I recently spent some time strolling on the beautiful campus at San Diego State University (SDSU). Our daughter is enrolled for Fall, 2016 and we love taking the time to explore every chance we get!
Here are some photos I captured that gloriously beautiful day! I wish I could have photographed the entire campus! Perhaps I will visit again soon to capture much more! Feel free to click on each photo.
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Hepner Hall with the Hardy Memorial Tower in the Background
Capturing another view of the Conrad Prebys Student Union
SDSU’s Love Library
SDSU’s Love Library
SDSU’s Love Library
SDSU’s Love Library
Between Performing Arts area and Hepner Hall
And here is some of the gorgeous foliage seen that day. Click on each photo to enlarge it. Such vivid color and so many beautiful varieties of trees and flowers!
And a few more images of the “bench art” and more!
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After 16 years of waiting in the wings, Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece WAITING FOR GODOT returns to San Diego stages with the fruitlessmoon theatreworks 2016 production at White Box Live Arts, Produced and Directed by fruitlessmoon theatreworks’ Artistic Director, Aimee Greenberg.
My serendipitous connection with two-time Telly Award winning Filmmaker Sue Vicory began in 2015. It was meant to be! San Diego filmmaker/entrepreneur/educator Jodi Cilley, the President of the Film Consortium San Diego and the founder and producer of the annual San Diego Film Awards (and an equally extraordinary person) recommended that I connect with her film colleague Sue. Jodi was so intuitive in facilitating our connection (which I hope will last a lifetime)!
Sue Vicory with Jodi Cilley (courtesy photo-Jodi Cilley)
A quote about Sue from Jodi:
“Sue Vicory is one of the most inspiring and amazing people I know. She has dedicated her life to helping others and has gone out of her way to help build the film industry in San Diego in a variety of ways. She is a role model and I’m constantly amazed by her efforts to help people from all walks of life.” – Jodi Cilley
After reaching out to Sue via email, my daughter Emmy and I were cast in the short fiction film Downstage for the 2015 San Diego 48 Hour Film Project. Sue’s production company “Heartland Films” produced and Sue directed, along with the writing team of Sariann Monaco, Holly Rone and Talia Pauletti. “Team XX” was a history-making, twenty-five member, all-female team. Downstage is now on the film festival circuit. You can view Sue’s films and videos on Sue Vicory’s YouTube Channel. Read my previous post about Team XX .
Team XX at Filming of Downstage (courtesy photo-Sue Vicory)
Besides working on Downstage Emmy and I have participated in a few of Sue’s community service projects and we continually network. It was because of witnessing Sue’s purpose, passion, vigor and selfless “chill” demeanor that I decided to interview her here as an Extraordinary Person, Sharing her Story!
Sue is currently on an amazing one year trip across the U.S. in her branded van with her “extraordinary” “My Power of One” (MPO1) 12 Acts of Kindness National Tour”. Her recently retired and extremely supportive husband Jay and their amazing (will tell you why later) Golden Retriever Kacy are accompanying her.
Award-Winning San Diego Musical Theatre ‘glams it up” for their upcoming production of La Cage Aux Folles on Friday, September 25 (preview) with Opening Night on Saturday, September 26th and running through Sunday, October 11th, 2015 at the beautiful historic Spreckels Theatre “on Broadway” in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego.
Book by Harvey Fierstein with Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES SYNOPSIS
The musical that inspired the movie The Birdcage (starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane), La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely St. Tropez, and his partner, Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse, Zaza. When Georges’ son brings home his fiancée’s ultra conservative parents to meet the splashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test! La Cage is a glittering and fast stepping extravaganza mixed with a touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves!
You remember the plot. You love the characters. You know “the song.” It’s no less than the stage adaptation of one of the most celebrated and beloved films of all time. Each unforgettable scene, song and dance, is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm! 1920′s Hollywood is the setting for this zany, light-hearted romantic comedy about the early days of sound film, when many a movie studio found itself scrambling to salvage the career of its chipmunk-voiced silent picture star.
SDMT joins the water conservation effort and will be using recycled water for the RAIN!
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director: Todd Nielsen: Choreographer Jill Gorrie: Musical Director: Don LeMaster
Director: Todd Nielsen
Choreographer: JIll Gorrie
Musical Director: Don LeMaster
Production Team also includes:
Lighting Design: Matt Novotny
Sound Design: Kevin Anthenill
Costume Coordinator: Janet Pitcher
Stage Manager: Amy Duffy*
Production Manager: Bret Young
(*Equity ; ** Stage Directors and Choreographers)
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN CAST – FEATURING:
Brandon Davidson* as Don Lockwood
Brittany Rose Hammond* as Kathy Seldon
Cameron Lewis* as Cosmo Brown
Andi Davis as Lina Lamont
*Member of Actors Equity Association
ADDITIONAL CAST: Beverly Baker, Bryan Banville, Katie Whalley Banville, Amy Beth Batchelor , Bradley Behrmann, Jordi Bertran, Laura Bueno, Lance Carter, Jean Luc Cavnar, Deborah Fauerbach, Karla Franko, Kyle Hawk, Ed Hollingsworth, Keenon Hooks, Artur Ivanov, Katey Konderik, Andrew J. Koslow, Gabriel Navarro, Joy Newbegin, Janissa Saracino, Tara Shoemaker, Claire Sorlie, Matthew Thurmund, Michael Van Allen, and John Wescott.
Here are some video highlights from SDMT’s “Singin’ in the Rain”
Cast of SDMT’s “Singin’ in the Rain”
Here’s some rehearsal video footage of SDMT’s “Singin’ in the Rain”
Don and Lina (Brandon Davidson and Andi Davis) in SDMT’s Singin’ in the Rain
Beverly Baker
Bbryan Banville
Katie Whalley-Banville
Amy Beth Batchelor
Bradley Behrmann
Jordi Bertran
Laura Bueno
Lance Carter
Jean-Luc Cavnar
Deborah Fauerbach
Karla Franko
Kyle Hawk
Ed Hollingsworth
Keenon Hooks
Artur Ivanov
Katie Konderik
Andrew J. Koslow
Gabriel Navarro
Joy Newbegin
Janissa Saracino
Tara Shoemaker
Claire Sorlie
Matthew Thurmond
MIke Van Allen
John Wescott
YOU GIVE, WE GIVE: Throughout their 2015 season, San Diego Musical Theatre is partnering with a different local nonprofit organization for each individual production. The Production’s Partner will be featured in the lobby during the run of that show as a way to raise awareness for the great work being done by San Diego nonprofits. Ten percent of the funds raised for SDMT during the run of each production will be given to that specific production’s partner organization. SDMT announces “Voices for Children” as our “You Give, We Give” fundraising campaign partner during SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. Here is the link for Voices for Children: http://www.speakupnow.org/
TICKET INFORMATION: Single tickets for SDMT’s production of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN are $35.00, $45.00, $55.00 and $65.00. Children 16 and under save $10. There are discounts for Seniors and Students. Equity and Actor’s Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 12 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at http://www.sdmt.org.
