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| Philadelphia, PA July 7 -19,2009; Kimmel Academy of Music | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 28 2009, 08:58 AM (453 Views) | |
| mouser | Jan 28 2009, 08:58 AM Post #1 |
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July 7 -19, 2009 ![]() Kimmel Academy of Music 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19102 (215) 893-1935 - Venue Website TICKETS: on sale at 10 a.m. Friday ( May 15, 2009 ) by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, or at the Kimmel Center box office, open daily. * $25.00 to $75.00 Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at 7:30pm Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 7:30pm Thursday, July 9, 2009, at 7:30pm Friday, July 10, 2009, at 8pm Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 2pm Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 8pm Sunday, July 12, 2009, at 1pm Sunday, July 12, 2009, at 6:30pm Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at 7:30pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 7:30pm Thursday, July 16, 2009, at 7:30pm Friday, July 17, 2009, at 8pm Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 2pm Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 8pm Sunday, July 19, 2009, at 1pm Sunday, July 19, 2009, at 6:30pm SEATING CAPACITY: 2500 SEATING CHART: http://www.kimmelcenter.org/about/seating/index.php?chart=aombwy FOUR PICTURES THE VENUE : ![]() Kimmel Center, Inc. began to take shape in 1996 when two projects came together: The Philadelphia Orchestra's ongoing plan to build a new home for itself, and a plan of then-Mayor Edward G. Rendell to provide a much-needed venue for some of Philadelphia's most prominent performing arts companies and for touring presentations. With the generous consent of the Orchestra, which had acquired a property at Broad and Spruce Streets, the two plans were merged under the supervision and management of a new organization, the Regional Performing Arts Center (RPAC). Today, Kimmel Center, Inc. incorporates public amenities and two major venues: The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts -- Verizon Hall, a 2,500-seat concert hall and Perelman Theater, a 650-seat recital theater; and a renovated and upgraded Academy of Music (2,900 seats), which is owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra and operated by Kimmel Center, Inc. ![]() The Academy stage has hosted the likes of Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Joan Sutherland. Composers Piotr Tchaikovsky, Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky, and Richard Strauss have graced its podium.The theater also features a 350-seat Grand Ballroom, which is used for chamber music http://www.rpac.org/about/story.php HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS: http://hotel-guides.us/pennsylvania/academy-music-pa-hotels.html Hotels http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurants+near++kimmel+academy+music+phila&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=4&ct=more-results&cd=1 Restaurants DIRECTIONS: From points North: Take either I-76 or I-95 to I-676 (Vine Street Expressway) and exit at Broad Street (Central Philadelphia). Follow Broad Street around City Hall, continuing south. The Kimmel Center is on the southwest corner of Broad & Spruce Streets. From points South: Take I-95 North to Exit #17 (formerly exit #14), Broad Street. Continue north on Broad approximately 3 miles. The Kimmel Center is at the corner of Broad & Spruce Streets. From points East: Take I-676 (Vine Street Expressway) and exit at Broad Street (Central Philadelphia). Follow Broad Street around City Hall, continuing south. The Kimmel Center is on the southwest corner of Broad & Spruce Streets. From points West: Take I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) to I-676 (Vine Street Expressway) and exit at Broad Street (Central Philadelphia). Follow Broad Street around City Hall, continuing south. The Kimmel Center is on the southwest corner of Broad & Spruce Streets. POINTS OF INTEREST: 1. Independence National History Park 313 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-597-8787 courtesy of PanoramioIn 1751, William Penn asked that the new bell being cast for the Pennsylvania Statehouse be engraved with the words, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” The bell rang to call citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, and was later dubbed The Liberty Bell by abolitionists, who adopted the bell as a symbol of their fight for freedom for all Americans. Talks on the history of the bell are presented continually during open hours, which vary season to season. 