I shuddered when I glanced at that famous quote surrounding the legend of “The Marriage of Figaro”. The opera by Mozart was commissioned by his benefactor Emperor Joseph II of Austria. Now two and one half centuries later, it is OperaDelaware's season finale.
On opening night in Vienna on May 11786, after the Emperor congratulated the composer, he added this caveat: "You must admit, however, my dear Mozart, that there are a great many notes in your score."
"Not one too many, Sire," was Mozart’s reply.
Every week Aisle Say hears the same dispiriting diatribe from my otherwise enchantingly effervescent editor at Community News.
Joseph II had the last word, however. Upon reflection he considered the piece inflammatory to aristocracy and banned it in Austria. The title character, Figaro, a servant, dares to make a fool of a royal! (It was a tumultuous time in Europe, only 10 years before the French Revolution).
After Mozart's death, as we know, it became his most popular comic opera. The synopsis reads like a Marx Brothers movie.
The Count’s valet, Figaro, is about to marry the Countess’ maid, Susanna. However, the Count himself has designs on the young girl and wants to exert his ancient “feudal rights” and sleep with her on her wedding night. With the aid of Susanna and the Countess, Figaro hatches a plan to catch the Count and foil his intentions. Lots of mistaken identities, hiding behind arrases, cross dressing and gorgeous music.
“Figaro” completed in only one month What demons these geniuses possess!
This year’s Summer Youth Opera Program sponsored by OperaDE will run from July 13th, 2009 to August 7th, 2009. Classes will take place Mondays through Fridays from 9:00AM – 4:00PM, with two workshops; each offering a Session A (1 week), and Session B (2 week) option. At the end of each session, the children will perform either musical or opera scenes as a culmination of the lessons and rehearsals they have had all week.
While students are not rehearsing, they cycle in and out of voice, costumes, movement, and painting. One time only offerings such as prop building, dance, stage management, yoga, and stage combat may be offered as part of select workshops. There is no need for performance experience. The lessons will serve as an introduction to theatrical arts for any child interested in theatre, and will also provide enrichment for those experienced in theatre. OperaDE.org or 658.8063
Tickets for “Figaro” May 3 at 2PM, May 8 & 9 at 8PM 1.800.37.GRAND or TicketsAtTheGrand.org
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bring the World to Delaware and the World will come to us
A few years ago Gov. Ruth Ann Minner took some heat for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for the slogan “It's good to be First” (Zzzzzzzz). Today, Aisle Say is offering a new one, gratis: “Bring the world to Delaware and the world will come to us.”
I do come up with some strange thoughts from time to time (email my two ex-wives for details), but I've got one that could help all Delaware visitors bureaus realize the dream of putting our state on the map as a world-class destination. Here's the story...
Years ago, my kids and I loved to watch the World's Strongest Man on television. We loved the competition, the larger-than-life contestants, the bizarre events created to test strength and endurance, and the backdrop of international venues, like Malta, Malaysia, Victoria Falls.
I became so enamored of one Scandinavian behemoth, Magnus Magnuson, that I threatened Grant and Grace that if he won, I would change my name to Magnus Magnuson Firestone. They looked at one another, rolled their eyes and set upon cheering vociferously for the guy from Ireland.
Just for grins, I Googled the title recently to get information about the show's management, and spoke to Barry Frank of IMG Media, owner of the brand. He said it was fortuitous that I called: the ten-day event is filmed in September each year, and plans are still adrift about the upcoming season.
In 2008, the show took place in West Virginia, and Gov. Joe Manchin was so delighted with the coverage that he has signed a deal for the event to return in 2012. Frank gave me the governor's cell number for a reference, I kid you not.
The season's 10 half-hour shows and one hour-long final show are broadcast to 70 countries, reaching 80 million viewers, with an estimated media value of $10 million. The company guarantees a minimum of 45 minutes of local exposure. This means face time for Jack Markell and destination venues that best represent the host venue. Frank even suggested calling in our political howitzer, VP Biden, for the opening ceremonies.
The beach, of course, is a no brainer for contests as a staging venue. Others? How about challengers carrying impossibly heavy weights through the garden labyrinth at Nemours with the mansion as a backdrop. Or, man-power moving a cargo plane at Dover's air base. Try hauling NASCAR autos around the Monster Mile, or carrying “Atlas stones” up the steps at Rodney Square.