SCHEDULE: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. LOCATION: The Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. There is parking in the Spreckels garage and the NBC Building. Both are accessed via Broadway Circle. For more information and tickets call San Diego Musical Theatre’s Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Tickets purchased through the Spreckels Box Office are through Ticket Master.
SDMT 2015 SEASON at the historic SPRECKELS THEATRE on Broadway
Singin’ In The Rain – May 22-June 7; Director Todd Nielsen
La Cage Aux Folles – September 25-October 11; Director Larry Raben
White Christmas – November 27-December 6; Director Todd Nielsen
San Diego Musical Theatre’s mission is to passionately produce and provide professional musical theatre that ignites the human spirit. San Diego Musical Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
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You never know what you’ll find or stumble upon at Torrey Pines State Beach!
Today was no exception.
What a joy it was to spot some cool “raked” writing in the sand and discover it was a marriage proposal…in POLISH!
(What a joy it always is to have my camera in hand as well)!
It took a small village to plan and make today happen.
I asked the two guys on the beach (Gino and Dan) who had just finished “raking” the proposal for their friend/co-workers Nathan and his soon to be fiance, Catherine (who is Polish).
It said (in Polish), “Catherine, will you marry me?” in the sand.
Nathan’s Proposal for Catherine in Polish in the sand
Plus an extra added bonus, they made a giant heart in the sand as well. I couldn’t resist taking this photo of the heart!
Heart in the Sand
I was so captivated by the soon-to-be joyous (hopefully) occasion, that I offered to help keep beach strollers away from the masterpiece and photograph the “event” from below.
I told passersby why we were “diverting” them. It was really cool. The excitement was building. Everyone was smiling Where was the couple??
They were going to be atop a cliff up above from where the proposal was etched!
The Proposal Cliff!
The guys said that their friend, Nathan who was proposing to Catherine, had planned the exact spot up top and on the beach below.
Another friend, Scott, was waiting up above, concealed by the bushes. He was going to snap photos of the magic moment. Hopefully we’ll get a few later from Scott and I can add them to this post!
I took a few more pics of the cliff above.
We waited for about 15-20 minutes.
And then…We spotted Nathan and Catherine! Like little “ants”!
Another view of the Cliff with Nathan and Catherine atop the cliff!
I zoomed it from the beach! Here’s Nathan Proposing to Catherine! Soon we were all cheering and clapping!
Nathan Proposing to Catherine!
One more photo of Nathan and Catherine from the beach!
Nathan Proposing to Catherine!
And here are Dan and Gino, celebrating the success of the proposal writing mission!
Dan and Gino: Beach Mission Accomplished! Photo by SJF Communications
UPDATE! 4/28/15 7:36 p.m.
I just heard from Scott Mahoney, who took some great photos of the couple from above at the cliff!
Here they are! (Click on each photo to make it larger)!
Incidentally, you can find more of Scott’s Photos on his Instagram Account (@srmphotography)
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Congrats to Nathan and Catherine for many happy years ahead together!
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Alyssa Goodman, Ph.D., Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University
Susan Farese, SJF Communications (left) with Dr. Alyssa Goodman in Newport Beach, California, 2014
Our Connection
I first met Dr. Alyssa Goodman in Lexington, Massachusetts in 2008, when our daughters, now 16 & 17, were in the same 4th grade Girl Scout troop and then continued as fifth grade classmates. Besides being “Girl Scout and Classroom Moms”, our families spent time together socially.
Alyssa has always intrigued me. I admire her deep intelligence, humor and authenticity. She is easy to connect with and is truly “down to earth” vs. “up in the clouds”, considering she’s a tenured Astronomy Professor at Harvard! There’s no arrogance about her, she is not a diva, has a great sense of humor, and she does not intimidate others. She has a keen sense of awareness of her environment and the state of the world to include the skies, and loves making sense out of patterns of all kinds. As an aside, she also always wore the coolest colorful earrings!
Although my family and I moved to San Diego in 2010, we have kept in touch periodically. Dr. Goodman travels extensively and always lets me know when she is in my neck of the woods and vice versa. It’s my pleasure to interview Dr. Goodman as an “Extraordinary Person Sharing Her Story”
Alyssa Goodman, Ph.D.; Photo by Jenn Chang
Alyssa Goodman, Ph. D.: Biography
Alyssa Goodman is Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University and a Research Associate of the Smithsonian Institution. Goodman’s research and teaching interests span astronomy, data visualization, and online systems for research and education. Goodman received her undergraduate degree in Physics from MIT in 1984 and a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard in 1989. She became full professor at Harvard in 1999, and was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2009. Goodman recently served as Chair of the Astronomy Section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and on the National Academy’s Board on Research Data and Information, and she currently serves on the both the IAU and AAS Working Groups on Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics. Goodman’s personal research presently focuses primarily on new ways to visualize and analyze the tremendous data volumes created by large and/or diverse astronomical surveys, like COMPLETE. She is working closely with colleagues at Microsoft Research, helping to expand the use of the WorldWide Telescope program in both research and in education.
And now, our interview:
SJF: You are extremely intriguing to me! Tell us a bit about yourself…
AG: Sure. Wow, this goes back awhile! I was born in NYC grew up on Long Island. When I was 8 years old, I was captivated by and in awe of marine biologist oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Oh how I really wanted to be a marine biologist at Woods Hole someday.
My eventual plan was to go to college first and study marine biology, but as time passed, I changed my mind. My new plan was to become a Physician, but a family member was very sick at the time and passed away. I soon decided that dealing with illness and death wasn’t for me either.
