Good Morning BALTIMORE!

 

Good morning Baltimore!  ...or maybe it was, "GOOD EVENING ATLANTA!" when Tracy Turnblad jumped out of her bed last night at Atlanta's Fox Theatre to a packed and cheering house.

Being a Hairspray "virgin," I had no idea what was in store for me last night.  My date for the evening was one of my best friends who has LOVED Hairspray since its first inception.

She knew all the songs and characters.  She asked everyone around us if they loved Hairspray as much as she did, and she sang and "seat" danced through the entire production.  She was not alone.

Many patrons raised their hands, hoot and hollered, cheered, sang, and seat danced along with the cast last night. And I will say that I loved the musical and became a fan myself last night as well.

As is the case with most Broadway musicals, the talent for Hairspray is off the charts.  I am always amazed at how these individuals can exert so much physicality - dancing and singing - and then belt out lines and solos with effectively no huffing or puffing.  Every time I leave a show, I say, "I cannot believe the talent I just witnessed!"

Last night was no exception.  Niki Metcalf is stunning at her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad, a classic figure in American cinematic and theater history.  Everyone knows Tracy, and Niki did not fail in bringing life to the character and carrying on the tradition started by Ricki Lake in 1988.

Please visit Niki on Instagram (link above) for some fun content and to see the talent this girl possesses! 

For more fun and to see the origins of Hairspray, check out this vintage movie trailer found on the internet:

What else can one say after that trailer?  This story is an American classic.  A story of race-torn Baltimore in 1962.  A TV dance show akin to Philadelphia's American Bandstand.  Picket lines, racial inequality, and a rousing happy ending where everyone comes together.

Our troubled times could stand to revisit Hairspray and learn how we can live together in today's modern era, accepting the differences between us and even celebrating them.

As I mentioned above a few minutes ago, the Cast for this tour are amazing, each in their own right.  Talent above par.

I'd like to highlight them all (because they ALL deserve their own shoutout), but time and space do not allow - so for now, here are two you must take note of and follow on social media:

• Andrew Levitt (Edna Turnblad) - Lovely, just lovely.  Great portrayal of Edna Turnblad.  Wonderful and endearing.  Provides comic relief and emotion at one point with the duet, "(You're) Timeless to Me" with Wilbur Turnblad (Ralph Prentice Daniel).
  
  
• Asabi Goodman (Motormouth Maybelle) - There are NO words to describe the talent Asabi brings to the table for ballads such as, "I Know Where I've Been."  I was dumbfounded there was not a standing ovation for her last night after this song.  We were truly taken to church.  I can't wait to follow Asabi and her future projects.  I am a new fan for sure!

Hairspray plays The Fox Theatre through Sunday, June 4th.  It is a great family event to attend.  No nudity and light sexual innuendos that would probably go over most kids' heads.  Profanity is low as well (almost nonexistant).

Our crowd last night consisted heavily of female groups seeing the musical together, but I also saw a lot of Mother-Daughter dates around me as well.  A truly feel good night out in the City for any family member.

Visit the Fox Theatre website to purchase your tickets before this amazing group of people leave town.  I would hate for you to miss the fun and experience of Baltimore 1962!

Thank you to Regions Bank and Broadway in Atlanta for making this event possible!

*I was provided with two tickets to opening night strictly for promotion purposes.  This review is my personal opinion and write up with no influence from the PR company, sponsors, or touring company.

Regal - In-Theater Holiday Gift Card Bonus Pack!

Who is ready for bonus gift card season?  Read below to see how you can earn some free money to go to the movies this year!

* * * * *

"This holiday season, Regal is offering a special Bonus Pack.

The Bonus Pack contains two $25 gift cards and one $10 Bonus Concessions Card for $50 – a $60 value!  The $10 Bonus Concessions card is redeemable for concession purchases beginning January 1, 2018 through February 28, 2018.  These packs can be purchased at participating Regal locations through December 31, 2017, while supplies last.

A gift card may only be used at participating Regal Entertainment Group theatres and select online merchants (visit REGmovies.com for a list of theatres and online merchants).  A gift card is redeemable towards general admission tickets and concession purchases.  It cannot be redeemed for cash unless required by law.  Resale is prohibited.  If the gift card is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, proof of purchase and proper identification will be required to obtain a replacement card, and the replacement value will be the value of the card at the time the card is reported as lost or stolen.  Protect this card as cash. Check card balance at REGmovies.com or call (800) 291-8173.

