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| Tucson, AZ Feb. 24 - Mar. 1 , 2009; Music Hall of the Convention Center | |
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FIFTIES QUESTION: Which of these teen idols was not an important part of the 50s music scene? Fabian. Ricky Nelson. Bobby Darin. --------------------------------------- February 24 - March 1, 2009 ![]() Music Hall 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 791-4101 TICKETS:Price: $25-$68 Individual tickets go on sale October 24th. Broadway In Tucson Season Tickets on sale now. Show Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30pm, Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm & 8:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm & 6:30pm NOTE: Taylor Hicks will not appear in the Sunday, March 1- 6:30pm performance. Current Broadway in Tucson season ticket holders will receive their season renewal materials via email and can begin renewing immediately. New season ticket packages are also available now! New season ticket buyers will receive seat assignments in early summer, after current season ticket holders have finished renewing their packages. Tickets for individual events will go on sale on a staggered schedule to be announced later this summer. THE ONLY ARIZONA TOUR STOP! ![]() 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. . SEATING CAPACITY: 2,289 / 2300- SEATING CHART: THE VENUE: courtesy of san![]() The Tucson Convention Center (TCC), previously named the Tucson Community Center, is a large multi-purpose convention center located in downtown Tucson, Arizona. Built in 1971, the location includes a 9,275-seat indoor arena, two performing arts venues, and 205,000 square feet (19,000 m2) of meeting space. The center hosts a variety of events including the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, WWE wrestling, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, music concerts, monster truck shows, and many other smaller events. The Music Hall is home to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Opera. Originally intended for plays, Leo Rich Theater is now used primarily by the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music. TCC Arena draws crowds to sporting events and megastar music concerts, while two exhibition halls handle the convention trade. ![]() The current arena is outdated and operates at a 3 million dollar deficit every year. In 2005, a feasibility study was performed, revealing that this project is possible. Supporters claim that the new arena would add significantly to the Rio Nuevo downtown redevelopment project. Currently, most performances in Arizona are held in Phoenix because of the larger facilities.[1] When attempting to bring larger names to the city, Prince and Cirque du Soleil both declined performances because the existing arena's ceiling was too low. The new arena will boast a ceiling more than twice as high at 110 feet (34 m). Though the council signed off on the plan, it will need to vote again on the issue to formally allocate the estimated $130 million for the arena and $60 million for the first phase of TCC renovation. A second phase, also priced at $60 million, that includes a ballroom expansion will be discussed later by the council. Ground could be broken on the downtown arena as early as August 2008.[2] The arena's design was inspired by the Desert Tortoise and the majority of the seating, including the entire lower bowl, will be 29 feet (8.8 m) underground. ![]() images courtesy of emol.org and www.visittucson.org and http://www.zvents.com/images/internal/1/2/9/8/img_228921_primary RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS: http://www.tucsonstyle.com/VenueList.aspx?VenueTypeID=1&EventID=19659&Affil=TS Restaurants http://www.tucsonstyle.com/VenueList.aspx?VenueTypeID=3&EventID=19659&Affil=TS Hotels POINTS OF INTEREST : Arizona Historical Society Tucson Museum 949 E. 2nd St., Tucson, AZ 85719. Phone: (520) 628-5774. The state's oldest museum features everything from a full-scale reproduction of an underground copper mine tunnel to steam locomotives. History buffs particularly enjoy access to the museum's research library. There's also a fine gift shop. Slap on Your Spurs For a Day of Wild West Fun http://www.oldtucson.com/ ![]() From daring cowboy gunfights and stunts to rip-roarin' musical revues and comedies, Old Tucson offers exciting Old West entertainment. The experience is so authentic, you can taste it! We pride ourselves on our mesquite-grilled barbecue dishes at Big Jake's. Knock it down with your favorite brew in the Grand Palace Saloon. Take a guided tour highlighting the park scenery and movie history. Get all gussied up in some old-fashioned duds for an old-time photo or take a miniature train ride into the beautiful desert surrounding the park. And don't miss Old Tucson Studios' very own "silent" movie star, The Reno locomotive! Proudly stationed at the north end of