Pacific Chorale outdid themselves. They were inspired by but not bound to the sacred or the archaic in their flawless performance of Richard Einhorn’s Voices of Light. Voices of Light is an oratorio that accompanies the seminal 1926 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc. This performance, conducted by Pacific Chorale Artistic Director Robert Istad, included 98 chorus members, six vocal soloists, 39 instrumentalists from the Pacific Symphony, and, of course, the silent film projected on a huge screen.
Contemporary Yet Classical
The oratorio lyrics are from medieval authors and the vocal stylings are reminiscent of polyphonic Gregorian chants, but modern sounding and uptempo at times. The music is
classical in the late 20th century manner, but not atonal or chaotic. It is accessible and exciting. Think Philip Glass or John Adams and their lush, looping works.
Brilliant Stagecraft, Intentional or Not
The concert hall was darkened for the film, which allowed for dramatic lighting shifts when the vocal soloists performed their parts. Furthermore, the chorus and musician’s music books were illuminated – of course they had to be, but that created another dramatic dimension, intentional or not. Those lights plus the musicians’ active silhouettes could be a metaphor for the agitated crowds depicted in the film’s scenes. The only downside to the ambience was the audience’s inability to scan the libretto during the performance. Then again, the lyrics were in Latin and Middle French.
In a way, the exciting strings and vocals made the film less necessary. Almost a distraction. I would have loved to better see those violinists playing so furiously. My only issue was the movie screen was placed high above the stage, which required me to look up and down constantly (I was fortunate to sit in the orchestra section – perhaps this setup better served other sections).
More Innovation from Pacific Chorale
According to Robert Istad, Pacific Chorale’s Artistic Director, “This season we thought Richard Einhorn’s gripping “Voices of Light” would inspire our audience and interest a wider segment of our community. The musicians and I felt extremely committed to performing the project with the highest level of artistry possible. I promise that many more special projects are on the horizon!”
Hannah Mariah as Danielle, Dustin Vuong Nguyen as Sam, and Casey Long as Chris in the rolling world premiere of “Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious. Photo by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio
Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious, now playing at the Chance Theater, is a successful comedy that deftly navigates familiar themes. The title, while a mouthful, telegraphs the overall theme: Big, bad colonialism made small and ironic through the beloved Vietnamese dish and through the likable characters (both Vietnamese and western) who consume it and cook it.
That is the overall theme, but the sub-themes are numerous and given a light touch. For example, cultural appropriation, assimilation vs. tradition, gentrification, class, language barriers and racism. Fortunately, these subjects are addressed playfully. There is no preaching, exposition or repetition. The playwright, director and cast respect the audience’s intelligence. They respect the audience’s time, as well. The play consists of three vignettes and lasts a lean 90 minutes. Not a line is wasted. You will walk out feeling satisfied and wanting a 2nd installment
Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious plays through April 30 at The Chance Theater in Anaheim. Tickets are $20 – 39.
Largest Hawaiian Music Festival in the Mainland USA.
Details and tickets: www.slackkeyfest.com
You might ask yourself “what is slack key?” I certainly did. Slack key is Hawaiian music played on the acoustic guitar and performed in a fingerpicking style. You’ve heard it before, though you may not have known it by name. It is called slack key because the guitar strings are loosened or slackened to an open major chord tuning, which provides more melodic sounds. It is relaxing, restorative and played from the heart. Mitch Chang, festival producer and performer, calls it the quintessential sound of Hawaii.
Kainani Kahaunaele, winner of seven Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2021.
George Kuo, one of Hawaii’s premier Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar artists.
Makaha Sons, one of Hawaii’s leading Hawaiian musical groups.
Sonny Lim, a member of Hawaii’s famous musical Lim family.
Jeff Peterson, contributed to two Grammy Award-winning recordings and a winner of eight Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
Kamuela Kimokeo, a member of the Na Hōkū Hanohano award winning group Hi’ikua;
Bryan Tolentino, popular ukulele player who can be heard on scores of recordings for other artists as well as his own Grammy nominated CD’s.