THE CONCESSION BONUS CARD IS VALID 1/1/18 – 2/28/18. EXPIRES 2/28/18 EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Use of the concession bonus card constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.  The concession card may be used only at participating Regal Entertainment Group theatres (visit REGmovies.com for a list of theatres).  The concession card is redeemable for concession items only (excluding alcoholic beverages) but not for cash unless required by law and cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupons, promotions, or discounts.  Resale is prohibited.  If lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, the concession card will not be replaced.  Check card balance at your nearest Regal Entertainment Group theatre.

Regal Cinemas Offer $5 Holiday Movies!

This holiday season, Regal Cinemas are offering Holiday Classics for only $5.

If you are a Regal Crown Club member, you can get an additional offer - $5 for a medium popcorn and soft drink combo.

Visit the Regal website to see which movies are playing and what theaters are participating in this special holiday viewing.

**FREE** Movie Ticket from Subway!

Eat at Subway much?

They are now offering a **FREE** movie ticket for every five codes you play.

Looks like you can receive up to three!  Visit your local Subway for more information.

Fandango - Buy $50 in 1D Gift Cards and Get a **FREE** Movie Ticket!

Fango **FREE** ticket offer!

Fandango has a great deal right now!  I love movie deals, don't you?

Visit their site and buy $50 in 1D gift cards and receive one (1) **FREE** movie ticket!

*Sale ends 9/6.


*Thanks Totally Target!

The Queen of Soul Returns to ATL!

After selling out her show at The Fox Theatre in March 2012, Aretha Franklin is coming back to Atlanta to do it again on Saturday, September 21^st at 8 pm!

Tickets start at $59 and can be purchased at www.FoxAtlTix.com, by calling 855-ATL-TIXX or by visiting the Fox Theatre Box Office.

Known around the world by her first name, and as the undisputed, reigning "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin is peerless.  She is one of the most influential and important voices in the history of American music, with a repertoire that spans pop, soul, jazz, rock, blues, and gospel.  In 2009, Franklin was named the #1 Vocalist of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.  With her ever-distinctive, soulful, to-the-bone vocal style, she has graced music charts for nearly five decades and her 'live' performances have touched the hearts of tens of millions since she began her musical journey in Detroit as a singing child prodigy. It is her rich legacy of recordings that are a testament to the power, majesty and genius of this one-of-a-kind artist of the first order. 

Aretha Franklin has earned countless international and national awards as well as accolades and global recognition on an unprecedented scale.  She is a 2005 recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom honor (the U.S.A.'s highest civilian honor), presented by President George W. Bush, and in 1999, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts, presented by President Bill Clinton.  She sang at the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama (2009) and at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton (1993). She also performed at the inaugural gala for President Jimmy Carter (1997).  In 1968, she sang at the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr.  She is the recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor; 18 GRAMMY® Awards, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for eight consecutive years, a GRAMMY Legend Award, and a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award; five American Music Awards; and four NAACP Image Awards.

In 1987, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1979, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2007, Franklin was honored at the Annual United Negro College Fund Evening of Stars and was presented with UNCF's Award of Excellence.  She was named 2008 MusiCares® Person of the Year by the Recording Academy, and she was presented with the prestigious NAACP Vanguard Award.  In 2010, she was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame at the Apollo Theater.  In April 2012, Franklin received the TV Land Music Icon Award.  In August 2012, Franklin was inducted into the Gospel Music Associations’ Hall of Fame. To date, she has received 12 Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

THE FOX THEATRE - See a Movie & Take a Tour!

There are two films left in this year's Summer Movie Festival at Atlanta's fabulous Fox Theatre...

...But, did you know you can tour the Fox Theatre AND see a movie on the biggest screen in Atlanta?  Yes!  You can!

Tour Takers will visit the projection booth, the screening room, and two star dressing rooms, along with the Fox's stage!  Plus, as an added bonus, you will be able to pick your seat before the doors open to the general public.

My teenager and I had the privilege of seeing the first movie of this year's season (Indiana Jones) at The Fox (our first time to do this), and it was MARVELOUS.  To my amazement, the Fox Theatre was packed, and it was so much fun!  People were talking to the screen, laughing...it was just a great family and movie atmosphere.  I would highly encourage you to go and try this one time.

If one of the last two movies isn't your thing, please make a mental note to try this event next summer.

For ticket information for the last two films of the 2013 year, you can visit foxATLtix.com.

Atlanta's Theater of the Stars Shines with The King and I

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Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting The Fox Theater and viewing Theater of the Stars' ("TOTS") production of The King and I.

Having never seen the movie, I was excited to see a live production, especially one put on by TOTS as they are known for their excellent productions and for recruiting both aspiring theater locals and seasoned professionals from across the country.  From the opening scene when the curtain rose, I was not disappointed.  This was easily one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing sets ever produced by Theater of the Stars.  The costumes and stage set were amazing -- stunning Siamese costumes and a lavish set depicting the royal palace.

