Suprised by Shakespeare

Explore these cast bios when you see Romeo and Juliet performed at CGCC

It’s hard to be surprised by something when you long ago stopped counting the number of times you’ve seen it. Even those not schooled in Shakespeare seem to know something of “Romeo and Juliet,” which has a blissfully simple plot and collection of characters compared to other Shakespeare works. But I was surprised by Shakespeare Friday night while attending opening night for a production of “Romeo and Juliet” reimagined as “a work for the 21st century.”

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts presents “Romeo and Juliet” through Sunday, Oct. 13. It’s directed by Joya Scott, a faculty associate with the Herberger Institute School of Theatre and Film at ASU, where she earned an MFA in acting in 2011. Scott is co-founder and artistic director for a  Phoenix-based multidisciplinary performance collective dubbed festina lenta (or “make haste slowly”).

Scott’s interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet” is fresh and intriguing. It’s designed to “call into question relationships of power, methods of political control, and the modern surveillance state.” Too many college theater departments opt for safer fare — so I applaud Chandler-Gilbert Community College for taking the riskier road and truly thinking outside the box on this one.

CGCC performs Romeo and Juliet through Sunday

“Romeo and Juliet” has a single set featuring various shades of white, and most of the lighting is a variation on white as well. Characters don tunics or tops and pants, most in bright colors, that look like medical scrubs. A single block sits on the stage as the play opens — and two ladders reach from the stage to a built-out walkway above. There’s a window with several symmetrical panes to one side, and three unmarked doors. Only the window keeps the set from feeling like a prison or hospital setting.

It’s nearly a blank canvas, which has real value when listening to language penned by Shakespeare. Though some student actors spoke too swiftly or too softly, the simplicity of the set amplified the beauty of Shakespeare’s words. Black and white video footage of modern-day protests appear for much of the play on panels across the top half of the set, and the play is occasionally punctuated by the sounds of things like sirens. I liked the play’s use of shadows, but would have enjoyed seeing more of it.

The production features several elements you won’t find in other takes on “Romeo and Juliet.” Odd and erratic behaviors (beyond those written into the plot). A pair of actresses performing the role of Juliet. A dead Tybalt left center stage through the play’s final scene. Banging on a trio of cubes in lieu of a traditional sword fight. It’s all rather puzzling until you read the cast bio/character descriptions posted on a tri-fold display board in the lobby.

The Chandler-Gilbert Community College cast includes George Lucero (Romeo), Nicolle Budlong (Juliet), Katerina Noori (Juliet), Chelsea Mortensen (Nurse), Christopher Scott (Friar), Emily Ann Moriarty (Mercutio), Steffan Jones (Tybalt), Alex Noori (Tybalt), Michael LeSueur (Lord Capulet), Stephanie Motes (Lady Capulet), Katie Hardin (Benvolio) and Valerie Martinez (Apothecary/Servant).

Learn more at http://www.cgc.edu/arts

Lucero rocks Romeo’s lovesick puppy vibe, and Mortensen is convincing as a nurse often in the grips of apparent madness. Moriarty, who holds a B.A. in theatre from ASU and appears to be a bit of a Meryl Streep afficionado, demonstrates the greatest command of Shakespeare’s words. It’s a strong ensemble, well matched in talent, that includes students from CGCC and other parts.

The “Romeo and Juliet” set was designed by Ron Keller, and lighting design is by Keller and Scott (plus assistant Jacob Inman). Scott also did sound and projection design. Kathryn Most did costume design and construction (with Cheri McDowell as costume assistant). Fight choreography by Chelsea Pace contributes to the movement work that’s one of the production’s greatest strengths.

Though I appreciate the symbolism conveyed by mostly white set and lighting elements, I’d have enjoyed seeing this work with a rougher, edgier feel. Nothing in the play feels as provocative as the program’s cover art, which depicts a couple conjoined face-to-face by a purple knitted mask. More of that visceral quality would increase the play’s impact.

I found myself longing at times for a splash of graffiti, more vivid projections or other visual elements pushing the director’s transformation of love story into political tango even farther. Still, it’s a creative and thought-provoking piece. I look forward to seeing more of Scott’s work, and suspect I’ll always find something there that surprises me.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to learn more about performing arts at Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Coming up: Making tracks, Cat’s night out

Make some waves

Tile mural at the San Diego International Airport in California

The Phoenix Art Museum presents “Make Waves!” for teens who like to “mix, mingle and create” Fri, March 2 at 6:30pm. Youth who attend can create their own beach-ware accessories, hear sounds of the ocean and view sea-inspired garments during opening night for the museum’s newest fashion show, “The Sea.”

