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Costa Mesa , CA Apr. 28 - May 10; Orange County Arts Center-Segerstrom Hal
Topic Started: Sep 28 2008, 07:55 AM (623 Views)
mouser
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FIFTIES QUESTION:


1. Who is generally given credit for the term "Rock and Roll?
Dick Clark
Alan Freed
Wolfman Jack


--------------------------------




April 28 - May 10, 2009

Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

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600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-556-2787

TICKETS:Box Office: (714) 556-2787

$20-$75


TICKET SALES BEGIN MARCH 1, 2009 AT THE VENUE

The one that you want is back! Grease is rockin'across the country in this new production direct from Broadway. Take a gtrip 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 tine of your favorite songs. "Summer Nights" "Greased Lightnin: " and "We Go Together " a well as additional songs from the hit movie "Grease". "Hopelessly Devoted to Yur" and " Your're the One That I Want" So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that;ll ake you want to stand up and shout, " A wop-bop-a-loo-bop A wop-bam-boom". Grease!
Apr.28 7:30
Apr. 29 7:30Apr. 30 7:00 Taylor will be appearing on American Idol this evening and not in Grease
May 1 2:00
May 1 7:30
May 2 2:00
May 2 7:30
May 3 1:00
May 3 6:30
May 5 7:30
Taylor will not be performing on May 6th . Taylor WILL be performing on the 6th
May 7 7:30
May 8 7:30
May 9 2:00
May 9 7:30
May 10 1:00
May 10 6:30

SEATING CAPACITY:

2,994 opera house style with proscenium
Orchestra - 1,145 t o1,235 depending on the rows in use
Tier 1 - 679
Tier 2 - 478
Tier 3 - 601

SEATING CHART:

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THE VENUE:

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The Orange County Performing Arts Center is one of the nation's premier arts organizations. It is a unique achievement of community vision, initiative, artistic accomplishment and generosity. Known for its stunning architecture and technical facilities , impeccable acoustice and the excetional quality of the companies and artists who perform her , this venue is an experience to behold.

In 1979 , the local Segerstrom family donated a five-acre site for the original facility. It was also determined that the new performing arts complex would be built entirely through private funding. Government funding would be neither solicited nor accepted. The Center held the distinction of being the first such organization of its scope in the country.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center opened in September 1986 with Segerstrom hall and Founders Hall. In 2006 the opening of the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater marked another milestone.

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The Center launches new Off Center Series that includes monthly performances by top indie bands, imaginative theatrical companies, solo artists, and contemporary music and dance talents that are leading the new wave of creativity in the performing arts.

images courtesy of http://www.ocpac.org/home/Content/ContentDisplay.aspx?NavID=549

RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&resnum=0&um=1&q=restaurants+near+the+segerstrom+hall+costa+mesa+ca&fb=1&view=text&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=4&ct=more-results&cd=1 Restaurants

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&view=text&hl=en&q=hotels++near+the+segerstrom+hall+costa+mesa+ca Hotels


POINTS OF INTEREST:


Newport Pier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Newport Pier is one of two piers located within the city of Newport Beach, California, at the western end of the Balboa Peninsula. It is 1,032 feet (314.6 m) long and registered as California Historical Landmark number 794.

Located at Oceanfront Boulevard and 21st Place, it is popular for angling, strolling and dining. At the end of the pier sits a restaurant called the "Newport Pier Grill and Sushi." The restaurant has an outdoor patio called the William Wright Terrace which adds 288 square feet (26.8 m2) and can seat up to 28 with a view of the water. At the base of the pier is the Dory Fishing Fleet, a beachside fishing cooperative founded in 1891.

The original wharf at this site was called McFadden Wharf, named for local landowners James and Robert McFadden. It was completed in the winter of 1888-1889, then connected by railroad to the interior in the winter of 1890-1891. It served as a shipping and distribution point for Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties until 1907 and provided the nucleus from which developed the city of Newport Beach.




Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Center

1570 Scenic Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
+1 714 979 4510
This is a place where wine lovers can go to learn about wine and taste it in a beautiful, verdant setting. It has facilities for business meetings, weddings and any other event you can think of. The staff will make your guests feel right at home with delicious food and, of course, their tasty wines. Other activities at the center include winemaking seminars, wine tasting, and cooking classes with world-class chefs. A day spent here will revive your spirit as well as your taste buds.



Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
+1 714 708 1500 / +1 714 708 3247

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The Orange County Fair and Exposition Center hosts year-round events from festivals to swap meets. The annual Orange County Fair is held here and features musical events, games, food, crafts, carnival rides, livestock competitions and a rodeo. There are swap meets every Saturday and Sunday and a farmers market every Thursday. There are also frequent animal shows (like the America's Family Pet Expo ) and garden exhibits, as well as the 5-yearly Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival .


MEDIA AND REVIEWS:
1.
Grease’ contest winners will get free tix, time with Taylor Hicks
March 2nd, 2009, 1:00 am · Post a Comment · posted by Paul Hodgins

OK, Taylor Hicks fans, try not to lose consciousness when you read this. The Register is holding a contest for which the prize (actually there are two identical prizes) includes a chance to meet the “American Idol” winner.

Hicks is starring in a touring production of “Rent” that visits the Orange County Perfomring Arts Center in April. We’ve organized a photo contest just like our wildly popular “Wicked” one last year. Dress as your favorite “Grease “character, get photographed, enter the photo in the competition, and you’re eligible to win four free tickets to the opening-night performance of “Grease” AND a get backstage meeting with Mr. Hicks.

This time we’ve tried to widen the appeal of the contest. There’ll be a popular-vote winner, a second winner chosen by a panel of experts (well, me and a few other Registerians), and a third free-ticket prize for the voting public. Discounts for “Grease” tickets are also available to all participants.

Details follow the break.

“Grease” is the word, but there are others — like “poodle skirt” and “leather jacket” – that could help you win the Register’s “Grease” photo contest.
The prize? Two winners will each receive four tickets to the opening night of the musical “Grease” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on April 28. They and their guests also get to meet the production’s star, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks.
Here are the rules. Dress as your favorite “Grease” character – Danny Zuko, Sandy Olsson, Betty Rizzo, whoever. Get your photo taken. Send it to us here.
The contest is open through March 27. The entrant who garners the most votes will win; so will a lucky “Grease” character lookalike whose photo is deemed best in contest by a panel of Register judges.
A third winner will be chosen at random from among the voters. They will receive four opening-night “Grease” tickets.
Everyone who enters is eligible for a discount to selected performances of “Grease.”

http://artsblog.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/02/grease-contest-winners-will-get-free-tix-time-with-taylor-hicks/8251/

2. Orange County Register

A little humor here , as the columnist has made a "tactical " error. I doubt that Taylor has ever , ever said he was doing the role of Danny Zuko!!!

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/hicks-american-idol-2374641-road-want

Friday, April 24, 2009
Taylor Hicks aims for 'Grease' and beyond
'American Idol' winner loves musicals, envisions TV and film roles, too.
By PAUL HODGINS
The Orange County Register


Taylor Hicks sees "Grease's" Danny Zuko as a character with training wheels.

A word or two of explanation: Hicks wanted to ease from "American Idol" fame into musical theater with a role that would fit his abilities and wouldn't present him with Shakespearean-sized challenges.

"I'd been offered some roles previously, but I wanted to make sure the part was right for me," said Hicks from somewhere on the road between engagements. Hicks and the rest of the "Grease" cast arrive in Orange County next week; the show opens Tuesday at the Performing Arts Center for a two-week run. Hicks will perform every show except April 29, when he's slated to appear on "American Idol."

"From an observer's standpoint I saw Danny as kind of an introductory character – that's the best way I can describe it," Hicks said. "I wanted a role that was a great way to introduce myself to the stage and observe what musical theater is all about. It's a small but flashy role that I can really understand and have a great time with."