I was a good student and always had a love for science. I applied to the undergraduate program at Harvard (but ironically was not accepted)! About the same time, my younger sister discovered (while reading stack of college application material) that MIT only “early accepted” or “deferred” applicants but didn’t “reject” any. I was accepted into MIT and majored in physics.
My Dad helped me to find a summer Internship at an engineering company, where I subsequently interned for two summers, after high school graduation and after my freshman year at MIT. When it was time to plan an internship after my sophomore year at MIT there were two possibilities: An “underwater archeological dig” and NASA! I was one of 60 applicants for a scholarship to an underwater archeological “dig” that one had to pay for and missed out on the scholarship by one spot. I also boldly called NASA (no Google then…I merely looked the number up in the “yellow pages”) and accepted and was paid for a NASA internship.
After graduating from MIT in 1984, I was offered a job at the Bank of Boston, but said no and decided to delay working by going to Graduate School.
I was accepted to Harvard for graduate school and received my Ph.D. in Physics 1989. I did my post doctoral at University of California at Berkeley for three years. My first post-graduate assignment was teaching Astronomy in 1992, (which was ironic, since I had only taken one Undergraduate and one Graduate Astronomy course and didn’t believe that I had the “credentials”)!
Alyssa Goodman, Ph.D.
Harvard Professor of Astronomy, Alyssa Goodman, speaks about the new capabilities of Microsoft WorldWide Telescope 5.0 at the 223rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Washington D.C. (Photo: Microsoft Corporation)
SJF: Very interesting that your awe of the ocean led you to your gazing at and studying the stars & galaxies! What have been your life hurdles? successes?
AG: While it wasn’t a “hurdle” I did have uncertainty as to when I would become a tenured professor at Harvard. In academia, all those years of education weren’t enough, even with a Ph.D. I was initially an Assistant Professor 1992-1995 and was considered Junior Faculty, then became an Associate Professor from 1995-1999. Normally Associate Professors are tenured, but that was not the case at Harvard. I taught for seven years and balanced an uncertain future, worrying that I would need to relocate, wondering if I could have a family, etc. before I was tenured as a full professor in 1999.
SJF: Your “uncertainly” has certainly led you to a highly valued tenured position at Harvard and many amazing opportunities to educate and inspire us! Which leads me to the next question: Who are three people that you admire?
AG: Jacques Cousteau, for his lifelong work as an exceptionally bright marine biologist, Albert Einstein for his views of Judaism as a ” philosophy” vs. a “religion” and Meryl Streep for her versatility as an actress.
SJF: What have been three significant/pivotal events in your life?
AG: My first memory of a pivotal event? Well, when I was in 9th school, I gave my National Honor Society speech. One of my friend’s moms was there and heard my speech. She told me way back then that I had a “natural talent” for public speaking. I didn’t realize what she meant at the time! Incidentally, that friend’s mom is actually now the mother of an undergraduate student studying violin at Harvard today! Another pivotal event was when I became tenured at Harvard. And of course, becoming a Mom to my daughter Abby was a very special pivotal event and remains so.
SJF: What are your fears?
AG: I fear that our beautiful planet Earth will be ruined due to climate change (as well as how some people treat it).
SJF: What are some of your strongest assets?
AG: I learn things well. I stop talking, listen and pay attention. As an observer, I see patterns and connections. I also remember things that don’t connect. I stay fit.
SJF: Those assets are definitely words of wisdom! What do you usually dream about?
AG: Some dreams are vivid and memorable, some that are bad, I instantly forget!
SJF: That’s brilliant and concise way of describing your dreams! Speaking of dreams, how do you support dreams of others? Do you “give back”? if so with which groups?
AG: I give back with my time, efforts and donations. I donate to several charities, including KIVA which gives out micro loans, Women for Women and Habitat for Humanity. I am a Worldwide Telescope Ambassador, I’ve participated as a science fair judge, and I do community outreach as well. I’m also a a former Girl Scout Mom volunteer.
SJF: Do you have any regrets in life?
AG: Not being fluent in another language. Although I have studied French, I feel I could have studied a bit more.
SJF: Who are your role models? Male or female, in or out of your profession?
AG: This is very interesting, because they are both serendipitous friendships. A female role model I admire is Astronomer Vera Rubin (Dark Matter) and a male role model would be Bob Kirshner , a Clowes Professor of Science at Harvard University who studied dark energy, and was a Wolf Medal Recipient.
SJF: What qualities should the younger generation aspire to have that you think are important in this day and age?
AG: There should be less emphasis on grades and more on actual curiosity and learning.
SJF: Agreed! How do you feel about the enourmous use of technology is being used today? Do you think we should connect more in person?
AG: I definitely use tech a lot, but have a love-hate relationship with it. I like it when it is associated with learning. I don’t like it as a time waster!
SJF: Any funny anecdotes about astronomy?
AG: I occasionally take a look at xkcd.com; It’s what I call “nerd humor” and it’s such a hoot!
SJF: I took a gander at it! Cool! What’s been happening lately and what is up next for you???
AG: I just taught a one day advanced workshop in San Francisco in February, 2015 called “See Think Design Produce” with Jonathan Corum, Mike Bostock and Edward Tufte: world-class design architectures for information, data, images, videos, diagrams, interfaces, presentations. We spoke about how to convey information graphically. In March I will be presenting at and attending “Tools for Astronomical Big Data” speaking about “Wide Data vs. Big Data” in Tucson, Arizona.
Speakers at “See, Think, Design Produce ” Left to right: Jonathan Corum, Edward Tufte, Alyssa Goodman & Mike Bostock
SJF: Those sounds like interesting workshops! Speaking of San Francisco, and Tucson, where have you traveled? Where is your favorite place in the world??
AG: My job has taken me many places in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres! My favorite place is Martha’s Vineyard.
SJF: Thank you so much, it’s been such a pleasure interviewing you and getting to know you even more!
San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) “The LOCAL way to see Broadway”, announces the first production of their 2015 season, WEST SIDE STORY, February 13 – March 1, 2015 (press opening on Saturday, February 14) at their new home, the Spreckels Theatre on Broadway in downtown San Diego.
The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Book by Arthur Laurents.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Director: James Vasquez; Choreography: Randy Slovacek; Musical Director: Don LeMaster; Lighting Designer: Amanda Zieve; Costume Coordinator: Janet Pitcher; Production Manager: Bret Young; Stage Manager: Stanley Cohen.
