Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Flashdance- The Musical



     Flashdance - The Musical has danced it's way into Columbus, Ohio this week. The show based on the movie from 1983, features many of the popular #1 hits from the movie's original soundtrack including -"What A Feeling", "Gloria", and "Maniac" just to name a few. Running in town till December 22nd, 2013 here in Columbus at the Palace Theatre, and soon visiting other major cities - and who knows maybe even to Broadway soon? You would be a Maniac to miss your chance to see this show.




        The pre-show curtain has clips from the 80's MTV generation including Madonna, Olivia Newton John, and Def Leppard which certainly sets the mood for what you are about to see. From the moment the curtain rises - you are immediately brought into the action of a small town girl working at a steel mill, who has big time dreams of being a professional dancer. Working at the steel mill by day, and dancing at a local hot spot by night- she anxiously awaits an audition to get into a prestigious dancing academy. Encouraged by friends and loved ones who believe in her talent, she also soon finds a love interest who is her boss from the steel mills son. As you can imagine this could causes her some possible issues? Meanwhile, the plot also thickens when a new nightclub opens down the street, threatening the business of the hot spot she has established herself dancing in. She and her friends continue to defy the odds to follow their dreams. You'll want to go and see how this plot turns out? 






      The lighting, and sets are also worth a look- as they provide a really great aesthetic that is pleasing to the eyes- among the already familiar music. The choreography is simply amazing- as it features almost every style of modern and trained dancing, from ballet to some hip-hop dancing stuck in for the new MTV generation to enjoy. Writing this I must say that I have no dancing skills, so the dancers in this show will put anyone to shame that has two left feet.


         Whether you are making this show a girls night out, a date, or you are just going to relive the magic from the already popular movie- you are going to enjoy the show. I had a really great time, and would recommend this show to everyone. Thanks again to CAPA for the opportunity to see the show.


         A trailer for the show can be found below: I am including a link for you to also buy tickets right here. CAPA COLUMBUS (Includes Link To Buy Tickets)  

         Feel free to also follow CAPA on Twitter and Facebook for information on this show, and other upcoming shows: @CAPAColumbus
        
                                                   





                                                               

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Wiazrd of Oz 3D tomorrow!

I am super excited to see Wizard of Oz in IMAX 3D. I can only wonder what it will look like- what parts will stand out and pop more?

They are saying this is a very limited engagement. I will have to go before it ends.

Bryce

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

JERSEY BOYS ARE IN COLUMBUS! :)





     Jersey Boys has landed in Columbus, Ohio at the Ohio Theatre (39 E State St  Columbus, OH 43215) . The show running here until September 29th, 2013. Jersey Boys is a documentary style jukebox musical, telling the story of a group of men from what may be the wrong side of the tracks in Jersey to the limelight of success in a group that came to be known as "The Four Seasons". This group was headlined by Frankie Valli. I was fortunate enough to see the show this evening a little bit ago. Having only known a few of the songs, and just a little bit about who Frankie Valli was, I left feeling like I had befriended not just Frankie but all of the Four Seasons. 

      There were so many great numbers in the show tonight. One of my faves was sung beautifully by Nick Cosgrove who plays Frankie Valli in this touring production had to of been "My Eyes Adored You", and also "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". Nick has a wonderful voice, and his fellow co-stars/cast members carry him well.  Brandon Andrus who plays Nick Massi is among them with some of the comedic parts of the show. Honestly, I could tell you guys something great that each of the men in this cast did. Truly a great cast worth seeing.
  
       This was my first time seeing the show,and I must say that I loved the sets and the lighting as well. This shows set is full of surprises but is never overbearing, so the talent is forced to really shine through. There are images displayed, and live camera actions shown - but it never takes away from the cast, or the music and I really appreciated that.

      I should also mention that since  the production opened on Broadway in 2005 it has taken 4 coveted Tony awards (One of those being BEST MUSICAL!), 2 Drama Desk Awards, and even a Grammy Award. Recently the show beat "Fiddler on the Roof" for one of the spots for longest running shows on Broadway, and with that said has a permanent set in quite a few places (including Vegas). Columbus is one of the many lucky stops on this National US tour, and tickets can be found by visiting www.capa.com

If you want to know more you can check out the Official website for the show below:
Jersey Boys Offical Website - Here you can find all sort of information, videos, music samples, pictures, and link to their twitter, facebook, and other sites etc.