Mesa Community College Act I Musical Productions performs the musical “Rent” featuring book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson through Thurs, March 8 at Theatre Outback.

The Phoenix Municipal Art Collection has more than 1,000 works of art that’ll be featured in rotating exhibits in the newly renovated Gallery @ City Hall. Folks can get their first glimpse Fri, March 2, between 10am and 2pm — when the city unveils “Place: Images of the West,” which includes 23 paintings, photographs and prints from 21 artists inspired by western landscapes.

Scottsdale Community College opens its “13th Annual Spring Painting Exhibition” featuring more than 20 artists Fri, March 2. View the exhibition in the SCC art building Mon-Fri 8am-4pm or Sat 9am-3pm.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College presents the musical “Little Women” March 2-9 at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center in Chandler. It’s based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, and features book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.

AZ Musicfest 2012 presents “From A to Z — Abba to Les Miz — Broadway’s Best” Sat, March 3 (a March 2 performance is sold out) at Scottsdale First Assembly. Nat Chandler and Teri Dale Hansen will be singing works from “Chicago,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent,” “Spamalot” and “Wicked.”

Scorpius Dance Theatre is looking ahead to their next performance of “A Vampire Tale” at the Bram Stoker International Film Festival this fall, raising funds for the trip through an all-day dance class marathon Sat, March 3 from 11am to 8pm. They’re offering hour-long master classes in ballet, modern technique, salsa/cha cha, centemporary jazz, burlesque and hip hop.

Tempe Center for the Arts presents a “Walk-in Artist Workshop” Sat, March 3. The “Plein Air Family Workshop with Ellen Waggener” takes place from noon to 4pm in the Gallery — where families can also enjoy an “Arizona Landscapes” exhibition.

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and the Seventh Street Merchants Association unveil new artwork and poetry Sat, March 3 at 1:15pm during the “Melrose on Seventh Avenue Street Fair” (11am-5pm) in Phoenix. The works comprise series 8 of the “Seventh Street Streetscape.”

Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe presents a “Meet and Greet Booksigning” with Roxanna Green Sat, March 3 at 5pm. Green authored “As Good As She Imagined: The Redeeming Story of the Angel of Tucson, Christina-Taylor Green” after losing her daughter last January in the Tucson tragedy and now heads a foundation that bears her daughter’s name.

Arizona State University in Tempe holds an Arizona SciTech Festival event dubbed “Night of the Open Door” Sat, March 3 from 5-9pm. The Piper Writers House hosts author readings/book signings that night with Conrad Storad (author of more than 40 science and nature books for children and young adults) and Stephen J. Pyne (author of nearly two dozen books who specializes in history of the environment, exploration and fire).

Never fear if you’re over 21 but still eager to make waves. You can hit opening night for the “Phoenix Fringe Festival” Fri, March 2 — with offerings that include performance by Dulce Dance Company, a choreopoem presented by BlackPoet Ventures, a trio of short plays from Actors Alchemy and more.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to find additional events for families featured in the Raising Arizona Kids Magazine online calendar. Always check with venues before attending to confirm event details.

Coming up: Five freebies for families

Theater flair minus holiday fare

It’s easy to find holiday-theme fare this time of year, but plenty of folks are searching for other options. If you enjoy live performance but want a break from all the shiny tinsel and twinkling lights, consider some of these theater offerings:

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts presents the musical “Chess” through Sat, Dec. 3. It’s rarely performed in the Valley, so this is a rare opportunity to enjoy a local production. The final show is at 7:30pm tonight. www.cgc.edu/arts.

Theater League presents “Wizard of Oz,” a touring production touting lots of special effects, Dec. 6 & 7 at the Mesa Arts Center and Dec. 8-11 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Ten Valley students from Greasepaint Youtheatre are performing as Munchkins. www.theaterleague.com.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center presents “Glee” for a single performance on Fri, Dec. 9. It’s the tale of a high school teacher who tries to reinvent his school’s glee club. www.qcpac.com.

Cast members from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents the Curtain Call Youth Theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” (a shortened version of the classic musical) Dec. 10 & 11 at the John Paul Theatre at Phoenix College. www.azjewishtheatre.org.

Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale presents a Children’s Theatre production of “Annie, Jr.” through Dec. 18. Though set in NYC during the Christmas season, it’s a tale with broad appeal beyond the holiday season. www.desertstages.org.

Childsplay presents “Lyle the Crocodile” through Sat, Dec. 24 at Tempe Center for the Arts. True, you’ll encounter some holiday fanfare as Lyle visits the Primm family during Christmas in NYC, but most kids know Lyle from books that find Lyle in bathtubs and other everyday places. www.childsplayaz.org.

ASU Gammage presents “Stomp,” an energetic blend of creative percussion and contemporary dance, Dec. 28-31 in Tempe. It’s a great choice for families with young boys who balk at traditional musical theater fare. www.asugammage.com.

For a comprehensive list of “On Stage” offerings for families, check out Raising Arizona Kids in print or online.

— Lynn

Note: If you have a family-friendly event to share with our readers, please visit the calendar section of the Raising Arizona Kids website to learn how you can submit calendar items for print and online listings.

Coming up: Lemonade for grown-ups

Dancing with the students

Enjoy dance at Scottsdale Community College on Dec 2 & 3

As a new “Dancing with the Stars” champion enjoys that shiny disco ball trophy, dancers closer to home will be working just as hard for a less visible reward — readying for upcoming performances featuring “dancing with the students.”

Lest all you DWTS viewers suffer in coming weeks from the absence of opportunities to watch live dance performance, I’ve put together a roundup of Valley dance productions featuring local dance students, faculty and alumni.

Scottsdale Community College presents “Grace, Power and Force” Dec. 2 & 3 at 8pm. The production is a collaboration of the three resident dance companies at SCC. Instinct Dancecorps will perform works by SCC faculty member Angela Rosenkrans and guest choreographers Mike Esperanza, Chad Michael Hall and Keith Johnson. The SCC Moving Company will perform works by faculty members Angela Rosenkrans and Lisa Thorngren, and guest artist Ann Reinking. Scottsdale Arizona Jazz Ensemble will perform works by faculty member Jennifer McKusick and guest choreographer Annie Kim. Tickets are not sold prior to the night of the show. However, reservations can be made by calling (480) 423-6600 or emailing karryn.allen@sccmail.maricopa.edu. Tickets are $5-$10.

Enjoy student, faculty and guest artist dance at Paradise Valley Community College Dec 2 & 3

Paradise Valley Community College presents their “2011 Fall Dance Showcase” Dec. 2 & 3 at 7:30pm. The production features choreography and performance by PVCC students, faculty and guest artists. Tickets are $6-12.

The School of Dance at Arizona State University Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts presents “Emerging Artists II” Dec. 2-4 at the ASU Dance Lab. The performance features new works by MFA candidates Ashlee Ramsey and Whitney Waugh “based on original research into audience interaction, social perception, and how we engage with the moving body and the stories it tells.” Tickets are $8-$16.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College presents a “Student Dance Showcase” Dec. 9 & 10 at 8pm. It features dance students performing dances choreographed by current students. Tickets are $5.

Mesa Community College presents a “2011 Dance Classes Showcase” Dec. 9 at 7pm. Tickets are $3 (scholarship donation).

Glendale Community College presents its “Faculty/Alumni Dance Performance 2011” Dec. 9-11 (times vary). Must be age 5 + to attend. Tickets are free.

Enjoy dance at Glendale Community College Dec. 9-11

I know it’s just not the same without all those tasteful outfits, classy judges, sophisticated tunes and original dance moves, but you’ll be okay. And local dancers will feel like champions thanks for your enthusiasm and applause. Disco ball be damned.

— Lynn

Note: If your college or university is presenting a dance performance this month or next, feel free to comment below to let our readers know. Always check details before attending.

Coming up: Creating holiday dance memories, “Parade tales,” Thanksgiving week in NYC, Giving thanks for…

Christmas concerts

Normally we follow a strict “no talk of Christmas until after Thanksgiving” rule at our house. It’s a reflection of the philosophy we embrace year round — First, give thanks.

But I discovered, while researching Christmas concert options, that several are fast approaching — and decided to run with the Christmas music vibe a bit early this year.

The Phoenix Children's Chorus performs Dec 3 in Higley

The Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix presents “An Irish Christmas” with song, dance and more Nov. 27. www.azirish.org.

