Two EB

Ohio-based band looks to 'carry on' its sound

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 27, 2008

The Band. When you say those words in America thoughts run from AC/DC to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. But if you throw all the bands in between together, you may just come up with central Ohio-based band Two EB.

The five-man ensemble mosey about their practice space, the second floor of an old red barn on Elliot Street (hence the band’s name, short for Second Elliot Band), just off Ohio University’s campus in Athens. Each carries a slightly haggard appearance after a night of rehearsing and reliving their college days.

The band prepares for the long haul, hoping this last rehearsal will smooth out its set list before taking the stage at the House of Crave in Columbus on Saturday night.

Drummer PJ Schreiner, 24, of Columbus via Pittsburgh, bangs out a few practice beats in the corner. Known to the guys as the “band dad” he looks up every so often to dish out warnings about pitch and solo entrances. Lead singer, Brian Day, 22, also of Columbus, adjusts his microphone and amp, while Newark native and lead guitarist Ken Lutze, 22, fingers his cherry burst stratocaster.

The ambidextrous Mark Cimarolli, 22, of Pittsburgh, strums on his bass while tapping at his keyboard and newcomer Dave Brandeberry, 22, joining the band for his first practice, takes his place behind his music machine, consisting of keyboard, hand drums, tambourine and his guitar.

Schreiner taps his sticks and the boys turn into place. “One, two, three, four.”

They delve into “But Then I Want Winter,” a soft ballad from their upcoming CD “Carry On,” set for release April 4, a present triumph that follows a packed two-year history.

In the beginning...

Though only heading into the release of their second demo, Two EB can still think to the days of yore. During the winter of 2006 a group of guys all radically different from each other decided to meet up for a random jam session and the rest, as they say, is history.

“It turned into this couple-nights-a-week thing, just an excuse to drink and play some tunes,” Schreiner said.

After perfecting 12 covers and an original, written by Day, the men took their act public. Thoughts back to their first show makes some of the members cringe.

“I don’t want to know how that sounded,” Lutze said shuddering.

“I wish you could’ve seen our set up,” Day chimed in. “I didn’t know how to play the guitar and [Cimarolli had] been playing the bass less then a month.”

“It was awesome … we had no idea what we were doing,” Schreiner said laughing.

However, they all agree it was a turning point.

“When we played and saw everybody’s reaction we were like, ‘we’re not good, but we don’t suck,’ and from that point on we’ve never stopped.”

However, it was in the recording studio, more than a year later, where they noticed a need for a fifth voice.

“They asked me about a month ago,” Brandeberry said. “I’m basically here to help give them a full sound.”

Brandeberry, of Logan, also has a bit of history with the band, opening and performing with them during several of their Athens shows. Along with his skill on the guitar, he’s learned how to play the piano within a few weeks and has added some miscellaneous percussion to the mix, such as hand drums and tambourine.

“Dave’s our go-to utility guy,” Schreiner said. “He has a very fantastic voice too, and sings a lot of our harmonies.”

Two EB has taken their “alternative poprock” sound to venues in Athens, Columbus and Pittsburgh. They’re the reigning champs of The Lodge Bar’s annual “Thursday Rock Live,” a 60-band, two-month battle, which landed them 25 hours of free studio time.

Day has taken the writing lead lyrically, but they’ve come to define their sound together, each putting their own flavor into each song.

When asked who their musical influences are, the guys reach somewhat of an impasse, each bringing a totally different vibe to the group. From Day’s more classical background, to Lutze’s hard-rock sound, to Schreiner being the only member with any major rock band experience.

But in the end, they say, it may be a good thing.

“I like the fact that we have variety and you never know what to expect,” Lutze said. “I mean, as a member of the band, I never know what to expect.”

Carrying on

After securing The Lodge Bar title, Two EB decided it was time for the next level.

“There’s a definite ceiling to where you can go in a cover band and that’s a little too low for us,” Lutze said.

Wanting to “one-up” themselves, and thinking back to a locally produced five-song demo recorded the year before, they went back into the studio. Using their free 25 studio hours to raise the stakes this time around, they recorded seven original songs in two days, but after hearing the fruits of their labor, realized it was time to get serious.

