September 2017 - NEohioPAL - lists.neohiopal.org

REVIEW: Players Guild BEAUTY and the BEAST
by Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL 25 Sep '17

25 Sep '17

We’ve Been Served By Tom Wachunas “…Ever just the same /Ever a surprise/Ever as before/ Ever just as sure…” - lyricsfrom Beauty and the Beast With its current production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, directedby Jonathan Tisevich, the PlayersGuild Theatre offers yet another pièce derésistance of theatrical art. In keeping with the ebullient spirit of oneof its signature songs, “Be Our Guest,” think of this show as a lovinglyprepared, extravagant banquet served piping hot by an exuberant, impassionedcast. As the heroine,Belle - whose dreams of a better world are inspired by her passion for books -Rachel Smith is a thoroughly charming newcomer to the stage. Yet in both heracting and singing, she’s no mere diamond-in-the- rough. For all of heryouthfulness, she’s a remarkably complete performer - a refined, multi-facetedjewel as it were - gracefully exhibiting all the subtle variations of light anddarkness built into this classic tale of redemptive love. The emotive power inthe gentle vibrato of her singing voice is a marvelous instrument in itself, effectivelyfinessing her character’s innocence, feisty independence, and vulnerability. Early in the story,Belle’s father, Maurice, an affectionate and sweetly peculiar man played byRalph Cooley, gets lost in the woods and imprisoned in the castle of theerstwhile Prince who was at the time cursed to be a Beast forever unless he canlearn to love and be lovable. Belle offers herself in exchange for her father’srelease. Her disarming, authentic tenderness and love will eventually transformher jailer’s hardened heart. As the Beast, SeanFleming is certainly a fearsome physical entity, but he’s also a soaringspiritual and emotional presence, embodying real pathos. Smitten and empoweredby Belle’s unrestrained selflessness, he’s fascinating to watch as he slowlysheds his toxic bitterness to reclaim his humanity. Mason Stewart givesus a muscular portrayal of the dashing and dastardly Gaston. Authoritative andcomical, Gaston is nevertheless a self-absorbed, feckless, and cruel trophyhunter, obsessed with marrying Belle who in turn fiercely resists his advances.Undeterred, he struts about town with exaggerated machismo, much to the delight ofthree ‘silly girls’ – played with ditzy abandon by Kaylah Lehman, AaliyahKinnard, and Alexis Wilson - who vie for his affections while swooning over hisevery word. Anthony Woods-Mitchell is similarly giddy in his role of thefawning Lefou, Gaston’s unreasonably loyal punching bag. Meanwhile in thecastle, even the domestic staff has been infected by the Beast’s plight. They’reprogressively turning into inanimate objects. With their visceral Frenchaccents and incessant flirting, Justin Woody as the lascivious candlestick,Lumiere, and Desiree Hargrave as the frenetic feather duster, Babette, arehilarious. Jacob Sustersic is delightfully engaging as a clock named Cogsworth,the jittery sentinel trying to maintain order and proper castle etiquetteamidst titillating operatic outbursts from Tehilah Caviness, who plays a fancywardrobe. And Julie Connair, as Mrs. Potts the teapot, articulates a whollysoothing energy of motherly hope, comforting Chip, her teacup son, played byNoah Tisevich, equally endearing as he voices his desire to be a real boyagain. Setting the well-appointed table for thisaesthetic feast with inventive magical effects and visuals are scenic designerJoshua Erichsen with master carpenter Micah Harvey, lighting and sound designerScott Sutton, and costumer Stephen Ostertag. The cast performs Michael Lawrence Akers’ robust choreography withinfectious panache, especially in one of the evening’s most raucous numbers,“Gaston,” featuring a wildly complex rhythmic flurry of clinking beer mugs. Andthe live orchestra directed by Steve Parsons brings exhilarating aural depth tothe proceedings. I think one versein “Be Our Guest” still resonates as best illustrating the inspired motivationbehind this Players Guild production: “Lifeis so unnerving / For a servant who’s not serving / He’s not whole without asoul to wait upon…” In navigatingthe often ambiguous boundaries between technically excellent entertainment, so abundantly evidenthere, and truly impactful art, this castand crew have literally taken that lyrical sentiment to heart and effectivelybecome the collective, compelling soul of a servant. And so it is that inthe end, I had the wondrously uncanny sensation of being embraced and otherwiseartfully…loved. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, PlayersGuild Theatre Mainstage, Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Avenue N.,Canton, Ohio / THROUGH OCTOBER 8 – Shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundayat 2 p.m. / Tickets $29 adults, $26 seniors, $22 for 17 and younger / Order at www.playersguildtheatre.com orcall 330.453.7617 For other commentaries by Tom Wachunas on the performing andvisual arts in the greater Canton area, please visit his blog, ARTWACH, at www.artwach.blogspot.com