Hula dancers
Hawaiian marketplace, free to the public.
Mitch Chang, Event Producer
Mitch Chang
So often, I am impressed by the people who make these arts events happen. These individuals work day jobs, but they have the passion, vision and drive to bring these unique events to life. Mitch Chang is no exception. He is a self-employed mortgage broker and avid guitarist but has found the time to produce this festival as well as The Los Angeles Ukulele Festival and The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival. Mitch was born and raised in Hawaii and loved attending the slack key festivals on the island. After moving to California, he found there were no slack key events available, so he created his own. And it became the largest on the US mainland. Fortunately, he had a large potential audience given that the biggest Hawaiian population outside of Hawaii is in LA County, especially in the South Bay.
Melting Pot Origins
Details vary but we know that Mexican cowboys brought their guitars to Hawaii during the 19th century. The Hawaiians adapted the guitar to their own style of Hawaiian music and developed a new genre known as slack key. Steel guitar, more familiar to our ears, was derived from slack key. Ukulele can be attributed to the Portuguese cowboy immigrants who brought their guitars to the island. Steel guitar and ukulele became popular on the US mainland surprisingly fast. Slack key took longer. It remained local to Hawaii during most of the 20th century until the 1960’s then surged in popularity during the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance of the 1970s. It is now considered to be the most genuine expression of Hawaiian spirit and dominates the Grammy category for Hawaiian music.
A seasoned standards vocalist paired with a 15-piece band in a cabaret setting is heaven for me. Even better is when that vocalist is someone such as Judy Whitmore, a master of anything she touches. She is a licensed jet pilot, a licensed therapist, a best selling author, a theater producer, a recording artist and a mom, to name a few. But don’t take my word for it – listen to her rendition of It Can Happen To You from her forthcoming album Isn’t It Romantic? Added bonus: she is accompanied by piano phenom Tamir Hendleman.
It is lovely, no?
Judy Whitmore and her brother Bill Grubman will be performing selections from The Great American Songbook at The Samueli Theater on October 15. Accompanying them will be a 15-piece band conducted by John Sawaski, a composer-keyboardist who has appeared just about everywhere.
Judy Whitmore was kind enough to answer some questions I submitted to her via email:
Stage Right Secrets calls you a multi-hyphen talent. I love that term. Do you?
JW: Thank you for the “multi-hyphen” moniker. I’ve always enjoyed change and adventure. This personality trait combined with my nature to be a goal-oriented workaholic–and I mean that in a good way–made it possible for me to have a variety of careers. I always love what I’m doing, so it never really feels like work.
I read about your music and dance immersion at a young age. How did you relate with your classmates in those early years? Were you quoting Cole Porter when your schoolmates quoted from the top 40?
JW: When I was in grammar school, I watched an endless number of old Hollywood musicals on TV, where orchestras materialized out of thin air and people would start to sing and dance. It all seemed so normal to me, I thought that would happen in real life. So, by 3rd or 4th Grade, I was ready and waiting for the orchestra to appear on the playground or in my classroom. I knew the lyrics to a hundred songs, and I knew dance steps. My big concern centered on my fellow classmates. How would they know the lyrics or the dance routine when the orchestra appeared?
It sounds like your brother Bill Grubman followed a similar, that is, non-linear path to cabaret performance. Discuss.
JW: Bill and I were raised in a musical environment. Our grandmother had been a professional pianist, and our grandfather was first violin in the MGM Studio Orchestra during the golden age of movie musicals. We loved listening to his stories about working with Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and all the old “song and dance” stars. Bill and I both imagined we’d have a life in musical theater, but I got married young and had two children, and Bill was expected to go into the family business. But we never lost our deep and abiding desire to perform. When I finally took to the stage, after years in other careers, I held out my hand to my brother. He grabbed on tight, and now the dream we had as kids has come true.
