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| East Lansing, MI Dec. 9 - Dec. 14 , 2008; Wharton Center for the Performing Arts | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 25 2008, 10:09 AM (732 Views) | |
| mouser | Sep 25 2008, 10:09 AM Post #1 |
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FIFTIES QUESTION: Who wrote the song that made the phrases "see you later allligator" and "after a while crocodile" part of the national lexicon? A......Bobby Charles B......Fats Domino C......Bill Haley D......Clarence "Frogman" Henry ------------------------------------------------------ December 9, 2008 - December 14, 2008 ![]() Wharton Center for the Performing Arts Bogue St & Willson Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 353-1982 TICKETS: Grease December 09 - 14, 2008 | Cobb Great Hall Tickets: $60.00 - $25.00 Tuesday, December 9 7:30 PM $55.00, $45.00, $25.00 Wednesday, December 10 7:30 PM $55.00, $45.00, $25.00 Thursday, December 11 7:30 PM $55.00, $45.00, $25.00 Friday, December 12 8:00 PM $60.00, $50.00, $30.00 Saturday, December 13 2:00 PM $60.00, $50.00, $30.00 Saturday, December 13 8:00 PM $60.00, $50.00, $30.00 Sunday, December 14 1:00 PM $60.00, $50.00, $30.00 Sunday, December 14 6:30 PM $55.00, $45.00, $25.00 http://www.whartoncenter.com/boxoffice/performance.aspx?pid=642 Notes: NOW STARRING TAYLOR HICKS as TEEN ANGEL The one that you want is back! GREASE, TIME magazine’s 2007 pick for “#1 musical of the year,” is rockin’ across the country in this new production direct from Broadway. Take a trip to a simpler time of poodle skirts, drive-ins, and T-birds. “Bad boy” Danny and “the girl next door” Sandy fall in love all over again to the tune of your favorite songs: “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together” as well as additional songs from the hit movie: “Grease,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want.” So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!,” GREASE video : http://www.whartoncenter.com/multimedia/grease.aspx SEATING CAPACITY: 1,900 NOT a bad seat in the house SEATING CHART: ![]() THE VENUE : ![]() Wharton Center Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts has a long history of presenting quality programs. Since opening its doors in 1982, the Center has generated state and national prominence for its success with touring megahits and sold-out sensations, making producers, performers and patrons turn their attention toward mid-Michigan. Wharton Center is Michigan’s largest performing arts venue with four unique stages (the Cobb Great Hall, Pasant Theatre, MSU Concert Auditorium and Fairchild Theatre) and plenty of things to do and see all season. Wharton Center is proud to bring the best Broadway shows, the finest classical musicians, unrivaled dance companies and an A-list of high profile performers to mid-Michigan. We are the leading presenting venue among Big 10 institutions and have the largest programming schedule of any independent performing arts center affiliated with a university in the country. Wharton Center is also recognized internationally for our world premier commissions. The Center is fortunate to hire artists to create new works in jazz, dance, and classical music that make a world debut at Wharton Center. A Vibrant Past During the 1970s, MSU President Clifton Wharton and his wife Dolores described the arts as a humanizing, unifying force in our world, bringing people together across vast cultural, social, economic and geographic divisions. Their desire to create a world-class performing arts center for the residents of Michigan became a reality in the fall of 1982. Since the inaugural performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Wharton Center has become a dynamic and evolving cultural resource. From Broadway blockbusters like Phantom of the Opera, Disney's THE LION KING, and WICKED to world-renowned orchestras, dance companies, jazz ensembles and more, Wharton Center hosts an impressive line-up of more than 100 performances each season, attracting patrons from throughout the state and region. However, at its core, Wharton Center is more than a space to entertain; it is a place to educate and engage. Beyond the Stage Today, Wharton Center is about much more than the performances that grace its stages. Whether it’s the countless programs integrating the arts and academics or the engagement activities that take Wharton Center into the community or unique programs like Seats 4 Kids, a scholarship fund providing tickets to economically-disadvantaged children, a key part of Wharton Center’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the value of the arts in everyday life. "Recent cuts in local, state and national funding have created a void in arts education," says Michael Brand, Wharton Center's executive director. "We're able to help fill that void by integrating the arts into the academic experience and into people's lives with a diverse array of programs." The MSU Federal Credit Union Institute for