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Thrive Arts Center Seeking Guitar Instructor
by Rachel Stoneking via NEohioPAL 25 Sep '17

25 Sep '17

*Guitar Instructor* Thrive Arts Center - Beachwood, OH 44122 *WE’RE SEEKING A GUITAR INSTRUCTOR!* Thrive Arts Center is seeking a part-time guitar instructor for beginning through advanced students. If you love seeing a child’s eyes light up through music, enjoy working collaboratively, and are open to a flexible learning environment for your students, we want to meet you! Please apply at Indeed: http://tinyurl.com/yde8kcft - OR - send your current resume with cover letter to *TEAM@* *THRIVEARTS.CENTER* . *REQUIREMENTS* o Love of working with children and teens. o Thirst for learning about developmentally appropriate instruction for students. o Clear understanding of basic music theory applications as appropriate for individual students. o Comfortable interacting with parents and children alike. o Willing to make year-long teaching commitments. o Comfortable using computer systems for documentation, record keeping, social media, e-mail, etc. o Comfortable with online learning and using web-based technologies. o BA in Music, Bachelor of Music, or post-graduate degree is a plus. o Mastery of pedagogy is a plus. *BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF POSITION* You will have a consistent schedule each week, will write and know your lesson plans, and will follow up with student families to make sure we are meeting their needs. You will be supported, guided and mentored in early childhood development and relationship building, if needed, to help you with your studio teaching experience. *ABOUT THRIVE ARTS CENTER* Thrive Arts is new, fresh, passionate about and fully devoted to bringing the performing and visual arts to our students and families in a warm, welcoming community. Newly located in Beachwood, Ohio near I-271 and Chagrin Boulevard, we help students discover their inner muse, let them try new things, and take them as far as they can go in the arts. Our teachers are key to that process. We strive for an enthusiastic, positive, collaborative and joyful environment full of light and laughter as we help our customers fulfill their dreams in the arts. Thrive Arts is an expansion of Kindermusik of Cleveland. For 21 years we have provided stellar classroom experience and helped children to thrive. Our award-winning studios have been in the top 1% of Kindermusik studios worldwide since 2000. Job Type: Part-time Preferred education: Bachelor's Degree in Music, or similar. Required experience: 3 years guitar teaching. Rachel Stoneking Studio Facilitator Dance Program Coordinator Thrive Arts Center www.thrivearts.center p. 216.991.1063

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EVENT: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] at Strongsville Community Theatre
by patricia dailyda via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Witfield. Directed by Chris Bizub at Strongsville Community Theatre. Address: The Little Theatre in Strongsville High School, 20025 Lunn Rd., Door D, Strongsville, Ohio 44149. October 20, 21, 22 & 27, 28, 29, 2017, Friday/Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. All seats $15. www.StrongsvilleCommunityTheatre.com. Email: ask SCT(a)gmail.com

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Additional Casting for Beauty and the Beast at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre!
by Will C Crosby via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

Additional Casting for Beauty and the Beast at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre! Direction by Will C. Crosby Musical Direction by David W. Coxe Choreography and Assistant Direction by Kaylea Kudlaty PERFORMANCE DATES: November 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th ROLES AVAILABLE LEFOU Gaston's bumbling sidekick. He is loyal, energetic, and optimistic, but not quite the brightest guy. Gender: Male Age: 18 to 40 Vocal range: B2-Ab4 ENSEMBLE Looking for 1 or 2 more energetic actors or actresses to join the very active ensemble IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE EMAIL HEADSHOT AND RESUME TO WILLCODYCROSBY(a)GMAIL.COM Rehearsals: Regular Rehearsals will start October 8th. Rehearsals will be held based on actor availability. 4-5 days a week expected. Sunday-Thursday 7-10. No conflicts will be accepted for any performance dates or during tech week. CVLT does not offer union contracts or cast understudies and all performers are volunteers. Show Information: Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This "tale as old as time" is filled with spectacular costume and set opportunities or, even more simply staged, Disney's Beauty and the Beast offers a great opportunity to bring your entire community together for family theatre at its best. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE EMAIL WILLCODYCROSBY(a)GMAIL.COM DECISION WILL BE MADE BY FRIDAY THE 29th OF SEPTEMBER

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Enroll now for our upcoming Christmas Show at the Aurora Community Theatre!
by Gavorski via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

*Patti Schaefer’s Performing Arts* In cooperation with Aurora Community Theatre at the Aurora Memorial Library and Performing Arts Center 115 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH 44202 *Enroll now for our upcoming Christmas Show * *at the Aurora Community Theatre!* *Singing **n** Acting **n** Musical Theatre* *Boys & Girls ages 5 – 12* *Tuesdays from 4:30 – 6:00 pm* For registration or with questions: Please call 216.570.3208 or email: mannersforeveryone(a)gmail.com

