This column appeared in the 3.1.06 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper.
Inspiration is a unique and ephemeral thing. It emanates from people and experiences both expectedly and without warning. It transcends age, socio-economics, gender and ethnicity. And it can offer both anticipated and unimaginable results. The nature of this unique human convention makes the youthful dream and their elders take risks. Inspiration causes children to imagine future exploits of bravery and glorious proficiency in all manner of arts and athletics. It brings adults dreams of new beginnings, new inventions, and is the progenitor of opportunities, spiritual and material.
Inspiration is present in the remarkable achievements of athletes for whom the physical becomes secondary to the mental and emotional. I see it in the growing dreams of children whose lives become focused on that which they are learning to love passionately: the play, the dance and the ball field. The Olympics always seem to be replete with these inspirational moments and stories: consider Tanith Belbin (who gave up her Canadian citizenship to a first-ever ice dancing medal for the U.S.); also consider the unexpected giant slalom gold medal by Julia Mancuso, America’s first alpine skiing gold since 1984. After Mancuso skied to victory, her mother captured the essence of her daughter’s inspiration: “Just watch her. She’s been getting ready for this since she was three.”
This week, I had a couple of personal brushes with inspiration in action. A budding athlete I know has discovered his passion for baseball. While only five, his potential is clearly evident, especially to this grandfather. Whether playing catcher, shortstop or raking the ball off the tee all the way to the fence, he has found magic in the game his dad, uncle and grandpa dearly love. (We are all still coping with that interlaced NY on his new cap and jersey – will the baseball Gods forgive?) All those nights watching the Braves and visiting the ballpark, coupled with possessing the perfect nickname for an infielder (DP for David Paul), might have contributed to his newly realized inspiration. Whatever the source, after game one this week, the newest Yankee to wear #1 opted to spend an additional hour at the park, hitting and fielding, and then later slammed shots into the garden in his backyard for two more hours after he arrived home.
Example number two arrived in an email from a self-confessed proud mom. Last summer, her daughter was Edwina Spoonapple, advice-giver extraordinaire from Paw-Paw, Michigan, in “Dear Edwina, Jr.,” the inaugural Camden Summer Theatre youth musical. After that experience, which the young actress handled with aplomb and maturity beyond her years, the stage became her oyster. Voice lessons, auditions and a new part in Stage Aurora’s production of “Grease” have honed her passion to white heat. So this weekend, consider a visit to FCCJ’s North Campus to see “Grease,” with St. Marys’ Dowling Payne as Patti Simcox, really obnoxious cheerleader, yearbook editor and prom decorator. According to her mom, “she has loved being obnoxious.” She also added “this experience has been great for Dowling…she’s learned valuable life lessons along the way.” Call (904) 765-7372 for tickets or visit www.stageaurora.com. Dowling is in shows on 3.4 & 3.11 at 8 p.m. and the 3.5 matinee at 3 p.m.
There it is. Inspiration: authoring dreams and invigorating effort.
Opportunities for this week and the future: get a new coiffure for “Hairspray” at TUC through 3.5, don’t miss consummate pianist Emanuel Ax with JSO at TUC 3.2-4; enjoy The Florida Ballet’s repertory showcase “Spectrum,” at Florida Theatre, 3.4; make plans to experience Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena on April 6&7.
2.25.06
Saturday, February 25, 2006
An Invitation to Crooked Rivers "Gatherings"
This column was published in the 2.22.06 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper.
Last November, I wrote a column about my experience at the first “participation gatherings” for Crooked Rivers Sisters Three. I remember meeting some warm, interesting and enthusiastic people. I wrote about meeting Lori and her sweet children, Brenton and Kayla. Lori and her kids were joined by Casey and Steve, with their children Ben and Madison; their family was in the initial one-act scenes and can’t wait to share in the full-length event. Alicia, a high school drama student and a dancer, brought her younger sister Chelsea to join; they couldn’t wait to get started. I also met the theatre-loving Marcie. She read about Crooked Rivers and came to be a part of the whole process. And, finally, I was acquainted with Margaret, a distinguished lady, now retired from her career with an Ohio school system.