Art and Creativity at Wharton Center provides meaningful, participatory lifelong learning programs both at Wharton Center and throughout the state for audiences of all ages. The Institute integrates Wharton Center's education programs such as the Act One Family Series, Jazz Kats – Jazz For Kids and the Young Playwright's Festival into K-12 curriculum for more than 30,000 children each year as well as expand master classes and lecture demonstrations. Distance learning programs reach students across the state through broadband technology and a series of artist-in-residence programs for students and adult learners. A Promising Future According to Brand, all of this would not be possible without the community's overwhelming support for the last two and half decades. The majority of the Center's funding is derived from corporate sponsorships, private donations, ticket revenues and rental income, with less than three percent of its operating budget from the University. In an average year, nearly 75 corporate sponsors and 2,500 private donors help underwrite Wharton Center's initiatives. Additionally, more than 350 individuals volunteer their time and talents in various capacities in an effort to serve the non-profit organization. "The Center, is above all, a community-based, community supported cultural resource for the people of Michigan," says Brand. http://www.whartoncenter.com/about/history.aspx AFTER WHOM THE CENTER IS NAMED: Clifton R. Wharton Michigan State University's fourteenth President, Clifton R. Wharton, was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 13, 1926. At the age of sixteen, Wharton entered Harvard University and graduated in 1947 with a BA in history. He received a Masters Degree in the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in 1948. After working five years at the American Institute of International Social Development, Wharton earned MA and PhD degrees in economics from the University of Chicago. In 1957, he joined the Agricultural Development Council, a Rockefeller Family Foundation. As a council associate stationed in Malaysia, Wharton directed programs in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. He also taught and conducted research as a visiting professor at the Universities of Malaysia and Singapore. Wharton later became Vice President of the Council, a position he held until his accession the presidency of MSU in January 1970. His term of office was often a turbulent one, featuring student demonstrations in 1970 and 1972 as well as a National Collegiate Athletic Association investigation of the MSU football program. Fiscal problems resulting from budget cuts remained a constant problem throughout Wharton's tenure. His major achievements were his successful efforts to maintain the quality of MSU's academic programs despite budget reductions, his commitment to the education of the economically and educationally disadvantaged, and the integration of the School of Osteopathic Medicine with the other medical schools. Major innovations implemented under Wharton's tenure included the Presidential Commission on Admissions and Student Body Composition to study future enrollment policies and a Presidential Fellows Program to allow selected students and junior faculty members to gain experience in university administration. Wharton's most lasting contribution to the University was the completion of a new center for the performing arts. The building, dedicated in 1982, was named in honor of Wharton and his wife Dolores, in recognition of the strong support, which they gave the project. Wharton resigned from Michigan State University in December 1977 to accept the Chancellorship of the State University of New York. He subsequently took a position as Chairman and CEO of TIAA-CREF from 1987- 1993 and served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton in 1993. Dolores Wharton Dolores Wharton left an indelible mark as first lady. She made the president's residence an important part of campus and a venue to display works of accomplished faculty artists. She brought the Juilliard String Quartet for an "artists-in-residence" program at MSU, a relationship that flourished for 10 years. As first lady, she was not only a partner to her husband, but a true representative of the university. ![]() images courtesy of www.michigan.org and cit.msu.edu RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS: http://www.whartoncenter.com/visitorinfo/discounts.aspx Restaurants http://hotel-guides.us/michigan/wharton-center-performing-arts-mi-hotels.html Hotels POINTS OF INTEREST: Meridian Historical Village ADDRESS:5151 Marsh Rd., Okemos, MI 48864-1104 PHONE:+1 517 347 7300 The atmosphere is great. Restored buildings in a beautiful park with a small lake. Tour guide was very knowledgable and adjusted the tour according to our time constraints. Only downside...limited hours. We couldn't get there during the Saturday 10 - 2 standard time, but tour guide accommodated us when we called for an appointment. Call