Tag Archives: Art

by

Broadway, Boys and Betty Buckley @RHCPA

I have no ear for music, a genetic gift from the Nonagenarian; unlike Betty Buckley, who acknowledges her talent was inherited from her mother. I fill that void with a passion for lyrics. George needed Ira; Cole…well he just needed Porter…and then there was Larry Hart. My appreciation for Sondheim is as a lyricist, not a composer.

Presuming that you have no idea who Larry Hart is, I quote the lyrics for “With a Song in my Heart” -

With a song in my heart
I behold your adorable face.
Just a song at the start
but it soon is a hymn to your grace.
When the music swells
I'm touching your hand
It tells that your're standing near, and ..
At the sound of your voice 
heaven opens it's portals to me.
Can I help but rejoice
that a song such as ours came to be?
But I always knew
I would live life through
with a song in my heart for you.

In comparision, I present the refrain from No Scrubs written by Kandi Buruss and Tameka Cottle:

I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Trying to holler at me
I don’t want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Trying to holler at me

Which one will still be sung 100 years from now? I’m putting my money on Larry Hart. I think Betty Buckley would too!

Betty Buckley has a powerful voice, but in concert she doesn’t belt, rather she uses that power judiciously to embellish the lyrics when the volume is appropriate. Her restraint is particularly welcome as these days young female singers seem to have only two speeds- silent or full throttle. By focusing on the lyrics, the audience is drawn into her performance, eager to hear how the story ends.

Thank goodness for the iPod. I no longer have to despair that radio has forsaken lyrics for street slang and expletives. I can download Betty Buckley’s interpretations of the Great American Songbook and skip the musical dystopia.

by

2013-14 Sneak Peek @RHCPA: Hint: Stella Adler was his drama teacher

English: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performi...

English: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How did little ol’ me get a sneak peek at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts line-up for 2013-14? Easy, I bought a ClubRHCPA membership. Buy one today, and you could attend the season launch on Monday night – April 29. One of the many privileges of membership is the ability to purchase tickets in advance of the general public.

RHCPA has a reputation for diverse programming. The 2013-14 season is no exception. Teen idols from two different generations are represented. The options available for children are classic. Suite Thursday’s return. They take place in the Plaza Suite, an intimate space that adapts to suit the occasion. This year you can buy tickets in advance. A convenience I really appreciate. There are dramatic productions, some classical concerts, tribute bands…and an evening with a guest speaker who has a world of experience. [Another hint, Ben Affleck made a movie about his exploits.]

The Reel Thing returns – that is a Monday night screening, once a month, of the best films from around the world. Need convincing? This Monday, April 29, I’m going to see Amour – which won the Oscar for best Foreign Film this year. RHCPA brings the world to our doorstep.

Equally exciting is the Centre’s plans for New Year’s Eve 2013. I bought a box…yep…and I plan to dress for the occasion. The Nonagenarian will be tapping her feet, and I’m going to be doing the One O’Clock Jump!

Email me if you want to know which student of Stella Adler is coming in October to entertain us. Better yet, call the box office and buy a ClubRHCP membership. There are no secrets for club members.

by

Club @RHCPA – Smart Art Spend for 2013-2014

A membership fee of $100 is a smart Art spend if you frequent the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. An annual membership in Club RHCPA entitles you to:

  • A 15% discount for up to 10 tickets to any RHCPA presented performance.
  • Buy one ticket and get a second at no additional cost for Suite Thursday cabaret performances AND The Reel Thing film series.
  • Meet and greet for select performances with the artists.
  • Pre-show reception prior to select performances.

And an invitation to the 2013-14 season launch. You jump to the front of the line, ensuring you’ll have the best seats in the house.

Season launch is April 29, 2013, so you should order your membership as soon as possible to ensure there is a seat for you at the preview.

Call the box office 905 787 8811 or visit RHCPA online.

by

A Night @RHCPA with @Bravuratones

English: portrait of Debbie Reynolds at home L...

English: portrait of Debbie Reynolds at home Los Angeles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was a red carpet and swag evening in the heart of Richmond Hill. The RH Centre for the Performing Arts announced the program for the 2012-13 season with style. Tickets are on sale at rhcentre.ca. Michael Grit, the Centre’s man-in-charge of programming announced the line-up in between performances by the Canadian baritone trio, Bravura.

There is something for everybody. Kicking off the new season is entertainment legend Debbie Reynolds. She will perform one show only, October 17, 2012.  The under 12 theatre goer has an outstanding choice of shows based on well known children’s books: The Velveteen Rabbit, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Martha Speaks. The full line-up of family programming is on the Centre’s website.

If you haven’t purchased a gift for Father’s Day, consider tickets to album recreations: Queen: A Night at the Opera; AC/DC: Back in Black; or Supertramp: Breakfast in America. America- the band, not a tribute, will perform January 25. If Dad prefers comedy, choose from Steve Patterson, Vicki Lawrence – yeah, THAT Vicki Lawrence or Wingfield Progress. A gift of a pair of tickets is the same as guaranteeing a date night!

Three Canadian country and folk icons will perform – Michelle Wright, Jason McCoy and Valdy. The last time I saw Valdy perform Play Me a Rock and Roll Song was on Vancouver Island in a gale force storm. Memorable!

Two shows on my calendar are Boyz II Men, April 11, 2013 and Betty Buckley, May 9 – talk about Mem’ries…

Thank you for my swag, RHCPA, the red carpet, and the Bravura performance. You know how to make a girl feel special.