This weekend I am looking forward to meeting new potential cast members that want to be a part of the Crooked Rivers family and to help tell the stories of Camden County’s history. The second and final round of “participation gatherings,” to recruit and inform possible Crooked Rivers Sisters Three participants, are being held this Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 25 & 26) from 2-4 p.m. at the Camden County High School Auditorium, located at 6300 Laurel Island Parkway in Kingsland. To get a sense of the spirit of the event or to determine your level of interest in performing or volunteering in some other manner, you are invited to attend one of these “gatherings.”
To give you a sense of the kinds of stories that you will experience in Crooked Rivers, last November I revealed a few of the plot elements. I mentioned then a story of how pre-teenage boys used to drive the roads of Camden County, avoiding the state police with the help of local law enforcement. Also revealed was the story of how local white citizens dealt with a bigoted sheriff that refused to “do right” when it came to punishment of a man that committed violence against local black residents. You can also look forward to stories about how locals smuggled booze during Prohibition and the adventures of one resident exploring Cumberland Island as a boy. Intertwined with these stories of personal and civic history, you will find the lighthearted antics of a children’s chorus called the Sand Gnat Choir, and the comic relief of the gator-hatted Alligator Quartet as they loudly reveal the nature of local delicacies for the audience.
Get a sense of the play, get a chance to be a part of the family and explore our community’s history and it’s possibilities at the “participation gatherings” this weekend at the CCHS Auditorium.
Opportunities for this week and upcoming weeks: catch the musical “City of Angels” at JU’s Terry Concert Hall, through 2.24, 7:30 p.m.; enjoy the Huck Finn tale as a musical in “Big River” at Florida School of the Arts, St. Johns River Community College, 2.23-24 at 7:30 p.m. and 2.25 at 2:30 p.m.; classic American drama in “Of Mice and Men,” Limelight Theatre, through 2.28; catch the explosive violinist Mark Wood with JSO at TUC, 2.24, 11 a.m. & 8 p.m.; groove on soul and classic Motown at the “’70s Soul Jam” at TUC, 2.24, 8 p.m.; mellow with The Degas String Quartet, Cummer Museum Concert Series, 2.26, 3 p.m. (Free); make plans to experience Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena on April 6&7.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
2.18.06
Last November, I wrote a column about my experience at the first “participation gatherings” for Crooked Rivers Sisters Three. I remember meeting some warm, interesting and enthusiastic people. I wrote about meeting Lori and her sweet children, Brenton and Kayla. Lori and her kids were joined by Casey and Steve, with their children Ben and Madison; their family was in the initial one-act scenes and can’t wait to share in the full-length event. Alicia, a high school drama student and a dancer, brought her younger sister Chelsea to join; they couldn’t wait to get started. I also met the theatre-loving Marcie. She read about Crooked Rivers and came to be a part of the whole process. And, finally, I was acquainted with Margaret, a distinguished lady, now retired from her career with an Ohio school system.
This weekend I am looking forward to meeting new potential cast members that want to be a part of the Crooked Rivers family and to help tell the stories of Camden County’s history. The second and final round of “participation gatherings,” to recruit and inform possible Crooked Rivers Sisters Three participants, are being held this Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 25 & 26) from 2-4 p.m. at the Camden County High School Auditorium, located at 6300 Laurel Island Parkway in Kingsland. To get a sense of the spirit of the event or to determine your level of interest in performing or volunteering in some other manner, you are invited to attend one of these “gatherings.”
To give you a sense of the kinds of stories that you will experience in Crooked Rivers, last November I revealed a few of the plot elements. I mentioned then a story of how pre-teenage boys used to drive the roads of Camden County, avoiding the state police with the help of local law enforcement. Also revealed was the story of how local white citizens dealt with a bigoted sheriff that refused to “do right” when it came to punishment of a man that committed violence against local black residents. You can also look forward to stories about how locals smuggled booze during Prohibition and the adventures of one resident exploring Cumberland Island as a boy. Intertwined with these stories of personal and civic history, you will find the lighthearted antics of a children’s chorus called the Sand Gnat Choir, and the comic relief of the gator-hatted Alligator Quartet as they loudly reveal the nature of local delicacies for the audience.