The host city's cost is $300,000 plus a ton of gratis hotel rooms, transportation, security and board for contestants and crew.
But if this does not seem like normal thinking, consider that these are not normal times. This is a charismatic event, an internationally-recognized show with great traction, and with this one bold stroke, our tourist destinations would be internationally known.
For more information, visit TheWorldsStrongestMan.com.
I do come up with some strange thoughts from time to time (email my two ex-wives for details), but I've got one that could help all Delaware visitors bureaus realize the dream of putting our state on the map as a world-class destination. Here's the story...
Years ago, my kids and I loved to watch the World's Strongest Man on television. We loved the competition, the larger-than-life contestants, the bizarre events created to test strength and endurance, and the backdrop of international venues, like Malta, Malaysia, Victoria Falls.
I became so enamored of one Scandinavian behemoth, Magnus Magnuson, that I threatened Grant and Grace that if he won, I would change my name to Magnus Magnuson Firestone. They looked at one another, rolled their eyes and set upon cheering vociferously for the guy from Ireland.
Just for grins, I Googled the title recently to get information about the show's management, and spoke to Barry Frank of IMG Media, owner of the brand. He said it was fortuitous that I called: the ten-day event is filmed in September each year, and plans are still adrift about the upcoming season.
In 2008, the show took place in West Virginia, and Gov. Joe Manchin was so delighted with the coverage that he has signed a deal for the event to return in 2012. Frank gave me the governor's cell number for a reference, I kid you not.
The season's 10 half-hour shows and one hour-long final show are broadcast to 70 countries, reaching 80 million viewers, with an estimated media value of $10 million. The company guarantees a minimum of 45 minutes of local exposure. This means face time for Jack Markell and destination venues that best represent the host venue. Frank even suggested calling in our political howitzer, VP Biden, for the opening ceremonies.
The beach, of course, is a no brainer for contests as a staging venue. Others? How about challengers carrying impossibly heavy weights through the garden labyrinth at Nemours with the mansion as a backdrop. Or, man-power moving a cargo plane at Dover's air base. Try hauling NASCAR autos around the Monster Mile, or carrying “Atlas stones” up the steps at Rodney Square.
The host city's cost is $300,000 plus a ton of gratis hotel rooms, transportation, security and board for contestants and crew.
But if this does not seem like normal thinking, consider that these are not normal times. This is a charismatic event, an internationally-recognized show with great traction, and with this one bold stroke, our tourist destinations would be internationally known.
For more information, visit TheWorldsStrongestMan.com.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Winterthur Museum's Point to Point
Centreville, Del. —
Winterthur's Web site describes founder Henry Francis du Pont as an “avid” antiques collector. Merely “avid"? That's like suggesting that Sir Edmund Hillary was a hiker and Hugh Hefner likes to date!
Obsessed is a better word and he had the wherewithal to fuel it, being the great-grandson of the company's founder.
Henry had an “eye” for American decorative art and a great love of horticulture; the latter being part of the family heritage as stewards of the land, beginning in 1802 with E.I's first gardens at Eleutherian Mills.
From 1920 on, although Winterthur the mansion lacked great historic architecture, du Pont purchased important American interiors and installed them, room by room, within a sprawling addition to the mansion. He then filled these rooms with his burgeoning collection of American decorative arts objects and antiques. Finally, like an English country lord, he exalted in establishing a superlative library.
Today, from a collection of more than 85,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860, Winterthur curators have crafted displays that focus on specific media. Themes in each gallery are built around such questions as: How were these objects made? How were they used? How do we know what they are? Objects selected range from historic clothing and craftsman's tools to exquisite metalworks, ceramics, and paintings.
Most contemporary Delawareans have no comprehension of the breadth of du Pont family philanthropy and how it has impacted us for over two centuries. Scholars use Winterthur's libraries and it is the state's number one tourist attraction save for the beaches. One hundred fifty thousand people visit Winterthur yearly.
Ten percent of them visit one day - the first Sunday in May - Point to Point!
Thirty-one years ago, board member Greta Layton had an idea to fund raise for the institution's educational programs, public school field trips, UD conservator programs and the like. She had been raised in Virginia horse country. “Let's have races over these rolling piedmont hills,” she exclaimed.
