Blog | ORDWAY

Did you know about Ordway Playmakers?

info@ordway.org(Kate Scarrella) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:05 GMT

It is that time of the year again; the busy holiday season is upon us. I know personally I have a hard time coming up with new gift ideas for the people on my list. The Ordway has a great idea for a gift for someone you care about, Playmakers!

What is Playmakers you may ask yourself? Well, it is a great way to be a part of the creative team. Playmakers is a cool and inexpensive opportunity to sponsor actual props and costumes from a show and to be listed online as an official part of the creative team. Right now, both Sister’s Christmas Catechism and/or Beauty and the Beast props and costumes are available for sponsorship. When I say inexpensive I really mean it. Some examples of the items available are the Tankards that Gaston and the guys drink out of for $10 or the torches the townspeople carry when storming Beast’s castle for $15. Seriously, when would you ever get the opportunity to sponsor a photo of the Pope for only $25? And if you are feeling very generous and want to sponsor the Beast himself for $500, not only will you get to have your name listed on the website as his sponsor but you will get the opportunity to walk onstage and have your photo taken in front of the set holding a special rose handed to you by an Ordway stagehand! What an amazing holiday gift to give someone you love! You can sponsor an actual cast members like Belle, Lumiere & Cogsworth as well as the Beast. Whether it’s the Beast’s rose ($200) or Sister’s “Ruler Chair” ($50), you can sponsor an item in honor of a special someone or even sponsor something for you!!

Playmakers has had great success in the past and many people have sponsored items that meant something to them. On the website you can see past sponsorships from previous productions, some of the examples you will see are parents sponsoring items for their kids, fans of specific actors sponsoring items they associate with the characters they play and my favorite one, a just-married couple sponsored the wedding cake for Singin’ in the Rain. Do you have a daughter who spends every waking moment watching Beauty and the Beast? What a unique opportunity to make her holiday joyful!!

I know for me every time I watch the movie Beauty and the Beast I wish I had a pretty yellow dress like Belle’s to wear. Obviously I don’t have any “fancy dinner parties with a prince” to wear it to so I could settle for the next best thing…sponsoring it! To see all the items available for sponsorship go to ordway.org/playmakers >>

Join Ordway's food drive

info@ordway.org(Elke Brumm) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:40 GMT

Do you have a pet at home? Is it a little Beauty or a little Beast? Thinking about my parents' tom cat, he is a bit of both. When he is hungry, he follows you everywhere meowing and when he is happy he is the nicest lap cat. From my volunteer work at a local food shelf, doing the monthly donation report, I know that the demand for human food has been constantly on the rise since the recession started. Also the demand for food and supplies for cherished pets is growing. People who lost their jobs, have had to give up their pets, because they can't afford their food or vet bills any more. Recently a lady, who we knew had a dog at home, started crying when picking up her monthly grocery bag from the food shelf because we offered her a big bag of dog food that was donated the day before.

During all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, like getting presents for loved ones, decorating and baking cookies, organizing the trip home to family members or preparing one's own home for the holidays, let's remind ourselves of the families in need. This December the Ordway has teamed up with Second Harvest Heartland and The Pet Project for a food drive. So when you come to the Ordway to enjoy Disney's Beauty and the Beast or Sister's Christmas Catechism, participate in our food drive and bring some non-perishable food items and/or pet food.

Second Harvest Heartland operates the fourth largest Feeding America food bank in the US and delivers food donations to soup kitchens, shelters and food shelves, just like the one I volunteer for in Northern Washington County. The Pet Project helps the same people in need to keep their beloved pets and provides them with pet food and supply donations.

For more information on these charities and ideas for donation items, please visit their websites: www.2harvest.org and www.thepetprojectmn.org.

Please help make the food drive a success by suggesting to anyone who might be going that they bring some non-perishable food items or pet food! Thank you!

Beauty and the Beast on Twin Cities Live

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:03 GMT

For the past seven weeks, KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live has followed the creative process of putting together Ordway’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with weekly broadcast segments. Watch the videos below to see the show evolve from designing the sets to the final production.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs now through Jan 3. Tickets >>

Part 1: Set Design

Part 2: Vocal Music

Part 3: Costume Design

Part 4: Meet and Greet

Part 5: Rehearsal

Part 6: Tech

Part 7: Opening Night

A New Year of Joy for the Ordway

info@ordway.org(Kate Scarrella) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:24 GMT

I can’t believe it, it seems like yesterday we were welcoming 2009 and wondering what the year would bring. Now it is 2010 and we are feeling the same bit of excitement and anticipation. There are a lot of great things going on at the Ordway this year; a busy February with the Target World Music and Dance Series, the highly anticipated August: Osage County will be here in March, the 2010-2011 Season Announcements in February and the classic South Pacific will sail into town in May. But one of the biggest things is the 25th Anniversary Celebration.

The first show to take place on the Ordway stage was A Chorus Line; can you believe the Ordway has been around for 25 years? In honor of this I thought it fitting to share some facts about the Ordway that you may not have known about.

The wood in the lobbies is made out of Honduran mahogany, which is now endangered.
The show Les Miserable’s is the production that has graced the Ordway stage the most. It has come to the Ordway for a total of 11 engagements.
In the hallway behind the main hall lobby the Ordway has a “Wall of Fame” that has signed photos with notable performers including Bob Hope, Sandy Duncan, Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, Aaron Neville, Emmy Lou Harris & Leotyne Price (she also happened to be the first performer on stage at the Ordway).
For Ordway’s grand opening party in 1985, plants were shipped in from South America to decorate the lobby, but didn’t arrive until opening day. The plants were rushed into place before guests arrived. The staff discovered Gecko lizards living in the plants and spent the rest of the night trying to catch them before the party guests noticed the unexpected visitors!
It’s not uncommon for marriage proposals to occur either prior to a show or during intermission. Ushers might bring in flowers or present the ring on a pillow or help in other ways. I know we had at least one marriage proposal during the holiday production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and before the proposal the cast was even involved in making the day extra special.
To help keep the lines moving at intermission, there are 131 toilets in Ordway Center.

Please join us to help celebrate our 25th anniversary on Sunday January 17th. The Ordway doors will be open to everyone to come and enjoy performances from the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club, take backstage tours and participate in a once and a lifetime opportunity to stand on the Ordway stage and have your 25 seconds of fame. I don’t know about you but I am looking forward to watching this! We would love to hear about your favorite Ordway memories either on our blog or stop by and record your message in the Ordway Memory Booth. It is located in the lobby and is available to use any time the box office is open as well as if you are here for a show or on the day of the 25th Anniversary Open House. The response has been wonderful and it sounds like we have some great videos from people (and some funny ones too). We truly hope you all can make it and look forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone all year.

For more information on the 25th Anniversary Open House please visit ordway.org/25years >>

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is a 2010 Joyce Award Winner

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:20 GMT

THE JOYCE FOUNDATION HONORS ARTISTIC WORK IN CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, AND MINNEAPOLIS
2010 JOYCE AWARDS PROGRAM SUPPORTS FIVE MIDWEST CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS TO COMISSION NEW WORKS BY ARTISTS OF COLOR

CHICAGO—The Joyce Foundation is proud to announce the 2010 Joyce Awards winners in the Midwest cities of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Since 2003, the Joyce Awards program has been the only granting opportunity exclusively supporting artists of color in major Midwestern cities Joyce is awarding five outstanding arts organizations grants of $50,000 each to support new works in dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

Winners in each artistic category include:

- DANCE: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (Saint Paul) to commission African American choreographer Uri Sands to create a new dance work inspired by the paintings of African American artists Ernie Barnes;

- MUSIC: Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago) to commission the African American stringband the Carolina Chocolate Drops to create "Kingdom Coming," a new multimedia collaborative performance piece that celebrates black heritage from Vaudeville;

- THEATER: Steppenwolf Theatre Co. (Chicago) to support a new play based on the biblical book of Job by African American playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney;

- VISUAL ARTS: The Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee), in partnership with the Chipstone Foundation, to support news woAfrican American visual artist Theaster Gates for a multimedia exhibition/installation that includes pottery, sculpture, video and music;

- VISUAL ARTS: Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Minneapolis) to commission Iranian American artist Ali Momeni to create two new media installations to launch the museum’s inaugural year of contemporary art programming.

"The Joyce Foundation is proud this year to grant five Joyce Awards to very talented artists and the vibrant cultural institutions that will present these works," stated Ellen S. Alberding, president of the Joyce Foundation. "Their artistry illustrates the diversity and creativity that lies within our area and is part of what makes the Great Lakes region so special"

Since its inception in 2003, the Joyce Awards has supported cultural institutions in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Award winners have not only presented their works to the institutions’ traditional audiences; they have also worked with community groups, school children, and public art projects. The goal is for these commissions to produce vivid, new works of art that strengthen cultural venues and draw people of diverse backgrounds to experience the rewards of participating in the arts as well as elevate the visibility of creative works by minority artists.

Applications are reviewed by independent arts advisors from outside the Midwest and reviewed and approved by the Foundation’s bard of directors. Joyce Awards of $50,000 are made directly to arts organizations and are awarded in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. Each award supports the work of the individual artist as well as significant community engagement efforts. Organizations have up to three years to complete their proposed projects.

DANCE
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Uri Sands
Established in 1985, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is recognized as one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts centers. It produces and presents a wide variety of performances throughout the year showcasing American musical theater, world music, dance, family events, and educational programs, and is home to three important resident companies, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and the Schubert Club.

Uri Sands’ choreography has received national recognition for his fusion of classical with contemporary. A native of Miami, Sands performed as a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey for five years and with the North Carolina Dance Theatre. His recent choreographic commissions include VocalEssence, Penumbra Theatre, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sands has several film and television credits and has taught dance extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He was awarded a 2004 McKnight Artist Fellowship, a recipient of the inaugural Princess Grace Award in choreography in 2005, and was selected as one of “25 to Watch” in 2005 by Dance Magazine. In 2004, Sands and his wife Toni (also a former Ailey dancer) founded the St. Paul-based dance company, TU Dance.

The Joyce Award will support Sands during the creation of a new dance work inspired by the paintings of African American artist Ernie Barnes. Sands plans to bring the movement of Barnes’ work—much of his imagery reflects urban life and dance—from the canvas to the stage through his choreography and R&B music of the 1960s. The premiere performance of this work—performed by TU Dance—would be during Ordway’s 2010–11 season.

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For more information on applying for a 2011 Joyce Awards or to learn more about the Joyce Foundation, please visit www.joycefdn.org or call 312.782.2464.

Based in Chicago, the Joyce Foundation supports efforts to strengthen public policies in ways that improve the quality of life in the Great Lake region. Cultural funding supports projects that bring diverse audiences together to share common cultural experiences and encourage moe people to see the arts as integral parts of their lives. The Foundation also makes grants in the areas of Education, Employment, Environment, Gun Violence Prevention, and Money and Politics.

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View the full press release >>

Bridgman/Packer Events

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:17 GMT

Join the Ordway as we welcome dance company Bridgman/Packer Dance to our McKnight Theatre during the first week of February. They will be developing a new work, Double Expose, which they will return to perform during Ordway’s 2010-2011 season as a part of our Target^® World Music and Dance Series!

Upcoming events…

Partnering Dance Master Class
Monday, February 1
7pm – 8:30pm
Roy Wilkins Studio #1
Downtown St. Paul (entrance on 5th Street, between the Excel Energy Center and Ordway Stage Door)Attendance is $10; please contact Amy Miller with questions and to RSVP at (651)282-3017 or amiller@ordway.org

The popular Partnering Workshop transmits Bridgman/Packer’s unique approach to partnering for beginner through advanced performers. The class is non-gender specific, emphasizes the release and ease as well as the strength of partnering, and builds to develop exhilarating and risk-taking partnering in duet, trio, and group forms.

Lecture and Demonstration
Friday, February 5
7 – 8:30pm
McKnight Theatre, Ordway
Short reception to follow in the McKnight Lobby
Attendance is free; please contact Amy Miller with questions at (651)282-3017 or amiller@ordway.org

Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer will share excerpts from their work and examine the relationship of video and live performance from a choreographic point of view. They will explain their creative process through their perspective as dancers, using technology to enhance their work and dance to explore identity, relationships, and personality.

"an astonishing dance/video experience, merging the real and unreal into the surreal." Janet Anderson, Philadelphia City Paper

"a jaw-dropping marvel of sound, film, movement and light… What Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer accomplish through multi-media dance is dynamic, stunning, provocative and occasionally startling… each piece teetering between moment and memory, body and illusion." Anchorage Daily News

For more information about Bridgman/Packer Dance, please visit their website at:
http://www.bridgmanpacker.org/

Ordway and Elephant Eye Theatrical head to Broadway with The Addams Family

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:54 GMT

In 2005, Ordway joined four other nationally-renowned performing arts organizations – the Wang Center for the Performing Arts in Boston, The Bushnell in Hartford, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Association in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust – in forming the producing consortium Five Cent Productions, LLC. Following this formation, Five Cent Productions joined former Disney Theatrical Productions Executive Vice President Stuart Oken and Tony Award-winning producer Michael Leavitt as a producing partner in Elephant Eye Theatrical.

Elephant Eye Theatrical is a theatrical development and production company that creates new book musicals for Broadway and beyond. The company finds and initiates projects, assemble creative teams, fund the genesis and ongoing evolution of the projects, and serve as lead producer when the projects are fully staged. While The Bushnell remains a presenting theater, producing new works allows us to have ownership, exclusivity and, ultimately, profitability from the projects we help create.

This year, Elephant Eye Theatrical and Five Cent Productions has some very exciting news to report - the brand-new The Addams Family musical will be taking Broadway by storm in spring 2010.

Tony Award winners Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth lead a talented cast taking on this bizarre and beloved family of characters, who were created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams. The book is by Tony Award-winning writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), the score by Drama Desk award-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party) and direction by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter).

The world premiere engagement of The Addams Family opens at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre in Chicago on Friday, November 13, 2009, and Broadway previews begin at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on March 4, 2010, with opening night scheduled for April 8, 2010.

To buy tickets, meet the family, and get an insider’s look a the process of creating The Addams Family, visit www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com

Please continue to stop by for new information about our producing efforts with Five Cent Productions and Elephant Eye Theatrical!

Feb Dance Master Class Series with TU Dance & DanceBrazil

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:58 GMT

Ordway invites you to attend the February Dance Master Class Series with TU Dance and DanceBrazil. 3 classes are available and they are $10 each.1 free class in the series is available with a ticket to the public performance of DanceBrazil at the Ordway on Friday, February 19. Please contact Amy Miller with questions and to RSVP for classes at (651)282-3017 or amiller@ordway.org

Afro-Brazilian Dance with TU Dance
Thursday, February 4
Doors 4pm
Class 4:30 – 6pm
Roy Wilkins Studio #3
Downtown St. Paul (entrance on 5th Street, between the Excel Energy Center and Ordway Stage Door)

Marciano Silva dos Santos, TU Dance member, will teach an Afro-Brazilian dance class that explores the movements of orixás (Orishas) introduced outside of the sacred space of Candomblé. Elements such as jumps, turns, floor work, and rhythmic sections will be used to work on flexibility and strength. A harmonious relationship between body and sound will allow participants to note the constantly evolving dynamics in relationship to principles such as coordination, relaxation, breathing, and undulation. Afro-Brazilian dance is polycentric movement that builds concentration and has a spiritual focus.

Modern Dance with TU Dance
Thursday, February 11
Doors 4pm
Class 4:30 – 6pm
Roy Wilkins Studio #3
Downtown St. Paul (entrance on 5th Street, between the Excel Energy Center and Ordway Stage Door)

Toni Pierce-Sands, Artistic Director of TU Dance, will teach a modern dance class based on the Lester Horton technique.

Capoeira Master Class with DanceBrazil
Thursday, February 18
Doors 5:30pm
Class 6 – 7:15pm
Ordway Center, Drake Room (enter through the 5th Street Stage Door)

Company members of DanceBrazil will teach an introductory class on capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art form. No previous experience in capoeira is required.

DanceBrazil

info@ordway.org(Kate Scarrella) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:43 GMT

As a huge fan of dance I am extremely excited for the Ordway’s Main Stage to be graced by DanceBrazil. For those of you not familiar with the company let me give you a little background. Founded by Jelon Vieira, this company has performed for audiences for over 30 years. It was developed and is successful because of its ability to speak to a broad range of the North American community. The company was developed from Grass roots workshops at NYC and has received both critical and popular acclaim since its premiere. The style is a combination of Afro-Brazilian movement, contemporary dance and capoeira.

What is capoeira you may ask? It is a combination of traditional dance and martial arts. This style was formed in Africa and adapted in Brazil as a modern form of fighting enslavement. After studying up on the event I wanted to learn more about it and was curious about how it works so I went to the DanceBrazil website to investigate. The idea of martial arts combined with dance movement was intriguing and I was wondering what this show was really like. I was so happy to see that the website had a video and I was amazed at how beautiful the dance was. The creator Jelon Vieira is extremely talented and has really inspired his home country with his teachings. Jelon teaches in both Brazil and the United States and has taught a few famous people such as Pele the famous Soccer star as well as actors Wesley Snipes and Eddie Murphy. It turns out that Jelon choreographed a capoeira dance sequence in the movie Boomerang and that is when he taught Eddie Murphy. Unfortunately part of the movie was cut and that included the capoeira dance sequence. What a bummer, I would have loved to see that. In 1993 Jelon and the Carver Center Director Jo Long formed Ilê Bahia de San Antonio, the House of African-Brazilian Arts. This organization was formed as a professional training center to learn Afro-Brazilian style with a special emphasis on at risk, minority youth. When home in Brazil it is important for him to teach & inspire the children & youth there as well to help build their self esteem, self discipline and make them a vital part of the community

On February 19th DanceBrazil will be coming to the Ordway and debuting two new shows. The first one is entitled “Memoria” and it celebrates the African culture and its deep roots within the Brazilian culture. The second performance “Banguela” follows the spiritual preparation that capoeiristis go through before a roda; it is an interlude before the game. Also there is a pre show Ordway Extra for all ticket holders in the Marzitelli foyer that will feature local capoeira master Yoji Senna and TU Dance Members. They will discuss the history of capoeira and what it is like to dance in the style. It is sure to be a special evening.

Check out the link below to learn more about DanceBrazil and to see this amazing style of dance.

http://dancebrazil.org/

Q&A with Estelle Parsons, star of August: Osage County

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:37 GMT

The Ordway is extremely excited to have August: Osage County here from March 16- 21. For those of you not familiar with the show it has won multiple Tony Awards as well as a Pulitzer Prize and stars the Academy Award winning actress Estelle Parsons as Violet Weston the pill popping, unsettled matriarch of the family. When Violet’s alcoholic husband goes missing her whole extended family reunites for a completely shocking and oddly funny reunion that makes anyone’s family seem completely normal in comparison. Estelle Parsons is probably best known for her hilarious role as Roseanne Conner’s mom, Beverly Harris on the sitcom Roseanne but Estelle is a well known theater actress too. Making her Broadway debut in 1956, Estelle calls theater her passion and was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2004. In the Q&A below Estelle discussed this dynamic role and a few other things about her iconic career as an actress.

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Q: After appearing in the show for almost a year on Broadway, why were you so eager to go on the road with August: Osage County?

A: I haven’t had much opportunity to tour, because I was always bringing up kids. I went on the road for three months with Miss Margarida’s Way, but most of the time when I got an offer to go on the road or go to London, I couldn’t go. But I’ve always loved the idea of touring: I have this old dream of being in vaudeville.

And there are all kinds of different audiences out there. I learned that from doing summer stock. Audiences are always a learning opportunity.

Q: Actors always say that each audience has a certain personality. Do you find that affects your performance?

A: Absolutely, particularly with this play, where the audience is so dynamic and so vocal in every way – moaning, groaning, laughing, crying. The audience is really the third essential part. They’re not just sitting on their hands listening. They’re incredible and they’re always different, and as we go from city to city, I’m sure they’re going to be very different in different places.

Q: How did you wind up doing the role on Broadway?

A: Rondi Reed [who originated the role of Mattie Fae Aiken, Violet’s sister] and Laurie Metcalf, both of whom belong to Steppenwolf, are friends. I’ve worked with both of them at Steppenwolf, and with Laurie on Roseanne. We were out one night, and they said, “Deanna’s leaving. You should play that part.” I had seen the play a couple of weeks before, and I said, “What are you talking about?” And they said, “Ever since we read this play, we thought you would be perfect for the part.” And of course I’m still wondering why they thought that. Anyway, after a few days, I called Rondi and told her I was interested. She said, “Okay, I’ll put it in motion.” And she did. I went to meet the director, and they hired me.

Q: Did you audition?

A: I did. I always prefer to audition, because very often when you’re saying the words out loud, you really can tell whether you want to do a play or not. The audition was the dining room scene, which is really, really tough. So I thought, “Let me work on this for awhile, and see if this is something I really want to be up there doing.” The more I worked on it, the more I loved it. And then when I auditioned, it just came alive, like whoosh. I thought it was wonderful.

Q: You’ve said that you didn’t go into the play with the intention of making the role your own. Could you elaborate?

A: The play was a very big hit, Tracy Letts won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award, and Deanna and Rondi also won Tonys. Quite aside from the prizes, I think that if something is a hit, then the hit should be maintained. The play wasn’t broken, so I didn’t see the need to go in there and fix it. I thought my job was to replace what was there, to do what is there. I had seen Deanna do the role, and I’ve spent my whole adult life looking very seriously and concentratedly at actors. So I just felt I was her doing the role. People laugh at me when I say that, because I’m nothing like her. But I don’t usually try to put my personal stamp on things. I try to play the play the way it’s written.

Q: What do you think of Violet? Do you like her?

A: I think she’s a wonderful person who went astray. I have sympathy for her. Do I like her as a person? It’s hard to know what’s underneath all that. I think she is basically a colder person than I am, and it’s been very exciting to work on that. But I do love her. I think she was a very smart, sensitive woman who was deeply abused as a child, and consequently bears the scars. Who knows what would happen to people if they didn’t have the background they have.

Q: Deanna Dunagan said that one of the reasons she left the Broadway production and took time off before doing the play in London, was because she was exhausted. Does the role affect you physically and/or emotionally?

A: It’s a very vigorous role, but I’m used to doing musicals and I’m used to doing very vigorous stuff. I wouldn’t say I’m exhausted by it. But I do think that it takes up your whole life.

Q: Everyone marvels at how you go up and down those stairs. How do you stay in shape?

A: I’ve been very physically active all my life. Dance lessons, yoga, running, hiking. I would have loved to have been a skier or a tennis player if I weren’t an actor. I run or swim or go to the gym every day, and also do yoga. I started doing weights when I got into my 60s, and have had a lot of trainers. When you get older, your strength dissipates very quickly. It probably starts in your 60s, but when you get into your 70s, if you don’t walk a mile for a couple of weeks, pretty soon it’s hard work to walk a mile. So I’ve always kept up with it, not because I thought it would be particularly helpful in my work – though I do think actors should be extraordinarily self-aware physically – I just can’t help myself. My husband is like that too. That’s our lifestyle, which came in handy when I started this show.

Q: How did the role come about in Bonnie and Clyde?

A: In 1966, I was doing the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, MA. I had seen Arthur Penn’s movies, and I wanted to work for him. I managed to get an interview with him for The Skin of Our Teeth, which he was directing that summer in Stockbridge, and he hired me. And working with him, I suddenly knew that I was in the right profession. I was [almost] 40 by that time, so I’d been in it a long time. But I always used to think, “Am I in the right profession? Maybe I should have kept on at law school, or maybe I should try something else.” But working for Arthur Penn, I realized that I was in the right place and I should be doing what I do, and how wonderful it is when I can have that kind of experience on the stage.

And then he asked me to do Bonnie and Clyde. I was just about to move to San Francisco and join a rep company, which I’d always wanted to do. And the day after he asked me to read the script, I got a phone call telling me that the funding for the rep company had fallen through. So we weren’t going. I called Arthur and I read the script, and I thought, “Why is he offering this to me?” I’m really not too interested in movies. But the more I read it, I realized it was an incredible part. And I really was excited to work with Arthur again.

Q: Did the Academy Award affect your career?

A: It did in that I could have had a lot of movie success, which I wasn’t really interested in. Looking back on it, I think that’s kind of too bad. Sam Cohn was my agent, and we were getting all these really good offers. But they conflicted with work I was doing onstage, things that really interested me. I did a few movies, but I did them when I was on vacation from a theater job. My life just wasn’t about movies: I don’t think I ever chose a movie job over a theater job. I started in cabaret. I did Jerry Herman’s first revue in a club, and two revues of Julius Monk’s Upstairs at the Downstairs. And I had my own nightclub act. Like I said, I love vaudeville. I’ve always been interested in that kind of pure entertaining. I love to entertain people. I love to hear them laugh. I love the silences, when they don’t know what’s going on – though I must say that the silences in this play kind of scare me sometimes. I think, “My God, they’re so quiet, and they’re watching every move I make.”

Q: Well, you are – she is – very frightening.

A: That’s true. She’s a great, great character. I don’t fool myself that it’s me. I know it’s me and the character. But if you don’t have a great, sound, wonderful character that reaches audiences, you can’t do it on your own.

Q: Millions of people know you from Roseanne. It was taped in front of an audience. Was the experience similar to doing a play?

A: No. The audience was there, but they were manipulated – laugh now, applaud now. So it’s not like a theater audience. It’s a completely different experience. You don’t have that long with a script. A good play is so dense that it takes you three or four weeks to figure out what you’re talking about. That’s never true in films and TV, which is cool because you’ve got to get up and do them, and there’s a certain fun in that – but not enough to make me want to do it instead of theater. It’s hard work in the theater. Eight shows a week of anything is hard work, and you give your life to it.

Q: Your character on Roseanne was allowed to develop over time, which must have been interesting.

A: Rosie seemed to love my work. She was always laughing at me. I think she was thinking up all kinds of crazy things to do to that poor mother. She was a lot of fun. We had a great time on that show.

Reviews for August: Osage County

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:24 GMT

Real all of the local reviews for Ordway's one week run of August: Osage County. More reviews will be added as they are published.

Twin Cities Daily Planet - "a fantastically entertaining night at the theater."

Examiner.com - 5 out of 5 stars. "Incendiary wit ignites a scorching drama of familial dysfunction"

Star Tribune - "Hurry to the Ordway Center, where [...] an extraordinary cast of actors are doing mesmerizing work in "August: Osage County," Tracy Letts' blistering, withering, hilarious and altogether mesmerizing family tragedy."

Pioneer Press - "Sometimes family ties bind. And sometimes they strangle. Dysfunction done right."

Broadway World - "a skillful blend of comedy and drama."

How Was the Show? - "Go see it."

Minneapolis Saint Paul Magazine - "the acting is top-notch, the set is wonderful, and the directing laudable."

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Additional reading:

MPR Interview with Estelle Parsons

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Get tickets to August: Osage County, running now through Sunday, March 21.

Interview with Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer of Bridgman/Packer Dance

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:26 GMT

Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer began collaborating in 1978 and have since gone on to become the critically acclaimed dance pair and the first joint recipients of a Guggenheim Fellowship (2008). The Bridgman/Packer dance duo bring their works, Double Expose and Under the Skin to the Ordway stage for a one-night-only engagement on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. Learn more about Bridgman/Packer Dance, their “video partnering” technique and what they hope to bring to Ordway audiences.

What brought you two to collaborating with each other back in 1978?

We were dancing in a few dance companies together in NYC, and we both had a strong interest in partnering, exploring movement, and investigating choreographic intent. Looking back at our early pieces, they clearly had seeds of our current work -- the push and pull element of the physical partnering as a metaphor for the push and pull in a relationship, and the questioning of gender roles in a way that balanced tension and humor.

What do you enjoy the most about working together?

There’s the physicality of the dancing and partnering, which feels as if we are one organism on stage, both sensual and exhilarating. Then there is the intellectual challenge of conceiving of a work and seeing it through the unpredictable creative process. We challenge each other to break new ground as performers and artists.

The movement is choreographed through much improvisation in the rehearsal studio and during video shoots. It can be generated from a broad range of physicality, sourced from theatrical character development, or driven by rhythmic impulses in the music. During the past 10 years our work with video has evolved, the performance feels larger; we are performing with each other and sometimes with a dozen images of ourselves.

What makes your work stand out from other dance performances?

We have developed our concept of “video partnering,” where we interact with our life-size video images and use our bodies and costumes as projection screens. We are finding a new form: the alchemy of live and virtual. Image and reality collide and merge. There is an inherent humor in facing one’s own and each other’s image, while at the same time the work is looking at the larger issues of perception and identity, asking the question, “What is real and what is image?” And, through the input of our collaborator, the fabulous filmmaker Peter Bobrow, the cinematic element in the work is visually stunning.

How did the idea for using “video partnering” in your works come about?

In our rehearsal studio late one night, Art recorded himself on video, projected the image, and began stepping into and out from it. Suddenly, the portrayal of the many sides of self and the process of confronting oneself were visually tangible to us. We saw how this use of video could be fully integrated into the live performance.

We became interested in portraying simultaneous levels of reality: live performance, life-size pre-recorded video of performers, and the live filming of performers. The projections imply various points of view and multiple layers of consciousness and experience, and allow us to fragment, transform, and multiply on stage.

What are examples of how you use “video partnering” in your work?

In Under The Skin, Packer’s video image steps onto Bridgman’s hand and he lifts her image up into the air. The real Bridgman lifts the real Packer and then her video image appears to emerge from her and fly up. These are examples of how the use of video extends the physicality of the real partnering. In other sections, our bodies become screens; we use live-camera projections to switch and merge our identities, with Packer’s hips and legs appearing on Bridgman’s lower body and vice versa. These superimpositions suggest interchangeable aspects of personality and gender.

In Double Expose, we are further developing the concept of the multiple layers of identity by embodying different personae, each inspired by classic American cinema. All of the different personae (live and video) move, multiply, and interact with each other. In some sections, the live performers are on opposite sides of the stage, simultaneously being filmed, with their projections appearing next to each other in a third location on stage. This juxtaposition can resonate in many different ways, including as a metaphor for the illusionary aspect of relationship.

What are some of the challenges that can come from working with “video partnering”?

With the use of video technology, our rehearsal process and the creation of our work are now enormously time-consuming and involve very different techniques and methods. We are choreographing what we do on video and what we do on stage, creating scenes that are a total melding of live and virtual. The process involves an intense collaboration with filmmaker Peter Bobrow to integrate the pre-recorded video and the live onstage camera imagery.

There are four different types of video technology used in this production:

Video that was shot “on location”: We filmed scenes in the streets of New York City and at Fort Totten, a Civil War era fortress located in Queens, New York.
Video created in a “green screen” studio: In green screen (or chromakey) technique, we are filmed in front of a green background and on a green floor. Then, during the editing process, the green background is eliminated, allowing for free-floating images that can be rearranged, re-sized and re-located. This process allows for multiple images of the same person to be projected simultaneously on stage.
Video from live, onstage cameras: We are being filmed from different angles during the performance with four real-time, live video cameras. Our images are simultaneously projected and, at times, mixed in with the pre-recorded scenes. The stage lighting, designed by Frank DenDanto III, lights us in ways that blend our images into the cinematic scenes.
Animation: The hand-drawn animation was created by Boston film animator Karen Aqua. The animated computer graphics were created by Peter Bobrow. We collaborated closely with them to coordinate the live movement with the graphics.

At the same time that we were creating the movement, developing the concept, and shooting and editing the video, an original musical score was being created by composer Ken Field. Our creative challenge was to keep all of these balls in the air at once, so that the piece would be created with its elements integrated.

As performers, the challenge is to be highly precise in our timing and locations on stage so that our live movement integrates with the projections.

You’ve started using the phrase “technological cubism” to explain your work. What is “technological cubism,” and how is it used in your works?

