Perhaps one of the biggest Broadway surprises of the past decade, Rock of Ages, is coming to Baton Rouge. Featuring of-the-era hit songs, Rock of Ages tells the story of a young rock 'n' roller in the '80s who wants to make something more of his life. Some of the choice music cuts include "Nothin' But a Good Time," "We Built This City," "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Any Way You Want It." The touring production starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the River Center. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Upstairs at a warehouse on Main Street near downtown, artist Raina Wirta is standing atop a very tall ladder, adjusting the lighting above a giant, furry (yes, furry) dome-like structure that hangs from the ceiling. The LSU MFA candidate unveiled her exhibition “(un)familiar” to a crowd last Friday. Earlier that week, she was busy putting together the finishing touches.
Actor Joe Chrest has never seen the Sean Penn-led 2006 adaptation of All the King's Men, and he doesn't want to. Audiences may be relieved that the stage and screen veteran, portraying Jack Burden—the novel's flawed narrator and conflicted associate of the Huey P. Long-esque Gov. Willie Stark—is not basing his latest theatrical performance on the Baton Rouge-set film most critics called a missed opportunity.
Three cities, three plays and one much-lauded Louisiana playwright. This March and April, theaters in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette each will host a production from John Biguenet's Rising Water trilogy.
The Baton Rouge-based production company New Venture Theatre has been going strong for five years, producing top-quality shows, introducing this city to new talents and showcasing the theatrical debuts of local celebrities from other realms of entertainment.
Comedian Howard Hall wakes up at 5:30 a.m., kisses his family before heading to work at Lamar Graphics, works out during lunch, writes jokes after work then goes off to rehearsals and shows. With a full schedule like that, one could expect he’d be exhausted, but success keeps him working harder every day.
After much-talked-about budget cuts to the arts on the state level and nationally, local community theaters like Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Little Theater are looking for ways to rally support from audiences. To raise the appeal of theater over the past several years, arts organizations have combined educational elements with their productions to provide access and context—not to mention to develop a love of theater among the youngest spectators. Playmakers, which focuses on young audiences, has implemented a steadily growing educational component in its programs, which helps expose community members and children to types of art they might not otherwise see. "The largest growth Playmakers has seen has been with our educational programs: camps, classes and our education tours," says Karli Henderson, former managing director of Playmakers. Playmakers' Education Director Todd Henry thinks supplemental theater education can also stave off the fast turnaround seen in...
Every year since 1991, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre has put on a lavish and Cajun-spirited production of The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. With elaborate sets that recall famous Louisiana landmarks, from the Old State Capitol to Oak Alley Plantation, a cast of hundreds and live accompaniment by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, this year's production promises to be an incredible artistic delight. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Baton Rouge River Center. Tickets range from $20 to $42. Get all the details at the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre website here; and read the rest of the new 225 Weekender e-newsletter here for more local happenings on tap this weekend and beyond.
After much-talked-about budget cuts to the arts on the state level and nationally, community theaters like Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Little Theater are looking for ways to rally support from audiences.
When a delivery truck fills the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre studio with box after box of nutcrackers every September, organizers for the city's Cajun-themed performance know the season has arrived. Shelves and racks of tutus, trim, dresses, flowers and shoes covered in tulle, shiny stones and glitter fill a large room upstairs in the studio. Backdrops and set pieces sit in wait.
‘Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...” is how the tale goes. But in Playmakers of Baton Rouge’s version, characters are encouraged to stir all they want—it’s how the sets change. This month, Playmakers is presenting Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Just five days before the official end of its Kickstarter campaign, Hartley/Vey Theatres at the Shaw Center surpassed its goal of $15,000 on Thursday. The campaign was organized to help rebrand the two spaces (one a studio/concert venue, the other a rehearsal and workshop space) and create a separate identity from its umbrella facility, the Manship Theatre.
Beginning today, the Central Community Theatre presents Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Manship Theatre downtown. This high-spirited musical romp is set in New York City in 1922 and follows the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life. Filled with frisky flappers, dashing lead men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment. Tickets are $21.50-$26.50 and can be purchased here. Shows continue through Sunday. Read the rest of the new 225 Weekender e-newsletter here for more of what's on tap this weekend in the Baton Rouge area.
Talent comes from near and far to illuminate Baton Rouge's 2012-13 performing arts season, commencing this month. The bill includes dancers, singers and musicians from around the world, but they will share the limelight with equally exciting performers who call our city their hometown. From children's classics to sophisticated grand operas, from cutting-edge contemporary acts to holiday favorites, this season offers something for every audience.
Although the temperature is still abnormally high outside and mind-numbingly cold inside—thanks to air-conditioning in office buildings, restaurants and shopping centers—we are headed full speed into fall.
