Melanie Alpert cast in King and I

By billalpert | Events , voice

Original Broadway production poster

I’m proud to announce that Melanie Alpert was recently cast in the role of Lady Thiang in an upcoming professional production of King and I at Performance Riverside. Performances run from Feb. 1 – 10. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will be directed by John Vaughn, and will also feature Barbara Hinrichesen in the role of Anna and studio student Michael Stugis as Louis.

Based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, the musical has been a favorite of audiences since its original 1951 Broadway production.

From Wikipedia: The musical opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 29, 1951 and starred Gertrude Lawrence as Anna, and a then mostly unknown Yul Brynner as the King. The production was directed by John Van Druten, choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with scenic and lighting design by Jo Mielziner, and costumes designed by Irene Sharaff. Of course Brynner appeared in the 1956 film version, opposite Deborah Kerr.

I hope the our entire studio family will come out and support Barbara and Melanie in what is shaping up to be a wonderful and enjoyable production. For information visit Performance Riverside’s Website

Sweeney Todd: Art is where you find it

By billalpert | Reviews

Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd

Unremittingly gruesome, Sweeney Todd doesn’t seem to be the obvious choice for release around the holidays. Yet the film, adapted from Stephen Sondheim’s 1979 musical theater piece, works on many levels. Certainly this movie could succeed on the star power of its actors. Likewise, the beauty of the score could carry the movie, as could the performances or the cinematography. Tim Burton paints a gloomy, ghastly, surreal world. Yet somehow, the camera finds artistic beauty in each shot.

“You know it when you see it” is the often stated maxim that separates what is vulgar from that which is art. When you watch Sweeney, I think you’ll agree that it stands tall in the socially redeeming value department. Still, don’t take your young children!

Some critics have found fault with this film’s casting of movie stars into roles normally filled with dramatic and/or operatic voices. And so, on yet another level this film is brilliant. The cast and production brings their own vision of this musical theater masterpiece to life. Just as a Bach fugue survives adaptation into a tuba quartet, the story of Sweeney Todd works, even thrives, with barely a trace of bel canto singing to be heard.

For this writer, the lesson is twofold. First, a great musical work will stand the test of time unblemished. It lives anew with each performance. Second, as artists, it’s our job to bring our own complete and compelling vision to the music we perform. Singers or not, Depp and company did just that.

10 Second Review: Nothing beats a great performance of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. This film is no exception. Don’t miss it!

Here’s a trailer

A Holiday Wish

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Christmas presence
by Ralph Marston

There is a light in the darkness. It is love; it is joy.

There is a pure and simple radiance with a positive, joyous
power. It warms the hearts of those who value peace and
love.

The spirit of Christmas transcends beliefs, traditions,
culture and customs. It speaks directly to the heart, of
love and grace, of giving and of renewal.

In the pure, limitless power of love, life is created and
sustained. In the radiance of this day, love’s presence is
joyously expressed again and again, in countless ways.

In this moment, new life begins. And love is the
ever-present purpose that drives every other purpose.

On this day, you have a glimpse of how truly blessed you
are. Give love, give joy, and you have even more.

Music Pick for your Holiday

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

If the holidays bring out your traditional streak (i.e. are you listening to Perry Como, Andy Williams and the like?), here’s an album you’ll be sure to love: John Rutter’s Music for Christmas, on the Hyperion Label. It’s choir (Polyphony) plus orchestra (The London Sinfonia), conducted by Stephen Layton. You can buy it on Amazon

Maybe I’m a bit late for this year but then again, there’s always next year. The choral sound is magnificent, the arrangements are sublime, and it’s just a lot of fun. If you like Rutter, you’ll love this!

May your holiday be blessed with good cheer, and may the music of the season whisper beautiful hopes and dreams in your ear!

Holiday Greetings from the mountains of Florida!

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink , violin , voice

Intrepid Expedition Everest Explorers wish you a Happy Holiday!

We’d like to extend the best of the season to our entire studio family. We’re back from our road trip and looking forward to seeing all of you soon, starting the week of January 7.

Happy Holidays to one and all, and a wonderful, happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

This just in: congratulations to studio student Kathryn McGuire for her successful audition for The Intimate Opera Company’s upcoming productions of La Traviata and The Mikado. Awesome!

New Orleans and News!

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Bourbon Street on a recent weeknight

There is, and could only ever be one New Orleans. Our homeward bound trek along Interstate 10 gave us a day to savor the city’s unique flavor. The Red Fish Grill provided a dinner I’ll remember for years to come. Check out their double chocolate bread pudding for dessert. OMG.

