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The Many Emotions of Broadway

Wed, Jan 25, 2012 12:00 PM by Luke Anderson

Guest blogger Bartley Stratton, president of Yodel Networking, talks about her recent trip to the Ordway to see Broadway Songbook — The Words and Music of Contemporary Broadway. The next production of Broadway Songbook — The Words and Music of Johnny Mercer will be April 13-15. You can purchase tickets here.

A hard-wood floor and a piano: a simple set for an un-simple performance of Broadway Songbook: Music of Contemporary Broadway.  The first chords of the opening song started and right away I began to tear up.  “A New World” was sung by all of the actors for the first and final song.  What a perfect and beautiful piece to start such a delightful night with.

James Rocco was a spectacular host.  He also wrote the dialogue and brought us through a musical journey.  He seemed like someone you would want to be friends with: friendly, witty and a dynamic performer.  In the first act he stepped out and sang a song called “I’d Rather be Sailing.”  It was so pure and lively, and was enjoyed by the audience.

Songs should tug at your heart.  A good song makes you feel, period.  That may be good, bad, bring a mix of emotions, transport you back to a different time, remind you of a certain person and the list can go on.  When Kym Chambers Otto and Jessica Fredrickson sang “For Good” from Wicked, I was moved.  My sister and I have sung that together at both sides of my grandparents 50th wedding anniversaries.  The song evokes emotion in me for my love of my family.  In the same way that song moved me, the audience loved Allison Tilsen-Kassabian.  She sang “When You’re Good to Momma” from Chicago.  Everyone applauded her and she ended up having to come back on stage to take a second bow. 

Joel Liestman preformed “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera.  Right when he started I could not move.  There was something mesmerizing about him.  His notes were spot on, his dictation was great and his emotion behind the song was perfect.  He knew when to back off and sing quiet as well as crescendo when it was appropriate.  

The entire company preformed, “Steal Your Rock and Roll” from Memphis.  Ronn McKindles led the song.  The words remind us to “listen to the beat that’s within your soul.”  The theme that rang out throughout was emotion.  Each song struck a chord that made you think about life.  As mentioned before, songs should always cause you to feel and that it did. 

The Ordway does some incredible shows and this was one of them.  I look forward to, Broadway Songbook: The Words and Music of Johnny Mercer April 13-15.  If it’s anything like this show, it will be another hit!

Socially yours, Bartley Stratton

Posted in Theater, Musicals, Guest Blog, Broadway Songbook, Theater Season,

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After Cinderella and into the "Now" of Broadway

Fri, Jan 20, 2012 2:30 PM by Marinda Bland

Ordway regular Joel Liestman talks about the transition from acting in our production of Cinderella to our new production of Broadway Songbook – The Words and Music of Contemporary Broadway.  This production of Broadway Songbook runs from January 20 through January 22.  You can purchase tickets here.

Closing a show like Cinderella is always an odd situation.  With the holidays over, you mentally start to move on and look ahead to the projects of the New Year.  But with the relatively short rehearsal process and run of Cinderella, as a company we finally started to get into the groove with the show.  We were finally able to relax and really tell the story without having to focus on all the technical elements, such as "Am I in the correct stage light position?" or "Where is my horse head?" The show was "in our bones" and we were really starting to enjoy ourselves.

But now we're on to the Broadway Songbook - this time focusing on musicals currently or recently seen on Broadway.  I was part of the Irving Berlin Songbook a few months ago and it was fascinating to see the evolution of a single composer throughout his life.  With this concert, we get to see the influence of Berlin and others on the composers who are working right now.  This music is incredibly exciting, difficult, and complex and really forces the performer to stretch themselves vocally and dramatically (which means I'm singing REALLY high).

What the music of today and the music of the past have in common is the ability to reach right in and grab you.  Whether it’s a lyric or a musical phrase, composers like Adam Guettel, Jason Robert Brown, the guys from South Park (seriously? Yes, I say!), and others know that these songs have to have truth.  They must invite the audience into what the characters are thinking and experiencing, and even though we are pulling these songs out of the context of their shows, it's still important that we try to tell their stories. Emotional truth is paramount in modern theater and the music you'll hear in the Broadway Songbook really emphasizes it.

I know it's snowy and cold, but you're really going to want to come out for this.  Join Robb McKindles, Kym Chambers Otto, Allison Tilsen-Kassabian, Cinderella herself Jessica Fredrickson, Ordway big cheese James Rocco, piano maestro Raymond Berg, and me for this fun exploration of what is happening on Broadway right now.

