted free of charge with current student ID. Formore information about the show and ensemble members, or to reserve ticketsonline, go to www.kent.edu/stark/theatre or call the Kent State Stark Theatre BoxOffice at 330-244-3348, Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. For othercommentaries by Tom Wachunas on the performing and visual arts in the greaterCanton area, please visit his blog, ARTWACH, at www.artwach.blogspot.com

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Little Mermaid Set & Costumes for sale
by Shonna Nitzel via NEohioPAL 25 Feb '17

25 Feb '17

We have Little Mermaid set pieces for sale, and also many costumes left from the show. Pick up will be in TWINSBURG Ohio. Please contact artistic director at Shonna Nitzel at 330-571-8099, or just respond to tburgtheatre(a)gmail.com Many Childrens and teen sized sea costumes, Ariel grotto, trick grotto piece, Ursula lair, triton throne, kiss the girl boat. All set pieces are fully built wagons on wheels.

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Professional Headshots
by Gregory Pendolino via NEohioPAL 25 Feb '17

25 Feb '17

Need Headshots? I have worked with so many talented screen and theater actors in the area. To see a collection of these headshots please use this link: https://www.pendolinophotography.com/portfolio/portraits/headshots/ My recent favorites are at the bottom of the page. Here are my rates: $100 for one client on location (outdoor setting) $150 for two clients on location (You're only paying $75 each!) $200 for one client in studio $300 for two clients in studio (Only $150 each for studio!) Proofs emailed to you within 24-48 hours of our shoot. The best part is YOU OWN THESE! That means you can print them whenever and wherever as often and as much as you need to. For more details please go here: http://www.pendolinophotography.com/rates-booking-info I'm sure if you're involved in film or theater in Northeast Ohio we already have quite a few common friends so please feel free to like me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PendolinoPhotography/ Instagram: #GregoryPendolino Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gregory.Pendolino Thanks!

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From Sue Johnson. "Wake Up And Live Withe Arts Showcases Terrence Spivey, Chris Cipriani, Myla Augustine Miller & Kennedy Walker
by sue holland johnson via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Hello, Arts Supporters . . . "Wake Up And Live with the Arts" Back, after an extended hiatus. We are thrilled to showcase: Terrence Spivey, Associate Artist Shore Cultural Center Chris Cipriani, Program Director, Shore Cultural Center Myla Augustine Miller & Kennedy Walker, 4th grade playwright students at Iowa Maple School (Jeannete Bloodsaw, teacher), "Trying to Stop Bullying." https://www.youtube.com/chann el/UCot2BUzpxIsfVCcIpns-Bkw, Tune in to: https://www.youtube.com/chann el/UCot2BUzpxIsfVCcIpns-Bkw, to see featured guests. Terrence & Chris discuss how their Shore Cultural relationship began.Chris introduces Myla Augustine Miller & Kennedy Walker, 4th grade playwrights who created their original play, "Trying to Stop Bullying."Note: Apologies. Sound technical difficulties, Special announcement: Wake Up And Live's Actors' Studio presents "Wake Up And Live with Arts" YouTube show, as a community service. The show features, promotes, and showcases performing artists, the arts, and business and community organizations which support the arts. Your appearance, performance, and / or events announcements are broadcast to a large audience, which brings you to the attention of potential audiences, and those who make casting & hiring decisions. You can send your appearance to those on your Facebook, Linkedin, email, and other social media lists, thereby expanding your exposure to the arts and viewing community, advancing an appreciation for the arts and you as a talent, locally, regionally & nationally. We would appreciate donations to help keep the show ongoing, any amount, as well as a way to thank the Actors' Studio for your being a guest on the show. If you are a viewer, your donation would express your positive reaction to our efforts to promote performing artists . Won't you please send your donation via PayPal or, to submit by US mail, contact wakeupandlives(a)gmail.com for street address. The Wake Up And Live's Actors' Studio Questions: wakeupandlives@gmai l.com. Thank you for your financial support. Sue Johnson Director Wake Up And Live's Actors' Studio -

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FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE
by Joseph Bauer via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

The collected works of Cleveland native, author/provocateur Joey Bauer, are now available on kindle at last. Treat yourself to some of best fun that you can still have with your clothes on in a red state. "Hollywood Raw" - a memoir - Movie stars caught with their pants down; teen idol tells all; "Married with Children" exposed ... Featured on the Montel Williams Show … “This book has everyone talking.” "Teen Angels" - a play – Kids at juvenile hall and an ally fight the power. Only the strong survive. Based on a true story "Skating Hollywood Blvd." - five plays about life in the Hollywood fast lane. "The biggest dreamers of all are drawn to Tinseltown like moths to a flame. Every guy you meet there has a headshot, a screenplay and a fantasy: scores the Porsche, wins the Oscar ten years running and pulls mad freaky starlet puss." "Mendy Berry, Jewish Cowboy" - a play - Baby boomers Mendy and Chunky, his black-and-proud sidekick, pledged loyalty until the end, and this is it. "Two Old Jews walk in a Deli" - a play - "You don't have to be Jewish to love matzo ball soup, but it wouldn't hurt." The story of two pals, corned beef sandwiches and a hot waitress with a big secret. "Two Guys from Cleveland" - a novel - Best friends fall for the same girl, who offers them a timeshare. "Cue the Sunset" - a play - Two boys have champagne tastes and Kool Aid budgets. They set out to seek their fortune with a liquor store cashier, the cops and a gun awaiting them at day's end. “Occupation Wiseguy” – a novel – A college boy is tapped by his uncle, a greatly feared mobster, to write his biography. It was a good day for a murder. Based on a true story