town, The Reno has more than 100 film and television credits. Planetarium at the Univ. of Arizona (No reservations are required for groups under 20 individuals) Whether you’re looking to learn, laugh or be amazed, the Planetarium has something in the stars for all ages. Shows are not scheduled this far ahead, but click onto this link to see what kind of shows are offered . http://www.gotuasciencecenter.org/astronomy/planetarium/ This sounds like fun. St Augustine Cathedral 192 S Stone Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 A beautiful historically built church under the leadership of Father Patrick M. Crino, Father Frank Cady and Monsignor Carlos Romero-Moreno. In addition to the masses, church services also include matrimony and baptism. The church gives guided tour to senior citizen groups, youth groups and Catholic schools to show them the magnificence of this Cathedral as well as the many artifacts that make up its fabulous history. The chapel was originally called San Agustin, and was built as a one-room chapel that contained a special area called a sacristy. This sacristy was the place civilians and soldiers came to pray with the priest. In the 1800s, they added more rooms to the church for the short time it was used. In 1860, the Bishop of Santa Fe sent Father Joseph Machebeuf to look over the church. Upon his advisement, a small house was donated to Father Machebeuf and they began using this building as a church again. Through the next few years, work was done on the building, while changing its name to a church or cathedral. Shortly after this time, the Arizona territory was declared a Vicariate Apostolic and with Fr. Salpointe becoming the Most Rev. Jean B. Salpointe, the Vicar Apostolic of the area. This declaration was made by the Holy See. One hundred years later in 1966, they began restoration on the church to turn it into the magnificent cathedral it is today, at the same time, celebrating its 100th anniversary of the first church's completion. At this time the name was changed to St. Augustine's Cathedral. The inside of the church contains some of the most beautiful and historic artifacts and monuments such as the coat of arms of Pope Pius XI, Bishop Salpointe and Bishop Bourgade in addition to symbols of the famous evangelists Luke, Mark, Matthew and John. The vestibule contains statues of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Sacred Heart, St. Jude, St. Anthony and St. Joseph. Perhaps one of the most significant pieces in the church is the "Cathedra", which is the Bishop's chair. Without this piece, a church is not a cathedral as it is from this chair that the Bishop performs duties for the Diocese. ------------------------ San Xavier del Bac Mission 1950 W. San Xavier Road, San Xavier District Ph: (520) 294-2624 FAX: (520) 294-3438 Free Open every day of the year, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The celebrated Jesuit missionary and explorer, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, first visited Bac in 1692. Eight years later in 1700, Father Kino laid the foundations of the first church, some two miles north of the present site of the Mission. He named it San Xavier in honor of his chosen patron, St. Francis Xavier, the illustrious Jesuit "Apostle of the Indies." ![]() San Xavier Mission is acclaimed by many to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. It is a graceful blend of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance architecture, yet the blending is so complete it is hard to tell where one type begins and another ends. The church is a series of domes and arches that create enclaves for themes of painting on the various walls, domes and rooms. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum The Museum is regularly listed as one of the top ten zoological parks in the world because of its unique approach in interpreting the complete natural history of a single region (in our case this is the Sonoran Desert and adjacent ecosystems). This represents a significant achievement, as the Museum's collections and size are smaller than many of its counterparts. Not a "museum" in the usual sense, it is an unparalleled composite of plant, animal, and geologic collections with the goal of making the Sonoran Desert accessible, understandable, and treasured. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place! Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region so realistically you find yourself eye-to-eye with mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, and more. Within the Museum grounds, you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. There are almost 2 miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful desert. MEDIA AND REVIEWS: 1. Remote Controlled : Taylor Hicks is coming to town as Teen Angel in 'Grease' Opinion by Gerald M. Gay Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona | Published: 02.15.2009 Taylor Hicks, the silver-haired champion on season five of "American Idol," is taking it to the Tucson Music Hall as part of a national touring production of the classic musical "Grease." Hicks' role is a modest one. He plays Teen Angel, the heavenly crooner who serenades Frenchy with an amped-up version of "Beauty School Dropout." But his mere presence in the revival has meant big bucks for "Grease" producers. According to the New York Post, Hicks brought in an estimated $150,000 extra in ticket sales per week to the show's Broadway run. "The opening night audience greeted Hicks' second-act cameo with bigger applause than anything the show had gotten to that point," said a Cincinnati Enquirer review of a recent Ohio performance. "Hicks vamped through his scene and showed off the voice that won the votes of millions."Coincidentally, this particular revival of "Grease" was a direct result of the NBC reality series "Grease: You're the One That I Want." The production begins Feb. 24. You can read more about it in Friday's Arts section. We spoke by phone to Hicks about his time as Teen Angel and his new album, "The Distance," due in stores on March 10 on his own Modern Whomp Records. Q. How is "Grease" going? A. "I'm having a ball. That role is a perfect fit. It has allowed me to get my feet wet in the acting field and to understand what musical theater is. It has also allowed me to be a musician as well. It is a great combination for me as an artist and an entertainer." Q. Were you nervous taking on acting? A. "I was a little nervous. It was definitely a step in a different direction. But after careful thought about the role and trying to 'Taylorize' it so to speak, it has worked out well. After so many months doing this, the Teen Angel and I are one." Q. Is it hard to balance "Grease" with promoting the new album? A. "It takes a lot of careful planning and careful thought. This is a great way to get a brand new record out there. It allows an audience to see me in a particular role and then turn right around and see me as a musician. There aren't many artists who get to do that night after night." Q. What do you think will stand out on "The Distance" for listeners? A. "I think there are some really great songs on the record. I really had time to go and experience different places and different writers to pick what I wanted to do. The songs have to be really great, whether you write them or not. For me, to be able to express my songwriting abilities working with these different writers was a win-win situation. I got to sink my teeth into this record and I really believe in it." Q. Can we expect to see you on more shows or in theatrical productions in the future? A. "I'm sure there is a role out there somewhere. I've been offered roles previously, but I think this was a good start for me." http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/accent/280125 1. Comment by anne s. (gigix2) — February 15,2009 @ 5:39AM Ratings: -0 +0 Go to see Taylor Hicks in Grease.I saw him in NYC and he is wonderful. The show is fun. Will Blum as Roger is also very good, But Taylor Hicks is certainly the STAR. Stick around, at the end of the show Taylor comes out and sings his new single "What's Right is Right. Also check out to see if there will be a show somewhere in the area with Taylor Hicks and his band. He has done that in some cities. 2. Grease chugs along like a well oiled machine http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/all_headlines/110433.php February 18, 2009, 1:50 p.m. CHUCK GRAHAM Tucson Citizen Somehow or other, the endlessly running musical "Grease" has become the most popular nostalgia boat to the 1950s. For most everyone who didn't grow up during that time, the TV reruns of "Happy Days" and the love story of Sandy and Danny in "Grease" define the period. While mom was in the kitchen and dad was making money in a booming postwar economy, all the teens were midwiving rock 'n' roll. Virginity still had market value, so there was a lot of sexual frustration as well - supplying the energy to do so much dancing. That spark ignited pop culture's most magical moment, which the writing team of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey captured in the book, music and lyrics of "Grease." So what if the show was a 1970s response to society's psychedelic 1960s meltdown, meant to remind us of the good old days? These days nobody cares about any of yesterday's realities. Instead, this photo album of memories that is "Grease" has become everybody's favorite version. A time when girls could sing "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and no snippy feminist in fatigue pants and clunky boots would kick her in the shins. Falling in love felt like forever and gas was 30 cents a gallon. Who wouldn't want to romanticize a time like that? So when NBC dreamed up a huge campaign back in 2007 to have a national talent search for the leading roles in "Grease," kids of all ages showed up to audition as Sandy and