“While it’s great that the Royal Opera House intends to put new opera at the heart of its next few seasons, the reasons shouldn’t be the (albeit worthy) ones of doing new opera to safeguard the future of the artform; nor because it makes Covent Garden feel more justified in receiving its proportionally huge grant.”
Tag: 01.20.13
Philly Stagehands Strike Continues
“Talks between the Philadelphia Theatre Co. and union officials ended Sunday after ‘seven fruitless hours’ according to the union, without reaching a new labor agreement covering 27 stagehands. The strike, which began Friday, goes on.”
Pianos Fill Many Junkyards, But Why?
“‘Our customers sometimes get quite upset,’ says Jon Kelly. ‘Pianos have often been passed through generations of one family and have great sentimental value. We’ve been on jobs where people cry when the piano’s taken away.'”
Remembering Dennis Dennehy, Evangelist of Irish Dance
“He not only championed the rich and famous, but also this shy, pigeon-toed little boy with red hair, who had very little to feel good about until he walked into his school.”
Did Benjamin Britten Die Of Undiagnosed Syphilis?
A new biography claims that Britten and Peter Pears, who was probably the carrier, were never told because of the disease’s stigma.
Indy Symphony May Fall Short Of Fundraising Goal, Destroying Recent Agreement With Union
“The symphony reported Tuesday that it had raised $3.2 million of the $5 million it set as a fundraising goal. That raises the possibility that the group could have to reopen negotiations with its musicians.”
Has Sundance Become Porndance?
The graphic sex on display at this year’s festival has industry insiders – except for James Franco – surprised and a bit taken aback.
Well, Here’s A Blast From The Past: Rich Little Plans Broadway Revue
“[The] country’s pre-eminent impressionist in the 1970s and for years a fixture on talk, variety and game shows, … he is plotting his re-emergence courtesy of Jimmy Stewart & Friends, a hybrid of biographical theater and comedy that tells the story of that beloved actor’s life, as voiced by Mr. Little, with vocal cameos by dozens of luminaries who crossed Stewart’s path, and a few that did not. (Somehow, Dr. Phil pops up.)”