Scottsdale meets East Village

The musical “Rent” is beloved above all others at our house. Our family dramaturg, who’s studied theater in both Arizona and New York, was incredibly affected by the story when she saw the movie version of “Rent” years before most kids are allowed to experience things that might have a bite in the four-letter word department.

While making prospective college rounds with James a few years ago, Lizabeth saw “Rent” performed Off Broadway. We’ve seen the 2009 national touring production starring Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp at ASU Gammage in Tempe, plus a Greasepaint Youtheatre production in Scottsdale that was directed by D. Scott Withers.

Lizabeth participated in an acting workshop with Rapp, organized by Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, several years ago. And Rapp’s 2006 book, titled “Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent,” still holds a place of honor amidst stacks and stacks of theater-related books in the room Lizabeth will leave behind again once classes resume at Pace University in NYC this fall.

Cast of “Rent” at Desert Stages (Photo: Corin Grimm)

So hearing that the theater up the street in Scottsdale was readying to mount a production of “Rent” was cause for consternation. It’s hard to imagine anyone doing justice to something that strikes the very depth of your being. But I kept an open mind, and headed out to Sunday’s matinee performance — which was actually quite spectacular in many ways.

The Desert Stages Theatre production of “Rent,” a musical featuring book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, is directed by Terry Helland (artistic director for Desert Stages) and Timothy Shawver. Thanks to its small “theater in the round” setting and live music by a band fronted by music director Mark 4man, it’s got a decidedly “Godspell” feel mirroring online clips of the New World Stages production scheduled to close on Sept. 9.

It’s clear that those who’ve brought “Rent” to life at Desert Stages share a real reverence for the work, which Larson didn’t live long enough to see performed on Broadway. This production features Sean Mullaney as Roger Davis and Sam E. Wilkes as Mark Cohen. Damon J. Bolling, a member of Actors Equity who performs the role of Tom Collins, has the best vocal chops of the bunch. It’s got a strong cast and ensemble — with rich set and lighting design.

Both acting and vocals are consistently good throughout the Desert Stages production — rising at times to real excellence. Lynzee 4man’s Maureen Johnson rocks the song “Over the Moon,” giving one of the best performances I’ve seen on Valley stages. She also choreographed the show, infusing it with movement that transports viewers to the frenetic pace of life on the run from self and others.

Fond as I was of the five piece band dubbed Mark 4man & The Kat Skratch Klub, who’ll do their concert thing at Desert Stages after a July 27 performance of “Rent,” the sheer volume of their music masks the words and lyrics of cast members at times. It wouldn’t hurt to dial that baby down a notch. Also in the nit-picking department, it’s a little wierd seeing “lit” candles follow the trajectory of gyrating arms during robust dance numbers.

While introducing Sunday’s performance, Helland noted that “Rent” is “kind of edgy” compared to previous Desert Stages productions. But they’ve had succes with shows like “The Pillowman,” and have other mature-theme shows in the works. Think “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Don’t take the kids to “Rent” if you’re still operating under the delusion that they’re not hearing four-letter words elsewhere, or they’re young enough to think that monsters are blue beings with long fur instead of plagues like prejudice and AIDS. Helland notes that “Rent” is the company’s first show to include the “F-word” (though I’m certain I heard one actor utter “heck” in place of “hell”).

Desert Stages Theatre performs “Rent” through Aug. 11 — click here for details.

— Lynn

Note: “Rent” is based on Puccini’s “La bohème” — click here to read a synopsis from Arizona Opera. The Desert Stages production of “Rent” features set design by Terry Helland and Mark Honaker, and lighting design by Lindsey Ihrig and Terry Helland.

Coming up: The fine art of paper, When kids whine…

Need a film fix?

Fans of films that are a bit off the beaten path have plenty of options in coming months. Here’s a roundup for those of you needing a frequent film fix:

The Film Bar in Phoenix. Offerings include indie films, including the first screenings of “A Boy in China” Jan. 13 and 14. The film follows a boy from Phoenix who pursues Kung Fu training in China (Andre Magnum, plus his parents and coach, will attend both screenings). www.thefilmbarphx.com.

The Film Festival at Paradise Valley Community College. Offerings, focused this year on women in film, include “Catching Babies” (Feb. 2), “Caramel” (Feb. 8), “Water” (Feb. 22) and “Maria Full of Grace” (March 7). “Catching Babies” is a film about midwifery. Free. www.pvc.maricopa.edu.

The Loft Cinema in Tucson. Offerings include new indie works, mainstream and cult classics, film festival shorts, award-nominated shorts and more. Also National Theatre Live broadcasts — including “The Collaborators” (Jan. 15), “Travelling Light” (Feb. 26), “The Comedy of Errors” (March 25) and “She Stoops to Conquer” (April 15). www.loftcinema.com.

