WOW! Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical. This special production of one of Broadways longest running shows “Les Miserables” was unforgettable and time-less. I continue to be impressed with all of the amazing touring Broadway shows that Austin is lucky to have.

The first time I saw this opera was in New York City in 1997. I was twelve years old and I have to admit that I watched it from the very top row of the theater. Even as a child who didn’t completely comprehend the story, those powerful songs have stayed with me throughout my life. They make a deep impression on the soul that I have seldom experienced with certain soundtracks. Seeing this show as an adult was a completely different experience, although once the songs began, I was hypnotized with the power and beauty of sound and poetry. One complaint I have is that I was sad to not hear the song “Little People”. They did a few edits and additions for this new touring performance.

The performance was amazingly intense and ended with a standing ovation from every last audience member. I continue to be shocked and pleased with this story and all of the wonderful themes of love, honor, war, grace, forgiveness, mercy, and laughter. I encourage everyone to see this show and experience one of Broadways most heart filled Operas live on stage.

The show runs from May 29th to June 3rd, at the beautiful Bass Concert Hall in Austin. GO SEE IT!

Coming in December 2012, a new Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) directed film of “Les Miserables” starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway! This story is just that magnificent!

Molly Davis

If you have seen the movie “Mary Poppins”, you will experience moments of remembrance of the wonderful songs such as “Chim Chim Cheree”, “A Spoon full of Sugar” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”. If you haven’t seen the film, the newer original songs written by George Styles and Anthony Drewe were equally exciting and represented the story in such a meaningful way. My favorite number was the scene during “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. The choreography was rich with sharp gestures and comedic positions as the dancers and characters spelled out the famous word through movement and fast paced rhythm. As I took a look around to see the expressions on viewers’ faces…I realized that I wasn’t the only one who was smiling from ear to ear. This was something I could not help but notice throughout the show, pure happiness.

I was much younger when I first watched the movie “Mary Poppins”, so I know that I probably missed out on a lot of the insinuated humor. However, I noticed every last joke and pun during this play! It was filled with hilarious moments that anyone could appreciate. Along with the comedy came some very valuable themes for any society. The song “Feed the Birds” was a beautiful lesson to the fast paced, task oriented person who is too busy to notice the least of these. Watching “George Banks” in the realization of the importance of feeding the birds and acknowledging the woman in the park brought chills to my heart…much like several moments in the show. These actors had talent that can only come from Broadway itself.

This was also my first experience being in the Bass Concert Hall and I was very impressed! The Stadium seating is perfect for a performance of this kind because every seat is a valuable one. I cannot wait to see “Les Miserables” Broadway tour in this theater May 29th thru July 3rd. I would encourage all to attend these amazing Broadway shows and become a part of the magic on stage.

Chaddick Dance Theater Presents “Dark to Light” March 1-4 

WHAT:   A contemporary dance performance by Chaddick Dance Theater that explores the issues of human rights and the importance of peaceful coexistence in our modern world. “Dark to Light” is part of the three month-long

Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, a full-length contemporary ballet and Holocaust education partnership that promotes the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate through arts, education and public dialogue.

The four-part performance will incorporate Chaddick Dance Theater’s organic, full-body style and signature theatrical expression with such deep-seated cultural and personal issues as spirituality, human rights and bigotry. In addition to the four performance pieces, “Dark to Light” will feature video interviews and testimonials from survivors and other witnesses of the Holocaust as they share memories of their experiences, and their eventual triumph over the tragedy.

For more information about the Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, visit www.balletaustin.org/light.

WHEN:                        Evening performances March 1-4, 2012 at 8:00 p.m

Special events, including a choreographer presentation and champagne reception, will follow the Thursday and Friday night performances.

WHERE:          Austin Ventures Studio Theater at Ballet Austin

501 W. 3^rd Street, Austin, Texas

TICKETS:          Tickets $18 in advance at www.chaddickdancetheater.com.  $20 at the door.

“Dark to Light” and the Light / The Holocaust and Humanity Project are funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com

CONTACT:      

Kelsey Kemper

214.733.3636 m

kelsey@lookthinkmake.com

My name is Molly Davis and I am a graduate student at Texas State University studying Recreational Therapy. As students, we are constantly reading about, looking for, and discovering new and intriguing activities that could inspire people with a wide range of disabling conditions to get out and experience life in new and interesting ways. My friend Russ Hartman from “Austin Daze” and I described how the exhibit made us both feel. Russ said, “I felt like we were exploring an alien ship, only the vibe was extremely safe and welcoming. Yogic, tantric, meditative, and almost womb like.”

This particular structure, entitled the Mirazozo, visited Austin, TX in mid-January. It featured several huge and small domes that were connected with tunneled walkways that were highly accessible and welcoming to every population’s needs! As I entered the door to the Mirazozo, it was as if I was on another planet. I experienced my air (breath) taken away as my eyes took sight of all the amazing colorful shapes and reflections of space. One of the builders was there to greet a small group of us to give us some insight and background on how the structure was built. She encouraged us to relax, take it all in, and experience the beauty and ease of color, sound, and shape. The material s were made from a thin polyvinyl chloride (pvc) cut into shapes that are glued together and inflated with air pressure strong enough to support the structures. I noticed the purposeful beauty in the seams of the thin walls, just thin enough to allow enough sunlight in to add radiance and contrast to the color.

I traveled through the tunnels and gazed into the lights and bright colors. Illuminating reds, greens, blues, yellows, and all of the variations and mixtures of these colors radiated through corners of the giant, balloon-like walls and ceilings…forcing one to look up, down, and all around to take it all in. We started noticing how certain colors seemed to make people act a certain way. For example, in the blue bubbles or cubby-like resting places, people were laying down relaxing, cuddled up by their child or loved one. Listening to the relaxing musical tones, there was a sense of calm and peace. In the red areas of color, I felt myself feel energized and thirsty for more. Children seemed to laugh and play in the most hilarious ways. People of all shapes, sizes, and ages were free to lay, sit, walk, and interact for as long as they felt necessary. I couldn’t help but wish that someone would feel the same creative inspirations I was experiencing and bust a move! All the world is a stage right?

The Architects of Air exhibit was a multi-sensory environment that was truly a gift to Austin. I encourage all to support such wondrous experiences in the future that stimulate the brain with its beauty, the mind with its miraculous colors, and the body with its wonder.