“We completely rushed everything,” Day said. “So we bit the bullet and spent two months back in the studio re-doing vocals and we completely re-did songs.”

In the end, an eight-track compilation defines a two-year journey and a band that consciously refuses to define itself.

“Every song is really different from the other and we still haven’t figured out if that’s good or bad thing,” Day said. “You’ll hear an acoustic sounding song, then all of a sudden strings, then you’ll hear a real hard rock song with a big hook.”

However, now that most of the group has graduated, Two EB also finishes its CD with some uncertainty about the future, making the album’s title track, “Carry On,” all the more meaningful.

“It sounds really stupid, but we’re trying to ‘carry on’ with our band,” Day said.

“And that’s tough right now, it’s tough,” Schreiner cut in. “Everyone’s been spread out, and it’s been tough to seriously carry on.”

The dilemma has forced them to cut their practice schedule down to once a month, making Schreiner wonder, “we’ve achieved this much by not practicing, what could we do if we did.”

This time Day cutting in: “And that’s what we’re carrying on towards.”

Catch Two EB at the House of Crave, 391 Neil Ave., Columbus, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8. Call (614) 224-2430 or visit www.promowestlive.com. For information on “Carry On’s” release party, to purchase songs from the album or for more about the band, visit www.myspace.com/twoebmusic.

Tabloid the Musical

Shadowbox musical inspired by celebrity mania

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 27, 2008

More than a year ago, the staff of Shadowbox Cabaret in Columbus sat watching the overwhelming coverage of Anna Nicole Smith’s death and couldn’t resist.

The writers grabbed their notebooks, the musicians picked up their instruments, and a few months later “Tabloid the Musical” was born.

“You couldn’t escape her,” said Katy Psenicka, the lead choreographer of “Tabloid,” a Shadowbox manager and its communications coordinator. “This person, who never really did anything, wasn’t an actress, couldn’t dance or sing, was so famous that she was superseding reports about the war in Iraq.”

The artists began a search for satire in the glorification of celebrities. In the end, they formed a script and musical score that begins with the death of pop star Tanya Michelle Jones, played by Amy Lay, and chronicles her demise.

“It’s a very sensational story that deals with how we put these celebrities on a pedestal for really not doing anything besides acting outrageous,” said Psenicka, who also plays Meredith Bible, daughter of the 88-year-old millionaire Jones marries.

The rock ’n’ roll sketch comedy club is mostly known for its hilarious skits and original music. Not since the mid-’90s have they created a completely original, full-length musical.

However, when the time came their creative juices exploded, taking the musical from conception to opening night in only 13 months — a pretty much unheard-of feat in musical theater.

But while creating “Tabloid” it became clear that more than a press kit was needed to promote their endeavors. So they decided to put their celebrity love fest theory to the test.

Nearly five months before opening night MySpace pages were created for Jones and her party partner, pop singer Bethany Styles, played by Christiana Conner.

“We tried to create a cross-pollination of fantasy and reality,” Psenicka said.

The “Pop! Newz Network” also came to life via YouTube. Ronnie Rex, played by Brandon Anderson, filmed a series of newscasts mixing real reports about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears with “news” of Jones and Styles “sightings” in Columbus, and finally Jones’ “death.”

“There was a huge question mark as it (developed) if people would even play along,” Psenicka said. “We even sent out a number of press releases to the local media.”

Lay and Conner started making trips around town, in full character, flanked by actors portraying their entourage and prying paparazzi. The Columbus Dispatch and Outlook Weekly were also enlisted in the promotional charade by printing stories about their erratic behavior and a review of Bethany Styles’ “upcoming album release.”

“Outlook also ran banner ads about Tanya Michelle’s new perfume and jean lines,” Psenicka said. “People were even sending them e-mails asking where they could get ‘Wonder Jeans’ or the ‘Foreplay’ perfume.”

“Tabloid” opened March 9 and will run two shows every Sunday at the Shadowbox’s Easton venue until April 26. Tickets are $20 and $30, call (614) 416-7625 or visit www.shadowboxcabaret.com for more information.

Click HERE to see the show's trailer.

Stomp!