Mesa Contemporary Arts (part of the Mesa Art Center). Offerings include “Community Cinema” screenings (“Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” by Sharon La Cruise Jan. 19). Free. www.mesaartscenter.com.

Phoenix Art Museum. Offerings include individual films, National Theatre Live broadcasts (including those noted in the Loft Cinema list above) and the Masterpiece Film Challenge (a six-week challenge in which 15 filmmaking teams create 5-7 minute films inspired by art from the museum). Also the Ab/Ex Film Series (“The New York School” Feb. 12) and filmed museum tours (“Leonardo Live” exhibit at the National Gallery of London Feb. 19). www.phxart.org.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Offerings include the “Talk Cinema” series (Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 20, April 17, May 8) and the “Discovery Film Series” (“This Way of Life” Jan. 22). “Talk Cinema” titles are announced on the center’s website just days before screenings (this month’s film is “Declaration of War,” about a couple whose baby is diagnosed with a brain tumor). www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

The Anti-Defamation League and Scottdale Community College. Offerings include “The Many Faces of Hate” film series at SCC (including Jay Rosenstein’s “In Whose Honor” Jan. 18). Free. www.scottsdalecc.edu.

Harkins Theatres. Offerings include various film festivals and broadcasts of  “Opera & Ballet in Cinema Series” performances — including “Le Corsaire” (March 11), “La Boheme” (March 13), “Romeo and Juliet” (March 22), “Rigoletto” (April 17), “The Bright Stream” (April 29), “La Fille Mal Gardee” (May 16) and “Raymonda” (June 24). www.harkinstheatres.com.

Many museums, performing arts centers and universities offer film screenings, so check with your local venues for additional options.

— Lynn

Note: If your venue or organization offers film fare with an arts and culture twist, please comment below to let our readers know.

Coming up: Theater meets classic literature

Opera alert!

Opera is best viewed from furniture like this offering from the Diary of a Smart Chick website

I had a lovely time watching an opera one Sunday morning from the comfort of my couch. Looks like I’ll have another opportunity this weekend as Eight, Arizona PBS airs a Metropolitan Opera performance of “Il Trovatore,” Verdi’s tale of two brothers wooing the same woman.

When I’m ready to make the move from couch to cinema, I can head to the UltraLuxe Scottsdale Cinemas (located at The Pavilions at Talking Stick) for Opera Australia performances of works that include “Rigoletto” (your last chance is Thurs, Aug 25 at 7pm), “Mikado” (Sept), “”Der Rosenkavalier” (Oct) and “La Boheme” (Nov).

The Elixer of Love performed by San Francisco Opera

Or I can drive up the road to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a bit of their “Grand Opera Cinema Series,” featuring works performed by the San Francisco Opera. First up is “The Elixer of Love” on Oct 26 — then “Tosca” (Jan), “Lucia di Lammermoor” (March) and “La boheme” (June).

Broadway aficianados know that the musical “Rent” is based on the “La Boheme” story, making this a “must see” opera for musical theater fans. The “Opera in Cinema” series at select Harkins Theatres includes a live simulcast production of “La Boheme” in March.

Other “Opera in Cinema” offerings this season include “Faust” (Sept), “Don Giovanni” (Dec) and “Rigoletto” (April). There’s also a “Ballet in Cinema” series — with titles that include “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Coppelia,” “Swan Lake” and more.

Madama Butterfly is one of five offerings in the Arizona Opera 2011-12 season

There’s no substitute for the experience of live opera and Valley families have several options, including performances by Arizona Opera and Phoenix Opera — as well as university opera programs like Lyric Opera Theatre at ASU in Tempe.

Arizona Opera, which performs in both Phoenix and Tucson, opens its 2011-12 season in October with two offerings — “Cavalleria Rustica” and “Pagliacci.” Other season selections include “Faust” (Nov), “Madama Butterfly” (Jan/Feb), “Aida” (March) and “Orfeo ed Euridice” (April). (The tale of Aida is also told in a Broadway musical.)

This season’s calendar for Phoenix Opera includes several themed performances, including holiday offerings celebrating Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Love/s Labour/s Lost is part of the Opera in Cinema series

If you’re new to opera or eager to up your opera game, spend a little quality time with the multimedia guide “How to Enjoy Opera” recently published by “The Guardian.” Or watch a performance of Benjamin Britten’s “The Turn of the Screw” online (for free) through Sept 12.

“The Guardian” offers additional primers, including a list of The Top 50 Operas from 1607 to 1978, a tutorial on how to survive your first opera and a look at opera in the modern age. Plus Simon Callow’s take on why “opera has never been more alive.”

Online opera guides from Arizona Opera and other opera companies are also fun to explore. Never say you don’t like opera if you’ve never tried it.

— Lynn

Coming up: ASU’s Lyric Opera Theatre

Spoiled in Scottsdale?