The Phoenix Symphony presents “Holiday Pops” Dec. 2-4 and “Family Holiday Concert” Dec. 3 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Valley Youth Theatre performers are taking part in the pops concert. www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Mesa Arts Center presents a Heritage Academy Performing Arts Dept. holiday concert Dec. 2, the “Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour” Dec. 14 and “Holiday Pops: Salt River Brass” Dec. 18. www.mesaartscenter.com.

The Phoenix Children’s Chorus presents “Start the Season with Song” Dec. 3 at Higley Center for the Performing Arts. www.higleyarts.org.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College presents a “Christmas Concert” Dec. 4 at Velda Rose United Methodist Church. www.cgc.maricopa.edu.

The Orpheus Male Chorus presents “Holidays with Orpheus” Dec. 4, 11 and 13 at various Valley locations. www.orpheus.org.

The Sonoran Desert Chorale presents “Passage of Joy! Noel!” Dec. 10 (Mesa) and 11 (Paradise Valley). www.sonorandesertchorale.com.

Center Dance Ensemble presents “Spirit of the Season” with Jeffrey Hatrick and Nicole Pesce Dec. 12 at the Herberger Theater Center. www.herbergertheater.org.

The Blind Boys of Alabma perform Dec 10 in Scottsdale

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents “Go Tell It On The Mountain: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show” Dec. 10 and “Big Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swinging Holiday Party” Dec. 21.  ww.scottsdaleperformingarts.com.

Rosie’s House presents their “Holiday Concert” Dec. 12 at Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix. www.rosieshouse.org.

Tempe Center for the Arts presents “Performance with a View: SaxMas Morning” featuring the ASU Saxophone Studio Dec. 13 and “Lakeshore Jazz Series: Phoenix Boys Choir Christmas Tour” Dec. 23. www.tempe.gov/tca.

Mesa Community College presents a “Songs of the Season” concert and reception Dec. 16 at MCC’s Red Mountain campus. www.mesacc.edu.

The Phoenix Boys Choir presents “Spirit of the Holidays” Dec. 16 at the Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix. www.boyschoir.org.

Actors Theatre of Phoenix performs a concert version of “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 24 at the Herberger Theater Center. www.actorstheatrephx.org.

Several Valley groups are performing at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix — click here to read a post featuring their holiday concert options.

If your Valley arts organization is presenting a Christmas concert not noted here, please comment below to let our readers know — thanks!

— Lynn

Note: For a comprehensive list of family events for the holiday season, check out the December issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine and click here to visit their online calendar.

Coming up: Holiday dance delights, Three nights in Bangkok, Circle time

Let’s stomp!

Andres (or Andre) Fernandez, the middle child in a family with three boys, says he’s been performing publicly since he was 11 or 12 years old. Seems the trio of brothers, raised in Honolulu, are all quite talented in both the song and dance department.

First they sang at family parties and such, but have long since transitioned to the stage. For a time they had a dance group called the “Body Gesture Boys,” which specialized in hop hop. It was the ‘80s, recalls Fernandez, and break dancing was all the rage. “Dad was the video guy,” recalls Fernandez, “and mom handled our promotions.”

Fernandez also studied music in school, playing trombone, xylophone and “some drums” in the all-school band. He did the band thing from 7^th to 12^th grade, and then attended college for two years on a cheerleading scholarship. Soon he had a son, now a senior in high school, and found it hard to juggle school, work and parenting. So college had to give.

Today he’s the proud father of a daughter too, who is just nine years old and “into ballroom dance.” She has a beautiful voice, says Fernandez, but prefers to dance rather than sing at this point. Recently, he adds, she started learning the samba. He’s not afraid to admit that they like watching “Dancing with the Stars” together, or to share that he’s rooting for Ricki Lake.

STOMP comes to ASU Gammage next month

Fernandez first saw “Stomp” in 1996, while his older brother was appearing in “Miss Saigon.” Like many families full of performers, Fernandez seems to mark time by recalling which brother did what gig when. “Stomp” was touring in Hawaii at the time and only single seats were available, so the trio went together but sat far apart. Still, it made an impact.

“How do you teach somebody to do that,” wondered Fernandez. “That’s totally crazy – amazing!” Three months later one of his brothers heard that “Stomp” would be holding auditions in L.A.

Turns out there were actually six open casting calls taking place at around the same time. Fernandez nixed auditioning for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Phantom of the Opera” – but decided to give the others a try.

