The UL Lafayette Opera Theater will hold auditions for its spring production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, The Mikado.  The auditions will take place in Angelle Hall (room TBA) on January 14th beginning at 3 pm.    Appropriate audition material would be any song by Gilbert and Sullivan, a light operatic aria, or a classic, lyric musical theatre piece.  Try to keep it comic if possible.  Auditioners may also be asked to do a cold reading.

 

Rehearsals are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 8 pm with 4 performances from April 14th through the 16th in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus. 

 

The cast have 5 females and 5 males with a chorus.  The role of the Mikado is pre-cast.

 

Cast Breakdown:

 

The Mikado, bass

Nanki Poo,  tenor

Yum Yum, soprano

Koko, baritone (Patter role)

Katisha, mezzo or contralto

Poo Bah,  baritone or bass

Pish Tush, baritone or bass

Peep Bo,  soprano or mezzo

Pitti Sing,  mezzo

 

 

Contact Shawn Roy at 482-5939 or srr3023@louisiana.edu for more information about the auditions or performances.

 

The operetta is being accompanied by the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. William Hochkeppel.  The show is being directed by Shawn Roy and choreographed by Kenneth Jenkins.  Sets are by Duncan Thistlethwaite and Lighting Design by Ken Harrelson.  Costumes are by Malabar Costume rental, Inc. 

         

Please join us for 

A concert of Advent and Christmas music performed by

The Bayou Harp Circle of Lafayette

and the St. Cecilia Children’s Handbell Choir

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

7:00 p.m.

Affiliated School for the Blind

409 W. St. Mary, Lafayette, LA

Donations will be accepted for Affiliated School for the Blind

After last year’s fundraising success, The Bayou Harp Circle is together again to host their 6^th Annual Christmas concert, “Harps and Handbells for the Holidays.” On Wednesday,

Dec. 15, 2010, at the Affiliated School for the Blind Training Center on 409 West St. Mary, all are welcome to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy peaceful Holiday melodies. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, Inc.

The Bayou Harp Circle is a group of local harpists that formed in 2004 and are now under the direction of Bette Vidrine. Joining the harpists this year will be the St. Cecilia Bell Choir, 4 vocalists, and a variety of talented musicians that includes Special Guest, Dr. Kimberley Houser, harp professor at LSU. Bringing a unique sound to traditional Holiday music, the artists hope to draw in a crowd that not only enjoys the music but takes the time to learn more about ABL.

“With the help of the attending crowd, we were able to raise $1,800 for ABL. We know times were hard for everyone last year, and it remains the same in 2010, so we appreciate every cent that’s given,” says Bette Vidrine. “We hope this year’s concert will be as much or more of a success.”

ABL was founded in 1983 as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing special services and training to Louisiana's visually-impaired, blind and deaf-blind populations. The Training Center is used to teach people who are blind and deaf-blind the skills that lead to independence, employment and community integration. They have four chapters and approximately 190 members throughout Louisiana, and over sixty employees throughout its various operations.

With the help of such fundraising events like “Harps and Handbells for the Holidays” and the giving spirit of those who attend, ABL is able to continue their services and increase their awareness to the public. Learn more about the non-profit and their schedule of events at http://www.affiliatedblind.org.

For a soprano, getting to Heaven means going through Hell.

At least that's the idea in Too Many Sopranos, an affectionate send-up of opera, produced by the UL Opera Theater.

Edwin  Penhorwood's Too Many Sopranos sends four opera divas to Heaven – each a particular brand of opera soprano ripe for parody – and serves them one final injustice: they must audition for a spot in Heaven because there are too many sopranos and not enough tenors in basses upstairs. The foursome reluctantly audition, and when St. Peter is unable to decide who stays, the angel Gabriel gives the ladies an out. If they travel to Hell and perform a selfless act, they can bring as many male singers to Heaven as they want, ensuring their places in the forever after. The ladies agree, descend to Hell and make a go of it.

Everything works out in the end – this is a comic opera, after all, and tears aren't the business of the day. But Too Many Sopranoshas more on its mind.  Sopranos is a playful introduction to opera as a medium, gently ribbing the styles, modes and performers that have made the medium great. It never takes itself too seriously, and wins you over with its mischievous spirit and generous heart.

