Visit Jungle Jack Hanna in 2012!
If you love animals then you may very well already be familiar with the famous zookeeper Jack Hanna. He’s one of David Letterman’s favorite guess, and is well known for his acerbic sense of humor and his remarkably straight face. If you haven’t seen him before on TV or in person, then you are in for a treat. This animal expert lets people of all ages get up close to the animals they love. The good news is that there is a new theater show known as “Jungle Jack Hanna” that is a must-see for everyone!
Jack Hanna was originally a television host for the TV show “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures”, which aired for over 12 years. He would tell zany stories, show the animals being themselves as they ran around doing crazy things and really educate young ones on species from around the globe. Currently the star at age 63, is back on the air on his new show “Jack Hanna’s Into The Wild”, and of course there are still plenty of fun animals to be seen! If you haven’t seen either of those shows, but the name sounds familiar, then more than likely you have seen him on “Late Night with David Letterman”, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, or “Good Morning, America”. All of these shows have Hanna bring out some of his wild animal friends, and all sorts of funny happenings usually ensue. Our favorite moments are when Dave freaks out because of some snake or bird attack.
Want to be a part of it all? Then come check out the theater show! The next show is scheduled to be in Durham, North Carolina at the Carolina Theatre. Just what types of animals might you get to see? How about bird of prey, snakes of all types, maybe even a cheetah! You can bring the kids, or really just yourself if you enjoy live animal shows. Jack Hanna will show pictures from his latest adventures, tell stories, as well as educate people about how we can all help save our planet and the beautiful creatures living on it.
Taylor Swift Announces New Album via Web Chat
Last week Taylor Swift blasted the cybersphere with messages about how this past Monday, August 13, she was going to have a live web chat. During the chat, fans could connect with her through Google+ Hangout and ask questions. But best of all, Taylor had some big news — and those watching the web chat would be the first to know!
Within seconds of starting the chat, Taylor announced that she had a new album coming out on October 22. Her fourth studio effort, this latest is called “Red” and while it’s similar to her last album, “Speak Now,” there are some major differences too.
Much like all of her past work, this album is about the range of experiences — and the emotions that go with them — that Taylor has experienced over the past two years. Jealousy, love, passion, anger, all of these are just some of those emotions she’s felt and, as Taylor says, there’s “nothing beige” about them and that’s what makes them “so fun to write about.”
But while Taylor’s still singing about her emotions, there is a difference. Unlike “Speak Now,” which she wrote single-handedly, she says that this album is “full of co-writes and co-producers and collaborations” that has allowed her to work with some of her music “heroes.”
Along with the album, Taylor also announced that a tour to promote it is also being planned; although she gave very few details regarding a tour. She did mention that there were a total of 16 tracks on the new album, “not including bonus tracks here and there.”
For the grand finale, Taylor officially premiered her new single, “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which is now available on iTunes and Google Play. To view the video in its entirety, you can find it on YouTube here.
Make Way for the Blue Man Group
The most innovative entertainment group to hit the stage since rock and roll first broke the sound waves will be playing at the Astor Place Theatre until the 29th of December. This is plenty of time to arrange your visit for one of the greatest shows on earth.
The Blue Man Group, an organization founded by Chris Wink, Mac Goldman, and Phil Stanton, is a theatrical show that is out of this world. Featuring experimental music, comedy and multimedia that include electronic light shows and a big screen backdrop, the Blue Men always appear as a trio, adding to the rhythm section with lighted drums and pipefittings. Wearing bald capped blue masks, they seem to be outsiders to Earth’s human population, showing surprise and curiosity over the simplest objects. They puzzle over cell phones and with deadpan faces, study how to become rock stars.
Releasing their first audio recording in 1999, the Blue Men debuted with a sound track of full instrumental recordings, as well as introducing some new instruments. They have several themes, among which have to do with science and technology and information overload. Their mute performances give the uncanny feeling of being observed by a trio freshly introduced from outer space, full of innocence and childlike experimentation with earthly technology.
There is nothing childlike in their delivery, however. Their music is a mixture of instrumentals and rhythm that is difficult to resist, no matter what your age. The comedy is an open gateway for smiling at ourselves, if not outright laughing at their apparent puzzlement over who we are as a society. The Blue Man Group is an opportunity to loosen up and not take ourselves so seriously, while enjoying all the benefits of prime time entertainment.