Most of us SoCal-based jazz fans bow at the feet of Tamir Hendlemann. How did you connect with him? Are there OC-based musicians you’ve worked with in the past?
JW: The arrangements for the new album were finished, but we didn’t have a pianist for the upcoming recording session. David Arana suggested I contact Tamir, and fortunately he was available. I thought I would meet with Tamir a couple of times and then record the album. Instead, I spent two months at Tamir’s studio, with producer John Sawoski, while Tamir rewrote every one of the arrangements. It took time for Tamir to work his magic! He is a remarkable musician, and I felt honored to work with him.
How do you divide your time among projects these days and how did you in the past?
JW: My brother, Bill, and I are rehearsing a new show. We’ll be at the Samueli Theater at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on October 15. The plan is to take this show on the road. I also enjoy serving on Pacific Symphony’s Executive Committee. It’s an extraordinary organization that feels like a family to me, with a dedicated staff and highly accomplished, gifted musicians. In the past I had more time to devote to my writing, but writing has taken a back seat for the moment.
You were neighbors with John Denver and he encouraged you to take flying lessons.. Did he hear you sing?
JW: When I was learning to fly, John was very supportive. I have him to thank for my extraordinary adventures in aviation. And yes…John did hear me sing. I was playing the part of Baroness Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music. John and Annie came to one of the performances. They brought me a big bouquet of red roses and a card…which I still have.
What is in your future? Any more hyphens? Will you continue to write books, practice psychology, etc?
JW: I’m currently working on a new book which I hope to finish this year. I loved being a therapist. My license to practice is current…I never gave it up. As far as more hyphens…my attorney’s bills are so high, I’ve been thinking I might have to go to law school!
Originally a Hollywood film produced in 1933 and adapted to stage several times starting in 1980, 42nd St. is a musical about the travails of staging a musical. The Rose Center Theater production delivers it delightfully and playfully. Kudos to artistic director Tim Nelson, his cast and his crew.
Song and Dance Appeal
Immediately, you will be struck by the sizeable, engaging dance numbers. Indeed, nearly 50 dancers at a time performing tap. How often do you get to see expert tap dancing at this scale? Amanda Jean, the actress in the role of Peggy Sawyer, is a standout with her fast, effortless moves. It is no mystery why the fictional production company fell in love with her. As it turns out, much of the cast and chorus are or where Disneyland performers.
The sets are minimal with a heavy reliance on backscreen projection. This allows for fast scene changes and an enhanced emphasis on the cast.
Sound Quality
All of the principals wear lavalier (wireless) microphones, so the vocals and dialogue are clear. You won’t miss a word and that was such a relief for me. So often, this is an issue for me at other musical venues.
Costumes and….Wigs!
Part of the fun of a retro extravaganza is the period look and this production delivers colorful costumes. You will see bellhops, flappers, sailors, gangsters, aristocrats, dandies, etc. The big surprises where the realistic looking wigs worn by the female cast. These were in the fingerwave style, which was popular at the 20’s-30’s. One of the theater volunteers told me that a theater staff member makes the wigs by hand and with real human hair. Congratulations to wig maker Cliff Senior!
Time Flies When You See This Production
There are no slow moments in this production. It is engaging from start to finish. So much so, that I forgot to take photos until well into the second act. I think you will agree.
Performing arts centers are happy when you expose your kids to the arts, but what to do when the kids get restless in that darkened, cramped theater? The solution: The Place To Play, a non-profit that creates family friendly venues for arts events. That is, places where families can enjoy quality events, inspire the kids, AND provide an outlet for the kids when they lose the mood for inspiration. Everybody wins!
Nonna Kuznetsova, founder and executive director of The Place To Play
Nonna Kuznetsova, the founder of The Place To Play, held three sold-out events in 2021 (ballet, classical music and a kids’ talent show) and has more scheduled in 2022 including a Tango Show/Ukraine fundraiser on May 28.