Those of us who live in Scottsdale often get a bad rap for being richer or more pampered somehow than folks who live in other parts of the Valley. We actually downsized significantly when we moved to Scottsdale, and we weren’t living all that large to begin with.

Still, I often feel spoiled in the performing and visual arts department — thanks to the wealth of arts resources in our neck of the woods. Think Heard Museum North Scottsdale,  Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art — and many more.

Portrait of modern dance legend Merce Cunningham (from the DNA Dance website)

Tonight I’m heading out with Lizabeth, my 17-year-old daughter, to enjoy the latest legends to hit the local scene. I’ve seen more than my fair share of legends at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Most recently, I experienced the work of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.

This evening we’ll be attending “Betty Buckley: Broadway by Request” at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Buckley received her first Tony Award after performing the Broadway classic “Memory” in the musical “Cats.”

Portrait of Broadway legend Betty Buckley (from Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts website)

Other Buckley credits include “Sunset Boulevard,” “Carrie,” “Wyatt Earp” and “Tender Mercies.” Tonight she’s performing vocal selections coupled with storytelling to include backstage anecdotes.

Buckley will be accompanied at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts by musician and comedian Seth Rudetsky, who helps our family make all those trips to and from high school each day feel fun rather than frustrating — though that’s hardly his greatest claim to fame.

His piano performance has graced Broadway shows that include “Les Miserables” and “Phantom of the Opera” — two of my favorites from the pre-“Avenue Q” and “In the Heights” era.

It would appear that I’m spoiled in many ways — because my husband James was kind enough to alert me to the fact that if I leave my laptop right this minute, I might also be able to catch some of “Opera in the Park.”

It’s a free viewing of a filmed performance of “La boheme” by Arizona Opera taking place at the Scottsdale Civic Center, adjacent to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

I may be spoiled, but don’t blame Scottsdale. Unless of course you want to pin it on my husband and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. They’re guilty as charged — but it’s a good thing.

— Lynn

Note: This post describes March 26, 2011 performances that have already taken place.  Click here for information on upcoming performances at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Coming up: Art and “Asher Lev”

Opera for rent?

My 19-year-old daughter Jennifer seems to have found a way to get “videos” via just about everything but a toaster. (Thankfully, all by legal means.)

I’ve no doubt she could “rent” videos of some of my favorite operas without leaving the comfort of the couch.

Enjoy a filmed performance of Puccini's LA BOHEME outdoors this month (Photo: Arizona Opera)

Still, big productions lose their appeal on the small screen — which is why I’m so delighted to have several opera venues in the Valley.

Until my youngest daughter Lizabeth (now 17) became too busy with her own theater auditions, rehearsals and performances, we enjoyed Arizona Opera productions fairly regularly at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix.

But options for opera-goers have expanded since then. If you’ve never given opera a try, fearing it might be too boring or stuffy, consider giving it a whirl with one the following:

“The Magic Flute,” composed by Mozart, will be performed at Teatro alla Scala in Milan this week. It’s a tad late to snag airline and opera tickets — but you can watch the live performance at one of three Harkins Theatres in the Valley on March 24 (assuming you can get tickets before they sell out).

“La boheme,” composed by Puccini, was filmed during an Arizona Opera production at Symphony Hall in Phoenix. As many of you know, “La boheme” inspired the Broadway musical titled “Rent.”

It’s being screened during an evening dubbed “Opera in the Park” — taking place March 26 thanks to Arizona Opera and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

MUSIC IN THE GROVE features Phoenix Opera Singers performing in Queen Creek (Photo: Howard Paley)

The free outdoor screening at the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphiteater is a lovely way to introduce the very young to opera in a casual environment.

Food and beverages are available for purchase on sight (you can bring your own water), and seating is whatever you bring to spread on the lawn. Think low lawn chairs, blankets and such.

Some of Lizabeth’s earliest experiences with live classical music performance took place at this amphitheatre — where we loved spending time together under the stars.

“Music in the Grove,” an event featuring the Phoenix Opera Singers performing “popular and operatic masterpieces,” takes place April 17 at the Queen Creek Olive Mill.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and the event also includes a marketplace. Opera doesn’t get much more user-friendly than that.

Harkins Theatres present both OPERA IN CINEMA and BALLET IN CINEMA (Photo: Emerging Pictures)

Those of you who prefer your opera in more traditional venues can visit the websites for Arizona Opera and Phoenix Opera to learn more about their offerings.

I’ll pretty much take my opera any way I can get it. It’s a grand enterprise full of magical sets, lush costumes, soaring musical performance and a taste of some of the world’s great languages.

— Lynn

Note: Watch the Harkins Theatres website for future “Emerging Pictures” presentations of “Opera in Cinema” — including “The Barber of Seville” and Verdi’s “Macbeth.” Also watch the AMC Theatres website for opera offerings (from The Metropolitan Opera in NYC).

Coming up: Finding classical music in unexpected places, Dance detours, Shakespeare for all ages