Layton called George “Frolic” Weymouth, a du Pont family member, artist in the Wyeth tradition and owner of several horse drawn carriages (one of which would buy a single family home in Fairfax). Frolic joined the “frolic” and two of the most popular Point-to-Point traditions were birthed.
It is an event unlike any other in Delaware; a place to be and be seen. The wearing of hats by women is a major tradition. Tailgating has grown each year, with not only themes for the day but sumptuous repasts catered by the most prestigious regional restaurants. Adult beverages prevail.
And the races! There are five “flat” horse races and three steeplechase races. The full day includes many events for children: “stick” horse races and treasure hunts. For your pooch there is a opportunity for him to complete an obstacle course.
Communications Manager Vicki Saltzman is excited about an innovation for 2009, the 'Painted Ponies Silent Auction.”
“Twenty three artists have painted rocking horses that will be sold not only at Point-to-Point but also on ebay throughout the day. Some of these works are really breathtaking in their creation. We are thrilled and honored to be working with these artists,” she said.
“But the greatest 'point' of Point-to-Point,” exclaims Saltzman, “is the family traditions that have been established over these years. Parents brought their children who now bring their children. Families gather at Winterthur this May day for their reunions. It's a landmark in their heart.”
Aisle Say Sleuthing: Over the years, perhaps thousands of inquisitive Delawareans have pestered Aisle Say on why Winterthur is blessed with its own ZIP code – 19735. “If them, then why not me! Is this not America”! Saltzman explains that when ZIP codes were first unveiled, the estate already had its own postmistress. They applied for and received their own ZIP. The postmistress survives today...although one doubts it's the original one.
Winterthur's Web site describes founder Henry Francis du Pont as an “avid” antiques collector. Merely “avid"? That's like suggesting that Sir Edmund Hillary was a hiker and Hugh Hefner likes to date!
Obsessed is a better word and he had the wherewithal to fuel it, being the great-grandson of the company's founder.
Henry had an “eye” for American decorative art and a great love of horticulture; the latter being part of the family heritage as stewards of the land, beginning in 1802 with E.I's first gardens at Eleutherian Mills.
From 1920 on, although Winterthur the mansion lacked great historic architecture, du Pont purchased important American interiors and installed them, room by room, within a sprawling addition to the mansion. He then filled these rooms with his burgeoning collection of American decorative arts objects and antiques. Finally, like an English country lord, he exalted in establishing a superlative library.
Today, from a collection of more than 85,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860, Winterthur curators have crafted displays that focus on specific media. Themes in each gallery are built around such questions as: How were these objects made? How were they used? How do we know what they are? Objects selected range from historic clothing and craftsman's tools to exquisite metalworks, ceramics, and paintings.
Most contemporary Delawareans have no comprehension of the breadth of du Pont family philanthropy and how it has impacted us for over two centuries. Scholars use Winterthur's libraries and it is the state's number one tourist attraction save for the beaches. One hundred fifty thousand people visit Winterthur yearly.
Ten percent of them visit one day - the first Sunday in May - Point to Point!
Thirty-one years ago, board member Greta Layton had an idea to fund raise for the institution's educational programs, public school field trips, UD conservator programs and the like. She had been raised in Virginia horse country. “Let's have races over these rolling piedmont hills,” she exclaimed.
Layton called George “Frolic” Weymouth, a du Pont family member, artist in the Wyeth tradition and owner of several horse drawn carriages (one of which would buy a single family home in Fairfax). Frolic joined the “frolic” and two of the most popular Point-to-Point traditions were birthed.
It is an event unlike any other in Delaware; a place to be and be seen. The wearing of hats by women is a major tradition. Tailgating has grown each year, with not only themes for the day but sumptuous repasts catered by the most prestigious regional restaurants. Adult beverages prevail.
And the races! There are five “flat” horse races and three steeplechase races. The full day includes many events for children: “stick” horse races and treasure hunts. For your pooch there is a opportunity for him to complete an obstacle course.
Communications Manager Vicki Saltzman is excited about an innovation for 2009, the 'Painted Ponies Silent Auction.”