Initial shows featured classical music and ballet in an intimate setting
Nonna selects facilities such as The OASIS Senior Center, that have large, open areas for cabaret seating plus designated seating areas for kids. Here is the important part: adjoining the show floor is a separate room for the kids for when they need a break from the show. Nonna refers to it as the Kids’ Lounge. I refer to it as the Escape Valve. The Kids’ Lounge is staffed by YMCA childcare specialists. It allows kids to socialize and do kid things. This way, the parents (and kids) can take in truly beautiful events with less concern about disruption.
According to Nonna, “My undergraduate degree is in music, yet I was a restless child when I first attended concerts. Exposing children to the arts is critical and I know firsthand it is not easy. I wanted to create an easygoing, affordable environment for discerning adults with children.”
Another barrier Nonna wanted to lower for families is cost. Her current policy is free admission for kids under 12. While their admission is free, she has families RSVP per child so that she can adequately plan out the facility.
Tango Show and Ukraine Fundraiser
GD Tango and Los Angeles Del Tango. Photos taken from their respective web sites
On May 28, The Place To Play will present a tango show at The OASIS Senior Center. The show features GD Tango, a professional tango dance ensemble, and a professional tango band Los Angeles Del Tango. Following the show is a tango mixer and social – also known as a Milonga. Tickets start at $30. All proceeds will go to Razom for Ukraine. Nonna says “I have family and friends living in Ukraine. I have volunteered on the border at the Ukrainian refugee shelters. I am trying to help however I can.”
Children’s Talent Show
On June 17, The Place To Play is hosting a Kids’ Talent Show at The Marina Park Community Center in Newport Beach. Following the show is a karaoke and dance party for kids and parents. Per Nonna “The talent show in December was a smash hit with 40+ participants. Truly, these kids work so hard and have few opportunities to shine. Events such as this are a welcoming atmosphere where kids can gain confidence and create beautiful memories.” The audition process for the talent show is simple: Fill out this online survey and email a 30 second video to info@theplacetoplay.org.
Nonna doesn’t do this all by herself. She calls upon a network of performers and talent advisors. Especially vital to her talent shows are musical director is Nadya Troffimova and dance director Dawn Castello.
No More Barriers For Families
The Place To Play removes the stress, removes the risk and lowers the cost to family arts outings. You don’t have to purchase tickets for youngsters, the quality of events is unquestionable, your kids won’t disrupt the show if they chose to burn energy in the kids lounge and the layout of the events makes it easy for everybody to move around. Parking is free, too!
Laura Parker is not new to surviving through struggle. She has been battling a rare, progressive disease called Sarcoidosis for the past 17 years. Nor is she unfamiliar to the ravages of pandemics. She was at the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, volunteering alone in the largest AIDS orphanage in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
But the COVID pandemic has been especially difficult for her. Being immunocompromised, Laura went into extreme isolation starting March 1, 2020, after her doctors told her that she would likely not survive COVID. She did not have human contact for 14 months. Laura could only peer out of her second floor window to thank the neighbors for groceries. After 2 years, groceries are still being delivered and wiped down.
Virus by Laura Parker
This extreme isolation and stress took a psychological and physical toll. Laura says, “At times, I simply miss the feeling of a hug.” Not having human contact along with the dreaded daily news feed gave me PTSD, panic, and insomnia. I’ve seen how my isolation has caused my dog Henri Matisse to have severe separation anxiety.”
Through all of this, Laura’s perseverance to survive has pulled her through the dark days, as she has done for decades. As an Abstract Expressionist, she went back to her art to find refuge. She released her fear, loneliness, grief and sense of loss onto the canvas.
Out of this, Laura created the 10 piece COVID-19 Series as the virus took over, and shows how our world changed with it.
Social Distancing by Laura Parker
Laura’s humanitarianism is now expressed in her art. Many of her pieces have a social conscience; trauma, violence, injustice, discrimination, etc. You can feel the overwhelming emotion and energy coming through her paintings. They are raw, honest and vulnerable.