SDMT West Side Story Production Team: Courtesy Photos, Left to Right: Director James Vasquez; Musical Director Don LeMaster; Choreographer Randy Slovacek
JAMES VASQUEZ (Director) ) is happy to return to San Diego Musical Theatre after directing last year’s CATS at the North Park Theatre. He has directed Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre for the last 5 years, while restaging the original choreography for the last 12 years. Also at the Globe, he directed Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, served as Associate Director of Jane Austen’s Emma – A Musical Romantic Comedy, and provided musical staging for Boeing-Boeing and the 2013 Shakespeare Festival production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He received San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for the world premiere of Harmony, Kansas and the West Coast premiere of [title of show] (Diversionary Theatre) and won the award in 2010 for Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company). His other recent directing/choreography credits include Marry Me a Little, Birds of a Feather, Pippin, and Next Fall (Diversionary), and Pageant, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Little Shop of Horrors (Cygnet), as well as developmental workshops at La Jolla Playhouse and Goodspeed Musicals. Mr. Vásquez is co-founder of Daisy 3 Pictures. His film, Ready? OK!, won the Best Film award at Seattle, North Carolina, and San Diego film festivals. Daisy 3’s latest feature film, That’s What She Said, made its world premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School of Drama.
RANDY SLOVACEK (Choreographer) returns to San Diego after choreographing the acclaimed SDMT production of Chicago The Musical (San Diego Theater Critics Award nomination) in 2013. His choreography has been seen across the country, from the 11,000 seat Muny Theater in St. Louis to 99 seat off-Broadway theaters in NYC. Credits include choreographing the National touring company of Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing; the world premiere of Plane Crazy off-Broadway at the Beckett Theatre; and regional productions of A Chorus Line, They’re Playing Our Song, Sweet Charity, and Chicago the Musical among others. He has contributed choreography for star-studded benefit performances such as Lerner, Loewe, Lane & Friends for the S.T.A.G.E. benefit in Los Angeles; Donna McKechnie In Concert in NYC; One Singular Sensation celebrating the genius of Michael Bennett in Kansas City; and Olivia Newton-John’s Grace and Gratitude concert based on her celebrated CD of the same name. Thanks to husband Michael for love and support.
DON LE MASTER (Musical Director/Conductor) A native of San Diego, Don has been a working musician in the world of theatre for 30 years. He has been the resident musical director for SDMT, since its inception. He has musically directed and conducted many shows: A Christmas Carol, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Cabaret (San Diego Rep), American Rhythm, Boomers (Lamb’s Players), Superstar, Once On This Island, Ragtime and 1776 – Ovation nomination (Performance Riverside), and many others at Moonlight, Cygnet, Starlight, South Bay Cities, North Coast Rep and McCoy Rigby. The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, honored Don with an Outstanding Musical Direction Craig Noel award for the Full Monty and just recently The Sound of Music. Don performs at Martini’s Above Fourth with the fabulous Ria Carey and a solo gig at The Imperial House. “Without music my life would be a mistake.”
WEST SIDE STORY CAST –
Jacob Caltrider* (Tony); Jessica Soza (Maria); Kikau Alvaro* (Bernardo);
Natalie Nucci* (Anita); Jeffrey Scott Parsons* (Riff)
*Member of Actors Equity Association
SDMT West Side Story Cast;
Top, Left to Right : Jacob Caltrider, Jessica Soza, Kikau Alvaro; Bottom Center: Natalie Nucci, Bottom Right: Jeffrey Scott Parsons
JACOB CALTRIDER* (Tony) is thankful and proud to be making his debut with San Diego Musical Theatre! Selected Credits include: Spring Awakening, Assassins, Parade, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors,Sweeney Todd and The History Boys– Cygnet Theatre; Marry Me A Little, Harmony Kansas, Twist, Yank! and The Daddy Machine – Diversionary Theatre; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and A Christmas Carol – North Coast Repertory Theatre; An American Christmas, Les Misérables, Twelfth Night and The Festival of Christmas – Lamb’s Players; How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and The Rocky Horror Show – The Old Globe.
JESSICA SOZA (Maria) “Jessica Soza’s bell-clear Soprano and natural grace manages to win from the first minute to the viewers.” (Iris Moebius, Broadway World Germany). Having toured Europe last year as MARIA in the International Tour of West Side Story, Jessica is grateful to return home to Southern California and make her U.S. Debut in the role with SDMT. She performed to sold-out houses in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Israel, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland and London where she made her West End debut. Jessica gives thanks to God and her family for their undying love and support. www.jessicasoza.com
NATALIE NUCCI* (Anita) Broadway/National Tour: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (u/s Christine , Jolene, Muriel); Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl, u/s Mary) Hollywood Bowl: Sondheim 75th Birthday Tribute (West Side Story/Sweeney Todd ), Music Man. Reprise Theatre: Strike Up The Band, Kismet, On The Town, Applause!, The Most Happy Fella, Anything Goes. SDMT: Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie). Welk Resort: West Side Story (Anita), Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), Chicago (Velma), Anything Goes (Reno). Love to my Family. CSUN’s Peter Grego: you cast me in WSS as Jet and Shark—YOU dared us: “leave our guts on stage”; permanently lighting my fire: thank you.
JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS* (Riff) “What a pleasure to do one of my favorite musicals with one of my favorite theatre companies.” Jeff is known to San Diego audiences for his portrayals of Phil Davis in White Christmas, Skimbleshanks in Cats (SDMT), Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Bobby Child in Crazy for You (Moonlight Amphitheatre), as well as his appearances in Romance/Romance and Dames at Sea (NCRT). With Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles, he’s been in Triumph of Love, Sweet Smell of Success, and Wonderful Town. He’s a loyal member of AEA and holds a degree from BYU. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreysparsons Love to the fam!
KIKAU ALVARO* (Bernardo) SDMT debut! He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre at San Diego State University. Favorites: Les Miserables, (Grantaire); Chicago, (The Jury); The Full Monty, (Keno); and the 50th Anniversary production of Flower Drum Song. In addition to performing, Kikau is a director, choreographer, and teacher. Upcoming projects: The Great American Trailer Park Musical (SDSU) and All Shook Up (San Diego Junior Theatre). Proud member of AEA! Thank you to Derrick. Follow Kikau on twitter and instagram: @kikautown.