Get a sense of the play, get a chance to be a part of the family and explore our community’s history and it’s possibilities at the “participation gatherings” this weekend at the CCHS Auditorium.
Opportunities for this week and upcoming weeks: catch the musical “City of Angels” at JU’s Terry Concert Hall, through 2.24, 7:30 p.m.; enjoy the Huck Finn tale as a musical in “Big River” at Florida School of the Arts, St. Johns River Community College, 2.23-24 at 7:30 p.m. and 2.25 at 2:30 p.m.; classic American drama in “Of Mice and Men,” Limelight Theatre, through 2.28; catch the explosive violinist Mark Wood with JSO at TUC, 2.24, 11 a.m. & 8 p.m.; groove on soul and classic Motown at the “’70s Soul Jam” at TUC, 2.24, 8 p.m.; mellow with The Degas String Quartet, Cummer Museum Concert Series, 2.26, 3 p.m. (Free); make plans to experience Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena on April 6&7.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
2.18.06
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Celebrating Mozart's Contributions In Concert
This column was published in the Tribune & Georgian newspaper on Wednesday (2.15.06).
Announcements and reminders first: if you help with sound and lighting at a church, a civic group or a local performing group, Arts Camden and Crooked Rivers, Sisters Three is offering a one-day stage lighting and sound workshop Saturday (Feb. 18) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CCHS Auditorium. Technical staff from the CCHS Auditorium will conduct the workshop, which will include information about stage lighting, sound instruments and their use in performance settings. The cost is $20, payable at the door; lunch is included. Call 729-7463 to make a reservation.
A second event to remember are the “participation gatherings” to recruit and inform potential Crooked Rivers Sisters Three participants on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 25 & 26) from 2-4 p.m. at the CCHS Auditorium. If you want to get a sense of the spirit of the event and determine your level of interest in performing or volunteering in some other manner, attend one of these “gatherings.”
There are many arts-related thoughts that I considered sharing this week: another opportunity to see my angel-voiced son as Valjean in Les Misérables, this time with my sibling’s family and his grandmother in Minneapolis/St. Paul, a city with more performance space seats than any U.S. city other than NYC (he is maturing in the role, the youngest ever to have played it at 29); the artistry and beauty of the opening ceremonies of the XX Winter Games in Torino, Italy (I had never imagined skating trees or fire spouting skaters!); and a nod to the longest-running show in Broadway history, “The Phantom of the Opera,” which comes alive May 17th at the Times-Union Center.
But what remains with me most after this weekend spent with family and at performances, is the delight shared on Saturday night in St. Luke’s, a remarkable old church in St. Paul, MN, when more than 200 students, alumni, parents, friends and faculty of the St. Paul Academy performed their annual choral and orchestra Winter Concert. After accomplished performances by student musicians and singers, came this culminating event. The nave of the sanctuary, filled with singers of all ages (including my brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew), strings, woodwinds and percussion, projected the magnificence of Mozart’s final musical accomplishment, “Requiem.” The history of this piece is remarkable in itself, but its power and ability transcend space, time and history is what I came away remembering. And contemplating this too: how significant must a person’s accomplishments be for the whole world to celebrate your art for an entire year, 250 years after your death? In the program for the Winter Concert, Burt Pinsonneault wrote, “(Mozart’s) work has become seminal to the art and culture of our civilization.” How significant indeed!
Opportunities for this week and upcoming weeks: brilliant political satire from the Capitol Steps at FCCJ’s South Campus Wilson Hall, 2.15-19, 7:30 p.m.; get “doo-wopped” with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, 2.19, Florida Theatre, 8 p.m., let Edward Albee’s “A Delicate Balance” get under your skin, Players by the Sea, 2.17&18, 8 p.m.; direct from Broadway, “Forever Tango” at TUC, 7 p.m.; consider Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena on April 6&7;
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
2.12.06
Announcements and reminders first: if you help with sound and lighting at a church, a civic group or a local performing group, Arts Camden and Crooked Rivers, Sisters Three is offering a one-day stage lighting and sound workshop Saturday (Feb. 18) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CCHS Auditorium. Technical staff from the CCHS Auditorium will conduct the workshop, which will include information about stage lighting, sound instruments and their use in performance settings. The cost is $20, payable at the door; lunch is included. Call 729-7463 to make a reservation.
