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Stage Review: Wallace keeps dreams alive in stirring one-man show
"I'm verbal," says Phil Darius Wallace, and there is no better description of the Memphis actor whose abilities — his elegant baritone, commanding delivery and knack for robust oratory — have helped bring history to life on local stages. Wallace's autobiographical solo show, "Hold Fast," is playing through Sunday at TheatreWorks.
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Stage Review: 'Over the Tavern' is comic relief from the 1950s
Tom Dudzik’s “Over the Tavern” at the Germantown Community Theatre has some good natured fun with the image of the American family in the 1950s. For the Polish-American Pazinski household in Buffalo, the culture of “Father Knows Best,” Ed Sullivan and beehive hairdos runs athwart of Catholic school, teen angst and family tensions. It’s given a comedic treatment, but not without bringing in the touchy topics of abusive parenting and misdirected intentions.
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Concert Review: MSO's Opus One offers opulent evening of casual fun
The premiere performance of Opus One was all about firsts. Thursday night offered the first public presentation of the new conductorless series by Memphis Symphony Orchestra musicians. It showcased Beethoven’s First Symphony and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1. And it was the first time I heard Ryan Fleur, the MSO’s president and CEO, say with a bit of wonder, “I don’t have to do anything tonight!"
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Art Review: Reality rendered in vibrant colors
While abstract art in its character would not seem to be about "Real Things in the World" -- the title of Joe Fyfe's exhibition at David Lusk Gallery -- the artist reminds us that color and pattern and relationship are as real as oranges and mountains and that there are many ways of imitating nature and the works of human hands. "Real Things in the World" is a small but impeccable exhibition that beautifully balances exuberant color with formal restraint.
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On Stage: Theater and dance
"Buffalo Gal": A.R. Gurney's contemporary comedy. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 14. Tickets $23, $15 for students with valid ID. Theatre Memphis (Next Stage), 630 Perkins Ext. Call 682-8323. theatrememphis.org.
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Stage Review: Better staging might do wonders with 'Miracle Worker'
Space is vital in William Gibson's action-packed drama about the turning point in the life of Helen Keller. So is atmosphere. And in directing this production like the straightforward period piece staged every summer down at Keller's home in Alabama, Heather Wilson misses the opportunity to establish Circuit Playhouse as a venue of unique perspectives.
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Stage Review: Ballet Memphis' "AbunDANCE" bursts with expression
One thing’s certain about Ballet Memphis taking up residence in Playhouse on the Square’s new theater: never before has the dance company come into such detailed view. If watching dance at the Orpheum is like seeing the heavens through a backyard telescope, at Playhouse you’re gazing through the Hubble.
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Stage Review: 'Buffalo Gal' needs a 'good shaking'
"Buffalo Gal," by the prolific A.R. Gurney (“Love Letters,” “Sylvia”) is playing on the Theatre Memphis Next Stage. Christina Wellford Scott, an old hand at playing divas such as Maria Callas in “Master Class” and Madame DuBois in “Streetcar,” offers more of the same as Amanda, an unhappy, aging Hollywood actress who returns to her hometown regional theater in Buffalo to star in a new production of “The Cherry Orchard.”
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'Alchemy' art exhibit explores the hidden qualities of metal
Artist Stoughton Outlan became fascinated with dilapidated structures. “Architecture that was falling into ruin. Old barns. You know the drill. Everybody loves them. I always loved the textures of those things and the colors.” That gave him the idea for his body of artwork that plays natural oxides off of each other on metal canvases to create abstract minimalist wall sculptures. Fourteen of his pieces are included in his show, “Alchemy” at On the Street Gallery at 338 South Main.
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Metal or fabric, it's all texture for blacksmith Mary Catherine Floyd
Mary Catherine Floyd parlayed her interest in sewing and costume design into a new career as a blacksmith apprentice at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. For her artist residency project, she stitched metal like fabric, breaking a few drill bits along the way. Along with other artists, Floyd's work is on display at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens with the "Metal in Memphis" exhibit.