Penhorwood's score is an always-accessible and tuneful creation, giving playful nods to a whole array of operatic traditions and styles. The opera also benefits from a clever libretto by librettist Miki L. Thompson, delivering a rich and abundantly entertaining show. Opera buffs will revel in the many in-jokes that litter the show, but the piece remains wholly accessible to neophytes as well. The show is smart, quick, affectionate and clever.

The cast is filled with capable and confident student performers. All four sopranos were delights to watch. Lana Carver's Miss Titmouse was a deliciously flirty creation, and her audition aria was simply terrific. Jessica Wiltz scored some big laughs as Madame Pompous – particularly owning the moment late in Act One when the ladies assume their disguises as missionaries. And Meghin Taylor delivered a sweetly adorable Just Jeanette, delivering some subtle but effective comic moments in her Act Two stretch with Nelson Deadly (Kevin Credeur).

Of the sopranos, I was particularly fond of Alex Hollerman's Dame Doleful, a boozy, morose dark stormcloud of a soprano that practically vibrated with self-seriousness. In Hollerman's hands, the role was a riot. She's got comic chops and knows how to use them. I kept seeing Hollerman as a cross between Beth Leavel's fierce grandiosity inThe Drowsy Chaperone, and Katie Finneran's hilarious physical comedy in Promises, Promises.

The men all acquit themselves nicely. Holden Greene (Enrico Carouser) has one hell of a voice, and his big moment at the start of Act Two was a delight. Jared Price as the Unnamed Bass also delivered some nice moments. Jonah Slason's St. Peter and Nicholas Manzo's Orson and Jenee Luquette's Sandman are less showy roles, but the actors scored nicely with them.

(And the wordless appearance by local entrepreneur Wesley Sun Chee Fore was both a hoot and a reminder that we all – seriously, all of us – need to get to the gym.)

The show's single performance oddity was Joshua Coen's Gabriel. The role is essentially a silent one (save for one line at the opera's conclusion), but Gabriel's a constant presence. Coen certainly takes the role and runs with it – his take on Gabriel is a frenetically physical one, bounding from moment to moment, all arms and legs and exaggeration – but the energy expended doesn't consistently reap comic rewards. It too soon begins to feel a little self-indulgent, and it's too quickly out of step with the more considered comic performances around him. His castmates are doing more with less, and it's the one misstep in an otherwise uniformly impressive ensemble performance.

The show benefits from some strong direction by Shawn Roy and a clever scenic design by Duncan Thistlethwaite. Roy keeps things moving, but the staging never gets in the way or becomes cumbersome. Roy knows how to put together a nice-looking musical moment with a few simple gestures and a few simple moves. And his staging always looks great on his actors. Thistlethwaite's set offers Roy an abundance of opportunities to create interesting stage pictures, and it delivers a charmingly simple but impressive Heaven-to-Hell transition. Add some smart costume choices and a few well-chosen props you've got a show that's visually as charming as the performance.

Too Many Sopranos has a lot on its mind, but what makes the show a winner is what's in its heart. The show was a boyuant, playful and ebullient romp, and it was an easy two hours in the theatre.  That's something to be thankful for.

This show was Heaven, even though it went to Hell and back.
---Cody Daigle

Ray Blum reviews the UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra's Halloween concert in the Friday, November 5th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre production of Too Many Sopranosopened Friday night in the newly renovated Burke Theatre on the university's campus.  There will be two more shows, one on Saturday (7:30 pm) and one on Sunday (3 pm).  Tickets are available only at the door.

Jared Price (as the Unnamed Bass) and Alex Hollerman (as Dame Doleful)

Jessica Wiltz (as Madame Pompous) and Nicholas Manzo (as Orson)

Kevin Credeur (as Nelson Deadly) and Meghin Taylor (as Just Jeanette)

 Lana Carver (as Miss Titmouse) and Holden Greene (as Enrico Carouser)

Jenee Luquette (as Sandman)

Joshua Coen (as Gabriel, an angel), Jonah Slason (as St. Peter) and Jessica Wiltz.

Photos by Beverly Harlton, permission from Shawn Roy

ULL Opera Theatre performs "Too Many Sopranos"

The cast of the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre's  Too Many Sopranos is in the final days of rehearsal.  The show opens on Friday, November 5th at 7:30 pm and runs through Sunday, November 7th.