Joel Liestman

joelliestman.com

Posted in Theater, Cinderella, Musicals, Guest Blog, Joel Liestman, Theater Season, Broadway Songbook, Broadway

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Blind Date Reviews

Tue, Jan 17, 2012 11:14 AM by Danielle Schumann

Anything can happen on a first date, and boy will Mimi teach you that! Blind Date, the witty and hilarious improvisational theater show has received wonderful reviews from all across the country. Read what the critics from Toronto, Denver and most recently, Des Moines had to say about this part-burlesque, part-Lucille Ball, part-Match.com adventure!

Toronto Star

Denver Post

Des Moines Register

Blind Date
February 22 - April 1
Ordway's McKnight Theatre

There’s nothing like the thrill of a first date! In the brand-new play Blind Date, you’ll experience all the excitement and awkwardness of love as Mimi, a Parisian temptress played by Rebecca Northan, goes on a blind date with a different man every night—plucked right out of the audience!

For tickets, click here.

Posted in Theater, Blind Date, Reviews

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Operation Glass Slipper Success

Wed, Jan 11, 2012 4:24 PM by Marinda Bland

The Ordway collected ball gowns during the run of our production of Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - and nearly 200 dresses were donated!  On January 11, 2012, Operation Glass Slipper Director Pam Philipp, Cinderella star Jessica Fredrickson, and volunteers helped pack up the gowns, shoes, veils, and other accessories for transport to Operation Glass Slipper headquarters. 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Cinderella, Giving, Announcement, News, Ordway

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Interview with EVIDENCE Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown

Thu, Jan 5, 2012 1:39 PM by Marinda Bland

Ronald K. Brown Evidence, A Dance Company will perform its fusion of spoken word, traditional African dance and contemporary choreography at the Ordway on January 15.  Ronald K. Brown, Artistic Director of Evidence, flew to Minnesota in early December to teach classes and workshops around Saint Paul as a part of the Ordway’s Education programming.  Despite Mr. Brown’s busy schedule while he was here, one of his first stops was the shoe store to buy a new pair of winter boots to stay warm!  

After teaching a Master Class at TU Dance Center on a blustery Saturday afternoon, Mr. Brown sat down with two interns to answer a few questions about dance, community education, and his upcoming performance at the Ordway.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Learn more about Mr. Brown’s visit to Saint Paul in December during the pre-show Ordway Extra in the second-floor Marzitelli Foyer at 6:30pm, just prior to the company’s public performance on Sunday, January 15. Dancers from the community who took part in his classes will be sharing stories about their experiences and inspirations through working with “Ron”.

Then have the chance to ask questions and hear from Mr. Brown and company members during the Talkback and Post-show Party!

You can find out more about Evidence and find ticketing information here.  More information about the Ordway’s Education programming is available on the Education page, and you can keep up to date with the latest Education news on the Education blog.

Posted in World Music, Master Classes, Education, Target World Music, Dance

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Playing for Change Band Members Announced

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 9:38 AM by Danielle Schumann

Playing for Change Artists Announced

Blues, Gospel, Reggae, and Afro-pop all come to the Ordway for a one-night concert, Playing for Change.  This worldwide phenomenon started as a PBS documentary with a mission to inspire, connect, and bring peace through music.  Then a group of the film’s musicians came together for a live performance, and the show was so successful that Playing for Change is now on an international tour produced by Grammy-award winner Mark Johnson.  Playing for Change will be at the Ordway on February 12, 2012, and we will open up the dance floor!  The artists for this performance have just been announced, so here is your first chance to meet the performers.

Grandpa Elliott has been a New Orleans street icon for decades, playing the harmonica and singing vocals. His music and comforting presence have touched countless hearts throughout the years. When you think of the French Quarter you think of Grandpa.

Clarence Milton Bekker comes from Suriname, and moved to Amsterdam at the age of six. He started his singing career with legendary Dutch band, Swing Soul Machine, and he lives in Barcelona, Spain, collaborating with bands like 08001 and local DJs like Taito Tikaro.

Mermans Mosengo assembled a highly regarded multi-cultural band, Afro Fiesta, in Cape Town after playing with the Young Bakuba Band as a drummer and bass guitar player and various solo projects.

Jason Tamba was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has been playing guitar since the age of seven, when he made his own instrument out of wood and four strings. Teaching himself guitar for a decade, he began to study classical guitar at age 20, finally earning a degree in classical guitar. Jason is now a member of Afro Fiesta, a group that is widely considered as innovators in the entertainment industry.