We are interested in simultaneously portraying different perspectives. When two perspectives overlap through the use of video, we call it “technological cubism.” In a contemporary twist to the technique of Cubist painters who, for example, simultaneously showed front and side, we at times project the back of the performers onto their fronts. As a result, the audience is seeing the performers’ front and back at the same time. We are literally showing more than one viewing angle while presenting the larger issue of the existence of concurrent interpretations.

What do you hope audiences will get out of your performances?

Each audience member brings his/her own experience to the performance, so we don’t expect the same reaction from everyone. Many people tell us that a universal chord is struck by seeing one’s clone and the many sides of oneself simultaneously portrayed. There are also highly visual, expansive cinematic scenes where multiple images of the performers magically move and merge with the live performers. And, while the perception of audience members is challenged as to what is real and what is image, the work is also a deeper comment on the multiple layers of consciousness and experience.

Then there is the purely physical movement and the partnering as well as the original commissioned musical scores, richly textured and rhythmically complex, by composer/saxophonist Ken Field. Ken layers his live performance with recorded tracks of his music, mirroring the live and virtual compositional structure of the dance.

In addition to your full stage performances, you conduct workshops and classes. Do you find education to be an important component of your work, and if so why?

Yes! It’s always inspiring to pass on what we are discovering in our work. We often teach Partnering Workshops for many different levels. In the period of a two hour workshop, we see students gain the release and ease as well as the strength of partnering, and develop exhilarating and risk-taking partnering. It can be both liberating and empowering.

We’ve also been developing workshops on Live Performance and Video Technology. We set up a “playground” of cameras and projectors so that the students can improvise and explore the relationship of themselves to their projected images. It is similar to our own choreographic process, a way to mine for new creative ideas. We find that it is inspiring for us as well as for the participants.

Written by: Kristie Gaalswyk

For more information, check out the Bridgman/Packer page >

www.bridgmanpacker.org

Spotlight on James Rocco: Everything from the Ivey's to Joseph Auditions

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:49 GMT

This is the first post in a new series featuring the Ordway’s Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Producing Artistic Director, James Rocco. He’ll be blogging regularly about the behind-the-scenes activities happening in the theater and what he does on a regular basis. We hope you enjoy his posts and invite you to interact by commenting or leaving questions!

Spotlight on James Rocco

A few weeks ago, I attended and helped celebrate the Ivey Awards. Twin Cities dynamo, Scott Mayer, is behind these MSP Theater Awards. Let me tell you this guy can throw a classy ceremony. I got to be in the Opening Number with 14 or so other Twin Cities choreographers (which was a blast). It was a take-off on A Chorus Line, we were all vying for a mysterious television job. Standing on the line again with Tam Kangas, Tally, Andrew Rasmussen, Kahlil Queen and the rest was inspiring. It made me want to dance more.

The rest of September was filled with prep and auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat. We now have more than 40 children confirmed who will be on stage during our production. I also just got back from New York City where auditions were held for the cast. The role of Pharaoh is still available.

The costumes are arriving already and Lyle and Ellen (aka Tulle and Dye—this year’s Ivey Award Winners for Ordway’s Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) are busily figuring out how to adapt three different groups of costumes into a cohesive whole that fits in with the concept of the Ordway’s Joseph! If you have not heard, we’re planning a very Peter Max/Yellow Submarine looking version of the show—something that will bring magic and color to children and lots of humor for adults. So stay tuned as it all comes together.

As Joseph is unfolding, I’m in negotiations for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, which are shaping up to look like seasons of the best of contemporary Broadway and re-envisioned classics. The phone calls are flying and they will continue to be until the announcement of the 2011-2012 season in February but I’m getting pretty excited about the possibilities.

More soon,

James Rocco

Welcome to Ordway's new blog

info@ordway.org(Kate Scarrella) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:16 GMT

Welcome to the Ordway’s first official blog post. I am extremely excited to be a part of this blog and hope you enjoy reading it as much as we will enjoy writing it. As writers we plan on sharing all types of stories like; the exciting events that are happening at the theaters, interviews and posts from our various cast members and any additional news we feel will bring JOY to you, our readers. If there is something specific you want to share with us or think we should write about please let us know.

When I was brainstorming what to write about in the first blog post I kept thinking about all the fond memories I have of the Ordway growing up and how this theater helped me to fall in love with the arts. I will never forget seeing Phantom of the Opera for the first time here in 1992. Not only did I love the show (I have seen Phantom at least 10 times) but the theater itself made the experience much more enjoyable for me and that is why I continue to come back to make more memories at the Ordway.

In 2010 the Ordway will be celebrating 25 years and in honor of the event we would love to hear from you about your favorite Ordway memories or stories. Do you remember the first production you saw at the Ordway? What has been your favorite show you have seen in at the theater? I would like to share one of the Ordway’s favorite memories with you. After 25 years of use the Ordway decided to re-do the stage this summer. Check out the video below to see how it all went down.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Diavolo presents a "high flying" event at the Ordway

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:51 GMT

Are you familiar with the dance company Diavolo? Diavolo has toured the world and they are now coming to the Ordway on March 25. Get excited because this company is extremely talented and different then anything we have seen on this stage before. They use combination of gymnastics, dance and acting to create this high flying show.

Speaking of high flying did you know that the word Diavolo actually means devil in Italian and when broken apart the word Dia means “day” in Spanish and Volo means “I fly” in Latin? That is a sly play on words for this extremely dangerous and entertaining performance. The show contains a lot of acrobatic flying and leaping that really involves a lot of trust and teamwork from each performer. To do this they use large and outrageous set pieces to show the frightening and funny ways that individuals relate to their environment.

Who is the creator of this death defying spectacular? None other then Jacques Heim who also created the Cirque du Soleil piece Ka that is permanently running at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. I am sure I will be on the edge of my seat the whole night…..I can’t wait!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Upcoming events with Andrew Palermo, Artistic Director of dre.dance

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:35 GMT

Andrew Palermo, Artistic Director of dre.dance, is visiting the Twin Cities one month prior to the company’s public performance at the Ordway!

You are invited to two upcoming events with Andrew Palermo…

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Dance Master Class with Andrew Palermo

Tuesday, April 13
6 – 7:30pm
The Directors Studios
(1170 15th Ave SE, First Floor, Minneapolis 55414; http://tdstudios.us/)

$10; Please RSVP to Amy Miller at 651.282.3017 or amiller@ordway.org

Andrew Palermo's dance class is a combination of contemporary modern, jazz, hip hop and theatrical techniques. It consists of a contemporary modern/jazz warm-up with strengthening elements, followed by technical sequences and phrases, concluding with combinations from the dre.dance repertoire.

Palermo's unique ability to reach students of all experience levels provides a fun yet challenging atmosphere enabling students to improve their technique while enjoying dances to popular music in a relaxed yet inspirational atmosphere.

Dancers of all levels encouraged to attend!

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Lecture and Demonstration with Andrew Palermo

Thursday, April 15
6:30 – 8pm
The Ordway, McKnight Theatre

Short reception to follow in the McKnight Lobby

Attendance is FREE; please contact Amy Miller with questions and to RSVP at 651.282.3017 or amiller@ordway.org

Andrew Palermo will speak about beyond.words, a dance piece developed following intensive study through workshops, residency, and interviews with people on the autism spectrum. He will explain the piece’s creation and evolution, and will demonstrate examples of movement from the piece.

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For more information about dre.dance and Artistic Directors Andrew Palermo and Taye Diggs, please visit their website at dredance.com

See South Pacific at it's meant to be seen

info@ordway.org(James A. Rocco) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:27 GMT

I was talking to a few friends about South Pacific and I started thinking it was important that I let people know that Lincoln Center’s Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is not just South Pacific, this is South Pacific as it is meant to be seen.

Lincoln Center’s Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is sheer bliss. This tour is a once in a lifetime experience, performed with the full orchestration. In our lifetimes we will never hear this luscious score played like this again.

Bartlett Sherr’s direction pays tribute to the original while addressing contemporary minds, allowing us to revel in the splendor of a miraculous musical about war, love and the equality of all races. (Watch the video at the bottom of the page to hear more about how this astonishing production came about.)

South Pacific has been called intoxicating and sensual. It’s like taking a sip of brandy. You will be blown away by its beauty. Personally, I was spellbound by a show I know so well, heck I could almost recite the entire thing to you right now, and it seemed like an entirely fresh experience.

Can you tell I’m excited?

Lincoln Center’s Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific will be here from Tuesday, May 4 through Sunday, May 16, 2010. It is one of the greatest American Musicals and this superlative production has been winning critical acclaim, the hearts of audiences and every theatrical award possible. Please let everyone know that THIS IS NOT SOUTH PACIFIC IN THE CHURCH BASEMENT—THIS IS SOUTH PACIFIC AS IT IS MEANT TO BE PERFORMED.

See you there,

James A. Rocco
VP Theatrical programming/Producing Artistic Director

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Learn more about South Pacific at the Ordway >>

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Q & A with dre.dance founder Andrew Palermo

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:25 GMT

In 2004, Taye Diggs and Andrew Palermo founded dre.dance, a New York based contemporary dance company. Andrew and Taye were friends for many years before they created their company and have worked together on a wide range of projects for over twenty years. Aside from working with dre.dance, Andrew has choreographed multiple shows and has appeared both on and off Broadway. The following is a question and answer with Andrew about his experiences and inspirations for dre.dance. On Thursday May 20th, dre.dance performs their production beyond.words at the Ordway. Hear more from Andrew Palermo before the show at the Ordway Extra, starting at 6:30pm.

How did the idea of forming a dance company come about?

As I was rounding out my time performing in the original company of Wicked in New York, I was beginning to work more and more as a choreographer. I knew I wanted to go into choreography full time, so I approached Taye with the idea of presenting an evening of work together.

Taye and I had been friends since high school and taught many masterclasses together over the years. We share a commonality and respect each other’s work, so it seemed like a good idea to lean on each other, as it were, with our first full evening of dance.

We went to Dancers Responding to Aids and offered to co-produce the show with and for them, benefiting their wonderful organization. They were excited at the idea, having only one request; that we were more than just ‘Taye and Andrew’. Hence, dre.dance was formed.

What is the meaning of dre.dance?

It’s a combo of our nicknames; ‘Drew’ and ‘Taye’.

What do you look for in the dancers you hire for dre.dance?

We really require a lot from our dancers.

First, they must be technically very strong.

Second, they must be extremely athletic. We don’t separate what the boys and girls do. They all throw each other, and themselves around.

Third, they must be able to tell a story. That doesn’t mean that they are always in ‘narrative’ mode. It means that, even through the simplest movement, or lack thereof, they must have something going on inside.

Fourth, they must ‘get’ our style.

Lastly, they must be collaborative and have a passion for performing the work. dre.dance is a family. We need each other to succeed. So, if one person isn’t pulling their weight, or is not jibing with the rest, we all feel it. It has to be a group effort.

What dance movement styles inspire your choreography?

Taye and I really just let it all filter through us. We don’t narrow our choices based on what piece we’re working on. That said, we pull from almost everything: classical technique, jazz, hip hop, theatrical choreography, pedestrian movement, gesture. You name it, we use it.

What comes first, the music choice or the choreography?

It depends on the piece. We’ve worked in every order. Sometimes the idea is first. Sometimes, the music. Sometimes, the choreography.

What event made you decide to start on this journey in creating beyond.words?

This piece was inspired by a CNN feature about a woman with ‘severe autism’, Amanda Baggs. Ms. Baggs makes videos that shed a light on ‘a day in the life’ for her. The video that really exploded and struck a chord with me is entitled ‘In My Language’. The crux of the message of this video is, ‘just because I (Amanda) speak a different language than you (neuro-typical people), it doesn’t mean that it’s not valid, and maybe you should learn to speak MY language, and not the other way around’ (paraphrased). This message blew me away and led us on our way to create the work.

What are the major lessons you learned while creating this dance piece?

I’ve been thrust into this wonderful community of people affected by the autism spectrum. It’s been a beautiful lesson in how to work with people with special needs while not attempting to strip away who they are at their core. I’ve now taught dozens of classes with people on the spectrum as well as workshops for parents and caregivers to utilize movement therapy. None of this would have happened without ‘beyond.words’.

I think, most importantly, I’ve learned to judge people less. We all have our idiosyncracies, passions, habits; things that make us ‘different’. If someone behaves differently than I do, that doesn’t make it wrong, or them dysfunctional, but simply different than me.

What do you want people to take away from “beyond.words”?

That the only way to understand someone, and potentially make their experience in this world a more realized one, is to approach them with openness and love. Trying to cure someone is definitely not the only way.

Are you creating any new works for dre.dance right now?

We just premiered ‘dre.diohead’, and evening of dance to music by the iconic band, Radiohead, in NYC two weeks ago! And now, we’re presenting it at the Ordway’s wonderful school performances this Tuesday and Wednesday.

We’re also just starting to germinate on the next piece. Keep your eyes out!

Where do you see dre.dance in ten years?

Hopefully all over the world!

www.dredance.com
www.facebook.com/pages/dredance/18881769562
www.youtube.com/dredancetube
www.myspace.com/dredancenyc

What is Gospel at Colonus?

info@ordway.org(Paul Escalante) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:53 GMT

Upon telling people that I work with Ordway Center for the Performing Arts I’m often met with the response, “Oh neat, what shows are coming up?”

“Well at the end of the summer we’re doing Gospel at Colonus.” I respond, to which people raise their eyebrows and stare blankly at what I hope is not a new zit on my forehead. “It’s the story of Oedipus told with a gospel twist.”

“Oh,” silence. “That sounds interesting.”

Interesting: That wonderfully elusive adjective that we Minnesotans love to use when we either want to give a polite insult, or to describe something that we really know nothing about. The ironic thing is interesting happens to describe the Ordway’s upcoming performance of Gospel at Colonus perfectly. A classic tragedy of suicide, betrayal and incest infused with the soul-stirring sounds of galvanizing gospel music…what could be more interesting than that?

But what’s it about?

The play Gospel at Colonus is a gospel version of the third and final part of The Oedipus Plays written by Sophocles around 405 B.C. A prophecy is made to King Laius of Thebes and his wife, Jocasta, that their son, Oedipus, will kill his father and marry his mother. To prevent this from happening King Laius leaves his son to die on the side of a mountain with his feet bound and pierced. (And you wonder why the kid is deranged…) But because this is a Greek myth and prophecies always have to come true Oedipus is rescued by a shepherd and later accidentally kills his father and marries his mother. I didn’t see that one coming.

Gospel at Colonus begins after Oedipus banishes himself from Thebes for performing murder and incest. After years of wandering with only his daughter, Antigone, the duo reaches the city of Colonus. While they settle in at their new abode of a rock outcropping on the side of a grove, Oedipus’s other daughter, Ismene, delivers the news that there’s trouble back in Thebes. Oedipus’ sons are fighting over his throne. If that wasn’t enough to fight about, they are also battling over where Oedipus should be buried, because according to the Delphic Oracle his burial place will receive good fortune. They are just one big happy family.

I won’t give away the ending. You are going to have to see the show to find out what happens. I will tell you it’s not quite happily ever after. But I promise it’s not just a depressing tragedy.

The music of Gospel may be renowned, but it actually has some rather humble, local roots. It includes performances by The Steeles, who began to develop their style right here in Minnesota, and continue to perform around the Twin Cities today. They have been awarded every musical award offered in Minnesota. Now that’s what I call an accomplishment! The Steeles aren’t the only cast members bringing Minnesota pride to Gospel. Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller is the Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Saint Paul. He’s also served as President of many other Saint Paul organizations.

Gospel at Colonus is an upbeat and heart-pounding musical that will take you for a journey; a soulful journey of love, power, and pride. If that isn’t interesting, then I don’t know what is.

Check back soon to learn more about the amazing artists of Gospel at Colonus!

Written by Arielle Melum

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Learn more about The Gospel at Colonus at the Ordway >>

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Time to Tango!

info@ordway.org(Paul Escalante) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:08 GMT

A sudden silence swept across the crowded nightclub as the door swung open and in walked the silhouette of a man. He stood with his hands on his hips, head cocked a little to the left. His face, wet with sweat from the hot sun, flickered in the candlelight and his heavy trousers and boots were caked with dirt. Embedded in the man’s thick dark skin were scratches and scars from a hard day’s work. Upon entering the room he brushed the dirt off his clothes and removed his wool hat.

“José!” shouted a voice from the corner of the room. “It’s good to see you, hombre. You want a drink?”

“No gracias, Umberto” José replied in his thick Argentinean accent as he weaved through the tables toward a woman across the room. “Tonight, solo quiero bailar.”

With that he thrust the woman into his arms, the music began, and they danced into the night.

If only life actually happened like that. But who knows, maybe long ago in the slums of Argentina it did. The history of the tango is not clearly defined, but one story says that it began with the gauchos of Argentina. Ironically, the dance that today is the quintessence of elegance and wealth, with women in glittering gowns and men in tuxes, actually started with the working class. After a long and hot day on horseback in the fields the gauchos would enter crowded nightclubs hoping to dance. (Good luck with that guys.) They had to dance with flexed knees because their pants were stiff due to the sweat of the horse and the women held their heads back to avoid the stench of their foul smelling partners. In exchange for dancing with such a disheveled date, the women placed their hands on the man’s left hip looking for money. Together they would weave through the crowded nightclub, which is why the path of the Argentinean Tango is curvy.

How much of the story is true is hard to tell, but it is fact that the dance began in the lower class and worked its way up. The name “tango” even means “a place for slaves to meet”. It was first danced to the flute, guitar and violin, probably in the courtyards of tenement blocks in Buenos Aires. People would get together and play the popular music of the time, savoring the moment of peace from a life of hardship. The dance became more than a pastime. It became a language that weaved together the styles of many different cultures, castes and countries. Gradually the various threads joined to create a fierce tapestry of passion and seduction that we know today as the tango.

This Thursday, get ready to learn the secrets of seduction as the Ordway’s third week of Summer Dance continues with the tango! For those of you that haven’t heard, Summer Dance is the place to be every Thursday night. It’s an eight-week program that begins at 5:30 with food and drinks, continues at 6:30 with a free dance lesson from local professionals, and at 7:30 it’s time to show off your new moves to live music! But don’t worry; you really don’t need to be a “good dancer” to come. All levels of skill and experience are welcome, and that includes you. See you Thursday!

Written by Arielle Melum

For more information on Summer Dance visit http://www.ordway.org/summerdance/

A Night of Magic: Summer Dance

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:34 GMT

By: Kristie Gaalswyk (Ordway Intern)

As I walked up to Landmark Plaza, I didn’t know what to expect. Things were still getting set up and I was surprised to see that people were already sitting and walking around waiting for the impending night of dancing. It was great to see everyone mingling while eating and drinking.

It occurred to me quite quickly that people from all walks of life were coming together to share in this one moment. I saw older people, young people, a man with a cowboy hat, a woman in a wheelchair waiting patiently, a group of teenagers in flip-flops standing awkwardly, and even little kids jumping with excitement were there to share in the fun of learning and experiencing Tango.

When the instructors were beginning the lesson, I was curious as to how such a varied group of people would interact in this one space, the dance floor. What I came to see was truly awe-inspiring. Everyone became involved in the learning process. They forgot the people around them, who were either stumbling over the steps or excelling at the sultry movements of Tango. They didn’t even pay notice to the people outside of the dance floor watching with smiles glued to their faces. They were certainly in the moment. Some were fast learners, picking up on the dance moves quite quickly and others struggled a bit, but nobody paid any attention to this. You could tell by their faces that everyone out on the dance floor was lost in the moment and having a great time.

As the lessons went on, people walking by would come to a halt and after time would start making their way into our little cluster. Some would join in the dancing, others would meekly dance on the side trying to catch up on what they had missed, or others would just become one of the spectators watching the magic happening in Landmark Plaza while sipping on a glass of wine or munching on a delicious crepe.

It finally came time for the people to test their newly acquired dance techniques to live music. Mandragora Tango started to play, and the atmosphere changed. As the music began, I decided to walk the perimeter taking in the beauty of the weather, the sun gleaming on the Downtown Saint Paul buildings, and the people who had come together for this one night. There was a pair of older women smiling and swaying to the music as they sat on a nearby park bench, a mother spinning around to the music with her little baby in her arms, two little giggly girls skipping through the dancing couples, and a woman leaning against a parking meter mesmerized by both the music and watching the couples as they danced by. This was truly a sight to behold.

It was refreshing to see how this moment really gave all people, from all walks of life, the opportunity to experience arts and culture. I was truly proud of the Ordway and the downtown Saint Paul organizations for creating such an event as this, an event that makes the arts accessible to all.

As I walked away from the plaza, the music began to fade, as did the smile that I had on my face the whole time I was watching the event. I began thinking to myself; will the beauty of this moment be forgotten? Will people who came together for this one night forget the magic that just occurred in the plaza? My question was quickly answered, however. As I got into my car in the parking ramp, I saw a couple all by themselves in the distance, silhouetted by the setting sun, and they were dancing the Tango moves they had just learned. The smile on my face quickly returned as I drove off into the sunset, thinking about the magic of the night; and how glad I was that a night of Summer Dance shall return tonight where people can learn another genre of dance, Disco.

Let the dancing continue!

Construction Update

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:44 GMT

The Ordway is under construction this summer as the 5th street stage door entrance and loading dock are undergoing extensive renovations. The Ordway’s Stage Door entrance is getting an update thanks to the $7.5 million bonding project that was awarded to the Ordway by the State of Minnesota in 2006. The renovation process began June 14, 2010 with demolition to the Stage Door’s existing stairs. The new Stage Door entrance will include the addition of an accessible ramp using reclaimed brick from the original loading dock, as well as upgrades to the existing doors, which will include mechanized access and the installation of new security cameras. The new loading dock will allow trailers to back up directly to the building, creating an energy efficient seal. This will allow for more efficient loading in and out of show equipment and increased efficiency for heating, ventilating and air conditioning functions. The loading dock and stage door entrance, scheduled to be completed by August 30, 2010, will continue to serve as a private entrance for artists and staff of the Ordway and Arts Partners

Photos by Peter Van Johnson

Get to know The Steeles

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:31 GMT

Did You Know?

Everyone talks about how roof-raising the music of Gospel at Colonus is, so I thought I’d give you a little context on the amazing artists that are involved in the production. Some things you may already know, while others may be new random facts you can use the next time you’re searching for conversation topics during an awkward silence.

I’ll start with The Steeles.

The Steeles have earned every musical award that Minnesota has offered in the last 20 years. Talk about an impressive résumé!
The siblings (they’re all brothers and sisters) grew up in Indiana, but started to develop their style right here in the twin cities.
These local sensations have performed at some pretty prestigious places, including (but not limited to) Carnegie Hall, Paris, London, Barcelona, South Africa, and Moscow.
Billy Steele may be the youngest, but he has no trouble measuring up to his older siblings. He performs, produces and writes for the ensemble “Sounds of Blackness”, through which he has won three Grammy Awards.
While some kids were busy getting their drivers’ licenses, J.D. Steele was directing a 100-voice choir at age 16!
You may have heard The Shangilia Youth Choir at the Ordway’s 2010 Children’s Festival, but did you know they are a group of 200 orphans from Kenya and were started by J.D. Steele? Well now you do.
Jevetta Steele originally came to Minnesota to become a criminal lawyer. But life happened and she ended up getting an Academy Award nomination in the movie, Bagdad Café instead. I’d pick the theatrical route too if I had that kind of talent!
Besides blowing off rooftops with her incredible singing voice, Jearlyn Steele has her own talk show, Steele Talkin’, every Sunday night from seven to eleven on 830 AM. She calls herself “the singing speaker” and has shared her stories from places as far as Asia to right here in Minnesota.
Perhaps you’re familiar with Target®’s Lifescapes CD collection. Their biggest seller to date, “Gospel” is the opus of Fred Steele himself.
Jearlyn dreams of someday singing with Josh Groban. We’ll see what we can do about a guest appearance at Gospel.

Check out the Steele’s website for more information.

The Top 10 Reasons to Come to Summer Dance

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:07 GMT

By Arielle Melum

1. It’s outside on a summer evening in Minnesota. If you are a seasonal albino…I mean Minnesotan…like me, you know how to appreciate our wonderful summers. It means spending as much time as possible soaking up sun and breathing in fresh air. Well Summer Dance is the perfect place to spend your summer evenings! Who doesn’t love to watch the sun set over the river amid a sky swirling with pinks and oranges, with a gentle summer breeze blowing across their face?

2. To step outside your comfort zone. Yes you read that right. Stepping outside your comfort zone is a good thing. It’s how we grow, gain perspective, and experience life to the fullest (please excuse the cliché). I’ll bet the most interesting and inspiring people you know are those who haven taken risks. They have embraced the awkwardness and felt the fulfillment that comes from taking chances. lt may feel uncomfortable at first, but after a few minutes of swingin’ to the singin’ you’ll wonder why you were so nervous. I get that it’s scary, and the ways in which your world will expand will be worth facing the fear. You don’t even know what you’re missing.

3. It’s free! It seems the price of entertainment just keeps rising. It’s easy to spend a rather hefty amount on a night out. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know many families in a recession who have all that much extra money to spend. But we shall not be deprived of merriment simply because our wallets are feeling a little thin! Summer Dance is free entertainment that involves more than just a walk through the park. You are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. J

4. It’s great for your health. Not only does dancing improve coordination, strength, flexibility, and overall fitness, it’s great for your mental health. Studies have even shown that the Tango can help patients with Parkinson’s improve their mobility, and Ballroom dance can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease. So whether your intentions are to better your body or mitigate your mind, Summer Dance is the place to do it.

5. The food! I don’t know about you, but dancing makes me hungry and thirsty! Luckily Summer Dance has quite the spread to curb your cravings including yummy treats and refreshing drinks from Pazzaluna.

6. To experience St. Paul in a whole new way! If you are from Minnesota or have lived here awhile you’ve probably been to St. Paul a million times. You’ve seen the sights, you’ve walked the streets, and you’ve eaten at the restaurants. But Summer Dance is taking St. Paul to the next level. Now you can recapture your favorite haunts all amidst the backdrop of St. Paul’s skyline.

7. People watching. So let’s say you’re not really into the whole dancing thing for some reason or another. You can still come to Summer Dance because the “dance” is only half of it. The “summer” part involves nice weather, live music, good food, and great people watching! And you know what’s better than watching people walk around? Watching them dance (or at least attempt)!

8. Meet a new friend (or maybe more than a friend). You might be waiting in line to buy a crepe, or laughing as you both struggle to master a dance move when you find someone you connect with (whether it be romantically or not). Take the risk and start up a conversation. You never know, your soul mate just might be in need of a dance partner.

9. Support the Ordway and our mission to spread the joy of art, music, drama, and dance with the community. Because even the greatest Broadway show isn’t a production without its audience. We invite you to experience the joy that the performing arts provides. Summer Dance is only the beginning!

10. Everyone is welcome. Simple as that, everyone is welcome. That’s the great thing about this weekly event. It doesn’t matter if you’ve danced in a company, or just in your bedroom. All levels of experience (and I mean ALL levels of experience) are invited to join us.

So join us tonight and next Thursday at 6:00 pm in Landmark Plaza. Learn more about Summer Dance >

Gospel at Colonus Reviews

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:19 GMT

Read all of the reviews for The Gospel at Colonus at the Ordway from Aug 5 – 11. More reviews will be added as they are published.

Star Tribune “'Gospel at Colonus' is uplifting in both story and song”

St. Paul Pioneer Press “To say 'Gospel at Colonus' is complicated is preaching to the choir”

Howwastheshow.com “The Gospel At Colonus At The Ordway”

Twin Cities Daily Planet “‘The Gospel at Colonus’: A Minnesota miracle”

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Get tickets to The Gospel at Colonus, running now through August 11

Ordway Summer Dance Highlights

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:00 GMT

Thanks to everyone who came to downtown Saint Paul to take part in our Summer Dance Series this year. The events were a great success and we had a blast dancing with you. Enjoy some of these pictures from our weekly dance nights.

We look forward to seeing you inside the theater for Ordway’s theater, music and dance events this season.

Until next time we dance,

Ordway's at the Great Minnesota Get Together

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:14 GMT

It’s that time of year again, when people come from miles around to munch on a variety of fried delicacies on a stick. That’s right! I’m talking about the Great Minnesota Get Together: the Minnesota State Fair! The Ordway, not wanting to miss the fun, has a booth filled with great prizes, friendly staff and giveaways.

You can register to win exciting prizes such as complimentary tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Techincolor® Dreamcoat or to a performance from our Target® World Music and Dance Series.

Also, the first 100 people that stop by the booth at 9am and 3pm daily will receive our special Ordway hand sanitizer to help you clean up after some delicious cheese curds.

Again this year, you can purchase single tickets to all Ordway performances at the Ordway’s State Fair booth before the official season on sale scheduled for September 9. Not only will you be among the first to purchase your tickets, but the Ordway is offering special ticket discounts to State Fair attendees.

Specials include:

$35 Tickets to Joseph for December 7 or 8 (scale 2 & 3) performances
50% Off Tickets for the Joseph New Year’s Eve matinee performance at 2pm
$5 Admission to Ordway’s New Year’s Eve Ball – A Technicolor Family Affair! for ticketholders after the 2pm matinee
$10 Tickets to CONTRA-TIEMPO or Terrance Simien; part of the Target® World Music & Dance Series
$20 (plus fees) Tickets to STOMP (valid in the Gallery only)
Free drink ticket with the purchase of a ticket to 9-5 The Musical

Offers available only at the Minnesota State Fair. Subject to availability. Standard fees apply. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

To get your hands on some great ticket deals and Ordway fair fun, stop by the Ordway’s booth located in the Merchandise Mart on the corner or Dan Patch and Copper Avenues.

There’s no better way to celebrate the end of a fun-filled summer than stopping by the Ordway’s Booth at the State Fair. And if you happen to buy yourself some tickets for the Ordway’s upcoming season, the fun can last long after the summer!

First Annual National Arts in Education Week

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:17 GMT

Congress, realizing the importance of arts education in developing well-rounded and engaged students, designated the week of September 12 – 18th as National Arts in Education Week. The Ordway has certainly recognized the benefits that can come from arts education with its Education Department engaging more than 50,000 students and educators just last year.

In honor of National Arts in Education Week, the Ordway would like to introduce you to its Education News blog. The Ordway Education News blog provides up to date information on educational performances, events and activities. Get the latest information on the Ordway’s art education opportunities!

Check it out: http://ordwayeducationnews.blogspot.com/

Spotlight on James Rocco: Adventures in NYC

info@ordway.org(James Rocco) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:39 GMT

I woke up at 4 a.m. to make the 6:30 a.m. flight to NYC for a half day of Joseph auditions. Normally this would have only been a slight deviation from my morning routine of waking at 5:30 a.m., but that day I had a cold and wanted to stay in bed! Many Kleenexes later I arrived in NYC as planned. As I got off the plane, I realized I looked like Nanook of the North compared to the New Yorkers who were enjoying 80 degree weather. Off came the sweater and coat.

First up: a quick stop at my NYC apartment to drop things off and to see Sally Wingert my “roommate.” You may know Sally, a renowned Twin Cities’ actress, who for the next 6 months is playing on Broadway in the highly anticipated revival of La Bete. She had a cup of joe waiting for me, and then off I went to Ripley Greer Studios to audition a parade of über-talented, charismatic, charming young actors ready for work. We found a Naphtali, but still no Pharoah. Oy—where to look next? All I am looking for is a guy who is as handsome as Elvis, plays guitar, sings great and can set a trumpet on fire—that shouldn’t be difficult!

Tari Kelly, Ordway’s Sally Bowles from Cabaret and Ethel Levy from Yankee Doodle stopped by the auditions and kept Andrew Rassmussen and myself laughing in between auditions. That evening we all went to see Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch in A Little Night Music.