a few days in advance to make sure you connect with the office. Anselmo Gallery ADDRESS:3320 East Lake Lansing Road, Suites D and E, Lansing, MI 48823 PHONE:+1 517 332 7777 Offering an eclectic selection of domestic and international art and furnishings of all varieties, including paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture, stained glass, crystal, porcelain, tapestries, and designer furniture. The owner is a practicing registered architect and interior designer offering a full range of consultation, design, and installation services available for both residential and commercial needs. MEDIA AND REVIEWS: 1. Taylor Hicks moves on Sunday, December 07, 2008 By Lorilee CrakerThe Grand Rapids Press EAST LANSING -- "American Idol" 2006 winner Taylor Hicks has one thing to say to those who have walked in his reality-show-winner footsteps -- or will be: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," the 32-year-old said in a phone interview from a rehearsal of the national Broadway touring company for "Grease." "The energy from 30,000 people a night for five weeks will make anyone's head spin. It's exhilarating, and you have to keep your feet on the ground." Hicks is referring to the dizziness that set in during his own twirl around the country with the "American Idol" live tour in the summer of 2006, and the expectations that rose and fell as a result. After triumphing over Katharine McPhee in the fifth season of the ratings-busting TV show, headlining the live tour to packed arenas and releasing a major-label debut album, Hicks experienced a quick reversal of fortune. His record label, Arista, dropped him exactly one year after his self-titled debut CD went platinum. Still, the salt-and-pepper topped singer is philosophical. "I've played for about 10 people at the Steak and Ale on Tuesday nights," he said. "I know there are peaks and valleys." He wouldn't even call it a "valley" to be dropped by a label -- just another bend in the road of a "working musician." Here's another twist in the journey: Hicks played Teen Angel on Broadway this summer and is in a 25-city tour of the show that will roll into East Lansing's Wharton Center Tuesday through Dec. 14. Inhabiting the role famously occupied by Frankie Avalon, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker and others is a way to put his face and voice before a whole new crowd who never may have tuned in to "Idol." "(Grease) is giving me a brand new audience," he said. "I've really kind of adopted the role. It's a way for me to learn about acting and musical theater." When he's not guiding beauty-school dropout Frenchy in "Grease," Hicks sinks his musical choppers into his passion. "I'm really excited about songwriting," the Birmingham, Ala., native said about the tunes he is crafting for a forthcoming CD, to be released on his own label in 2009. "It's an introspective idea (becoming big-label-free). You have control of your own art, and the only finger in the pie is your own." Describing his musical style as "Modern Whomp -- it's boogie woogie meets blues meets zydeco" -- Hicks is excited about trotting down the artistic road, no matter where it takes him. "You're always learning to become a better artist," he said. "You have to stay true to who you are and keep working, whether it's a pub down the street, the 'Idol' experience or wearing rhinestones as Teen Angel." If you go When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 Where: Wharton Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing Tickets: $25-$60, (517) 432-2000, (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-2/1228634113155790.xml&coll=6 2. THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS: ENTERTAINMENT American Idol's Taylor Hicks makes transition to stage in "Grease" at Wharton Center by Lorilee Craker | The Grand Rapids Press Sunday December 07, 2008, 7:06 AM Taylor Hicks of American Idol plays Teen Angel in the Broadway production of "Grease."EAST LANSING -- "American Idol" 2006 winner Taylor Hicks has one thing to say to those who have walked in his reality-show-winner footsteps -- or will be: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," the 32-year-old said in a phone interview from a rehearsal of the national Broadway touring company for "Grease." "The energy from 30,000 people a night for five weeks will make anyone's head spin. It's exhilarating, and you have to keep your feet on the ground." Hicks is referring to the dizziness that set in during his own twirl around the country with the "American Idol" live tour in the summer of 2006, and the expectations that rose and fell as a result. After triumphing over Katharine McPhee in the fifth season of the ratings-busting TV show, headlining the live tour to packed arenas and releasing a major-label debut album, Hicks experienced a quick reversal of fortune. His record label, Arista, dropped him exactly one year after his self-titled debut CD went platinum. Still, the salt-and-pepper topped singer is philosophical. GREASE