Category: Theatre

PREVIEW: Audra McDonald and the University Symphony Orchestra

Thor

I could rattle off a laundry list of Audra McDonald’s (very numerous) accomplishments, but those can be Googled in an instant. Instead, I want to say that I have admired Audra McDonald’s work for a very long time. I was first introduced to her when a friend of mine sang “I Don’t Mind”, which appears on Audra’s 2000 album, How Glory Goes. I was instantly hooked. You can imagine, then, my excitement when I learned she was coming here, then as now.

The fall before last, the entire Musical Theatre department was abuzz with the news that Audra McDonald, the Audra McDonald, was to perform in our very own Hill Auditorium. Due to the generosity of two members of the Friends of Musical Theatre, the department was able not only to obtain prime seats, but also to attend a quick talk-back with Audra herself shortly before the performance, strictly for the department. We were all blown away at her generosity of spirit and her candor. Then, of course, we were blown away again by her astonishing performance. She combines soaring vocal prowess with unqualified honesty and depth, and is a relatable stage presence, garnering laughs and tears in equal measure. Everyone in Hill Auditorium that night knew they had just witnessed something very special. If you ask any musical theatre major who was there (and most probably, any other person), I have no doubt that they would tell you that that concert changed their life. It certainly changed mine.

If you see no other performance this year, see Audra McDonald. She is one of the most sensational performers alive today.

It’s time to welcome Audra and her long-time accompanist and music director, Andy Einhorn, back to Michigan.

PREVIEW: Audra McDonald this Sunday!!

Kayla Silverstein

Returning to UMS for the fifth time, Audra McDonald performs this Sunday, September 15 at 4 pm in Hill Auditorium. She brings a repertoire filled with Broadway classics and in particular, a special attention paid to the works of Gershwin, having just finished her time in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. What do I love most about Audra McDonald? She has wicked pipes and a vibrant personality that makes for a stunning performance experience, sure to make any music-lover, Broadway-fanatic or not, giddy with delight. Not to be missed!

PREVIEW: Friars’ Concert

Kayla Silverstein

One of the University of Michigan’s most beloved a cappella groups, the Friars will present their 57th annual Best Concert Ever, Friday April 19th, 8pm in Rackham Auditorium. Wowing us with their vocals, humor, and terrible dance moves, I’m sure they will not disappoint. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults. Hope to see you there!!

REVIEW: UMGASS presents Pirates of Penzance or, The Slave of Duty

Kayla Silverstein

Friday night, I had the privilege of seeing UMGASS’s presentation of Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty. It was such a great show – whimsical, cheery, and largely optimistic, I am officially an avid fan of UMGASS and the work that they do.

The play itself was actually pretty similar to what I was expecting for my first Gilbert and Sullivan show. The humor worked on so many levels. There was, of course, the absurdity of pirates in this bizarre setting in Cornwall, the main character Frederic having an identity crisis and wondering what a “true beautiful woman is” when all he has known is his charming yet elderly guardian Ruth, and of course who could forget the Major-General, an attested genius who asserts the depth of his knowledge while insulting his own at the same time. The whole concept is absolutely crazy.

The other operating level of humor was of course that of intellectually-based, political satire. Beginning with a rendition of “God Save the Queen,” audience participation insisted, we are immediately placed in a time period where everyone respects, yet mocks the queen to which they serve. Not to mention the lyrics of the songs are all at once brilliant and thought-provoking. It is almost too much to see it once and understand all that is going on in the show.

Job well done to the fine folks at UMGASS – can’t wait for what’s next!

REVIEW: GROOVE

nina.j

GROOVE

On Friday night, the student group Groove put on an energetic, fast paced performance in the Michigan Theater. The bi-annual event has a different theme each year and this season the subtitle was “Innocent Until Groovin’ Guilty.” The evening opened with a spoof film of a criminal case in which Groove members were prosecuted for making too much noise. The convicts were detained in a cell and when they were finally freed, they sprang forth from the silver screen onto the stage and began drumming with spirit. Using non-traditional instruments, such as garbage cans, bicycles, ladders, umbrellas, newspaper, and more, the show turned regular objects on their heads and made them entertaining in a whole new way. The performers also demonstrated their talent with traditional instruments, like guitar, drum set, electric violin, and keyboard. Each scene told a story using a variety of wild costumes and lots of bold singing and acting. One of the funniest sketches was a rap battle between two sections of a middle school band in which the lyrics spoofed off of popular rap songs but using lyrics associated with pre-pubescence and the terrible awkwardness of middle school. Another memorable sketch was a play on the James Bond theme, where some Groove members were taken hostage while others came to the rescue, all the while hammering away a beat.

The audience was totally packed and seemed to love every second of the show. It takes a lot for a student group to pack a full house at the Michigan Theater!  Some fans were also there to support to opening acts, EnCore and Rhythm student dance groups, as well as interluding musicians James Cornelison and Julian Allen.  The exciting evening concluded with a sentimental- albeit comedic- farewell to the senior Groovers as well as an audience shout out from a large sum of Groove alumni who had returned to Ann Arbor for the special event. It was a totally energetic evening, full of comedy, musical talent, and pure entertainment.


PREVIEW: Who is Luther Burbank?

nina.j

Who is Luther Burbank?

WHO IS LUTHER BURBANK?– a new piece in eighteen parts. Three students from a variety of arts related disciplines have teamed up to create an original work of experimental theater. Willie Filkowski, an Interarts Performance major, Corey Smith, a composition major, and Nola Smith, a dancer major, have designed an extracurricular, innovative performance involving a variety of curious media: “dancing, text, video, original music, potatoes, prizes, costume changes, a LOT of dirt.” Inspired by a 1914 found text, Our Wonder World Vol. X: The Quiz Book, the collaborative event will entertain and puzzle, but ultimately answer the questions “Who is Luther Burbank?”

Presented with support from Basement Arts and Arts at Michigan, “WILB?” will run Thursday April 18-Saturday April 20. Performances are FREE and begin at 7 pm each night, with an additional late show at 11 pm on Friday the 19th. The show will be held in the Walgreen Drama Center on North Campus. See you there!