The Arts and A Moment of Ease

This column appeared in the 12.28.05 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper.

The lyrics of a classic Rolling Stones song came to mind over the weekend. And, with deference to The Mick’s problems, I think that maybe he and the rest of the Stones were wrong; it is possible to “get some satisfaction.” Although I am sure that I am thinking in a different vein than that intended by the 60s rock & roll classic, I personally know of at least 2,000 people that got some satisfaction this past weekend at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. The rest of this story in just a moment.

One of the best and most enduring qualities of the arts is that they offer viewers, listeners, and participants emotional comfort and release, while all the while offering intellectual stimulation for conversation, laughter and discernment. Ralph Waldo Emerson offered that the nature of the arts was to “open great gates of a future, promising to…lift human life out of its beggary to a god-like ease…” Whether it is the simplest of childhood plays and songs to the most sophisticated music, paintings, or dance, the most resilient heart can be purified, uplifted and inspired by artistic endeavor.

Especially if you are a parent of the artist, and an audience member. So, there we were, nervously crouched in National Theatre in D.C. last Sunday (Dec. 18th), surrounded by all those spirits of famous actors, singers and dancers that have graced its stage for more than 200 years. The audience was abuzz with pre-show chatter, including one young man that said, in a disappointed pout to his father, using an overly loud voice: “the guy who is playing Valjean is, like, the third understudy.”

The rest of the next three hours seems a blur now; I am not sure I will ever get used to the feeling. After choking back exclamations of joy and sobs of emotion, we made it to the end of Les Misérables and eventually to the stage door, where we desperately and proudly hugged this Valjean’s neck. I do remember the audience being so generous at the end of the prayerful song “Bring Him Home” and standing as one at the end of the show, as if to say “thanks for lifting our lives and bringing ease to our world, if only for a moment.” And they did it for him at his bow, our son, our Valjean, who offered that 2,000-person ensemble a moment at the “great gates of the future.”

After the show, in a gently pointed way, I asked the young man that was upset at seeing the “third understudy” if he enjoyed the show. He was effusive in his praise, particularly for the actor playing Valjean. “I’ve seen the show five times and he was one of the best ever,” he said. I think it was then that I finally breathed and confessed my interest. And joyfully took him and his family to meet my son, Jason Kraack. At that moment, I think began to understand this lyric from Les Mis: “To love another person is to see the face of God.”

Other best bets for this week and upcoming weeks: at the movies, “The Producers” opens (not for kids, but fun campy humor for adults); 30th annual New Year’s Bluegrass Festival at Jekyll Island, Dec. 29-31, 706-864-7203 for info; Bruce Ann Ferguson’s “The Joy of Painting” at Vandroff Art Gallery, 5:30-10 p.m. through Jan. 1; “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” at Limelight Theatre, 7:30 p.m.; family fun at MOSH’s Universe Science exhibit “Trains;” music by Billy Joel and choreography by Twyla Tharpe in “Movin’ Out” at TU Ctr, Jan. 17-22; Broadway’s big fat musical comedy hit, “Hairspray,” at Times Union Center, Feb. 28-March 5.

If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net .

12.28.05

Visual Art Is A Reward in Itself

This column appeared in the 12.21.05 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper.

Last week, Camden County’s talented young artists provided the community with a look at their artistic accomplishments this year during an exhibit at the high school auditorium. Watching students, parents and teachers enjoy these refreshing pieces was interesting; it gave us all something unique and potentially unifying to talk about. The overwhelming interest this display created also made me wonder about the prevalence of the visual arts in our area.

I found that our community is plentiful with places to view visual art. Did you know there are 37 galleries, art stores, and exhibits between St. Marys and St. Augustine? Almost all of them feature artists whose work is indigenous. That is a lot of artistic energy in a fairly small region; that has to be a good thing. Last week, while shopping in one of the fun stores in our community, my spouse found some lovely ceramic pieces of serving ware created by a local medicine man that moonlights with his potter’s wheel. There is nothing like practical artwork; its tactile rewards are exceeded only by its visual beauty.