The “Starlight Express” people were looking for triple pirouettes and such, something Fernandez hadn’t done much of with his break dancing rather than ballet background. Folks from “The Lion King” wanted African modern dance. Again, it wasn’t his vibe. But the “Stomp” show mixes percussion and dance, things Fernandez does with ease and enthusiasm.

Performers who auditioned for “Stomp” had to learn a set routine – then add their own solo when it came time to strut their stuff. One of Fernandez’ brothers urged him to punch it up with a back handstand, but Fernandez worried the move had been left undone so long that he might not be able to nail it. Fernandez threw it in, but his instincts proved spot on.

“My hand gave out and I landed on my head,” recalls Fernandez. “That didn’t go as I thought it would.” Fernandez was shocked when he, not his brothers, got a callback. Apparently only three people got that call, and Fernandez felt shocked by making the short list. The audition process involved several call backs over the course of three days, and Fernandez learned a month later that he’d been cast. “When can you be available,” he recalls them asking. Fernandez’ answer was “now.”

Fernandez left Honolulu in May of ’97 to begin training for “Stomp” in New York. His first show was just five weeks later, in July. He’s now in his 14^th year as a cast member of “Stomp” – and says he’s played all eight roles in the show. “Even,” he adds, “the women’s roles.” If his passion for the work had waned, it doesn’t show. Fernandez sounds like just the kind of spirited person and performer you want to see on stage. Drumroll, anyone?

 — Lynn

Note: Click here for information on this and other shows coming to ASU Gammage this season. Their December offerings include “Stomp” (Dec. 28-31) and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” (De6. 6-11). Want to enjoy a bit of percussion before “Stomp” rolls into town? Head to Chandler-Gilbert Community College for a free “Percussion Ensemble Concert” (with specials guests — the CGCC Latin percussion ensemble) Mon, Nov. 21 at 7:30pm.

Coming up: Neanderthals make nice?

Photo: Junichi Takahashi

Songs of Travel and Other Verses

Robert Louis Stevenson books housed in a Samoan museum dedicated to his life

I found this gem of a title while reviewing a long list of works by Scottish novelist, essayist and poet Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94). Treasure Island. A Child’s Garden of Verses. Essays in the Art of Writing. New Arabian Nights.

Also The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written in 1886, which explores the duality of human nature, the battle between rationality and irrationality, and contrasting elements of London life during the Victorian period.

It’s been repeatedly adapted for film. John Barrymore played the lead in 1920, Fredric March in 1931, Spencer Tracy in 1941. David Hasselhoff got the gig for a 2001 television version dubbed “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical.”

Of course, every time that vision pops into my head, I rush to play a cast album — original or revival — of the musical adaptation performed on Broadway. Like “Sweeney Todd,” it’s got truly touching loves songs mixed in with all that murder and mayhem.

An adaptation of the Stevenson tale by playwright Andrea McFeely is being presented Oct. 13-15 by the performing arts department at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, which performs at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center.

It’s being directed by Shalynn Reynolds — and features Sam Allen (Dr. Jekyll) and Guy Valentine (Mr. Hyde) in the lead roles. There are 13 people in the cast, described by Reynolds as “extremely dedicated actors who have worked tirelessly to create a work of art.”

“All the actors,” explains Reynolds, “have worked really hard on various British and Cockney accents.” Reynolds sounds especially proud of the set, which “has the ability to transform into multiple locations between scenes.” She also shares that “some of the items in Jekyll’s lab are actually from the late 1800s.”

Reynolds says the show “would be rated PG-13 due to the violence of several deaths onstage” — adding that she had to spend a lot of time getting Valentine “to be creepy, callous and murderous.” Sounds like a good way to get into the Halloween spirit, though you might leave the show wishing their costume people made house calls.

While reviewing the program for the show, I was struck by the tone of genuine gratitude. We take each other too often for granted, in theater world and the world at large. It’s refreshing to find folks who express appreciation with such elegance and ease.

I was impressed as well by a series of statements shared in the program under the heading “Why do we need Theatre?” They read as follows:

• Theatre prepares students for life in the real world by guiding personal development and refinement of interpersonal skills.
• Theatre has the ability to affect students on a personal level by contributing to mental, emotional, and social growth.
• Theatre helps students develop a sense of community and social responsibility.
• Theatre gives students the opportunity to voice opinions, explore personal concerns, and produce viable solutions to problems.
• Theatre encourages diversity and the exploration of human experience.
• Theatre asks students to be active participants and advocates for others, aware of surroundings and their ability to mediate and effect change.
• Theatre communicates the fact that as many ways as we humans are different, we share common bonds and can connect with everyone on some level, bringing new understanding and compassion to our lives.