“Twenty three artists have painted rocking horses that will be sold not only at Point-to-Point but also on ebay throughout the day. Some of these works are really breathtaking in their creation. We are thrilled and honored to be working with these artists,” she said.
“But the greatest 'point' of Point-to-Point,” exclaims Saltzman, “is the family traditions that have been established over these years. Parents brought their children who now bring their children. Families gather at Winterthur this May day for their reunions. It's a landmark in their heart.”
Aisle Say Sleuthing: Over the years, perhaps thousands of inquisitive Delawareans have pestered Aisle Say on why Winterthur is blessed with its own ZIP code – 19735. “If them, then why not me! Is this not America”! Saltzman explains that when ZIP codes were first unveiled, the estate already had its own postmistress. They applied for and received their own ZIP. The postmistress survives today...although one doubts it's the original one.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Winterthur Museum's Point to Point
Winterthur's Web site describes founder Henry Francis du Pont as an “avid” antiques collector. Merely “avid"? That's like suggesting that Sir Edmund Hillary was a hiker and Hugh Hefner likes to date!
Obsessed is a better word and he had the wherewithal to fuel it, being the great-grandson of the company's founder.
Henry had an “eye” for American decorative art and a great love of horticulture; the latter being part of the family heritage as stewards of the land, beginning in 1802 with E.I's first gardens at Eleutherian Mills.
From 1920 on, although Winterthur the mansion lacked great historic architecture, du Pont purchased important American interiors and installed them, room by room, within a sprawling addition to the mansion. He then filled these rooms with his burgeoning collection of American decorative arts objects and antiques. Finally, like an English country lord, he exalted in establishing a superlative library.
Today, from a collection of more than 85,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860, Winterthur curators have crafted displays that focus on specific media. Themes in each gallery are built around such questions as: How were these objects made? How were they used? How do we know what they are? Objects selected range from historic clothing and craftsman's tools to exquisite metalworks, ceramics, and paintings.
Most contemporary Delawareans have no comprehension of the breadth of du Pont family philanthropy and how it has impacted us for over two centuries. Scholars use Winterthur's libraries and it is the state's number one tourist attraction save for the beaches. One hundred fifty thousand people visit Winterthur yearly.
Ten percent of them visit one day - the first Sunday in May - Point to Point!
Thirty-one years ago, board member Greta Layton had an idea to fund raise for the institution's educational programs; public school field trips, UD conservator programs and the like. She had been raised in Virginia horse country. “Let's have races over these rolling piedmont hills,” she exclaimed.
Layton called George “Frolic” Weymouth, a du Pont family member, artist in the Wyeth tradition and owner of several horse drawn carriages (one of which would buy a single family home in Fairfax). Frolic joined the “frolic” and two of the most popular Point-to-Point traditions were birthed.
It is an event unlike any other in Delaware; a place to be and be seen. The wearing of hats by women is a major tradition. Tailgating has grown each year, with not only themes for the day but sumptuous repasts catered by the most prestigious regional restaurants. Adult beverages prevail.
And the races! There are five “flat” horse races and three steeplechase races. The full day includes many events for children: “stick” horse races and treasure hunts. For your pooch there is a opportunity for him to complete an obstacle course.
Communications Manager Vicki Saltzman is excited about an innovation for 2009, the 'Painted Ponies Silent Auction.”
“Twenty three artists have painted rocking horses that will be sold not only at Point-to-Point but also on ebay throughout the day. Some of these works are really breathtaking in their creation. We are thrilled and honored to be working with these artists,” she said.
“But the greatest 'point' of Point-to-Point,” exclaims Saltzman, “is the family traditions that have been established over these years. Parents brought their children who now bring their children. Families gather at Winterthur this May day for their reunions. It's a landmark in their heart.”
Aisle Say Sleuthing: Over the years, perhaps thousands of inquisitive Delawareans have pestered Aisle Say on why Winterthur is blessed with its own ZIP code – 19735. “If them, then why not me! Is this not America”! Saltzman explains that when ZIP codes were first unveiled, the estate already had its own postmistress. They applied for and received their own ZIP. The postmistress survives today...although one doubts it's the original one.
Obsessed is a better word and he had the wherewithal to fuel it, being the great-grandson of the company's founder.