There is also nothing to compare with owning art for its own sake, especially pieces that have memories of travels with family and special occasions. One of the ways that we have found to make a new place your own is to bring it home with you. Last year, during a long overdue visit to my sibling in the north country, we happened upon a local artist that only displays his work in that community. We found something we could afford, as did my brother and his wife. Now, every day when I enter my kitchen, I can remember that weekend and our mutual enjoyment of this man’s talents.

So browse for and enjoy works by local artists and artisans. Owning them is nice, but sharing them is even more enjoyable. They always provide something unique and memorable for you to talk about, touch, and enjoy.

At the movies: Disney’s newest release, the remake of “Once Upon A Mattress,” the musical that rocketed the now legendary Carol Burnett to fame, came out on Dec. 20. This version features Burnett in the role of Queen Aggravain, opposite Tommy Smothers as her mute, but wise husband/king, and Tracey Ullman as Princess Winnifred, who handles the physically demanding role with aplomb. Great for kids and grownups alike.

Other best bets for this week: last chance to enjoy this year’s “Christmas Carole” at Alhambra Dinner Theatre, through 12.24; annual kids Christmas railroad toy train exhibit, through Dec. 29, 4-8 p.m., at First Christian Church in Orange Park; give kids a taste of the arts at Holiday Art Camp, Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach, daily through Dec. 30, 9-11:30 a.m. (kids 4-5) & 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (kids 6-10); kids ages 6-12 make holiday gifts at Holiday Hoopla one-day art camp at Cummer Museum of Art, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; kids learn about the world of science at MOSH’s Winter Day Camp, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., acoustic Christmas music is the program for Inspection 12 at Jack Rabbits, 8 p.m., Dec. 25.

If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net .

12.21.05

Arts in Business: A Value Added Asset

This column was published in the 12.14.05 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper.

In the November 14, 2005 issue of Newsweek, writer Linda Stern offered an insight into techniques more than 120 U.S. companies are using to feed their spirit of innovation. To shake up the status quo, enterprises are working with arts professionals at the Creativity Connection (a New York nonprofit) to improve reactive, non-linear thinking among employees and managers. Improvisation, projects that require creative thinking, and jazz music are among the resources used to help employees learn to handle competition, resolve conflict and produce new processes, products and services.

I once had the privilege of watching a Georgia state Bar Association training session, in which lawyers honed their questioning skills in a competitive setting. To whom did they turn to be their witnesses? Actors from an Atlanta-based improvisational troupe, whose creativity in playing the roles required by the mock cases was inspiring and challenging for these highly accomplished attorneys. From the very first, these legal warriors recognized that to prepare for the realities of today’s courtrooms, they needed to learn and be associated with improvisational, creative and out of the box thinking. And they turned to actors, well trained and skilled in the specialized world of improvisational dialogue, both comedic and dramatic.

Today, in business and in academia, the big emphasis is understanding and using information gained from studying current research. Each of these examples offers proof of what the research tells us: there are clear links between creativity in the arts and in the trenches of daily business life. Communities, businesses and individuals that aspire to innovation in planning, production and marketing can create more positive space for those things to occur by supporting, adopting and fostering the arts.

On Saturday (Dec. 17), the Woodbine Woman's Club sponsors the 1st Annual “Christmas in Woodbine” Tour of Homes and Churches, along with an Artists' Exhibit showing works by talented Woodbine residents. A special feature of this year’s Woodbine Tour is several homes currently being restored that have not been lived in for quite a while. On the Tour will be the Gowen / Joiner house and the late 19th century Woodbine Plantation House of the Bedell family on the Satilla River. Five homes and 4 churches will be featured. Tickets are $15.00, Woodbine Woman's Club, PO Box 64, Woodbine, Georgia 31569. Tickets and Maps will be available at Woodbine City Hall on the day of the Tour.

Other best bets for this week and the weekend: offbeat singer John Prine at Florida Theatre, 12.14, 8 p.m.; movie buffs will head to Peter Jackson’s updated “King Kong” due in theatres on 12.14; The Jacksonville Landings Holiday Concert Series features performances by groups from schools, churches and dance companies, 12.12-17, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. and Saturday 2-10 p.m.; The Florida Ballet’s “Community Nutcracker” at the Florida Theatre, 12.17 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; “A Christmas Carole” at Alhambra Dinner Theatre, through 12.24 (a holiday tradition featuring Tiny Tim and Scrooge); take the kids to see “Babes in Toyland” at the Thrasher-Home Center for the Arts in Orange Park, Jax, 12.17 at 8 p.m.; Have a “Blast!” at the Times-Union Center, 12.18 at 7 p.m. (a powerful show of percussion and visual ensembles); Jax Symphony “Home for the Holidays” Concerts at the Times-Union Center, 12.16-18, evening and matinee performances; “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” at the Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, 12.15-1.14, (this show is by Alfred Uhry, who also wrote “Driving Miss Daisy.” Set in 1939’s Atlanta, it is delightful, funny and full of warmth!)