I’ve never seen students from Chandler-Gilbert Community College perform, but this glimpse into the way they approach the world and the craft of theater intrigues me — and I’m eager to experience their work.

This weekend will find me in New York City, creating my own variation on “songs of travel” — so I’ll have to miss this and many other works being performed on Valley stages.

But I’ll be keeping an eye out, as I visit NYC libraries and museums, for all things related to Robert Louis Stevenson — a man with much to teach us about the complexities of all sorts of travel.

— Lynn

Note: Click here for details about this and other CGCC performing arts offerings, and here to learn about a BBC drama based on Stevenson’s travel writings and personal letters.

Coming up: Art meets homeschooling, Got blue?

Forbidden love

Funny meets forbidden love in The Mikado at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Pictured: Cast with Kevin Petersen as Nanki-Poo and Holly King as Yum-Yum at far left)

Forbidden love is easy to find onstage or on the big screen —  and even on all sorts of little screens. I chatted recently with college sophomore Kevin Petersen of Mesa about his role in a tale of forbidden love opening at Chandler-Gilbert Community College Friday, June 24.

Julian Pena as The Mikado of Japan in the CGCC production that runs June 24-29

His character is expected to marry someone of his father’s choosing, something he has no interest in doing. So his character runs away, only to find true love with another. But there’s a catch. The girl of his dreams has been promised, against her will, to another.

She’s set to wed the town executioner, making any thought of carrying on an illicit love affair feel especially dangerous. The young man on the run, who has disguised himself as a traveling minstrel, decides to keep running — but thoughts of the girl haunt him still.

And so he returns to woo her, but with what result? Does he keep his head? Lose his heart? Continue to run? Or settle down? You won’t know until you go. Unless you happen to be a fan of Gilbert & Sullivan, who wrote the work being performed by Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

It’s “The Mikado” — and it’s being presented at CGCC June 24-29. “It’s a really fun and goofy show,” quips Petersen, a vocal music education major who is thrilled with the opportunity to further hone his acting chops. He also appeared in the the CGCC production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which takes forbidden love to a whole other level.

“The show is good for all ages,” says Petersen. Not something you can say about many of the more contemporary tales of forbidden love out there these days. Petersen believes its many subplots add to the work’s appeal. Think Japan in an age of British Imperialism. 

Holly King (Yum-Yum) and Kevin Petersen (Nanki-Poo) during a dress rehearsal for the CGCC production of The Mikado

Petersen’s older brother Jacob, who auditioned hoping to enjoy a bit more brother-to-brother time, is also performing in “The Mikado.” He loves the way Gilbert and Sullivan, both British, manage to poke fun at their own culture through characters who pride themselves for supposed superiority over Japanese characters and ways.

Two of Jacob Petersen’s children also perform in “The Mercado” — and Petersen himself did several theater productions during his student years. He agrees the work is good for audiences of all ages — noting that there’s a lot of action constantly moving the work forward.

Marren Sanders as Katisha in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado at CGCC

Jacob Petersen shares that this production features some “modernized” language that makes the dialogue more accessible and easier to understand than it was originally. When the executioner riffs about folks he might like to do away with, for example, he offers a modern-day twist.

After chatting with the Petersen brothers, I have a whole new appreciation for “The Mikado.” I used to think “old” and “operetta.” Now I think “classic” and “comedic.” If you’re not familiar with the works of Gilbert & Sullivan, or you’re game for supporting students working to translate their artistry for a new generation, set aside some time to enjoy “The Mikado” at CGCC.

Short of finding and following a Lady Gaga tour bus, this seems your best chance to enjoy paper mache wigs and all the good fun that goes along with them.

— Lynn

Note: Click here for “The Mikado” show dates/times and ticketing information. If you missed their production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” click here to learn when you can enjoy the musical performed by Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert.

Coming up: Review of “War Horse” on Broadway, Theater Works presents “Romeo & Juliet,” More comedy meets community college, “Stage Mom” hits NYC museums

Photos courtesy of Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Gilbert & Sullivan on Valley stages

Kids Alive at Theater Works in Peoria is performing H.M.S. PINAFORE by Gilbert & Sullivan May 17, 20 & 23

When I learned from Theater Works in Peoria that their “Kids Alive” program was readying to perform “H.M.S. Pinafore,” an operetta by the famed team of William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, I went in search of Gilbert & Sullivan lore.