As they roll out the paint to splatter their drums, you’ll need to wear rain coats for protection if you’re sitting in the front rows, but somehow you just don’t mind as the paint makes an awesome splash to the sensory overload, and seems suitable for these space age humanoids. The group recently completed an International tour, which included performances in Stutgart, Vienna and Zurich. They’ve made numerous guest appearances for television, including The Tonight Show, Scrubs and Arrested Development.
The Blue Men Group is primed and targeted however for theater, and if your enjoyment is for theatrical performance, this is the group you do not want to miss. They received the Drama Desk Award in 1992 for Unique Theatrical Experience, and unique is the only way to describe them. In 2011, they received the Off Broadway Alliance Award for audience choice of best long running show. If that’s not enough to convince you, then experience them for yourself. You’ll be a Blue Man Group fan forever!
Call it Wicked!
Have you ever wondered what life was like at Oz before Dorothy made the scene? More specifically, what was the history of the good witch from the North and the wicked witch from the West? After all, they were hanging around, doing their own thing until Dorothy’s arrival. Surely, they must have had their own story.
They certainly did! Wicked begins with Dorothy’s encounter with Elphaba, the supposedly wicked witch who has imprisoned her. However, was she really all that evil? When Glinda, the good witch, arrives to confirm Elphaba has indeed melted, she begins to reflect on their own memories of entering Oz.
Elphaba, as explained in the enchanting musical, was actually a college roommate of Glinda, and with time, they had become friends. Elphaba had been fiery tempered, stubborn and opinionated, as well as having green skin, but she wasn’t exactly evil. In fact, her motivations for entering Oz was to consult with the wizard and find out why the animals were losing their power of speech. Glinda, as it turns out, was pretty and popular, but somewhat empty headed. When they arrive in Oz, Elphaba learns it was the wizard who was responsible for the animals’ waning power of speech. Angry at his betrayal, she leaves she escapes the wizard’s clutches, who then pronounces that Elphaba is indeed wicked. In the meantime, Glinda doesn’t have a clue and becomes the wizard’s assistant.
The plot contains a lot of surprising twists, including how the tin man became the tin man, the scarecrow’s narrow escape from death and why the lion considered himself cowardly. It also gives the history of the magical red shoes that Dorothy used to return home, and explains the circumstances of the wicked witch of the East.
With beautiful musical scores, enchanted creatures, and an unexpected story line, Wicked makes a close examination of good and evil, revealing that wickedness doesn’t always have a clear definition. It makes you wonder who the real heroes truly are, or perhaps there are no real heroes at all, just circumstances and the inevitable conclusion that we can all make mistakes.
The original production of Wicked first opened in 2003 at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. The Broadway production was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Original Score, Scenic Design and Choreography. It has also won six Drama Desk awards and four Outer Critics Awards. In 2005, it received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. This is a musical production designed to enchant the entire family. Return to Oz and discover the secrets behind the witches of Wicked!
It is Time for the Great Canadian Beer Festival
A nice icy cold beer on a warm summer evening really can’t be beat! This may be why beer is the alcoholic beverage of choice in Canada. If you love great beer and beautiful Canadian scenery then be sure not to miss the Great Canadian Beer Festival in 2012.
The festival is to be held September 7th and 8th in 2012. The most popular beer in Canada is pale ale, but the festival will have all types available so as to suit every taste. The little fest that started in 1993 has really grown over the years with over 7,000 people in attendance last year. It is expected to be even bigger and better this year, with more entertainment and plenty of suds for all. Currently there are over 40 different breweries from all over Canada and the northern US signed up for the festival.
The festival is held for only two days in the gorgeous town of Victoria. Some of the breweries that have attended in the past have included Granville Island Brewing, Central City Brewing, Salt Spring Island Ales, Big Rock Brewery, Lighthouse Brewing, Noble Pig Brewery and so many more. Some of the interesting beers and ales that have made an appearance include the dark brew with a kick Wee Angry Scotch Ale, the perfect autumn flavor of Pumpkin Ale, and the out-of-this-world taste of Galactic Imperial Red Ale. What new flavors will be featured this year? Only time will tell!