A Little Night Music is one of my favorite shows. It’s a poetic romp filled with great use of language, delicious scandal and lush music. It’s a bubble. That’s why I was shocked when the lights came up on five actors dressed in black funeral looking garb. Hmmm, the play takes place in summer only it seems this must have been a particularly harsh summer because lo and behold everyone was wearing black until they journeyed to the “country.” Then they wore gray.

Bernadette was delightfully perfect for the role and gave a terrific performance of “Send in the Clowns” complete with her trademark tears. Elaine Stritch was Elaine Stritch, which is always entertaining. She occasionally could not help herself and picked up the pace of this slowwwwwwwww production.

All in all I’d say any A Little Night Music is better than no A Little Night Music. The audience all around me had a great time. At intermission, I overheard a gent say “I really like this show. It’s like Shakespeare. You really have to listen.” I thought, as opposed to the movies and shows you go to where you don’t have to listen?

More soon,

James Rocco

A Blonde Joseph?

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:58 GMT

In Ordway’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat, the American Idol star Anthony Fedorov plays the role of Joseph. And this casting has many people wondering “but when Donny Osmond played the role, he wasn’t blonde.” Did you know though that the Joseph in the original cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat was blonde?

Let’s take a journey together through the various incarnations of Joseph. We begin in 1982 with the first ever production of Joseph and the Amazing Techincolor® Dreamcoat at the Royal Theatre. Bill Hutton played Joseph in all of his golden locks glory.

In the 1991 restaging of Joseph for London’s West End, Jason Donovan took on the role of Joseph.

In the same year, Phillip Schofield replaced Jason Donovan in the role.

A North American tour of Joseph came about in 1992 with Donny Osmond in the title role. A subsequent video version with Donny Osmond was made in 1999. As you can see, Donny Osmond was the first ever brunette Joseph (as far as we can tell).

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat returned to England with Stephen Gately as Joseph in a small Oxford production, which eventually ended up in London’s West End in 2003.

In 2007, Joseph and the Amazing Techincolor® Dreamcoat went on tour in the UK with Lee Mead in the lead role of Joseph.

Mead left the production in 2009, and was replaced by Gareth Gates.

And this brings us to today with the Ordway’s Production of Joseph and the Amazing Techincolor® Dreamcoat, where Anthony Fedorov returns the character of Joseph to his blonde roots.

The Ordway’s production of Joseph pays homage to the original, but does so with a twist. Get ready to experience Joseph like you never have before, as the Ordway brings a whole new look and feel to this classic.

We want to hear from you!

Are you excited to see Joseph at the Ordway?

How many times have you seen Joseph before?

Spotlight on James Rocco: Joseph's Children Rehearsals

info@ordway.org(James Rocco) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:10 GMT

We began rehearsals for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Here's a picture of me, Renee Prola (Ordway's Company Manager) and 41 fantastically talented children. Rehearsals with the full company start on Monday, November 8 and then the clock starts ticking to Opening Night. Fingers and everything else are crossed!

More soon,

James Rocco

Behind the Scenes of Joseph by Anthony Fedorov

info@ordway.org(Anthony Fedorov) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 22:41 GMT

I am really excited to be writing my first blog entry about my experience here in St. Paul, MN. I had never worked at the Ordway so I can’t wait to step on its stage for the first time. I flew down here last year for a few days to announce that I’ll be doing “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and when I saw the Ordway for the first time, I was blown away at how beautiful it was. So now I am finally here and ready to bring “Joseph” back to life once again.

I flew in this past Sunday around 3:30pm. Once I got my bags, I was picked up by Renee Prola she is the company manager, and she is awesome!!!!

The first thing I noticed about St. Paul was how amazing the weather was. I guess company management really hooked it up…lol… no but seriously, it’s been really great out here with the weather so far. I was told that we are very lucky to be in the mid 60’s at this time of year. I was expecting cold, luckily that’s not what been happening.

I am staying in a really nice apartment not too far from the theater so the drive will be easy and quick. This week is going to be relatively easy for me since I already know the music well. But I will be doing some promo appearances to spread the word about the show.

I met everyone in the cast yesterday and all the cast members are really nice. I am looking forward to sharing the stage with them and getting to know them. This is one of the things I love about doing musical theater, I get to meet a lot of very talented performers and I get to learn from them first hand.

This is going to be my 4^th production of this show and I am ready to roll. I will be writing blogs on a weekly basis so stay tuned to hear more about my experiences here at the Ordway. I’ve been truly blessed to be on this amazing journey of being an entertainer and now my journey brings me to St. Paul.

Community Latin Social Dance Classes with CONTRA-TIEMPO

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:38 GMT

The Ordway is gearing up for a jam-packed series of events with CONTRA-TIEMPO, the urban Latin dance company from Los Angeles. Ana María Alvarez, founder and director, will make personal appearances at a number of Twin Cities schools and community organizations during her time here. Best of all, she and her company members are leading two salsa dance classes open to the general public on Monday and Tuesday next week.

These workshop classes offer you the rare opportunity to learn Casino Rueda: Cuban Salsa danced in a circle with frequent partner changes. CONTRA-TIEMPO will also introduce you to concepts of “compassionate partnering.” These classes will certainly leave you feeling inspired, productive, engaged, and communicating better with barriers broken down. No partner is required and any level of experience is welcome.

Community Latin Social Dance Classes with CONTRA-TIEMPO

Monday November 15, 6:30pm—8:00pm

Tuesday November 16, 6:30pm—8:00pm

The Ordway, Drake Room [Please enter through Stage Door on 5th Street]

$10; Free with a ticket to the public performance on Friday, November 19

RSVP to Amy Miller (651.282.3017; amiller@ordway.org)

Ordway Extra

It’s worth arriving early to the CONTRA-TIEMPO show on Friday, November 19 for the Ordway Extra which runs 6:30pm-7:00pm in the Marzitelli Foyer. At this point, you have your ticket for CONTRA-TIEMPO, the urban Latin dance company from Los Angeles. Their show will fuse Salsa, Afro-Cuban, West African, hip-hop, and abstract dance-theater to create an invigorating blend of physically intense and politically astute performance. To warm you up for this show, the Ordway Extra presents a dynamic duo of local Latina artists: Maria Isa and Shira Naharit. These wonderful artists will share original work reflecting their unique Latina voices.

Born and raised in the Twin Cities to NuyoRican parents, emcee/singer/songwriter Maria Isa is recognized for celebrating her cultural diversity through music and political activism. Like CONTRA-TIEMPO, Isa believes in creating performances that address community and identity while moving body, soul, and mind. She is recognized as a 2010 Rising Star by the National Hispaña Leadership Institute for her outstanding work with incarcerated youth throughout the Twin Cities. She is also co-founder of SotaRica, an independent record label.

Shira Naharit is a writer, painter, and yogini living in the Twin Cities. A native of Minnesota, she grew up strongly influenced by her Seminole and Cuban ancestry, developing an early love of oral storytelling and magical realism. Shira was published in International Family Magazine, and won a mentorship in the Loft’s Inroads program for emerging Latino writers. Shira also won a residency at the University of San Francisco, and studied with acclaimed Chicana writer Ana Castillo. Shira is most recently the recipient of a Playwrights’ Center Many Voices Fellowship.

Together, Isa and Naharit will engage themes of language, gender and culture, while sharing personal stories as artists. This special event is not to be missed!

BREAKING BROADWAY NEWS: The Addams Family

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:54 GMT

The creepy and kooky musical comedy, “The Addams Family”, has been on Broadway now for one year with the two-time Tony Award^® winners Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia.

This amazingly successful show will be experiencing a switch in casting on March 22, 2011, when it brings Roger Rees, Tony and Oliver Award winner and the original Nicholas Nickleby in London and on Broadway, to play Gomez. We are also excited to inform you that the very talented Bebe Neuwirth will be staying on as Mortia.

This will be a reunion of sorts for Roger and Bebe. They co-starred on the NBC sitcom, “Cheers” for several years. They have also co-starred together in the productions of “The Taming of the Shrew” at the Williamstown Theater Festival in 1999 and “Cabaret Verboten.” at Center Theater Group in Los Angeles. Roger and Bebe are sure to be great as a couple, and fantastic parents to the dysfunctional Addams’ children.

“The Addams Family” will kick off its US National tour in September 2011, and will make its way to the Ordway stage for performances running May 8 – 20, 2012.

The Ordway is a part of the fantastic Elephant Eye Theatrical, the company that produced “The Addams Family.” Elephant Eye is an independent Broadway producing organization that develops new musicals for Broadway. As shows are developed, they will play first on Broadway, and then on the stages of the member’s theaters until finally being premièred in unaffiliated theaters across the United States. The Ordway got involved with Elephant Eye through its work with Five Cent Productions.

For more information on this fantastic musical comedy, visit the website: http://www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com/index.php

GiveMN.org's Give to the Max Day is Tues, Nov 16

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:29 GMT

GiveMN.org's Give to the Max Day 2010 is right around the corner!

Join us in bringing joy centerstage by supporting the Ordway on Give to the Max Day 2010. This year, a challenge gift from Ordway Board Members will double your contribution up to the first $20,000!

As a nonprofit organization, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts depends on the generous support of individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Ticket prices provide only part of the income needed to fulfill our extensive artistic and educational programming.

Visit givemn.org to donate now, or Give to the Max on Tuesday, November 16th to double your gift!

Spotlight on James Rocco: Joseph's Children Rehearsals Continue

info@ordway.org(James Rocco) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:02 GMT

I've been busy in rehearsals with 41 children for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." This is a photo of us working on the "Coat of Many Colors" number from the show.

The adults have joined us in rehearsals as well and tomorrow the entire cast will all be in the same room together for the first time. It's coming along terrifically and spirits are high!

More soon,

James A. Rocco

Interview with Ana Maria Alvarez, founder and director of CONTRA-TIEMPO

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:21 GMT

The Los Angeles based dance company, CONTRA-TIEMPO, is a social activist dance company that infuses Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and abstract dance-theater to change the way people experience social dancing. The Ordway talked with the founder and director, Ana Maria Alvarez, to gain more insight on this spectacular dance company and its ability to transform the world through dance.

How did the idea for CONTRA-TIEMPO come about?

CONTRA-TIEMPO began as single dance piece. It was my thesis concert from graduate school. It was an exploration of Salsa as a metaphor for social and political resistance. I was fascinated by the idea that “pushing back” at the time, especially in dealing with the immigration debates, was being called anti-American. This “pushing back” or what I call resistance in Salsa, is the key for communication between partners as well as the key to being American. America was founded on redefining and transforming circumstance and pushing back, standing up for what you believe in. This piece has now become the inspiration for much of my work with the idea of using the social dance form of Salsa as a tool to teach communication, compassionate partnership and social responsibility. This can be done all through the experience of dancing!

What makes CONTRA-TIEMPO stand out from other dance companies?

One of the main things is our diversity as performers - none of us has the same training, background, but we all have at least one form that is our expertise. Through this, we create a powerful and compelling tapestry onstage that is amazing to witness! We are about not only sharing ourselves as artists, but also sharing ourselves as human beings. We live and breathe our work. We are the voices we are representing on the concert stage and the authenticity of what we are saying speaks to people across cultural, geographic and economic divides. We are portraying characters on stage. We are portraying life and audiences recognize that. We are also committed to building a collective of powerful and self-expressed artists. I know many companies are made up of individuals, I feel like we are who we are because of the community we have built offstage. You feel our connection to one another onstage and it is this that makes our work powerful.

How does CONTRA-TIEMPO “transform the world through dance”?

Through our choreographic work, arts residencies, master classes, through our writings, interviews and lecture demonstrations, and through the way we share our work and ourselves. Every opportunity we get! Our goal is to leave ripples of inspiration in every place we go!

CONTRA-TIEMPO infuses Salsa, Afro-Cuban, West African, Hip-Hop, and abstract dance-theater. How are you able to combine these very unique genres of dance into a cohesive dance piece?

I think the mistake so many folks make, who do fusion work, is to have each form remain intact. I am not interested in being a company that does each form the way it is done traditionally. I am interested in working with the essences of each form and creating a new genre that draws on these essential qualities of each form. I play a lot with rhythm and timing to create a fusion that feels seamless.

Why did you decide to combine these particular dance genres?

They are the genres that I have trained in my whole life and the movement forms that our dancers have brought to the table! They are also all forms that exist in the Black/Brown experience in the U.S.

What do you hope audiences will take away from a CONTRA-TIEMPO performance?

I hope they will leave inspired. I hope at some point during the show they will see either their own experience onstage, or that they will be able to fully connect with and relate to someone else's experience. I hope that they leave feeling filled up and overflowing with questions, thoughts and a newfound sense of engagement!

In addition to your dance performances, your company also conducts workshops and classes. Why do you find the educational component of your work to be important?

This part of our work is crucial. Our commitment is to empower individuals and create community without breaking that fourth wall. If we didn’t ever roll up our sleeves and engage fully through our teaching, I don't think our work would be as powerful. Our inspiration comes from working directly with folks and listening in our teaching.

What do you hope to instill in the students of your workshop/classes?

1 - Compassionate partnership

2 - That anything is possible

3 - That they are part of something much larger than themselves

4- Contribution to others is empowering

CONTRA-TIEMPO will be performing on the Ordway stage for one-night-only on November 19, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Behind the Scenes of Joseph by Anthony Fedorov: Week 2

info@ordway.org(Anthony Fedorov) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:55 GMT

The first week of rehearsals has ended. We are now officially in our second week. I am really glad that we’re in our second week because everything is really starting to come together. The first week was a bit quiet for me because since I already know the music well, I was not needed much for the beginning stages.

But now we are in the staging process with full cast and we’re running show numbers from beginning to end. It’s really amazing to me to see all the actors doing their thing. This is an extremely talented cast. James Rocco who is directing “Joseph” at the Ordway and also runs the Ordway, did an excellent job in putting this cast together.

What’s also great is that we are now working with all the kids as well. They are so cute and they sound great! There are going to be about 40 kids in this production.

Yesterday we did a full musical run through for the Ordway staff…it was a lot of fun! I couldn’t sit still for 2 minutes because I was having way too much fun with it.

The weather has gotten much colder since last week so I am trying to get used to that. But overall, so far it’s going great. It’s always a blessing when your work doesn’t feel like work at all.

Until next week...

Interview with Jorge Gomez from Tiempo Libre

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:05 GMT

Hot off its third Grammy Award Nomination, Tiempo Libre combines Latin jazz with Cuban son to create a musical experience that will have patrons doing the conga in the aisles. Tiempo Libre will be bringing its Cuban dance party to the Ordway this Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Jorge Gomez, the pianist and musical director of Tiempo Libre, talked with us about the exuberant music group and the kind of music they bring to audiences.

How did you all come together to create the music group we know today as Tiempo Libre? How did you decide on the name “Tiempo Libre” for your music group?

We come from all over Cuba places like Santiago, Pinar del Rio and Camaguey, but musically we grew up together in Havana. We lived double lives. We went to a strict Russian-style conservatory, La ENA (Escuela Nacional de Arte) by day, where we studied classical music. By night, we gathered in streets, clubs or homes to play cha-cha-cha, Latin jazz and timba.

One by one we all left Cuba and reunited in Miami. We all were performing and touring with amazing artists like Albita, Cachao, Arturo Sandoval, NG La Banda, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Isaac Delgado. In our free time off from gigs or recording, we would meet up to play timba music. We had a dream of becoming the first all-Cuban timba band in the United States. Since we could only meet up during time off from other jobs, we named our group “Tiempo Libre” or free time. The joke is, however, that now we don’t have any free time.

What are the major influences behind the kind of music you make?

We play a kind of Cuban music called timba, a high energy, dance-inducing mix of traditional Cuban music called “son” spiced up with elements of funk, hip-hop, rap and jazz. If you combine the music of Buena Vista Social Club with Chick Corea, you have timba, jazz and Cuban rhythms all mixed together.

The instrumentation is also specific. For example, in Salsa you play with acoustic piano and acoustic bass. In timba you play with electric keyboards and electric bass because you're looking for a deeper sound. It's more energetic, with a more jazzy brass section. It's always different, since we use a lot of improvisation.

We like to compare our music to a tomato. If you plant a tomato in Havana soil, it will taste differently than if you plant it in Miami soil or Los Angeles soil, but it will still be a tomato. We are pure timberos (musicians who play timba music). We listen to timba, we play it, we dance it and we live it. As Cubans now living in the United States, we absorb the musical nutrients of this country and incorporate them into our sound.

Some of your music combines classical with Latin jazz. How did the idea to infuse these two genres of music come about?

Classical music was always a part of our life in Cuba. Here's basically our story: in the morning, classical training; at night, rumba and son on every corner. One night I (Jorge) was listening to the music of Bach, who for us is the DNA of the music world, and said “Hey, let's do this the Cuban way.” Bach had the perfect metric to compose dance compositions and his mathematical mastery makes him right for this kind of music.

What was it like having your latest CD, Bach in Havana, nominated for a Grammy?

We are already living our dream by being able to tour all around the world and play the music we love, and so to have received three Grammy nominations for our CDs…there are no words to describe it!

How would you describe the musical experience of your performances? What do you hope audiences will get out of your music?

We should tell you this won't be a concert. It will be more like a Cuban dance party. That's the reason we're coming here, to see people dance and enjoy the show. It'll be the first time you'll see people listening to Bach while dancing to a conga.

Cuba is all about music. It’s in our DNA to dance and sing. That's the way we grew up. For us, it's part of our lives; it's the way we live. We sing in the shower. We sing in our tour van. We sing anywhere. We love to see other people's reaction to our music.

Your group also has an interest in furthering music education. Why do you find this particular component to the work you do so important?

When we started out touring, presenters asked us to do classes and residencies, which was completely new for us. The idea of a residency doesn't really exist in Cuba. However, I remember the first time we did a class for kids; it was so hard for me because I was crying! The sight of all those kids, so open, so excited, all moving and dancing was one of the most incredible things I had ever experienced. Playing for and working with kids is as rich and rewarding as playing regular concerts.

Spotlight on James Rocco: Joseph Tech Week

info@ordway.org(James Rocco) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:10 GMT

Rehearsals are going great. The cast is quick, talented and a bunch of terrific people. Our final run-thru in the rehearsal hall went smoothly and I'm very optimistic about the transition from the rehearsal hall to the theater. We began spacing onstage this past weekend and the show is going to look great in the beautiful Ordway. Check out the photos below from our rehearsal process!

You can't imagine what it's like seeing those 41 children amidst the 28 adult actors. I have been watching them for weeks now and they are still bringing a smile to my face.

We open the show next week - the clock is ticking and so far so good!

See you at the theater,

James A. Rocco

Behind the Scenes of Joseph by Anthony Fedorov: Tech Week

info@ordway.org(Anthony Fedorov) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:54 GMT

At last we are now rehearsing at the Ordway. Not that I didn’t enjoy rehearsing at our previous rehearsing space…I did. But now that we are finally on stage and there are all these seats that are just waiting to be filled with people, the butterflies start to come in, and not the nervous kind, the "I’m excited" kind. I am ready to start.

Also, now that we are getting closer and closer to that opening night, I’ve been doing some press to help promote the show. I’ve done some TV interviews, newspaper interviews, as well as performances around town.

Just a few days ago, I performed at the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony in Rice Park, which is right next to the Ordway. I sang “Any Dream Will Do”. I got up there with my flip cam and filmed the crowd cheering. That was fun. You can see this performance in a video I'll post to the blog soon. Then I participated in the Holidazzle Parade. I stood on a float and waived as I was passing by. What surprised me the most was the amount of people who came out to see the parade in this freezing weather. But I was told that this parade has been a tradition here for a long time so it was great to see so many people there. Even though I could not feel my hands or feet or anything pretty much, I had a blast.

I also found out that there is a bus that is completely wrapped with Joseph. That’s cool!!!!! I took a picture next it (see below!)

It’s really great to see everyone in their costumes because now I really get to see how the characters come out. This is a very talented cast so the overall picture just keeps growing more and more.

I am going to be wearing a different wig this time around. It will make me look a bit more rigid than in previous productions and I like that. At the end of this week, we will be rehearsing with the orchestra for the first time. I can’t for that. There is nothing better than a live orchestra!

I took some pics of my outfits so you guys get an idea of what I am wearing in the show (again stay tuned in to this blog to see them in the next few days).

The first preview is on the 7^th. This show is going to be great.

Until next time, Joseph signing off…:)

Joseph Tech Rehearsal Photos

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:17 GMT

It's finally here! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat opens this week! To celebrate we thought we would give our loyal readers a chance to see photos from the show's tech rehearsals.

Interviews with Jennifer Paz

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:21 GMT

Jennifer Paz, who plays the Narrator in our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, recently talked with KARE 11 and WCCO TV about the show.

KARE 11’s 4pm News

WCCO TV’s Noon News

MyTalk107.1 Live Broadcast of The Lori and Julia Show at the Ordway–Today!

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:23 GMT

To help us kick off our official opening night of Joseph, MyTalk107.1 will be broadcasting The Lori and Julia Show live in the Ordway lobby from 3—6p.m. this Friday, December 10. Anthony Fedorov will be interviewed during the broadcast about his experience playing Joseph and being a part of Season Four of American Idol. In addition to the broadcast, MyTalk107.1 will be hosting a Santa Stop collection box in the foyer to collect small toys and gift cards for the Ronald McDonald House. Tune in today for behind-the-scenes information on Joseph!

If you’re coming to see the show tonight, be sure to bring a donated item to put in the Santa Stop collection box!

http://www.mytalk1071.com/showpage.php?show=lorijulia

Updated: Winter weather update for Joseph performances

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 18:00 GMT

This Saturday's performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be taking place. If you have been calling our box office, we apologize for the wait time and thank you for your patience. If you need to exchange your Saturday tickets, we will be able to make the exchange through Monday at noon if you'd like to call back at 651.224.4222. If you decide to venture out, please drive safely.

UPDATE: The 7:30 performance of Joseph for Saturday, December 11 has now been CANCELLED. You may exchange your tickets between now and Monday at noon. See the latest blog post for more details.

Saturday night Joseph CANCELLED; Sunday Update

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 23:06 GMT

Sunday Update: Both performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat today will go on as scheduled. If you need to exchange your tickets from Saturday into another performance please email us at weborders@ordway.org or call us back on Monday to make arrangements. Thanks for your patronage and enjoy the show!

-----

Due to the extreme weather conditions, the 7:30pm performance of Joseph for Saturday, December 11 has been CANCELLED.

We don't want the snow to stop you from getting the chance to see this amazing Holiday spectacular so we will exchange your tickets into another performance. Email us at weborders@ordway.org or call us back on Monday to make arrangements. Thanks for your patronage and enjoy the show!

If you’re calling regarding one of the Sunday performances, we anticipate the performances will go as scheduled.

Check back for updates, and Happy Holidays!

A message from the Ordway; Winter weather wrap-up

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 21:02 GMT

Saturday’s severe weather created a dilemma for every local theater as they decided whether or not to cancel their evening performances. The Ordway’s standing policy is that the show will go on as long as local freeways are open. However, late in the afternoon, Metro Transit suspended all bus service and MnDOT issued an order stating that no travel was advised, even though the freeways were still open. At the same time, we also learned that some of our cast (including some of the 41 children) would be unable to get to the Ordway. In the interest of safety for our patrons, cast and crew, we therefore made the difficult decision to cancel the evening show. We posted a notice on our website, changed our phone greeting, and issued a media alert. We also made sure that Ordway staff would be at the front door to explain the situation to ticket holders who arrived at the theater. Unfortunately, a few patrons did not hear about the cancellation and were understandably frustrated to arrive at the theater only to learn that weather had forced a cancellation. On the other hand, our 2pm show did proceed on schedule but many patrons were unable to get here, causing frustration for them as well.

The Ordway is fully committed to serving all patrons holding tickets to the Saturday performances. We will offer free exchange privileges to another performance of Joseph, which runs through January 2. Patrons may contact us online at weborders@ordway.org or by calling 651.224.4222 on Monday. We are committed to serving all Ordway patrons and deeply regret this situation that forced cancellations at nearly every venue in the Twin Cities.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Reviews

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:12 GMT

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opened last week. Below are some reviews from theater critics in town. But we want to hear from you. What did you think of the performance? Your thoughts are important to us, so comment below!

St. Paul Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/stage/ci_16836696

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/111718784.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUg:oaEQDUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

TCJewfolk.com: http://tcjewfolk.com/joseph-ordway-review/

Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/performance-art-in-minneapolis/review-technicolor-dreamcoat-custom-tailored-for-a-family-friendly-fit-review

TC Daily Planet: http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/arts/2010/12/13/theater-anthony-federov-ordway-brings-joseph-and-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat-back-

HowWasTheShow.com: http://www.howwastheshow.com/2010/12/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat-at-the-ordway/

Ordway Circle of Stars Gala 2010: An Evening in Technicolor

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:30 GMT

Thank you to all who attended the December 4, 2010 OCOS Gala – An Evening in Technicolor. We hope you enjoyed an amazing evening! Thank you to our corporate sponsors, event benefactors, patrons and volunteers for supporting this event. And BRAVO to the cast and crew of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat for a fantastic dress rehearsal!

Here are some pictures from this spectacular event!

Behind the Scenes of Joseph by Anthony Fedorov: Videos

info@ordway.org(Anthony Fedorov) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:58 GMT

Thanks to everyone who has come out to see the show thus far! Here are a few videos I've taken or been a part of during my time in the Twin Cities.

Enjoy!

WCCO TV: The Goods >

Anthony On Stage

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Anthony at Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rice Park

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Last Night at the Ordway - Gov. Dayton & Bill Murray Stopped By!

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:31 GMT

Last night, the Ordway hosted the 4th annual Welcome Back Legislators Reception presented by the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. Legislators, staff and community members came together to celebrate the start of the 2011 Legislative Session. Gov. Dayton and Bill Murray were even in attendance! We were proud to have all of these individuals at the Ordway for such a grand event. Here are a few pictures from last night's reception.

Angelique Kidjo Reviews

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:04 GMT

Angelique Kidjo performed last Friday and here is a review from the Twin Cities Daily Planet. But we want to hear from you too! What did you think of the performance? Your thoughts are important to us, so comment away!

Twin Cities Daily Planet Review: http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/arts/2011/01/22/music-angelique-kidjo-ordway-better-springsteen

Calling All Young Artists: ARTwalk 2011

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:31 GMT

Calling All Young Artists: It’s time to make your mark in downtown Saint Paul by participating in the eighth annual ARTwalk! The ARTwalk, a program associated with the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, gives young artists the opportunity to display their artwork in downtown Saint Paul establishments for one month (May 6 – June 6, 2011). It is a wonderful way for schools and community organizations to display the artistic achievements of young people.

It is simple to participate in the ARTwalk. You can submit artwork individually or as a group. Just download the submission form, fill it out, and submit it with your artistic masterpiece by February 28, 2011.

Artwork may be dropped off anytime from February 23-28, 2011 at the Ordway Stage Door. There is a security attendant available to receive the art 24 hours a day. The Stage Door is on the 5th street side of the Ordway, located at 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102

You can also mail your artwork. Artwork must be received by February 28, 2011. Mail to: ARTwalk Submissions, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. All artwork shipped to the ARTwalk must be packed safely and easily re-packed for return delivery.

Click the following link to download a submission form.

Download submission form >

For more information visit:

http://www.ordway.org/festival/artwalk/

http://ordwayfestival.blogspot.com/p/artwalk.html

We want to hear from you! What do you think of having young artists’ work displayed in downtown Saint Paul? In previous ARTwalks, has there been a particular piece of artwork that stood out to you?

Interview with Terrance Simien

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:31 GMT

Terrance Simien graciously took some time to answer a few questions about his music and career for us. Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience will be onstage at the Ordway next week February 13 at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets and information visit Ordway’s Terrance Simien page.

You have been classified as an “American Zydeco musician.” What the heck is Zydeco?

“That works for me especially since now Zydeco is being performed by groups all over the world. In countries like Australia, Japan, Germany, France, etc. But as most people know by now, zydeco was born in Louisiana and it is the indigenous music of the black and mixed race French speaking Creoles from the rural communities of south Louisiana. The word Zydeco comes from Africa and since there are 1,000 different African languages there are many words that we believe could be the root word of our zydeco including these: Zari, Zarico, Zodico, Zai’co laga laga, etc.”

Other musical genres that you perform include Cajun music and roots music. How would you describe those?

“Actually, Cajun music is indigenous to the Acadians, the French Canadians who exiled from Acadie, the region of the Eastern Provinces of Canada. Both music styles incubated in Louisiana with common denominators like the accordion and the French language, but they evolved very differently. Zydeco incorporated blues, gospel, soul, R&B, later urban music while paying homage to their African and Native American heritage. Cajun took on more of a folk, celtic, country shape and later incorporated more popular sounds as well. My music is a fusion of traditional Creole music and original compositions with multi layers of influences from many different styles of music that I love. It was not only the music of the zydeco pioneers that helped me find my own sound, but it was also the popular music of my generation like soul, folk, R&B, roots rock and the music and culture of New Orleans also greatly influenced my music style. Many genres and artists have informed and inspired my unique zydeco roots. Everyone from Sam Cooke to Bob Dylan and the Neville Brothers to The Band. My international touring has also helped inform my music.”

How were you introduced to music and performing? Did you always want to be a performer?

“I was first introduced to music at home and in the Catholic church. Like most young people, some of the first songs I sang were church hymns. My parents loved music and we always had a piano at home. I remember listening to my sisters’ soul records and my brothers’ folk records. They are also good singers. However, it was at the church hall fund raiser dances that I discovered zydeco. Later when I played trumpet in the school band I was exposed to classical music. At one time when I was 8 or 10 I wanted to be a famer or a priest. I even went to seminary camp one summer but after discovering music my dreams changed. My older brother Greg became the priest. I suppose we both kind of inspire people in our way, right? A turning point for me also was seeing the movie Honeysuckle Rose, which made me want to go on tour with my music. Hey, I wanted to be Willie Nelson for a time! You can imagine how thrilled I was years later when I met him and got to shake his hand.”

You come from one of the earliest documented Creole families to have settled in Mallet, Louisiana. Has your heritage had an effect on your musical style?

“Most definitely because without the Creoles there would be no zydeco. The Creole heritage is a multicultural and multi racial blend of African, French, Native American and Spanish ancestry. There is also strong German heritage in my Creole family. The music is influenced and informed by all of these cultures. The accordion was introduced to the Creoles by German immigrants after the Civil War. Most percussions instruments come from Africa and although the rubboard or frottoir is clearly an American instrument fashioned after the functional washboard used in early blues, folk and jugband music, the principle is similar to other metal percussion instruments used in Africa, the Caribbean and south American cultures. I’m a mixed race Creole and yes official records indicate my family is one of the first documented to have settled St. Landry Parish in the 1700’s. The hardships and history of my parents and ancestors had great effect on me and my perspective of who I was and where I fit into the greater plan. When I later discovered the truth about my family and Creole history, I realized how much we have contributed to the cultural identity of Louisiana. This was when I really felt like I had a greater purpose and my approach shifted to include more educational outreach and programming.”

You play the piano, accordion, trumpet, and sing. Which is the most fun? Which is the most challenging?

“They are equally fun and challenging. You are only as good as the amount of time you discipline yourself to practice your instrument. I believe the voice is the original instrument and for me I can express so much through singing and feel I can really reach peoples heart and soul this way.”

You are also active in Creole music education and advocacy. What is the “Creole for Kidz” program?

“It’s a multicultural music experience for families and K-12 students and was developed out of an urgent need to tell our story to our own Creole brothers and sisters and the youth of Louisiana who also were not getting this information in school. Most didn’t get it at home either and unfortunately there were also no preservation organizations helping us piece it all together. I wanted to empower them with this knowledge about their history and to let them know how unique they were, how valuable their cultural contributions have been and give them a deep sense of ownership and pride of heritage that I felt when I discovered who I was and where I came from. This arts education program incorporates Creole and zydeco music history through an informational performance that introduces students to a unique roots music genre born right here in our own country, but loved worldwide. It gives them a quality live music experience through performance during a time when so much of our music content is being exchanged digitally. It also helped start the conversation about their own cultural diversity and also opens the dialogue about roots music genres in our country that are often not on the mainstream radar.”

