A nice mix of action is coming to the stage. Here is our Youtube enhanced preview

Rhonda Vincent with opening act Newgrass Troubadours

Ticket Prices: $15.00, $20.00, $25.00, $30.00

D.L. Hughley and Friends “Laugh Your A*s Off Comedy Explosion

Ticket Prices: $45.00

Seems a little steep for DL but remember he was an original “King of Comedy” so hopefully he still has some good material.

Here is some classic stuff.  WARNING- We rate this PG13 because much of what he says seems to be pretty common language. Some might give it an R.  But it is hilarious when he starts cracking on the audience.

The Color Purple

Ticket Prices: $47.30, $58.30, $63.80

Michael McDonald

Ticket Prices: $35.00, $45.00, $55.00

There are 4 great shows playing this month.

The Fall of the House

by Robert Ford

April 9 – 25, 2010

The spirit of Edgar Allan Poe haunts this mind-bending new play that brings together magic, betrayal, forbidden love, tragic accidents, secret documents and familial bonds that span 150 years. This production is recommended for mature audiences only due to strong profanity and mature themes

Lettice & Lovage

by Peter Shaffer

April 9 – May 22, 2010

Exuberant, eccentric Lettice Douffet is a tour guide given to exaggerating history to entertain her charges. Lotte Schoen is a buttoned-up, by-the-book boss brought in to fire her. Their confrontation leads to an unlikely friendship filled with drama, laughter and an accidental near-beheading. This very witty, very British comedy is tailor-made for fans of the BBC. Recommended for ages 10+.

Hamlet

by William Shakespeare

April 16 – May 22, 2010

Denmark’s sweet prince suffers the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as he seeks to avenge the murder of his father, poisoned by Hamlet’s conniving uncle. The bodies pile up as his revenge takes its toll on the innocent as well as the guilty. Recommended for ages 10+ for some violence and mature themes.

All’s Well That Ends Well

by William Shakespeare

April 23 – May 22, 2010

Helena is smart, brave, talented…and in love with a man who’s just not that into her. But she’s willing to do whatever it takes to win his heart – be it risk the wrath of a king, cross battle lines or fake her own death. Because after all, all’s well that ends well. Recommended for ages 10+ for mature themes.

This is pretty cool as well as there are plenty of Jasmine Guy fans in Montgomery.

Jasmine Guy joins cast of world premiere at Alabama Shakespeare Festival

By Alec Harvey — The Birmingham News

March 30, 2010, 9:20AM

Jasmine Guy is headed to Alabama.Jasmine Guy, whose career has included notable stints on TV series such as “A Different World” and “The Vampire Diaries,” will be coming to Montgomery’s Alabama Shakespeare Festival in September to star in a world-premiere musical.

Guy has joined the cast of Pearl Cleage’s “The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One-Hundred Years.” The world premiere takes place at ASF Sept. 24-Oct. 3 before moving on to Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre Oct. 20-Nov. 14.

Tickets for the show go on sale Thursday at www.asf.net or by calling 800-841-4273.

Set in Montgomery, Cleage’s show is described by ASF as a “joyous and irreverent romp through black debutante society.” Guy will play a New York Times society reporter.

Guy is no stranger to musicals. She has appeared on Broadway in “The Wiz,” Leader of the Pack,” “Grease!” and “Chicago.”

Here is the link to the auction page where you can check out all the stuff that’s available. Looks like alot of great items and we will take a look at some of the winning bids next week. The two most intriguing items to Eddie are listed under the “one of a kind” tab.

Item Information

Estimated Value Priceless

Item Number OAK1

Item Description

The Scot Bruce Up Close and Personal package includes four premium house seats to Elvis: The Early Years starring Scot Bruce at ASF on August 16, 2010. This sure-to-be-sold-out concert is actually on the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death 33 years ago! You and your guests will also enjoy getting up close and personal with Scot and the band during an intimate backstage cocktail dinner and photo op before the The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll takes the stage.

The concert is August 16, 2010.  Dinner is at 6:30pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm.

Item Information

Estimated Value Priceless

Item Number OAK3

Item Description

Step on stage! Win a walk-on role in ASF’s 2010 holiday show. You’ll give one star-making performance after a little rehearsal time with the cast and crew.

Good for ASF’s 2010 holiday play only

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Harriet’s Return is a one woman show based upon the life of Harriet Tubman.

It will be playing at ASF  from  Fri Feb 05 to Sun Feb 28

Excerpt from Wikipedia

Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross; c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. After escaping from slavery, into which she was born, she made thirteen missions to rescue over seventy slaves[1] using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry, and in the post-war era struggled for women’s suffrage.