Of course, you can’t enjoy all the good brew on an empty stomach. Luckily, many of the best local restaurants will be on hand with their tastiest dishes. There will be plenty of food choices available so that you can find the perfect meal that matches your favorite new brew. Top of the line local entertainment will also be there for non-stop music and fun.
Don’t miss out on the beer paradise that is the Great Canadian Beer Festival! Get your beer festival tickets today before they are all sold out. A fun filled day with some amazing craft beers, new friends, and new favorite brews awaits you.
The Beautiful Tragedy That is Norah Jones
Norah Jones won many hearts in 2002 with her Come Away with Me album, not to mention a number of awards like Best New Artist and Album of the Year Grammy Awards. Many fairly successful albums followed, but most of them deemed her performances as “brunch music” or background music for brunches and dinner parties. Perhaps it was thanks to her light sound. Well Norah Jones’ newest release is something different.
Norah is about to hit the scene again in a hard way with her fifth album entitled “Little Broken Hearts” almost exactly ten years after her debut. This album may be a bit unexpected by the singer’s fans, and is sure to get her some attention, not to mention play outside the brunching crowd.
“Little Broken Hearts” hit store shelves and iPods on April 27, 2012. The singer’s amazing voice is still the biggest draw, but she has turned away from the lighter tunes and has really found a brand new, haunting sound. The album is all about the stages of heartbreaks, ending relationships and other anguishes of the heart. Anyone who has been through a bad breakup or has felt real jealousy will connect with this album, and really, who hasn’t? The album has gotten positive reviews overall from critics, and fans are raving. Many believe this to be her best album since her chart-topping debut.
The first single off the album is entitled “Happy Pills” and is about freeing oneself from a relationship, and despite the lyrics, still manages to pull off an upbeat tune. Other notable tracks include the sinister track “Miriam” which is sure to give listeners chills as the old saying “hell hath no fury…” is played out all too well. “Take It Back”, “She’s 22” and “Say Goodbye” are also tracks worth adding to your playlists, though the entire album really is impressive in its entirety.
Dying to hear the new album sung live and in person in Norah’s own sultry voice? The good news is that the singer is back on tour and making stops around the country, including a stop at the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival on August 10th. As word spreads and iPods and radios start playing these amazing album, tickets are going to start to sell. Don’t risk a sold out show…buy your tickets early!
Dracula – Back in Theatre and Loving It
Looking for something a little more grown up to do for Halloween chills this October? Haunted houses aren’t sophisticated, and you may be a bit old for trick or treating. Don’t give up the chills of the month. Instead, check out “Dracula” the ballet inspired by Bram Stoker’s famous novel for a sophisticated time that still stays in the spirit of the season.
The ballet will be performed in Columbus, Ohio and San Diego, California at the Capitol Theater and San Diego Civic Theater respectively. As always, there is darkness, seduction, passion, romance, and the creature himself to be seen. The ballet takes all the vivid imagery from the work and presents it in a brand new medium that is sure to thrill. Ballet is the perfect choice for such a tale, as emotions as rich as in Bram Stoker’s tale are perfectly expressed in the movements and beautiful music you will witness live on stage. The romantic and gothic style of this ballet will leave you to enjoy the dark atmosphere of the season.
The ballet is set in two acts, and features music classics such as the haunting “Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Pärt, as well as “Requiem” by Alfred Schnittke, and “Symphonic Dances II Andante con moto” by Sergei Rachmaninov. The scenic designs have been created with some elements of surprise, but designer Dan Gray won’t give them away, only talking about how the idea of transformation is very important to the story, and also to the sets. Linda Pisano handled the costuming of the ballet, and says the costumes are more abstract, with focuses on feelings and bold colors rather than the same old boring traditional pieces. One thing to notice is that the dancers in the ballet, that are still among the living, wear point shoes, while the dark cast of Dracula’s crew wear flat shoes.
So much detail went into this ballet that it is sure to leave you open jawed an “bitten” with joy. Tickets are selling fast, so if you are in the area or plan on some travel this spooky October month, be sure not to miss Dracula the Ballet!
Elaine Paige Brings Musical Theater to Australia
Maybe you saw her in 1978’s Evita. Or maybe it’s the song “Memory” that sticks out mostly in your head when you think of her. Whatever comes to mind when you hear the name Elaine Paige, it’s undoubtedly something wonderful and sweet. Now, the musical theater singer is taking her memorable show on the road, and she’s going to Australia!
