Interview: Peter Knell and Stephanie Fleischmann on Their New Opera ARKHIPOV at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
Even though I was very young, I still remember the tension in the air at school and at home during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. And just today, news of the current Cold War going on between Russia and the rest of the world regarding Ukraine, with even Elon Musk warning the world about possible nuclear war breaking out. So it seems very fortuitous that Peter Knell and Stephanie Fleischmann have created a heart-stopping experience set in a submarine during the crisis of 1962. Their new opera ARKHIPOV is based on the true story of the man who saved humanity from nuclear annihilation during a tipping point between Russia and the United States in the Cuban Missile Crisis. But what motivated them to create an opera about such a terrifying moment in world history? I decide to speak with them and find out.
GREAT COMET's Rachel Chavkin Helms PRIMER FOR A FAILED SUPERPOWER in Brooklyn
Award-winning Brooklyn ensemble the TEAM will present PRIMER FOR A FAILED SUPERPOWER, a two-night-only concert event featuring a multigenerational band of teenagers, TEAM performers, and Baby Boomers, directed by the TEAM's Artistic Director and Tony Award nominee Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812).
The Plagiarists to Present SALON 45: TIME - THE BEGINNING AND END OF EVERYTHING
Descended from the Old English sele, or 'hall', the word SALON has come to mean a gathering designed to entertain and enlighten (from BUST magazine). The events reached their 'apogee' during the 17th and 18th centuries in French aristocratic homes. There were rich and plenteous foods, there were games and glamour, music to engage in and these events were of course also 'binges of bon mots, banter and verbal and artistic prowess, intellectual orgies.' Salons were incubators of ideas that started with conversations.
The TEAM Publishes New Works
The award-winning Brooklyn-based ensemble the TEAM has announced the release of two new published works, as part of their 10th anniversary: an anthology titled Five Plays By The TEAM, and the script for RoosevElvis, both published by Oberon Books. They'll be celebrating the release of both with a book launch event that includes performances and a book signing on Saturday, January 31 at BookCourt (163 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201).
The TEAM's ROOSEVELVIS Performances Begin Tonight at Vineyard Theatre
The award-winning Brooklyn-based ensemble the TEAM (Artistic Director Rachel Chavkin, Producing Director Manda Martin) celebrate their 10th anniversary this January, with the return of their acclaimed play, RoosevElvis, co-presented with Vineyard Theatre and Performance Space 122's COIL 2015 Festival; the debut of a brand new work, The Holler Sessions, in Seattle; and the release of two new published works on January 8: an anthology titled Five Plays By The TEAM, and the script for RoosevElvis, both published by Oberon Books.
THE LITMASH with Brian Babylon Set for 4/7
Chicago Slam Works puts the spotlight on storytelling with 'The LitMash' - an action-packed slam competition that combines the art forms of poetry, comedy, storytelling, music and creative non-fiction. 'The LitMash' on Monday, April 7 features 'The Moth Story Slam' Chicago host Brian Babylon among others. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door. 'The LitMash' is at the Haymarket Pub and Brewery, 737 W. Randolph Street. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 8 p.m. For more information visit www.ChicagoSlamWorks.com.
Chicago Slam Works Announces Upcoming Season
Chicago Slam Works (CSW) has announced its 2012-13 season packed with innovative collaborations and dynamic performances at a new location, Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. The season, directed by Artistic Director J.W. Basilo, features poets and storytellers facing off in 'Two Sides', October 10, 17 and 24, 2012, deceased poets challenging the living in 'Dead or Alive' December 5, 12 and 19, 2012, dancers and poets collaborate for 'In Motion', March 13, 20 and 27, 2013 and the season concludes when top German poets join Chicago poets in 'In Any Tongue', August 2 and 3, 2013. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Raven Theatre. Tickets are $14 and free parking is available. For tickets or information visit www.chicagoslamworks.com or call 847-556-8679.
Review 'A Class Act' at Toronto 's Civic Light Opera
The Civic Light Opera Company's Toronto premiere production of A Class Act affords a chance to get to know some of Ed Kleban's catalogue. It is a catalogue filled with eloquent songs, and production that is exceptionally well acted and sung.
* * * * * (OUT OF 5)
Review: 'Scrooge!'
The Civic Light Opera Company revives its 1998 musical version of A Christmas Carol at Fairview Library Theatre. Production runs thru December 21.
Review: As Thousands Cheer
Toronto's Civic Light opera Company offers Canadian premiere of Irving Berlin & Moss Hart's depression era revue.
* * * * (OUT OF 5)
(Reviewed September 7, 2007)
Review: JERRY'S GIRLS
The Civic Light Operea Company's celebration of the life and songs of Jerry herman provides a toe-tapping evening of show tunes.
* * * * (out of 5)