Karen Jones Meadows is a mega talent and we will have an exclusive interview with her  sometime next week.

In the meantime check out her website and see what people are saying about the show.

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Updated 15 Feb 2010

We would like to thank the very gracious staff at the King Parsonage Museum for allowing us the opportunity to film there. Karen was very excited  about being there and that enthusiasm helped   inspire some of the great footage that we obtained.

Eddie saw the show last weekend and it didnt disappoint. Because a full exclusive  review will appear in the next issue of RSVP Magazine we will keep this short. The show was awesome and a

Marvel in Modern Day Storytelling

Living legend Willie Nelson, Master Illusionist David Copperfield, 14 time Grammy winning Bluegrass performer Ricky Skaggs  and a Comedy Central favorite  comedian Brian Regan will all perform on the MPAC stage in January.

Here is a preview of each artist:

Willie Nelson created this video himself. Guess you don’t have to have a big studio to make a cool video!

Although Willie skips the original intro in the Tom T Hall classic:

Well I met the man in Montgomery, Alabama
I was waiting on a bus and he was shining shoes
And I heard him say:

listen to the lyrics at about 24 seconds for a Montgomery reference. Maybe he will sing the original intro at the show.

David Copperfield is probably the most recognized magician in the world.Here is a mentalist trick that you can actually play along with.

From “I Walked on the Moon”. Hilarious clip about food and their  labels.

It doesnt get any more vintage than this. A seven year old Skaggs performing with Lester Flatt and Earl Tubbs

Visit MPAC online for tickets and more info

The stage version of the play will be performed at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival now through 24  December 2009.

Get your tickets at ASF.net

Here is a GreatNews Video edited using some original footage mashed with an official ASF  commerical. This video also appears on a sidebar channel

This is our Jib-Jab created version of the show staring Eddieographer, Meg Lewis, Jt and Leanne and Scot Bruce

Hopefully we will have a chance to see the show soon.

In the meantime here is a killer  review from Michael Howley of TheatreMontgomery Blog.

– “What do you want for Christmas?”
– “..a legendary official Red Ryder 200-shot carbine action range model air rifle with a compass and this thing which tells time built into the stock.”
– “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

These lines are repeated frequently in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s delightful production of Jean Shepherd’s “A Christmas Story” adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian, and brought to life under Geoffrey Sherman’s clever direction by a company of professional actors and local students recruited from many Montgomery schools.

Anyone who has seen the television movie version — and there were plenty in the audience for its sold out opening performance — anticipates this dialogue and many of the signal moments in the life of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker: his imaginative adventures as a cowboy, his school friends and the local bully, the friend who gets his tongue stuck to an icy lamppost, the delivery of a leg lamp, an outrageous pink bunny pajama set, the unchanging meat-loaf and red cabbage dinner, and numerous exploits and anticipation on the way to Christmas morning’s opening of presents.

And we see all of this through the lens of the grown up Ralphie reminiscing on his childhood in Depression Era Indiana, as he vividly conjurs his family, friends, teachers, and local characters for us to see…but more on this later.

The young student ensemble is top notch: from Hailey Covington’s unnerving depiction of Helen — the science wiz who can also fight like a boy; to MaryKathryn Samelson as Ralphie’s younger brother Randy who always “has to go wee-wee” and hides in the most unlikely places; to Jackson Massey’s bully, Scut Farcas, who gets his comeuppance in right good fashion; to Riley Segars’ portrayal of Flick — the bully’s victim; to Claudia Hubbard’s always patient Esther Jane, and to Schwartz [Nathan Looney], Sarah [Helen Taylor], and Bob [Matthew Sailors] who participate fully in each scene.

But attention must be paid to Seth Meriwether as Ralphie. No stranger to the ASF stage [he has appeared in "A Christmas Carol: the Musical", and made a significant impression in both "Over the Tavern" and "Richard III"], this young actor is in the process of mastering a comic technique and complex characterizations and already exhibits a high degree of proficiency and maturity. — In “A Christmas Story”, he is so natural in the role, and such a likeable personality, that we are continually engaged in his dilemmas and cheer him on to success.

The adults in Ralphie’s life — his Mother [Sandy York], his Father, the “old man” [Bryant Mason], and his teacher, Miss Shields [Jennifer Lyon] — are more than cut-out versions of adults that children often perceive. Yes, they do have their foibles and peculiarities, yet: Ms. York is so unassuming in the role of the Mother, that we are delighted when she can supply answers to the trivia her husband is attempting to discover, and admire her ability to be the real strength in the family; Ms. Lyon’s magical portrayal of the ever-optimistic teacher is a scene-stealer; and Mr. Mason’s pompous “old man” with his “catalogue of invective…and…lexicon of curses” belies his compassionate treatment of his wife and children.