*Member of Actors Equity Association
ADDITIONAL CAST:
Danielle Airey, Kevin Aquino, Max Cadillac, Hanz Enyeart, Manny Fernandes, Meagan Flint, Jay Gamboa, Devon Hadsell, Siri Hafso, Danny Hansen, Jenny Henkel, Krysty Hernandez, Andrew J. Koslow, Danielle Levas, Jacob Narcy, Joy Newbegin, Leah Roth, RC Sands, Ernest Sauceda, Taylor Simmons, Joshua LaMonte Switzer, Diana Vaden, Eric von Metzke, Andrea Williams and Dan Windham.
SDMT West Side Story “Jets”
SDMT West Side Story “Sharks”
SDMT West Side Story Cast, Director, James Vasquez, Choreographer Randy Slovacek and Costume Coordinator Janet Pitcher
Danielle Airey: Jet Girl
Kevin Aquino: Shark
Max Cadillac: Shark
Hanz Enyeart: A-rab
Manny Fernandez: Lt. Shrank
Megan Flint: Rosalia
Jay Gamboa: Shark
Devon Hadsell: Velma
Siri Hafso: Graziella
Danny Hansen: Snowboy
Jenny Henkel: Jet Girl
Krysty Hernandez: Shark Girl
Andrew J. Koslow: Action
Danielle Levas: Consuelo
Jacob Narcy: Chino
Joy Newbegin: Jet Girl
Leah Roth: Anybody’s
RC Sands: Doc
Ernest Sauceda: Shark
Taylor Simmons: Baby John
Joshua LaMonte Switzer: Diesel
Diana Vaden: Francisca
Erik von Metzke: Glad Hand
Andrea Williams: Shark Girl
Dan Windham: Krupke
TICKET INFORMATION: Single tickets for SDMT’s production of WEST SIDE STORY are $35.00, $45.00, $55.00 and $65.00. Children 16 and under save $10. There are discounts for Seniors and Students. Equity and Actor’s Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 10 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at www.sdmt.org.
SCHEDULE: WEST SIDE STORY show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. There is parking in the Spreckels garage and the NBC Building. Both are accessed via Broadway Circle.
For more information and tickets call San Diego Musical Theatre’s Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Tickets purchased through the Spreckels Box Office are through Ticket Master.
San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) is an award-winning, nonprofit theater company that seeks to bring vibrant musical theatre to the San Diego community. The mission of SDMT is to impact audiences by producing a range of classic and contemporary musical productions that engage and enhance the overall theatre experience. By partnering with professional actors, musicians, and technicians SDMT infuses momentum and energy into one of the only true American art forms. SDMT’s vision is to create an environment where high-quality musical theatre thrives in San Diego for generations to come. San Diego Musical Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
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Susan Lisovicz is a dynamic renowned Journalist (well known for her Business/Financial reporting) and mass communicator with an incredible resume. A 1978 Communications Graduate at William Paterson University in New Jersey, Susan received the President’s Medal in 1999. Ms. Lisovicz is a former Reporter/ Anchor for CNN, CNBC, and during college was a reporter for WOBM-FM.
Per her website (www.susanlisovicz.com) Susan was “live on the air when former President George W. Bush made a surprise visit to the NYSE and was the only reporter to get an on-air comment”. Susan has covered breaking general assignment stories such as September 11th, the death of Pope John Paul II and Hurricane Katrina.
Susan Lisovicz at the Cronkite-School of Journalism
Side note: Susan and I were grammar school classmates in the quaint town of Wallington, New Jersey until my family and I moved “down the shore” the summer before 8th grade. We both share a love for and treasure the Jersey Shore and the art of communications. We have continued to keep in touch throughout the years. I admire Susan’s professionalism, dedicated work ethic and enthusiastic zest for life. Susan Lisovicz is a truly a role model. I am proud to interview Susan Lisovicz, (“the other Susan” on the “other side of the interview table”)!
SJF: Please tell us a bit about your upbringing…
SL: I grew up in a small town in suburban New Jersey. One of four children, a middle child. My father’s nickname was Easy Ed. All of our friends liked my parents. Anybody who came over for dinner was entertained with an endless supply of true and embarrassing stories about each of the children. My mother went right back to work as a nurse in the hospital as soon as we all were in school. She worked weekends and weird hours. In return she was able to get off the entire summer. Thus began my lifelong love affair with the Jersey Shore, where we still have a house where we all congregate. Our big Saturday night dinners at the shore with my brothers, sisters-in-law and me cooking for a dozen or more people is one of my favorite things.
SJF: Yes, I remember that quaint small town, Wallington, N.J., where we were parochial school classmates. We also mutually treasure the Jersey Shore. My Grandparents owned a bungalow a few streets from your former home (which sadly washed away during Hurricane Sandy) at Ortley Beach. We had fun times at Barnacle Bill’s playing pinball back in the day! Where has the time gone? Moving on…How long have you been a journalist/reporter/professor? (Did you always want to be one)?
SL: I have been a journalist since I was 15. My best friend was a year older and editor in chief of the high school newspaper. She suggested I write about a recent rock concert I attended. I gave it a lot of thought, handed in the article and realized this was my life calling.
SJF: Serendipity! Who knew??? What a great way to take that first step. Speaking of steps…What have been your life hurdles? successes?
SL: It is not easy to stay balanced. It is a constant struggle. For much of my life I’ve worked in a high-octane environment. You are working with people who are smarter, better connected, prettier… you name it. It’s a constant reminder to recite the Serenity Prayer.
Susan Lisovicz at the NY Stock Exchange
SJF: One would never know that you have struggled, you make it all seem so easy! So inspiring! Which brings me to: who is “your” inspiration ?
SL: Nelson Mandela, who forgave. Pope John Paul II, for his courage. Paul Newman, for his integrity. Ted Turner, for his commitment to the environment.
SJF: That is an incredible line up. Can you tell us about three significant/pivotal events in your life?
SL: First heartbreak: Love hurts. My sister’s death at 29: There are no guarantees. My first layoff: The glass is half full, not half empty. It’s a time to check out new frontiers and sometimes it’s destiny.
SJF: Do you have any fears?