A second event to remember are the “participation gatherings” to recruit and inform potential Crooked Rivers Sisters Three participants on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 25 & 26) from 2-4 p.m. at the CCHS Auditorium. If you want to get a sense of the spirit of the event and determine your level of interest in performing or volunteering in some other manner, attend one of these “gatherings.”
There are many arts-related thoughts that I considered sharing this week: another opportunity to see my angel-voiced son as Valjean in Les Misérables, this time with my sibling’s family and his grandmother in Minneapolis/St. Paul, a city with more performance space seats than any U.S. city other than NYC (he is maturing in the role, the youngest ever to have played it at 29); the artistry and beauty of the opening ceremonies of the XX Winter Games in Torino, Italy (I had never imagined skating trees or fire spouting skaters!); and a nod to the longest-running show in Broadway history, “The Phantom of the Opera,” which comes alive May 17th at the Times-Union Center.
But what remains with me most after this weekend spent with family and at performances, is the delight shared on Saturday night in St. Luke’s, a remarkable old church in St. Paul, MN, when more than 200 students, alumni, parents, friends and faculty of the St. Paul Academy performed their annual choral and orchestra Winter Concert. After accomplished performances by student musicians and singers, came this culminating event. The nave of the sanctuary, filled with singers of all ages (including my brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew), strings, woodwinds and percussion, projected the magnificence of Mozart’s final musical accomplishment, “Requiem.” The history of this piece is remarkable in itself, but its power and ability transcend space, time and history is what I came away remembering. And contemplating this too: how significant must a person’s accomplishments be for the whole world to celebrate your art for an entire year, 250 years after your death? In the program for the Winter Concert, Burt Pinsonneault wrote, “(Mozart’s) work has become seminal to the art and culture of our civilization.” How significant indeed!
Opportunities for this week and upcoming weeks: brilliant political satire from the Capitol Steps at FCCJ’s South Campus Wilson Hall, 2.15-19, 7:30 p.m.; get “doo-wopped” with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, 2.19, Florida Theatre, 8 p.m., let Edward Albee’s “A Delicate Balance” get under your skin, Players by the Sea, 2.17&18, 8 p.m.; direct from Broadway, “Forever Tango” at TUC, 7 p.m.; consider Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena on April 6&7;
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
2.12.06
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Students' Passion for Theatre Is Inspiring
This column appeared in the Tribune & Georgia newspaper on Wednesday (Feb. 8, 2006).
I have witnessed this event for more than 25 years, going all the way back to when it was held at Valdosta State University. The mission that year continues to be the mission still for the hundreds of volunteers across Georgia that sponsor the Georgia State Thespian Society, a chapter of Educational Theatre Association. Undertaking this annual Conference, these largely sane (by most standards) individuals could be seen as engaging in severe risk-taking behavior. But a fierce dedication drives these teachers, volunteers and parents to organize, fundraise and plan so they can collectively bring more than 2,000 students together in one place for a weekend dedicated to “doing theatre.” More than 20 students from Camden County High School were a part of this year’s Conference, held Feb. 3-5.
Each year, at the Georgia State Thespian Conference, attendees meet and learn from professionals in every phase of the business, from the technical to the stage, that provide learning and support for students’ passions. This year, students attended more than 50 workshops, including ones featuring magic tricks, African, jazz and tap dance, techniques of stage combat, special effects makeup, interpreting Shakespeare, set design, and proper exercises to promote breath control. These learning experiences were combined with a festival of One Act and full-length plays, including student performances of more than 12 shows, such as “Les Misérables,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Wiz,” and “Godspell,” In addition, students took part in the annual Individual Events competition in solo and duet acting and singing, as well as in technical theatre. At the State Conference each year, students audition for and earn thousands of dollars in scholarship money to colleges and universities across the country.
This all takes place in less than 48 hours, with an intensity and fervor that is legendary. Each year, when the Conference is over and the students are home, exhausted and delirious, and the adult sponsors and volunteers lay down for that well-deserved afternoon nap, I am moved by the power of the experience and by the sensational kids I witnessed. I am also left wanting to offer this caveat: Don’t judge our children by the actions of a few or by what you hear from those that don’t really know them. Judge them by their commitment to their passion for the arts and to each other.