Danny. When the fluffed-up show opened on Broadway in August of that year, the ticket line was long and everybody was smiling. Meanwhile, rock 'n' soul singer Taylor Hicks had made a name for himself on "American Idol." In 2006 he was named the season's top winner with 63.4 million votes. A successful CD followed with a number one hit single, "Do I Make You Proud." Later the whole album went platinum as a bona fide million-seller. Just to emphasize his happiness, Hicks signed a book deal with Random House and in July, 2007, released "Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Way." When you're hot you're hot, so toward the end of 2008 Hicks was invited to step into the cast of "Grease" during its last three months on Broadway. He appeared in the showcase role of Teen Angel, originated by Frankie Avalon, singing "Beauty School Dropout." Then Hicks, the energetic singer from Alabama, stayed around to sign on for the national tour, which started last December and opens for a week of Tucson shows on Tuesday. "Every night I perform I learn more about the business of musical theater," says Taylor, on the phone from the road. "This role is a good one for me." Hicks is taking a methodical approach to his career, which began at age 16. He wants to become "as versatile as possible. "Reinvention is key in this business, I'm convinced," Hicks insists. "I've been offered other roles on Broadway but I didn't want to really dive into it. When they sent me the information about 'Grease' I thought it would be a good idea." Hicks also received a few more sweeteners. His new album "The Distance" is being released March 10, in the midst of this tour. Although Hicks sings only "Beauty School Dropout" during the show, at the curtain call he gets to sing the album's breakout single "What's Right Is Right." "It's already getting radio play," Hicks says proudly. "Touring in this show is a great way to get the music out, as well as meet old friends and new fans." 3. Grease is the word Broadway musical set for the TCC By: Adam Daley Issue date: 2/18/09 There's no doubt musical theatre patrons circled February 24th on their calendars when the Broadway in Tucson lineup was released, but who knew the Grease leads would be doing the same when they saw the Old Pueblo on their list of tour dates. "We've been hitting some pretty cold spots lately so we're definitely excited," said Eric Schneider, the actor out to put his own spin on Danny, the character John Travolta brought to life on the big screen in 1978. "I'll take anything over 40 at this point," added Schneider. Schneider and his fellow cast members face the challenge of taking a classic story about American high school life in the 1950s and making it fresh and new to audiences across the country. "It's a very young energetic group and everyone brings their own personal twist to these characters that people know and love so well from the movie," said Schneider. "That really makes the show pop and gives it a lot of energy." In high school Schneider made a jump from the field to the stage, joining theater after spending most of his extracurricular time playing sports. He ended up studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. "I never really just considered it a hobby," said Schneider. "I always considered it where I kind of belonged and what I belonged doing," he continued. Grease follows Danny and his gang, the T-Birds, and the lovely Pink Ladies through the turmoil of high school life. Numbers like "Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want" are natural sing-a-longs that have become karaoke night staples. "Everybody knows Grease," said Emily Padgett, who sees a lot of herself in her Grease counterpart, Sandy, the good girl and newest member of the Pink Ladies. "When I look back at high school, I definitely, like Sandy, was attracted to the rougher kids," Padgett said. Her favorite scene to perform is a major character shift for Sandy. "It's when she decides to shock everybody and say I'm not just going to sit here and be made fun of." Padgett also studied at AMDA before touring with the 25th Anniversary production of Cats. "Going to the show is going to work, but once you're there and you're on stage it's almost a time to relax because it doesn't feel like work when you're doing it," she said. This tour of Grease features a familiar face playing the role of Teen Angel. "Simon's a nice guy - wink, wink," said 2006 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. The Birmingham, Alabama native is making his Broadway debut with his own interpretation of the role. "The cool part about Teen Angel is that I got to make the part my own," he said. "From designing the costume to writing some cool R&B lines to getting to play a little bit of harmonica; it's Taylor-made." After Tucson the tour is set to hit San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. According to Padgett, living on the road is a great way to save money and