'Stomp' brings act to Columbus

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 20, 2008

It can’t be denied that the British percussion troupe Stomp is an international phenomenon. But what’s it like behind the scenes of one of the most exciting stage shows in the world? Performer and rehearsal director Nicholas Young, 30 of Texas, tells the Newspaper Network of Central Ohio all about it.

Question: Hey Nicholas, thanks for taking the time to talk to me. Where are you guys at right now?

Answer: I’m actually at home in Austin, Texas. We surprisingly got a week off, which is good because we’ve been on tour for three months solid, then we go out again until June with no break.

Q: That’s insane. How many of you guys are out touring?

A: Well, there’s a North American tour, a New York show, a Las Vegas show, a European tour and a European sit down. We’re the longest running off-off-Broadway show, and we’re very fortunate to still have five companies running at the same time.

Q: How long have you been with Stomp?

A: I’ve been doing it for five years now. I started out in the New York show then went down to the show in Boston. After it closed and I came back to the show in New York, and later decided I wanted to try the tour. I actually think I like the tour vibe more, you’re able to surround your life around the show.

Q: Why did you decide Stomp was something you wanted to do?

A: I’ve been in performing arts my entire life … my background was in tap dance, but I got interested in percussion and joined a few bands. Then when I moved out to New York [Stomp’s] casting director and rehearsal director saw me working for Beat the Donkey, which kind of has a stomp feel but with instruments. Anyway, they invited me to a private audition.

Q: How would you describe Stomp to someone who’s never seen it?

A: Basically we make music out of everyday objects. We really try to take the audience through a musical journey; show them that music is in everyday life. It’s crazy because we’ll be at a restaurant and start tapping forks and salt shaker, or we’ll be walking down the street and somebody will bang on a newspaper [kiosk] and then three of us will stop and start jamming in the middle of the street. It really becomes a part of your life.

Q: What parts do you perform in the show?

A: There’s only 8 of us on stage at a time, 12 of us on the tour all together, so most of us know all of the parts. But right now I just do one role, I’m the full-time “Sarge,” I basically play the lead. I’m the guy that communicates with the audience. I’m the first one out on the stage and I sort of introduce the instruments. Only one other person actually addresses the audience, “Mazzi,” he’s the comical relief of the show.

Q: Why do you think Stomp is still so popular? What makes it so unique?

A: There really isn’t anything like it. Other shows that are doing the same thing are doing it because they saw Stomp at one point. It’s like I was saying, there are no words really so anybody can understand it. It’s a great family show; everyone is going to get something out of it. A lot of people say it’s like going to a rock show.
It’s also great because we get a lot of creative input. The intro that I do when I first come onto the stage is all me. I can choreograph it myself or do some [improvisation]. There are a lot of parts in the show that are like that, almost each performer gets a chance to add their own flavor.

Q: What do you guys do to prepare for a show? How often do you rehearse?

A: We train anywhere from four to six weeks for a new show. Then we always rehearse an hour before the show to make sure we’re ready. If there’s a new performer we sometimes add another four-hour rehearsal during the week.

Q: It seems like the two major elements in Stomp are percussion and choreography. Which is the most important skill, or are both needed?

A: It’s pretty much equal. Just because you can sit at a drum set doesn’t exactly mean you can play a broom or a matchbox. It’s all about the movement. There’s combat in the show, you see these two burley guys battling it out on stage with trash can lids and poles, but there’s still that strong musical element. Everything goes hand in hand.

Q: Where’s been your favorite place to perform? Where has the crowd been particularly engaging?

A: All of our crowds really get into it, there’s a lot of call and response in the show. But we had a pretty great time in Anchorage, Alaska. They were so glad for us to be there. They had restaurants that were even throwing parties for us. Also when we were in St. Louis the theater sold out almost every night and there are like 5,000 seats in that theater. That was a pretty amazing show.

Q: It looks like a lot of the inanimate objects you use in the show are damaged during the performance; is there a “Stomp warehouse” that replenishes all of your equipment?

A: We get most of stuff from just regular storage places, except for the trashcans; we do order those from Britain. They sound better the way that they make them over there. But yeah, we do end up breaking like three or four broomsticks each show and a matchbox gets broken every one in a while.