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HELP SUPPORT THE DANCE IN CLEVELAND!
by Rebecca Leuszler via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

HELP SUPPORT THE 2ND ANNUAL CLEVELAND DANCE FEST! Our Story WHO ARE WE: For those of you new to us, The Movement Project is a non-profit dance organization dedicated to providing affordable and accessible dance education and performance to Cleveland’s youth, families and professional artists. Too many people in our community do not have the opportunity for arts in their lives due to accessibility and affordability. Each day we aim to eliminate as many barriers as possible in order to bring people and their communities together. OUR PROJECT: This year marks our 2nd annual Cleveland Dance Fest, a 2-day dance festival November 10th & 11th in Tremont! The goal of the festival is to initiate a platform to support fellow Cleveland dance artists in the creation of new work, while making dance performance accessible and affordable for Cleveland residents. WHY SUPPORT CLEVELAND DANCE FEST? Your generous impact as a Cleveland Dance Fest Sponsor will improve our community in the following ways: ECONOMIC: Employment of over 40 artists (choreographers, dancers, lighting designers, videographers and more!) & the rental of Cleveland spaces/equipment. ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY: CDF will take place in Tremont, making accessibility & affordability no longer an issue for residents and neighboring communities. In addition, we keep tickets and class prices low so that all can take part in CDF! IDENTITY: Residents need to see work that reflects them. The majority of our CDF artists live and work in Cleveland neighborhoods and create work that stems from their life experiences. COMMUNITY: Experiencing live art is essential to growing a more healthy, vibrant and creative community. We hope for CDF to be a place for conversation and diversity in thought and action. Dance is an art form that can be enjoyed by all generations and we look forward to providing a space for people to come together and experience live dance performances. We hope that you will help support our efforts for a more stronger well connected community in Cleveland. DONATE TODAY -----> http://bit.ly/2fKsvjT

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play reading
by Cindy Dettelbach via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

Please post the following: "He’s running for mayor and away from his past. She’s chasing personal demons. And their adolescent son is attempting to journey from Leonard to Lenore. They’re all crossing boundaries , often at great peril.” Please come to a FREE dramatic first reading of Cynthia Dettelbach’s play “Crossing Boundaries” at Ensemble Theatre, Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Ensemble is located at 2843 Washington Blvd. in Cleveland Heights. Talkback to follow hourlong reading.

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NEED A COMMERCIAL or PROMOTIONAL VIDEO?
by Cole Kornell via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

Kornell Commercials http://www.kornellcommercials.com/ Are you in need of a commercial or promotional for yourself or your business? Kornell Commercials can make that video for you. We specialize in creating video commercials for T.V., websites, and social media platforms. We work directly with a business and/or an advertising agency to create the commercial desired. Service Preproduction to Postproduction - Directing - Producing - Cinematography - Production Crew - Production Equipment - Editing - Motion Design/Graphic Design - and more Check out our work! http://www.kornellcommercials.com/our-work.html Cole Kornell is the Owner & Director of Kornell Commercials. After graduating with honors from Ringling College of Art & Design with a B.F.A. in Film, Cole went on to work as a commercial director and freelance filmmaker. He's a director of commercials, short films, music videos, documentaries, and feature films. You can learn more about him at www.colekornell.com Check out his reel Director Commercial Reel_Cole Kornell | | | | | | | | | | | Director Commercial Reel_Cole Kornell A reel of my latest commercial work. See more at www.colekornell.com | | | | Let's chat! If you are interested and/or have an inquiry, send email or callchat(a)kornellcommercials.com 440-477-3334 Thank you and hope to work with you!

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EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER FOR YOU
by Cole Kornell via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

Hello, Need a event videographer? Need to have someone record a special event of some kind? I can do that for you, all in high quality 4K Ultra HD. Can shoot up to two cameras at the same time even. I can shoot: Theatre Plays/Musicals Graduation PartiesAwards Ceremonies ConcertsWeddings Birthday Partiesand more! See more about me and my work at http://www.colekornell.com/ CONTACT ME:Call 440-477-3334Email colekornell(a)gmail.com Thank you and I hope to work with you!

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Review of "Simply Simone" at Karamu House
by Bob Abelman via NEohioPAL 24 Sep '17

24 Sep '17

Karamu’s ‘Simply Simone,’ a middling play but a magical performance Bob Abelman Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal Member, International Association of Theatre Critics Karamu’s regional premiere of “Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone” received an immediate and thunderous standing ovation during this past Friday night’s performance. And deservingly so. But the audience wasn’t applauding the spirit of Nina Simone, the incandescent soul singer and Black Power icon, who was one of the most influential, provocative and least understood artists of the twentieth century. The audience wasn’t applauding this production of this show either, for there is little in the way of staging to facilitate the storytelling. No, the audience was applauding the performers. For more of this article, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/.

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