Hicks has never shied away from challenges. After auditioning for "American Idol" on a lark in 2005 – his brother put him up to it – he met some stiff opposition. Judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul liked the Birmingham, Ala., native's down-home singing style and folksy persona well enough, but Simon Cowell didn't. The imperious Brit said Hicks would never survive to the final round.

As Hicks sailed to the top ranks, Cowell publicly conceded his error. Hicks became a Top 3 finalist on May 10, 2006 and won on May 24 (at 29, the oldest contestant to win) in a broadcast that was seen by 200 million viewers worldwide.

"I think from the beginning I took his comments with a grain of salt," Hicks said of Cowell's criticism. "I think with Simon you have to."

Hicks felt vindicated by the public's overwhelming support. "Ultimately, I think this was a great instance of where Simon was proved wrong by the American people. That disconnect is part of what makes the show go round."

By the time "American Idol" made him famous, Hicks had worked for more than a decade in the trenches of pop-music performance, including endless road gigs and a stint in Nashville, which he found frustrating.

"If you really want to make a living playing music, that's not the town to do that. If you want to starve for ten years and then possibly make it in country (music), well, it's fine for that. I was living in Nashville and driving five hours to Alabama, where there was a demand. It was hard just to stay afloat."

EVERY DAY IS A BLESSING

Despite years of toiling in obscurity, Hicks insists he never doubted that some day he would break through as a performer.

"I kind of always had this intuitive feeling, even from when I started traveling at 17, that if I did keep with it I would have a chance – an opportunity to break through."

The hard knocks and challenges of life on the road prepared him for the rough-and-tumble music business, Hicks said.

"I spent ten years cold-calling people and knocking on doors. I know how to persevere. With all those years on the road I learned about the business and who I am as a person. Being basically a nobody, it really teaches you a lot about how to handle things when you're finally a somebody. So I was ready for (fame) – I'd had a lot of preparation."

Hicks also believes in fate. "I got into one of the last taxicabs out of New Orleans before (Hurricane) Katrina (struck). I somehow got a plane ticket to the ('American Idol') audition in Las Vegas. It feels like it was meant to be."

Questions about marriage, kids and commitment draw a vague response – Hicks is still single, living on the road and loving it. (He was named People magazine's Hottest Bachelor for 2006.) "Marriage and kids would be nice and fun and demanding at the same time. But I'm not ready to settle down yet. I left my apartment in February of 2005 and never went back. I haven't had a permanent place of dwelling since then."

Hicks' career plans include more musical theater – he was thrilled to do the role of Danny on Broadway for three months before he joined the tour – and perhaps the kinds of roles that draw even bigger audiences.

"Broadway was one of the most amazing things I've ever done as a performer. But I think at some point I want to break into TV and film. I want to learn as much as I can first, though – start kind of small. A career is a marathon, not a sprint. Every morning I get up and remember that the opportunities I've been given are a blessing."


3.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/grease-revival-kathleen-2381300-marshal-taylor


Wednesday, April 29, 2009
At OCPAC, 'Grease' is still the word
New touring show catches magic of original, showcases Taylor Hicks.
By PAUL HODGINS
The Orange County Register


"We go together, like ramalala ka-dingity ding de dong…"

All the "Grease" groupies out there started bopping up and down at the mere sight of those words, didn't you?

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm among their number. Yes, it's possible to be a highfalutin, Shakespeare-loving theater critic and love the heck out of "Grease."

Perhaps it has something to do with my age – I'm old enough to remember what a big deal the movie was when it came out during the height of the 1970s nostalgia for the Eisenhower era. Maybe it has to do with the undeniable genius behind Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's songs, among the most catchy faux-'50s tunes ever penned. For whatever reason, when I hanker for a silly, escapist musical, "Grease" is the one that I want (ooh, ooh, ooh, honey).

I'm happy to report that choreographer-director Kathleen Marshall's celebrated revival of "Grease," which opened on Broadway in 2007 and is now touring the country, doesn't butcher its feather-light magic.

