Review: THE LION, THE UNICORN, AND ME at Kennedy Center
Ten years ago, Washington National Opera (WNO) premiered a family opera about the events leading up to the birth of Jesus in a manger. This past weekend, The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me returned to Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater for four performances only. I reviewed the premiere, and it was as good as I remembered – and possibly even better on second listening.
BWW Review: THE ANONYMOUS LOVER at Home Computer Screens
Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a Black man born in 1745 to a slave and a slaveholder on the island of Guadeloupe. Few know Bologne wrote operas and most of them have been lost. Only L’Amant Anonyme remains in its entirety. You can hear some of the stylistic traits of both Mozart and Gluck in L’Amant. Some sonorities found in L’Amant are similar to those found in the works of the above-mentioned composers but there are also marked differences and Bologne’s music certainly deserves to have its own place in the sun.
WNO Presents Leonard Bernstein's Piercing Satire CANDIDE at the Kennedy Center
Washington National Opera concludes its 2017-2018 season with the company premiere of Leonard Bernstein's biting satire Candide, May 5-26, 2018, in the Kennedy Center Opera House. Candide is one of Bernstein's most popular and enduring works, blurring the lines between opera and musical theater. Heading the all-American cast are three powerhouses from the world of opera: tenor Alek Shrader in his WNO debut in the title role, soprano Kathryn Lewek as his forlorn love interest Cunegonde, and WNO audience favorite and local legend Denyce Graves as the Old Lady. This new-to-Washington production, the centerpiece of the Kennedy Center's season-long Leonard Bernstein at 100 celebration, is directed by WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Nicole Paiement.
BWW Review: A Stunning & Captivating CANDIDE Maestro Bernstein Would Be So Proud of
From the moment the amazing James Conlon-conducted orchestra began their crisp, lively 'Overture' to 'Quartet Finale,' the close of Act One; this remarkable production of CANDIDE entranced the Dorothy Chandler audience. Then after a short intermission, these talented performers and musicians had the audience right back in the palms of their skilled hands, beyond the tears-inducing finale 'Make Our Garden Grow,' to the extended and most deserved standing ovation for the cast, orchestra, and creatives.
Photo Flash: Glimmerglass Festival's STABAT MATER & THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL PASSION, Thru 8/22
The Glimmerglass Festival's theater was filled Saturday night with the light sound of dancers' footsteps, the melodic voices of children and the practiced tones of adult soloists, at the premiere of Passions. This double bill is comprised of late period baroque composer Pergolesi's Stabat Mater and the Pulitzer Prize-winning the little match girl passion by David Lang. Check out a first look at the productions below!
Photo Coverage: ON THE TOWN Closing Night Party
On the Town, the opening production of New York City Center's 2008-09 Encores! season, opened, November 19th and played a final performance on Sunday November 23rd. On the Town, the first Broadway musical written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green with a score by Leonard Bernstein, was directed by John Rando with music direction by Todd Ellison and choreography by Warren Carlyle. BroadwayWorld's cameras joined the starry cast at the closing night party!
Photo Coverage: ON THE TOWN Curtain Call
On the Town, the opening production of New York City Center's 2008-09 Encores! season, opened, November 19th and played a final performance on Sunday November 23rd.. On the Town, the first Broadway musical written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green with a score by Leonard Bernstein, was directed by John Rando with music direction by Todd Ellison and choreography by Warren Carlyle. BroadwayWorld's cameras had a 'helluva' time joining in on all the fun!
TV: Broadway Beat Special-ON THE TOWN Rehearsals
New York City Center's 2008-09 Encores! season, running November 19 - 23, will present ON THE TOWN, the first Broadway musical written by Betty Comden andAdolph Green with a score by Leonard Bernstein. The show will be directed by John Rando with music direction by Todd Ellison and choreography by Warren Carlyle. Broadway Beat takes you behind the scenes with a visit into the rehearsal hall as the cast readies for Opening Night!
Photo Flash: ON THE TOWN First Cast Photos
New York City Center's 2008-09 Encores! season, running November 19 - 23, will present ON THE TOWN, the first Broadway musical written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green with a score by Leonard Bernstein. The show will be directed by John Rando with music direction by Todd Ellison and choreography by Warren Carlyle.
ON THE TOWN With Martin, Cumpsty and Yazbeck Announces Performance Schedule
Andrea Martin, Michael Cumpsty and Tony Yazbeck have been cast in On the Town, the opening production of New York City Center's 2008-09 Encores! season, running November 19 - 23. On the Town, the first Broadway musical written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green with a score by Leonard Bernstein, will be directed by John Rando with music direction by Todd Ellison and choreography by Warren Carlyle.