Thursday, April 29, 2010

Looking Through The Kaleidoscope #13: Sometimes You Have to Go Back to Go Forward


I was looking through my Twitter today (yes, I tweet) and I was extremely pleased to see that Kaleidoscope's very own Amber Rose Johnson took first prize at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, earning both a pretty penny for herself as well as a stipend for Classical High School to purchase poetry books, which is an idea I am fully behind. On top of that she got to meet John Leguizamo and have Garrison Keillor as one of the judges. It sounded like a fantastic experience all around.

Perhaps it is just me, but it feels like a good time to be creative. Theatre is in a very interesting place this day in age, and I believe the limits that might have surrounded it at one time are slowly loosening their grips. We are living in a time (again) where we are getting down to the basics. We are going back into a place where the theatre is once again about the performer and the empty space, as Peter Brook might put it. Forget the set, don't worry about the props, just give us a place to do the show and we're good. Sure, we still have the glamor of the Broadway musical, but even they are going back to their own golden age with the amount of revivals that have come out in the last few years. The owners of the Rogers and Hammerstein estate are probably doing pretty well in the royalties department. But I think we might be coming back to a time where we are willing to ask the most important question in theatre: "What are you doing?"

The question might sound harsh to the novice theatre performer, but it isn't meant to be. It's not a "What are you doing, for goodness sake, and whatever it is STOP" kind of thing, but more like an awareness of what our actions on stage are. We need to remember that it is action that will always drive a theatrical work. The center of theatre will always be people, and the good plays are going to showcase people in effect.

Whether this be a new wave or old news, I think Kaleidoscope should jump on board. Creatively, I see the company in a good place. There is a good variety of talent, good people at the helm, and the right opportunities are presenting themselves. Consider this: one of the hottest topics in the news right now is bullying. There have been several commentaries on the subject on public radio alone, and this national crisis (yes, crisis) will continue to get attention. Here we have Kaleidoscope with not one, but two anti-bullying shows, both with a strong message, and both with recognizable accolades. I'm surprised there aren't more bookings of this show.

From what I can see, Kaleidoscope has several doors it can step through. The anti-bullying program, the creation of new works like Magic of Story Time and Alice Through the Kaleidoscope, the thirty plus year lineage that it has woven in this community. We are well in our means to do more, and we should. We have a real opportunity not only to continue what we do, but to create great theatre. The theatre is all about the big picture, and Kaleidoscope can absolutely widen its canvas.

In the words of Garrison Keillor, "be well, do good work, and keep in touch."

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Vote for Kaleidoscope Theatre!

VOTE FOR KALEIDOSCOPE – MOTIF AWARD NOMINATION

Kaleidoscope Theatre has been nominated for two 2010 Motif Awards – ‘Best alternative holiday production’ for Cinderella’s Christmas and ‘Best youth performance’ for Jeffrey Sewell’s portrayal of Jack in Jack & the Beanstalk. Rebekah Philip won last year for her performance in Little Red Riding Hood and with your support, Kaleidoscope can win again this year!

Voting is open until May 10th – Thank you for your support!

Other Kaleidoscopians were nominated for their work at other theatres - please support them too!
* Kim Frenze for "Best Female Performance" (college)
* Molly Marks for "Best Female Lead" (Pro/Semi-Pro)
* Ryan Hanley for "Best New Work"
* Kevin Broccoli for "Best New Work"
* Ariana Pacheco for "Best Youth Performance"
Vote here - http://www.vmassociates.com/TheatreAwards.html

Here's a clip from Cinderella's Christmas -






For more videos, check us out on YouTube!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Jack & the Beanstalk on Sunday!

Jack & the Beanstalk will be presented on Sunday (April 25th) at the North Shore Childrens Theatre (466 Central St.) in Saugus, MA. Tickets are $12 at the door and the ticket price includes a free ice cream! This is your last chance to see Jack and his friends until our summer tour performances at the end of August. Show time is 2pm.  Hope to see you there!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Roger Williams Park Zoo's Party for the Planet Event! Aprill 19-25


This year, Kaleidoscope will be participating in the Zoo's annual Party for the Planet event! Come see some of your favorite characters and party with a purpose! Each day has a theme designed to teach kids how to live green, protect the planet, and stay healthy. For more details on the overall event that runs all week from 11am to 3pm, check out the Zoo's website.

Kaleidoscope characters will be appearing on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12-2pm.
Monday, April 19th - The Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland
Thursday, April 22nd - Kscope's own gymnastic giraffe!
Saturday, April 24th - Pocahontas

Monday, April 12, 2010

Worthy Cause - Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation

Kaleidoscope recently donated a four-pack of tickets to help the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation raise money for a cure. You can help too, by attending their Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, June 5th! Tickets are only $10 for adults, $5 for children 4-12, and free for under 4. The event will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple from 4:30-7pm and will feature a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. For more information, call Rebecca Minasian at (401) 663-4434.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Jack & the Beanstalk - Today at 10am!

Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Performance of “Jack and The Beanstalk” Sponsored By Wood River Preschool on April 10th at 10 am  will take place at the Chariho Middle School, 455B Switch Road, Wood River Junction.

Tickets are $5/person at the door starting at 9am and people of all ages are encouraged to attend.
 
Wood River Preschool is a non-profit, parent cooperative preschool and this April 10th performance will help raise funds to bring increased educational opportunities to students and will also give the community the opportunity to enjoy professional theatre.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

PAVE Fundraiser tonight!

On April 8, 2010 at 6:30pm, Partnership to Address Violence through Education (PAVE) will be hosting a SKATING FUNDRAISER @ UNITED SKATES SKATING ARENA. 100% of proceeds will help send inner city youth to SUMMER CAMP... and tickets are only $10!

Note: This is a 21yrs. and up event. (sorry kids) Also, you do not have to skate to attend!!!

For tickets and more info, Please contact Kobi Dennis @ 499-7462, John Reis @ 464-2004 or Kyle Dennis @ 556-0347.

Hope to see you tonight!

What's your favorite fairytale?