Ruth "Titi" Tsira is a young woman hailing from Gugulethu, an African township in the Western Cape. Raised by a mother who was an actor and a father who was a singer, Titi began singing at a very early age. Her music is a mix of soul and pop fused with African influences. She is excited to add her unique and powerful voice to the Playing for Change movement.

Peter Bunetta is a drummer, producer and entrepreneur with three decades of success in the music business. He brings an impeccable reputation and a rich musical legacy to the Playing for Change organization. With a hand in more than 75 million records sold, Peter has collaborated with some of music's most talented and storied figures including John Prine, Steve Goodman Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle, The Temptations, Ringo Star, and Tina Turner.

Reggie McBride is widely known for his bass playing on albums and live performances since 1969. His credits include Stevie Wonder, Parliment Funkedelics, Rare Earth, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Keb' Mo', Ry Cooder, B.B. King, Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, Rick Springfield, Herbie Hancock, John Lee Hooker, and many others. Reggie continues to ignite the airwaves with his style and technique of bass playing.

Mohammed Alidu was born into the Bizung lineage of talking drum chiefs of Northern Ghana. By the age of five, Mohammed was accompanying his father to performances at the King’s palace, and has since played for President Clinton during his visit to Ghana. Mohammed has performed in many countries throughout the world. In 2004, he spent one year in Madagascar collaborating with local artists. Mohammed composes and performs his unique blend of Afropop music - songs that are not bound by the idea of fitting into the boundaries and structures of a specific musical tradition.

Renard Poche is a multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer whose track record has earned him the reputation as one of the most inventive and multi-talented musicians to come from the city of New Orleans. He has worked with more than 30 Grammy Award winners and has written, collaborated, recorded and/or performed on guitar, trombone, percussion, flute, recorders, bass or vocals with artists including Peter Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, Bono, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, The Indigo Girls, N’Dea Davenport (of The Brand New Heavies), Irma Thomas, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Fred Wesley, George Porter, Jr., Zigaboo, and others.

We hope you’ll join us for a night of music, hope, and change.  You can find ticket information on the performance page.

Posted in World Music, Playing for Change, Announcement

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A Fairy Tale Proposal at Cinderella

Fri, Dec 30, 2011 11:23 AM by Marinda Bland

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 was a special evening at the Ordway because Dave Blanchard proposed to Kaitlyn Krause...in Cinderella's castle!  Dave called ahead to arrange for his proposal in the castle located in the downstairs lobby, which will shortly be moved to its new home at the Ronald McDonald House.  Needless to say, Kaitlyn said yes, and she sent us this thank you note:

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the coordination and planning that went into making Dave's and my night magical.  The show itself was fantastic and the venue gorgeous.  Our night was incredible thanks to you.  The set-up of the ring, camera, book, and champagne inside of the castle was perfect!  I felt like a true princess inside the castle sitting on the bench next to the fireplace when Dave proposed.  Our family and friends will be so excited to see the photos and I am very excited to put them into a photo album.  This was my first time at the Ordway but I know we will be coming back for years to come!  Thank you for your hospitality and making my night a dream come true.

With love,

Kaitlyn Krause

Way to make your fiancee feel like a princess, Dave!

  

Posted in Cinderella, News, Musicals

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Cinderella & Prince Christopher Visit Gillette

Fri, Dec 30, 2011 9:47 AM by Marinda Bland

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Cinderella (Jessica Fredrickson) and Prince Christopher (Jeremiah James) visited Gillette Children's Hospital to perform for the children this December.

Posted in Cinderella, Musicals, News,

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Cinderella's Former Co-Worker Tells of Her Transformation

Wed, Dec 28, 2011 2:30 PM by Marinda Bland

  

Jessica Fredrickson performing for CLIMB Theatre

I had the pleasure of seeing "Cinderella" at the Ordway this year, and it was a particularly special experience. I don't just mean that it was a great production and it's always nice to be at the Ordway, although both of those statements are true. This show was a particularly special experience because I used to work with Cinderella.

In the fall of 2007, Jessica Fredrickson (Cinderella) and I both started our contracts at CLIMB Theatre, which educates K-12 kids on subjects of substance abuse, violence, diversity, harassment, and the environment. Jessie was a member of the Performing Company, which means that she toured the upper Midwest with two other actors, performing plays in school gyms/auditoriums. Her team performed plays on the topic of "friendship" (and a few others I can't recall) for grades K-5.