2. Independence Hall 500 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, P.A. - (215) 965-7676 courtesy of twork.orbius.comKnown as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Independence Hall is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks not only in Philadelphia, but in the entire nation. The hall is the centerpiece of the 45-acre Independence National Historical Park , home to 20 buildings of historical significance (many of which are open to the public). The Liberty Bell is located right around the way, though its original home was Independence Hall's bell tower... 3. Love Park John F. Kennedy Blvd and North 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tel: 215 636 1666. ![]() With a name like Love Park , when in Philadelphia, how could you not go to see it. This little hollow across from City Hall is most noteworthy for Robert Indiana's 1978 "Love" sculpture. The piece has become a popular symbol for the "City of Brotherly Love" and its image is plastered all over the city. It's 20-foot-tall appeal lies in its simplicity: The letters L, O, V, E, stacked on top of each other. During a usual lunch hour the park attracts an odd combination of Armani clad businesspeople and skateboarders who skinny-dip their modes of transport in this concrete pond. They're actually fun to watch. Taylor must have take us up on this POINT OF INTEREST; Taylor shares the LOVE in LOVE PARK courtesy of Taylor's facebook MEDIA: 1. Blog entry http://www.uwishunu.com/2009/06/18/grease-the-academy-of-music-july-7th-19th/ June 18th, 2009 Grease @ The Academy of Music: July 7th - 19th Posted by James Scarpella tagged as Avenue of the Arts Theatre Attention all you pink ladies and T-Bird wannabes, the Tony award winning classic, Grease is set to premier for a limited, two-week engagement at the Academy of Music in July. So grab your hair gel and leather jackets because tickets are selling fast! The new Broadway production stars the very talented Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel – the imaginary dream man to a certain confused and somewhat perplexed Frenchie (one of my favorite characters), who struggles with the idea of attending beauty school. But, more about Mr. Hicks; you will probably remember him from American Idol fame, as winner and front runner from seasons past. And now his talented voice has landed him a gig right here in our fair city! He was no American Idol dropout. Tickets for the first Broadway Series production of the 2009-2010 season are currently on sale and range in price from $25 to $75 with a limited number of VIP premium seats available for $100. Tickets can be purchased at the Kimmel Center box office on Broad and Spruce streets (open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad and Locust streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances. Performances run Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM; Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8 PM and Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM; matinées on Saturdays begin at 2 PM and 1 PM on Sundays. Get ready to hand jive because it’s going to be a rockin’ good time. Kimmel Center 260 S. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 893-1999 www.kimmelcenter.org 2. The Mercury color=purple]Former American Idol winner stars in Broadway production at the Kimmel Center Taylor Hicks stars in Broadway production of Grease[/color]Published: Thursday, July 2, 2009 http://www.pottstownmercury.com/articles/2009/07/02/life/srv0000005661314.txt By Sally Friedman Special to The Mercury He is surprisingly shy. It comes through the long distance phone wires in his hesitant speaking style and his long pauses. Taylor Hicks may have been "American Idol, Year Five," but he is surely not arrogant or self-important. The "country boy" with the hefty voice will be landing on stage in Philadelphia in the iconic musical "Grease," from July 7 to July 19, as part of the national tour, after debuting on Broadway in the role of Teen Angel. "It's wonderful - I love the show, I love the role, but I can't say that I love the travel," said Hicks, whose life changed drastically when he swept the "American Idol" title. "I certainly understand why Susan Boyle felt totally overwhelmed from the experience. That's what it is - overwhelming." It was May 24, 2006, when Hicks made his fellow Alabamans proud. As his self-named 'Soul Patrol" fans watched, he took the coveted title before a TV audience of 36 million viewers. The son of divorced parents, Hicks credits his grandmother with inspiring him and encouraging him. The singing, he explains, was self-taught and "just always there." And soul music nourished him. A twist of fate landed Hicks an audition on "American Idol." Seems he was caught in the crisis of Katrina and sidelined from a flight. A voucher he received allowed him to fly to Las Vegas for an AI audition, and the rest is show biz history. The fame and fortune of the hit TV show has led to a debut album that went silver, gigs with the likes of the Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson, and international tours. Hicks, whose prematurely gray hair has attracted its share of