Review

Ray Blum reviews the performance of the Acadiana Symphony with Chorale Acadianne, the UL Chorale and the Nichols State Chorus in the Friday, October 29th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

UL SYMPHONY HALLOWEEN CONCERT

University of Louisiana-Lafayette

UL SYMPHONY HALLOWEEN CONCERT

Adults and little ones alike will get into the Halloween spirit when the UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Blaney presents its Annual Halloween Concert on Saturday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Angelle Hall Auditorium. Orchestra members will be wearing costumes and the audience is encouraged to show up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Musical highlights of this year’s concert include: Music from Star Wars; The Phantom Menace; The Simpsons; Borodin, Polovtsian Dances; and The Composer is Dead.

Guest appearances by the UL Dance Department and Shawn Roy. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday in a fun and entertaining way. Admission is $7 for adults, FREE for 17 and younger, all UL students, faculty, and staff with I.D. All proceeds benefit the UL-Lafayette Orchestra Program. For more information call the UL School of Music at (337) 482-6012.

Visit  www.ularts.com to view information about all College of the Arts performances.

Opera--Performance

ULL Symphony Halloween Concert

University of Louisiana-Lafayette

UL SYMPHONY HALLOWEEN CONCERT

Adults and little ones alike will get into the Halloween spirit when the UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Blaney presents its Annual Halloween Concert on Saturday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Angelle Hall Auditorium. Orchestra members will be wearing costumes and the audience is encouraged to show up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Musical highlights of this year’s concert include: Music from Star Wars; The Phantom Menace; The Simpsons; Borodin, Polovtsian Dances; and The Composer is Dead.

Guest appearances by the UL Dance Department and Shawn Roy. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday in a fun and entertaining way. Admission is $7 for adults, FREE for 17 and younger, all UL students, faculty, and staff with I.D. All proceeds benefit the UL-Lafayette Orchestra Program. For more information call the UL School of Music at (337) 482-6012.

Visit  www.ularts.com to view information about all College of the Arts performances.

Iconic folk singer Judy Collins--whose hits "Both Sides Now" and "Turn, Turn, Turn"made her an international star--will appear in a special evening performance presented by the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 15.  This performance will take place at the Heymann Performing Arts Center and is sponsored by The Independent and Centennial Wireless, the official wireless provider for PASA.

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folk songs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 40 years. At 13, she made her public debut performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos" but, it was the music of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked her transition to singer/songwriter. She moved away from the classical piano and began her lifelong love with the guitar and, in 1961 at the age of 22, released her first album, “A Maid of Constant Sorrow,” beginning a thirty-five year association with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records. Her top 10 hits include her rendition of the Joni Mitchell classic ”Both Sides Now”, “Send in the Clowns”, and “Who Knows Where the Time Goes.”

“Judy Collins’s range and versatility as a singer are unmatched,” says Jackie Lyle, PASA's executive director. “Her performance in Lafayette will feature everything from her immortal covers of Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” and,Stephen Sondheim's “Send in the Clowns," to her most recent work.”

 In addition to being a legendary singer/songwriter, Collins has authored five books, including her 2003 memoir Sanity and Grace, A Journey of Suicide, Survival, and Strength.  In 2008, she oversaw the production and release of Born to the Breed, A Tribute to Judy Collins, which features artists ranging from Dolly Parton and Joan Baez, to Rufus Wainwright and Chrissie Hynde, covering her compositions. She is an accomplished painter, actress, filmmaker, record label head, and a longtime social activist for causes, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and suicide prevention.

In June 2010, she released her children’s book Over The Rainbow, and “Paradise” her newest solo album. “Paradise” is a collection of 10 new recordings that features her haunting song “Kingdom Come” written shortly after 9/11 as a tribute to the New York City Fire Department, as well as guest appearances by Michael Johnson, Joan Baez, and Stephen Stills (of Crosby, Stills and Nash).

“Great seats are still available for this performance.” says Lyle. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime to hear this great, renowned singer. Whether you are a longtime fan or just a lover of great music, this evening with Judy Collins will top your list of best live performances ever.”

Tickets for Judy Collins are on sale now through TicketMaster at (800) 866-7000 or online at www.pasaonline.org.