Henry had an “eye” for American decorative art and a great love of horticulture; the latter being part of the family heritage as stewards of the land, beginning in 1802 with E.I's first gardens at Eleutherian Mills.
From 1920 on, although Winterthur the mansion lacked great historic architecture, du Pont purchased important American interiors and installed them, room by room, within a sprawling addition to the mansion. He then filled these rooms with his burgeoning collection of American decorative arts objects and antiques. Finally, like an English country lord, he exalted in establishing a superlative library.
Today, from a collection of more than 85,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860, Winterthur curators have crafted displays that focus on specific media. Themes in each gallery are built around such questions as: How were these objects made? How were they used? How do we know what they are? Objects selected range from historic clothing and craftsman's tools to exquisite metalworks, ceramics, and paintings.
Most contemporary Delawareans have no comprehension of the breadth of du Pont family philanthropy and how it has impacted us for over two centuries. Scholars use Winterthur's libraries and it is the state's number one tourist attraction save for the beaches. One hundred fifty thousand people visit Winterthur yearly.
Ten percent of them visit one day - the first Sunday in May - Point to Point!
Thirty-one years ago, board member Greta Layton had an idea to fund raise for the institution's educational programs; public school field trips, UD conservator programs and the like. She had been raised in Virginia horse country. “Let's have races over these rolling piedmont hills,” she exclaimed.
Layton called George “Frolic” Weymouth, a du Pont family member, artist in the Wyeth tradition and owner of several horse drawn carriages (one of which would buy a single family home in Fairfax). Frolic joined the “frolic” and two of the most popular Point-to-Point traditions were birthed.
It is an event unlike any other in Delaware; a place to be and be seen. The wearing of hats by women is a major tradition. Tailgating has grown each year, with not only themes for the day but sumptuous repasts catered by the most prestigious regional restaurants. Adult beverages prevail.
And the races! There are five “flat” horse races and three steeplechase races. The full day includes many events for children: “stick” horse races and treasure hunts. For your pooch there is a opportunity for him to complete an obstacle course.
Communications Manager Vicki Saltzman is excited about an innovation for 2009, the 'Painted Ponies Silent Auction.”
“Twenty three artists have painted rocking horses that will be sold not only at Point-to-Point but also on ebay throughout the day. Some of these works are really breathtaking in their creation. We are thrilled and honored to be working with these artists,” she said.
“But the greatest 'point' of Point-to-Point,” exclaims Saltzman, “is the family traditions that have been established over these years. Parents brought their children who now bring their children. Families gather at Winterthur this May day for their reunions. It's a landmark in their heart.”
Aisle Say Sleuthing: Over the years, perhaps thousands of inquisitive Delawareans have pestered Aisle Say on why Winterthur is blessed with its own ZIP code – 19735. “If them, then why not me! Is this not America”! Saltzman explains that when ZIP codes were first unveiled, the estate already had its own postmistress. They applied for and received their own ZIP. The postmistress survives today...although one doubts it's the original one.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ALEXEI and RASPUTIN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delaware author Greer Firestone
releases historical novel Alexei and Rasputin
First published in 2000, discovery of the remains of Alexei and sister Marie in 2007 sparked
new international interest in the Romanovs. This caused Firestone to re-edit and include
unpublished photos from the Beinecke Library of Yale University.
The world has long been fascinated with the compelling characters and cataclysmic events
surrounding the end of the 300-year Romanov dynasty of Russia:
· The mystical (and some say mythical) Rasputin and his influence on the teenaged
Alexei, the heir
· The passionate love affair between Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra
· The four lovely Romanov daughter (OTMA): Olga, Tatiana, Marie and Anastasia
· World War I and the Communist Revolution of 1917
Few books have touched on what was the greatest secret of the age; tsarevich Alexei’s curse
of hemophilia, “The Royal Disease.” Entwined in this tale of incalculable wealth and global
dominance is the enigmatic and charismatic Rasputin. Only Rasputin had the power to stop
the flow of blood. Was he a saint or sinner?
Alexei and Rasputin gives a face, a personality and a soul… to the boy who carried on his
small frame two impossible burdens – heir and hemophiliac.
Firestone is available for school and group lectures, as well as book signings.