Q: What has been a particularly memorable moment in all the years that you’ve performed with Stomp?

A: When I was in the New York show everyone had already been in the show like five or six years and I was the only new guy. Even when I was on stage sometimes I just couldn’t believe the caliber of talent that I was involved with. But now I have no idea how many shows I’ve even done. It’s probably in the thousands.

Stomp takes the stage at The Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday and running through March 30. Tickets are $19.50 to $49.50.

For more information, call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Second City Touring Company

'Second City' united by satire

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 20, 2008

Second City Touring Company, the institution upon which the careers of Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and even Halle Berry were built, is coming to Columbus’ Southern Theatre for a one-night engagement.

The show will also be a special moment for company member Brooke Bagnall, who’ll be debuting her work in Columbus.

“It’s always been a place I wanted to be,” said Bagnall, who finally broke past Second City’s audition process during her fourth attempt in October. “I remember coming to see the show in Chicago and even seeing them when they came to perform at my college.”

Bagnall studied at Washington University in St. Louis and soon after moved to Chicago to pursue her dream. While perfecting her craft at the iO Theater and The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago, she attended Second City’s infamous training institute.

The company focuses on political and pop-culture satire, usually turning a somewhat serious subject on its head during their productions. Improv skits and audience participation have also become Second City staples.

“We’re basically trying to comment on ourselves and our society,” Bagnall said. “Our skits basically show what we already know but are afraid to talk about.”

Formed by a group of college students in 1959, the company, now based in Chicago, consists of branches in Las Vegas, Toronto, Detroit and Los Angeles, each having its own touring troupes and multiple locations in each city.

Second City will be bringing a compilation of skits from the past and present, under the title “One Nation, Under Blog,” having a “best of” kind of feel, Bagnall said.

“There’s such an amazing history of people that have gone through the company, but their stuff is still here,” she said. “For instance we’re doing a scene that Steve Carell was in and wrote when he was here.”

The show is 8 p.m. Friday and tickets are $25 and $30. For more information call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.secondcity.com.

Doodlebops

Colorful Doodlebops engage kids through song

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 20, 2008

Lisa Lennox, of Toronto, spends an hour each day painting herself purple to become a rock star.

The 26-year-old singer and actor is lead singer of the worldwide phenomenon that is the Doodlebops.

Dubbed “rock stars of the toddler world” by NBC’s “Today,” the group has taken the child-entertainment scene by storm since Disney took over the small Canadian television show in 2005. Out on their second tour, “DeeDee,” “Rooney” and “Moe” will be stopping through the Palace Theatre for three shows Saturday and Sunday.

Lennox can’t believe how much her life has changed since she was picked among 700 to be “DeeDee Doodle” at her audition in 2004.

“At the time I didn’t even know it was a TV show,” Lennox said. “I was pleasantly surprised when I found out later.”

Lennox received her training in musical theater at Toronto’s prestigious Etobicoke School for the Arts and later graduated from Sheridan College with a degree in theater.

Now donned in a pink wig, purple skin and bright pink and purple dress, she travels the world, taking part in a world she never imagined possible.

They’ve appeared on “Today” twice, performed in front of millions during Disney’s Christmas Day Parade and have hobnobbed with the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Bob Thornton and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

“This entire journey has been unreal,” Lennox said. “I’ve grown up watching the Christmas Day Parade every year, to be in it was simply a dream come true.”

Though she and her co-stars Chad McNamara, 25, and Jonathan Wexler, 23, don’t really play the instruments, they do sing their own music, which was featured on albums “Get On The Bus” and “Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops.” The show has also spawned dolls, DVDs and a horde of Doodlebop merchandise.

However, through it all, Lennox said she remains grounded by reminding herself of the show's overall goal.

“It’s all about education thorough music, instead of by just talking or through traditional lectures,” she said. “We’re trying to help give kids a sense of trying new things, by helping them overcome their fears.”

Columbus Gay Men's Chorus

Gay men's chorus returning to classical roots

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 13, 2008

A stunning pairing of symphony and choral orchestra will be heard Friday night at The Southern Theatre with the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus’ presentation of “Strings Attached” featuring the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

The chorus, an organization with a nearly 20-year history in central Ohio, is going back to its roots for this one, adding a more classical side to its repertoire.