Also please check out the link above for CAPA- who continues to be a strong force bringing Columbus some of the best entertainment around. So many great shows coming. Check out season tickets, we have another great season ahead of us. "Book Of Mormon", "Phantom", "We Will Rock You", among the shows I am excited about.

You can also find CAPA and myself on twitter at @CAPAColumbus  and @BryceAlister

Thanks guys! I hope you make it to see Jersey Boys, and I know you will be singing along if you do.
       



         



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

War Horse trots into Columbus!





     War Horse has trotted into Columbus, Ohio! This charming show tells the story of Albert and his horse Joey; How the pair came to meet, and forever will be connected. When Joey is bought to be a riding horse for an officer of war, Albert vows to get him back anyway he can. This sets the stage for a beautiful tale not to be missed. 
     So how do you put a horse on stage? The answer is form spring puppets. Excellent puppeteers, and an exceptional cast to make you fall in love with them. (See the video below for a little bit more about the puppets). There is also a documentary about the show called "Making War Horse"- I happened to see you could catch it on Netflix for those interested in this.
     This play has stunning lighting, sound, and puppetry. It has received many awards including the acclaimed Tony Award (Taking 5 Tony's to be exact) for being such an extraordinary show. Some people may not realize this - but pay attention to the horses noises, most being made by the puppeteers! The lighting is quite amazing, the way they play with the shadows and convey things with simple lights, or moving pictures is striking! The music is so moving at times I felt lost in the choruses! Over all this show has something for every Broadway or Theater buff- No matter what you look forward to seeing in a show, this show has it. One note: they manage to do so much with little to no props, and to be honest this is the first show I've seen do that- that left me impressed with the artistic direction behind using very little- you don't feel as if the show is missing anything. Overall the show is just excellent and anyone who misses the chance to see it truly is missing out.
      The talented cast sings, acts, and gives you an emotional ride with such power that as I left the theater from the first performance (April 23rd, 2013) I saw many grown men, and many others crying. I would lie if I myself didn't tell you that it was kind of a tear jerker. I loved every minute of it. Having been to see the movie before seeing the play- I was quite surprised at the small but simple differences. With that said, don't expect any big changes from the play to the movie, there are not many. It seemed to me that at times the movie went into too much detail, where as the play knows stripped down and simple can still warm the heart, and amaze the theater goer in a huge way.Again I must stress that you wouldn't find any complaints from me for this show at all... in fact you have my full endorsement that this is a must see show, and a great fun night in the theater.
        Some may also want to know that the movie by Steven Spielberg film from 2011 of the same title is based on the play. So where did the idea for the play come from? A Children's novel by the same name written by Michael Morpurgo. So, this exciting tale has been loved by many, in so many different ways- from page to stage, and from stage to screen.  If you are one of the many who haven't been to see this show, which reminds us all how to be brave in a time of pain- then I strongly encourage you to buy tickets and see it as soon as possible.
      War Horse will be running here in Columbus from April 23, 2013- April 28,2013 at the Ohio Theater. For more information please check out CAPA's website.  You can also follow this site to buy tickets.

You can also find CAPA on twitter: @CAPAColumbus

I hope you make it, and find this story as touching to the heart as I did! 

As always enjoy the theater!

Bryce

P.S.- CAPA is running a special for veterans and active duty military members(as well as their families) as a way to send them a salute and give them an opportunity to see this show!


"Buy One, Get One Free for Thursday Matinee and Evening performances. Select seats and limited availability. Use code: SERVICE. Purchase in pairs. Ticket limit= 8. Not applicable to previously purchased tickets. Other restrictions may apply. 

Click here to buy tickets: http://ow.ly/kjvc6"


So for some extra fun:  How do you put a horse on Broadway? How do the puppeteers play Joey?


