Growing up there was not a Christmas that had gone by where my family and I sat in front of our black and white television set watching Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen in Irving Berlin’s 1954 movie classic, “White Christmas” singing one of my favorite songs, White Christmas.
Rehearsals are underway for the upcoming musical based on one of the beloved timeless films of “White Christmas”. These talented 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts students will, I’m sure, give it their all for this special Pre-Christmas celebration.
Based on the beloved timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.”
The musical “White Christmas” will take place at Harrison School for the Arts Theater on November 10, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. and November 13 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for students and senior citizens.
A Special Treat For Veterans – One Free Complimentary Ticket
Directed by Harrison’s Dean of Musical Theatre, Joe Sniegocki. Harrison School for the Arts is proud to present this musical in honor of our veterans on Veteran’s Day weekend. Veterans of any military branch receive one complimentary ticket for themselves and may obtain tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at each performance or secure tickets during regular box office hours. Simply present a military or veteran ID such as active, retired, or reserve ID card, VA Card, VFW Card, American Legion Card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID, or wear your military uniform to a performance. Friday’s performance will include a special tribute to veterans. Saturday evening’s performance is dedicated to our sponsor, The Mosaic Company.
The box office will open from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the dates of the evening performances and 12:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. The box office will be open for walk-up purchases from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, November 7, 8, and 9. If you purchase tickets at the box office, only cash and checks are accepted. Credit cards are only accepted on-line and not accepted at the box office.
The box office does not accept cash denominations of $50 or more due to county policy.
Although I have never seen a snowflake falling from the skies in Lakeland Florida in my 18 years living here, who knows, I might get to see snow falling down after all as I will be watching one of my favorite musicals, White Christmas presented by Lakeland FL Harrison School for the Arts.
My recommendation to all my readers in Polk County Florida as I have been working in the box office for a few years now – Get Your Tickets Early!
(Pictured above: Torin Crittendon as Bob Wallace and Audrey Hartfield as Betty Haynes).
Lakeland Harrison School for the Arts presents “The Three Musketeers”
Did you miss this wonderful play of Micah Ariel James adaptations of Dumas’ renowned novel of “The Three Musketeers” this past weekend?
Great reviews of past performances! At last weekend’s almost sold out performances and raving reviews by patrons, you sure don’t want to miss this exciting production of “The Three Musketeers” that is being showcased by the Harrison School for the Arts’ talented group of theater students.
For another weekend, you are encouraged to see this performance in the new Black Box Theatre located on 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801 on Friday, March 12th @ 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 13th @ 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee, March 14th, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m.
Under the direction of Ilene Fins, Dean of Harrison’s Theatre Department, “The Three Musketeers” explodes onto the Harrison stage with fast and furious duels in the dangerous streets of Paris! James’ version of this classic story follows the renowned adventures of country bumpkin d’Artagnan as he seeks entry into the prestigious King’s Musketeers. Together they fight with courage to combat the malicious cardinal and save France.
“All for One and One for All!” Chock full of political intrigue, romance and exciting sword battles, this world premiere is not to be missed. En garde!
The troupe is lead by Britt Michael Gordon as d’Artagnan, Corinne Townsend as Aramis, Lance Taylor as Porthos, Amelia Marler as Athos, Demonte Cheeks as Treville, Justin Nipper as Bonacieux, Katie Ward as the Queen, Erika Williams as DeWinter, Jenna Creamer as Rochefort, Kevin List as the King, Chris Holseth as the Cardinal, Brooke Dixon as Constance,and Nicole Richard as the Innkeeper, with Courtney Lang, Beth Rousseau, Camila Araujo, and Annie Jaynes as the Fight Corps.
Seating is very limited and I encourage buying tickets online at www.harrisonarts.com
Pictures are courtesy of Andy Glowgower of Andy Glowgower Photography
Mark your calendar for these upcoming performances of The Harrison Fine Arts Series for 2009/10:
The Three Musketeers
Friday, March 12, 2010 – Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the Black Box Theatre
Sunday, March 14, at 2:00 PM
Harrison Wind Ensemble Concert – Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Chamber Music Concert – Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Piano Concert – Thursday, April 08, 2010 at 7:30 PM
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Friday, April 23, 2010 – Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 25, at 2:00 PM
Idealistic Notions, Professional Visual Arts Exhibit
Friday, April 23, 2010 – Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Reception at 6:00 PM
String Orchestra Concert – Monday, April 26, 2010 First United Methodist Church, Lakeland at 7:30 PM
Spring Dance Concert – Friday, May 07, 2010 – Saturday, May 08, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Symphony Orchestra Concert – Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Lakeland Florida’s Harrsion School for the Arts is proud to present their musical revue of “Side by Side by Sondheim”
The Musical Theatre Department will showcase “Side By Side By Sondheim,” a dazzling revue from one of Broadway’s most gifted living composers. The New York Times called Stephen Sondheim “the greatest, perhaps best-known artist in the American musical theatre.” Audiences will remember why with “Side By Side By Sondheim”
Ah….Spring is the air and music is in my ear as I listen to some musical favorites, such as songs from “West Side Story” in the background while I’m writing this article for the upcoming performance of Harrison School for the Arts showcasing songs by this celebrated composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Listening to his lyrics and music is great, but what a better way seeing his celebrated songs live on stage as “Side By Side By Sondheim” on the Harrison Main Stage from April 17 to 19 at Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801
PHOTO CAPTION: Caitlin Knowles, Mark Bacon, Amie Heinrich, Siobhan Gale, Zachary Richardson, and Brooke Adams (l to r) prepare for their performance in “Side By Side By Sondheim,” at Harrison School for the Arts, from April 17 to 19. (Photo by William Kimble.)
