JP SCHUITEMAN
WRITER-REVIEWER
CYGNET Theatre:
Presents . . .
Per JP Schuiteman
There's a storm coming. Perhaps just another storm like others that have thrashed Rockford, Illinois. Rockford is a hard-hit rust belt city in the shadow of Chicago, and the evidence of loss is everywhere. One thing that can not be taken, is the notion of family. For SAM (Terrell Donnell Sledge) the idea of community, of family, is represented by fireworks on the 4th of July. He is determined to have the perfect spot to view them. SAM's obsession is a concern for aspirant TEA (Cortez L. Johnson,) who chides SAM to give up his folding chair, and come join their crew moving to ATL (aka Atlanta or Black Hollywood.)
There's a storm coming. Perhaps just another storm like others that have thrashed Rockford, Illinois. Rockford is a hard-hit rust belt city in the shadow of Chicago, and the evidence of loss is everywhere. One thing that can not be taken, is the notion of family. For SAM (Terrell Donnell Sledge) the idea of community, of family, is represented by fireworks on the 4th of July. He is determined to have the perfect spot to view them. SAM's obsession is a concern for aspirant TEA (Cortez L. Johnson,) who chides SAM to give up his folding chair, and come join their crew moving to ATL (aka Atlanta or Black Hollywood.)
TEA encourages SHANTLELL (Demetrius Clayton) to challenge SAM in a powerful Rap Battle. SHANTELL, makes a strong case to strive for success, but disenchanted SAM speaks his truth of overwhelming challenges and of inherent failure. Clearly, SAM is at a transition point in his life, as reflected by the setting: a bridge spanning the Rock River (Set Design: Sean Fanning.) Throughout the first act of this urban drama, there is palpable tension between failure and the irresistible impulse to create. ANA (Nadia Guevara) who is new to the family, admits she is running away from her problems. She brings a desire like that of the fledgling - to leave its nest, to soar and to sing. Her contribution of “I've got a Fast Car”, supports a jubilant musical moment (Stephen Leffue, Sound Designer) when SHANTELL, ANA, TEA, and SAM all perform.
Cortez Johnson
When a devastating storm leaves piles of debris (Dean Remington, Stage manager; Hanna May Assistant, Stage Manager), SAM immediately steps up, taking responsibility for his spot. With so much to tell, every element is utilized, to move this story forward - including the props, and the set (Bonnie Durben Properties Designer). Even the costumes, contribute to understanding each character and their surroundings (Shirley Pierson, Costume Designer). As with RONDA (Monique Gaffney), who is at odds with her career in Law Enforcement - RONDA appears at intervals, sometimes as the stern matriarch, or at others, as the big sister or perhaps even as a Guardian Angel.
When a devastating storm leaves piles of debris (Dean Remington, Stage manager; Hanna May Assistant, Stage Manager), SAM immediately steps up, taking responsibility for his spot. With so much to tell, every element is utilized, to move this story forward - including the props, and the set (Bonnie Durben Properties Designer). Even the costumes, contribute to understanding each character and their surroundings (Shirley Pierson, Costume Designer). As with RONDA (Monique Gaffney), who is at odds with her career in Law Enforcement - RONDA appears at intervals, sometimes as the stern matriarch, or at others, as the big sister or perhaps even as a Guardian Angel.
NIA (Chaz Shermil), TEA's baby momma, has known SAM her whole life - he even changed her diapers. They share a powerful moment, which wonderfully illustrates how theater can shift from storytelling to transcendence. When NIA asks SAM to help her with a scrape on her foot, volumes are spoken about intimacy, loss, family, and love, all without a single word of dialog.
Enchanted lighting, tells us of the passing of storms, and of time, and of the changing moods within SAM, as he waits alone for July 4th (R. Craig Wolf, Lighting Designer; Christina J. Martin, Assistant Lighting Designer.) Life's journey may be lit by fireworks or by fireflies, but it is our connection with others that brings forth that light. The Cygnet Theater and directors Rob Lutfy (Senior Director) and Kian Kline-Chilton (Assistant Director), have elegantly presented Playwright Nathan Alan Davis's latest work - THE WIND & THE BREEZE.
Enchanted lighting, tells us of the passing of storms, and of time, and of the changing moods within SAM, as he waits alone for July 4th (R. Craig Wolf, Lighting Designer; Christina J. Martin, Assistant Lighting Designer.) Life's journey may be lit by fireworks or by fireflies, but it is our connection with others that brings forth that light. The Cygnet Theater and directors Rob Lutfy (Senior Director) and Kian Kline-Chilton (Assistant Director), have elegantly presented Playwright Nathan Alan Davis's latest work - THE WIND & THE BREEZE.
