Broadway's Holiday Season

If you’re an avid Broadway lover like I am, then you’re going to love what’s coming up in New York!

 

Check out GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS staring the legendry actor Al Pacino who’s back on Broadway December 8. There aren’t many roles Al Pacino has done that I haven’t enjoyed, and I’m interested to see how this capable actor will capture us all with this performance.

 For all you Christmas fanatics, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a must-see this holiday season, opening December 13, as well as the Broadway rendition of Will Ferrell’s Elf which runs until January 6. These two childhood stories show Christmas spirit from either side of the spectrum, captivating the lives of children for many years past and years to come.

 

Another exciting show approaching is the Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, with talented starlet Scarlett Johansson which opens January 16.  Johansson is playing “Maggie” the wife of Brick, the son of A Mississippi cotton tycoon whose family has a very unique relationship with one another. 

Giving TPAC a High Five

Have you seen TPAC’s album for pre-schoolers, Give Yourself a High Five, yet?
Do you know how the artwork for the album cover and packaging was created?
You will now!

The process for creating the album artwork was so much fun!  It started with a discussion between me (TPAC’s Creative Services Manager) and Lattie (Director of Special Projects for TPAC’s Education department).  Yes, TPAC has a WHOLE DEPARTMENT full of people for our educational programming!  We are proud to administer one of the largest and most comprehensive arts education programs in the nation.

We decided to try paper sculpture for the cover.  After researching, a few sketches to nail down the concept, style, and composition, plus one really big paper shopping excursion at Plaza Art, I began.

Sessions 1 & 2:
I started by gluing the background layers to the backing.  Then, I moved to the houses, schoolhouse, and trees.  In the second photo, you can see the print-out of the very rough digital template I made from my final sketch.

Sessions 3 & 4:
Next, I made the music notes and sculpted them for added dimension.  They are raised off the board with various thicknesses of foam core.  Also, I added the roads, people, and animals.  (The cows are my favorite part.)

Session 5 & finished product:     
I couldn’t believe I was done after only five sessions!  I took the final pieces over to the TPAC Education offices for the photo shoot with Martin O’Connor.

Download or purchase the album today!  Visit tpac.org/highfive.

– Jennifer

Tis the Season

After looking at the headlines, there are some great names coming out of the woodwork and heading to the stage… especially heading into the holiday season both on Broadway and at TPAC. (Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is almost here!!!)

The Country singer Billy Ray stars in the famous musical Chicago as a lawyer named Billy Flynn. With his country background, I feel that his voice will give the character a unique, heartfelt touch, which could be an interesting contrast to the tinny sounds of the pre-prohibition era style show. 

Away from the lights of Broadway, over at the New York City Center, Amber Riley is starring in Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club Parade. This 19020s/30s review brings out the best big band style from the famed Harlem nightclub. Riley’s voice should lend itself to this show.

So, grab your sleigh, if you are in New York, or your rain coat, if you are in Nashville, and fill up on some holiday Cheer with these great shows this season!