Marshall's production, which opened Tuesday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center for a two-week run, benefits from high-quality casting. We get Eric Schneider as tough-tender alpha dog greaser Danny Zuko (he made his Broadway debut playing Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys"). Allie Schulz, who plays tough-as-nails Betty Rizzo, is a veteran of the Broadway staging of "Grease." And "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, that master of blue-eyed soul, gets the showy cameo spot as Teen Angel (Hicks ends each show with a display of brazen self-promotion, singing a song from his latest album, "What's Right Is Right").

Marshall's production pays homage to the original show but wisely improves it in crucial ways. Songs added for the 1978 film have been woven in, including John Farrar's "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Sandy" and the popular "You're the One That I Want."

Derek McLane's scenic design adds to the freshness. Although you'd never mistake this production for a $10-million Andrew Lloyd Webber behemoth, there are some whimsical and amusing touches.

Teen Angel makes a surprising and novel entrance – I won't divulge the secret, but I will say that Hicks seems to be having a cool time with it. (Yes, that was a hint.) Hicks reportedly helped design his outfit, a midnight blue Elvis number studded with rhinestones, and he added a few horn lines to Teen Angel's sole number, "Beauty School Dropout." While he's no natural in a musical-comedy role (this is his first foray into Broadway), Hicks appears to be enjoying himself thoroughly, and it's his undeniable charisma as much as the gaudy trappings of the number that brings the house down.

"Grease's" story seemed quaintly anachronistic in the 1970s; now it comes across as positively Old Testament.

It's a classic "boy meets/loses/regains" girl tale with some class conflict thrown in. Danny, leader of Rydell High School's resident bad boys, the T-Birds, hit it off over the summer break with Sandy, a new girl whose freshly scrubbed, Sandra Dee persona doesn't square with the T-Birds' greasier vibe when she unexpectedly appears at Rydell in the fall. Danny forsakes her to save face with his friends.

Meanwhile, Sandy tentatively works her way into the good graces of the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds' female counterparts (why they accept her with so little resistance is one of the mysteries of the story you just have to accept). Along the road to Danny and Sandy's reconciliation are a rumble that fizzles, a dance contest, a drive-in make-out scene – in other words, all the things you'd expect of a '50s teen romance. And everything ends happily with Sandy's conversion from goody two shoes to sexed-out greaser babe – not the best message to send kids into the night with, but what the hey, it seems right for the context.

Schneider's Danny is dark, brooding and mercurial – imagine Sal Mineo channeling James Dean. But the actor makes it clear Danny's tough-guy stance is skin deep – he's an emo boy through and through.

Playing Sandy, Emily Padgett brings a sweet, bell-like voice and a vague resemblance to Olivia Newton-John (she was Sandy in the film version) to the role. Schulz gives the show's most serious performance as Betty, playing her with more underlying tragedy, hard edges and fewer laughs than most actresses do. It's this production's riskiest performance – and it pays off. She's memorable.

Funny, but a show about nostalgia is itself hugely nostalgic, at least for those of us old enough to remember when it was new. Marshall has reminded us why we loved "Grease" so much the first time around. Go prepared to sing. And start practicing your hand jive now.


4.

10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, April 30, 2009

By TIMOTHY GUY
Special to The Press-Enterprise

Taylor Hicks has gone from an "American Idol" to a Teen Angel.

Hicks, who won the fifth season of the hit Fox reality show in 2006, is coming to Southern California with the national touring production of "Grease" through May 10 at the Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa.

He first played the role of Teen Angel in the Broadway version last summer. After years of performing live in front of crowds, this opportunity offered him a chance to try something new.

"I like the idea of being an entertainer. The Teen Angel is the perfect role to do that," he said in a telephone interview.

Another thing that Hicks loves about performing across the country is being able to see his fans, who have been dubbed "The Soul Patrol."

"The one good thing about going out on a tour is meeting a lot of fans and being able to get new fans," he said.



"I like the idea of being an entertainer. The Teen Angel is the perfect role to do that," Taylor Hicks says.
Some people might not know that the original stage production of "Grease" is different from the movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The movie introduced new songs including "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want."