A reminder about an interesting opportunity if you help with sound and lighting at a church, a civic group or a local performing group: Arts Camden and Crooked Rivers, Sisters Three is offering a one day lighting and sound workshop and seminar on Saturday (Feb. 18) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CCHS Auditorium. Technical staff from the CCHS Auditorium will conduct the workshop, which will include information about stage lighting and sound instruments and their operation. The cost is $20 payable at the door and lunch will be provided on site for $6 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Call 729-7463 to make a reservation.
Opportunities for this week and upcoming weeks: the “elusive butterfly” guy, Gordon Lightfoot, Florida Theatre, 2.8, 8 p.m., for pickers, enjoy the Palatka Bluegrass Festival at The Rodeheavers Boys Ranch, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 2.8-11; a great weekend for moviegoers with “Firewall,” “Curious George,” and “The Pink Panther” debuting 2.10 in local movie venues; travel back to Harlem’s high times with “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Ritz Theatre, 2.11, 7:30 p.m.; enjoy the fine fingering of The California Guitar Trio, Florida Theatre, 2.12, 8 p.m.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
2.1.06
I have witnessed this event for more than 25 years, going all the way back to when it was held at Valdosta State University. The mission that year continues to be the mission still for the hundreds of volunteers across Georgia that sponsor the Georgia State Thespian Society, a chapter of Educational Theatre Association. Undertaking this annual Conference, these largely sane (by most standards) individuals could be seen as engaging in severe risk-taking behavior. But a fierce dedication drives these teachers, volunteers and parents to organize, fundraise and plan so they can collectively bring more than 2,000 students together in one place for a weekend dedicated to “doing theatre.” More than 20 students from Camden County High School were a part of this year’s Conference, held Feb. 3-5.
Each year, at the Georgia State Thespian Conference, attendees meet and learn from professionals in every phase of the business, from the technical to the stage, that provide learning and support for students’ passions. This year, students attended more than 50 workshops, including ones featuring magic tricks, African, jazz and tap dance, techniques of stage combat, special effects makeup, interpreting Shakespeare, set design, and proper exercises to promote breath control. These learning experiences were combined with a festival of One Act and full-length plays, including student performances of more than 12 shows, such as “Les Misérables,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Wiz,” and “Godspell,” In addition, students took part in the annual Individual Events competition in solo and duet acting and singing, as well as in technical theatre. At the State Conference each year, students audition for and earn thousands of dollars in scholarship money to colleges and universities across the country.
This all takes place in less than 48 hours, with an intensity and fervor that is legendary. Each year, when the Conference is over and the students are home, exhausted and delirious, and the adult sponsors and volunteers lay down for that well-deserved afternoon nap, I am moved by the power of the experience and by the sensational kids I witnessed. I am also left wanting to offer this caveat: Don’t judge our children by the actions of a few or by what you hear from those that don’t really know them. Judge them by their commitment to their passion for the arts and to each other.
A reminder about an interesting opportunity if you help with sound and lighting at a church, a civic group or a local performing group: Arts Camden and Crooked Rivers, Sisters Three is offering a one day lighting and sound workshop and seminar on Saturday (Feb. 18) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CCHS Auditorium. Technical staff from the CCHS Auditorium will conduct the workshop, which will include information about stage lighting and sound instruments and their operation. The cost is $20 payable at the door and lunch will be provided on site for $6 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Call 729-7463 to make a reservation.
Opportunities for this week and upcoming weeks: the “elusive butterfly” guy, Gordon Lightfoot, Florida Theatre, 2.8, 8 p.m., for pickers, enjoy the Palatka Bluegrass Festival at The Rodeheavers Boys Ranch, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 2.8-11; a great weekend for moviegoers with “Firewall,” “Curious George,” and “The Pink Panther” debuting 2.10 in local movie venues; travel back to Harlem’s high times with “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Ritz Theatre, 2.11, 7:30 p.m.; enjoy the fine fingering of The California Guitar Trio, Florida Theatre, 2.12, 8 p.m.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
2.1.06
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