Article 6

Theater Around Town

By Heather Petrek, Arts & Education Editor

Welk Resort

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

Jan. 24 - April 6, 2008 Starring local singer, David S. Humphrey, as Curly.

This striking piece of theatrical America is one of the most beloved musicals in history. Oklahoma! is a joyous celebration of soaring melodies and songs which fill the Western skies in a loving celebration of the American spirit. This musical recounts the story of the courtship of two pretty farm-girls by their cowboy suitors despite the rivalry of two other men, an itinerant peddler and a sour-tempered hired hand. Its songs, dances, lyrics and story are triumphantly blended in this show that first brought Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein together. Fresh, strong and bright, its musical score overflows with hits including "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," "People Will Say We're in Love" and many more.

To find out more about David go to www.davidshumphrey.com.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Richard Elliot: Live Benefit Concert

Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 8 p.m.

Presented by Sterling Rose Limousines. Doors open at 6:30pm for cocktails, refreshments and a silent and live auction. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 800-988-4253, or online at www.artcenter.org priced at $30, $50, $80.

Proceeds benefit L.R. Green Educational Foundation.

State Symphony of Mexico

Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 7 p.m.

The State Symphony of Mexico is one of the world’s first-class orchestras touring the United States and Europe, receiving well-deserved accolades along the way. Now entering its fourth decade, the State Symphony of Mexico is the most famed musical group in its country. They will be playing Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 featuring Joan Kwuon on violin, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op 67 and Sinfonia India , No. 2 featuring Carlos Chavez. Tickets are $30 to $45 and are available by calling (800) 988-4253 or online at www.artcenter.org.

N*W*C*

Friday and Saturday. March 21 and 22, 2008 at 8 p.m.

This second piece in the California Center for the Arts, Escondido new Alternative Stage series tells the powerful real-life stories of three young men from different ethnic backgrounds. Together they use drama, hip-hop, slam poetry, and stand-up comedy to deconstruct the notion of race in America. This brilliant show, presented by Speak Theater Acts, was the winner of the 2003 “Best Play” from the American Readers Theater Association and has touched audiences across the country. Experience a rare evening of insightful discovery for only $25. To purchase tickets contact the Center Ticket Office at (800) 988-4253 or go to www.artcenter.org. Note, content may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Susan Egan – The Belle of Broadway

Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 8 p.m.

Susan Egan has made powerful impressions in theater, film, television and music. She has starred on Broadway as “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” won critical acclaim as Broadway’s longest-running Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” originated leading roles in “Triumph of Love” and “State Fair,” and most notably, debuted as the original Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” garnering Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations as Best Actress. Susan Egan performs from Broadway, including the shows she’s starred in, at the California Center for the Arts. Call the Center at (800) 988-4253 or go online to www.artcenter.org for tickets, priced at $35.

This is a Wine & Song performance. Patrons are invited to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting starting at 7 p.m. prior to the performance.

Keyboard Conversations

Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 2 p.m.

Keyboard Conversations, featuring brilliant pianist and raconteur Jefferey Siegel, combines extraordinary musicianship with illuminating commentary on composers and their compositions. Before performing each piece, Siegel illustrates unique or special aspects of the music with a few pertinent musical examples and a fresh perspective. He concludes with a brisk question-and-answer session with the audience, delighting young and old with the opportunity to participate. Learn why Beethoven wrote a love poem to Elise (Fur Elise) and how Robert Schumann’s music was affected by his love life. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling (800) 988-4253 or online at www.artcenter.org. Suitable for all ages.

San Marcos Library

Battlefield Band

Thursday, March 6, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

This renowned Scottish band brings the rich heritage of Celtic music to its listeners with passion, energy, and joy. The performance will take place at San Marcos Civic Center Main Hall (#3 Civic Center Drive, across from the San Marcos Branch Library). The event is a San Diego County Library World Music and Cultural Arts Series concert, co-sponsored by the City of San Marcos and the Friends of the San Marcos Library. For more information, please call (858) 694-2415 or visit http://www.battlefieldband.co.uk • SMM

Comment on this article