“This is a bit of a departure,” said the chorus’ artistic director David Monseur. “In the past we’ve gone toward a more visual presentation in our shows.”

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is one of the few gay men’s choruses in the country that incorporates full cast choreography. The group’s shows have showcased a variety of genres from gospel to country to pop, but this time the group plans to showcase their impressive vocals.

“I think we’ll appeal to our traditional audience as well as traditional purists who like men’s choruses,” said Monseur, who, in addition to his almost 10 years with the chorus, has spent the past seven years teaching chorus in the Upper Arlington City School District. “I really believe there’s something there for all of our listeners to attach themselves to.”

Both the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus and the 25 or so members from ProMusica will have their time to shine with the orchestra, going solo on Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5”.

Performing under the mantra “Promoting social justice through music,” the chorus’ resume includes not only sold-out concerts, but charity events and spiritual enlightenment, through its separate Illuminati choir, which performs at area churches.

“We want to soften hearts and open minds through the power of music,” said Matthew Arnold, the group’s executive director.

The 80-member group, in their 18th season, performs four major shows a year across Ohio. Tickets for “Strings Attached” are $20 to $35. For more information, call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more on the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, visit www.cgmc.com.

"The Tempest"

Acting Company offers twist on 'Tempest'

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 13, 2008

The famed The Acting Company of New York, responsible for catapulting the careers of Kevin Cline and Patti LuPone, will bring Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” to The Southern Theatre for a one night performance Sunday.

Shakespeare’s final, and some say most provocative, masterpiece tells the fantastical story of virtue versus vengeance and how the protagonist Duke Prospero flirts with both while stranded on a deserted island with his worst enemies.

Company veteran Michael Stewart Allen returns to Columbus in the role of “Caliban,” an evil deformed monster enslaved by Prospero. Allen spent four seasons, off and on, with the Columbus-based Contemporay American Theatre Company.

“My character symbolically represents Prospero’s darker side, like the devil on the shoulder,” Allen said. To fully emerge into his character he spent 45 minutes donning Caliban’s makeup, which includes prosthetics and painting his entire body white.

On the road since January with no plans to stop until May, The Acting Company prides itself on bringing dynamic classic theater to cities that may not otherwise have the opportunity. The group also travels into area schools to prepare students for the experience, one of Allen’s tours with the company was spent in this role.

“Shakespeare is meant to be seen not read,” he said. “Our production breaks down people’s preconceived notions about Shakespeare.” Allen said the company presents “The Tempest” in a modern, more relevant fashion that’s more accessible to a mainstream audience.

This is the Asheville, N.C., native’s fourth tour of “The Tempest;” prior roles included Antonio and the spirit Ariel. He spent 11 seasons in The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and his resume also includes appearances on “Law & Order: SVU” and in the movie “Cold Mountain.”

The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Sunday and tickets are $29 to $34. For more information, call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

"Dionysus, Help Me"

Former OSU students reach into OSU-Newark professor's mind in film

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 6, 2008

NEWARK -- Four years ago, OSU-Newark theater professor Dave Williams sat sick at his desk, trying to prepare himself for the onslaught of students.
"Dionysus, help me," he called to the Greek god of theater and wine, while rubbing his eyes, "I've been a good and faithful servant."

Although it looks like a simple moment of stress in the life of a small-town professor, former Ohio State University students Amira Soliman, 24, and Derek Lindes, 25, both of Cleveland, saw cinematic gold.

The aspiring filmmakers turned a student theater experience at the Newark campus of Ohio State University and Central Ohio Technical College into a 90-minute feature documentary premiering in Columbus this weekend.

"We weren't expecting it to get this big," said Soliman, who helped produced four films while heading Reel Buckeye Productions when she was at OSU. "It was our first feature documentary, so we were just looking for the experience and a little extra cash in our pockets."

Williams initially hired Soliman and Lindes to film his class while embarking on a theater experiment. The three groups of students were to create radio plays, somewhat fulfilling a personal dream of the ambitious professor.