“For the students, understanding Sondheim’s challenging songs takes deep understanding,” states Director Joe Sniegocki. “In their youth, they have not experienced marriage, abandonment, or outliving one’s peers. Our singers approach each song as a pivotal moment in life.”
“Sondheim’s musical language best captures the mood of complicated characters,” adds Musical Director Chad Brady. “Singers and listeners alike can relate to these tense moments expressed through his intuitive music and lyrics.”
Here are some of the selections you’ll hear in this brilliant musical revue celebrating the songs of Broadway’s by Stephen Sondheim. Hear witty, romantic, perceptive songs drawn from “West Side Story,” “Gypsy,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and more.
The ensemble includes: Seniors – Brooke Adams, Roxanne Hartfield, Amie Heinrich, Caitlin Knowles, Dereck Seay, Erin Wall, and Lindsey Wildman; Juniors – Mark Bacon, Siobhan Gale, Van Den Hutchinson, Sara Machinia, Haley Miller, Zachary Richardson, Travis Sheppard, and Jonathan Thomas; and Sophomore – Keith Young.
The production crew includes: Stage Manager – Logan Pounders, Assistant Stage Manager – Audrey Hartfield, Assistant Director – Crystal Broedel, Assistant to the Music Director – Taryn Jones, with Costumes by Cecilia Ingram and Lighting Design by Brian Macke.
Tickets for the performances are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.harrisonarts.com and will include a nominal merchant fee. Remember to bring your e-ticket to the event. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to performance.
The Harrison Box Office will be open at 6:00 p.m. the evening of the performances. (863) 499-2939.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming performances of The Harrison Fine Arts Series for 2008/09:
- Chamber Music Concert @ Jenkins Recital Hall, Florida Southern College, Apr. 14.
- Reflections on the Ground, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Apr. 17 – June 4.
- Side by Side by Sondheim, Apr. 17 – Apr. 19.
- Spring Dance Concert, May 1 & 2.
- Spring Orchestra Concert, May 14.
- Spring Music Concert, May 21.
Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved |
Harrison School for the Arts – Musical Revue “Side by Side by Sondheim”
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
P.O. Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050
There are folks that call Shakespeare’s “King Lear:” his greatest work; some folks call it the darkest, most compelling tragedy ever written. D. A. Ward’s contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic saga of pride and greed has been cast at Harrison School for the Arts. This biting tale renamed “Lear Inc.” is set amid the sleek, high-tech world of a military defense contractor’s corrupt corporate family clan. ”Lear, Inc.” unveils a workplace of treachery, lust, fraud, avarice, and . . . murder!
Vice Principal for Harrison School for the Arts Daryl Ward and author of this contemporary adaptation said, “Shakespeare’s work is meant to be acted, so you need to see it played out in front of you,” ”In ‘Lear, Inc.’ I tried to consciously create scenes that work on a physical level, but also on a mental and emotional level – you have to experience the work as if you are a part of it.”
“President Obama said ‘…know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you can destroy.’ The members of Malcolm Lear’s corporation learn this too late or not at all,” states Ilene Fins, director. “Enlightenment through entertainment has been my guiding artistic principle for the last 25 years. I feel truly blessed with the creative talent that is bringing this piece to life.”
With this being said by the creator of this adaption and the Dean of Theater for Harrison, you certainly will be astonished and mesmerized by the performances of these fine theater students.
Meet the cast!
Brendan Troost as Lear, Britt Michael Gordon as Edmund, Lance Taylor as Edgar, Skyler Knopp as Kent, Misti Rucks as the Clerk, Sterling Chesney as Grayson, Laurel Finch as Cordelia, Joey Wells as
Al, Amanda Keen as Gabrielle, Amelia Marler as Regan, Ryan Shults as Duke, and Justin Nipper as Ozzie.
Olympia Lamar, Ruthie Ellison, Demonte Cheeks, Nicole Richard, Courtney Lang, Beth Rousseau, Brandie Perez, Baron Simmons, Anna Erdman, Chris Holseth, Aaron Acevedo, and Aaron Brannan portraying as Yes-Men.
Lear, Inc. plays Thursday, Feb. 26, Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland, FL.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.harrisonarts.com
The Harrison Box Office will be open at 6:00 p.m. the evening of the performances. (863) 499-2939.
Check out these great photographs by Andy Glogower Photography taken during rehearsals.
Photo credit – Andy Glogower
Mark your calendar for these upcoming performances of The Harrison Fine Arts Series for 2008/09:
- Connections & Combinations, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Feb. 27 – Mar. 27.
- Evening of Opera, Mar. 19.
- Piano Concert, Mar. 24.
- Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra Concert, Mar. 26.
- Chamber Music Concert @ Jenkins Recital Hall, Florida Southern College, Apr. 14.
- Reflections on the Ground, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Apr. 17 – June 4.
- Side by Side by Sondheim, Apr. 17 – Apr. 19.
- Spring Dance Concert, May 1 & 2.
- Spring Orchestra Concert, May 14.
- Spring Music Concert, May 21.
Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved |
Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts presents “Lear Inc.”
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
P.O. Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050
Telephone (863) 618-6919
