“There’s a battle over Broadway in Orlando. The leaders of the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts say they’re going to bypass the city’s long-time Broadway show presenter, the Florida Theatrical Association, to save money.”
Author: Matthew Westphal
Tattooed Composer/Professor Running Third In Czech Presidential Poll
“With no political experience and little knowledge of economics, performing arts professor Vladimir Franz was already an unlikely candidate for the Czech Republic presidential election. The fact that 90 per cent of his body is covered in tattoos makes it even more surprising that not only is he standing for election – he currently stands third in the polls.”
The Martha Graham Company, 22 Years After Martha
Artistic director Janet Eilber is “remaking the company’s profile. … In Graham’s opinion, Eilber says, ‘if there was only one person in the audience who understood the work, that was enough.’ That is not Eilber’s opinion, nor can it be. She feels she has to change Graham’s ‘musty image’ and also the package that the company offers presenters.”
Toronto Arts Groups Nervously Hope For City Funding Boost
“Toronto arts and culture groups will have their fingers crossed this week and next, hoping that the city’s executive committee and city council as a whole will okay a recommendation from finance staff calling for a $22.5-million increase in civic funding for the arts over the next five years.”
Sarah Polley’s Family Documentary Wins $100,000 Prize
“Stories We Tell, Sarah Polley’s acclaimed family memoir, was awarded Canada’s richest film prize on Tuesday evening at the Toronto Film Critics Association 16th annual awards gala.” This year’s cash award, previously $15,000, was increased by the sponsor, telecom firm Rogers, to $100,000.
Flu-Struck Muti Cancels More Chicago Symphony Concerts
“After dropping out of this week’s subscription concerts due to illness, Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti has withdrawn from next week’s program as well” and has flown home to Italy to recuperate. The CSO says he still plans to lead the orchestra’s upcoming Asian tour.
Osmo Vänskä To Conduct Locked-Out Minnesota Orchestra
“The musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra have agreed to play a Feb. 1 concert at the Minneapolis Convention Center to celebrate the ensemble’s Grammy nomination. Music Director Osmo Vänskä has signaled that he will conduct” – leading the ensemble for the first time since management locked the players out at the beginning of this season.
Mary Todd Lincoln’s Dressmaker Gets Media Spotlight
“When Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave turned professional dressmaker and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln, published her memoir, Behind the Scenes, in 1868, the response was vitriolic. … What a difference 145 years make.”
John Lithgow’s New Favorite Theatre Tradition
In an essay for the Sunday Arts & Leisure section, the American actor – one of the few to perform at England’s National Theatre – recounts his joyful discovery of one of the actors’ traditions there.
Rescuing The Stately Homes Of Persia
“For thousands of years, houses with secluded gardens and courtyards have been a cornerstone of Iranian architecture … But in past decades the houses fell out of favor and were widely demolished to make way for glassed apartment blocks, especially in Tehran.” Now one of Iran’s top designers is leading a trend to save and restore historic houses in the city of Kashan.