In 2007, you and your bandmates were the first American artists to perform in Rodriques, a country of 40,000 people with a Creole culture still intact. What was that like?

“It was incredible to experience a culture so far from home that was so familiar and like my own. There were similarities in their food and their music. The central instrument in their music was also the accordion which can be found in other folk genres around the world. They also used the triangle, which was found in early Creole music, along with the fiddle. All of these islands have a francophone culture and their own version of the Kreyol (Creole) French language is spoken. We were brought there by Victoria DeLong, CAO from the US Embassy in Mauritius with the because she wanted to show the local Creole community how important they were by making a cultural connection to Louisiana Creole culture with its wildly popular zydeco music. Sadly, Victoria who had taken a mission in Haiti after Mauritius was killed in the Haitian earthquake of 2010. She loved her work and died serving her country and the people of Haiti.”

In 2008, Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience won a Grammy for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album (which you also helped establish). What emotions did you feel when you were announced the winner of a Grammy award?

“It’s hard to describe the excitement. It was like a happy ending to a long, eventful career as well as the end of a long journey that we took to establish the category. We also had the privilege of opening the pre-televised awards with a 10 minute performance for over 1,000 industry professionals who had never seen zydeco performed live at the GRAMMYs. I’d been a voting member of the Recording Academy for 17 years and touring and recording for 26 years. I was humbled because there were so many deserving artists in these genres. Some who had passed away without this recognition from their peers and some like me who’d been in the game for many, many years. My acceptance speech can be found on our website. I’m not sure how I did it as overwhelmed with excitement as I was, but I managed to get out a few words of thanks to the many that helped along the way. A GRAMMY is truly one of the industry’s highest honors and for me it feels like a lifetime achievement as well.”

You have been named a “Zydeco Master” by Rolling Stone. Is being a Zydeco Master anything like being a Jedi Master?

“Use the Force Luke! LOL. Not sure I believe all that’s written about me, but they like to use It in my press materials, because I guess it reads pretty well, right? I suppose that after 30 years in the business I have greater control of my career and have achieved a certain level of artistic mastery, but there is still much more to learn. I really don’t ever want to separate myself from being more than my peers.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope the take away is just pure enjoyment of the experience, a little more knowledge about my Creole culture and being free to be happy with the feeling of the music, to dance and leave the worries of life of behind for just a little while when we’re all together. I think a community live music experience is a really powerful way to also create a unique togetherness among people. I also hope they take away some of these darn Mardi Gras beads that I just cannot seem to get rid of! I’ve got boxes and boxes of them in my attic!

By: Ashley Haugen

Check Out the Public Service Announcements Created by the Ordway Teen Media Residency Program

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:32 GMT

The Teen Media residency took place at Perpich Center Arts High School in two Mass Media & Democracy classes lead by teacher Sun Yung Chin. The classes worked with Sherine Crooms, media artist and educator, to create collaborative public service announcements (PSA) surrounding social justice issues of their choosing. The students were inspired by the social justice work of artist Angélique Kidjo, who performed for more than 1800 students and educators at the Ordway on January 20, 2011.

The public service announcements will be airing on Comcasat Channel 15 in Saint Paul throughout the month of February. The air times are as follows:

2/1 11:15pm

2/3 3:30pm

2/6 7pm

2/9 10pm

2/10 9:30pm

2/20 5pm

2/27 6pm

Click here to visit the education blog and watch the public service announcements http://ordwayeducationnews.blogspot.com/2011/01/check-out-public-service-announcements.html

Or you can watch them on YouTube

Teen Media is Sponsored by

Spotlight on James Rocco: Putting a Season Together

info@ordway.org(James Rocco) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:36 GMT

In collaboration with the wonderful Ordway staff, I have spent the last few months wrestling with the always exciting, but sometimes arduous task of choosing next season’s line-up of theatricals. Now you might imagine that selecting a new season would be one of the best parts of a Producing Artistic Director’s job, and you would be right! However, at times it can also be frustrating, mind numbing and extremely nerve-wracking.

To end up with a complete season, you must first transverse a minefield of agents, authors, co-producers, production rights, budget specifications, touring schedules, artistic dreams, and financial realities. In the end, you pray that you will come out of it with a selection of outstanding individual shows that add up to a balanced and exciting season. It doesn’t always work out the way you originally predict, but I am happy to report that I strongly believe we have a very special season in store for you. We will be announcing the new season on February 23—so stay tuned!

See you at the theater,

James A. Rocco

Ordway Circle of Stars' Board Member Participates in "Dancing with the Twin Cities' Celebrities"

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:27 GMT

Todd Walker, OCOS Board Member at the Ordway and Fox 9 News Reporter, will be competing against other local celebrities in Arthur Murray dance studio’s second annual, “Dancing with the Twin Cities’ Celebrities” charity ball. This event, taking place on February 19, 2011, will have Twin Cities’ celebrities dancing with Arthur Murray professionals to compete for a chance to raise funds for the charity of their choice. Todd Walker will be competing to raise money for the Ordway. You can support Todd in his efforts to help the Ordway with a simple click of the mouse. Just click here to donate now.

Other featured charities at the event include the Alzheimer’s Association, Special Olympics MN, Best Buddies, The Link/Domestic Abuse Project/ Sabathani Comm. Center, Children’s Cancer Research and the Lymphoma Research Foundation. The evening will also include a meet and greet with the celebrities, a live auction, a raffle, and a silent auction.

For more information visit www.dancingwiththetccelebs.com

Terrance Simien Featured on National Radio Programs

info@ordway.org(Kristie Gaalswyk) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:49 GMT

Terrance Simien was featured nationally last week! These radio spots recognize Terrance for his career and passion for zydeco music.

In the American Public Media program, “American Routes,” Terrance discusses the Creole culture and his journey to becoming an “American Zydeco Musician.”

http://americanroutes.publicradio.org/archives/show/676/dr-lonnie-smith-terrance-simien-keys-and-squeeze

The program “All Things Considered” used Terrance as an example of, “Why You Shouldn’t Hate the Grammys.” Terrance describes how winning the Grammy for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album inspired other artists to keep the musical tradition of zydeco alive.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/features/npr.php?id=123109184

The Ordway is Nominated for Best Performance Venue in Best of Metromix Awards

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:27 GMT

The Ordway is honored to be nominated this year as the best performance venue in town. Nominations for the Best of Metromix Awards were determined based on reader submissions and Metromix favorites, so thanks for showing your love to us year-round!

The best part is, you can help us win this award!

To vote, click here: http://twincities.metromix.com/best-of-awards

Voting is open until Sunday, February 27 at midnight and people can vote once per 24-hour period. So be sure to vote often! Winners will be chosen based on user votes and will be announced the week of February 28.

Thanks for being an advocate for the Ordway and helping us to share joy.centerstage! We appreciate your support!

Live stream of Ordway's 2011-12 Season Announcement

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:12 GMT

The event went great, now watch our recording of the event that happened tonight at 6pm! (Skip ahead to 12:00 into the video.)

See all of Ordway's 2011-2012 Season >

Joseph is in Japan: Get The Inside Scoop!

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:22 GMT

For the first time the colorful musical celebration by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will delight Japanese audiences in Tokyo. The premiere in Tokyo, Japan is TODAY and will run for two-weeks.

This tour is made possible through Broadway Asia International and Thirty Saints Production Company, Ordway Performing Art Center's recent production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” directed by James Rocco, and starring American Idol star Anthony Fedorov.

Twin Cities Artists Involved: Jairus Abts, Lisa Bartholomew-Given, Marnie Buckner, AJ Eskridge, Jessica Fredrickson, Larissa Gritti, Reid Harmsen, Brian Kim, Caliea Kohler, Timotha Lanae, Kinaundrae Lee, Joel Liestman, Anne Lukaska, Lucy Niver, Bridget Noltimier, Andrew Rasmussen, Randy Schmeling, John R. Sloan, Jered Tanner, Kameron Taylor; and Tony Vierling, along with creative and managerial team members.

Check back for more updates from the cast and crew about the tour throughout the next two weeks!

The Children's Chorus in Japan

STOMP Q&A w/ Rehearsal Director, Donisha Brown

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:20 GMT

It's indicated that the origin of STOMP was from two "buskers" in Brighton, UK. Could you explain the term "busking" to those of us who may not have heard of it before?

Busking is the English term for street performing.

How did the concept of "busking" transform into STOMP?

Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas the creators of STOMP were in a band that busked. Luke was the drummer and didn't like to bring his drum kit so he started finding others ways to drum and make rhythms. That was the planting of the STOMP seed. They then played around with other "things" to make rhythm, which eventually evolved into the show.

STOMP has performed around the globe. What elements of STOMP allow it to transcend a diverse range of cultures?

We don't use spoken language in the show but we use the universal language of rhythm. Every culture has somesort of rhythmic base so everyone speaks our language. Also everyone has or has used the items that we use in the show which makes it extremely relatable.

What does it take to be a member of STOMP?

Stompers are a mixture of musicians, dancers, and actors. We all have a passion for the show but definitely have a unique way of approaching it.

What is the rehearsal process like for STOMP?

We rehearse everyday for at least an hour before the show. We go over difficult musical and physically dangerous elements. We also have a four hour rehearsal at least once a month to go over the key elements of the show as a company.

STOMP uses a variety of everyday items as its instruments. What is the process to determine which ordinary objects you'll turn into instruments?

Luke and Steve look at instruments that make multiple sounds, unconventional and often culturally reminiscent. We have a new number in the show called "DOUGHNUTS". We drum on tractor tire inner tubes strapped to our bodies and the sound and the style is reminiscent of Japanese Taiko drumming.

How are the pieces in STOMP created or choreographed?

Most of the movement organically correlates to the instrument that we play, about 70% of the movement was created by Luke and Steve and the other 30% is improvised.

How would you describe STOMP to a patron who may never have heard of it?

STOMP is a rhythmic journey of percussion, movement, and comedy where we take everyday objects and transform them into musical instruments.

STOMP is at the Ordway March 29 - April 3. For tickets, click here.

TU Dance warms up K-12 classrooms!

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:07 GMT

In the fall of 2010, TU Dance and the Ordway received funding from the Joyce Foundation to support the commission of a new dance work, With Love, choreographed by one of TU Dance Company’s artistic directors, Uri Sands.

Set to premiere at the Ordway on May 6, With Love will feature the music of Donny Hathaway and is inspired by paintings by African American artist Ernie Barnes.

In addition to this commission, The Joyce Foundation grant also provides support for TU Dance and the Ordway to embed the company’s aesthetic and vision in the community through a series of open rehearsals, master classes, and school residencies.

During the week of March 7 -11, several members of TU Dance held classes at Southwest High School, Saint Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts, FAIR School Crystal, and Battle Creek Middle School. The company members instructed students on the proper way to warm-up and introduced dance techniques that included modern and African-based movement, all from the company’s dance vocabulary. The residencies were a great sampling as to what TU Dance plans to offer dance students with this summer’s opening of the TU Dance Center.

Debra McGee of TU Dance leads a warm-up with students from Kristy Pierce’s class at Battle Creek Middle School.

Students at Battle Creek Middle School practice their new moves!

Watch the 2010 Sally Awards

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:33 GMT

The 2010 Sally Awards happened tonight at Ordway's McKnight Theatre. Watch a recording of the live stream below.

Learn more about the Sally Awards and the new award this year for Arts Access >

Memphis Comes to the Big Screen!

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:45 GMT

Memphis, the 2010 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, will be at the Ordway in our 2011-2012 Theater Season, but you can get a sneak peek before it comes to the stage. The musical is now coming to the big screen and is showing a total of 28 times during four days at nine movie theaters in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. NCM Fathom and Broadway Worldwide present this exclusive Broadway musical event.

This is the first time the current Tony Award-winning Best Musical will be presented in movie theaters while concurrently running on Broadway. In addition to the electrifying musical, audiences will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the musical that won four 2010 Tony Awards and continues to play to sold-out houses on Broadway. Memphis was captured live in performance earlier this year with the original Broadway cast for this special Fathom event presentation.

Watch this Memphis movie trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWdIzSETs0g

Movie exhibition dates are:

Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 1 at 12:30 pm

Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30 pm

To purchase tickets to any of the exhibition dates and to find a location near you, visit www.fathomevents.com.

To purchase tickets to Memphis at the Ordway, visit www.ordway.org

STOMP Reviews

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:08 GMT

STOMP performed at the Ordway last week and here are the critic’s reviews.

Did you see the show? What did you think? Do you agree or disagree with the critics? We want to hear from you! Post a comment and let us know what you thought of the company that used everything from kitchen sinks to zippo lighters as instruments.

Star Tribune

Twin Cities Daily Planet

BeijingDance/LDTX Q&A w/ Artistic Director Willy Tsao

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:04 GMT

BeijingDance/LDTX is on stage tonight at the Ordway starting at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss this great dance performance, and before attending, learn more about the company through the Q&A interview below. Hope to see you there! For tickets, visit BeijingDance/LDTX's Ordway webpage.

BeijingDance/LDTX was China’s first professional dance company independent of the government, what did this mean for the company?

This means that the company has to rely not on the government funding, but to actively seek financial support elsewhere, but at the same time, enjoy the autonomy in making artistic decision.

What was the process for becoming an independent company?

Before 2005, all performing arts companies in China were state-owned and run with heavily guarded artistic direction. In June 2005, the China government endorsed a new policy that allowed individuals or private sectors in China to run performing arts companies.

To register an independent company is relatively simple. Just go to the business bureau to file a form, install the required capital money in the bank and wait for one week. A license will be sent to the company address, and all things are set.

In the past three years, LDTX has premiered over 20 new dance works. What is the process for creating a new dance work and how long does it take to create and train for each new work?

A new dance work always starts with a choreographer who has an idea to do a dance. Then he or she would prepare a script or some sort of a structure for the dance, identify the right kind of music, then go to the rehearsal room to work with the dancers. They may try out different steps and movement with the music. It takes four to six weeks to create a full evening program.

What is a typical rehearsal schedule like for the dancers?

The dancers meet every day Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch in between. They usually take a morning class to warm their muscles. The morning class starts at 10 a.m. and lasts for one-and-a-half hours. And the rest of time is just practicing the steps designed for the choreography.

BeijingDance/LDTX puts on an annual dance festival. What is the festival’s purpose and what do you hope to achieve through the festival?

The purpose of the festival is to bring some innovative and professional modern dance works to the people living in Beijing, and also to feature the development of the modern dance in China. The festival has a policy of bringing five companies to appear within a two-week period. Three of the companies represent the most outstanding works from China, namely the BeijingDance/LDTX, the Guangdong Modern Dance Company and the Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company. Two other companies are selected and invited from different parts of the world to offer a glimpse of latest development in dance outside of China.

The company hosts dance workshops and lectures/demonstrations, how important is this educational piece to the company and why?

Modern dance is not just something that happens on stage, but also a new way of thinking and moving. The workshops and lectures help to demonstrate the form and to clarify the content.

What makes BeijingDance/LDTX’s work stand out from other companies?

In the world of modern dance, each work represents an individual, such as the choreographer or the dancer in the work. And each individual is unique.

I hope people come to see the work of BeijingDance/LDTX because they want to know each individual in the company as a friend, rather than try to catch something spectacular. Once they watch the performance, the audience will formulate their own opinion on what is attractive or not attractive to them. I hope everyone has a different opinion.

What does the company hope audiences will gain from their performances?

Just enjoy the show.

By: Elise Schwartz, Ordway Public Relations Intern

Today is National Arts Advocacy Day !

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:41 GMT

Learn How You Can Participate Locally!

Hundreds of dedicated arts supporters from across the country have come together in Washington, DC for National Arts Advocacy Day, a united effort to tell Capitol Hill how important culture is to our communities, how much arts education means to our children, and how much the arts improve our daily lives. 84 National Co-Sponsors have helped us shape this united arts message to Congress. The 24th annual Arts Advocacy Day is organized by Americans for the Arts and is presented this year in partnership with Ovation, the only television network devoted to arts and culture.

Even though you may not be able to travel to Washington D.C. today to participate, Americans for the arts has sent up an E-Advocacy Center, where you’ll be able to send a message in less than two minutes directly to your Representative and Senators telling them why the arts are important to you and your community.

We urge you to send your message to Congress today to coincide with our office visits to the Hill.

Click here to take action and send your message!

Ordway Extra Live: BeijingDance/LDTX

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:35 GMT

Watch the Ordway Extra for BeijingDance/LDTX!

This Ordway Extra features a conversation with Artistic Director Willy Tsao, facilitated by Macalester College professor Dr. Frederik Green. They discuss Tsao’s background and the path that led him to his current position, as well as the environment for the company and modern dance both in China and around the globe.

BeijingDance/LDTX Review

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:21 GMT

BeijingDance/LDTX performed its Minnesota debut at the Ordway Tuesday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. and here is a review from the Star Tribune.

What did you think? Do you agree or disagree with the review? We want to hear from you! Post a comment and let us know your thoughts about the dance company!

Star Tribune

Education News Blog

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:00 GMT

Did you know that the Ordway offers comprehensive arts participation programs that include a school performance series presenting artists and art forms from around the world, in-school residencies and workshops led by experienced teaching artists, and professional development for teachers?

Check out the Ordway Education News Blog to get an inside look at the Ordway’s educational programming and activities! This blog will keep you updated on all the latest Ordway education news, events and opportunities. You can even subscribe to be sure you get the most up-to-date information. You can simply subscribe via email or through a feed.

Click here to check it out: http://ordwayeducationnews.blogspot.com/

Community Breakfast

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:19 GMT

Thursday morning Flint Hills Resources hosted the Ordway’s annual Community Breakfast. Highlights included remarks from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and a performance by Canadian musical duo Dala, who performed with 2^nd Graders from Horace Mann School. The students met with Dala earlier in the week to practice for the big event, learning two songs - “Our Song” and “The Minnesota Song.”

You can look forward to hearing Dala at our 2011 Flint Hills International Children’s Festival June 4^th and 5^th.

Q & A w/ Artistic Directors of TU Dance: Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:33 GMT

Why did you become a dancer?

Toni: I took my first dance class (modern) when I was six. I was smitten and considered it my first marriage!

Do you ever work collectively with other dance companies? If you do, in what ways do you work with other companies?

Uri: No, not collectively, but I have choreographed pieces for other companies such as Zenon, North Carolina Ballet, Minnesota Dance, Alvin Ailey, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and others.

With Toni teaching dance at the University of Minnesota in addition to being an artistic director of TU Dance, do you bring educational elements into the company and if so, how?

Toni: I bring all my experiences of having a professional dance career to my work at the U and, to the company, I bring the critical thinking element as part of the educational experience around dance. The company has a training class every day prior to their rehearsal, which I teach at least once per week. There is constant engagement of a dancer’s body and strength because a dancer’s body is their instrument which, like any instrument, needs to be greased, cared for and tended to.

What do you do to stay healthy?

Toni: I’m probably overly occupied with what I eat and what I put in my body.

Uri: Go fishing.

What dance traditions do you draw on for company works?

Uri: I am inspired about any number of things: everything and anything around me. I am influenced by multiple dance traditions, including traditions that are non-traditional, like break dancing.

Have you used music to help shape any performance works and if so, how?

Toni: Yes, particularly With Love is created and inspired not only by painter Ernie Barnes but the music from R&B soul legend Donny Hathaway. The music helps create the tone of the urban environment.

How does With Love connect with the other works being performed at the Ordway: For You, High Heel Blues and Workforce?

Toni: As with all the works in the Ordway program, we’re trying to create an overall experience for the audience – an experience through dance that is a part of the whole experience in the theatre on that night at that time.

What do you hope audiences will get out of TU Dance’s performances?

Toni: To see dance in different ways than they may have thought about dance before. If we hope they get anything out of it, we hope it directly relates to their own personal experience of their life, whether through the music, the person sitting next to them, or the dancers, movement and stories on stage.

TU Dance Rehearsal Footage

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:34 GMT

In the fall of 2010, TU Dance and the Ordway received a Joyce Award from The Joyce Foundation to support the commission of a new dance work, With Love, choreographed by Uri Sands. Set to premiere at the Ordway next week Friday, With Love is inspired by the depictions of urban life and dance in the paintings of African American artist Ernie Barnes and set to the tunes of soul artist Donny Hathaway.

The following video captures highlights from interviews with the community, the Ordway and TU Dance as they engage in the open rehearsal process.

For tickets to the TU Dance performance next Friday, May 6; click here. But act fast, tickets are going fast!

*If you are viewing this via RSS feed, watch the video here >

TU Dance
In the six years since its sold-out opening run in Minneapolis, TU Dance, led by Artistic Directors and life partners Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, has garnered accolades such as Star Tribune’s “Artist of the Year” and the inaugural Princess Grace Award in choreography. The company has also been honored as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch.” Uri Sands’ luscious choreography incorporates dialects from ballet, West African, traditional, modern, and streetwise American dance, rendered with simultaneous distinctiveness and cohesion by the company’s sumptuous, razor-sharp execution. Its reputation for breathtaking physicality and spectacular partnering makes for performances not to be missed.

Q & A w/ Next to Normal's Curt Hansen who Plays the Role of Gabe

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:18 GMT

1. What makes Next to Normal so groundbreaking and buzz worthy?

Next to Normal is a musical about a family of four and how the mother suffers from bipolar disorder. What makes it so groundbreaking is just that, it is a musical about bipolar disorder.

2. The storyline for Next to Normal addresses controversial issues, which ones and how so?

There are so many controversial issues to choose from! I think the most shocking issues include suicide and teen drug use. These are real issues that people deal with on a day to day basis, and I think it is amazing that a musical can bring these issues to the forefront and create a platform for people who see the show to discuss these things.

3. In what ways does the rock music complement the storyline?

I think that the rock music complements the storyline tremendously. It helps support and drive all of the emotion that the cast has to formulate every night, not to mention incredibly fun to sing. There is something really cool about how such touchy subjects are essentially slammed into your face with loud and an amazingly intricate score.

4. Why did you choose to audition for your role?

I originally saw Next to Normal Off-Broadway at Second Stage, and HAD to play Gabe. Many things had to work out timing wise for me to be on this tour, so it is serendipitous that I got to be on tour.

5. How did you prepare to play your character?

I prepared a lot during rehearsals, just finding the character within the realm of the show, and playing off what everyone else brings to the table. I had to prepare a lot physically for this role, to build up endurance and stamina so I could do my physical show as well as the grueling vocal show at the same time.

6. What does the cast do to prepare for a performance on show days?

I think we all have kind of found our way of preparing for the show within the half-hour before curtain (that is when we have to be at the theater). As far as preparing during the day, I think we would go crazy if we did not just live life as normal as we can while being in an incredibly abnormal situation that is touring.

7. In what ways will the audience be able to relate to the characters?

Anyone who has suffered from mental illness or knows someone dealing with bipolar disorder will be able to relate. We have met many people who have struggled with illnesses themselves or have been affected as a family member on the outside. I think that this show does an amazing job eliminating the stigma attached with mental illness, you realize that anyone could be suffering with any number of mental illnesses.

8. What is your favorite scene in the show and why?

I love performing “I’m Alive!” It is so much fun for me, and I feel like a Rock Star. I always get excited to perform this every night, with the band behind me 100%...it is such a cool feeling!

9. What will audiences enjoy most about seeing Next to Normal?

It depends on what the audience wants to get out of it. I think that is what is so amazing about the show, is that people can relate to/enjoy a number of different things, whether you relate to the story and the characters, or are digging the rock score. There is something for everyone. As long as people go into the show with a clean slate I think that they will be greatly appreciative of the show and what Next to Normal has to offer.

By: Elise Schwartz, Ordway Public Relations Intern

Ordway Extra Live: TU Dance

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:34 GMT

Watch the recorded live stream of the Ordway Extra for the sold out performance of TU Dance. This Ordway Extra features a conversation with painter Ta-Coumba Aiken and educator Kristy Pierce. They talk about ways in which TU Dance opened up their artistic process to the community and will share their personal experiences as artists and educators working alongside TU Dance. They also speak to the influential roles that other artists, such as Ernie Barnes, can have on a creative trajectory.

Learn more about TU Dance >

Next to Normal Brings Along its Fans!

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:22 GMT

There’s really nothing normal about the extraordinary, 2009 Tony-Award winning Next to Normal. It’s not normal for a musical to receive as many nominations and awards as it has: from the 2009 Tony Awards to the Drama Desk Awards to the Outer Critics’ Circle Awards. And it’s certainly not normal for a musical to receive the Pulitzer Prize for drama—but Next to Normal did, in 2010.

Why? Next to Normal has that rare gift of appealing to both the masses and the critics. Its incredible fan base on Broadway includes some who have seen the show anywhere from 25-105 times!

Next to Normal is only at the Ordway for twelve days, so Minnesotans can’t hope to compete with the passionate fandom shown in New York. However, the opportunity to see Next to Normal again is a dream-come-true for Caleb Craig, a high school senior at Andover High School. He first saw the production on Broadway and subsequently organized a theater outing for the drama club at his school. We caught up with Caleb to ask him some questions about the show and why he enjoyed it. Here are his answers!

1. When and where did you first see Next to Normal?

I first saw Next to Normal at the Booth Theatre in New York City during September of 2009.

2. What struck you about N2N the first time you saw it, and why did you like it?

I was first introduced to Next to Normal by a friend of mine. Neither of us knew much about the plot at the time but the contemporary score caught our attention. The concept of the 'rock musical' seems terribly popular today and I'm as much on the band wagon as the next theatre critic but what was so interesting about it was that the score still had a sense of fragility to it. Of course you have your powerhouse numbers, (You Don't Know, Superboy and the Invisible Girl, etc) but along with that you have your ballads (I'll Dream a Dance, There's a World, A light in the Dark) and these particular ballads contradict the big numbers so fully that it is nothing short of astonishing how well the plot is carried when one minute there is screaming and fighting and the next there is simply whispering. We still find ourselves glued to the stage. I suppose you could say that the reason I love Next to Normal so much is because of the truth within the plot. Is the conflict that the Goodman family faces within the story realistic to the American masses? As a whole, not really. However, there are elements within the story that I would bet every living human has dealt with. Along with that, the plot digs deeper than the stereotypical angsty teenager, controlling parent, human grief, etc. It takes us to that place that we are too afraid to venture ourselves. It delves into the “why?”.

3. What makes N2N different from other Broadway-style musicals you’ve seen?

It seems as though today's Broadway is more about the size and wow factor rather than the art and humanitarian values that theatre was essentially built on. What is great about Next to Normal is that it is a truly intimate experience. Though I knew that the performers in front of me were Tony nominated musical theatre superstars. I literally felt like I was sitting in a living room or at a dinner table and I felt every inkling of discomfort when exposed to the dysfunction that is the Goodman family. Though the score is contemporary and the set is contemporary it is obvious to indicate where the emphasis on this production is. The story is golden and the vulnerability that the show calls for is something that could never possess a price tag.

4. What made you decide to take your drama club?

I decided to take my drama club because I feel that the message within Next to Normal is incredibly important for everyone of all ages to obtain and what better way to do that than to teach through music?—especially music that my generation can adapt to. Also, the relationship between Natalie and Diana has a lot of relativity between my own mother and me and I believe that is true for almost every teenager who grew up in suburban America. Therefore, my hope is that others can latch on to the joy that comes with recognizing a story or an emotion that resembles themselves. I organized a date and time with Ordway’s group sales and made a sign-up sheet for my club.

5. Why do you think N2N is a show that has such a devoted fan base?

Like I said, the show has so many intimate details that people latch on to. One of the things I noticed when I saw the show was that it almost felt like Next to Normal had stolen my diary and started reciting it out loud. It is the adrenaline you get when you share a deep dark secret and the relief you have when you confide in a friend. It's beautiful and unlike other shows that you enjoy and forget over time, the raw honesty and soul clenching truth within the production results in the desire for more.

By: Annie Rees, Ordway Group Sales & Marketing Intern

Next to Normal, Opening Tomorrow!

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:02 GMT

With only one day until Next to Normal opens at the Ordway, here is a little background on why having this groundbreaking rock-and-roll musical in the twin cities is so special…

With a thrilling contemporary score, “Next to Normal” is an emotional powerhouse of a musical concerning a family trying to take care of themselves and each other, one about a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. Rolling Stone says “it is the best musical of the season by a mile.”

“This is a unique opportunity to present ‘Next to Normal’ here at the Ordway in its first national tour,” says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway president and CEO. “To tackle the complex subject of bipolar disorder in a stage production strikes me as a harrowing challenge for any director, but “Next to Normal” takes on the challenge and does so with brilliant grace that showcases the unique power of musical theater.”

Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls “Next to Normal” “a brave, breathtaking musical. A work of muscular grace and power. It is something much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical.” Peter Travers of Rolling Stone raves, “Rock is alive and rolling like thunder in ‘Next to Normal.’ It is the best musical of the season by a mile. Next time you think the Broadway musical is dead, head off to ‘Next to Normal.’ It’ll pin you to your seat.” And Peter Marks of The Washington Post calls it “a moving, blisteringly honest, and inordinately powerful new musical. It is stocked with beautiful songs that get to the heart of the story—and simply get to the heart. ‘Next to Normal’ strikes a blow for the American musical’s future each night.”

Prior to the Wednesday, May 11 and 18 public performances, the Ordway will host Ordway Extras in the Ordway’s Marzitelli Foyer at 6:30 p.m. and post-show Talk Backs. The Ordway Extras will be led by Dr. S. Charles Schulz, M.D. and will focus on the topic “defining normal.” Since 1999, Dr. Schulz has been professor and head of the department of psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.

The Ordway and the University of Minnesota have developed a unique partnership for the presentation of “Next to Normal” and we are grateful for their support and their contribution to the pre-show Ordway Extra. To learn more about the work the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry does in our community, visit their website at http://www.mmf.umn.edu/neuro.

Ordway Extra Live: Next to Normal

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:26 GMT

This is the recording of the Ordway Extra live stream for Next to Normal. Topic: Defining Normal.

The Extra was hosted by Dr. Charles Schulz, MD, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of MN Medical School. Dr. Schulz was joined by Andrew Gadtke, the author of "Regular and Decaf." They present a discussion on psychiatry and the road to recovery.

TU Dance Star Tribune Review

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:24 GMT

Twin Cities dance company, TU Dance, performed at the Ordway Friday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. Caroline Palmer from the Star Tribune reviewed the sold-out show.

Did you see the sold-out performance? What did you think? Did you agree with the Star Tribune’s review? Post a comment and let us know your thoughts!

Star Tribune

Next to Normal Critic's Reviews

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 12 May 2011 21:45 GMT

Next to Normal opened at the Ordway Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. The critics came to see the show and here’s what they thought:

Show attendees had the chance to share what they thought of the actor’s performances in our KARE 11 Memory Booth. Here is what some of them had to say about the show:

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Did you see the show at the Ordway? Leave your comment and let us know what you think. We want to hear from you!

Rice Street Students Prepare for Flint Hill's Parade

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:56 GMT

The students at Rice Street Recreation Center are just beginning the planning process for their parade projects this year. Artist Julian McFaul is guiding the kids through the creative process. Day One began with brainstorming everything the kids liked about parades. The extensive list included sparkles, candy, beads and “fancy stuff”. A giant polyhedron sculpture was brought into the classroom and the students began discussing how this could be used in the parade. Julian suggested getting inside of the structure and using body weight to move it around. The students also learned about the mechanics of making this type of structure strong and resilient. Ultimately the rolling structures will be painted and include windows and noisemakers.