This production of "Grease" incorporates the songs from the film into the musical production. That is something that Hicks said is a good thing, as it will appeal to fans of the film and the original production.

"The show is the best of both worlds. It's a good mixture of the musical and the movie," he said.

For the role of Teen Angel, Hicks is following in some major footsteps. The role in the film was played famously by Frankie Avalon. Other artists who have played the part include Chubby Checker, Davy Jones, Billy Porter, Jennifer Holiday and Al Jarreau.

Stepping into a memorable part like that did not seem to faze Hicks.

"I knew that if I tailored the role to me and made it my own, it wouldn't be daunting," he said.

The big musical number in which the Teen Angel appears is the song "Beauty School Dropout," and Hicks gets to put his own spin on the character by playing a harmonica solo. The part is also known as being one of a comedic role and a little extravagant.

"Over the top for this role is an understatement," he said.

Hicks is also promoting his new album, "The Distance" which was released in March. The new single off the album is "Seven Mile Breakdown," which he performed on "American Idol" this week.

Hicks said he enjoyed the process of making this album as opposed to the hurried pace of making past albums. He was able to take the time he needed to create the type of album that he wanted.

"Having had the time to record and sink my teeth into the songwriting was great," he said.

Juggling the production of "Grease" and promoting "The Distance" may be a lot, but Hicks wouldn't have it any other way.

"You have to love to work a lot," he said. "But, it's a blast every night."

http://www.pe.com/arts/stories/PE_News_Local_S_theater01.22b23a4.html


SOUL PATROL MEMORIES:


1. czechmandylom

I just saw Grease and met Taylor Hicks. He's surprisingly good

2. Tin@ A non-fan
May 4, 1:11 am


Now, onto Hicks. Uhm, he was ok-a different take on the role than
Frankie Avalon. A funny part was when he paused during his song and
Frenchie tells him how she voted for him. Another Hicks thing was at
the VERY end of the song, he brings out his harmonica and plays a few
bars. Now the cool thing was after the play, he sang one of his
songs. Dont ask me which cuz i couldn't tell ya. He also came out
and sang Grease with the ensemble cast. A very enjoyable evening was
had by all.


3. deejay

..... Vince Fontaine came out and did his little spiel but wait... he said "new single, Seven Mile Breakdown" this time! ....He sounded fabulous! ... it was very well received by the audience. lots of cheersing and applause. he did, indeed, play the harp and it was wonderful!




....people talk about Taylor. they said he sounded great, ... that he looked wonderful, that this seemed like a cool way to reconnect with his fans...lots of discussion of Taylor all around us -- not a word about Grease. Now, I'm a fan of all the great performers in Grease - they do a great job - hard work and amazing talent. But it's so obvious that people leave the theatre talking about Taylor. That's such a happy thing!


4. pamglam
my mom and i just bought tickets to see Grease the musical on sunday for mother's day (: yay taylor hicks! its their last performance ev ...


5. Janie of Janie's World

It was sooo good! The time just whizzed by. I had heard that Taylor Hicks (the American Idol winner) was in the production. It opens and I don't see him as any of the "Thunderbirds" (Danny, Kinnicki etc.). Bummer, I thought, he must not be in it tonight.....Then Beauty School Dropout starts and the ice cream cone (different from the movie) opens and there is Taylor Hicks!.... He did a great job,

6. MissLauraGirl
Grease the musical is awesome. I'm a new Taylor Hicks fan.

7. topmomblog

Chloe and I saw “Grease the Musical” at the Orange County Performing Artscenter last night. It was fun, vibrant, and nostalgic. what’s not to like? Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel received top- billing for what is really a minor part, but as an American Idol winner (2006) he is definitely box office draw and was perfectly cast. Hicks reportedly helped design his outfit, a midnight blue Elvis number studded with rhinestones, and he added a few horn lines to Teen Angel's sole number, "Beauty School Dropout." He also performed one of his new singles, “What’s Right is Right”, after the cast took their bows....


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