SL: Oh, sure. Fear of losing my independence, physically, financially. Fear of not reaching my potential. Fear of getting lazy and tired and worst of all, jaded. But there are a lot of things that I worry about in a larger sense. I worry about a growing lack of civil discourse in this country…I don’t even want to give voice to my worst fears about that. I worry that despite an infinite number of examples about how we abuse our natural resources (air, water, wildlife) that we continue to be lousy stewards of this beautiful planet and I worry about the Middle East. It always seems that when things can’t get any worse…they do.
SJF: What do you usually dream about?
SL: I can’t remember my dreams. Maybe that’s a good thing.
SJF: What is your strongest asset? What do you need to work on??
SL: Everyone comments on my high energy (and I’ve never been known to drink coffee) as well as my enthusiasm and love of adventure. As for what I need to work on: patience, living in the moment, maximizing time efficiency.
SJF: Do you “give back”? if so with which groups?
SL: I am on the board of the Y in my town and I am actively involved in projects, I am a Eucharistic minister at my church, I’ve done volunteer work at a hospital in Bangladesh and a children’s camp in Massachusetts. I am a member of the Sierra Club, Audubon Society and Nature Conservancy. And I teach.
SJF: What’s up next for you??? Teaching at Cronkite, Consulting etc.
SL: I’m still exploring this new career. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve done lectures in Poland and consulted privately all over the country and Europe.
SJF: Do you miss reporting/anchoring?
SL: I’m still a news junkie. I do get totally entranced when reading some news stories. I will stare at a TV monitor at work on a big story. I think sometimes.. that would be fun. But TV news is an all or nothing game. Energy, focus, stress levels, b.s. It will push you. I did it for a long time. I wouldn’t say I’m out of the news business 100%, But I am doing things differently now. And it feels right.
SJF: How does it feel to be interviewed (as opposed to being the interviewer)?
SL: Well, I know what can go wrong in an interview. I know words can get taken out of context. I know that the focus in the piece can be on something completely different than the interview that it was based on. But there’s something called trust and respect.
SJF: Any regrets in life?
SL: I should be fluent in a second language, should have learned how to eat like a lady.
SJF: Big smile after that last comment! Now, onto a more serious topic: How did 9-11 impact you?
SL: It continues to be a sickening reminder of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Yet the resilience of man is also extraordinary. One of the most memorable weddings I ever attended was that of a friend who remarried several years after losing her first husband in the South Tower.
SJF: Do you have any particular role models? Male/Female, in and out of your profession?
SL: Derek Jeter, for the combination of clean competition and a quiet dignity. Of course I have an endless number of female role models. My mother, who raised four children and worked full time as a hospital nurse. She teaches by example how to live your life. Christiane Amanpour: brilliant and gutsy. Malala Yousafzai: eloquent and fearless. And countless women I am lucky enough to call friends who are strong, compassionate and fun.
SJF: What qualities should the younger generation aspire to have that you think are important in this day and age?
SL: Tune in. Vote. Care. Do better than the generation before you.
SJF: How do you feel about how much tech people are using all the time? Do you think we should connect more in person?
SL: Yes. Smart phones and tablets can actually be very alienating when used to excess. We need to connect in person.
Susan Lisovicz
SJF: Funny stories about anchoring?
SL: Oh, there was the earring that fell off mid sentence. Or Richard Simmons trying to hijack my live shot or getting a call close to midnight to anchor the overnight when I was sipping a beer in a hot tub.
SJF: Funny! But you are so resilient, I have faith that you handled all of those well.
SJF: How do you handle loss????
SL: It makes me appreciate life and love that much more. And it makes me recognize that loss is part of life.
SJF: On that note…thank you, my friend, kindred spirit and “extraordinary person”, Susan Lisovicz for sharing your story!
SDMT Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Principal Cast, 2014: Left to right: Todd DuBail as Bob Wallace, Allison Spratt Pearce as Betty Haynes, Jeffrey Scott Parsons as Phil Davis & Tro Shaw as Judy Haynes. Photo by Ken Jacques
San Diego Musical Theatre’s Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Photo: www.kjphotography.com
San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) www.sdmt.org Presents their highly acclaimed, holiday tradition for the third year in a row, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” December 11-21 at the North Park Theatre. This is SDMT’s final show of the 2014 “Season of Musicals” at the North Park Theatre.
There is one preview on Thursday, December 11. Press Opening Night is Friday, December 12 and the production continues until Sunday, December 21. More info below!
A few interesting facts!:
* 2014 is the 60th anniversary of the film “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney
* 2014 is the 10th Anniversary of the stage premiere of “White Christmas” in San Francisco in 2004
* San Diego’s Allison Spratt Pearce (SDMT’s Maria in “The Sound of Music”) plays Betty Haynes in SDMT’s IBWC and many in the ensemble and character roles live in San Diego area.
* SDMT’s “You Give, We Give” fundraising campaign: 10% of donations raised at the White Christmas at the North Park Theatre will go to Resounding Joy! The Military Music Therapy program, better known as Semper Sound, which works directly with returning military service members and veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, substance abuse and other physical and psychological diagnoses related to combat stress and trauma.
* There will be a free holiday craft project before the show for the kids at White Christmas matinees on Saturday, December 13 & 20 at 2:00 p.m. or Sunday, December 14 & 21 at 2:00 p.m., Those interested need to call (858-560-5740) to reserve a spot for their child, as space is limited. Children 16 years and younger can take advantage of a $10 ticket discount!
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaption features seventeen Irving Berlin songs, played by a live 22 piece orchestra! Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former Army Commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. White Christmas is back! Make it a holiday tradition in your family!
Production Team: Director: Todd Nielsen; Choreography: Lisa Hopkins; Re-Staging of Choreography: Keenon Hooks; Musical Director: Don LeMaster; Lighting Designer: Matt Novotny; Costume Coordinator: Janet Pitcher; Stage Manager: Kendra Stockton* (Equity).