When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 Where: Wharton Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing Tickets: $25-$60, (517) 432-2000, (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com "I've played for about 10 people at the Steak and Ale on Tuesday nights," he said. "I know there are peaks and valleys." He wouldn't even call it a "valley" to be dropped by a label -- just another bend in the road of a "working musician." Here's another twist in the journey: Hicks played Teen Angel on Broadway this summer and is in a 25-city tour of the show that will roll into East Lansing's Wharton Center Tuesday through Dec. 14. Inhabiting the role famously occupied by Frankie Avalon, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker and others is a way to put his face and voice before a whole new crowd who never may have tuned in to "Idol." "(Grease) is giving me a brand new audience," he said. "I've really kind of adopted the role. It's a way for me to learn about acting and musical theater." When he's not guiding beauty-school dropout Frenchy in "Grease," Hicks sinks his musical choppers into his passion. "I'm really excited about songwriting," the Birmingham, Ala., native said about the tunes he is crafting for a forthcoming CD, to be released on his own label in 2009. "It's an introspective idea (becoming big-label-free). You have control of your own art, and the only finger in the pie is your own." Describing his musical style as "Modern Whomp -- it's boogie woogie meets blues meets zydeco" -- Hicks is excited about trotting down the artistic road, no matter where it takes him. "You're always learning to become a better artist," he said. "You have to stay true to who you are and keep working, whether it's a pub down the street, the 'Idol' experience or wearing rhinestones as Teen Angel." http://www.mlive.com/grpress/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/12/american_idols_taylor_hicks_ma.html 2. Published December 11, 2008 Theater review: 'Grease' Robin Miner-Swartz rswartz@lsj.com Bad economy got you down? Holiday shopping stressing you out? Family driving you nuts? Then buy a ticket to see "Grease" this week at the Wharton Center, and you'll feel all the stress and sadness melt away. OK, that might be overstating it, but I happily found that to be the case Tuesday night as the quintessential 1950s-era musical (born in 1972) unfolded onstage. Somehow, a show legions of fans know inside and out, forwards and backwards and upside-down can still hold a crowd's attention and get them smiling, even in the face of today's tough times. And maybe that's why it's so easy to appreciate "Grease" now. You know the story: Sandy (Emily Padgett) and Danny (Eric Schneider) met at the beach over the summer and, on the first day of school at Rydell High, are surprised to discover they're both attending the same school. Danny tries to remain tough in front of the T-Birds and blows Sandy off. The Pink Ladies swoop in to ridicule/help Sandy. Boys chase girls, girls chase boys. Much singing ensues. The real delight in this particular production of "Grease" is the quality of the voices. The supporting players in particular really "bring it," with fun numbers including "Those Magic Changes," led by Doody (Brian Crum), "Freddy, My Love," crooned by Marty (Kelly Felthous) and "It's Raining on Prom Night," featuring Jan (Bridie Carroll). And the show found a real star in Schneider as Danny Zuko. The actor, who made his Broadway debut in "Jersey Boys," has terrific, swaggery stage presence and a voice to match. Padgett's Sandy isn't quite as engaging. She starts out strong on "Summer Nights" but gets a little lost in the shuffle of the show. She does come back strong with the reprise of "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" late in the show. Oh, yes, and then there's Taylor Hicks, the winner of the fifth season of "American Idol." The blues-influenced singer has a brief appearance as the Teen Angel who sings "Beauty School Dropout" to Frenchy (Kate Morgan Chadwick, adorable). It's a fun little cameo, and the only time I can recall hearing a harmonica in any production of "Grease." Devoted fans of the 1978 John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John movie will notice the songs are in a different order in the stage version, but they actually work better in this configuration, even allowing Sandy to have a bit more of a backbone than she does on film. "Grease" is a short show on its own, so the production is fleshed out with a bit before the show with disc jockey Vince Fontaine (Dominic Fortuna) entertaining the audience - expect to sing along and, if the spirit moves you, dance along - as well as a lengthy intermission and a "greatest hits" reprise at the curtain call. If you've been saying to yourself, "I've seen 'Grease' a hundred times, so I could probably skip this one," do yourself a favor and check it out. This is a slick, professional production with great voices, fun sets and an old-fashioned good time. This isn't a show to be scrutinized - it's a show to simply be enjoyed. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812110386 3. Talkin' With Taylor Tim Doty December 10, 2008 Why does Taylor Hicks get top billing in the musical Grease if he's only in one bit of the show? Because he's an American Idol after all. I had a chance to talk with Taylor, and see the show at the Wharton center in East Lansing, and I left both of them feeling pretty good. Hicks, who reprises his Broadway role of Teen Angel does a solid job following in the footsteps of legends like Donny Most and Eddie Mekka. He plays it with some self-deprecating humor and a swagger that lets the audience know that he's in on the joke. I have to give a shout out to the cast as a whole, especially the actors who played the roles of Doody and Rump. Although neither would be mistaken for the leader of the T Birds, they both had surprisingly good singing voices, and had some of the more memorable moments as far as I'm concerned. As far as Taylor off stage goes, I appreciated that he embraces his Idol roots, and stays true to his blues styling in his music. And he's a big golf nut, so we had plenty to talk about off-camera. Although he's a performer comfortable with being in front of millions on TV, when he plays in some of the big celebrity golf events, or PGA pro-ams, he still gets nervous and shaky. Cool to hear him admit that, rather than putting on the brave face saying "yeah, that doesn't bother me..." Here's to hoping the tour comes to west Michigan sometime in the spring/summer so we can try and go "On the Tee". http://www.wxmi.com --------------------------------------------- SOUL PATROL MEMORIES: 1. Wings The seating is large...yet cozy. Vince Fountaine (played by Dominic Fortuna) came out and entertained while people were still finding seats. That was fun....he had us interact and the audience was enjoying that and joining right in. ....Now that ice cream cone........just amazing. We could seeTaylor's face well from our seats and loved how he plays his character to the highest degree. I know some call it 'hamming it up'....LOL. Yep!!! That is what he does. My hubby was talking to the stage manager as I scribbled that quick note to Taylor and he was talking about how there are ladies all over the place who admire Taylor and the stage manager said, "OH I know, we have seen it. But it was more so in RI." 2. chocobar I have seen this show, thought it was good and Hicks was extra good. He made the part his own. ![]() courtesy of Gypsee/TTHC 3. KathyM ....I simply adored it (as did my whole family) and we had a terrific time. .... The energy was fabulous and Taylor Hicks was perfect in his role as the Teen Angel and the harp added a great touch. He stole the show in my opinion. A big entrance and hammed it up just right! 4. Gyspee Thursday night : The theatre was a good 80% filled and our guy got rousing cheers from little kids, to young adults, to older patrons. HE WAS CAMPY SPECTACULAR AT ITS FINEST! 5. Dec. 12 http://willettmatters.blogspot.com/ The highlight of the show was Taylor Hicks, who played Teen Angel. He was perfect in that role.....They added some verses and changed some lines to make it funnier and to fit him, and it really worked. At one point when he was singing to Frenchy, she said, "I voted for you." Everyone fell out laughing. ....But I have to say, when Taylor Hick sang, it was a world of difference between his voice and the voices of the other actors. Taylor is a SINGER. That was clear. The tone of his voice was so different than the rest. It blew everyone away. After the curtain calls, they all came out and sang more songs. Taylor Hicks was the lead singer, and was great once again. ..... It was so funny to watch him. ![]() courtesy of wings 6. maya1 ....the indisputable STAR is Taylor. He looks like he is having such a good time on that stage. He hams it up totally and the audience loves it. the theater was (MY GUESS) 90% filled . When that ice cream cone opened they went wild. Frenchy did the "i voted for you line " and got a big laugh. I wanted to get autographs but was told by several people who work at the Whorton that since it was closing night they were tearing down sets and the tour buses were leaving right after the show.... 7. WBOB Friday the 12th,....a very special night....Taylor's part in Grease is becoming 2nd nature to him..and his delivery is effortless. ....The most important thing I can add is that when taking to the wife to this,..she had no idea that I acquired M&G tickets .... we ended up meeting Taylor in his own dressing room......Taylor is a people person,..that's no doubt. He was just as you'd expect him to be... Edited by mouser, Dec 22 2008, 04:23 PM.
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one that you want is back! GREASE, TIME magazine’s 2007 pick for “#1 musical of the year,” is rockin’ across the country in this new production direct from Broadway. 




courtesy of wings



2:37 AM Jul 11