see the country. "We have our whole life with us," she said. "It's kind of a different energy in every city that you go to depending on the space that you're in and the feedback that you're getting from the crowd," said Schneider. However Schneider believes no energy compares to that of the final number each night. "It's a couple thousand people all on the same page singing the same song having a great time," he said. "The energy is through the roof." As far as what the audience should expect to walk away with, Schneider said, "I would like them to be taken out of their daily lives for a couple hours and go someplace else and have a great time." 4. Grease invasion at the TCC By: Brandon Specktor Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: There was a time when leather jackets and pink poodle skirts roamed the earth; a time when it was totally cool for dudes to obsessively groom their hair and sing about their feelings before engaging in death races at the gorge; a time when "grease" was more than just another topping on your Big Mac … it was the word. Fifty years later, "Grease" is still the word - at least until March 1 at the Tucson Music Hall. The newest installment of the Broadway in Tucson series brings everyone's favorite epic of '50s high school drama to the Tucson Convention Center stage, where fans of the old-school John Travolta flick will find some new surprises - the least of which being the presence of American Idol winner Taylor Hicks (because when I think 1959, I think Taylor Hicks). The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies are aptly represented by a charming ensemble cast, headed by Eric Schneider as Danny Zuko and Emily Padgett as Sandy Dumbrowski. The sappy romance between the two young lovers guides the performance, but, unlike the star-studded 1978 film, Danny and Sandy's comic cohorts are given just as much stage time as the leading characters. This emphasis on secondary characters is a nice refresher - especially given Schneider's somewhat underwhelming performance as a tough guy - and in fact provides some of the most impressive, entertaining song-and-dance numbers in the show. For example, the off-color love ballad called "Mooning" - you can guess what it's about - provides some welcome comic relief from all the romance, and showcases the beautiful voices of the oft-overlooked Will Blum and Bridie Carroll (playing Roger and Jan, respectively). The "Greased Lightnin'" number proved to be a huge crowd pleaser as the show's male ensemble exploited their dancing chops and kicked around on the hood of a show-stopping, candy-apple red convertible. The biggest hit of the show, though, was easily Hicks' smarmy performance of "Beauty School Drop Out," a corny, hilarious number studded with sequins and skin-tight pants that was milked for absolutely all it could muster, including a brief harmonica solo and actress Kate Morgan Chadwick's unexpected confession, "I voted for you." Overall, Broadway in Tucson's "Grease" was just another telling of the same old story, as corny and adorable as it was entertaining. Once you get past the striking, whining voices of many of the supporting females, and the reality that Hicks gets to steal the show whether he deserves to or not, "Grease" will be the word on your lips for hours. Grease Tucson Music Hall February 24 - March 1 Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/media/storage/paper997/news/2009/02/25/Wildlife/Grease.Invasion.At.The.Tcc-3647378.shtml 5. Get swept away by lively It's easy to get swept up in the highly choreographed group numbers in "Grease." Info: 903-2929, broadwayintucson.com Grade: B+ February 25, 2009, 5:08 p.m. CHUCK GRAHAM Tucson Citizen Remember that girl back in high school who everyone liked? She wasn't that cute but everyone liked her anyway. That's the way it is with "Grease," the Fabulous Fifties musical that never wears out its welcome. A vigorous version is playing downtown at the Tucson Music Hall, the latest presentation by Broadway in Tucson - with plenty of black leather and lots of slicked back hair. As for the Pink Ladies, they all looked very . . . pink. With turned up collars all around. High school fashions from the 1950s are important in this show. Letter sweaters, poodle skirts, rayon baseball jackets and those small-brimmed hats are all in there. Along with such 50-year-old phrases as "knocked up" and "going all the way." Most fun is the choreography by director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall. A stage full of performers pretending to be high school students whipped through crisply rehearsed routines that emphasized natural body movements and period dance steps, but elevated all that movement to a higher standard. Getting swept up in the enthusiasm was sooooo easy. Just to prove no one is perfect, Marshall has dulled a positive impression by having her cast exaggerate every gesture and phrase reminiscent of the period. All the guys