In a tour de force performance as the narrator — Ralphie’s grown-up self who can “triple-dog-dare you” to not love this show –Rodney Clark pulls out all the stops as the lively and masterful storyteller, a man who realizes the impact his childhood experiences had on him, an understanding of the adults who molded him with their love, an ability to see both the serious and the comic in life’s everyday occurrences, and an actor’s flexibility in developing each of these parts so completely and believably.

Thanks to Shepherd’s [and Grecian's] wonderfully descriptive and insightful and imaginative dialogue, to a design team that provide the illusion of a nostalgic past, and to Sherman’s sense of the comic proportion of this story, the stellar performances usher in a delightful Christmas season in Montgomery.

Joy Lambert of WAKA channel 8 told us that…

ASF’s A Christmas Story was like being a fly on the wall in the classic movie, every moment executed just as you remember it, it really brings you into the story… and really made me want a leg lamp!

A Christmas Story at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is Great News Montgomery.

From ASF Facebook page

The cast from Ferdinand the Bull posed for pictures and mingled with the crowd. The Colonial Promenade Chick-Fila Cow brought a boatload of their famous nuggets for everyone to enjoy. Eddie ate at least 20 of them. Chick- Fila is also holding a meet and greet with the cast at their Colonial Promenade store on Tuesday November 10th. Maybe some of you will see this in time to attend and we will have some pictures from that event as well.

We are also working on a short film about the history of Ferdinand for ASF. It should be ready by midweek or sooner. This is a story that is rich in history and long on positive lessons.

Here are some picture from the Chickfila Kids Night

Very enthusiastic youngster Dilawar Singh Suchdeva, posing with the cows

Nicki Smith-Marketing Director being turned into a sandwich

Eddie with the cast-Thanks to Sayed for this shot

Long time ASF staple Greta Lambert reads Ferdinand the Bull to the kids

Ferdinand the Bull and Colonial Promenade Chickfila  are  Great News Montgomery!

If you have or know of anyone who has footage or photos of Rick performing Human Touch please contact the editor. Eddieographer is gathering footage to construct a fabulous video using footage from different cameras. All contributors will be given full credit.

In the meantime

Stu Cook original member

Doug “Cosmo” Clifford- original member

The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre and Rick Springfield are Great News.

The fest start with Alice Cooper’s Theatre of Death on the 7th, followed by a back to back night of Creedence Clearwater Revisited on the 15th and Queensryche on the 16th and then closing out with Rick Springfield on the 24th.

There is even a Disney Playhouse event on the 18th to get the whole family in on the action.

Here is the cut and paste info from MPAConline.org and a cool video of each act follows.

Being described as a legend in one’s own time is certainly a blatantly abused cliche’, but no one has taken a vivid imagination and unusual persona to the people with as much controversy and success as Alice Cooper. Call him Master of Shoch Rock, Black Humorist, Supreme, or simply one of the era’s great showman, his mark has been undeniable.  Some of his hits include “Eighteen,” “Elected,” “School’s Out,” and ” No More Mr. NIce Guy.” Along with the classics of “Only Women Bleed” and “Poison.” With the release of “Along Came a Spider,” his 2008 album, Alice shows no sign of slowing down.

Creedence Clearwater Revival founding members and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford have announced numerous North American tour dates with their band Creedence Clearwater Revisited. The two former members of the legendary group Creedence Clearwater Revival launched the Creedence Clearwater Revisited project to once again perform live CCR hits – the touchstones of a generation. The group’s performances are more than a rock concert, they are a celebration. Creedence Clearwater Revisited concerts have audiences singing, shouting and stomping along to every note of every song. Creedence Clearwater Revisited also includes powerhouse lead singer/rhythm guitar player John Tristao, lead guitarist Tal Morris and multi instrumentalist/vocalist Steve Gunner. Creedence Clearwater Revisited’s album Recollection (Hip-O/Universal Records) was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. Its CD in the Best of 20th Century Masters Millennium Collection series (Hip-O/Universal) was released last year.

Hollywood Reporter critic John Lappen described a Creedence Clearwater Revisited concert as “… an amazing list of hit after hit that was done serious justice by the players involved. The cheering crowd had big smiles and whoops of joy at hearing live some of the best American rock ever written and recorded.”