“As an Abstract Expressionist,” she says, “what I create is purely intuitive and subconscious. It comes from being deeply moved by something and the inability to change it. Typically, they are feelings of sadness, anger, or grief by what I see in the news. By expressing and releasing those feelings onto the canvas, I’m not carrying them with me.”
Lungs by Laura Parker
After persevering through the psychological toll of extreme isolation for over 2 years, Laura has decided to emerge through her art at the Annual Balboa Artwalk, Sunday, May 15. Although she still carries the risk of getting severely ill from being in contact with others, she decided that connecting with community is worth pursuing. Laura says, “I have a strong desire to share my art, my story and teach others creative self-expression and healing through art.” With COVID restrictions being lifted, she acknowledges that “the gulf between me and the rest of society is widening.” As she ponders how she will live in a post-pandemic world, she chooses to do more than just survive. Laura chooses to live.
COVID put the kibosh on most live music. The live music that does exist is often an improvised setup with makeshift street-based tables or in a parking lot. You have to love that solution-based approach, but it is not elegant. Thankfully, Casa Romantica’s Fourth Annual Casa Jazz Club is keeping summer music festivals beautiful. It is also strikingly affordable. You can purchase the entire weekend for $95 ($80 for Casa Members).
Casa Jazz Club, happening on Sept. 3-4, will be held in the historic Casa Romantica Courtyard. Each show is limited to 50 attendees. This makes the event intimate and it follows the CA Dept. of Public Health guidelines. Prior to each show, guests will be treated to complimentary tray-passed appetizers provided by Rocco’s Restaurant. Drinks are available at a low $5 donation. This is the only series in 2020 that offers a lovely atmosphere, an ocean view, complementary snacks, first rate jazz musicians and NO food/beverage minimums. That and Casa Romantica will maintain additional staff to deploy COVID safety procedures.
The Lineup
Sept. 3: The Lao TIzer Quartet. Tickets are $50 ($45 for Casa Members). Lao Tizer performs genre-bending mix of jazz, classical, new age, and jam-oriented music. This may be a good gateway drug to introduce newbies to the instrumental jazz. I must confess, I am not familiar with Lao Tizer, but his resume is long and I am familiar with his sax man, Eric Marienthal. If you listen to KJAZZ, you have heard Eric. Here is a clip of Lao Tizer and his band.
Casa Romantica’s other 2020 music events have sold out. Given the short supply of southland music events plus the quality provided by Casa Jazz Club, I can’t imagine this series staying available for long.
Local sculptor Steven Lustig creates beautiful, fluid, figurative work. It fascinates the viewer because it balances conflicting realms so effortlessly: Timeless yet futuristic, human yet surreal, mass that moves so gracefully through space. Truly, you can’t stop looking at it. Fortunately for us, we will see a lot more of it! Steven and his wife Tina continue to execute on their long-term vision. That vision addresses the realities of the art business, embraces technology and keeps young artists engaged in the classic art form.
Here are some great Orange County music events I found through luck, determination and knowing somebody. These are free unless otherwise noted.
Friday, Feb. 28:
Ron Kobayashi Trio at Bayside. Ron is there every Friday and he is fantastic. What you might not know is he has high quality jazz singers dropping in. But you won’t find that posted.
The Darden Sisters at Les Amis in Fullerton. The Dardens are a fetching blend Americana, bluegrass, vocal harmonies and some covers.
Natalie Mendoza at Downtown Disney. She is an awesome jazz and retro singer. Downtown Disney never posts their entertainment schedule and they seem fine with that.
Jazz singer Lola Kristine at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Both Lola and The Drake are great at maintaining their calendars. I recommend both!
Jazz singer Elizabeth Lamers at The Cellar. Elizabeth Lamers specializes in the Great American Songbook. Backing her are a rotating list of extraordinary musicians. Truly, she makes for a great date night