are underlining their double entendre jokes with pelvis thrusts and hammy leers. After awhile it gets a little annoying, as if the 1950s and campiness were synonyms. As if she isn't sure audiences will think the show is funny, so she overdoes the acting to make it silly. But in the end, the spirited dancing and enthusiastic singing carried the evening. It helped, too, that the pit band pushed the beat with genuine rock 'n' roll intensity. Who can resist those scooping saxophone low notes and doo-wop harmonies? Judging by the large number of young people in the audience on opening night, "Grease" has jumped the generation gap, as well. The original songs written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey have been enhanced by the big screen version's movie hits "Hopelessly Devoted To You," "You're the One that I Want," the "Grease" theme and "Sandy." Another special enhancement in this nationally touring production is the appearance of "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel. His entrance turned applause into screams when he began singing "Beauty School Dropout." Looking like a very dapper angel in his shiny charcoal suit, he tries to cheer up Frenchy (Kate Morgan Chadwick), who gets her own cheers and applause when, in a pause during the song, she strokes his chest and purrs "I voted for you." This is the only time Hicks is onstage, though he does come back after the curtain call to introduce the single from his new album, "What's Right Is Right." The addition gives the whole production kind of an odd and totally unrelated coda, but nobody seemed to mind. Of the cast regulars, Allie Schulz stole the show playing Rizzo, the brassy 1950s prototype for today's modern woman. She wasn't butch, like Stockard Channing in the movie, but more high style, which didn't quite fit. But when she was singing and dancing, the stage was hers alone. Emily Padgett was appropriately sweet as Sandy, creating a character certainly deserving of the dismissive comparison, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee." Eric Schneider was less successful playing Danny. He seemed too soft, but his singing and dancing were strong. All of this combined to make my favorite number, the show-closing reprise of "We Go Together," a truly grand finale. http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/calendar/110995 6. Accent 'Grease' has lost its groove By Kathleen Allen Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona | Published: 02.27.2009 advertisementThis "Grease" is not the one we want. The road show of the Broadway musical is in town this week, courtesy of Broadway in Tucson. While it's got bouncy tunes and leather jackets, it doesn't have the energy and the attitude of the 1950s era it can spoof so well. This is a talented cast, with fine singing skills. But most of them just didn't seem to get the coolness and innocence crossed with a sexuality that was about to turn the country on its pompadour. And then there's this: The plot is way, way too thin to stretch over the 35-plus years the play's been around. That being said, it's kind of hard not to get into the play, even if, like this one, it seems like a glorified high school production with flat sets and not-very-interesting costumes (but terrific lighting). Eric Schneider and Emily Padgett as Danny and Sandy both have fine voices, but they came across as too bland, and the chemistry between the two did not seem like the chemistry of hormone-heavy teens. The most energetic and delightful couple in the play were Will Blum as the chubby Roger, and his heartthrob Jan, played by Bridie Carroll. They had a pizzazz that seemed to be absent from much of the production. Then there was Taylor Hicks, "American Idol" winner and Teen Angel in this production. He gets top billing, which must annoy the others to no end — Hicks sings only one song, "Beauty School Dropout." But he hams it up beautifully, shows off his voice and brings some distinct delight to a kinda tired production. There's something that's endearingly geeky about Hicks, so it's hard not to like him. Hicks' entrance — from a giant soft ice cream cone — drew cheers from the audience, as did his surprise — after the curtain call, he performed a song from his new album, coming out March 10. Director Kathleen Marshall missed the boat in getting her actors steeped in the '50s sensibilities, an essential ingredient to the show's success. She has her Rizzo (Allie Schulz) strut, her Danny constantly flicking the collar of his leather jacket, and the members of the T-Bird gang make suggestive moves. But none of it felt organic, so the greatest sense we have is that these are talented kids putting on a show and singing bouncy tunes. And that's it. "Grease" should be more than a show — it should be a load of energetic fun and over-the-top attitude performed by actors who believe to their bones that Elvis is king and hot rods are cool. And that's not this "Grease." http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/281791 7. Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel in Tucson Updated: Feb 27, 2009 09:48 AM EST By Jenny Anchondo Taylor Hicks is ready to sing "Beauty School Dropout" in Tucson for his Broadway performance of Grease. He's playing "Teen Angel" in Tucson all week and when he's not performing, Hicks is getting comfortable in Southern Arizona. "These are my Tucson shoes right here, I never wear these, only in appropriate places and this town is exactly the reason why I brought them," Hicks said about his snakeskin boots. He said he hit Tucson at just the right time. "I'm definitely utilizing what Tucson has to offer, golfing, great food, rodeo, spring training. You've got a lot going on here," Hicks said. However, he may have to transition from his snakeskin boots into his dancing shoes at night. "There's dancing somewhere in the show," Hicks said. The move from American Idol to Broadway is easy because playing Teen Angel isn't a far cry from who he is as a person, Hicks said. "The idea of telling Frenchie to put down her teasing comb and go back to high school is working," Hicks said. He even said he's the disciplinarian of the cast off-screen. Hicks also likes the Grease gig because it's allowing him to learn acting and promote his new album, The Distance, which is set to hit stores March 10th. "It's an interesting way of being with the people because for one second you're Teen Angel and for another you're Taylor Hicks the musician, which is really cool," Hicks said. Ladies, he is single and he dished about his dating life on the road. "It is kind of non-existent, the right one has to come along to understand the whole thing," Hicks said. http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=9916859&nav=m SOUL PATROL MEMORIES: courtesy of san1. Lorraine I was very excited to see Taylor Hicks as the Teen Angel. If he had been on American Idol that night he would have still won because he really was the best vocals of the night. He wasnt bad looking either. I was kind of shocked at myself for even thinking that. LOL At the very end Taylor Hicks came out and did one of his songs on his latest album. Yvonne and I laughed and called him DenJuan. That was our thing because he looks like a cross between Dennis Uecker and our cousin Juan "Johnny" Garcia. We were joking about waiting until he came out to try and get his autography then yell out "DenJuan"!!!! It would of been hysterical! Yes, we are a little crazy! .... 2. Briana's Mom ( Atkins ) When we heard that Grease was coming to Tucson, Briana said "mom you have to get us tickets". ....An nice bonus was Taylor Hicks (American Idol winner) playing Teen Angel and at the end he came out and sang a song from his new album due out in March. courtesy of san3. Mandy Tucson has been great to Taylor! The audiences have loved him! Men & women alike! 4. San Every show was a little different. Understudies played a couple of parts. Some of the cast are from Broadway and some are new. We were all staying at the hotel next to the venue and had a chance to interact with the cast. They are very down to earth and just loved being in the warm weather. Vince Fontaine is a great entertainer and really gets the audience in a fun mood with his DJ performance before the show. He sort of makes fun of a town in that state…for Arizona it was Eloy! ....immediately after the finale to sing What’s Right is Right. The crowd loved it. I heard a man with his family comment afterwards how great Taylor Hicks was and how he liked the song he sang afterwards. A few thousand people in Tucson last week had the chance to see a campy Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel and Taylor Hicks live on stage singing his music. It showed the amazing range of talent of this Season 5 American Idol winner. ( as posted on thetaylorhickscommunity blog ) Taylor was wearing snakeskin boots: "These are my Tucson shoes right here, I never wear these, only in appropriate places and this town is exactly the reason why I brought them," Hicks said about his snakeskin boots. Just inside the venue were huge posters of the Broadway show offerings. Taylor’s was the one for Grease. courtesy of san5. kj from her blog For Valentines Day’s .... bought us ticket to see GREASE the musical staring Taylor Hicks…..He knows that I swoon over Taylor….asked me to contain myself .... it was a really great performance….Taylor was only in one scene…..he played the “Teen Angel” and sang “Beauty School Dropout”…..it was great…..at the end of the show he came back on stage and sang his latest hit “What’s Right is Right”……..It was a really great show. Taylor singing Bus Back to Birmingham at Studio C at Tucson 12 Promo for his Grease appearance courtesy of snowyhope Edited by mouser, Feb 5 2010, 10:26 AM.
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courtesy of san




courtesy of san
courtesy of san
courtesy of san



2:38 AM Jul 11