The real treat came with a stroll along Bourbon street. It was buzzing with activity, even on a Wednesday night. Music streamed out of practically every doorway. We were awed by a makeshift brass band which took up residence on a street corner. Their robust sound, a funky, updated tribute to traditional dixieland playing was at once honest, vital and virtuostic. Most amazing of all, none of group appeared to be older than a teenager.

Beyond the French Quarter, one doesn’t have to look far to find evidence of Katrina. The local newscasts still feature stories of the many struggles this proud city still faces.

Impromptu street concert worthy of Lincoln Center

It’s been a wonderful trip. Still, we’re looking forward to being home, and sharing the holidays with friends and family.

Some special notes of congratulations to Alpert Studio students Gabi Martinez upon her acceptance to Oberlin Conservatory and also to Mackenzie Orr who was selected to perform the lead role of Mary in the upcoming production of The Secret Garden at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. Kudos to these hard working, talented students.

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Finding Nemo is quite a find

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Finding Nemo Musical Stage Show at Walt Disney World
Image copyright wdwinfo.com

Today’s return trip to Animal Kingdom brought us an unexpected treat. Disney’s Finding Nemo the Musical, a stage version of the popular animated feature is by far the best such live show we’ve ever seen on a Disney Property.

Brilliantly performed, with dazzling puppetry effects (by Michael Curry of Lion King fame), the 30 (or so) minute production does an amazing job of capturing the spirt and storyline of the full length film. There are 19 original songs by Tony award winner Robert and Kristen-Anderson Lopez (of Avenue Q.) The songs and narrative are expertly intertwined into a compelling story that kept even the large contingent of tiny tots in the audience riveted, and captured imaginations of young and old. The theater is comfortable, with good visibility all around. Sound and lighting were flawless.

The three of us walked out swept away by the emotion of the whole thing. Brandon made us stop to buy the CD before we could leave! I don’t know of this show will ever make it to Disneyland, but if you’re planning a trip to Orlando, be sure to put this one on your list!

Destination Disney

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

A beautiful day at Disney’s Epcot

“I always thought that big sphere was white, but it’s silver,” mused Brandon. There wasn’t much else that surprised him at Epcot, after spending a couple of days in the park. He led us through the attractions and exhibits with an air of familiarity. It was likely the product of years of immersion in all things Disney.

Still, the beauty and sweep of Epcot is striking in person. Though it hasn’t realized Walt’s dream fully, there is much to appreciate. We’ve enjoyed comparing details of Florida’s Magic Kingdom to our own much more familiar park. Animal Kingdom’s recreation of jungle terrain is a natural for a park built on Florida swamp land. Disney’s imagineers gave us a tour de force in it’s attention to detail throughout.

We’ve done a good job scratching the surface in two days, and will hopefully see most of the rest before we depart on Wednesday. My fav of the trip so far: dinner at Epcot’s Rose and Crown. What could be better than a gourmet pot roast dinner, accompanied by a big glass of Bass Ale, all at a table overlooking the fabulous Illuminations fireworks display?

It’s been a great trip, with some beautiful rainbows along the way. Here’s hoping your December is equally spectacular! We’ve added more photos to our online album.

On the road…again!

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

“Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX

I’ve long promised my family a trip to Disney World, and it’s finally a reality. Here’s the proof: a snapshot from day two of our trip, taken on the way to dinner at the famous Riverwalk. It was a balmy night when we arrived in San Antonio, after two days and over 1200 miles on Interstate 10. It’s been a lot of miles, almost as many trucks, and a little rain, but overall quite uneventful and relaxing.

Here’s our online photo journal of the trip, if you’d like to join us.

Wherever this Holiday takes you, my hope is that it finds each of us happy, safe, and grateful for the many gifts and blessings we enjoy. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Wishes and January Events

By Melanie Alpert | Events , The Kitchen Sink , violin , voice

To those who participated in our Winter recital, and to those who could not be there, to the entire studio family: we’d like to extend our best wishes for a joyous and safe holiday season. Kudos to each of our recital participants. We’re proud of your progress, and we look forward seeing your continued growth.

Reminders:
Voice and Violin Lessons will resume the week of January 7, 2008
SCVA PARTICIPANTS: Your applications must be sent in by Dec. 8. The competition is Saturday, Jan. 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the studio recital hall.

Dec. 07 Recital Participants