Alexei and Rasputin
by Greer Firestone
Taken from first person historical accounts,
Alexei and Rasputin is a novel about the boy whose
murder changed the course of the world.
$18.95 + $3.00 shipping
209 Jackson Blvd • Wilmington DE 19803
Contact:
GREER FIRESTONE
producer@delaware.net
BestofBroadwayProductions.com
(302) 494-3133
Delaware author Greer Firestone
releases historical novel Alexei and Rasputin
First published in 2000, discovery of the remains of Alexei and sister Marie in 2007 sparked
new international interest in the Romanovs. This caused Firestone to re-edit and include
unpublished photos from the Beinecke Library of Yale University.
The world has long been fascinated with the compelling characters and cataclysmic events
surrounding the end of the 300-year Romanov dynasty of Russia:
· The mystical (and some say mythical) Rasputin and his influence on the teenaged
Alexei, the heir
· The passionate love affair between Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra
· The four lovely Romanov daughter (OTMA): Olga, Tatiana, Marie and Anastasia
· World War I and the Communist Revolution of 1917
Few books have touched on what was the greatest secret of the age; tsarevich Alexei’s curse
of hemophilia, “The Royal Disease.” Entwined in this tale of incalculable wealth and global
dominance is the enigmatic and charismatic Rasputin. Only Rasputin had the power to stop
the flow of blood. Was he a saint or sinner?
Alexei and Rasputin gives a face, a personality and a soul… to the boy who carried on his
small frame two impossible burdens – heir and hemophiliac.
Firestone is available for school and group lectures, as well as book signings.
Alexei and Rasputin
by Greer Firestone
Taken from first person historical accounts,
Alexei and Rasputin is a novel about the boy whose
murder changed the course of the world.
$18.95 + $3.00 shipping
209 Jackson Blvd • Wilmington DE 19803
Contact:
GREER FIRESTONE
producer@delaware.net
BestofBroadwayProductions.com
(302) 494-3133
New Candlelight Theatre - Footloose
Director, Lighting Designer and Set Designer Chris Alberts has corralled 15 dancers (eight of whom are male, an endangered species) to create one of the most engaging, endearing and uplifting productions at The New Candlelight since the present owners took over four years ago.
Lighting design was one of the major characters of the production, and beautifully framed the virility of this stratospherically enthusiastic and talented cast.
This "Footloose" production is March Madness, dear readers, and Bobby Gouse (in Kevin Bacon's role as Ren McCormick) left it all on the floor, with rock-edged singing and electrifying dancing. I've seen all of New Candlelight's shows the past year, and this dude can dance.
Kaylan Wetzel, as Ren's love interest Ariel Moore elevated testosterone levels both on stage and in the audience.
Even though the plot of the original film, later made into the stage show, was dismissed as pure puffery -- merely a vehicle for the music of Kenny Loggins, Alberts extracted terrific acting from the cast.
Brian Peeke created sidekick Willard Hewitt that will stand as one of New Candlelight's enduring characters. How do you act like a geeky, fumbling but wannabe macho cowboy? Peeke commanded stage presence with each succeeding scene and made Willard very real for us, foibles and all.
Peyton Dixon (Shaw Moore) and Gerri Weagraff (Vi Moore) portrayed the rigid, agonized pastor and dutiful wife. Their voices were terrific and their acting, stellar. The audience witnessed through their eyes and subtle gestures the torment of the loss of their only son years before.
A musical by definition is escapism. But let's face it, behind closed doors most of us have “family issues” that we carry around with us and from which there is no exit. Alberts brought out this piece of humanity in the script. The message was there, but categorically, the director made sure there was a whole lot more more fun than dysfunction.
Candice Brechbiel, Jamie Soltis and Adrienne Bergeron, playing Footloose's version of the Pink Ladies of “Grease,” were entrancing and amusing foils for lead character, Ariel Moore. Their trio of “Somebody's Eyes” was well crafted and their voices harmonized perfectly.
Other hit tunes from the show are “Let's Hear It For the Boys,” “Almost Paradise” and the title tune “Footloose.”
The Candlelight is a small stage serving intimate audiences, first satiated by a sumptuous buffet. My sister and I sat with newlywed first-timers who had recently moved to Wilmington from their homeland China. We regaled them with the 40-year history of Candlelight, and quipped, where can you go for dinner, camaraderie and professional theatre for $55. I hope we turned them into season ticket holders.