"Unbeknownst to myself, they decided to focus the film entirely on me," Williams said.

Said Soliman: "Dave was 100 times more interesting than the students working on the radio plays. We wanted to show how he handled his situations, so we started following him around after work."

Completely filmed in Newark, the movie started to take on a life of its own, so they whittled the 60-hour footage to a two-hour rough cut in 2005. But the overwhelming response from family and friends sent them back into the studio.

The film officially was released at the 2006 OSU/Port Clinton Performing Arts Festival. Now, after working their contacts at the Drexel Gateway, "Dionysus, Help Me" is set for a world premiere.

"I'm hoping that people will get a little insight into a world that's not anything like their own," Soliman said. "I think the film is pretty hilarious, and I think everyone will have a good time."

The film will be showing tonight through Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Drexel Gateway Theater, 1550 N. High St., Columbus. The filmmakers also will be present afterward for a question-and-answer session about the film's production.

Doug Grant profile

Coshocton native to enter Martial Arts hall

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 6, 2008

COLUMBUS -- Doug Grant, 76, stood about 5 foot 5 inches in a black polo and blue blazer at the 2008 Arnold Sports Festival last weekend.
To look at the former Worthington police officer, slightly slumped over with age, you'd never have guessed the tae kwon do match taking place about 10 feet in front of him existed because of his contributions more than 50 years earlier.

This summer, the Coshocton High School graduate will be inducted into the 2008 Martial Arts Hall of Fame for being one of the 11 founders of the discipline in America. Because his wife is ailing, he will send one of his former students to receive the award in his place.

"It's quite an honor," Grant said. "I've given a lot of my life to the development of martial arts, and never made any money from it."

Grant said he only charged his students $3 per month for lessons -- money they had to earn from doing chores around their homes.

"We used it to pay for gas to take them to competitions," he said, chuckling slightly.

Born and raised in a quaint house on the corner of 16th and Orange streets in Coshocton, Grant immediately enlisted in the Korean War after his 1950 high school graduation. While on patrol during his second tour, he happened across a man practicing tae kwon do in a field and inquired about his "exercising methods." The man happened to be the judo champion of Korea.

"I decided to stay after my tour was up and ended up studying judo, jujitsu, tae kwon do, and aikido," Grant said. "I was pretty much the only American when I was competing there."

In 1955, he opened the first tae kwon do studio in Ohio. Soon he had the most students of any tae kwon do school in the country, he said.

"I'm not sure why it became so big; it must have been because it was new," Grant said.

As if an unseen hand was directing the exchange, Grant met with then-Worthington mayor Jim Lorimer, who would become the founder of the Arnold Sports Festival. They became friends and soon he would have a national platform for which to direct his calling.

"In 1968, I was a security guard at Jim's bodybuilding competitions, even before he brought in Arnold," he explained.

In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger came on board and the Arnold Classic held its first competition in 1988. Ten years later, the classic was revamped and more sports were added, the first of which was the Martial Arts Festival. Featuring some of the best Olympic talent, it's now considered the largest martial arts gathering in the country.

Still not ready to lay down his mantle, Grant just finished producing "Sgt. Grant's Penumbra: Surviving the Edge of Darkness, Defend Yourself." Combining his expertise as a police officer and his skills as a martial artist, the instructional video teaches the viewer how to disarm a gunman or defend oneself during a mugging.

"Penumbra means nature's camouflage; it teaches you how to blend in with your surroundings so you don't become a target," he said. "In a free society you should be able to live your life without fear of being a victim of crime."

Pleasure Guild presents "Annie"

Small charity group presents big musical
Pleasure Guild presents "Annie" Friday at Palace

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 6, 2008

When discovering that the classic tale of “Annie” is making a stop through Columbus’ Palace Theatre, one might believe it to be the work of a national production company.

However, this year, the big sets, intricate costumes and full orchestra will be presented by the quaint 50-member, Columbus-based Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The nonprofit’s vigorous generosity provides a plethora of fundraisers year-round to pad the hospital’s hospice budget. Last year’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” alone brought in more than $150,000, and their combined efforts in 2007 produced more than $255,000.