The Hartley/Vey Theatres are coming out from the shadow of the Manship Theatre with an event to encourage new uses for the fledgling spaces. An Aug. 10 fundraiser—dubbed “The Next Stage,” with music from Prom Date—is set to raise money toward the rebranding and creation of a separate identity for HVT.
The Baton Rouge Little Theatre's annual summer musical closes this week. Don't miss your chance to see the Broadway classic South Pacific, which tells the story of a group of American soldiers and Navy nurses stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. With classic tunes like "Some Enchanted Evening" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," it's one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Tickets are $29, and you can get yours here. Also closing this week is a local production of The Color Purple, the soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, at the Independence Park Theater. It tells the unforgettable and inspiring story of Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, The Color Purple is a celebration of love and a Broadway phenomenon. With a Grammy-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and...
In a guest column by the dean of the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts, Laurence Kaptain says the college "is one of LSU's most productive units when measured in terms of economic impact to the Baton Rouge metropolitan area." Citing an economic impact study by Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit organization, Kaptain says the performances and events produced by the college annually bring in more than $13 million. Besides the more than 1.6 million people who hear the Tiger Marching Band in live performances annually, he says, the college—which also includes Swine Palace, LSU Opera, the School of Music and Department of Theatre—supports 465 full-time equivalent jobs. Kaptain says the college also generates more than $1.2 million in local and state taxes. "Contrary to popular belief, it would be more expensive not to have a College of Music & Dramatic Arts than to have one," Kaptain says. "Our college generates greater economic impact than the size of the...
Just as creativity and artistic expression project paradox and irony, the College of Music & Dramatic Arts is one of LSU's most productive units when measured in terms of economic impact to the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
Saturday, Off the Hyphen Theatre Productions and NoPassport Theatre Alliance present The Way of the Water, a powerful story about the BP oil spill told through the lives of those most affected by it. Venues across the U.S. and around the world will also be presenting free readings of this work as a way to mark the second anniversary since the spill. Donations are appreciated. 7:30p.m.-9:30 p.m. at The Red Shoes Center for Personal & Spiritual Growth, 2303 Government St. theredshoes.org
'Rock' out at the River Center Thursday
Perhaps one of the biggest Broadway surprises of the past decade, Rock of Ages, is coming to Baton Rouge. Featuring of-the-era hit songs, Rock of Ages tells the story of a young rock 'n' roller in the '80s who wants to make something more of his life. Some of the choice music cuts include "Nothin' But a Good Time," "We Built This City," "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Any Way You Want It." The touring production starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the River Center. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Events outside the box
Upstairs at a warehouse on Main Street near downtown, artist Raina Wirta is standing atop a very tall ladder, adjusting the lighting above a giant, furry (yes, furry) dome-like structure that hangs from the ceiling. The LSU MFA candidate unveiled her exhibition “(un)familiar” to a crowd last Friday. Earlier that week, she was busy putting together the finishing touches.
Stark raving mad
Actor Joe Chrest has never seen the Sean Penn-led 2006 adaptation of All the King's Men, and he doesn't want to. Audiences may be relieved that the stage and screen veteran, portraying Jack Burden—the novel's flawed narrator and conflicted associate of the Huey P. Long-esque Gov. Willie Stark—is not basing his latest theatrical performance on the Baton Rouge-set film most critics called a missed opportunity.
The cycle of Rising Water
Three cities, three plays and one much-lauded Louisiana playwright. This March and April, theaters in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette each will host a production from John Biguenet's Rising Water trilogy.
A bigger stage
The Baton Rouge-based production company New Venture Theatre has been going strong for five years, producing top-quality shows, introducing this city to new talents and showcasing the theatrical debuts of local celebrities from other realms of entertainment.
Joker of all trades
Comedian Howard Hall wakes up at 5:30 a.m., kisses his family before heading to work at Lamar Graphics, works out during lunch, writes jokes after work then goes off to rehearsals and shows. With a full schedule like that, one could expect he’d be exhausted, but success keeps him working harder every day.
'225': B.R. community theaters offering youth programs to build future audiences
After much-talked-about budget cuts to the arts on the state level and nationally, local community theaters like Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Little Theater are looking for ways to rally support from audiences. To raise the appeal of theater over the past several years, arts organizations have combined educational elements with their productions to provide access and context—not to mention to develop a love of theater among the youngest spectators. Playmakers, which focuses on young audiences, has implemented a steadily growing educational component in its programs, which helps expose community members and children to types of art they might not otherwise see. "The largest growth Playmakers has seen has been with our educational programs: camps, classes and our education tours," says Karli Henderson, former managing director of Playmakers. Playmakers' Education Director Todd Henry thinks supplemental theater education can also stave off the fast turnaround seen in...