For owners Bob and Jody Miller, Aisle Say's suggestion is to lock Chris Alberts and pyrotechnic choreographer Angela Bates Majewski in one of those dank rooms deep in the labyrinthine basement of New Candlelight and bring them up only for succeeding shows.
The show runs through May 30. For more information, visit NewCandlelighttheatre.com or call (302) 475-2313.
Lighting design was one of the major characters of the production, and beautifully framed the virility of this stratospherically enthusiastic and talented cast.
This "Footloose" production is March Madness, dear readers, and Bobby Gouse (in Kevin Bacon's role as Ren McCormick) left it all on the floor, with rock-edged singing and electrifying dancing. I've seen all of New Candlelight's shows the past year, and this dude can dance.
Kaylan Wetzel, as Ren's love interest Ariel Moore elevated testosterone levels both on stage and in the audience.
Even though the plot of the original film, later made into the stage show, was dismissed as pure puffery -- merely a vehicle for the music of Kenny Loggins, Alberts extracted terrific acting from the cast.
Brian Peeke created sidekick Willard Hewitt that will stand as one of New Candlelight's enduring characters. How do you act like a geeky, fumbling but wannabe macho cowboy? Peeke commanded stage presence with each succeeding scene and made Willard very real for us, foibles and all.
Peyton Dixon (Shaw Moore) and Gerri Weagraff (Vi Moore) portrayed the rigid, agonized pastor and dutiful wife. Their voices were terrific and their acting, stellar. The audience witnessed through their eyes and subtle gestures the torment of the loss of their only son years before.
A musical by definition is escapism. But let's face it, behind closed doors most of us have “family issues” that we carry around with us and from which there is no exit. Alberts brought out this piece of humanity in the script. The message was there, but categorically, the director made sure there was a whole lot more more fun than dysfunction.
Candice Brechbiel, Jamie Soltis and Adrienne Bergeron, playing Footloose's version of the Pink Ladies of “Grease,” were entrancing and amusing foils for lead character, Ariel Moore. Their trio of “Somebody's Eyes” was well crafted and their voices harmonized perfectly.
Other hit tunes from the show are “Let's Hear It For the Boys,” “Almost Paradise” and the title tune “Footloose.”
The Candlelight is a small stage serving intimate audiences, first satiated by a sumptuous buffet. My sister and I sat with newlywed first-timers who had recently moved to Wilmington from their homeland China. We regaled them with the 40-year history of Candlelight, and quipped, where can you go for dinner, camaraderie and professional theatre for $55. I hope we turned them into season ticket holders.
For owners Bob and Jody Miller, Aisle Say's suggestion is to lock Chris Alberts and pyrotechnic choreographer Angela Bates Majewski in one of those dank rooms deep in the labyrinthine basement of New Candlelight and bring them up only for succeeding shows.
The show runs through May 30. For more information, visit NewCandlelighttheatre.com or call (302) 475-2313.
Aisle Say - Newark Film Festival
Entrepreneur and Newark Film Festival impresario Barry Schlecker is putting out a call to all Delaware filmmakers, videographers and Spike Lee dreamers.
He's got a new innovation for the festival that he says speaks directly to its mission: a free 30-second commercial screened 300 times throughout the week-long event for each sponsor that qualifies by underwriting at a certain level.
“It's a 'value added' proposal for our sponsors and an innovative way to give exposure to local filmmakers,” he says.
This is clearly a win-win: sponsors get a boost and budding film makers get added exposure at the event, which runs Sept. 10-17 at the Newark Cinema Center 3 and Sept. 18-20 at the Delaware Art Museum.
The commercials may very well take on a life of their own, and by their very nature become a draw for the 5-year old festival, now a solid player in the city's arts and culture.
Head Newark cheerleader and Mayor Vance Funk is a major Thomas Jefferson fan. He intends to fulfill his 30 seconds of Warhol fame dressed as our country's third president. (Think Rudy Guiliani on Saturday Night Live without the dress.)
The filmmakers will meet with sponsors to determine the commercial's mission, create a story board and plan a shoot -- and the owner of the business may very well be the star of the production.