There more holiday events that readers might want to share; send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net to help us spread the word.

12.14.05

Holiday Arts Opportunities Include Dance and History

This column was published in the Wednesday (12.7.05) edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper.

Sometimes inspiration comes in the most unique ways. Witnessing the National Bulgarian Radio Children’s Choir sing Battle Hymn of the Republic with crystal clear young voices and glorious harmony, knowing that the children had full innocence of any knowledge of its meaning, yet seeing them thoroughly transfixed by its power, began my week with inspiration and moist eyes. The only problem is, I will never be able to say “thank you.” After beginning on that high note, however, I am confident life has good things to offer this season; just one more benefit of artistic expression and being an audience to its influence.

Each year about this time, particular dreams start to be realized. Visions of sugar plum fairies, dueling mice and handsome princes become real in studios, school cafeterias, and on theatre stages throughout the world. The music is so familiar that it may now be ingrained in our genome. Little girls joyfully endure become “bun heads” for a time; little boys gleefully play at sword fights. Tights, dance slippers and rehearsals consume afternoons, evenings and weekends for millions of children, adults and teachers for months on end. And then The Nutcracker, in all its incarnations, versions, and iterations, happens. You can find it in the smallest burgs and on the largest, grandest of stages in just about every country in the world. The story is timeless; the movement captivating, graceful and powerful. Set to Tchaikovsky’s first opus, from the beauty of the adagio and pas de deux to the strength and control of the grand jete, audiences realize that stories like this were meant to be told through dance and music conjoined. You can share a portion of this worldwide phenomenon at our local high school auditorium on Saturday (Dec. 10) at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Choreographed by Monica Harris and her teachers at Just Dance, local dancers from a number of area studios are featured performers in this second annual Nutcracker. Better yet, take a child that has never seen it and, when you can take your eyes off the athletes (that’s right, the athletes!) on stage, sneak a peek at their face. You will receive your best ever holiday gift. Tickets are $10 and you can get them at the door; call 882-7500 for more details.

On Saturday evening (12.10) from 6 – 9 p.m., you will want to join in St. Marys annual Tour of Homes sponsored by Arts Camden and St. Marys Tourism. This year’s Tour features more than 21 homes and businesses in the St. Marys historic village, including some new sites that have not been featured in previous year’s Tours. This year’s Tour include’s visits to eight historic St. Marys homes, as well as stops at local inns, B & B’s, and museums. You’ll be able to experience this year’s tour more conveniently by tram and tour bus. The Tour begins and ends at St. Marys First Presbyterian Church, on Conyers St. Contact the St. Marys Tourism office at 882-4000 for information; tickets are $10 in advance at local merchant locations or $12 at the door.

Other best bets for this week and next weekend: African Children’s Choir at Southside United Methodist Church, 12.7, 6 p.m. (free concert; voices of hope from children who have lost parents to war, disease, and famine); movie buffs will head to the new film version of C. S. Lewis’ classic, beloved tale The Chronicles of Narnia due in theatres on 12.9; The First Coast Nutcracker with the Jacksonville Symphony Ballet at the Times Union Center, 12.9-11 (grand ballet); Community Nutcracker at the Florida Theatre, 12.9-10 (grand ballet); A Christmas Carole at Alhambra Dinner Theatre, through 12.24 (a holiday tradition featuring Tiny Tim and Scrooge); free holiday music at the TubaChristmas Concert, Jacksonville Landing, Sat.12.10, 2 p.m. (it will be wonderful! I’ve seen them in Atlanta and Tampa – bravo!)

There are lots more fascinating holiday events; send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net if you think our readers would enjoy knowing about it.

12.7.05