Soon I was exploring the “Learn About Opera” section of the Arizona Opera website — which has three nifty sections: 1) interactive games, 2) composers and 3) backstage pass. I clicked on composer bios and uncovered all sorts of gems about “G & S.” I also revisited the “Gilbert and Sullivan” chapter of Kathleen Krull’s “Lives of the Great Musicians.”

Gilbert and Sullivan created works that include “H.M.S. Pinafore,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” and “The Mikado” — and they were the darlings of 1880s theater in England. Their work is brisk and biting, but always good-natured and fun.

Theater Works’ “Kids Alive” performs “H.M.S. Pinafore” Tues, May 17 and Mon, May 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $5 at the door. They’ve also announced a “performance for special needs patrons” on Fri, May 20 at 10am, noting that “a donation of $2/person is requested.”

“Kids Alive,” a program of the company’s youth theater (“Youth Works”), is a “performing group of children that travel to different venues to entertain and inspire the community by singing, dancing and performing short plays.”

Both “Theater Works” and “Youth Works” perform at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, an intimate facility with several small theaters that enable them to present more than one work at any given time.

If you head to Theater Works June 10-12, you can see Yolanda London (a member of the acting company at Childsplay in Tempe) perform the role of Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” — presented by Theater Works and the Black Theatre Troupe of Phoenix. London is a nuanced, versatile actress who “brings it” every single time she’s on that stage.

The 2011/12 line-up for “Theater Works” includes “Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet,” “The King & I,” “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “A Little Night Music” and “All Through the Night.”

Their 2011/12 “Youth Works” productions include “Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland,” “Hairspray,” and “Pinocchio.” Also for youth, three “Puppet Works” productions — “Trick or Treat!,” “Saving Santa” and “The Magical Adventures of Pinocchio.”

Reading about Gilbert & Sullivan is almost as fun as seeing their work performed on stage

If you discover, after seeing the “Kids Alive” production of “H.M.S. Pinafore,” that a single “Gilbert & Sullivan” offering isn’t enough for you, head to Chandler-Gilbert Community College next month for their production of “The Mikado” — which runs June 24-29 at the CGCC Performing Arts Center in Chandler.

The works of Gilbert & Sullivan are a fun introduction to the “operetta” genre — a sort of middle ground between musical theater and opera. Even if it’s not your thing, a bit of time spent with Gilbert & Sullivan will up your arts and culture I.Q. more than most things you can access with a mere remote control.

— Lynn

Note: To learn more about Gilbert & Sullivan, read Carolyn Williams’ new book titled “Gilbert and Sullivan: Gender, Genre, Parody” (part of the “Gender and Culture Series”). Or enjoy “The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert and Sullivan” by Jonah Winter (pictured above).

Coming up: Ten minute plays

Update: Eight, Arizona PBS will broadcast a new production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” from the Guthrie Theater Fri, Oct 14 at 9pm. It’s followed by an episode of “Arizona ArtsBeat” at 11:30pm.

Enjoy student art in Chandler!

CGCC presents a Student Art Show through May 4, but you can enjoy a free reception this evening in the CGCC library

Looking for a bit of mid-week adventure?

Head to Chandler-Gilbert Community College tonight, April 27, for a free reception/student art exhibit from 6-7:30pm in the CGCC Library (first floor).

Or enjoy a free “Wind Ensemble and Band Concert” tonight at 7pm in the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd. in Chandler.

Come Friday, April 29, you can enjoy a free acting showcase featuring CGCC students at 7pm (which does feature some mature content material near the end of the evening).

Saturday, April 30, CGCC vocal students present free “Musical Theater Workshop Recitals” at 5pm and 7pm — also at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center.

There’s a little something for dance lovers too as CGCC presents a “Student Dance Showcase” May 6 and 7, at 8pm — also at the performing arts center. Tickets for either performance are just $3-$5, and can be purchased by contacting the box office at 480-732-7343 or www.cgc.edu/arts.

Thanks for supporting our young artists and those who teach them!

— Lynn

Coming up: A “last chance” opportunity for “Imagining Dance” with students from the Metropolitan Arts Institute in Phoenix