“…And people sometimes lose the vision of where we came from. They’re sitting in the laps of luxury in a country that was built on over 3.5 million deaths…”So begins the saga of American Soldier.Brace yourself for the boldest statement of Queensrÿche’s storied career.“We began the project that would become American Soldier right after Mindcrime II was released,” says Queensrÿche frontman and visionary Geoff Tate of his band’s ambitious new release, their fourth for Rhino. “The process started with a conversation with my dad. He was a career military man, with the Marines in Korea and an Air Force tour of duty in Vietnam in ’68. He was with the Air Force my entire life. He had never talked about his experiences in war, and all my life I’ve been asking questions and waiting for the stories that I never heard. These past couple of years he started talking, and I taped one of the conversations. That was the beginning…”American Soldier is more than a concept album; it is a statement of mission, a revelation of purpose, and a march for understanding. This record is not political at all,” affirms Tate. “It’s very much a statement of the soldiers; it’s where they are at and what they have experienced. I hope the album, as a whole, is a statement that can get them talking to each other and begin that process of connecting that needs to happen between people.”In a first for Queensrÿche, all of the guitar tracks on American Soldier were recorded by Michael Wilton.With American Soldier Queensrÿche’s epic career continues, proving yet again that the only thing that can rival the band’s music is their vision. As Geoff Tate’s father says in the chilling introduction to “The Voice,” the album’s closing track, “You reap what you sow…”Don’t be afraid…-Paul Gargano (02.09)

Lita Ford Gets Wicked with Queensryche

The Queen of Heavy Metal, Lita, has teamed up with Queensryche for a fall tour that can only be described as a metal fan’s ultimate musical fantasy. Instead of just hitting the road with Geoff Tate and the gang, Queensryche will also be joining Lita onstage for her entire set.

Lita will perform three songs on the tour, including her hit song, “Close My Eyes Forever,” which she will duet with Geoff; as well as two new songs, “Crave,” the duet with her husband Jim Gillette which debuted at #2 on metal radio and is another huge hit for Lita and “Patriotic S.O.B.” with the Queensryche band backing her up.

“I’m so excited about how we’re doing this tour,” says Lita. “It’s a really cool way to do a show. I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing my fans again as well as meeting Queensryche’s fans. It should be a real fun time for all.”

Scot Bruce is coming back to perform sooner than expected. His 2 big shows in August had the audience screaming for more and now he is back with John Mueller, the only artist endorsed by the family of the immortal Buddy Holly, in Shake Rattle and Roll.

There will be individual and duo sets.

That should be one heck of a trip down memory lane!

Show is on 23 October 2009. Check ASF.net for details.

Here are a couple more original Scot  Bruce photos from his Elvis-The Early Years show in August. There is also a virtual copy of RSVP Montgomery magazine below with a great review of this show on page 36.

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Monday October 5
FGCA 50th Anniversary Celebration. Please join us in celebrating our Golden Anniversary with the year of families. Special Guest Speaker Mr. Henry Winkler
Tickets: $50
For more information or to purchase by phone call 334.270.4100 or Toll Free: 800.499.6597

The Family Guidance center is a nonprofit organization that has been providing quality services for Alabama’s families since 1959.

Who didnt love Henry Winkler as Arthur Fonzarelli?

IMDB credits him with appearances in over 250 episodes of Happy Days

You all know that Henry Winkler also  starred in movies like The Waterboy and Night Shift but many dont know he is an accomplished children’s book writer as well.

Check out Hank Zipzer

Here are a few pictures from ASF

We will take a in depth look at the upcoming season in the coming weeks. Very curious to see how ASF will market this slate of shows.

GreatNewsMontgomery.com was there to catch the action.

Other winners of the prestigious International Magicians of the Year title include David Copperfield, Chris Angel and Penn and Teller. This is the BIG ONE for magicians.

Theatre of Illusion is described as a magical concert for your eyes

“Audiences cross over a threshold of disbelief only moments after the Spencers take the stage. The duo presents a big, high-tech stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance, and suspense with elaborate stage illusions that include dazzling special effects and magnificent set design.

Working with some of the leading creators, inventors, designers, and builders in the industry, the Spencers feature many original illusions that you simply won’t see anywhere else.

Kevin believes, when presented properly, the art of illusion has the potential to move an audience – both emotionally and intellectually – in much the same way as great music, inspiring dance, and powerful theatre.”

The  Spencers are great magicians but what drew out attention to them was not their great act but the fact that they are real people who give back to the communities they visit. For example:

This couple is super-talented and are working on something else besides Theatre of Illusion and their other community service projects. Have a look at this video we received.