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Music Review: IRIS sparkles in program of upsized string quartets
The IRIS Orchestra routinely has a guest artist to show off, but Saturday night's performance departed from that formula. It featured, rather, a superlative string ensemble of the IRIS musicians performing pieces that all had origins as string quartets but were later upgraded to symphonic size. Leading off the program was Verdi's String Quartet in E minor, scored for orchestra by Arturo Toscanini, a lush and handsome piece that embodied the essence of poetry.
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IRIS guest list includes superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma
The upcoming season for the IRIS Orchestra brings back several popular guest artists, notably superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who will perform at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in October. "IRIS has collaborated with a stellar group of guest artists, and Yo-Yo certainly tops that list," says Michael Stern, artistic director and conductor. Ma was the first guest artist in the orchestra's debut concert in September 2000 and also performed the following year.
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Go Out! Fun events this week
The contemporary comedy "Buffalo Gal," by A.R. Gurney, centers on a glamorous film and TV star who is starting to lose roles to younger women. Looking to reinvigorate her career, she returns to her hometown, Buffalo, N.Y., to star in a regional theater production. Directed by Jerry Chipman on the Theatre Memphis Next stage, the show stars Christina Wellford Scott.
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Art Review: MCA exhibition 'Local Flavors' all about the South, sort of
Is there a Southern vernacular in visual arts? Are regional artists connected by threads of geography, taste, style, concern or the schools they attended or where they teach? On the testimony of "Local Flavors," a group exhibition displayed through April 10 at Memphis College of Art, the answers to those questions are Yes, No and Maybe.
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Memphis Symphony's Opus One puts new twist on classical music experience
Change has been building at the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Last week the MSO introduced Mei-Ann Chen as its fourth music director in its 58-year history. But even as the new maestro embarks on her new journey of music, community and education, there are other developments happening at the orchestra. Opus One — a performance series led and sustained by MSO musicians without benefit of a conductor — debuts on Thursday.
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On Stage: Theater and dance
Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues": The 11th annual benefit production, 8 p.m. Saturday. ($20). Doors open at 7 p.m. with a silent auction. Performance spoken in Spanish at 8 tonight ($20), along with a silent auction. The Evergreen Theater, 1711 Poplar. Visit online: vday.org.
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Theater Review: 'The Crucible' a success as Harrell Theatre gets serious
Amy Hanford's production at the Harrell is generally well cast and handsomely mounted. John Proctor (an effective Brian Everson) occupies the center as a good but imperfect man. When he is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, played by Emily F. Chateau, the scenes pop with energy.
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Ballet’s “Joyful Noise” celebrates marriage of music, dance
Ballet Memphis’ artistic director Dorothy Gunther Pugh takes special pride in coming up with themes for concerts. The range of concepts she has explored — from feminist literature to race — is no small challenge in dance. After more than two decades, audiences still don’t quite know what to expect. But Pugh surprised even herself with the idea of “AbunDANCE,” now in its second season, which investigates the spiritual side of movement.
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ArtsMemphis promotional videos focus on positive Memphis
ArtsMemphis, a support and fundraising organization for the arts, on Tuesday launched “Art Is Memphis,” a series of promotional videos featuring appearances by about close to 30 painters, musicians, actors, ballet dancers, “fire dancers” and other local artists. Created by Live From Memphis (livefromemphis.org), the 30-second spots will begin airing on WKNO-TV Channel 10 and before movies at the Malco Paradiso.
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Artist depicts life's violence and forgiveness in exhibit
Artist Elisha Gold's exhibit “Forgive Your Enemies” includes tanks, planes, a helicopter and lots of explosions. “I want to get to the raw, simple aggression,' he said. "People love explosions. People watch NASCAR ’cause they want to see the cars blow up and fly everywhere. There’s violence in our world every day and it’s just a part of life." The show is on view through February at Gallery Fifty Six at 2256 Central.
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