Guys and Dolls Reviews

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:30 GMT

Here are two reviews of Guys and Dolls while it plays in Seattle at the 5th Avenue Theatre before coming to Saint Paul. This exciting production starts at the Ordway on June 16!

Learn more and get tickets >

Reviews:
Examiner.com
Seattle Times

Still want more? Check out this preview video for Guys and Dolls.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Win tickets to 9 to 5: The Musical and OVO by Cirque du Soleil

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 26 May 2011 22:18 GMT

Enter the BUG OUT Sweepstakes, presented by ORDWAY in partnership with Cirque du Soleil. By texting ORDOVO to 35350 between now and May 30, you are automatically entered to win a prize pack including tickets to see OVO by Cirque du Soleil (as well as a backstage tour!) in Minneapolis on June 2nd AND a four-pack of tickets to see 9 to 5 at ORDWAY on July 12th! Good luck!

Learn more about 9 to 5: The Musical >

Learn more about OVO by Cirque du Soleil >

Official Prize

• Two (2) tickets to the 8 p.m. performance of OVO by Cirque du Soleil on Thursday, June 2. Prize will also include a backstage tour of the Cirque du Soleil tent.

• Four (4) tickets to the performance of “9 to 5” at ORDWAY on Tuesday, July 12.

1) THIS PROMOTION IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. (“Qualified entrant”). Limit one (1) entry per qualified entrant. By participating you agree to be bound by these “Official Rules” and the decision of the Sponsor. Sponsor: ORDWAY.

2) TO ENTER: Text promo code to supplied telephone number. Odds of winning based on the total number of valid entries received.

3) DRAWING: A random text will be chosen at the close of the sweepstakes (on or around 5/30/11) and the texter will have immediate feedback on their entry being received, as well as a link to these Rules & Regulations. No substitution or transfer of prize or cash equivalent is permitted except by Sponsor.

4) CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION: By participating in this promotion, the participant agrees to assume all responsibility for the submission of an entry. Sweepstakes entry materials are automatically null and void and will be rejected if late, or if illegible, mutilated, torn, altered or counterfeit. All applicable federal, state, and local taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of prize winner. The winner waives the right to assert as a cost of winning a prize, any and all costs of redemption or travel to redeem said prize, and any liability which might arise from redeeming, or seeking to redeem, or from use, misuse, acceptance or possession of said prize or from participation in prize-related activities. By accepting a prize, the potential winner agrees to release and hold harmless Sponsor and each of their respective directors, officers, shareholders and employees, affiliates, subsidiaries, distributors, and agents, including but not limited to their respective advertising and promotion agencies, (the “Promotion Entities”) from any and all liability for any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including but not limited to its quality, mechanical condition or fitness for a particular purpose. By entering the promotion, each participant agrees to waive any and all claims against the Promotion Entities and each of their respective agents and representatives for any injury, damage or loss that may occur from the participation in the promotion or from the receipt or use of any prize or travel related to the receipt or use of any prize. Participants agree to allow Sponsor, and their designees to use their names and likenesses in any and all mediums now or hereafter known for advertising and publicity purposes throughout the world in perpetuity, without any compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law.

5) “9 to 5” tickets will be mailed to the home of the winning contestant, or left at will call for pick up on day-of.

Not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. Not for resale. Cannot be exchanged.

6) Enter to win the Bug Out prize package, and receive an online coupon code for 15% off tickets to see OVO by Cirque du Soleil in Minneapolis at the close of the contest. Also receive a code for $10 off “9 to 5” at the ORDWAY. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

7) OVO tickets are for 2 Level 2 seats for the 8 pm performance on June 2, 2011, as well as a backstage tour. No cash value. Not for resale. Cannot be exchanged.

ORDWAY contest valid May 26-May 30, 2011.

The Legendary Man Behind Guys and Dolls

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:21 GMT

Guys and Dolls will be hitting the Ordway on June 15^th. There is a lot of history behind this legendary show and the man who wrote and composed the music and lyrics, Frank Loesser.

Frank Loesser was born in New York City, in 1910 by a German born father who was a classically trained pianist. Although his father was a classically trained musician, Frank never formally studied music. He was influenced by both his father and his brother who also studied classical music; however Frank had no intention of following in their footsteps. He wanted to study pop music, which his father did not agree with, so Frank taught himself.

Although Frank finished high school, he dropped out of New York’s City College during the Depression and began working different jobs in order to support himself. Frank began singing and playing piano in night clubs, writing numerous songs. In 1939, he composed the music and lyrics for the title song of the film Seventeen. Things changed when the war began, and Frank left Hollywood when he was assigned to Special Services. It was here where he continued writing songs and lyrics, helping put together camp shows and performances for his comrades.

After the war, Frank returned to Hollywood before heading out east to create the score for his first hit, Where’s Charley? in 1948. After his first big success on Broadway, Frank created Guys and Dolls which premiered on November 24^th, 1950. This legendary show includes some of the well-known hits such as “Luck be a Lady” and “Bushel and a Peck,” among many others.

Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances in its original premiere and earned over 8 Tony Awards! In 1955, it was made into a movie starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. This movie was the highest grossing film to hit the box office that year! There was both a 1979 and 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls on Broadway, earning another Tony Award for Best Revival in 1992.

Frank went on to write songs for the theatrical musicals The Most Happy Fella, Greenwillow, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, and Pleasures and Palaces. He also continued to write songs and compose for many Hollywood films.

Guys and Dolls, performed by Seattle’s 5^th Avenue Theater, comes to the Ordway from June 15^th – June 26^th.

Senior Artists Project

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:35 GMT

My name is Lisa Brimmer and I am the project coordinator for the Senior Artists’ Project (SAP). I’ve partnered with the Ordway to help support their vision of creating the space for Metro Area Seniors to actively participate in the artistic process in tandem with The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts early summer run of the illustrious Frank Loesser’s Guys and Dolls. Our goal is to extend the Ordway’s reach into the Twin Cities community to create access to the Arts on a personal and performance level. We have partnered with five sites in the Twin Cities Metro and with two talented teaching artists, Margaret Hasse and T. Mychael Rambo and

Margaret Hasse is a poet with three award-winning collections of poems and a history of teaching and reciting poetry at The Loft Literary Center and many other settings. One of her poems is "published" in sidewalks throughout Saint Paul.

Emmy Award winning actor, vocalist and arts educator T. Mychael Rambo is an affiliate professor in the Theatre Arts and Dance Department at the University of Minnesota. T. Mychael has made an indelible name for himself in the theatre community performing throughout the Twin Cities, nationally and abroad.

The program consists of three parts which have taken place over the past few months at community centers throughout the Twin Cities. All sites have been able to take part in a variety of workshops including The Teaching Extra, The Ordway Extra, and The Writer’s Residency.

The Teaching Extra was designed to be a brief introduction to the Guys and Dolls Senior Artists’ Project. It includes meeting our wonderful Teaching Artists Hasse and Rambo as well as information about the Guys and Dolls musical.

Hasse and Rambo prepared a slideshow full of images from the 1950’s. Seniors participated in memory sharing and experienced a little bit of each teaching artist’s work. We then initiated a writing exercise to ignite the creative spark.

The second component of the program, The Ordway Extra, was an introduction to the writer of Guys and Dolls, Frank Loesser. This is curated by James Rocco and performed by a troupe of professional performers that includes music and conversation.

Lastly, The Writer’s Residency was the third and final component of the Senior Artists’ Project. This integrates teaching artists and senior participants in the process of remembering and engaging with memories and stories as artists in a classroom setting. In groups of around 12 participants class time will include discussion, writing exercises, sharing of memories and then some! This portion of the Senior Artists’ Project culminates in a site specific performance and potential publication and a reception before the Matinee showing of Guys and Dolls on June 16^th.

Watch the 65th Annual Tony Awards LIVE This Sunday, June 12

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:05 GMT

This Sunday, June 12th at 7pm, the 65th Annual Tony Awards honors the best of the Broadway season. Celebrate the big day by watching the all of the action leading up to the big event LIVE from the Red Carpet right here!

Launch the 2011 Tony Awards Live Video Console >

We want to hear from you! What was your favorite Broadway performance of the year?

Guys and Dolls Critic's Review

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:10 GMT

The critics came to see Guys and Dolls and here is what they thought:

St. Paul Pioneer Press

Star Tribune

Howwastheshow.com

Minnpost

Twin Cities Daily Planet

Did you see the performance? Do you agree with the critics? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think about Guys and Dolls!

Ordway Extra Live: Guys and Dolls

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:59 GMT

Earlier tonight was the Guys and Dolls Ordway Extra. Topic: Frank Loesser—American Master. James Rocco lead us through the story of Frank Loesser, plus great renditions of classic Loesser songs.

Watch the recording of the live stream below!

Ordway Summer Dance Heats Up Landmark Plaza

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:54 GMT

June of this year marked the beginning of the second annual Summer Dance Series in St. Paul. The Ordway’s Summer Dance is a vital part of bringing the arts to the Twin Cities community.

Each Thursday night is host to a different genre of dance in Landmark Plaza in downtown St. Paul. The evening begins with a free dance lesson from a local dance company. Once the lesson is finished, patrons have time to purchase food and drinks from some of our favorite St. Paul restaurants such as Meritage, the St. Paul Hotel, Pazzaluna, and the 128 Café mobile truck. Following the break there is open dance with a performance by a live band. The band continues to perform in the plaza until ten o’clock so you can dance the night away!

Last week really heated up as salsa dancing took over Landmark Plaza. The area was host to hundreds of people who were able to enjoy the summer heat while getting some fun exercise dancing up a storm. One St. Paulite said this night was “Fab fantastic. Do NOT miss this. It is like Union Square in NYC”.

After a great start to this year’s summer dance, the fun continues each Thursday night until August 4^th. There is something for everyone at summer dance in the next few weeks: Country, Ballroom, Polka, Irish, and Classic R & B Soul. Whether you are a professional or novice dancer, summer dance is a great free outdoor activity for all. Whether you want to bring that special someone, have a night out with the girls, or bring your whole family down, Landmark Plaza is the place to be on Thursday nights this summer!

For a complete schedule of this year’s summer dance please visit: http://ordway.org/summerdance/

Workin' 9 to 5 at the Ordway!

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:35 GMT

The staff at the Ordway is getting excited about next week’s opening of 9 to 5: The Musical! We created this special video of our staff workin’ 9 to 5 to get you as excited as we are! Watch, enjoy, and let us know how excited you are for 9 to 5!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

9 to 5: The Musical Articles

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:42 GMT

9 to 5: The Musical is at the Ordway from July 12-17 and here are a few articles from our local press about Dolly Parton and the musical production:

Reviews

St. Paul Pioneer Press: "'9 to 5' - Touring stage production of the popular movie works"

Star Tribune: "Working women unite in '9 to 5'"

Twin Cities Daily Planet: "'9 to 5' at the Ordway still has a story to tell"

Twin Cities Daily Planet: "'9 to 5: The Musical' at the Ordway: Not just a wannabe"

Howwastheshow.com: "'9 to 5: The Musical' at the Ordway"

TV Interviews

KARE 11

FOX 9

WCCO 4

Preview Articles

Star Tribune: "Hello, Dolly: Parton proves unsinkable"

St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Dolly Parton looms large in '9 to 5' - not just for her bustline but also for her better lines"

WCCO Online blog Curiocity: "'9 to 5' Star Talks on Getting Tied Up"

Minnesota Daily: "Workin' woman's blues"

Q and A w/ 9 to 5: The Musical's Ioana Alfonso

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:18 GMT

1. How did you find out about 9 to 5: The Musical and what interested about being a part of this production?

I was in the original production of "9 to 5: The Musical" on Broadway, originating the role of Maria Delgado. When they needed a replacement for the last few weeks I got a call.

2. How do you relate to your character?

When I was Maria I related to her because there is still discrimation not only towards women in the workplace but more specifically towards hispanic women. Hispanic women are the lowest earners at 60% of white men's earnings (white women are at 80%). I am a swing in this production, so I cover ensemble parts. I relate to many of these parts because everyone has a common goal- to want a better life, a positive environment, a way out of the rat race. This show is an opportunity to "work in an office" and show an audience that women are capable of running a company, that they have good ideas, and that by promoting a healthier happier workplace without discrimation, and by supporting every day humanist needs, everyone wins.

3. What makes 9 to 5: The Musical different than other Broadway musicals?

I think this production in particular is really fun, contemporary, and surprising!

4. What do you like most about being a part of this particular musical?

It's a really fun script, and I enjoying meeting and working with its very talented creative team- especially Dolly!

5. Were you very familiar with Dolly Parton songs before being a part of this musical?

Not really, but now I am!! I'm a big fan now!

9. How can the audience relate to the characters in 9 to 5?

Most people working "9 to 5" jobs in this country where "climbing the ladder" and "success" is given huge emphasis. The women in the show that are older may recognize the treatment of the women in the workplace a little more as it used to be... when women could only be secretaries and would never dream of being CEO's.

10. What song is the most exciting for you to perform?

I love the energy of the end of Act 1. The song "Let it Shine" rings true for anyone who has at some point been empowered within themselves to take back control of something that is not working in their life.

11. Is there anything special you do on performance days in order to prepare yourself?

I warm up vocally and physically. I get to the theater early and connect with everyone, including the crew, so I can be as present in the moment as possible.

12. What do you hope that the audience will leave with after seeing 9 to 5?

I hope the audience leaves feeling that we have come a long way as women, but there is still a long way to go. I also want people to leave feeling that it is important to treat people kindly and with respect, and that work should be an enjoyable team effort. Of course, I want people to leave feeling like they have had a fun time and that they will tell their friends to come see the show.

By: Jamie Engstrom, Ordway Social Media Intern

Ordway Extra Live: 9 to 5: The Musical

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:18 GMT

The Ordway Extra for 9 to 5: The Musical was tonight at the Ordway. Tonights topic: Reimaging the Workplace.

Watch the recording below to see James Rocco talk about 9 to 5, and listen to some amazing singers!

Uri Sands Receives McKnight Fellowship

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:01 GMT

Uri Sands, Choreographer of the St. Paul base dance company TU Dance, was named one of six recipients of the 2011 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Choreographers. The Fellowship Program acknowledges the accomplishments made by choreographers and dancers in hopes of strengthening the community of artists and promoting their growth as artists.

To give you a taste of TU Dance and the work of Uri Sands, TU Dance is sharing a bit more behind the scenes video with us. This video gives us a sneak-peek into what rehearsals are like at the amazing TU Dance studio, along with some footage taken while performing on the Ordway stage.

By: Jamie Engstrom, Social Media Intern

Come Fly Away Announces Tour Cast

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:44 GMT

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce the cast for the first production of the 2011-2012 theatrical season, “Come Fly Away”.

Direct from the original Broadway cast of “Come Fly Away” and the Las Vegas production of “Sinatra Dance With Me” are principal dancers Matthew Stockwell Dibble, Cody Green, Laurie Kanyok, Marielys Molina, John Selya and Ron Todorowski.

Also starring in the tour as principals are Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Martin Harvey, Ramona Kelley and Christopher Vo.

The ensemble includes Anthony Burrell, Mallauri Esquibel, Marina Lazzaretto, Meredith Miles, Marceea Moreno, Candy Olsen, Julius Anthony Rubio, Amy Ruggiero, Justin Urso, Tanairi Sade Vazquez, Chehon Wespi-Tschopp and Michael Williams.

Conceived, choreographed, and directed by Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (“Movin’ Out”) and by special arrangement with the Frank Sinatra Family and Frank Sinatra Enterprises, “Come Fly Away” follows four couples as they fall in and out of love during one song and dance filled evening at a crowded nightclub. Blending the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra with a live on-stage big band and 14 of the world’s finest dancers, “Come Fly Away” weaves an unparalleled hit parade of classics, including “Fly Me To The Moon,” “My Way,” and “That’s Life,” into a soaring musical fantasy of romance and seduction.

Charles Isherwood of The New York Times calls “Come Fly Away”, “SPECTACULAR and DAZZLING! This is a MAJOR new work, with a stage full of BRILLIANT performers. Twyla Tharp’s ELECTRIFYING celebration of the music of Frank Sinatra will sweep you up in a complete spell.” Linda Winer of Newsday calls the show “A DANGEROUSLY GORGEOUS DANCE ADVENTURE,” while Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press calls the show “ASTONISHING -- A love letter to romance, not to mention the man and his music, with eight MARVELOUS leads and an orchestra of STERLING musicians.” And Richard Zoglin of Time Magazine states simply, “‘Come Fly Away’ delivers the PUREST JOLT OF PLEASURE to be found on a Broadway stage.”

“Come Fly Away” will be appearing at the Ordway from October 11-16, 2011.

Magos Herrera Brings her Sultry Latin Jazz Fusion to St. Paul

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:34 GMT

Magos Herrera, a Grammy Award nominee for best vocal jazz is a dazzlingly accomplished singer-songwriter known for her beguiling rhythmic scatting inflected with soulful Latin-Andalusian phrasings. She brings her signature vocals to the Ordway as a part of the Target World Music Series on October 28, 2011.

Born in Mexico City, Magos Herrera is considered one of the most beautiful voices and one of the most active vocalists of the contemporary Latin American jazz scene. Herrera is known for a unique signature sound that elegantly blends her classic jazz styling with Latin-American melodies. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English, her repertoire is filled with the yearning romance, intimacy and enchantment of Mexican and Cuban tones and boleros and sultry, languid Brazilian beats.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Magos Herrera to our robust 2011-2012 Target World Music and Dance Series lineup,” says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway’s president and CEO. “Magos is known for her diverse, emotional and vibrant musical tones and we are delighted to offer this talented performer to Twin Cities’ audiences.

Magos has been nominated twice for “Lunas del Auditorio Nacional” (2006-2009) in Mexico as “the best jazz concert of the year” along with Bobby McFerrin and Bill Frisell.
She has six CD recordings including “Cajuina,” “Orquideas Susurrantes,” “Pais Maravilla,” “Todo Puede Inspirar,” ”Soliluna” and her latest, “Distancia,” from Sunnyside Records.

Latin Jazz vocalist Magos Herrera takes the Ordway’s Main Stage on October 28^th at 7:30pm.

Ely Guerra, originally scheduled for a concert on Friday, October 28 at the Ordway as a part of the 2011-2012 Season has been cancelled due to schedule conflicts.

By: Jamie Engstrom, Ordway Social Media Intern

Walking-On to Find Joy. Centerstage.

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:15 GMT

Ever wonder what it would be like to be part of an Ordway production? From time to time we have opportunities for members from the community to join the cast on stage for a walk-on role. In this guest blog Caroline Hittler shares a bit about her experience as a walk-on role for the Ordway’s Guys and Dolls.

My name is Caroline Hittler (that’s two Ts, no relation) and I’m proud to say that I have experienced “Joy. Centerstage.” firsthand.

Just to give you a little background on my story, I’m a born-and-raised Minnesota girl. My whole life I’ve been an entertainer—if you will—taking any chance to steal the spotlight. The highlight of my amateur acting career took place as senior at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, when I starred as Miss Adelaide in the school-wide production of Guys and Dolls.

Since my days of dancing at the Hot Box and singing “Adelaide’s Lament,” I have longed to recreate that feeling of unparalleled elation and accomplishment I experienced onstage. Imagine my surprise when opportunity knocked on my door and offered me the chance to relive the glory for one night…

I currently work at the Minneapolis-based ad agency, Fallon Worldwide, as a BrandTube Producer. BrandTube™ is a research tool developed by Fallon that targets real people in their real environments to reach honest insights (http://www.fallon.com/about-us/brandtube/). Our team was recently briefed on a new project for the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts because several years ago, Fallon helped define a new identity for the Ordway by creating the famous tagline, “Joy. Centerstage.” So, the goal of our BrandTube research was to ask people on the streets of St. Paul about how they thought the Ordway has lived up to its promise of delivering that mission.

The minute I found out we’d be working at one of the Ordway’s evening productions of Guys and Dolls, I told the delightful Laura Sweet, the Ordway’s VP of Marketing and Communications, how excited I was because I had played the role of Miss Adelaide in high school. Little did I know that a week later I’d get an email from Laura that read: “We’d love to offer Caroline a moment in the spotlight as a walk-on…”

At 7:30 pm on Saturday, June 25, I arrived at the Ordway stage door and was instantly swept into a whirlwind journey to the stage. First I was taken straight to Lyle Jackson, who styled my hair into a French twist and applied bright stage makeup to my cheeks. Costume designer Ellen Roeder then dressed me in a fashionable 1950s costume: a gorgeous blue suit and matching accessories.

When I was finally stage-ready, Renee, the Ordway Company Manager, led me through a door marked “BACKSTAGE,” which was just as I’d imagined it: a dimly-lit room filled with musty props and light cables, bustling with crewmembers whispering frantic orders, and actors quietly humming the overture and eagerly stretching on the floor. The cast members kindly introduced themselves and each offered personal advice for my onstage moment. I especially liked meeting Billie (Miss Adelaide), who laughed politely as I willingly offered to take over for her if she wanted a night off.

Only moments after the lights dimmed and the orchestra started, I was informed that I would be walking on during “Follow the Fold” and after “Fugue for the Tinhorns.” Apparently I’d be playing a tourist in New York City. All of a sudden, my heart began to flutter. I felt a little push from behind to signal the start of my walk. This was it!

The instant my feet touched the Ordway stage, I felt an incredible rush. I had to remind myself to breathe when the bright lights blinded my eyes. I did my best to impersonate a tourist and even pointed to my parents in the audience as if they were some interesting landmark. During my last few seconds in the spotlight, I briefly glanced off the stage only to see a group of enthusiastic crew, cast, and Ordway staff members behind the curtain—pantomiming roaring applause for me.

Looking back on my experience, I realize it’s the little things that made my walk-on role at the Ordway so memorable. For example, the Ordway staff starred my name and hung it on my makeshift dressing room door, and I was also given a personalized bottle of wine as a souvenir. These seemingly trivial acts of kindness show that at the Ordway, they truly go above and beyond to make their guests feel special. I probably had the smallest part in the entire show—but by the time I left, I felt like I had performed the lead role on Broadway.

I am living proof that the Ordway Center lives up to its mission of delivering “Joy. Centerstage.” My Guys and Dolls walk-on story reflects the experience every audience member has as he or she sits in the iconic St. Paul theater and watches an awe-inspiring performance. The transcendent feeling of being a part of something bigger, something magical, is a feeling of breathtaking JOY.

Without a doubt, I have become a lifetime fan and future patron of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Thank you, thank you, thank you again to the Ordway for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll never forget it.

Ordway Single Ticket On Sale Event

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:56 GMT

Here's your first chance to purchase single tickets to all of the buzzworthy 2011-2012 Ordway events. Come down to the Ordway on Aug. 21 to secure tickets to your favorite events and enjoy tasty refreshments, unique season performances, register-to-win opportunities, and special promotional deals just for our in-person ticket buyers. WLTE will be on site to celebrate the festivities with us too. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and the ticket office will open for sales starting at Noon. The first 100 sales will receive a complimentary gift bag filled with giveaways and prizes. Online ticket sales will begin at 8 p.m., so purchase your tickets in person before anyone else gets to!

August 21 Single Ticket On Sale Event
Doors: 11:00am
Ticket Office Opens: Noon
Phone Sales: 5-8pm
Online Sales: 8:00pm

Memphis Announces its U.S. National Touring Cast

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:54 GMT

The 2010 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Memphis, announced casting for its U.S. national tour.

The national tour of Memphis will star Bryan Fenkart (Huey) and Felicia Boswell (Felicia) with Quentin Earl Darrington (Delray), Rhett George (Gator), Julie Johnson (Mama), Will Mann (Bobby) and William Parry (Mr. Simmons).

The company will also include Evan Autio, Bree Branker, Whitney Brown, Whitney Cooper, Scott Difford, Christopher Gurr, Daisy Hobbs, Crystal Joy, Kyle Leland, Jarvis McKinley, Happy McPartlin, Kenna Michelle Morris, Jill Morrison, Austin Owen, Kent Overshown, Alfie Parker Jr., Justin Prescott, Jody Reynard and Peter Matthew Smith. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Critically acclaimed Memphis won four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score (David Bryan and Joe DiPietro), Best Book (Joe DiPietro), and Best Orchestrations (David Bryan and Daryl Waters). Memphis won four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Performance by an Actress (Montego Glover), Outstanding Music (David Bryan) and Outstanding Orchestration (David Bryan and Daryl Waters). Memphis has also won four Outer Critic Circle Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Score (David Bryan & Joe DiPietro), Outstanding Actress (Montego Glover) and Outstanding Choreography (Sergio Trujillo).

Memphis takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. Memphis is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever.

The national tour kicks off on October 14, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee. The show will play the Ordway this season from March 13-25, 2012. Single tickets go on sale August 21. Subscriptions are on sale now.

The Addams Family National Tour Announces Cast

info@ordway.org(Jamie Engstrom) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:52 GMT

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, they’re all together ooky…and the famous family with a surname of Addams is going on tour across the country with the fun musical adaptation that swept Broadway. The Addams Family musical will stop at the Ordway in May of 2012 with a cast of actors that were just announced.

Casting for The Addams Family national tour includes Douglas Sills as Gomez and Sara Gettelfinger as Morticia.

Joining these two Broadway veterans are are Tony Award nominee Martin Vidnovic as Mal Beineke, two-time Tony Award nominee Crista Moore as Alice Beineke, Blake Hammond as Uncle Fester, Pippa Pearthree as Grandma, Tom Corbeil as Lurch, Patrick D. Kennedy as Pugsley, Brian Justin Crum as Lucas Beineke and Cortney Wolfson as Wednesday.

Portraying the ancestors are Ted Ely, Karla Garcia, Steve Geary, Victoria Huston-Elem, Patrick Oliver Jones, Lizzie Klemperer, Alexandra Matteo, Christy Morton, Brad Nacht, Rebecca Riker, Jonathan Ritter, Roland Rusinek, Geo Seery, Samantha Shafer and Jason Eric Testa.

The national tour kicks off in September. The show will play the Ordway this season from May 8-20, 2012. Single tickets go on sale August 21. Subscriptions are on sale now.

Stop by the Ordway booth at the Minnesota State Fair!

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:41 GMT

As most Minnesotans know, the Great Minnesota Get Together is here! Although you may head to fair for fried goodies and fun, make sure to head towards the Ordway’s booth for great giveaways, deals and prizes too. Each day, the first 100 visitors to the Ordway booth will receive a FREE Frisbee. If you check out the Ordway’s State Fair booth, you will be able to purchase single tickets to all Ordway performances for the coming 2011-2012 season, as well as receive special ticket offers only available during the fair!

Special ticket offers include:

$35 tickets to select performances of Cinderella
50% off New Year’s Eve performances of Cinderella
50% off Luna Negra Dance tickets
50% off Still Black, Still Proud tickets
$15 tickets to your choice of event in the Broadway Songbook Series
Free drink voucher with purchase of each ticket to Come Fly Away
And MORE!

Offers available only at the Minnesota State Fair. Subject to availability. Standard fees apply. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

To get your hands on some great ticket deals and Ordway fair fun, stop by the Ordway’s booth located in the Merchandise Mart on the corner or Dan Patch and Copper Avenues.

Summer may be coming to a close, but there is great Ordway fun continuing all through the year. Stop by our booth to learn more about our upcoming shows and receive some exclusive deals. We hope to see you there!

Sing-A-Long Sound of Music

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:36 GMT

Like a “ray, a drop of golden sun,” the Sing-a-long Sound of Music comes to the Ordway in a joyously interactive experience for all levels of the musical movie fans. Since the ‘90s, the Sing-a-long Sound of Music show has become a worldwide hit, playing to packed houses across the globe with over 10,000 performances in 9 different countries.

What is the Sing-a-long Sound of Music exactly? For those of you who haven’t converted, Sing-a-Long Sound of Music is a screening of the timeless and classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen Technicolor®, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along! But that’s not all: start off with a vocal warm-up led by the evening’s host, Katy McEwen from Brave New Workshop; dress up as “simply one of your favorite things” for the fancy costume contest; and get ready to use your “magic moments pack,” containing various props to use at strategic points throughout the film.

Come join us, you’ll be singing “Do-Re-Mi” to the top of the hills with this exciting event.

In addition to singing one of the most beloved movies of all time, a highlight of the event is a unique famous fancy-dress competition in which everyone who has come in costume is invited onto the stage to show off their fantastic tailoring skills.

Previous costume contest entries have included:

Nuns of both genders (including a pregnant nun)
Girls (and boys) in white dresses with blue satin sashes
A lonely Goatherd!
A 20-people-strong hen party were joined together and completely covered in fake turf (the alps)
A man in a gold Lycra catsuit (Ray, a Drop of Golden Sun!)
A man dressed in work overalls and a tool belt (Chris the Plumber)
A gazebo!!
A Chinese woman came as ‘So Long’
A carburetor

Don’t miss this new way to experience a classically cherished musical movie sensation.
Bring your family and friends for a full event of exciting, interactive affair!

Lavender's FAB 50

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:33 GMT

We are pleased to announce we are finalists for Lavender’s FAB 50 list under the category of FAB Performance Theatre. If you believe Ordway is a FAB performance venue vote for us here >

Minnesota Monthly's Women of Influence Luncheon Series features Patricia A. Mitchell

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:27 GMT

Throughout the year, Minnesota Monthly hosts special luncheons featuring intimate conversations with women making an influence in our community. At September’s luncheon, the Ordway’s own Patricia A. Mitchell will be the guest of honor. On September 20th, attendees will enjoy the delicious food at Crave Galleria along with an exclusive conversation, moderated by Minnesota Monthly’s well-known personality, Sue Zelickson. We hope you can join us!

Get more information about this event and tickets here.

Broadway Songbook

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:45 GMT

Broadway Songbook is the first performance to hit the stage this season. This new series brings fresh insight, energy and joy to the songs audiences love, making every show a warm, humorous and moving portrait of musical theater legends. Conceived and directed by the Ordway’s Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Producing Artistic Director, James A. Rocco, each “Broadway Songbook” program features a dynamic mix of composer life stories, discussion of what made their work so extraordinary, and performances by an ensemble of renowned artists from the Twin Cities musical theater, jazz and cabaret scenes.

With just a few days to go before this series begins we thought it would be nice give you the inside scoop from James Rocco himself on what the inspiration is behind the magic that will unfold this weekend.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Learn more about Broadway Songbook:

The Words and Music of Irving Berlin
The Words and Music of Contemporary Broadway
The Words and Music of Johnny Mercer

Come Fly Away Reviews

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:08 GMT

"'Come Fly Away' is a non-stop, kicking and dancing machine" – Sara Boyd, WCCO TV Curiocity Blog

Critics are buzzing about "Come Fly Away" at the Ordway, now through October 16. Here are the articles and interviews that highlight this fantastic show:

Reviews:

WCCO TV Curiocity: “’Come Fly Away,’ A Moving Tribute to Sinatra”

KARE 11 Metromix: “Photos: ‘Come Fly Away’ at the Ordway”

Howwastheshow.com: "Come Fly Away at the Ordway"

Examiner.com: “Review: Rising above the tonal turbulence, ‘Come Fly Away’ soars at the Ordway”

Star Tribune: "It's 'One for My Baby'"

St. Paul Pioneer Press: "'Come Fly' has movement, not a lot of leg"

TV Interviews:

WCCO TV: “’Come Fly Away’ Dancing Into Ordway”

KARE 11: “’Come Fly Away’ with Sinatra and Tharp”

Sally Ordway Irvine Awards: The Ordway Wants Your Nominations for the 2011 Sally Awards

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:53 GMT

Sally Ordway Irvine, founder of the Ordway, had vision, initiative and commitment to the arts - all of which are the foundation of the Ordway. Since 1992 we’ve been honoring members of the Minnesota arts community who share her gifts by handing out Sally Awards. The Sally Awards honor individuals and arts organizations that exemplify these 5 categories:

VISION | INITIATIVE | COMMITMENT | EDUCATION | ARTS ACCESS

Minnesota’s arts scene is so rich and diverse that it’s impossible for us to keep up with the work being created every day in every corner of the state. You probably know about artists who are not yet on our radar screen. Don’t keep their talents a secret! Any arts organization or individual in the state of Minnesota is eligible, as long as they have not already received this award.

