by Cavin Jacobson | Jun 28, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Tradition, tradition. Bartlett Sher’s rendition of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is the 21st-century update for a tale about tradition. Sher’s 2015 reboot is currently on its national tour and is at the TPAC June 25-30. This classic musical brings the difficulties of facing changes to long-standing traditions to a younger audience with a story that still resonates despite moving away from its historical period. ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a musical comedy set during the beginning of the Russian Revolution of 1905. The story follows a poor Jewish dairyman named Tevye (played by Yehezkel Lazarov in this production) as he confronts defiance of Jewish tradition among his three eldest daughters. Tevye’s story begins with him, as the patriarch of his family and having the most control in his household. He immediately starts losing control when his horse suffers an injury and he is forced to pull his milk-wagon himself. The play takes us through his life as he deals with the loss of control among his family — and how his love for his family helps him overcome his ties to tradition — or almost overcome it, as Tevye says, “Some things do not change for us. Some things will never change.” The original play was first performed on Broadway in 1964 and amass critical success it found many fans. This 2015 rendition of the 60’s hit, however, makes some noticeable changes to original Broadway hit. Some of these include turning Tevye into more of comedic relief and lessens the stage time for the younger two daughters’ stories. These changes, as well as others, had some waxing nostalgia for...
by Martin Baker | Feb 9, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
The classic characters of Oz come to life in the latest incredible performance of the Broadway musical adaptation of the hit film The Wizard of Oz. There really is no place like home to see this show, or at least no place like the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The production value is through the roof for this performance. Elaborate sets, extravagant costumes and some incredible special effects really let you know this was a serious production. You get the sense of being right inside the twister with Dorothy. Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow are all portrayed magnificently. The actors really capture the essence of each character and you feel a sense of real hatred towards the Wicked Witch of the West right from the start. The horrendous witche’s laugh is still frightening just to think about. However, the show is stolen by none other than Toto. From his first appearance, the adoration of the crowd is palpable. The use of a real dog in an on-stage performance is always a risk, but the crew pulls it off thanks to the well-behaved Murphy, the dog who plays Toto. The other highlights of the performance are the musical numbers. With such classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead,” it isn’t tough for the whole crowd to get on board and sing along. The show has something for the whole family. For the parents, there is the nostalgia of watching the story you know and love come to life on stage right in front of you. For the kids, it has all...
by Erin Turner | Feb 10, 2015 | News Slider
Most know Nashville for its rich music history, but a recent report has named this city the second-most vibrant art community in the nation. The National Center for Arts Rresearch report is based off of three things — art supply, demand and the level of government support. “The numbers are only the start of the story, not the end,” NCAR director Zannie Voss said on NCAR’s blog. “Each city in our report is unique in what makes it a vibrant community for the arts. Our intention in developing this report is to stimulate conversation about what makes a city vibrant in the arts and how arts vibrancy varies across cities.” It is because of Nashville’s diverse cultural opportunities that it was ranked ahead of New York, Boston and San Francisco. Stroll down lower Broadway to hear a mixture of country and honky-tonk music. Turn the corner to be just steps away from some of Nashville’s premiere music and performing arts venues, like the Ryman and TPAC. Art galleries and coffee shops are also easy to come by in this culture-rich city. To keep up with Nashville’s growth as an art community, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts hosts camps, family days and educational programs. The Frist also hosts a College Night every Thursday and Friday for students to create or simply do homework in the museum setting. Another event that sets Nashville apart is its monthly art crawl. Art galleries throughout the community host receptions and openings during the first Saturday of every month. The festive event takes place on Fifth Avenue North and admission is free. Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR....
by Carly Bergthold | Dec 2, 2014 | Uncategorized
Thanksgiving has passed, finals are looming and the winter chill is here to stay. Luckily Nashville has several great holiday events that also double as reasons to take a study break. A Country Christmas at Opryland Hotel There is nothing more “classic Nashville” than visiting Opryland Hotel in December. Drink in the millions of Christmas lights, gaze at the life-size Nativity scene or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the front lawn. Local’s Tip: Parking at the hotel is expensive, but you can park at the mall next door and walk over. Lights at Jellystone Park Middle Tennessee’s largest lights and music show, Jellystone is where podunk takes a classy turn. Drive up and down the park watching lights dance to rockin’ tunes. It costs $25 a car, so carpool for the best deal. The lights are open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night with extended weekend hours. Local’s Tip: Hit up Jellystone after going to Opryland Hotel – it’s only five minutes away! The Franklin Theater If your favorite Christmas traditions include Charlie Brown and Will Ferrell, then you need to head to Franklin. They will be showing many classic Christmas films on the big screen, and most are just $5. http://www.franklintheatre.com/tickets/movies/ Nashville Christmas Parade (December 5) Before the parade, Mayor Karl Dean will light up the Christmas tree in the Public Square Plaza at 6:30 p.m. The parade starts at 7 p.m. on the Woodland Street Bridge at Public Square, then travels down Second Ave. and up Broadway. Local’s Tip: Come early and stay late! Parking is a mess before and after the parade. A...
by Cory Woodroof | Jun 5, 2014 | Opinion
The most impressive cast member of the play War Horse, now at TPAC through Sunday, is a gigantic horse puppet. While that might not sound as glamorous as some of Broadway’s most memorable leading characters, the beating heart of the solemn, inspiring show lies directly with Joey, the horse with hooves of gold. Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s book of the same name, War Horse is a devastating-yet-triumphant look at the horrors of war and the bond that can develop between a man and his trusted animal companion. Taking place in across Europe in the 1910s, the story follows Joey, a young horse who is sold into the care of the Narracott family. Throughout Joey’s days in the foal stage, the horse develops a strong relationship with Albert, son of the Narracotts. Like all great boy-and-his-dog relationships, Albert and Joey become an inseparable pair. But, when World War 1 begins, Joey is sold into the army without Albert’s knowing, and the young man begins a dangerous journey through the battlefield to find his galloping friend. Similar to Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film adaptation, the play primarily follows Albert and Joey’s journey through the war with various characters popping up at times, most representing different aspects of war and the toll it can take on a civilization. The play has a bleak picture to paint of war, and that image is skillfully woven into the narrative. The show also features one of this critic’s favorite scenes in fiction – one that finds two opposing soldiers in a climatic game of heads-or-tails that beautifully illustrates the good of humanity in one of life’s...