I'll be honest. When I first met Jessie, I fully expected to dislike her. As you know if you've seen her perform, she is absolutely gorgeous and exceptionally talented. Often in the world of young actors, that combination of assets belongs to people who are entitled and self-centered. I can't stress enough how WRONG my assumptions were! I didn't work very closely with Jessie, but all of my interactions with her showed her to be friendly, funny, and sweet. Every time I saw her, she was smiling and ready to help where she was needed. I enjoyed working with her and wished her the best when her contract with CLIMB ended and she moved on to other opportunities.

Over the next few years, I lost track of Jessie outside of the occasional Facebook post. I knew that she was still performing and our mutual friends mentioned that she was being cast in leading roles, which didn't surprise me. It was in October, when I was at the Ordway to see "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," that I learned she had been cast as Cinderella. I was FLOORED. As an actor, it is such a dream to work in a major production at such a reputable theatre. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to be cast in the lead role! It didn't matter that I hadn't spoken to Jessie in three years. I knew immediately that I needed to see this production. I followed as the Ordway posted pictures and videos on their blog and Facebook, and I eventually won tickets through their Twitter contest.  I gasped the first time I saw a picture of Jessie wearing the ball gown. She looked phenomenal!

So at the performance, my friend and I sat down in the balcony, surrounded by a diverse audience including several young girls wearing blue Cinderella dresses. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" has always been one of my favorite musicals, and I could tell from the opening number that this production would do it justice. The set design, costumes, and lighting were all beautiful. Look specifically for the scene change when the clock strikes midnight - it goes flawlessly from the garden to the ballroom to the front staircase. Every member of the ensemble is talented and well-cast (I especially enjoyed the performances of the Stepmother and Lionel). And then, of course, there was Jessie. The first time she started to sing, I heard the audience collectively gasp. I started to tear up several times - during the transformation sequence of course, and again at the very end. She was phenomenal. I would expect nothing less!

It's a strange experience to see someone you know on the Ordway stage, performing every night for almost 2,000 people. During intermission, and after the show, I overheard numerous audience members commenting on how talented she is (and on the rest of the cast as well, of course!). Before the show started, there was a very young girl sitting near me who was starting to get a bit fussy. My friend leaned over to me and said, "Do you think it would help if we told her that you know Cinderella?" I just smiled and shook my head, but secretly, I wanted to shout it to the whole theatre: "I know Cinderella!" I'm just so excited for Jessie, and so proud of her. I'm sure that this will continue to open doors for her as an actress, and I can't wait to see her transformation continue. She didn't need a fairy godmother to change her from a young aspiring performer into a star at the Ordway. She did that on her own.

By Julie Janus, Teaching Company Director at CLIMB Theatre

Posted in Guest Blog, Cinderella, Musicals

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Actor Joel Liestman's Guide to Two-Show Days

Tue, Dec 27, 2011 4:19 PM by Marinda Bland

Good day there, blog-reader-people! Today, I’m going to talk a little about two-show days: days when we have a matinee and an evening performance. Once the show opens, two-show days are where we as a work family spend time together.  During rehearsal, part of our job is to form close, intense relationships very quickly so the on-stage camaraderie seems real.  We spend many hours in the rehearsal room hanging out, learning things about each other - like how we handle pressure and being overly tired.  Once we get past opening night however, routines change and other priorities come to the forefront.  So when we have two-show days, it gives us a chance to pass the long days together with card games and lots of story swapping - but at a more leisurely pace.

This company has a really good mix of personalities.  Some are quiet, listening to music and getting work done - like writing blog posts on their iPad. Others are quite boisterous, telling jokes and playing the occasional prank. So far, we're doing a good job of balancing each other.  Wait...I should clarify this. This is what it's like in the men's dressing room.  I don't know what goes on in the women's dressing room. I assume they mostly talk about how handsome I am. 

This week, there will be several two-show days.  Whether we spend it running around doing errands or trying to catch up on sleep or trapping someone in the pumpkin for fun (though we would never do that), the most important thing to remember is why we're here: to tell this story as best we can.  We may do the show a hundred times, but the audience is seeing it for the first time. 

By Joel Liestman, joelliestman.com

Posted in Cinderella, Guest Blog, Joel Liestman, Musicals

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This blog is a group effort by Ordway staff, actors, artists, musicians, dancers and all those involved in the creative process of performances, programs and events at the Ordway to provide a behind the scenes look at what happens onstage, backstage and in support of the work presented at the Ordway. We also hope to  discuss pertinent topics in our industry.

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