WHITE CHRISTMAS CAST (* Member of Actors Equity Association):
TODD DUBAIL* (Bob Wallace) is excited to be performing in San Diego again, after moving from here to NYC in 1994. A big thank you to SDMT for making that happen! National tours: Joseph … (Pharaoh, with Patrick Cassidy & Jon Secada), Grease (Danny, with Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker & Fabian), Leader Of The Pack and Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley & Carl Anderson). Regional credits include: Starlight Express (Greaseball), Aladdin (Kassim), Cats (Rum Tum Tugger), Little Shop Of Horrors (Orin, et al.), Crazy For You (Lank), All Shook Up (Chad), Guys And Dolls (Sky Masterson), Tarzan (Clayton), Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Hairspray (Corny Collins), The Thing About Men (Sebastian), Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), Romance, Romance (Alfred/Sam), Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), and Cabaret (Cliff). Thanks to his amazing family, friends and JJS for their love and unwavering support. Mr. DuBail is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
ALLISON SPRATT PEARCE* (Betty Haynes) was last seen at SDMT as Maria in TheSound of Music. Credits include: Broadway-Curtains, Cry Baby and Good Vibrations. National tour: Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Recent: Jane in Emma, Phoebe in As You Like It, Viola in Twelfth Night at The Old Globe, Victoria in Sideways at The La Jolla Playhouse and Debbie in Old Jews Telling Jokes at The Lyceum. Allison has a mid-Atlantic AAA commercial running and coaches privately and with MTCA. She also has a duet group, Basso e Voce for special events. This Spring she will be Eliza in My Fair Lady at Cygnet. BFA-Elon University & MFA-USD/Old Globe. www.AllisonSprattPearce.com
JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS* (Phil Davis) is grateful White Christmas has become a San Diego tradition! SDMT audiences have seen him as Phil Davis for the past two years as well as Skimbleshanks in Cats earlier this season. Other San Diego credits include Romance/Romance and Dames at Sea (North Coast Rep), Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Bobby Child in Crazy for You (Moonlight Amphitheatre), and Malcolm in The Full Monty (Welk Resort). As a member of Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles he was most recently seen as Agis in Triumph of Love. Member of Actors Equity. Love to the fam and Happy Holidays! www.jeffreyscottparsons
TRO SHAW* (Judy Haynes) is thrilled to be making her SDMT debut in this amazing production. Notable credits include Broadway’s West Side Story (Anybodys); Geffen Playhouse’s Rapture, Blister, Burn (u/s Avery); Norris Center’s White Christmas (Judy Haynes); La Mirada’s Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (Sarah); and Utah Shakes’ The Matchmaker (Minnie Fay). Special thanks to Todd, Erin and Gary for making this an amazing experience. Thanks also to Simon for the limitless support. Ms. Shaw hails from Berkeley, CA and holds a BFA in Acting from Carnegie Mellon University. www.troshaw.com
Additional Cast:
Joy Allen, Jeni Baker, Amy Beth Batchelor, Philip Cobb, William Cobb, Crystal Davidson, Janie d’Avignon, Karla Franko, John Gamboa, Max Gidaley, Siri Hafso, Danny Hansen, Kyle Hawk, April Henry, Ed Hollingsworth, Allison Knight, Andrew Koslow, Danielle Levas, Paul Morgavo, Joy Newbegin, Jeremy Shull, Claire Scheper, Doug Schmitt, Debra Wanger and John Wescott.
TICKET INFORMATION: Single tickets for SDMT’s production of WHITE CHRISTMAS are $42.00, $52.00, $62.00 and $72.00. Children 16 and under save $10. There are discounts for Seniors and Students. Equity and Actor’s Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 10 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at www.sdmt.org.
SCHEDULE: WHITE CHRISTMAS show times are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104. There is street parking and a parking structure across the street from the theatre.
For more information and tickets call the San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1pm-2pm), Monday through Thursday. Open 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fridays.
Think of it as a “visual chain letter”! I saw it on the status thread the first week of November, 2014 from a great NY photographer colleague I know, Marty Umans http://www.martyumans.com/ .
The challenge: to post a black & white photo each day for 5 days, and then nominate someone per day as well.
Coincidentally, on November 13th, I was nominated by my former dance teacher, Niki Simon Blacker, https://www.facebook.com/niki.s.blacker?fref=ts who takes extraordinary photos many days of the week in South Beach, Miami.
I decided to take the plunge and it was indeed fun scouring through photos galore to see which ones would be the best to include. I decided that it would also be fun to add these 5 B & W’s to my blog www.sjfcommunications.com, so you shall be staring at them in my post here!
I was thrilled to nominate five really cool photographers that I know. Here they are (with tidbits about how we know each other)!
Day 1: (Ken Jacques http://www.kjphotography.com/ (who I know professionally as our photographer for San Diego Musical Theatre and many other Theatre groups as well as his other phenomenal photography in and out of the San Diego area)
Day 2: Eileen Swanson https://www.facebook.com/eileen.m.swanson (a fellow Channel 10 Weather Watcher, we’re both in the Weather Watcher “closed” Facebook group and the station shows photos from this group often on the air)
Day 4: Jennie Slosarik (family friend, pseudo-cousin, and aspiring (already award-winning high school student), (need to get a link to her photos)
and finally:
Day 5: Josh Freeman http://ObeyMyBrain.etsy.comhttp://obeymybrain.com (Josh is just so creative…he makes these one of a kind hats too! We shared the stage together in THE CRUCIBLE a few years ago).
The perspective really changes when a photo is in Black & White!
Good luck everyone. Try it! Take a gander and enjoy!
SJF Communications and the 5 Day Black and White Photo Challenge!
Torrey Pines State Beach, Rocks, Sky B & W, 2014 by Susan Farese, SJF Communications
I like that it shows so much variety of nature…the beach, the rocks and of course the sky.
Palms Standing at Attention: Photo by: Susan Farese, SJF Communications, 2014
I hope you all like this photo I took a while ago of several palm trees and clouds which I edited in B & W on Picasa. I like how it shows the trees at attention! I
La Jolla Pelicans etc. Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications, 2014
I hope you all like this photo I took a while ago of several pelicans and their friends in La Jolla which I edited in B & W on Picasa. I like that it shows them all mingling & lounging and love the curve of the rock!
Osprey Perched at Torrey Pines State Beach; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications, 2014
The osprey was magically perched atop a rock. I used my zoom from my NIKON Coolpix L830 and edited in B & W in Picasa. He (or she)? was holding prey (which I will not show here…). I like that I captured the osprey at an opportune moment in time, serendipitously as I looked up at the beautiful rock formation!
Hot Air Balloon Landing at Dusk in Carmel Valley, San Diego; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications, 2014
I’m always in awe of hot air balloons, which we see frequently in North County of San Diego. This one touched down before my eyes.