So what can fans expect to see? If you’re hoping for a mix-up of Paige’s biggest hits then you’re in luck! Paige knows what her fans want and she’ll be showing a little bit of Cats; small bits from her albums, Sitting Pretty, Stages, and Cinema; and maybe even a little from the role she played more recently in the Broadway production Sunset Boulevard.
Fans who want to be there when Paige brings her pipes to Australia need to act fast. The actress is only putting on a total of 6 shows visiting the cities of: Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Brisbane from the dates of Saturday, October 20 — Monday, October 29. For a full listing of venues and dates, you can find them on the Elaine Paige ticket page.
Paige is known for bringing her best; and since it’s been almost three full years since Paige has toured at all, Australia fans have reason to be excited! But that tour three years ago sold out in minutes, so Aussie fans need to act fast!
Madonna Cancels Australia with No Reason Why
There’s a lot of controversy flying around about the cancelled Australian leg of Madonna’s “MDNA Tour.” Madge’s camp is saying that the dates down under hadn’t yet been confirmed; while those in the Australian press are saying that stadiums in both Sydney and Melbourne had already been booked for the Queen of Pop. The cancellation may have gone a bit more unnoticed, had Madonna’s reps issued a less confusing statement; and if Madonna would give a reason why she’s ditching Australia for her third tour in a year.
When the cancellation was announced a spokesperson for Madonna said, “Madonna’s tour will end in South America in December as planned. That’s all we can say. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for this tour. She appreciates her Aussie fans coming to many of the shows.”
But if that’s all they can say, why make a point of saying it all? And if the Australia dates had yet to be booked, why did an announcement have to be made saying that they were in fact, not going to be. Some fans took to Twitter to announce their disappointment, and the fact that Madge hasn’t touched down lately in the land of Oz hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Madonna fans Australia-wide, myself included, are sad beyond belief,” writes one fan. “She hasn’t been here in my lifetime.” But Moss and Madonna fans alike can relax; it turns out they may not even be missing much.
Fans walked out by the hundreds in Madonna’s recent London concert, calling it the “worst gig ever” on their way out and again, taking to Twitter as they did so. Bad sound, a mishmash of songs they’d never heard, and bad weather in an open-air arena were the reasons given, but Madonna certainly didn’t help herself. Between shouting out “We love you Poland!” during the London concert, mooning the audience, and leaving early, Madonna doled out a lot of disappointment along with her lesser-known tunes.
What’s in store for the rest of Madonna’s “MDNA Tour?” With this one, you never know. But she’s definitely not going to Australia.
“Legally Blonde” Play is a Fun Success
Imagine a group of young people dressed in only the most conservative and preppy fashions; one girl that stands out in bright pink wherever she goes; a cast that’s just starting to find their voices; and peppy dance numbers and you’ve got the Columbus Children’s Theatre adaptation of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
The story is one that we’ve all seen a hundred times, mostly from watching Reese Witherspoon act it out in the movie. Newly graduated from high school, the main character Elle has dreams of marrying her high school sweetheart. Those dreams are crushed when she learns he was just passing time with her for the past several years, and now must go start his career as a senator, even if he still does have to get college out of the way first.
But with a scorned heart only spurring her on, Elle follows him only to find that there’s something she’s much better at than even shopping — that’s the practice of law! As Elle begins to grow her confidence and find herself, so too does Hannah Schwieterman, the college student that plays her in Columbus’ newest show. Joining Hannah are Ricardo Locci, the now-too-good-for-her ex-boyfriend, Warner; the new boyfriend, played by Josh Schirtzinger; and Kim Mollette, who plays Paulette, the hairdresser with an eerily similar New England accent. Some of these characters, and others, take on the role of more than just one character and a six-person band is there to back up the amateurs’ singing numbers.
The play, while not put on by professionals actors, is still enough to keep everyone entertained and remind everyone why rooting for the underdog is sometimes the most rewarding part of it all. This show, which is currently running for a very limited time until July 19, 2012, is directed by William Goldsmith, with musical direction provided by Jonathan Collura.
And even though it might not be tried and true Broadway talent, this one is definitely worth seeing!
