“Ron Martin, the drama teacher at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, says he will fight for ‘Rent: School Edition,’ the show he contends was arbitrarily pulled by a principal concerned about depictions of prostitution and homosexuality. … He said hundreds of e-mails and phone calls led him to try to make the case for ‘Rent,’ which in the school edition omits bad language and depictions of sexual behavior.”
Tag: 02.20.09
National Gallery And Tate Reach Turf Truce
“The two titans of the British art world, the National Gallery and the Tate, have finally edged towards a truce after four years of disagreement about where the cut-off between their collections should be. The armistice comes just days before the opening of the National Gallery’s latest blockbuster, devoted to Picasso – an artist whose natural territory is, arguably, Tate Modern rather the National Gallery.”
An Al Jolson Musical Opts To Go Without Blackface
“In a new production, Jolson & Co – the Musical, to open at the King’s theatre in Edinburgh, the pantomime star Allan Stewart will play Al Jolson. Controversy has erupted as the producers have decided that in a seminal scene he will not black up.” This is a cowardly misstep, as “contemplating Al Jolson without blacking up is like considering Marvin Gaye without sex; if the producers wanted to avoid controversy, they shouldn’t be doing a musical about Al Jolson.”
Despite Star In Lead, B’way Play Had Trouble Raising Funds
“Even having a major Hollywood name in a Broadway play does not guarantee that investors will rush to put money into it in these recessionary days, theater producers are learning. Case in point: Jane Fonda’s star turn in ’33 Variations,’ the new play written and directed by Moisés Kaufman now in previews at the Eugene O’Neill Theater and opening on March 9.”
Another Instrument Left In A Taxi; Will Epidemic Ever End?
“Glenn Dicterow, the concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, has joined an illustrious club: prominent musicians who forgot their instruments in taxis. In Mr. Dicterow’s case, it was a 1727 Guarneri del Gesù violin belonging to the orchestra. But his separation anxiety lasted barely 30 minutes because of a lucky set of connections that sent the taxi driver zooming back in time for a concert curtain.”
Placido Domingo Wins $1 Million Birgit Nilsson Prize
“Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo has been awarded the first ever Birgit Nilsson prize for his ‘unrivalled contributions to the world of opera’. He receives $1 million (£697,000) – the biggest prize in classical music.”
An Affectionate Defense Of Muzak (Really!)
“There were mixed feelings when Muzak Holdings LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month. Most reactions ranged from surprise (does Muzak still exist?) to snobbish relief (they should have driven a stake through its canned heart long ago). But some of us felt a real pang, as memories flooded in on the wave of news about the possible disappearance of yet another pipeline to the past.”
Strippers & Streetwalkers Give Actresses An Awards Edge
For actresses who want a shot at a statuette, playing a sex worker, as Marisa Tomei does in “The Wrestler,” could be just the ticket. “Historically, there have been fewer edgy roles for women, and the world’s oldest profession — prostitution — offers a natural corollary to another time-tested role, the male criminal. Another reason: Inherently flawed characters, who possess what some might see as mental, moral or physical imperfections, make for more courageous acting performances.”
Christian Parents’ Lenten Sacrifice: Facebook
“They’re a little too old to give up potato chips, Guitar Hero or Red Bull for Lent. But as Christian parents ponder an appropriate sacrifice, they find themselves mulling a choice they’d have once seen as preposterous: A Facebook fast — not for their teens but for themselves.”
Survey: Nonprofit Theatres Hunkering Down For Recession
“U.S. nonprofit theaters are cutting staff and expanding discounts as they anticipate disappointing ticket sales and fundraising, according to a new survey by the Theatre Communications Group. In a January survey of 210 member theaters, the group found 77 percent are ‘reprojecting’ expenses for the coming year. Theaters with a budget of at least $10 million are cutting spending by an average of $750,000.”