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AN EXCITING THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE AWAITS
by Joseph Bauer via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

"Cue the Sunset," a drama by Joey Bauer, will be read at Ensemble Theatre on Wed., Mar. 1st at 7 p.m., gratis. Two Bronx boys have champagne dreams and empty pockets. They set out to meet their destiny with a liquor store cashier, the cops and a gun awaiting them at day's end. The stellar cast is: Agnes Hermann Slimak, Paul Slimak, Jeannine Gaskin, Gregory White and Gideon-Patrick Lorete.

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Chili Con Comedy Improv Troupe THIS Saturday!
by Wanda Wareham via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

The Fine Arts Association presents Chili Con Comedy Improv Troupe Directed by Sandy Kosovich Peck Audiences will laugh and be amazed at the wit and humor of our young actors as they incorporate suggestions and chance into live performance. You will never see the same show twice! (Sponsored by Eric & Lisa Barbe) WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 2017 ‒ 8:00 pm Tickets: $10 each/general seating Call (440) 951-7500 or visit http://www.fineartsassociation.org/theatre/performance.html Tickets also available at the door. The Fine Arts Association 38660 Mentor Avenue Willoughby, OH 44094 www.fineartsassociation.org<http://www.fineartsassociation.org> Like Us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/TheFineArtsAssociation> | Follow Us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/TheFineArtsAssn> | Follow us on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/fineartsassoc/>

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Looking to give your dancer a leg up in working their coordination, balance and dance technique this Summer
by Cleveland City Dance via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Looking to give your dancer a leg up in working their coordination, balance and dance technique? � Nurture your passion and talent with inspiring classes for children and adults.� Small class sizes, taught by patient and experienced teachers, offer individual attention and encouraging each student’s maximum growth and development.� Students will experience the joy of dance while also developing confidence, mastery of skills, poise, self-esteem, and social skills. Opportunities include visits to museums, guest lectures and performances! Camps include Princess/Prince camps, Nutcracker workshop, and intensive programs for the serious dancer CALL TODAY AND ENROLL ONLINE 216-295-2222 Cleveland City Dance, Home to City Ballet of Cleveland � � � 13108 Shaker Square Cleveland, OH 44120 www.clevelandcitydance.com / 216-295-2222

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Cain Park Auditions in One Week!
by Ksenia Roshchakovsky via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

As our Fearless Leader (aka Theater Artistic Director Joanna May Hunkins) so eloquently stated: "Whether you prefer big hair on the Sunset Strip or trouble in River City, Cain Park is the place to be this summer!" Cain Park auditions take place March 3-5 for ROCK OF AGES (June 8-25, Alma Theater) and the concert version of THE MUSIC MAN (August 5-6, Evans Amphitheater). Jordan Cooper is music director for both. Details, requirements, character breakdowns, and the link to book an audition appointment are all here: http://www.cainpark.com/auditions

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Three more chances to see Beauty and the Beast at MGP!
by Doug via NEohioPAL 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Three more chances see Disney's Beauty and the Beast! Bring gently used books for a special raffle! Details below Friday 2/24 at 7:30 pm Saturday 2/25 at 2:00 pm Saturday 2/25 at 7:30 pm Performances are held at the Daniel B. Ross Performing Arts Center at Avon Lake High School. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door for Adults, $8 for children 12 and under, $12 Seniors/Students at the door only. Visit www.mightygoliath.com/tickets for all details on where and how to purchase tickets Producer: Jessica Atwood Director: Douglas F Bailey II Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Sarah Lynne Bailey Choreographer: Nicci Cassara Billington Musical Director: Matthew Steven Grittner Conductor: Ian Atwood Mighty Goliath Holds “Belle’s Book Drive” during Upcoming Production of Beauty & the Beast Types of Books: gently-used books suitable for preschool, kindergarten and early primary school-age children Where: Avon Lake High School Auditorium Lobby When: Up to 1 hour before each performance For each book donated, you will receive one raffle ticket for a book drive exclusive raffle basket! These books will be donated to local non profit, Dusty Reads. Dusty Reads Mission: To collect and redistribute new and gently used children’s books to preschool, kindergarten and early primary school age children with limited access, to increase their love for books and reading with the sense of wonder and adventure books can bring MGP is an independent 501(c)(3) non profit fundraising organization that benefits the performing arts programs for Avon Lake City Schools. Our impact enriches the cultural life of the community. We focus on our unique ability to provide a professional, fun, philanthropic experience for our vounteers and audiences alike

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