Do you know someone in the Minnesota arts community who deserves an award? Here’s your chance to nominate them for the 2011 Sally Awards! The nomination form and a description of the categories are available at ordway.org/sallyawards. Don’t forget to tell your family and friends!

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2011.

If you have any questions regarding the nomination form or the awards, please contact Kate Youngdahl at 651.282.3101. We'd love to hear from you!

Q & A with Magos Herrera

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:14 GMT

As part of the Target World Music and Dance series, Grammy-nominated vocalist Magos Herrera will perform her contemporary Latin jazz music on Friday, October 28 at the Ordway. Magos graciously gave us an interview about her musical influences, vocal improvisation techniques and her honest spirit. You can read the interview below and buy tickets here.

Ordway (ORD): What inspired you to pursue music as a profession?

Magos Herrera (MH): I grew up surrounded by arts, and my father made sure that we honored artists in general. So I guess that’s how I started painting and dancing. I decided to become a musician when I was living in Florence studying fashion design and I saw a wonderful singer scatting in a street jazz festival. I knew that was what I needed to do the rest of my life.

ORD: How does being from Mexico City influence your music?

MH: Well, even though I have had the opportunity to travel a lot since very early in my life, I was raised in Mexico City and there are certain gestures in our culture that you can’t deny. I grew up listening to "trova cubana," boleros and Brazilian music, and all these sounds are incorporated in one way or another in my music. I read so many amazing Spanish-speaking writers and I learned to love and embrace the power of "words." But in general, as much as I love my homeland, I try to pursue a free spirit and open ears.....music is only one and comes from the same space in any place.

ORD: Who are your biggest music inspirations?

MH: Pablo Milanes, Silvio Rodriguez, Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Milton Nascemento, Wayne Shorter, Brad Meldhau, Bobby MacFerrin, Lionel Loueke, Toninho Horta, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Betty Carter and many thousands more …

ORD: How would you describe vocal improvisation to someone who has no prior knowledge of singing and music?

MH: Vocal improvisation is a spontaneous interactive composition. It’s like having a conversation over a topic. The topic is there, guiding you, but you develop your own perspective about it, could be very technical or poetic and from time to time you will have some feedback from your interlocutors(band) and have to respond to that.

ORD: What instruments are used to accompany you?

MH: If I’m practicing I accompany myself with the piano since it is so easy to get the greater picture of what’s going on with the harmony.

ORD: How do you prepare for a performance?

MH: I practice every day at least 1-2 hours if I’m not on the road, and that keeps me in shape. If I’m touring I just vocalize 20 minutes in the morning and then just warm up before the sound check and performance. I’d rather be rested to be 100% present.

If I’m working on a new repertoire I like to go over the tunes with different approaches, speeds, phrasings. If it is a tune where I’ll be improvising, I work over the harmony in many ways from the bass lines and then phrases and scales and intervals. But I try to have a clear frame of mind before performing to try to be more poetic and avoid singing just scales.

ORD: How would you describe the style of music you perform?

MH: You answer this one... :D ha!

ORD: What makes your style of music stand out from other jazz performers?

MH: I think this is something someone else should answer with perspective. In any case all artists have something unique, because we are all different when we perform with an honest spirit.

JAMES ROCCO's "IT'S BETWEEN US"

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:25 GMT

The Ordway’s very own Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director, James Rocco, was secretly a teen recording star – and now he is “re-debuting” with a brand new album called “It’s Between Us.”

In the seventies, a teenager named Jamie Alexander made his recording debut singing a few lines on Frank Sinatra’s “Watertown” album. The album was produced by Bob Guadio of the Four SeasonS. Modern Screen Magazine announced the occasion with an article featuring Jamie, titled “How to Be a Teen Recording Star.”

This was the start of a musical career that took Jamie Alexander, now James Rocco, to Carnegie Hall and tours with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and The Super Sounds. In between singing gigs, he starred on Broadway in “CATS,” all over the U.S. in “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR,” and co-wrote and produced musical shows in his native New York.

He eventually accepted positions as director, choreographer, and producer, learning the joys of nurturing and guiding other performing artists. Those experiences were immensely valuable to James, and led him into the second phase of a lifelong devotion to the entertainment business. He barely noticed that he’d stopped singing altogether. His life as a recording artist was known only among his closest friends. Last year, at the urging of a friend, he sang at a benefit for victims of the Haiti earthquake (you can see it on You Tube), and to his complete surprise, he fell again for his very first love: singing.

His new release, IT’S BETWEEN US, says James, “Is the CD I couldn’t not make. There are so many people like me, who lost their dreams in the twists and turns and demands of life. This CD is my waking up and realizing my passion never went away. And what I’ve learned in the intervening years makes singing so much fuller, so much more enjoyable even than before. I had to continue with my first love.”

The CD is James’s “re-debut.” It’s filled with an eclectic mix of contemporary adult pop, featuring songs by Jackson Browne, Jennifer Warnes, Diane Warren and others. He’s backed by a great group of Twin Cities’ musicians led by Raymond Berg, the co-producer. On IT’S BETWEEN US, James rocks and rolls as only a man of a certain age can. It’s introspective, personal, and all about circling back in on your dreams. A few years ago critics called James a “tour de force” and “one of the finest voices to walk across the stage.” Listening to IT’S BETWEEN US, you’ll understand why.

JAMES ROCCO’s new CD, IT’S BETWEEN US is available at CD Baby, Amazon and ITunes—check it out and experience a man who’s secret is out.

There’s more about Rocco at www.jamesrocco.com

Guest Blog: The Ordway was alive with the Sound of Music

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:57 GMT

Bartley Stratton, alias ThePlayBillCollector on Facebook, yodeled her way through the Sound of Music Sing-a-Long last weekend and offered to share her thoughts about it in a guest blog for the Ordway. Thanks for the review, Bartley!

Most would agree that the Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals ever written. And now, instead of being hushed in the theatre, the Ordway gave its full permission to sing along with Julie and her brood of wild kids. Is it really possible to keep silent during such familiar and peppy songs such as "Do Re Me" and "My Favorite Things," anyway? And the opportunity to join Julie in yodeling through "high on the hill lives a lonely goatherd" sticks with you for days.

I brought my friend, Jack, with me to the Sound of Music Sing-a-Long, knowing that there was a good chance he would wear his lederhosen (which he did) and knowing that he wouldn't hold back his enthusiasm for the night. I wore the white dress with blue sash so that I could feel 16 again. The spirit of the night brought costumes of nuns, goats, copper kettles, and even costumes of music notes. There were prizes for best costumes.

The Ordway did an impeccable job with packing the house. Walking into the theater, you were given a goodie bag. In the bag were ways to interact with the movie. For example, a popper was given to be popped when Captain Von Trapp and Maria kissed. We were instructed to all pop them when their lips touched and it was a success!

It was encouraged to interact with the movie, and that we did! The movie was filled with singing, laughing, shouting at the screen, and making comical comments. My vote is have more of these events. People love to sing along and the Ordway is a beautiful venue for it. In my opinion, I think some classics that people would enjoy are: Grease, The Wizard of Oz, and West Side Story.

Thank you, Ordway, for providing a memorable night of good clean fun!

Are you interested in guest blogging for the Ordway? Contact Jessica Brooks at jbrooks@ordway.org for details.

The Ordway sets a record with 17,000 kids!

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:19 GMT

Over the week and a half of Target World Music and Dance performances in October, the Ordway will play host to more than 17,000 kids during its Performing Arts Classroom series. PACs, as they are affectionately known, are educational field trips that feature one-hour school performances representing a global spectrum of cultural art forms.

From October 24 through November 1, the Ordway offers eleven weekday matinee performances especially designed for students in kindergarten through twelfth grades. During this stretch of shows, kids get a chance to see Luna Negra Dance Theater (8, 224 students), Latin jazz vocalist Magos Herrera (2,856 students), and Vox Lumiere – Phantom of the Opera (6,179 students). Altogether, that’s a total of 17,259 kids. That’s a higher student attendance than we typically have at the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival!

Tickets are only $3.50 for 2011-2012 School Year Ordway Education school performances including the 2012 Flint Hills International Children's Festival! The Ordway welcomes all public, private, charter, and homeschools to Performing Arts Classrooms and Flint Hills International Children's Festival performances. We are proud to be the number one cultural destination for Minneapolis and Saint Paul public school students for ten years running!

For more information on the Ordway’s education programs, visit our education section and education blog.

Announcing Cast and Creative Team for Our Production of "Cinderella"

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:43 GMT

We are delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for our holiday production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” (Dec. 13 – Jan. 1) which features numerous Twin Cities theater favorites.

Jessica Fredrickson (Cinderella)

Our version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” will showcase local resident Jessica Fredrickson as Cinderella, along with a return engagement to the Ordway by Jeremiah James as the Prince. James was last seen playing the role of Beast in our 2009 production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Joining this duo are distinguished actors Tonia Hughes (Fairy Godmother), Reid Harmsen (Lionel), Gary Briggle (King), Wendy Lehr (Queen), Greta Grosch (Stepmother), Colleen Somerville (Stepsister Grace) and Andrea Wollenberg (Stepsister Joy).

Jeremiah James (Prince Charming)

Making up the “Cinderella” ensemble: Jack Ahern, Traci Allen, Chad M. Anderson, Lisa Bartholomew-Given, Marnie Buckner, Kym Chambers, Craig Daniel, Emily Herringshaw, AJ Hughes, Jennifer James, Jake Klinkhammer, Joel Liestman, Ivory McKay, Bridget Noltimier, Andrew Rasmussen, Shane Rhoades and Linda Talcott Lee.

Our “Cinderella” creative team is comprised of Nick DeGruccio (Director), Bob Richard (Choreographer), Alexander Farino (Stage Manager), Sharon Bach (Assistant Stage Manager), Katie Hawkinson (Assistant Stage Manager), Raymond Berg (Musical Director), Chad Van Kekrix (Set Designer), Marcus Dilliard (Lightning Designer), Lynda L. Salsbury (Costume Designer), Reid Rejsa (Sound Designer), Robert A. Dunn (Hair & Make-Up Designer), Laura Wilhelm (Puppet Designer), Rick Polenek (Props Manager), Randy Ingram (Production Designer) and Jason Allyn-Schwerin (Technical Director).

“I can’t wait to get started on this beautifully romantic show,” says DeGruccio. “The Twin Cities are full of fantastic actors and many are going to be in this show.”

For more information on the performance and for ticketing information, visit our “Cinderella” performance page.

Maximize Your Gift to the Ordway This Year: Give to the Max

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:51 GMT

November 16th is “Give to the Max Day,” a 24 hour event that helps grow Minnesota nonprofits by encouraging the giving of charitable e-donations. GiveMN is an organization that is moving philanthropy online – creating an easier, faster, and more convenient way to give – and over $30 million dollars have already been raised for Minnesota nonprofits. Not only does GiveMN make it easier to give, but it provides some big incentives to donate on Give to the Max Day: $15,000, $10,000 and $7,500 prizes will be awarded to the three nonprofits to receive the most donations on November 16. The nonprofits in ranks 4-10 receive $5,000 each.

How can you help? Gifts start at just $10, and there are a plethora of opportunities for your gift to be amplified. Every hour, Give to the Max will select one donation at random and give $1000 to the recipient nonprofit. At the end of the 24 hours, one nonprofit will receive a Golden Ticket – a prize grant of $10,000 for one randomly selected donation given on Give to the Max Day.

As an added incentive from the Ordway to Give to the Max, all brand new $100+ donors who contribute through GiveMN on Give to the Max Day will receive one guest pass to the exclusive Securian Contributor's Lounge to use during the 2011-2012 Theater Season.

Whether your gift is big or small, every contribution counts. If you give just $10, you could help the Ordway win up to $15,000! Simply go to the Ordway's page on GiveMN.org and contribute online on November 16th.

Thanks for supporting the Ordway, and don't forget to circle November 16th on your calendar. Give to the Max Day starts at midnight on November 16 and ends at midnight on November 17.

Set Design: The Making of Cinderella

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:26 GMT

There are many artistic ingredients that go into creating an Ordway original production. Of course there is the cast and the orchestra, but there are also artisans and designers who contribute to making the show shine. Cinderella’s set team were nice enough to share some set drawings and photos, and so we are able to offer a sneak peek at the making of this classic fairy tale-turned-musical.

The set for Cinderella is being designed by Chad Van Kekrix. Chad worked on our productions of Yankee Doodle, Blues In The Night and Love, Janis. He is a much sought-after designer and has worked at many theaters in town. He also designed the lobby of Penumbra Theatre.

Before we hire a designer we first consider what kind of a design would be right for the production. In other words, we come up with a suggested jumping off point for the basic concept of style and content for the show. In the case of Cinderella we were going for a colorful, fractured fairy tale look.

A few years ago we produced another popular fairy tale - Beauty and the Beast - and we had a lot of wonderful set pieces laying around in storage. It seemed like a shame to let them go to waste, so we were hoping we could find a way to incorporate that scenery into a new design for Cinderella. After meeting with a few designers we decided to offer the opportunity to Chad. Many meetings followed about what the set might look like. We gave him pictures of the various pieces we had in storage and asked him to begin sketching some ideas.

His “doodles” eventually became color renderings of the various set pieces. The individual pieces were then combined to create full stage color renderings.

From there we move into the technical blue print phase with specific technical information for the builders. A scaled model is created of the actual scenery.

And the building begins.

All of the scenery is being built or redone at The Penumbra Scenic Studio, which is overseen by Jason Allyn Shchwerin. Jason has been the technical director of almost all of The Ordway’s self-produced shows, so we know we are in good hands.

The scenery was installed over two days and the cast will join in tomorrow for technical rehearsals. Technical rehearsals or “tech” is when we put all of the show’s components together for the first time. All of this leads up to the final dress rehearsal, previews and our exciting opening night!

See you at the Ordway for this wonderful production of Cinderella!

Cinderella Sings "In My Own Little Corner"

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:42 GMT

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Jessica Fredrickson, star of the Ordway's production of Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, sings "In My Own Little Corner" in the first sing through with the full cast. Keep your eyes peeled because we will be posting more exclusive clips soon!

Unveiling the next stage of the Ordway...

info@ordway.org(Ryan Jones) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:28 GMT

Watch as the Arts Partnership (the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and The Schubert Club) and special guests announce the transition of a downtown Saint Paul icon.

The Glass Slipper Ball: An Enchanted Evening

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:21 GMT

The fairy tale begins on Sunday, December 11 as Ordway Circle of Stars (OCOS) presents the Glass Slipper Ball. Guests are invited to slip-on royal attire and join us for a magical evening of exquisite food, live auction bidding and an exclusive first look at the final dress rehearsal of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. There will also be a post-show dessert and dance party with the cast.

The OCOS gala benefits the Ordway and its educational programs, making it possible for students to enjoy the Ordway’s world-class performances and community engagement events. Tickets are still available, so don’t delay and visit ordway.org/gala or call 651.282.3006. Tickets start at $250.

This year’s featured auction item will be a giant children’s playhouse: Cinderella’s Castle. The biggest item in the gala’s history, this very special playhouse castle was designed, constructed and decorated in a fanciful, fairytale style. Its mixture of rustic elegance and playful details was inspired by the Ordway’s holiday production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Cinderella’s Castle stands 16-feet tall and 11-feet wide. It boasts four towers complete with turrets, a play fireplace, 24 windows and a royal balcony. Other features include a spiral staircase, a chandelier, a castle clock, a Dutch door on the main entrance and benches. The colors of the castle include fairytale blue, pink and purple. Be sure to view our construction video to see the castle come alive.

The castle was designed and built by HGA Architects and Engineers, McGough, Nelson Tietz & Hoye, Schuler Shook, Akustiks, HUNT Electric, Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors, Nakasone, Custom Drywall and Metro Manufacturing.

For more information on the Ordway Circle of Stars, visit ordway.org/ocos. To view photos from past gala events, visit http://www.ordway.org/gala/photos/.

By Luke Anderson

Plans for New Concert Hall at the Ordway

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:57 GMT

Plans for Transformation of Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Unveiled

New 1,100-seat Concert Hall to replace existing 306-seat McKnight Theatre

Over $60 million has been raised to date towards $75 million project

In an unveiling event today at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, leadership from the Arts Partnership (the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club) unveiled the plans for a transformation of the Ordway – a new 1,100-seat Concert Hall to replace the existing 306-seat McKnight Theatre. The Arts Partnership announced it has raised $51.575 million to date toward the project’s $75 million capital campaign, which covers both the cost of construction and an endowment to ensure long-term, affordable access to the Ordway for the Arts Partnership organizations. The goal is to complete fundraising by the end of March 2012, so construction can begin in the spring and be completed by early 2014.

At the event, Lowell Noteboom and Gus Blanchard, co-chairs of the Arts Partnership campaign, announced that, thanks to a $5 million anonymous gift, the campaign is now more than two-thirds of the way toward its $75 million goal. Corporate and foundation funders have committed $19.1 million to the campaign to date. Individual funders have committed $13.475 million. The City of Saint Paul has committed $3 million and the State of Minnesota has committed $16 million in bonding funds.

Allan Naplan, president and general director of Minnesota Opera; Patricia A. Mitchell, president and CEO of the Ordway; Sarah Lutman, president and managing director of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; and Paul Olson, interim executive director of The Schubert Club, were joined at the event by leaders from across the community, including Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, as the renderings for the transformation of the Ordway were revealed.

Created by HGA Architects, the design is intended to be both seamless in its relationship to the original building and dramatically new in the experience it offers. According to Tim Carl, lead architect, “The Ordway’s building, as designed by Ben Thompson, is both an excellent venue for performance and one of the most beautiful buildings in the Cities in which to gather. The design of the expansion has tremendous respect for both of these characteristics. The new Concert Hall will have a physical and acoustical intimacy that will provide a visceral and direct connection between the audience and the artists on stage. Warm materials articulate and shape a beautiful hall with an acoustic environment that will envelop the listener with warmth and resonance. The Ordway’s existing lobby dynamically frames views of Rice Park and the city beyond. New lobby space wraps the Concert Hall and continues the rhythmic beauty of the existing lobby windows and extends those views to Fifth Street and the Cathedral of Saint Paul to the west.”

Concert Hall and Endowment Will Solve Long-Standing Challenges

The project will solve long-standing challenges for the Arts Partnership organizations, while benefitting the entire community. According to Mitchell, “Scheduling the use of the Ordway is complicated, and it historically has been a difficult task to balance the needs of its four main users. The problem of access can be considered a sign of success, as there is more quality programming for the community than there is time in the Ordway. The new Concert Hall is a permanent solution to the scheduling challenge – benefitting all of the Arts Partnership organizations, but most importantly, the broader community.”

The endowment is a critical component of the project, as it will ensure affordable access to the Ordway for the Arts Partnership organizations over the long term.

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra will make its downtown Saint Paul home in the new Concert Hall, and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s move will increase the number of open dates in the larger Music Theater, allowing the other Arts Partnership organizations to capitalize on availability in the space. Minnesota Opera will be able to extend its standard rehearsal and performance time in the Music Theater. The Schubert Club will be able to expand its offerings and have greater flexibility with dates. The Concert Hall will make new programming initiatives possible for the Ordway, while greater availability in the Music Theater will allow for enhancement and growth of the Ordway's world music, dance, theater and self-produced programming.

Above all, the community will benefit from increased offerings at the Ordway and in downtown Saint Paul. In addition to its use by Arts Partnership organizations, the new Concert Hall will be available for use by other performing artists and organizations. The addition of the Concert Hall will expand the number of available seats across the Ordway’s two halls, allowing for more visitors to the Ordway and to downtown Saint Paul. It is estimated that attendance at the Ordway will increase by more than 130,000 people annually, resulting in an additional $6.1 million of increased economic activity each year. An additional 30,000 children will be able to visit the Ordway through subsidized bussing and ticket programs each year. Finally, it is estimated that over 700 construction jobs will be created through this project.

The Arts Partnership: A Community Solution

In August 2005, at the behest of Bob Senkler, CEO of Securian, and Carleen Rhodes, president of the Saint Paul Foundation, the Ordway and its resident arts organizations, along with an unprecedented collection of corporate leaders, philanthropists, and community volunteers, formed a task force dedicated to addressing the long-standing financial and operational challenges faced by the Ordway and its resident arts organizations. The result was the formation of the Arts Partnership, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, created to maximize the Ordway’s potential from a community value perspective while ensuring the sustainability of the resident arts organizations and the Ordway. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of the board chairs and CEOs of each organization, plus an additional Ordway representative, the goals of the Partnership are to establish and manage the calendar for the Arts Partners’ use of the Ordway, establish procedures for managing rent and operating costs associated with the Arts Partners’ use of the Ordway and complete necessary fundraising for collaborative activity of the Partnership, including the current Arts Partnership campaign.

# # #

Cinderella's Playhouse Comes to Life

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:10 GMT

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Cinderella's castle playhouse was inspired by the Ordway's holiday production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, and will be auctioned off live at The Glass Slipper Ball on Sunday, December 11.

The very special playhouse castle was designed, constructed and decorated in a fanciful, fairytale style. It has a mixture of rustic elegance and playful details. The exterior features decorative painting details, medieval sconces, a royal balcony, tall turrets with regal flags, arched and slotted windows. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the ballroom and balcony. A play fireplace and benches adorn the lower level.

Operation Glass Slipper: Where Happy Endings Begin

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:31 GMT

Clean out your closet for a good cause! Donate your dresses and accessories to girls who otherwise might not be able to attend prom. Items can include prom and bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns, wedding veils, flower girl dresses, crinolines, dressy shoes, jewelry, clutch bags, wraps, and gloves.

For six years Operation Glass Slipper Inc., has been providing the opportunity for Twins Cities area high school girls to attend prom. On average, the nonprofit has outfitted more than 1,000 girls per year. The nonprofit is dedicated to providing complimentary prom gowns and accessories to high schools girls in difficult family or financial circumstances in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Operation Glass Slipper strives to unlock the beauty and confidence within girls of every shape, size, background and walks of life by enabling them to feel good about themselves. They hope to help break the cycle of hardship by instilling a sense of opportunity and possibility for them to change their lives.

Interested? Here’s how it works: Twin Cities high school girls can be referred by third parties, which include social workers, guidance counselors, teachers or clergy that have direct knowledge of the girls’ family and financial situation. High school girls who cannot afford a prom dress can speak with these types of individuals in order to get in contact with Glass Slipper.

Each girl is given a Fairy Godmother, who provides one-on-one support. In addition, Fairy Godmothers help girls pick out dresses and accessories at the annual Princess Event in the Mall of America in March. Operation Glass Slipper hosts the event and around 225 schools participate.

Monetary donations are also welcome. Operation Glass Slipper is looking for volunteers as well. Volunteers help with the collection of gowns and accessories, accept new donations, and clean and repair donated items as needed. Dresses and accessories can be dropped off at the ticket office at the Ordway during all Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella performances.

For more information, visit www.operationglassslipper.org or email info@operationglassslipper.org.

Cinderella's Castle Goes to the Ronald McDonald House

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:58 GMT

During yesterday’s Ordway Circle of Stars gala, the 150-square-foot Cinderella’s castle playhouse, the largest auction item in the history of the annual event, went to the winning bid of a consortium that generously gifted the playhouse to the Ronald McDonald House (Oak Street location). The blue and pink castle will be the newest feature in its playroom, the best possible place for the castle’s new home.

“The Ronald McDonald House is the perfect place for Cinderella’s castle to end up, as it will be a gift that keeps on giving to children,” says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway president and CEO. “The consortium’s winning bid will go toward supporting the Ordway’s education programming by helping offer school children low-cost tickets and bus subsidies, and the gifting of the castle to the Ronald McDonald House will provide visiting families many hours of imaginative fun for years to come.”

Cinderella’s castle stands 16-feet tall and 11-feet wide. It boasts four towers complete with turrets, two stories, a play fireplace, and a royal balcony perfect for playing princess. Other features include a spiral staircase, a chandelier, a castle clock, a Dutch door on the main entrance and benches. The castle is built to withstand hundreds of stampeding kids for years and years – watch them put it together in this timelapse video.

Come see the castle in person before we disassemble it on January 3 and bring it over to the Ronald McDonald House playroom! It’ll be available for viewing during open ticket office hours and during performance of Cinderella!

Cinderella Additional Performance

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:00 GMT

Announcing an additional performance of Cinderella! Due to the popularity of the show and high demand for matinees, the Ordway is now offering a 2:00PM performance on Thursday, December 29. There are great seats available, but hurry because good seats go fast! Hope to see you at Cinderella! Tickets are available for purchase here.

Cinderella in the Media

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:58 GMT

The Ordway's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella opens to great reviews and wonderful buzz in the media. Check out all the reviews here, along with preview articles and television interviews from the past few weeks.

Reviews:

Star Tribune “Finding the fit in ‘Cinderella’

Pioneer Press “Ordway’s ‘Cinderella,’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein, fills the bill for fans”

Examiner.com “The little princess in your life will adore ‘Cinderella’ at the Ordway”

Metro Magazine “’Cinderella’ Full of Magic”

Saint Paul Broadway World “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ Delights Audiences through New Year’s Day”

Minnesota Monthly “Review: ‘Cinderella’”

TC Jew Folk “’Cinderella’ at the Ordway Perfect for Those Looking for Magic”

How Was The Show “’Cinderella’ at the Ordway”

Other Articles:

Star Tribune “A Cinderella Moment”

Pioneer Press “Local Actress Plays Fairy Godmother in ‘Cinderella’”

TV and Radio Interviews:

KARE 11 TV

WCCO TV

Ruth Today, Kevyn Today

Actor Joel Liestman introduces "Cinderella"

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:30 GMT

Performances of "Cinderella" are in full swing at the Ordway, and we actors have nary a moment to catch our breath. But I’ve managed to snatch a few minutes backstage with my iPad, and since I have a little time, I thought I'd shoot you all a quick note of introduction: I'm world famous public reader of scripted lines, usually-on-tune singer of songs, and general bon vivant Joel Liestman. This is my 3rd show in the big theatre and the latest in many collaborations with Artistic Director James Rocco. I'll be checking in on this blog throughout the run of Cinderella, hopefully providing a bit of insight as to what goes into creating, opening, and sustaining this production.

First things first…With a show like this, casting is crucial. If you don't have the right young woman anchoring this show, everything else is like a Friendster account: it doesn't matter. Luckily, my friend and local actress Jessica Fredrickson is the perfect Cinderella. She has brains, beauty, and the voice to fill this beautiful theater. Having an actor you can rely on sets the tone for working every day. Everyone can relax and concentrate on telling this story. To a person, we all believe in Jess and know that you will fall in love with her.

We hope you enjoy this magical story and I look forward to sharing some of the behind-the-scenes stories and secrets over this holiday season. Feel free to post any questions on the blog about the show, our process of bringing it to life, or general musings on what it's like to be an actor.

Now off to the show!

Cinderella Master Class for Performing Arts Students

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:09 GMT

On Wednesday, December 21, twenty-five students from Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts participated in a career discussion and master class with Bridget Noltimier, Dance Captain for the Ordway's production of Cinderella! Students learned one of the dances from the ballroom scene.

Check out the great pictures!

Actor Joel Liestman's Guide to Two-Show Days

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:19 GMT

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

Cinderella's Former Co-Worker Tells of Her Transformation

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:30 GMT

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

Cinderella & Prince Christopher Visit Gillette

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:47 GMT

Watch on YouTube.com >>

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

A Fairy Tale Proposal at Cinderella

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:23 GMT

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!

Playing for Change Band Members Announced

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:38 GMT

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.

Interview with EVIDENCE Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:39 GMT

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.

Operation Glass Slipper Success

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:24 GMT

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.

Blind Date Reviews

info@ordway.org(Danielle Schumann) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:14 GMT

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.

After Cinderella and into the "Now" of Broadway

info@ordway.org(Marinda Bland) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:30 GMT

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

The Many Emotions of Broadway

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00 GMT

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

Playing for Change: a bus load of fun and learning at Macalester

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:02 GMT

Amir Sabbagh, community engagement intern at the Ordway, blogs about the Campus Connections Playing for Change event at Macalester College February 3.

Live music, energetic dancing and good food crossed countries, continents and cultures in the Weyerhaeuser Board Room February 3 as Macalester students were treated to a teaser event for the Ordway’s Playing for Change performance. The free event, part of the Ordway’s Campus Connections program, featured local musical artists originally from as far away as India and Africa to nearby Wisconsin – and focused on how music can promote harmony, peace and understanding. It was a precursor to the Ordway’s larger event yesterday, featuring the internationally recognized Playing for Change band. Playing for Change rocked the Ordway last night as well. It was a wonderful concert!

Among the February 3 performers were: Congolese musician Siama Matuzungidi, singer/cultural weaver Mankwe Ndosi, and Tibetan musician Tenzin Ngawang. The event featured everything from popular African-based Soukous dance music to traditional Tibetan song and dance to hip-hop to American jazz. The performers also shared the stories of their lives (from performing in the Tibetan Diaspora to planning an escape from Idi Amin’s Uganda), as well as personal observations on how music helps build understanding and harmony among all people.

The music was a hit, with at least half of the more than 60 attendees creating an impromptu dance floor. How popular was the “mini” Playing for Change? At the end of the performance, Ordway Community Engagement Coordinator Amy Miller asked how many students were planning to purchase tickets for the larger February 12 event - and literally a bus load of hands went up. The Ordway then planned a bus to transport students from campus to the Ordway for the larger event yesterday. What a great weekend!

Ordway's Dance to Learn Program

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:22 GMT

On Saturday, February 11, Ordway staff, Perpich Center staff, teaching artists and coaches, presented on the Dance to Learn program to 35 dance educators at the Perpich Center’s annual Dance Education Summit. Workshop attendees experienced select lessons from the program and learned about its structure and goals.

Last week, the in-school dance residency portion of the Dance to Learn program wrapped up at Sheridan Hills Elementary in Richfield and Fair Oaks Elementary in Brooklyn Park. For students at both of these schools, the dance instruction that they experience through Dance to Learn is the only dance instruction that they receive during the school day at any point in the year. In addition to the residency work, students attend professional dance performances at the Ordway throughout the school year.

For more information about Dance to Learn, please visit http://www.ordway.org/education/programs/dancetolearn/

Award season is in full-swing and it's time to select nominees for the 7th Annual Ordway Education Awards!

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:39 GMT

Established in 2006, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts’ Education Awards were created to honor the contributions of individuals and institutions that have furthered the mission of Education and Community Engagement Programs at the Ordway.

Individuals and organizations from any artistic, educational, or cultural field are eligible, including individual artists, professional administrators and teachers, volunteers, philanthropists, and partnerships or leadership teams.

The submission deadline for the 2012 Education awards is March 9, 2012. Winners will be announced at the Annual Liaison Event Friday, May 11, 2012.

Award Categories

One person or organization is awarded in each of the four following areas.

Philanthropy: For outstanding financial or in-kind contributions to the betterment of Education and Community Engagement programs at the Ordway.

Vision: For the creation of new programs or innovation and enhancement to existing Education or Community Engagement programs at the Ordway.

Community Commitment: For dedication, over a period of time, to the support and/or advancement of Community Engagement programs at the Ordway.

Education Service: This award is presented to a person(s) or organization whose leadership and participation has led to inventive learning for students in or through Ordway's programs.

A nominee who doesn’t fit easily into any of the above categories may be nominated. Please include a statement as to why they should be considered for an award.

If you would like more information on the awards or how to nominate someone please visit the Ordway website.

The Reviews are in for Blind Date

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:59 GMT

Several reviewers have attended performances of Blind Date at the Ordway. Links to five articles are below.