“We want to give the audience a Broadway-style show that the entire family can afford,” said four-year guild veteran Maria Hanson, who is also a retired high school drama teacher.

Humble beginnings

Last year marked the guild’s 50th anniversary of fundraising productions. It began with producing 30- to 40-minute plays, the first of which was “Hansel and Gretel” in 1958.

“Up until a few years ago we used to build the entire set and costumes by hand,” said Suzanne Guy, the guild’s president.

In the late 1980s, the guild’s shows moved from small community stages to The Palace Theatre. Then “The Sound of Music’s” rented costumes in 2003 changed everything.

The guild’s productions each year soon became a local staple, and the work behind putting on the show became slightly overwhelming. This year, the show brought in more than 200 auditions for less than 50 roles.

“We’re still managing the entire show ourselves; we’ve just realized that people are starting to expect more from us,” Guy said.

However, no matter how big the production becomes, it’s still done in the name of charity — from the profits all the way down to the spirit the production embodies.

A labor of love

Out of the 130 people it takes to put on the guild’s annual musical, only two are paid — the director and conductor.

“It’s kind of a joke, but we pay them,” Guy said laughing.

“They are paid like two cents an hour,” Hanson said. “You must have a real love for the theater in order to devote your time like this.”

Guy and Hanson explained that auditions begin in October, followed by a couple of rehearsals a week. By December, however, the actors are spending every night together.

If producing the show and giving the profits to ailing children wasn’t enough, each year the guild performs a free show to more than 2,000 area school children.

“For some kids it’s the first and only live theater performance they’ll see on such a large scale,” Guy said. “I’m always amazed at the end because I see some kids crying; it’s overwhelming for them to get that experience.”

The Pleasure Guild’s performance of “Annie” opens at 7 p.m. Friday. For more information, call (614) 355-0822 or visit www.pleasureguild.org.

2008 "Out @ Wex" Film Festival

Wexner celebrates gay cinema

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
March 6, 2008

"Savage Grace" (Tom Kalin, 2007)

Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Arts is rolling out a lineup of six films starting tonight with its second annual “Out at Wex” film festival, devoted to new lesbian and gay cinema.

Last year’s revival of the festival — after a considerable hiatus — had an unprecedented response, some patrons even being turned away because of the large turnout, said Chris Stults, the center’s associate curator for media arts.

Tonight, the center kicks off the weekend with its keynote film, “Savage Grace,” which will include a special introduction by director Tom Kalin. The film stars Academy Award-nominated actress Julianne Moore (“Far From Heaven,” “The Hours”) who plays an insecure social-climber who becomes too close to her gay son.

"Water Lillies" (Celine Sciamma, 2007)

The film premiered last year at the Cannes Film Festival. Kalin’s independent film “Swoon” (1992) helped define the era of New Queer Cinema in the early ’90s.

On Saturday, “Tearoom” will run continuously in The Box video space until the movie’s filmmaker, William Jones, arrives at 6 p.m. for a book signing. This controversial silent film, featuring footage captured by hidden cameras in a Mansfield public restroom during the early ’60s, also will be shown at the famous Whitney Biennial film festival, which begins today in New York.

“We really try to show a range of films in terms of tone and the type of audience they’d appeal to,” Stults said. “Some are crowd pleasers, some are more serious art films, which provides a sort of balance. Hopefully people can find one of these programs that they find appealing.”

This year, the festival will continue with last year’s introduction of a social element. Post-film gatherings will accompany many of the festival’s shows. Tickets for each film are $5 to $10. For more information, call (614) 292-3535 or visit www.wexarts.org.

2008 Arnold Sports Festival

Arnold Classic celebrates 20 years

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
February 28, 2008

The Arnold Sports Festival is shutting down Columbus once again this year, bringing 150,000 spectators to ogle 17,000 athletes in 37 different events at four different venues throughout the city tonight through Sunday.

The monstrous affair was built on the shoulders of the movie star turned governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and an 81-year-old Worthington vice-mayor, more than 30 years ago.

“It all started in 1970 when I was organizing the World Weightlifting Championships here,” said Jim Lorimer, now the festival’s main producer. “I invited a young Austrian to compete and five years later he came back. We’ve been partners ever since.”