attention, also has written a memoir, and this year, released a new album, "The Distance," with 11 tracks. He is enormously proud of the album and its technical fine-tuning, especially its saxophone subtones. But for now, it's "Grease" that's center-stage in his life. "I thought very carefully before accepting anything in theater," he explained in a recent interview. "I wanted to make sure it was right for me. I'd been offered roles before, but I knew I wanted something that would truly give me the Broadway experience." As it turns out, Hicks is more than satisfied with the fit. "It works," he said. "It's a new experience, and I'm learning all the time." The beloved show, which chronicles teen life at Rydell High, was revived on Broadway, for the first time, featuring some of the songs from the 1978 film, including the hit "Sandy." Even for Taylor Hicks, who had toured with the AI shows, the pace is still grueling. "There's so much more going on in this live production - it has a lot of moving parts." As to the role of Teen Angel, Hicks was determined to make it his own. "I really didn't want to borrow from Frankie Avalon, who played it in the movie. I think a lot before I do anything, and I needed to 'Taylorize' the role." Part of the fun was in designing his own costume, a not-too-quiet midnight blue sequined suit. "It definitely makes a statement," Hicks said wryly. Hicks also reappears on stage in a special post-show performance of one of the songs from his new album, an added attraction for Hicks groupies. The man who wowed the world with his voice and musical style admits to one yearning. "I haven't had a permanent address since 2006, and when this tour is over in June 2010, one of the first things I'm going to do is settle into a home. While I love what I'm doing, and I'm proud to put myself out there, everybody needs someplace to come home to." "Grease" runs at the Academy of Music from July 7 to July 19. Tickets are $25-$75. Phone: 215-731-3333. Online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway. 3. Daily News From stolen album to stolen hearts ... This Idol's in heaven By JONATHAN TAKIFF Philadelphia Daily News takiffj@phillynews.com 215-854-5960 WE WERE supposed to be talking about his spotlight role in "Grease" (opening tomorrow at the Academy of Music), or maybe his current album, "The Distance," or maybe his tell-some memoir, "Heart Full of Soul," which recounts the guy's rise from a humble Alabama childhood to the Season Five winner on "American Idol." But the morning I caught up with Taylor Hicks was a sad one. Michael Jackson had died the night before, and the shock hadn't worn off. First, we had to grieve. "Of course I was a big fan," Hicks said on the cell phone from Detroit, where "Grease" was in residence and, ironically, where M.J. first got props as a member of the Jackson Five, recording for Motown. Younger than his prematurely gray eminence suggests, the now 32-year-old Hicks first tuned in to Jackson during the age of "Thriller" - "at the height of his success and popularity. I think I wore a white glove to kindergarten. Yeah, I was a big fan. My generation was right there in the popular demographic, but the thing with Michael is that he didn't just reach us kids, he touched three or four different generations. There's very few that have done that." Another Idol heard from Ironically, the "blue-eyed soul"-styled Hicks is another singer who has won an unusually diverse fan base (dubbed the "Soul Patrol"), thanks to the inordinate reach of that TV talent contest which crowned him an idol - with 36.4 million viewers watching. When I asked Hicks to describe whom he sees cheering when he makes his floating-from-the-clouds entrance as the Teen Angel in "Grease," he described them as "all over the board, people from 8 to 80. "That's the great thing about a show like 'Idol.' It brings generations together and teaches a younger generation about music that has had an impact, and is why music is what it is today. How many 10-year-old children get to listen and explore the sounds of Tony Bennett in their own home? That's the amazing part of that show. I like to say it's a substitute for the decline of liberal-arts programs across the country. It's a kind of music class. Some of the liberal-arts programs in elementary schools have taken quite a hit in the past 10 years, and 'Idol' luckily has been able to substitute for some of that." Doing it his (their) way Maybe the least likely "A.I." candidate to ever win the competition, Hicks' taste in music and performing style skew a lot more towards old Cocker (Joe) or McDonald (Mike), a lot less to Usher or Timberlake (Justin). At that legendary "A.I." tryout in Las Vegas that he went to on a fluke "after getting a free ticket from an airline for being bounced from a flight out of hurricane-torn New Orleans," Simon Cowell told Taylor that he didn't have a chance. Still, the guy won over Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson with a down-home treatment of "Swanee River Rock" lifted whole from Ray Charles. The first record Hicks ever owned - OK, stole - from a store, he tells in "Heart Full of Soul," was an Otis Redding album, "Shake." And even in his high-school years, his heart belonged to vintage (and mostly southern-fried) rhythm-and-blues music. "When everyone else was listening to Blind Melon, I was listening to Solomon Burke." [Actually from Philly, but maybe the first talent to successfully merge soul and country.] "You know, Burke was also the first guy to use the cape and the red rose in his show, and James Brown kind of stole his act, so to speak. Then they'd say of Michael Jackson that the last guy who moved like him was James Brown. Funny how things go 'round like that." Hicks believes he won on "A.I." by taking control of the situation, playing by his own rules and staying grounded. "I'd spent so many years trying to make it, that I like to think I had the focus, once the big movement started happening. My life experience" - which included years of roadhouse singing in Alabama, two indie albums and an erstwhile recording project in Nashville under the guidance of another soul legend, Percy Sledge - "gave me a boost up. I used the harmonica to my advantage on the show, even when told it might get me disqualified." (The next year, 'A.I.' candidates were officially allowed to play instruments on stage.) And Hicks had "another pioneering thought" that he put into play. "I was the first to write the endings of my songs. They gave me two minutes to 'play that funky music,' and I made sure my endings were powerful and signature enough to move me along in the competition." Grease is the word This whole alliance with "Grease" is another offbeat move that has left some scratching their heads, but which Hicks sees as a smart career strategy. Cut loose under "mutual agreement" from 19/Arista Records after his cheesily produced debut album, "Taylor Hicks," sold only a million copies - the lowest sales figure to date for a winning Idol - Hicks went off and made a clearly superior album for his own Modern Whomp Records label. "The Distance" takes a more organic, gritty approach (no generic backing singers, no syrupy strings) with thoughtful, soul-pop and country-style songs (9 authored/co-authored by Hicks) and excellent backing by the same guys who tour and record with Eric Clapton (among other notables.) But without the big-bucks tour support that he might have gotten from a major label, going out and promoting this project across the nation seemed daunting. Enter "Grease" - that much-loved, cartoon-ish musical homage to the early days of rock and roll, hot rods, teen hoodlums and high school romance which was back on Broadway last year in a new production featuring winners of a TV talent contest (!!!) called "Grease: You're the Won That I Want." Hicks joined the show in New York last spring for what was supposed to be a three-month special guest appearance, cast as the "Teen Angel" (played in the movie by aging Philly pop idol Frankie Avalon). You know the part - the handsome charmer who urges the "Beauty School Dropout" to go back to high school. Hicks got to do the number his way, adding some wailing, bluesy harmonica work. The creative team also popped him into the "Megamix" at the show's end, wherein he reprises the title song - one of four hits from the 1978 movie version added to this stage production. Clearly, Hicks' self proclaimed "babysteps . . . walk before you run" participation in the Broadway musical constituted just a "cameo." But his name recognition and presence spelled "star power" for the production - translating into an extra $150,000 a week in ticket sales, reported the New York Post. Then, at year's end, Hicks got an offer he couldn't refuse to join the national touring production. Therein, he'd also get to plug/perform a single from his soon-coming-out album as another encore treat. The deal sounded so good, he signed up to travel with the show until June, 2010. "This is a wonderful way to be able to let fans new and old see me in a part and also see me as an artist," Hicks explained. "Nowadays, you have to be creative in the way you get your music and voice heard. The way the road tour is structured, it's a really cool way to exercise that concept. It's very rare that an artist, an entertainer, gets to go into a city to perform and stay in that particular market for multiple days or weeks, to work a Broadway show and work a record." In some cities - though not this one - Hicks flies in his touring band and does a late night showcase at a club. Here, he'll surely be popping up on local TV and radio shows to plug stuff. And Soul Patrolers will find him out in the lobby after every performance "to sign merchandise and CDs and shoot the breeze" just like the down-to-earth "idol" he is. * "Grease" plays at the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, tomorrow through July 19. Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6:30 p.m., matinees Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., $25-$100, 215-731-3333, www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway. http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20090706_From_stolen_album_to_stolen_hearts_____This_Idol_s_in_heaven.html 4. Taylor Hicks performs "Seven Mile Breakdown" in Studio X at 92.5 WXTU in Philadelphia, PA, July 2009 credit to Kristin Campbell 5. Interview - NBC 10 Philadelphia Jim Snowden SOUL PATROL MEMORIES: 1. shanhansen from twitter: I'm in the same room as taylor hicks!! He's 15 feet away! Grease cast parties are fun :) courtesy of 4tay2. NJ Girl 4 Tay I saw Taylor pimpin ice cream in Philly tonight! Looks very fantastic with that great tan. The audience loved him. They weren't expecting what they saw in Taylor Hicks. Great night Taylor. Thanks! It was so great I think I WILL go in again and again. 3. tay tay tay Dominic announced Taylor and he came out in all black. The background music started and Taylor started the crowd a clapping. And the clapping and grooving lasted the entire song. He sounded fabulous, looked like a star and smiled the entire song. I'm singing along and the people next to me were a little stunned. Then too quickly he thanked everyone for coming to the opening night and that he had CDs and merchandise in front where he will be to sign. And, I believe he sang the entire song tonight. Not a partial and then gone. courtesy of bit.ly yfrog upload4. Girl4Reba Everyone around me was talking about the show and the biggest buzz was about Taylor, how wonderful he was, how good looking, tall, thin, etc. I didn't have to sell this crowd. ....He truly sounds fantastic, his voice is polished and strong -- this crowd loves him and his harp. His part is adorable, the biggest laughs of course -- came from his campy moves, and the "I vooooted for you" All too soon it is over and up he goes, I'm not sure who was clapping and cheering the loudest, me or the young man sitting next to me. courtesy of Jeanne5. NJGirl4Tay Mobs of fans lined up to see Taylor Hicks after the Grease matinee in Philly. He stayed and signed every one. courtesy of NJGirl4Tay6. flower Despite the fact he has had a grueling schedule, he remains gracious to everyone, smiling and posing for pictures, signing merchandise. He tries so hard to please us all, and give each of us a little piece of himself..a smile, a word, a thank you. With so many people clamoring for his time, we never once see a "what do you want now" look from him. 7. GinaRubel on twitter: Saw Grease the musical at theAcademy of Music w/ Taylor Hicks last week in Phila. It was fantastic. 8. MrsRPattz on twitter: Grease was absolutely amazing. Hilarious. Met taylor hicks!! He's awesome! 9. blueeyes4tay After the show we had our cd's signed and got to say a fast Hi to Taylor....the place was packed....lots of cd's sold....he was so friendly and happy taking pics with everyone who asked....lots of adorable kids that he seemed to get a kick out of.....We went back and had our pics taken also..we brought our Birmingham magazines with us and he said he would be happy to sign them....he told us he was proud of the article.... 10. DanaWarren: we totally enjoyed the play "Grease" at the Academy! Taylor Hicks was funny, self deprecating. he has come a long way since American Idol 11. 4 tay From where we were sitting, we could see all the action from the side of the stage. After Taylor left the cone, he stood on the side of the stage getting ready for Grease is the Word. G4R tapped me on the shoulder so I wouldn't miss seeing Taylor standing there for so long but you could not miss him in the sparkly blue jacket. Taylor changed up the song. He was scatting the lyrics. I thought I was hearing him flub the lines but he didn't. He was scatting Grease. Cool. 12. CyndyNiks The one thing I was wondering about almost the entire show was if they were really smoking. Every now and them the actors would light a cigarette and smoke it. I know smoking isn't good for you, especially if you are a singer, so how is it that smoking is a part of their roles? Is there a way to fake smoke? I have no idea, but if anyone knows, can you please pass on the knowledge because now i am seriously curious! LOL. Well that is all for Grease! TTYL 13. 4tay In Philly, the CD's were in small boxes and a few ushers carried them around the lobby selling them for $20. I thought that was cool b/c a lot wanted to get in line and needed something for Taylor to sign. This was after the Sat. matinee. Cash only. Genius! 14. Curtain Call : credit to sturgess 15. Beauty School Dropout : credit to sturgess |
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courtesy of Panoramio
courtesy of twork.orbius.com
courtesy of Taylor's facebook
courtesy of 4tay
courtesy of bit.ly yfrog upload
courtesy of Jeanne
courtesy of NJGirl4Tay



2:38 AM Jul 11