Star Tribune, "'Blind Date' puts romance in the hot seat," By Rohan Preston

Pioneer Press, "Should you pick up the check for this 'Blind Date'?" By Dominic P. Papatola

Twin Cities Metro Magazine, "It's a Date," By Emily Cain

Minnesota Monthly Magazine, "The Awkwardly Cute Love Story You Can’t Stop Watching," By Morgan Mercer

Minnesota Daily, "'Blind Date' does the first date in front of an audience premise way better than MTV’s 'Next' did," By Griffin Fillipitch

Blind Date is at the Ordway through April 1! For tickets, click here.

2012-2013 Season Announcement

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:09 GMT

Our Season Announcement Event this past Monday (Feb 27) was a great success! A special thanks to everyone that attended and helped us announce the new season. In case you haven’t heard, our 2012-2013 season lineup is below.

2012-2013 Ordway Theatrical Season

Chicago, August 7-12, 2012

Broadway Songbook Series: Rodgers and Hammerstein and Hart, September 21-30, 2012; Stephen Sondheim, January 18-27, 2013; Cole Porter, April 19-28, 2013

Billy Elliot the Musical, October 9-14, 2012

Elf the Musical, December 5-30, 2012

Anything Goes, May 7-12, 2013

Sing-A-Long Sound of Music, May 18, 2013

Buddy—the Buddy Holly Story, June 18-23, 2013

2012-2013 Target World Music

Lila Downs, October 17, 2012

Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band, October 26, 2012

Buckwheat Zydeco, February 8, 2013

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, March 17, 2013

2012-2013 Target World Dance

Delfos Danza Contemporanea, October 20, 2012

Black Grace, March 19, 2013

Pilobolus, May 4, 2013

Visit http://www.ordway.org/splash/ to learn more about the 2012-2013 performers and our subscription packages.

We want to hear from you! What performance are you most excited about?

Q & A with David Bryan, Memphis composer and lyricist

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:44 GMT

David Bryan is the founding member and famous keyboardist for Bon Jovi. Bryan won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Original Score, Memphis (along with Joe DiPietro), as well as the 2010 Tony Award for Best Orchestrations, Memphis (along with Daryl Waters). Memphis will be at the Ordway beginning March 13!

You have been with the rock group Bon Jovi for more than 25 years. What do you think is the key to the band’s continued popularity?

Writing good songs, making good records, and always giving your all at every live concert.

How did you and Joe DiPietro meet and when did you begin collaborating on MEMPHIS?

I got Joe’s script from an agent and when I read it, I immediately loved the story and I heard all the music in my head. I know that last part sounds a little crazy, but what’s there now on stage is what I heard. I called up Joe and introduced myself, and when we got together it was magic. We work very well together. Joe is a great collaborator.

What attracted you to write the musical MEMPHIS?

The story. It’s an epic American tale about the birth of rock & roll, I just love that we not only portray one of the first white DJ’s to integrate the radio, but we also dramatize an interracial love story (when it was against the law in many states to have an interracial marriage). Ultimately, it’s a story about how music helped bring about social change, and how this music helped bring people together.

Can you describe why Broadway musicals are so difficult to write?

There are so many parts and it takes a lot of time to get them to work together. And you have to get it right before you get to Broadway. Joe and I work like crazy to make sure it’s a good as we can make it. With MEMPHIS, we put together a great creative team and we had the good fortune of working with great producers. And in the end we have a multiple award-winning show because of it. But man, we worked hard.

Name some of your favorite 50s songs and why they are your favorites?

There are too many songs to name, but I am always struck by how much joy and hope there is in that music. It was the beginning of social change in America - and music was at the forefront.

You have won many honors as a rock musician, including winning a Grammy Award. How was the Tony® awards presentation different than the Grammy Awards?

The three Tony® awards I won is unbelievably special. It was a long road with MEMPHIS, but I always believed in our show. To be honored and welcomed by the Broadway community for my work feels great. And it is just the start. Joe and I have a new show in the works called Chasing The Song (about American song writers from 1962-1964). We’ll continue to create new works for a long time.

Why do you think fans of rock and roll, people who might have never even seen a Broadway musical, would love MEMPHIS?

It’s an important American story that celebrates what we have in common as human beings rather than what separates us. And it ROCKS!

"It Can Happen to You," By Derek Nelson

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:56 GMT

Derek Nelson, a local restaurant manager and designer enthusiast, attended the March 1^st, 2012 performance of Blind Date. Below is an explanation of his experiences that night, both before and after he was chosen to go on stage with Rebecca Northan.

Preliminary Note: The evening of February 29^th (Leap Day) was an epic break-up with my sweet girlfriend leaving myself in a state of haze, sadness and tears to be unrivaled. At 32-years-old I was starting over and scared of what would be.

March 1^st 2012, 4:35p.m. After having attempted to keep my head up all day I was working ferociously in the warehouse opening patio umbrellas for my restaurants upcoming patio season. The phone rings and a long-lost buddy asks if I would be interested in getting out of the house for some tickets to some show of comedy and drinks. I oblige and tell him I will be there. At this moment I have no idea my life is about to change.

7:15 p.m. My ticket gets scanned at The Ordway entrance and I notice cast members mingling about. Over the next 15 minutes my friend and I are approached by Mimi, the female adorable lead cast member of this comedy and escorted to the bar with some small chit chat.

7:30 p.m. I get to my seat in the theatre and decide to finally read the program to see what I am getting into tonight. Opening page has a synopsis and a DISCLAIMER of what contract as a guest of “Blind Date” you are entering into. My heart races immediately after reading that now I have agreed to possibly be chosen for on stage activity. Terrified to speak in front of people, I settle myself down by remembering that my odds are slim of being chosen due to a full house.

7:33 p.m. Mimi on stage tells the audience she needs a member to be her date. She exits stage right and I am nervous but okay because I am sitting stage left; however she wanders in my direction and the unthinkable happens.

7:35 p.m. I am ON STAGE for the next hour in a whirlwind of emotion and nerves and love and KISSING and awkwardness and every other possible feeling one could have. In just over an hour now I have experienced an entire relationship in front of a couple hundred strangers. I did it with zero stage training but with all the years of figuring out who I really was to deliver the truth of my being on this planet to strangers and it was AMAZING to say the least.

Conclusion: This event has completely changed my life. It refreshed my soul. It made me feel alive. It made me think there is nothing that can’t be conquered in life. It showed me hope and the future that one day anything is possible. This show isn’t just a comedy or something to do around town. This show is a connection for everyone watching it about their own lives of love and happiness. I will never be able to repay Rebecca Northan (Mimi) in my lifetime for what her and her production did for me. She is an improv comedy goddess that can dig deep, laugh and change everyone’s lives by attending this show. I am truly saddened that this production isn’t a Twin Cities yearly staple and only a tour because I believe it has the longevity to remain relevant. I will never forget this experience…IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!!!!

St. Patrick's Day Parade

info@ordway.org(Jessica Brooks ) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:26 GMT

Coming to see Memphis or Blind Date this weekend? To ensure the best experience, we would like to inform you the Saint Patrick’s Day parade will be held Down Town St Paul on Sat, March 17, at Noon! See the route below – please keep this in mind as you plan your trip to the Ordway.

The Reviews are in for Memphis

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:30 GMT

Memphis opened to a very energetic and enthusiastic crowd last night! Reviews are in for the show.

WCCO Online, "’Memphis’ is a Must-See," By Sara Boyd

Minnesota Monthly, "The Most Happening Nightclub in St. Paul Is in Memphis," By Ellen Burkhardt

Star Tribune, "'Memphis' plays familiar tune," By Graydon Royce

Pioneer Press, "'Memphis,' at St. Paul's Ordway Center, lacks soul," By Dominic P. Papatola

TCJewfolk.com, "'Memphis' at the Ordway Touches Deep and Rocks the House," By Leora Itman

Howwastheshow.com, "Memphis at the Ordway," By John Olive

Memphis will be at the Ordway through March 25. For ticket information, click here.

Watch interviews with the Memphis cast!

KARE 11

WCCO

Faith: A Dance for Life... Bringing Together Art, Entertainment and Education

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30 GMT

As we move closer to Ballet of the Dolls’ performance of Faith: A Dance For Life at the Ordway on Friday, May 4, the dance company’s Artistic Director/Choreographer Myron Johnson is reaching out, along with the Ordway, to educators, students, and the Twin Cities community to engage them in the artistic process of creating his new piece.

Johnson and the Ordway are providing this unique learning opportunity through a series of open rehearsals, focus groups and discussion sessions. In February, Johnson held a focus group with school teachers to discuss his concept for Faith: A Dance for Life, generating support and ideas, and setting the foundation for translating the performance piece into a multi-cultural learning experience focused on faiths of the world. He also shared his artistic vision with faculty and staff of Macalester College’s Interfaith Council, which led to spirited discussion and intriguing questions about art as a tool for creating cross-cultural awareness and understanding.

Going forward, the Ordway and Ballet of the Dolls are offering various opportunities for the community to engage in the artistic process of Faith: A Dance for Life. They include the following:

1st Open Rehearsal

Wednesday, March 28, 6 – 7:30pm

Ritz Theater

[345 13th Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis 55413]

Parking available on neighborhood streets surrounding the theater

Refreshments provided

2nd Open Rehearsal

Wednesday, April 18, 6 – 7:30pm

Ordway’s McKnight Theater

[345 Washington Street, Downtown Saint Paul]

*Please enter through Ordway’s main entrance

Suggested parking: metered street parking or parking ramps near the Ordway

Refreshments provided

3rd Open Rehearsal

Wednesday, April 25, 6 – 7:30pm

Ordway’s Drake Room

[345 Washington Street, Downtown St. Paul]

*Please enter through Ordway’s Stage Door on 5th Street

Suggested parking: metered street parking or parking ramps near the Ordway

Refreshments provided

Admission is FREE, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Amy Miller at amiller@ordway.org or 651-282-3017 to reserve your space.

Ballet of the Dolls’ Faith Panel Discussion: Dance Inspired by Faith and Spirituality

Tuesday, April 17

7 – 8:30pm

University of St. Thomas

Owens Science Hall, 3M Auditorium

Admission is FREE and open to the public

You are invited to a discussion with Ballet of the Dolls’ Artistic Director Myron Johnson and other Twin Cities-based dancers/choreographers who create artistic work inspired by their faith and spirituality. They will share examples of their artistic work and will explain how their styles of choreography evoke images and ideas that correlate with their religions and spiritual beliefs from across the globe.

The Man Behind the Family

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:50 GMT

The musical The Addams Family is inspired by the creations of American cartoonist Charles Addams. In 1933 at the age of 21, his work was published in the New Yorker, and over the course of nearly six decades he became one of the magazine’s most cherished contributors.

Addams’ cartoons have been described as bizarre, weird and macabre, yet charming; enchanting and tender can just as accurately be used to depict the same body of work, as well as the man himself. His unique style and wonderfully crafted cartoons enabled his work to transcend such dichotomies for his millions of fans worldwide.

Addams is best known for his characters that came to be called The Addams Family, a group that evolved into multiple television shows, movies and this Broadway musical. Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Grandma, and Lurch existed in various forms and aspects of Addams’ cartoons dating back to the 1930s, but were not actually named until the early 1960s when the television series was created.

More than 15 books of his drawings have been published around the world, including the new collection, The Addams Family: An Evilution— the first complete history of The Addams Family-- including more than 200 cartoons, many never previously published. The collection also includes Addams’ own incisive character descriptions that remind us where these oddly lovable characters came from, and in doing so, offer a lasting tribute to one of America’s greatest humorists.

The Addams Family will be at the Ordway May 8-20. Buy your tickets today!Click here.

Wednesday Webisodes: What Does a Cartoon Sound Like?

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:54 GMT

In honor of The Addams Family arriving in their usual eccentric style May 8^th, the Ordway will be presenting fans with an inside look every Wednesday at how the beloved cartoons of Charles Addams were transformed into the Broadway hit. These “Wednesday Webisodes” will provide you with a glimpse into the whimsical imaginations of the creative team who found them as darkly endearing as you. Hear from the authors, director, composer and design team as well as a few original cast members!

This week Andrew Lippa explains his inspiration and the creative process behind the unforgettable music and lyrics of The Addams Family in "What Does a Cartoon Sound Like?".

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Johnny Mercer: poet, composer, and music legend

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:36 GMT

The Ordway’s upcoming Broadway Songbook features the masterpieces of music legend, Johnny Mercer. The man from Savannah, Georgia who had never dreamed of being a songwriter became a “great” among “greats” with a repertoire of over 1,000 songs that are still getting stuck in the heads of music enthusiasts today. Mercer was the master of versatility and poetry. He understood that the recipe for a hit needed the effortless blend of a catchy melody and eloquent lyrics. His love of jazz and his ability to flow with a progressive music culture are what made him both unique and remarkably successful.

Johnny Mercer started working in Hollywood in 1935 and turned to songwriting after getting fired from a singing job. The transition was smooth for Mercer and he was soon socializing with the likes of Bing Crosby who performed his first Hollywood hit, “I’m an Old Cowhand from the Rio Grande” and writing Oscar nominated songs like “Jeepers Creepers”. Mercer’s valiant efforts to co-found Capitol Records brought about a whirlwind of hits, artists and friendships. In his lifetime Mercer worked with the likes of Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Judy Garland. Through his love of music and his unbelievable ambition a legend was born.

Mercer’s “On the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe” won him his first Oscar for Best Original Song and three more followed. Chart-toppers like “Something’s Gotta Give”, “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Come Rain or Come Shine” are just a handful of the songs that are still requested today. And what would Breakfast at Tiffany’s be without Audrey Hepburn perched on the fire escape serenading the night with “Moon River”?

Mercer said that, “Songs always fascinated me more than anything,” and for that we are eternally grateful. For what would the world be like without our treasured Mercer masterpieces?

Get your tickets here before they run out! Broadway Songbook: The Words and Music of Johnny Mercer opens Friday, April 13^th!

Senator Al Franken's Poetry Contest Honors Military Children

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:02 GMT

Senator Al Franken has created a poetry contest in recognition of the Month of the Military Child. “Being part of a military family isn’t easy,” said Sen. Franken. “With this poetry contest, I hope to not only recognize the extraordinary work of men and women serving across the world, but also their children, who sacrifice so much when a parent is called away.”

This exceptional contest is open to all school-age children of military families in Minnesota. The three age categories are 1) Kindergarten to sixth grade; 2) Seventh to ninth grades; and 3) 10th to 12th grades. Winners from each category will receive an invitation to attend a reception at Sen. Franken’s St. Paul office to meet the senator and his wife, Franni. Top winning poems in each category will be framed and proudly displayed in Sen. Franken’s offices in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. The overall winner will receive an autographed book by famed Minnesota author Garrison Keillor.

For entrance in Sen. Franken’s poetry contest, please submit a poem by April 16, 2012 to poetry@franken.senate.gov or by mail to:

Office of Sen. Al Franken, c/o ‘Poetry Contest’, 60 Plato Boulevard East, Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55107

Participants may only submit one entry, no longer than 300 words. Each entry must include the child's name, the parent/guardian’s name, a phone number and home address, and the name of the child’s school. Also, please clearly indicate participant’s age category.

This is an amazing opportunity to hear the voices of such unbelievably strong children and honor their mothers and fathers who have chosen to serve our country.

Wednesday Webisodes: Family Portraits

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:03 GMT

In our second Wednesday Webisode, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the authors of The Addams Family Musical, discuss how they took single images from Charles Addams’s classic cartoons and created an entire Broadway production. We think about our own family portraits in which we were told to sit poised, striving for perfection, and suddenly we’re envious of the charmingly dark Addams Family who live their lives striving to be as twisted and unhappy as possible. Hear how this backwardness of the classic family inspired Brickman and Elice’s work.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

What is Ballet of the Dolls?

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:53 GMT

Ballet of the Dolls was founded in 1986 by Artistic Director, Dancer, and Choreographer, Myron Johnson. After 26 years of works that include 150 original ballets, this group of artists continue to push boundaries while also appealing to both theater and dance audiences of the Twin Cities.

For a company that started in Myron Johnson’s loft in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis, Ballet of the dolls has accomplished great things in the art community. The original company consisted of eight dancers, a costumer, a lighting designer, a sound designer and a marketing director who came together to explore a new way to tell amazing stories. This objective is also where the company’s name originated- dolls coming to life just like their stories.

After two seasons in the loft of their Artistic Director, Ballet of the Dolls gained a partnership with Ruby’s Cabaret which resulted in 250 nights of performances. In 2000 Ballet of the Dolls decided to make The Ritz Theater on 13^th Ave in NE Minneapolis their permanent home. The Ritz Theater opened its doors in 2006 after renovations, and has since become an established venue in the Twin Cities arts community.

This innovative dance company has a mission “to fearlessly create challenging and surprising dance work that brings a sense of discovery to audiences and artists alike.” Ballet of the Dolls understands what it takes to manifest original dance performances that do more than simply entertain their audiences- they inspire them.

A Few Announcements for Ballet of the Dolls

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:43 GMT

We want to inform you that tonight’s event (April 17^th) at University of St. Thomas, featuring Myron Johnson of Ballet of the Dolls, has been cancelled. There are, however, two more Ballet of the Dolls Open Rehearsals that are open to the public. Space is still available and it will be a great chance to view the company’s artistic process as they prepare for their public performance at the Ordway on Friday, May 4.

Here are the event details:

You are invited to engage in the artistic process as Artistic Director Myron Johnson of Ballet of the Dolls creates Faith, a new piece that will premiere at the Ordway on Friday, May 4. These three events will allow you to witness an example of a typical rehearsal for the company, and will provide context for what is happening at that point in the studio and the artistic process.

Open Rehearsal

Wednesday, April 18, 6 – 7:30pm

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, McKnight Theater

[345 Washington Street, Saint Paul 55102]

Open Rehearsal

Wednesday, April 25, 6 – 7:30pm

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Drake Room

[345 Washington Street, Downtown St. Paul]

*Please enter through the Stage Door on 5th Street

Admission is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Amy Miller at amiller@ordway.org or 651-282-3017 to reserve your space.

Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

One Time Only Performance!

The Ordway presents a new dance piece by award-winning choreographer Myron Johnson and his company Ballet of the Dolls. Faith: A Dance for Life, is a world premiere ballet work based on one man’s dream and/or reality in the time required to take a singular breath. Created from the inspiration of a work performed in 1991, Faith explores the idea of a man who finds himself in a life-or-death situation; an encounter filled with surreal and haunting moments where faith is put to the test. Humorous and outrageous, Faith follows one man’s story in glimpses of life that range from the very beginning to his final conversations with his “maker.” In familiar Ballet of the Dolls’ fashion, this presentation uses an eclectic array of dance and musical styles including ballet, modern and hip-hop all set to classical, world and contemporary music. Myron’s work is being created specifically for this one-night-only performance at the Ordway.

Wednesday Webisodes: Make Yourself at Home

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:27 GMT

Curious about the creative process behind the spooky set of The Addams Family Musical? This week, hear from Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch about how they inverted the ordinary to create what the Addams find as a charming, comfortable home- one that is alive.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Who is Myron Johnson?

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:29 GMT

Who is the mastermind behind the original and innovative dance works performed by Ballet of the Dolls? Minneapolis native Myron Johnson began his theatre career at the age of 7 and has since contributed his creativity and talents to the community as an Artistic Director, Choreographer and Dancer.

It all began in 1960 when Myron, on a whim, entered a building that used to be his nursery school, but had since become The Moppet Players’ theater. The woman who ran the theater asked Myron if he would like to try out for a play. He did and landed a part in the play, “The Swineherd.” The Moppet Players eventually became The Children’s Theater Company, where Myron performed, choreographed and directed hundreds of productions.

In 1970 Myron received a scholarship to study under celebrated mime, Marcel Marceau at the Paris Opera Ballet. He returned to Minneapolis after this amazing experience and became the Associate Artistic Director at The Children’s Theater Company. The 1980’s was a whirlwind of directing and choreography opportunities at The Guthrie Theater, Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, Loring Playhouse, as well as across the country at The Sundance Institute, Seattle Rep, among others.

In 1986 Myron fulfilled his inspiration to create a company that combined all of his interests: dance, theater, mime, and music. As Artistic Director of Ballet of the Dolls, Myron creates 5-6 original production every year that consistently challenge audiences and provoke discussion and reflection. Myron’s contributions to the Twin Cities’ arts community have been recognized. He was named Artist of the Year by City Pages in 2008 and he was the recipient of the 2009 Sally Award for Commitment.

With all that he has accomplished so far, we look forward to a future as a part of his audience where the impact of his message is felt through and through with every performance.

Wednesday Webisodes: Every Family Has One

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:46 GMT

Every family has that one Uncle who is a little odd but lights up the room. Quite literally when thinking about Uncle Fester of The Addams Family! This Week’s Wednesday Webisode features Kevin Chamberlin, Broadway’s original Uncle Fester, and his special commentary on the lovable quirks of Uncle Fester.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

The Addams "Family Resemblance" Contest

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:51 GMT

The Addams Family will be stepping onto the Ordway’s stage May 8^th. In honor of their ominous arrival, we are giving away a 4-pack of tickets to one lucky family who feels as though they are just as backwards, kooky, and down-right entertaining as the Addams!

All you need to do is explain why you think your family would fit right in with the Addams. Share that hysterical story told at every family reunion, or simply let us know what a day in the life of your unconventional family is like!

Post it in the comment box below by Friday May 4^th, and you will be automatically entered to win 4 tickets to the Broadway hit, The Addams Family, for opening night.

Don’t delay! Post your story today!

Wednesday Webisodes: Not Your Average Granny

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:34 GMT

The final installment of our Wednesday Webisode series gives you the opportunity to hear from the always outrageous and entertaining Granny of the Addams Family. From the original Broadway cast, Jackie Hoffman reflects on her fond memories of the twisted family she helped bring to life.

Watch on YouTube.com >>

No Snap Judgments

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:55 GMT

I think it is safe to say that every member of the Addams Family is odd, eccentric, and maybe even terrifying. However, isn’t that exactly why we adore them? The Addams Family Musical has taken on a social acceptance initiative with their fun and inspiring campaign “No Snap Judgments”. It encourages people to look beyond first impressions and realize that our commonalities with those around us outweigh the differences. “The ‘No Snap Judgments’ program empowers us to engage others with openness, respect and acceptance.”

The Addams Family knows better than anyone how wonderful it can be to embrace the weird! Who would Pugsley and Wednesday be if they didn’t relish in torturing one another? And good ol’ Uncle Fester would be rather dull if he didn’t express himself through the art of electricity, or should I say electrocution. Embrace your own quirks and the odd habits and hobbies of those around you. Forget first impressions and take the time to get to know the person. Who knows, you may end up seeing The Addams Family together at the Ordway now through May 20^th!

Sign the pledge and from this day forward, “promise to uphold No Snap Judgments (snap, snap).”

Watch on YouTube.com >>

The Reviews are in for The Addams Family!

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:59 GMT

The Addams Family opened to very enthusiastic crowds this week! Several local reviews are available. Sara Boyd of WCCO, Graydon Royce of the Star Tribune, Morgan Halaska of Metro Magazine, and Janet Preus and John Olive of Howwastheshow.com attended the Tuesday, May 8 opening night performance. Chris Hewitt of the Pioneer Press and Jay Gabler of Twin Cities Daily Planet attended the Wednesday, May 9 performance.

WCCO Online, “Curiocity: The Addams Family Musical, Not Quite as Creepy,” By Sara Boyd

Star Tribune, “Addams Family gets Broadway’d,” By Graydon Royce

Metro Magazine, “Addams Family a Freakishly Wonderful Group,” By Morgan Halaska

Howwastheshow.com, “The Addams Family at the Ordway,” By Janet Preus and John Olive

Pioneer Press, “‘The Addams Family’ isn’t as deadly as the Broadway version, but still could use some life,” By Chris Hewitt

Twin Cities Daily Planet, “The Addams Family musical: La cage de la mort,” By Jay Gabler

The Addams Family will be at the Ordway through May 20. For ticket information, click here.

Watch interviews with The Addams Family cast:

KARE 11

WCCO TV

The Story Time Tree

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:18 GMT

This year’s Flint Hills International Children’s Festival will revolve around the theme “I Have a Story to Share." The garden, now annually created in partnership with the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department and artists, along with coordinators Mark Granlund and Angie Koebler, will be called “The Story Time Garden.”

One of the main attractions of this cherished outdoor event has quite the story itself.

Named ”The Story Time Tree," this work of art was once a tree trunk floating down the Mississippi River and has since been fished out by the Parks and Recreation Forestry Department and carved and painted into the 3D fairytale pictured here. The tree is turned upside down so that the roots become the branches. Flowering plants will then be attached to the bare limbs representing the tree’s canopy.

Through a special collaboration with FORECAST Public Art, sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad was invited to create the original artwork on the tree trunk, making the tree not only a part of the artful Story Time Garden, but a special art piece in and of itself.

This tree will sit in The Story Time Garden alongside blooming flowers, a child-size house, and an array of storytellers that will be engaging with young Festival-goers each hour on the hour during the Festival’s Family Weekend. Take the time to walk around this tree and become immersed in its amazing story from the waters of the Mississippi to its special place in the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival.

The Story Time Garden will also feature an artfully-designed and custom made storyteller’s throne that will sit adjacent to the tree. The throne is a part of a project managed by artorg, titled "Suite Seat." FORECAST Public Art, along with ArtOrg, is a partner is creating and commissioning this work.

http://artorg.info/?page_id=5748

Funding for the Story Time Garden and Story Time Tree is provided by: John and Ruth Huss and the Saint Paul Garden Club

Guest Bloggers for The Addams Family

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:51 GMT

We invited a few guest bloggers to The Addams Family so that they could share their own haunting experiences with you. Read about their nights with the "kreepy and kooky" family they snapped their way into.

It’s Family First and Family Last: A Night with the Addams.

By: Brett Burger

Imagine a typical 1950s family living in a perfect house in a perfect neighborhood. In this house lives a perfect mother who leaves a fresh baked apple pie on the windowsill to cool off while a little boy feeds the dog before going out to play. Now imagine a large mansion in the middle of Central Park with a mother who rips off the heads of roses and asks her butler to put the stems in a vase while her son is busy feeding the monster that lives under his bed. This is where I spent my Tuesday night on May 8th, 2012. Welcome to a night with The Addams Family.

The premise of the show revolves around Wednesday Addams (Cortney Wolfson) growing up and falling in love with Lucas Beineke (Brian Justin Crum). She invites him and his family to dinner with her family. As the lights went low and last minute audience members found their seats I began to smile as the orchestra started the “The Addams Family” theme song. Even the audience participated with nostalgic snapping until the theme song brilliantly transitioned into the overture. I began laughing again as the disembodied hand “The Thing” appeared to pull the curtain back to reveal a very tall gate with all of the Addams behind it while smoke trailed at their feet. It was amazing and eerie all at the same time. They looked fantastic and still held the same Addams Family look with Morticia’s (Sara Gettelfinger) low cut neckline (in which her cleavage upstaged multiple moments), Grandma’s (Pippa Pearthree) crazy personality and Gomez’s (Douglas Stills) infamous thin mustache.

It wasn’t until Wednesday sang her first song “Pulled” that I realized how extremely impressive the vocals sounded. She was on perfect pitch every time she opened her mouth. With every scene she was in I seemed to find myself entirely focused on her. The dry humor, killer belts and impressive dance moves had me...that is, until Alice Beineke (Crista Moore) arrived on the scene. Her obsessive rhyming and bright yellow dress made her the top scene stealer of the show. During a hilarious dinner scene, she breaks out into “Waiting” a powerhouse solo song. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Her impressive belt had me on the edge of my seat the whole rest of the show, praying she’d do it again.

Overall “The Addams Family: The Musical” was quite delightful. The costumes were wonderful, the set was spectacular and the actors were phenomenal. My expectations were far exceeded with the entire cast. The score and book do a radiant job in keeping the same ghoulish atmosphere while still maintaining a musical type feel. All families, whether you’re “living, dead or undecided” should rush to see this show no matter how far away it is!

They're creepy and they're spooky - look who's back in town!

By: Bartley Stratton

Growing up watching, “The Addams family” it was entertaining to see a musical about it. When the orchestra started to play the theme song the audience snapped along. Getting audience participation straight out the gate can be tough to accomplish but when you can, it’s a great start to a show.

The Addams family lives in central park in a mansion. They are a quirky family that live a life unlike anyone else. Gomez and Morticia are the parents of the family. Morticia is a dominate and strong woman. She stands firm to a, “no lie” policy in the house. Gomez loves his wife and his daughter very much. He is torn when his daughter, Wednesday, says she wants to marry a boy, Lucas. He is told not to tell his wife and seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Pugsley, the brother, does not like that his sister is falling in love with a boy. He wants her to spend time torturing him so he tries to poison her with a potion he steals from his crazy grandma. Uncle Fester is the comic relief of the show and does a great job with his role.

The shows theme is about love. Love between husband and wife, siblings, young love, and love of family. Instead of only focusing on the Addams family, the show brings in Lucas’ family the Beineke’s. Adding this element makes it all the more interesting. When you have a normal family like the Beineke’s and place them next to the Addams family, everything seems to go awry.

“When You’re an Addams” was a fun rousing chorus number. The dancing, singing, and lyrics were a great way to engage the audience right off the bat. The first act was very witty and funny. The audience laughed a lot at Gomez’s lines and songs. He was a great male lead. Wednesday stood out with her voice. She has the typical musical theater voice and her belting tone was beautiful. “Full Disclosure” showed more depth of the characters. During the song we got an inside look at Gomez, Uncle Fester, and Alice Beineke. It made for a great end of Act 1 song since there was chaos and confusion. It left people wanting to come back for more.

The second act pulled all the commotion together. “The Moon and Me” was a perfect number for Uncle Fester. Having him be in love with the moon was an odd but perfect part for him to play since he was the comic relief. The audience really enjoyed the number as well and giggled throughout the song. “Crazier Than You” was between four characters. Having a number with a few leads that can harmonize well together is always a plus. The song was fun and sounded great.

This show was one that you could attend with your family. Parents and kids alike would enjoy the show because the Addams family is known throughout generations. For an enjoyable night for the whole family, head to the Ordway May 8-20th and see, “The Addams Family”.

"Snaps" for the Cast!: by Treasures of the Twin Cities

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:46 GMT

When I was in 8th grade we sang The Addams Family theme song. "They're creepy and their kooky, mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky..." What does "ooky" even mean?

The Oxford dictionary defines "ooky" as an informal adjective meaning unpleasant or repellent. When I attended The Addams Family at the Ordway, they were certainly creepy and rather odd, but they were anything but repellent- they were absolutely endearing.

The Addams Family has been touring the country since its frightening takeover of Broadway. With plot changes, new songs, and an absolutely fabulous cast, I would say it is a show you cannot miss. The cast creeped onto the Ordway's stage last week and has since received fantastic reviews from theater-goers of the Twin Cities. Snaps for the Addams!

I attended the opening night performance with my roommate Kayla. She is not a theatre freak like myself, but she appreciates a decent cultural experience now and again. What better show to invite her to than The Addams Family? (Little did I know she was unfamiliar with the classic clan...shocking...). However, she and I laughed the whole way through.

The story revolves around Wednesday Addams actually falling in love with a normal boy. Shocking, right? I must admit that I was disappointed to miss out on the torturous antics and monotone voice of my favorite family member, but Cortney Wolfson made up for the loss with her stunning vocal abilities. She was flawless. Absolutely stunning.

Anyway, back to the plot.

Wednesday has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke who is coming over for dinner and bringing his conservative parents so that the families can meet. I'm sure I don't need to continue with the synopsis...if you know of The Addams Family at all, you can probably guess what happens next.