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The master class embodied the mission of CCA: “to enrich the experiences of each student,every day”. Students and parents were invited to the CCA Proscenium Theatre after the school day ended. Mr. Juber enlightened the crowd with anecdotes about his early life, education, and musical journey. He also played quite a few well-known tunes, including “Strawberry Fields Forever”, “I Saw Her Standing There”, “Live and Let Die” and acoustic tunes such as “Mosaic” and “Guitar Noir” flawlessly. Between his stories and songs, he kindly answered a variety of questions from the students.
Laurence Juber at Canyon Crest Academy SJF Communications 2014
Not only is Juber a rock musician, solo guitarist, and recording artist, he’s also an accomplished composer of over 160 songs, as well as an arranger. He won the “Fingerstyle Guitarist Player of the Year” Award in 2000. (Fingerstyle as in playing guitar without a pick)!
An an award-winning studio musician Juber has been a featured musician in many films, TV shows and video games. He’s performed with three of the four Beatles, (Paul, Ringo and George)…It was a poignant moment indeed when Juber mentioned that October 9th would have been John Lennon’s 74th birthday.
Juber delighted the audience and traced the beginnings of his musical virtuosity with anecdotes. Laurence began playing guitar in November, 1963 at the tender age of 11 during “Beatlemania”. According to Juber, “L.J”. as he’s called, this was a “remarkable musical renaissance period” where new “twangy” guitar sounds were being explored after the late 1950’s “vanilla” guitar pop. Juber admired The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix and was mesmerized with sounds in the “James Bond” movies.
During his teenage years the guitar was thought of as a “hooligan” instrument, not an “orchestral” instrument. Juber learned sight-reading from a “Play in a Day” instruction book which included the musical notes for “When the Saints Go Marching In”. He mentioned that he had lots of time to learn guitar, since “it rained a lot” in London and he was often “stuck in his room”. He would listen to the Top 40 American songs on his transistor radio and listen to vinyl records that were 33 r.p.m. and 16 r.p.m. Back then, the classical guitar was like an “orchestral step-child”…yet he realized his burning ambition that he could one day become a studio musician and earn money.
It was a post-war, baby boom with “battalions of hormonal enamored teenage girls”. Juber’s musical influences were listening to Radio Luxenborg, pre-BBC, as well as American Top 40 where some of his favorites were Motown R & B and Carol King.
Laurence Juber at Canyon Crest Academy; SJF Communications 2014
November, 1966 was the making of the Beatles “Strawberry Fields”. Juber spoke about this transition from the “pop” to “psychedelic” era symbolizing the “awakening of musical possibilities and record making”. There were new “backward studio tricks” in music. For instance, a B flat is a bit faster, and an A is a little bit slower. He described how George Martin would make the “slow-fast” and the “fast-slow”. There was also more “texture” and not the normal “classical” sound of cellos. The mellotron was a synthesized keyboard. Then came the advent of 4 tracks which evolved in to 8, then 16, then 24 tracks.
Juber then spoke of the differences between Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Paul was more of “an artisan…a crafter of melodies and a fabulous singer as well”. John was a true artist, visually and musically and also a poet who was passionate with rock and rhythm and blues.
Laurence Juber at Canyon Crest Academy SJF Communications 2014
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Juber spoke about the fact that the B flat is not your typical guitar key. As an arranger he attempts to find the nexus of music and guitar.
In his earlier musician days, Juber got his start playing what he called, numerous “chicken dinner’ events, like weekend weddings, Barmitzvahs, colleges and corporate events. All of this “sharpened his ear”.
He was a featured soloist in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He studied and obtained his music degree at London University’s Goldsmith College where he learned to be a “big band-trained studio musician”. As “target practice”, Juber performed with the 20th Century Chamber Ensemble, was guitarist for “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Royal Albert Hall in the West End of London and performed under Berlin Philharmonic Conductor Simon Rattle.
In 1977 Juber played lead guitar on the David Essex TV show where one of the Wings, Denny Laine (also of early Moody Blues fame) was a guest. Denny was the catalyst for Juber to audition for Paul McCartney and Wings. He also related a chance meeting with Sir Paul who was washing his hands in a rest room in England. He auditioned for Wings “winging it” as a “well prepped, versatile, sober musician”. Juber’s time with Wings earned him his “McCartney Masters Degree”.
Juber spoke about many of his influences, such as the “James Bond” movie scores, and where styles are “cross fertilized” like the Fahrenheit 451 score by Bernard Herman, where furious cellos drive the score. He spoke of Andy Summers having trouble with the guitar song “Every Breath You Take” by Sting (The Police) and how the group was influenced by Bela Bartok. He mentioned that he saw Jimi Hendrix play “Little Wing” twice at Albert Hall, and then played there himself. Juber played guitar for Dirty Dancing‘s “She’s Like the Wind” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”.
Juber professed that “variety is his favorite style of music, a bit of everything”. He is on the soundtrack of “Colors of the Wind” from the Disney film “Pocahontas” is featured on the soundtrack of “Home Improvement” has played banjo wth Kermit the Frog on “Sesame Street”.
Juber spoke about his guitar made of rare Brazilian Rosewood and not being able to take it out of the country. And how the precious yet limited ivory from elephants is affecting the production of guitar string bindings and piano keys.
Laurence Juber with Canyon Crest Academy Foundation Members Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications
And then, the magical master class ended, because Juber’s next gig that evening was at the “Museum of Making Music” in Carlsbad. Everyone applauded and gave a standing ovation and recognized this humble musician of many talents. Find out more about Laurence Juber at http://www.laurencejuber.com/
Canyon Crest Academy delivers not only an outstanding education but has the unique Envision arts program supported by donation dollars. Envision utilizes working artists as instructors. These professional artists work with the visual and performing arts students to deliver an outstanding arts experience at a professional level. CCA’s theater program has won numerous awards and recognition. Performances are known as above and beyond a ‘high school theater show’. The Canyon Crest Academy Foundation is a parent-led 501(c)(3) organization providing fantastic opportunities across academics, athletics, and the arts, and creating an environment where students can thrive. The mission of CCA and CCAF is to “enrich the experience of every student, every day”. Your tax-deductible donation to the CCA Foundation is vitally needed to continue our support of these programs. You can donate online at http://www.canyoncrestfoundation.org.
Gallery of Images of Laurence Juber by Susan Farese, SJF Communications, October 9, 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
Laurence Juber; Photo by Susan Farese, SJF Communications 2014
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