For more information about this and other events presented by PASA, visit www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787.

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre is holding auditions for Too Many Sopranos on Thursday, August 26th in Room 143 in Angelle Hall at 4:30 pm.  Auditioners should come prepared to sing a piece in English, preferably an aria. 

Too Many Sopranos is a two act opera sung in English.  Four divas arrive in heaven to discover that there is not room for all of them in the Heavenly Chorus due to the number of tenors and basses in hell.  The divas must travel to hell to try to bring back to heaven some tenors and basses to balance the Chorus.


For more information about the auditions, contact Shawn Roy at 482-5939.

PASA Music Program

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) kicks off its annual Play It Again musical instrument drive August 16 - August 31. The program which is in its sixth year supports school band programs with music instruments for students in financial need.

Since 2004, PASA has worked with area middle school band programs providing students regardless of their financial background, the opportunity to explore the joy of playing music. Instruments in the program are donated by area residents, refurbished by PASA, and donated to local schools, to be placed with students whose families have been identified has having financial challenges.

The Play It Again program provides instruments for students so that they can be a part of band programs, which encourages self-discipline, self-respect, respect for others, creative problem-solving and exact physical, mental and emotional demands of students. In addition to the life skills students learn, the school band provides students with safe outlets for comradery, entertainment and sheer fun.

  

PASA Executive Director, Jacqueline Lyle says, "Children who participate in band belong to something positive they can take with them through high school and college. “The Play it Again program is a valuable asset to all schools that participate and with continued instrument donations and financial support from the community these band programs can continue to positively affect a child’s life.”

The demand for instruments is on-going as more students choose band as an elective and discover music. PASA collects flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets and other instruments in relatively good condition year-round in an effort to accommodate children who have the ambition and creativity to be part of the school band.

PASA’s Play It Again Musical Instrument program receives generous sponsorship support from Chevron. For companies interested in sponsoring the Play It Again program, contact PASA at (337) 237-2787 ext 204.

  

To support Play It Again program by donating a musical instrument, making a monetary contribution or to offer support in some other way, call the PASA office at (337) 237-2787 or visit us online at www.pasaonline.org.

Chorale Acadienne Open Auditions will be held at 6 pm on Monday, August 2nd.  Auditions will be held at First Baptist Church at 1100 Lee Ave in Lafayette.  The group is looking for people who love to sing choral music and are able to read music. To audition, singers should be prepared to sing a solo and should bring a copy of the music for the provided accompanist. 


For more information, call 269-8874 or e-mail ca@choraleacadienne.com. First Baptist Church. 

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre is holding open auditions for Too Many Sopranos, a contemporary opera by Edwin Penhorwood, on Thursday, August 6th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in Room 143 in Burke Hall on the UL campus. There is a cast of 12 people and all are welcome to audition.  Production dates are November 5th, 6th and 7th in Burke Theater on the UL-Lafayette campus.  The singing roles available are:

• St. Peter - bass-baritone
• Dame Doleful - mezzo-soprano
• Madame Pompous - soprano
• Miss Titmouse - coloratura soprano
• Just Jeannette - soprano
• Sandman - soprano
• Unnamed Bass - bass-baritone
• Enrico Carouser - tenor
• Gabriel-Angel - silent
• Nelson Deadly - tenor
• Orson - bass

There is one non-singing acting role (actor or dancer)  who must be flexible and able to move well.  Rehearsals for this production will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm. 

Auditioners are asked to bring an operatic aria in any language (English preferred).  

The Music of Acadiana Performance Series in Arnaudville focuses on historically-rooted genres, with unique rhythms and personalities that have been transformed with modern sounds, instruments and musicians. We also provide opportunities for independent singer/songwriters. To name a few, Honky Tonk, Old Time, Irish, Gospel, Blues jam sessions and suppers.

Essentially, we present music sessions (jams) every Sunday followed by dinner concerts. Each Session has a lead musician that provides for a musician/mentoring segment and takes place in Café NUNU overlooking historic Bayou Teche. Sessions are free and open to the general public. Any and all musicians are encouraged to participate. Following each Session, focus shifts to the Frederick Stage and the Performance component in NUNU's Nightlite where local musicians are featured.