What I do want to share is how unimaginably fun this show is. The music is filled with powerhouse moments for the cast which is packed with talent. Tony nominee, Douglas Sills plays Gomez. His wit, charm, and unbelievable voice help him steal the show. But don't get carried away yet. Gaelen Gilliland who plays the rhyming, yellow-dress wearing Alice Beineke will surprise you...just you wait. Simply mesmerizing. And Blake Hammond (Fester) will have you laughing and "awh-ing" as he pursues a love affair with the moon...adorable.

While the characters themselves are a bit different than the ones we have grown up with, the interpretations by the actors are understandable due to the full-blown Broadway musical The Addams Family has morphed into. The family is just as dark and twisted as we remember them, but with the glitz and glam of Broadway...a spooky sort of glitz. The set, costumes and chorus bring the entire production together and you feel as though you are arriving with the Beinekes to dinner with The Addams. One moment you are walking through downtown Saint Paul to the Ordway with your roommate, and the next you are snapping along with the audience as "Thing" pulls back the red curtains to reveal Gomez, Morticia (and her plummeting neck-line), Wednesday, Pugsley, Fester, Grandma and, of course, Lurch.

Embrace the weird for one night and take your family to meet The Addams! Tickets are still available and time is running out.

Don't worry, the Ordway will leave the lights off for you.

Blogger Night at the Ordway

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:24 GMT

Calling all bloggers!

The Ordway is searching through the blogosphere for individuals who would be interested in attending and reviewing our performances. Two complimentary tickets would be provided, as well as a press packet and presence on our social media sites.

If interested, please send your name, email and blog URL to social@ordway.org . We will be selecting bloggers over the next few weeks to be a part of this exclusive group, so sign up and spread the word!

Take Lessons from the Performers at the Children's Festival

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:25 GMT

The Children’s Festival is next week and in addition to some great entertainment, a few acts will be giving exclusive lessons! Block Party will be giving a dance class Wednesday night that will be lots of fun. Participants will be dancing and choreographing routines with the actual blocks used in the performances. Then on Thursday night, Drums United will be giving a drum class that will include rhythms from around the world. All levels of drummers are welcome to join, so if you’re interested in learning about world percussion, please stop by!

Dance Theatre of Ireland Modern Dance Class

Wednesday, May 30

6:30 – 8pm

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Drake Room

345 Washington Street,

Downtown St. Paul 55102

Please enter through the Stage Door on 5th Street

Attendance is $10 or $5 with a ticket to a performance during the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival.

Please RSVP to Amy Miller at (651)282-3017 or amiller@ordway.org

Dance Theatre of Ireland is one of the performance groups coming to the Ordway for the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival. In conjunction with the performances of their show Block Party, Robert Connor and Loretta Yurick, Artistic Directors of Dance Theatre of Ireland, will teach a modern dance class based on movement with the large blocks used within their performance. Following a short Modern dance warm-up, participants will work alone and with each other to develop a movement vocabulary with the blocks – running, sitting, standing, jumping, rolling, balancing, throwing and dancing with the blocks. Then, working in small groups, participants will be given the tools to construct their own Block Party compositions. (Block Party is performed with 29 blocks and 3 drummers. The company will use music from their work to create the compositions during the class.)

Participants should wear tennis shoes (without deep tread)

To watch clips of Black Party and to purchase tickets to performances during the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, please visit this link: http://www.ordway.org/festival/performances/

Drums United Worldbeat Drum Class

Thursday, May 31

6:30 – 8pm

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Music Theater

345 Washington Street,

Downtown St. Paul 55102

Please enter through the Stage Door on 5th Street

Attendance is $10 or $5 with a ticket to a Drums United performance during the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival

Please RSVP to Amy Miller at (651)282-3017 or amiller@ordway.org

Learn new rhythms from the percussionists who make up Drums United. They hail from seven different countries, including Bangladesh, Senegal, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Surinam, and Venezuela. Their exciting show, World of Rhythm, mixes African, Latin, Spanish, and Indian drum traditions with Western drumming and contemporary electronic sounds. During the drum class, they will teach rhythms from around the world, including Nyollewo from Senegal and others.

All levels welcome; please bring your own drum

To watch clips of Drums United and to purchase tickets to their performances during the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, please visit this link: http://www.ordway.org/festival/performances/

Fela Anikulapo Kuti (1938-1997)

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:46 GMT

Fela! will be shaking up audiences at the Ordway June 12-17^th. This unique Broadway production won 3 of its 11 Tony nominations and is produced by Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. I think we are all excited for the Broadway hit to cross the Ordway’s stage, but what makes Fela! so extraordinary is more than its inspiring success-it is the message it sends by telling the life and work of Fela Kuti.

Fela Kuti was born in 1938 in Nigeria to Yoruban parents. His mother was Funmilayo, a leading figure in the nationalist struggle and an obvious inspiration for Fela throughout his life. Originally sent to London to study medicine, Fela stayed true to himself and became a student at the Trinity College of Music where he formed his first jazz and highlife band. In 1967 he introduced the world to Afrobeat, a blend of funk, jazz, salsa and Calypso. He toured the US in 1969 and was introduced to the Black Power movement and American Jazz. An even more ambitious and inspired Fela returned home to Nigeria where he began to use music as a fierce weapon for social change.

The 70’s marked a change in Fela’s lyrics from themes of love to social issues. He was both fearless and eloquent when creating music, focusing on the substance rather than the consequences. He changed his middle name to Anikulapo meaning, “he who carries death in his pouch” confirming his intrepidness. In 1970, Fela formed the Kalakuta Republic, a commune, recording studio and home for many individuals connected to his musical family, declaring it independent from the Nigerian state. Raids on the Republic were abundant and after his performance of “Zombie”, a severe attack on Nigerian soldiers, the Republic was burned and destroyed. Fela was nearly beaten to death and his elderly mother was killed after being thrown from a window.

Far from defeated, he sent his mother’s coffin to the General’s residence and continued writing music that openly criticized and named perpetrators. In 1978 he married 27 women to mark the anniversary of the attack and in 1979 the musician put himself forward as a Presidential candidate after forming his own political party, Movement of the People. Although rejected from candidacy, Fela continued to motivate the people with his music, encouraging them to fight European Cultural Imperialism and to bring Africa to a united democratic republic built upon traditional African culture. With 200 arrests and countless beatings and setbacks, Fela never faltered and proclaimed, “Ah well, they didn’t kill me”.

Fela passed away in 1997 from AIDS, although many close to him believe it was from one too many beatings. However, his music continues to stir audiences even after his death. Fela played saxophone, keyboards, trumpet, electric guitar and the occasional drum solo. Refusing to trap his music within the desirable three-minute recordings, Fela’s songs are usually over 15 minutes each and once recorded, he never performed them live again, resulting in over 50 albums of rebellious music. His music and efforts have been reawakened in Fela! and Fela’s powerful message continues to inspire millions. Experience music for social change through Fela!. At the Ordway June 12-17^th.

Get your tickets here!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

The Reviews are in for FELA!

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:59 GMT

Critics are buzzing about FELA! at the Ordway! Below are several local reviews from this week's performances.

Star Tribune, "Afrobeat music is the weapon in 'Fela!'," By Graydon Royce

Pioneer Press, "Fela! tells a powerful story with spectacular staging," By Ross Raihala

MSHALE, "Fela! a production like no other," By Susan Budig

WCCO, "Curiocity: Fela! Packs A Powerful Punch," By Sara Boyd

Howwastheshow.com, "Fela at the Ordway," By Janet Preus

Lavender Magazine, "Fela! Bombards the Senses with Spectacle and Sound," By Kathleen Watson

Twin Cities Daily Planet, "It's a Felabration! 'Fela!' shines at the Ordway," By Bobby Kahn

Citypages blog, "'Fela!': No zombies here," By Ed Huyck

FELA! is at the Ordway through this weekend only! For ticket information, click here.

Fela!: Blogger Night at the Ordway

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46 GMT

The three-time Tony Award winning musical FELA! produced by Jay Z , Will Smith and Jada Pickett Smith opened at the Ordway direct from Broadway last Tuesday night. Tuesday was also the launch of a new program called Blogger Night at the Ordway and it was a huge success!

Below are a few of the reviews from our guest bloggers who saw FELA! on opening night and joined the audience in a standing ovation!

“Fela! at the Ordway”: by Brett Burger

http://coffeetalkwithbrett.blogspot.com/

“Rave Review: Fela!”: by Stephanie Kwong

http://www.phenomnaltwincities.com/?p=11979

“Fela! on Broadway”: by Michelle Wermerskirchen

http://www.redheadedbookchild.com/2012/06/fela-on-broadway.html

“It was a beautiful time; it was a crazy time”: by Katherine Emmons

http://www.katherineemmons.com/2012/06/it-was-a-beautiful-time-it-was-a-crazy-time/

“Maelstrom of Music and Dance” : by Brenda Anderson

http://brendaandersonbooks.com/2012/06/13/maelstrom-of-music-and-dance/

Think you’re a great writer? Do you have a blog? Want to be a guest blogger?

Send your blog URL to social@ordway.org! We are always accepting new bloggers so spread the word!

"Who said that Murder's Not an Art?"

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:27 GMT

CHICAGO is the number one longest running American musical in Broadway history and it all started “with a bang.”

CHICAGO: A Musical Vaudeville opened on June 3^rd, 1975 and ran for 936 performances receiving mixed reviews. Directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, it was ahead of its time.

Fosse and his wife, Gwen Verdon, the 1975 Roxie Hart, had been trying for years to acquire the rights to create a musical version of the play CHICAGO written by former Chicago Tribune columnist Maurine Dallas Watkins. The talented writer had witnessed and covered the murder trials of two women in 1924- Belva Gaertner and Beulah Annan. Accused of killing their lovers under the influence of jazz and the prohibited drink, the lovely ladies became Watkins’ Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.

As the riveting Velma Kelly would later do in CHICAGO, Gaertner pleaded not guilty to the murder of her lover and married a car salesman named Walter Law. She claimed to have no memory of the evening’s deadly events where she had been found on the floor of her apartment- soaked in blood. Gaertner admitted she owned the gun that had been used to kill her husband, but all she had to say was, “I don’t know, I was drunk.”

In the words of Velma Kelly, “It wasn’t until later, when I was washing the blood off my hands that I even knew they were dead.”

Like the story of Chicago goes, Annan was arrested a few weeks later for killing her lover, Harry Kalstedt. Her story, much like Roxie’s, continually evolved over the weeks leading up to her trial. She even announced she was pregnant the day after another female inmate was given a life sentence for murdering her own lover. The baby became her lifeline and her reason for shooting Kalstedt. She claimed that when she revealed her pregnancy to him there was a dramatic struggle and “they both reached for the gun.”

“So I closed my eyes and I shot…to save my husband’s unborn child!”-Roxie Hart, CHICAGO

Needless to say, Annan never did give birth to the helpless baby she claimed to be bearing.

Maurine Dallas Watkins gave herself a part in her play-Mary Sunshine of the Chicago Tribune. She described the two ladies as “jazz babies” and two of the most “stylish” and “prettiest” women on Murderesses’ Row. Much like Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, Gaertner and Annan became infamous and acquired celebrity status. They were also, incidentally, acquitted by their juries who seemed to sympathize with their predicaments. The juries were also all male.

Beulah Annan died in 1928 after suffering from a mental breakdown. However, Belva Gaertner was able to attend the opening of Watkins’ incredible play in 1927 and recognized herself on stage! Gaertner died at 80 of old age in California in 1965. Watkins wrote more plays after Chicago, but she will always be best known and adored for her adaptation of the 1924 trials and the infamous mistresses of Murderesses’ Row.

The Razzle Dazzle Dance Contest!

info@ordway.org(Hannah Arkelin) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:17 GMT

The legendary Bob Fosse outdid himself when he created CHICAGO. With numbers like “All that Jazz” and “We Both Reached for the Gun”, the Broadway sensation is a dancer’s dream!

Now it’s your turn.

From now until July 31^st, send us videos of your Fosse dance moves to a CHICAGO number of your choice. If you Razzle Dazzle us, you could win two free tickets to opening night! Dance with friends or send us a solo. Just don’t forget your jazz hands!

Upload your videos to the Ordway’s Facebook Wall by Aug 1st at 5pm! Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes in length and the choreography must be to a song from CHICAGO. Winners will be chosen and notified one week prior to opening night.

Some of our staff here at the Ordway wanted to show off their own Fosse moves! Enjoy the video below and see if you can top it! Don't forget those jazz hands!

Come on, Babe! Show us what you got!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

The Reviews are in for Chicago!

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:47 GMT

Critics are buzzing about Chicago at the Ordway! Below are several local reviews from Tuesday night’s opening performance.

Star Tribune, "'Chicago' brings back razzle-dazzle," By Rohan Preston

BroadwayWorld.com, "It's All Show Business, CHICAGO Razzle-Dazzles Minneapolis," By Kristin Frosch

TCJewfolk.com, "'Chicago at Ordway Has It All...But They're Not My Aunts From Chicago," By Phil Goldman

HowWasTheShow.com, "Chicago at the Ordway," By John Olive

Twin Cities Daily Planet, "At the Ordway, 'Chicago' still has fishnet-clad legs," By Dana Hanson

Lavender Magazine, "Chicago really is All That Jazz," By Kathleen Watson

Tru Magazine, "Review of 'Chicago'," By Stephanie Allensworth

Chicago is at the Ordway through this Sunday, August 12 only. For ticket information, click here.

Chicago Reviews

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:43 GMT

The funniest songs, the hottest dancing, the sexiest cast and the greatest story on Broadway—no wonder Chicago has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.

Starring John O’Hurley, Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. You dont have to take our word for it. We've asked a few great Twin Cities Bloggers to review the show and here is what they thought about the Show:

Mark’s Blog: http://bit.ly/1XWOk

mplsgossipgirl: http://mplsgossipgirl.wordpress.com/

Daniel Undem: Www.danielundem.com

Oh, Say Can you Say?: http://bit.ly/P48yPt

The Pay Bill Collector: http://on.fb.me/MZQS6J

Coffee with Brett: http://bit.ly/QNr2Xl

Cherry and Spoon: http://bit.ly/MZQkOf

Brenda Anderson: http://bit.ly/P5Ebd9

The Minneapolite: http://bit.ly/QmbO7o

Urban Sketchers: http://bit.ly/MyDZFe

PhenoMNal twin cities:http://bit.ly/MyiunP

Think you have what it takes to reivew Ordway show contact us at social@ordway.org

Why Dance Makes You Shine!

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:16 GMT

Submit an essay telling us why you have a passion for dance and why it makes you SHINE from the inside out! Submit your entry in the creative format that expresses your passion for dance best; such as song, video, drawing/painting, photo collage, a written essay, or whatever else you can imagine.

One Grand Prize Winner will receive a Family Four Pack of tickets to see Billy Elliot The Musical on opening night Oct 9, meet the company, and enjoy an exclusive backstage tour.

Two Runners-Up will receive a Family Four Pack of tickets to see the show on opening night Oct 9. Essay must be submitted by 5pm Fri, Sept 28.

When submitting your essay please include your NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE, and ESSAY FORMAT.

Download a PDF version of the Dance Content Form >

The Words and Music of Rogers & Hammerstein & Hart

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:24 GMT

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein were an influential, innovative, and successful musical theatre writing team of the early 20^th century. With such great shows like Oklahoma!, Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music, their music and lyrics have stood the test of time.

Before teaming up, both Rodgers and Hammerstein had enjoyed plenty of success on their own. Richard Rodgers started his career fresh out of Columbia University. Along with fellow classmate Lorenz Hart, he wrote many unforgettable hit songs including, “My Funny Valentine,” “Blue Moon,” “Manhattan” and hundreds of others.

Oscar Hammerstein also had a collaborating partner before joining forces with Rodgers. With the help composer Jerome Kern, Hammerstein wrote many successful musicals including “Show Boat,” which is considered to be one of the masterpieces of American musical theatre.

Drawn together by a desire to create a musical based on Lynn Riggs' stage play, “Green Grow the Lilacs,” Rodgers and Hammerstein began their first collaboration, Oklahoma! in 1943. While it was not the first musical of its kind to tell a story of emotional depth and psychological complexity, Oklahoma! was instrumental in introducing a number of new storytelling elements and techniques. The use of song and dance to convey plot and character rather than act as a diversion from the story created a new way for musicals to integrate every song into the plotline of the story, while still maintaining the musicality of the show.

Other notable works of Rodgers and Hammerstein include: Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific, Cinderella, and their last work together, The Sound of Music.

Rodgers and Hammerstein have left their legacy in the world of musical theatre. Because of the success of their shows, many musicals that followed contained similar elements of mature themes and storytelling that included all aspects of dance, song, and drama to create an enriched theatre experience. Because of all this, the words and music of Rodgers and Hammerstein will continue to delight audiences for years to come.

Wednesday Webisode: Family and Community

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:31 GMT

This week's Wednesday Webisodes gives us a look into the heart and soul of Billy Elliot and we get to hear what makes the show so special to its cast and crew!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Wednesday Webisode: From Stage to Screen

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 18:23 GMT

Hear from director Stephen Daldry and composer Elton John as they discuss the process of bring Billy Elliot from the small screen to the big stage!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

The 1984 Miners' Strike: The history behind Billy Elliot the Musical

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:55 GMT

Billy Elliot the musical is set in a tumultuous time in British history. Set in a small English town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent for dance that inspires his family and his whole community, and changes his life forever.

During this time the coal miner’s strike of 1984/1985 was in full force and spurred one of the county’s most enduring conflicts in recent history. In 1984, the mineworkers’ union, with 250,000 members, was among the most powerful unions in Britain. The battle began in March of that year when, after an economic recession exposed the industry, the government announced pit closures.

Billy Elliot is set in a town where coal mining had been the life blood of the economy, and a certain way of life for hundreds of years. To the people of this town, this strike seemed less like an industrial fracas and more akin to a civil war. As the strike spread and the demands of the National Union of Mineworkers became more defiant, the government reacted with intransigence and intimidation. Police and pickets played out almost daily confrontations and by March 1985, when the strike was finally defeated, 11,291 people had been arrested.

“Solidarity, solidarity,
Solidarity forever
All for one and one for all”

In a time of so much turmoil and strife, Billy teaches us that we are all capable of making the lives we want for ourselves. Whether it be ballet dancing or some other form of self-expression, we are in control of living a life full of joy and happiness. He also teaches us that whatever our circumstance, there is always the opportunity to create a better life, no matter what comes in our way. Keep on dancing!

Wednesday Webisode: On the Road with Billy

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:20 GMT

Ever wonder what it takes to bring a broadway show like Billy Elliot to Minnesota? Hear from Production Manager Kimberly Fisk about all the ins and outs of bringing this show to life city to city!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Why Dance Makes You Shine Contest Entries

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 19:47 GMT

As our Billy Elliot Multi-Media Essay Contest comes to a close, we would like to share some of the entries we recieved from people telling us why dance makes them shine!

First we have a collage from Hannah, age 10

Next is an essay from Elise, age 14

Why Dance Makes me Shine!

Billy Elliot Essay Contest

By Elise

Dancing makes me feel alive. When I dance I feel like a whole person. Dancing is my safe home where I always feel comfortable and welcome. Dance is not just an after-school activity for me. It is a passion.

Although I love dance now I did not always think of dance as something to do forever. I started at age three. I loved the bright lights and costumes, the excitement and the nervousness. When I performed I loved telling the audience a story. It was not until I was about ten that I realized how much I appreciated dancing. Suddenly dance was no longer just a set of fun steps to a beat. It became a way to release emotions I could not put into words. Even though I often struggled to learn new steps and was not the best dancer in my class, dancing made me feel physically challenged and exhilarated.

Today I look at dance as a way of life. I want to be that sugar plum fairy that I was inspired by when I saw my first ballet. Dancing makes me shine as I forget my prejudices, concerns, and worries. When I dance I do something that totally envelopes me. The stage is my second home. The dance studio is where I live and breathe. No matter how I’m feeling on the inside, I can let those thoughts go and feel nothing.

Dancing brings me to a place like no other. I especially relate to the song from Billy Elliot called “Grandma’s Song” in which Billy’s grandmother speaks of the magic of dancing.

We’d go dancing…. From a moment my heart was aglow...

We were free from an hour or three from the people we had to be.

That’s how I feel about dancing. I can’t imagine ever giving up dance. It’s something that I go to during rough times. Dance is my passion and it makes me shine.

Finally, here is a picture/story from Stella, age 9

Stay tuned for more contest entries and remember to keep shining!

Wednesday Webisode: Ordway staff go behind the scenes of Elf!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:36 GMT

This week’s Wednesday Webisode is brought to you by our very own Ordway staff! We took a camera behind the scenes of Elf the Musical on Tour this week to bring you the inside scoop from the cast and crew!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

The Reviews are in for Billy Elliot the Musical

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:20 GMT

Critics are buzzing about Billy Elliot the Musical at the Ordway! Below are several local reviews from Tuesday night’s opening performance.

Star Tribune, “This engaging ‘Billy’ takes gorgeous flight,” By Rohan Preston

Pioneer Press, “Glitz and grit: The musical ‘Billy Elliot’ soars with perfect balance,” By Rob Hubbard

BroadwayWorld.com, “Billy Elliot Pirouettes with Stunning Grace at the Ordway,” By Kristin Frosch

HowWasTheShow.com, “Billy Elliot The Musical at the Ordway,” By John Olive

Lavender Magazine, “Billy Elliot sets the Soul to Dancing,” By Kathleen Watson

Twin Cities Daily Planet, “‘Billy Elliot’ at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: Entertaining, but challenging,” By Jean Gabler

Billy Elliot the Musical is at the Ordway through this Sunday, October 14 only. For ticket information, click here.

Billy Elliot The Musical: Blogger Night at the Ordway!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:06 GMT

Winner of 10 Tony Awards, Billy Elliot The Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. The show takes on a life of its own and will leave you in awe of the dynamic choreography, the energetic dancing, and the heartfelt story; but, hey, don’t take our word for it!

Check out the reviews from our guest bloggers, who saw Billy Elliot on opening night to find out what they had to say about the show!

"Billy Elliot the Musical - A Show with Heart" by Brenda Anderson
http://brendaandersonbooks.com/blog/

“Chasse, Step, Chasse, and Turn!” by Brett Burger
http://coffeetalkwithbrett.blogspot.com/2012/10/chasse-step-chasse-and-turn.html

“Billy Elliot at the Ordway” by Alexandra Haider
http://mplsgossipgirl.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/billy-elliot-the-ordway/

“Review: Billy Elliot” by Stephanie Kwong
http://www.phenomnaltwincities.com/?p=14256

“Billy Elliot – The Review: Its all about individuality!” by Mark K Thompson
http://markkthompson.blogspot.com/2012/10/billy-elliot-musical.html

“Billy Elliot and the Struggle Within” by Daniel Undem
http://danielundem.com/2012/10/10/billy-elliot-and-the-struggle-within/

“A night at the theatahhhhhh” by Megan Love Warner
http://ipreferheels.com/2012/10/11/a-night-at-the-theataaaahhhh/

“Billy Elliot” by Rachel Welch
http://www.theminneapolite.blogspot.com/

Think you’re a great writer? Do you have a blog? Want to be a guest blogger? Send your blog URL to social@ordway.org! We are always accepting new bloggers so spread the word!

Join Us for Prohibition Era Dining & Dancing at the Dec. 1 Ordway Annual Gala

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:43 GMT

Below is a guest blog post from Joan Holman, member of the Ordway Circle of Stars Board of Directors

The Ordway Circle of Stars annual gala is coming up fast, and this year there are two ways you can participate.

Puttin’ on the Glitz is the theme for this year’s traditional gala, to be held at the Ordway on Sat., Dec. 1. The event will start at 5 p.m. with a gourmet reception that takes guests back in time to the glamour of the 1920s with Prohibition-themed entertainment, cocktails and cuisine – culminating in dancing on stage at 9 p.m. to The Wolverines Big Band. There will be special guest performances throughout the evening featuring music from a bygone era, as well as a silent auction, live auction and prize drawings. More info at www.ordway.org/gala.

This year, there will be another fun, new option for attending the Gala for people who would like to start their evenings a bit later. For the Black Tie Blitz, guests will dress to the nines and arrive fashionably late for the already in progress Puttin’ on the Glitz gala. This group will join gala guests for the dance on stage with The Wolverines Big Band and other featured performers. Both black tie or 1920’s attire is admired but not required. For more info on this event, visit www.ordway.org/blitz.

Both events benefit the Ordway and its education programs, and will give guests a chance to dance onstage at the Ordway.

And we have some really exciting activities planned for the dance portion of the evening as well: a wine ring toss, dance lessons from Arthur Murray, some instant photo printing sponsored by Comcast and provided by Photo.bo (bring your smart phones!), and complimentary beer, wine and dessert buffet while you dance the night away onstage at the Ordway!

I hope to see you all there!

Joan Holman

OCOS Board of Directors

Education at the Ordway!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:48 GMT

This past October the Ordway celebrated Mexican arts history with various Máscaras y Milagros events throughout the month. It was a great opportunity to educate children in about Mexican arts here in Minnesota. Below are some photos from the events.

Delfos Danza Contemporánea held a master class with students from the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. The students learned several dance combinations from Delfos’s artistic directors, Victor Manuel Ruiz and Claudia Lavista, and got the chance to work with company members.

(Pictured: Delfos Company Member dancing with SPCPA students)

Delfos Danza Contemporánea took a moment after one of their school performances to speak about their dance piece, Cuando los Disfraces se Cuelgan, with Northfield School of Art & Technology. The students then had the opportunity to examine Mexican artifacts provided by the Multicultural Resource Center that is affiliated with Saint Paul Public Schools.

(Pictured: Delfos Danza Contemporánea speaking to students from Northfield School of Art & Technology)

(Pictured: Sheryl Kempf from the Multicultural Resource Center discussing an artifact with students).

Delfos Danza Contemporánea visited the 6^th Grade class at Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet school. They performed pieces of the performance the students would be experiencing the next day, and then worked with the students to help them create their own versions of the pieces they were just shown.

(Pictured: Delfos showing a portion of their dance piece, , Cuando los Disfraces se Cuelgan)

(Pictured: Artistic Director Claudia Lavista working with students at Mississippi Creative Arts Magent)

(Pictured: Artistic Director Victor Manuel Ruiz working with students at Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet)

Photo Credits: Kristie Gaalswyk and Traci Shannon

Give to the Max Day is 11/15!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:42 GMT

We all know that the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is extraordinarily busy. That’s why this year we’re encouraging you to get your end of year charitable giving done early in a way that could help the Ordway win $12,500!

November 15th is “Give to the Max Day”, an annual event that encourages charitable giving online. $12,500, $5,000, and $2,500 prize grants will be awarded to the top three nonprofit organizations who receive the most dollars in 24 hours during Give to the Max Day.

The Ordway is not just a theater- it’s a space for artists to grow, learn, and share their craft with the Twin Cities. Every dollar we raise on November 15th goes towards broadening Minnesotans’ understanding of the world around them through the performing arts.

Contributing is easy! Just go to the Ordway’s page on givemn.org on November 15th. We hope you will join us to celebrate this day of philanthropy, and support the Ordway’s vision for joy.

Wednesday Webisode: Every "Buddy" Loves Elf the Musical!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:54 GMT

Every“Buddy” loves Elf the Musical! See what fans have to say about the hilarious tale of an orphan Elf in New York City

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Wednesday Webisode: Behind the Scenes of the Original Broadway Cast Recording

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:25 GMT

Watch Elf stars Sebastian Arcelus, Amy Spanger, Beth Leavel and Matthew Gumley make the holidays sing at the recording session for the hit Broadway musical ELF!

Watch on YouTube.com >>

Elf the Musical Favorite Food Contest!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:43 GMT

Elf the Musical will be here in less than one week! To celebrate Buddy the Elf’s arrival, we are giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky winner to see the show on Wednesday December 5^th!

For a chance to win, answer the following question:

Buddy’s favorite holiday meal is spaghetti and syrup; what’s yours?

Please post your answer in the comment box below by Monday December 3^rd at 3pm and you will automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to this jolly, jingly, holiday show, Elf the Musical!

Elf the Musical: Blogger Night at the Ordway!

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:18 GMT

Elf The Broadway Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. It is the one present everyone wants this holiday season, but hey, don’t take our word for it!

Check out the reviews from our guest bloggers, who saw the show on opening night, to find out what they had to say about the show!

“Elf the Musical” by Rachel Welch
http://www.theminneapolite.blogspot.com/2012/12/elf-musical.html

“Review: Elf the Musical” by Stephanie Kwong
http://www.phenomnaltwincities.com/?p=15120

“Elf the Musical – Family Fun Fare” by Brenda Anderson
http://brendaandersonbooks.com/2012/12/08/elf-the-musical-fun-family-fare/

“Elf the Musical at the Ordway” by Michelle Wermerskirchen
http://www.redheadedbookchild.com/2012/12/elf-musical-at-ordway.html

“Blogger Night at the Ordway: "Elf the Musical" by Monica Rupert
http://exploredreamdiscover-monica.blogspot.com/2012/12/guest-blogger-night-at-ordway-elf.html

“Elf the Musical = SparkleJollyTwinklyJingley” by Katherine Emmons
http://www.katherineemmons.com/2012/12/elf-the-musical-sparklejollytwinklejingley/

“Who’s Your Buddy” by Daniel Undem
http://danielundem.com/2012/12/08/

“’The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear’ Buddy the Elf” by Bartley Stratton
http://theplaybillcollector.com/musicals/the-best-way-to-spread-christmas-cheer-is-to-sing-loud-for-all-to-hear-buddy-the-elf

“Elf - the Ordway” – Alexandra Haider
http://mplsgossipgirl.com/2012/12/08/elf-the-ordway/

“The Ordway Production of Elf Was SparkleJollyTwinkleJingely” by Mark Baillie
http://kimarky.blogspot.com/

"A Buddy for Christmas" by Daniel Zillman

http://theartfulculturevore.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/a-buddy-for-christmas/

Think you’re a great writer? Do you have a blog? Want to be a guest blogger? Send your blog URL to social@ordway.org!

The Reviews are in for Elf The Musical

info@ordway.org(Luke Anderson) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:46 GMT

Critics are raving about Elf The Musical at the Ordway! Below are several local reviews from last weekend’s performances.

Star Tribune, “‘Elf’ is a sweet holiday treat,” By Rohan Preston

Pioneer Press, “‘Elf’ review: Ordway’s musical could become Christmas classic,” By Rob Hubbard

HowWasTheShow.com, “Elf at the Ordway,” By Janet Preus

TCJewfolk.com, “Elf The Broadway Musical - A Christmas Extravaganza,” By Monica Routman

WCCO Online, “Curiocity: ‘Elf’ Strays From Film, But Provides Festive Fun,” By Sara Boyd

Twin Cities Daily Planet, “Elf the Broadway Musical”: The Ordway delivers a holiday gift—wrapped in brown paper,” By Jean Gabler

Elf The Musical is at the Ordway through December 30. For ticket information, click here.

The Ordway Circle of Stars Annual Gala: Puttin' on the Glitz – A Recap Saturday December 1st, 2012

info@ordway.org(Emily Kudrle) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:49 GMT

Everyone came dressed to the nines and arrived fashionably late for an evening of dance, drinks and desserts onstage at the Ordway. Ordway guests sashayed into the Ordway's exclusive black-tie gala, Puttin’ on the Glitz! Patrons partied to the sounds of a bygone era provided by The Wolverines Big Band.

There were decadent desserts, complimentary wine and beer and a coffee bar from The Saint Paul Hotel as well as the opportunity to show off dance moves on stage at the Ordway.

Proceeds will go to benefit the Ordway Circle of Stars and their support of the Ordway and its education programs, where annually more than 50,000 school children are provided low-cost tickets and bus subsidies for special school-group matinees, called Performing Arts Classrooms.

Special thanks to everyone who helped make the night a great success!