'225 Weekender': 'The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou'
Every year since 1991, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre has put on a lavish and Cajun-spirited production of The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. With elaborate sets that recall famous Louisiana landmarks, from the Old State Capitol to Oak Alley Plantation, a cast of hundreds and live accompaniment by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, this year's production promises to be an incredible artistic delight. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Baton Rouge River Center. Tickets range from $20 to $42. Get all the details at the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre website here; and read the rest of the new 225 Weekender e-newsletter here for more local happenings on tap this weekend and beyond.
Growing with the audience
After much-talked-about budget cuts to the arts on the state level and nationally, community theaters like Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Little Theater are looking for ways to rally support from audiences.
Grand production
When a delivery truck fills the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre studio with box after box of nutcrackers every September, organizers for the city's Cajun-themed performance know the season has arrived. Shelves and racks of tutus, trim, dresses, flowers and shoes covered in tulle, shiny stones and glitter fill a large room upstairs in the studio. Backdrops and set pieces sit in wait.
A ‘Night’ to Remember
‘Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...” is how the tale goes. But in Playmakers of Baton Rouge’s version, characters are encouraged to stir all they want—it’s how the sets change. This month, Playmakers is presenting Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
'The Next Stage' gets kickstarted
Just five days before the official end of its Kickstarter campaign, Hartley/Vey Theatres at the Shaw Center surpassed its goal of $15,000 on Thursday. The campaign was organized to help rebrand the two spaces (one a studio/concert venue, the other a rehearsal and workshop space) and create a separate identity from its umbrella facility, the Manship Theatre.
'225 Weekender': 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' at Manship
Beginning today, the Central Community Theatre presents Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Manship Theatre downtown. This high-spirited musical romp is set in New York City in 1922 and follows the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life. Filled with frisky flappers, dashing lead men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment. Tickets are $21.50-$26.50 and can be purchased here. Shows continue through Sunday. Read the rest of the new 225 Weekender e-newsletter here for more of what's on tap this weekend in the Baton Rouge area.
On with the show
Talent comes from near and far to illuminate Baton Rouge's 2012-13 performing arts season, commencing this month. The bill includes dancers, singers and musicians from around the world, but they will share the limelight with equally exciting performers who call our city their hometown. From children's classics to sophisticated grand operas, from cutting-edge contemporary acts to holiday favorites, this season offers something for every audience.
A season of cultural arts
Although the temperature is still abnormally high outside and mind-numbingly cold inside—thanks to air-conditioning in office buildings, restaurants and shopping centers—we are headed full speed into fall.
Variation on a venue
The Hartley/Vey Theatres are coming out from the shadow of the Manship Theatre with an event to encourage new uses for the fledgling spaces. An Aug. 10 fundraiser—dubbed “The Next Stage,” with music from Prom Date—is set to raise money toward the rebranding and creation of a separate identity for HVT.
'225 Weekender': Last week for summer musicals
The Baton Rouge Little Theatre's annual summer musical closes this week. Don't miss your chance to see the Broadway classic South Pacific, which tells the story of a group of American soldiers and Navy nurses stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. With classic tunes like "Some Enchanted Evening" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," it's one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Tickets are $29, and you can get yours here. Also closing this week is a local production of The Color Purple, the soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, at the Independence Park Theater. It tells the unforgettable and inspiring story of Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, The Color Purple is a celebration of love and a Broadway phenomenon. With a Grammy-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and...
LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts delivers big economic impact, dean says
In a guest column by the dean of the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts, Laurence Kaptain says the college "is one of LSU's most productive units when measured in terms of economic impact to the Baton Rouge metropolitan area." Citing an economic impact study by Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit organization, Kaptain says the performances and events produced by the college annually bring in more than $13 million. Besides the more than 1.6 million people who hear the Tiger Marching Band in live performances annually, he says, the college—which also includes Swine Palace, LSU Opera, the School of Music and Department of Theatre—supports 465 full-time equivalent jobs. Kaptain says the college also generates more than $1.2 million in local and state taxes. "Contrary to popular belief, it would be more expensive not to have a College of Music & Dramatic Arts than to have one," Kaptain says. "Our college generates greater economic impact than the size of the...
Performing arts in higher education: An economic generator for Baton Rouge
Just as creativity and artistic expression project paradox and irony, the College of Music & Dramatic Arts is one of LSU's most productive units when measured in terms of economic impact to the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
'The Way of the Water' at the Red Shoes
Saturday, Off the Hyphen Theatre Productions and NoPassport Theatre Alliance present The Way of the Water, a powerful story about the BP oil spill told through the lives of those most affected by it. Venues across the U.S. and around the world will also be presenting free readings of this work as a way to mark the second anniversary since the spill. Donations are appreciated. 7:30p.m.-9:30 p.m. at The Red Shoes Center for Personal & Spiritual Growth, 2303 Government St. theredshoes.org