Schwarzenegger was impressed with the caliber of Lorimer’s work and promised they’d one day be in business together, Lorimer said. With the famous bodybuilder’s acting career in full swing, their debut crowd in 1988 numbered nearly 10,000.

Since then, 30 other sports events — from cheerleading and archery to the festival’s signature weightlifting and bodybuilding competitions — were added, and the crowd grew by the thousands each year.

This year proves no different in the growth department, with the 20th anniversary hosting, for the first time, official tryouts for weightlifting in the Olympics.

“We’ve offered a substantial weightlifting competition for five years and they were very favorable to our bid,” Lorimer said.

The festival is even attracting celebrities. Famed actor Mario Lopez (“Saved by the Bell,” “Dancing with the Stars”) will make an appearance Saturday at the Arnold Youth Dancesport Classic in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 350 N. High St., and the event’s famous sports expo at Veteran’s Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.

After devoting his life to sports and fitness, Lorimer said the goal of the festival has become providing motivation and encouragement.

“We try to demonstrate through the wide variety of activities that there’s something for everyone,” Lorimer said. “Fitness is not only healthy it’s also fun.”

The festival kicks off Thursday with preliminary bodybuilding events but officially opens to the public Friday morning and will run through Sunday at Nationwide Arena, the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Veteran’s Memorial. Ticket prices vary per day per event, but a VIP pass can be purchased for $350. For more information, call (614) 431-3600 or visit www.arnoldclassic.com.

CLICK HERE to see an inside look of the festival on my blog, Columbus After 5.

Jesus Christ Superstar

'Jesus Christ Superstar' tours into Columbus

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
February 28, 2008

The classic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” is making its stop in Columbus this weekend, headlined by actor Ted Neely, who played the original Jesus in the 1973 film adaptation.

The musical, created by noteworthy duo Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice (“Evita,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Likes of Us”), is heading across the country on its winter North American tour.

“If it weren’t for Ted I don’t think we’d even have a tour,” said cast member Thomas Lash, who’s performed in four tours of the musical, two traveling throughout Europe.

“He’s a great guy to work with and his voice is still spot on. The show is going to be great.”

The musical follows the life of Jesus Christ during his last seven days on Earth, but through a more modern lens. The show features a more distraught and personable

Jesus as he faces death and also chronicles the turmoil Judas Iscariot faces before betraying him.
Grammy winner Corey Glover takes on the troubled role of Judas. He may be best remembered as the frontman for rock band “Living Colour,” which had its heyday during the late 1980s.

The tour’s been throughout Canada and most of the U.S., making its way to Atlanta, Philadelphia and Boston after its run in Columbus.

Jesus and his cast descend on Columbus for a Friday-night opening and run for five shows until Sunday. Tickets are $22.50 to $57.50. For more information, call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

CLICK HERE to see my review of the show on my blog, Columbus After 5.

"Cinderalla" by Opera Columbus

Opera Columbus presents fairy tale

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
February 28, 2008

The internationally recognized Opera Columbus has gathered the best talent nationally to present “La Cenerentola” by Gioacchino Rossini, an Italian version of the classic tale of Cinderella.

Leading the cast is New York City Opera veteran Jennifer Rivera. This is the mezzo-soprano’s fifth time performing the signature role, her second doing so in Columbus for Director William Boggs. She said she couldn’t be more delighted to be returning to Columbus.

“Bill Boggs is one of my favorite conductors,” she said. “Columbus is lucky to have him; he really cares about making great music.”

“La Cenerentola” follows the fairy tale plot of Cinderella very closely, but puts a spin on the story like most have never seen. An evil stepfather, the fairy godmother’s absence and the Prince falling in love with Cinderella before the ball are just a few of the differences.

“This opera is particularly delightful because the music is so fantastic,” said Rivera, who’s been singing since she was nine and is now a music professor at Montclair State University in New Jersey. “Most people are going to find something they like in it.”

“La Cenerentola’s” curtain falls Friday and Sunday at the Ohio Theatre.

For tickets, call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more information about “La Cenerentola” or Opera Columbus, visit www.operacolumbus.org. For more on Rivera, visit www.jenniferrivera.com.