If, like me, you are not familiar with the story of Anna Leonownens and the King of Siam, let me quickly bring you up to speed.  Ms. Leonownes was a British Governness who was brought to old Siam to help modernize the country by tutoring the King's children (of which he had many).  As you would expect, both Ms. Leonowens' customs and the King of Siam's customs clash immediately.

Ronobir Lahiri plays the King of Siam, and he gave a performance that completely captured the essence of a King being challenged on everything he believes.  At times, he is arrogant, angry, and furious.  At other times, he is light-hearted and we can see he is clearly captivated by Ms. Leonowens.

Mr. Lahiri appeared to be comfortable and at ease in his role, as he should be -- Ronobir is a veteran of the show, having played in the Broadway, West End, and multi-country touring productions.

Victoria Mallory, a Theater of the Stars veteran, played Anna Leonowens.  To hear Ms. Mallory sings songs such as the famous, "Getting to Know You," was a treat.  Her resume includes productions of West Side Story and Carnival.  She did not fail when it came to bring Ms. Leonowens to life.  What a voice!

Together, Ronobir and Victoria struck gold, playing their parts beautifully and and in harmony.

As you can imagine, over time, our main characters, the King of Siam and Ms. Leonowens, grow to accept and fall in love each other.  Ms. Leonowens falls in love with the country of Siam and all of the Kings' children she is tutoring, and the King falls in love with Ms. Leonowens' strong, independent personality eventually accepting some of the ideas and modern ways she brings before his throne.  It is a story true to the repertoire of Rodgers and Hammerstein - a quaint love story tangled with political/social issues (which, by the way, are just as important today as they were in the 1950s when this play first appeared).

Ronobir Lahiri and Victoria Mallory

Speaking of Rodgers and Hammerstein ("R&H"), their original production of The King and I opened on Broadway in 1951, adapted from Anna Leonowens' own original memoirs.  At first, R&H didn't think they could adapt the memories into a musical, but aren't we glad they did?  The songs in this musical are now famous across the American landscape ("Getting to Know You," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," and Something Wonderful," among others).  The King and I stands strong among the legendary R&H body of work (The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, and South Pacific, etc). 

Before I wrap up my review, let me bring two other talent to the forefront:
  

• Ali Ewoldt as Tuptim (a slave brought from Burma to be one of the King's Junior Wives) - Ms. Ewoldt recently returned from a year on the road playing Maria from West Side Story, and her Broadway credits include, among other things, Les Miserables.  But, two of my personal favorites on her resume are playing Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin and being a member of the cast of Encore! from Disney's Tokyo DisneySea.  Her performances on songs such as, "We Kiss in a Shadow" with Joshua Dela Cruz as Lun Tha, were amazing.  I heard a lot of people murmuring about her performance as we left the Fox Theater opening night.  Write her name down and bookmark it.  You will be hearing more from this young lady in the future.
  
  
• Raul Aranas as Kralahome (the King's Prime Minister) - Mr. Aranas' performance is strong and powerful.  He brings the fear of the Siamese rule to the play, and his performances were hard-hitting and realistic.  I loved the raw edge he brought.  Mr. Aranas' credits include Miss Saigon and the King and I on Broadway and Shogun Off-Broadway.

TOTS Producer Christopher Manos says of this production, "The King and I has always been a favorite of mine, and I am thrilled to work with Broadway legend Baayork Lee as our director and the extremely talented Susan Kikuchi as our choreographer."  Both Baayork and Susan did an incredible job of bringing this old musical to life.  It's still as fresh today as it was in 1951."

*Photo courtesy of Fenuxe.

I will have to agree with Mr. Manos.  Ms. Baayork and Ms. Kikuchi did an excellent job of bringing this production to life for TOTS, from the incredible set designs and lavish and stunning costumes to the incredible choreography employed throughout this play (especially, "The Small House of Uncle Thomas" scene).

If you would like to support TOTS and future theatrical productions, you can become a part of their "family" by becoming a Subscriber.  Their next show will be The Producers (January 25 - January 30), and their final show will be a personal favorite of mine, as a Disney fan, Mary Poppins (April 2 - April 7).

There are always opportunities for participation with TOTS from sponsorships to getting a closer look at how they bring musical theater to life at The Fox Theater.  You can contact them at 404.252.8960 or their website and facebook pages to find out more.

As a frequent visitor to The Fox Theater and TOTS productions, I encourage you to Subsribe to TOTS and give Atlanta theater a try. 

*Special thank you to Beth Carter and Lauren Wilson, Marketing Inspirations