********
Presents . . .
SD GAY MEN'S CHORUS
Per JP Schuiteman
The extravaganza – DIVAS - an electrifying evening at San Diego's most stunning venue, the Balboa Theater! DIVAS by the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus (SDGMC), honored songstresses who have inspired, and often supported, the LGBTQ community. Webster defines the term DIVA as: “appearing in late 19th century by way of Italian, from original Latin and literally means ‘goddess.” Those in attendance, were treated to a sampling from amazing artists, who have made their mark on both the LGBTQ and the American cultures. A show to glorify our modern day Goddesses, over 20 songstresses were represented with full songs or as part of medleys.
The extravaganza – DIVAS - an electrifying evening at San Diego's most stunning venue, the Balboa Theater! DIVAS by the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus (SDGMC), honored songstresses who have inspired, and often supported, the LGBTQ community. Webster defines the term DIVA as: “appearing in late 19th century by way of Italian, from original Latin and literally means ‘goddess.” Those in attendance, were treated to a sampling from amazing artists, who have made their mark on both the LGBTQ and the American cultures. A show to glorify our modern day Goddesses, over 20 songstresses were represented with full songs or as part of medleys.
ZERO IN ON
“DIVAS”
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus
Where: Balboa Theatre
Dates: July 29th & 30th, 2017
www.sdgmc.com
As Artistic Director, RC Haus said during his introduction, the SDGMC is less a chorus and more a show! And, that was truly my experience, as the action never stopped; complete with lights, props, fog and humongous disco ball! (Jessie Medofer Stage manager, Michael Von Hoffman Lighting Designer.) The huge Chorus, was joined not only by dancers, but a succession of entertainers, including twirlers (Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps aka ROTC), gymnasts and other performers. Great work by the Choreographers: Joe Gregore (Producer and Choreographer) Keith Elliot (Lead Choreographer) and Charles Brown IV.
Supporting the singers, was the JazzKatz Orchestra led by Chaz Cabera. Much of the evening’s music premiered new arrangements created by Cabera. These skillful renditions of well known songs, were transformed to showcase the talents of this outstanding choir.
Many wonderful soloists performed throughout - including San Diego favorite Janice Edwards (singing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor), who brought the already enthusiastic crowd to it's feet. Other great soloists throughout the evening, included Bryan Stanton (“Jolene”), Daniel James (“Someone Like You”), Eric Ayaso (“My Heart Will Go On”), Kori Gillis (“Hero”) and the impressive Mitch Alvarado (“I Will Always Love You”).
Many wonderful soloists performed throughout - including San Diego favorite Janice Edwards (singing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor), who brought the already enthusiastic crowd to it's feet. Other great soloists throughout the evening, included Bryan Stanton (“Jolene”), Daniel James (“Someone Like You”), Eric Ayaso (“My Heart Will Go On”), Kori Gillis (“Hero”) and the impressive Mitch Alvarado (“I Will Always Love You”).
The Choir, is partially supported by the Sycuan Casino, which is a terrific win for SDGMC in this challenging time for Arts Funding. It was announced, that in addition to future shows at the Balboa, there will also be shows held at the Sycuan Casino. Both venues have their unique perks! As expected, with an enterprise of this proportion … there are many, many other donors as well.
Ultimately, the real Divas of this show, was not the women being honored as much as the Choir itself. The singers of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus displayed awesome talent! The high point for me, was the Cyndi Lauper song “TRUE COLORS”. Introduced in recognition and support for those in the Trans Community, who continue their struggle for acceptance, and who were recently attacked by the U.S. President. Performed A Capella, this song showcased the harmonizing talents in this amazing and heartfelt rendition. The unified joy radiated out … and uplifted all!
Ultimately, the real Divas of this show, was not the women being honored as much as the Choir itself. The singers of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus displayed awesome talent! The high point for me, was the Cyndi Lauper song “TRUE COLORS”. Introduced in recognition and support for those in the Trans Community, who continue their struggle for acceptance, and who were recently attacked by the U.S. President. Performed A Capella, this song showcased the harmonizing talents in this amazing and heartfelt rendition. The unified joy radiated out … and uplifted all!
If you haven't seen this magnificent SD Gay Men's Chorus, their holiday show "JINGLE" was also a sell-out,
at the Balboa Theater.
********
at the Balboa Theater.
********