Ric Edevane, owner of video production company Creative Media Group (cmg-de.com) and president of Delaware Independent Film Makers (Whatsthedif.net), has agreed to vet the commercials for quality control.
Locally produced films have always been a part of the festival (a third of the 30 screened indies and documentaries were produced regionally), but this opens the door for more.
Schlecker is emphatic about embracing local film makers and giving them a forum: "We take pride in this aspect of our mission," he says, and it's working.
“The buzz on the new project has been such a success that we are seeking additional film makers,” says Schlecker. “As Spike Lee said, with the advent of YouTube, everyone with a camera can be a filmmaker.”
And with organizations like DIF, Edevane says there's support to become a better one. He characterizes DIF as the premiere Delaware group for the serious filmmaker.
“Find talent for your next film, learn new ways to light and shoot a scene, network with some of Delaware's top award-winning filmmakers or just come out and have fun.”
Gordon Delgiorno, DIF's VP, says his goal is to goal is to make DIF the central hub for all film-related business that passes through the state. He has screened two of his feature films in the festival so far. This Newark connection has ongoing work with the city to catalog their year-long events through Film Brothers (FilmBrothers.com), a company he jointly owns with brother Greg.
Many DIF members will participate in the Film Festival plan. While their work is gratis, there will definitely be competition. Schlecker intends to award cash prizes to winners -- who will be judged by audience acclamation.
For more information, visit NewarkFilm.com or call Barry Schlecker (302) 690-5555.
Aisle Say arts critic Greer Firestone knows who's who and what's what in the local theatre scene. His opinings on the business of art come from a half-century in Delaware theatre.
He's got a new innovation for the festival that he says speaks directly to its mission: a free 30-second commercial screened 300 times throughout the week-long event for each sponsor that qualifies by underwriting at a certain level.
“It's a 'value added' proposal for our sponsors and an innovative way to give exposure to local filmmakers,” he says.
This is clearly a win-win: sponsors get a boost and budding film makers get added exposure at the event, which runs Sept. 10-17 at the Newark Cinema Center 3 and Sept. 18-20 at the Delaware Art Museum.
The commercials may very well take on a life of their own, and by their very nature become a draw for the 5-year old festival, now a solid player in the city's arts and culture.
Head Newark cheerleader and Mayor Vance Funk is a major Thomas Jefferson fan. He intends to fulfill his 30 seconds of Warhol fame dressed as our country's third president. (Think Rudy Guiliani on Saturday Night Live without the dress.)
The filmmakers will meet with sponsors to determine the commercial's mission, create a story board and plan a shoot -- and the owner of the business may very well be the star of the production.
Ric Edevane, owner of video production company Creative Media Group (cmg-de.com) and president of Delaware Independent Film Makers (Whatsthedif.net), has agreed to vet the commercials for quality control.
Locally produced films have always been a part of the festival (a third of the 30 screened indies and documentaries were produced regionally), but this opens the door for more.
Schlecker is emphatic about embracing local film makers and giving them a forum: "We take pride in this aspect of our mission," he says, and it's working.
“The buzz on the new project has been such a success that we are seeking additional film makers,” says Schlecker. “As Spike Lee said, with the advent of YouTube, everyone with a camera can be a filmmaker.”
And with organizations like DIF, Edevane says there's support to become a better one. He characterizes DIF as the premiere Delaware group for the serious filmmaker.
“Find talent for your next film, learn new ways to light and shoot a scene, network with some of Delaware's top award-winning filmmakers or just come out and have fun.”
Gordon Delgiorno, DIF's VP, says his goal is to goal is to make DIF the central hub for all film-related business that passes through the state. He has screened two of his feature films in the festival so far. This Newark connection has ongoing work with the city to catalog their year-long events through Film Brothers (FilmBrothers.com), a company he jointly owns with brother Greg.
Many DIF members will participate in the Film Festival plan. While their work is gratis, there will definitely be competition. Schlecker intends to award cash prizes to winners -- who will be judged by audience acclamation.
For more information, visit NewarkFilm.com or call Barry Schlecker (302) 690-5555.
Aisle Say arts critic Greer Firestone knows who's who and what's what in the local theatre scene. His opinings on the business of art come from a half-century in Delaware theatre.
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