The last weekend of the month we focus on indigenous music including-Cajun, swamp blues, swamp pop and Creole (which later influenced zydeco). This component of the Music of Acadiana Performance Series is part of the over-arching initiative, “Nous autres, on est fier de parler français” whereby varied opportunities to use French are available including: a conversation table (La Table Française d’Arnaudville), French Catholic mass at St. Francis Regis Church and coming in September, a house dance (Bal de Maison) and film series.

Culinary Artist Roxanna Marks prepares delicious fare. $12 includes dinner, music and dessert, $6 for kids 12 and under. Beverages including Arnaudville’s local brew LA 31 Pale Ale, the Green Mary and an assortment of Organic teas are available for purchase.

Products:

• July 4th
Indie Supper
Singer/Songwriter--Al Guilliot
will lead the jam--1pm
Singer/Songwriter--Al Guilliot
will perform--4-6pm

• July 11th
Old Time Supper
Richard Burgess
will lead the jam, 1pm
Richard Burgess
will perform, 4pm-6pm

• July 18th
Gospel Supper
Felicia Comeaux
will lead the jam, 1pm
Members of the Pine Grove Baptist Male Choir
will perform, 4pm-6pm

• July 25th
Le Souper Francais
Lache Pas
will lead the jam, 1pm
Creole Musician--Joe Hall
will perform, 4pm-6pm

• August 1
Celtic Supper
Steven and Michael Barney
will lead the jam, 1pm
Celtic Circuit with TBA
will perform, 4pm-6pm

PASA seeking new Executive Director

The board of directors of the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) announced today that it has begun a search for a replacement for its executive director Jacqueline Lyle, who will move to the role of creative director.

"For the past 20 years under Jackie Lyle's direction, PASA has consistently brought a stellar line-up of performing arts entertainment to Lafayette.  We are looking to the next 20 years as we begin the search for a new executive director," says Donald Johnson, board president.

"Serving as PASA's executive director has been very exciting, fulfilling and gratifying.  I cannot imagine what else I could have done with my professional life that would have been this rewarding and satisfying," says Lyle. "We are fortunate that we live in a community whose generosity continues to support all of the work that PASA does."

The search is currently under way and PASA is seeking applicants. The full job description can be viewed online atwww.pasa-online.org.  Interested individuals should submit their resumes to ed@pasa-online.org.

ABOUT PASA

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), based in Lafayette, LA, began in 1989 and has presented performing artists of many genres - dance, opera, chamber music, comedy, theater, jazz, and popular music. Violinist Itzhak Perlman, comedians Lily Tomlin and Bill Cosby, pop singers Tony Bennett and Roberta Flack, and the annual tours of the New York City Opera National Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rank in PASA's history.  Additionally, PASA has commissioned new music and new dance, spawning projects that have enjoyed critical acclaim around the world.

PASA has consistently grown within its mission of providing local access to great performing arts, developing an annual series of daytime performances for students; a thriving musical instrument recycling program that benefitsmiddle school students; free programming for senior citizens; in-school residencies; and PASA in the Park, a free annual outdoor event. The latest PASA initiative is the Louisiana Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Ensemble Festival, a partnership with the school of music at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Festival International under the auspices of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington program.

Drums Across Cajun Field

Ten Elite Drum Corps will visit Cajun Field!

The Concord Blue Devils and The Phantom Regiment lead off with 8 other top-notch corps. Visit www.dci.org or www.ulbands.com for full details.

Date:	Monday, July 26, 2010
Time:	6:30pm - 10:30pm
Location:	Cajun Field
Street:	201 Reinhardt Dr
City/Town:	Lafayette, LA

Tickets go on sale May 17. Premium tickets $20, Super $15. Group tickets $13. Band Directors get Premiums for bringing groups. Go to ulbands.com for details. 

OLT changes plans for summer musical

The Opelousas Little Theatre was denied the rights to Beauty and the Beast because of the extended national tour.  So the committee has decided on an alternate production, Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. The audition times previously scheduled for Beauty and the Beast will be used instead forInto the Woods.  The dates and times are Wednesday, April 28th from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday, May 1st from 4 to 6 pm.

For more infomation, contact Duncan McBride at 337-351-3822 or Dana Reed at 337-351-2591.