(Albert and Joey)



Thursday, March 28, 2013

The new EVIL DEAD. A Zombie Comedy (Or a ZOMCOM HOROMEDY) to raise the dead in the new ages!



just got home from seeing the new Evil Dead. I can't stop laughing, so either I am totally desensitized to violence, and what is supposed to be scary is really the basis of a new comedy. This whole movie is covered in blood scenes. Still yet I imagine this movie is going to break the funny bone of even the most stubborn horror movie goers. Fede Alvarez's new redirection of this film might leave you wondering why the old one wasn't good enough? That is too say that some may be very disappointed expecting the old story line. But behold some new hero will arise, and you are bound to love them. Now that I got that out- I have to say this, I now have a new favorite Evil Dead movie and I was completely taken by surprise with this new re-visioning of some college kids going camping in the woods. Zombies,  recovering junkies and the Book of the Dead, Oh my! Well that is all I am gonna say about it.... really! I refuse to say too much as the film hasn't opened yet, but you will be pleasantly surprised when you walk into the movie theater to see this film.
If you can't wait to see the new movie, make sure you get tickets and go with at least 4 of your friends, its not as fun unless there is 5 of you.... this way you can figure out your next years horrorhound convention outfits. I expect to see so many zombies out there.

Also not the only change I would make to this movie- WHERE IS THE 3D? That would of made the whole thing so much more amazingly awesome!
3D you hear me- it would of been righteous. Not Overkill. Righteous! I might not of even laughed during the whole thing, but wondered if I was next.

Now if you'll excuse me I am off to having some sweet dreams, and returning emails. Which I will be doing to the EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL- CAST RECORDING!

Starting now: sing with me if you know it- "Cabin in the woods, eeewwww, cabin in the woods, yeah- we're five college students on our way to an old abandoned cabin in the woods.... yadda yadda yadda" and now continue on!




P.S. One more thing - here is the FULL REDBAND TRAILER for those who haven't seen it- try not to blink, and don't get too frightened.
Note: This trailer may be disturbing to some due to images. HEY I WARNED YOU!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Greenday's American Idiot On Tour




                                                             

     Tonight I was fortunate enough to see the touring cast of American Idiot in Columbus, Ohio. The show runs at the Palace Theatre as it opened today  Tuesday, March 19th, 2013. It will run till Sunday, March 24th, 2013. Show times are listed before. Tuesday through Friday at 8:00pm all those evenings. Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Sunday at 1:00pm and and 6:30pm. Remember Sunday is the final day of the stop here in Columbus. Tickets start at 28.00.
       
            What is American Idiot? The Musical is centered around Greenday's rock album of the same name. When the band initially wrote the album, they said they said it as a rock opera about the then generation who at times struggled to survive. Take that premise and add in "21st Century Breakdown" and set a story with the music post 9/11, three men struggling to start a family, get by, hold out and keep afloat in a media based community. What paths will they choose? Find out when you take a "Holiday" to see this wildly entertaining show.

           My experience with the show this evening might help you finalize your decision to make sure you don't miss out. As mentioned above the show centers around three guys, a friendship that may or may not be able to stand the test of the times. The females in their life. The choices they make. At times someone my age may relate to these very things. How are we gonna pay the bills? Will we ever make it in life? What are the right steps? Could they ever follow their dreams?

            One scene(featuring the song "21 guns) stands out for me in general and might also help describe a bit more of what goes on in the show, because I don't like video spoilers for shows I am including the song as a streaming file. When listening to this song, imagine one of the guys having fallen into drugs, and his girlfriend trying to care for him, and stop him from being an addict. The scene turns into an empowering moment.  The whole ensemble waking up from what could of been a nightmare, and possibly the wrong path in life realizes they can change their lifes for the better. We find in a later scene one character who has previously joined the military in post 9/11 rage, with the goal to protect his country, and having left his friends- might have issues of his own. This leads into another scene I found rather endearing featuring the song "Before The Lobotomy".  I find this section of the show important as it serves to remind us that many veterans served in war after the 9/11 attacks. Again I don't want to say too much as I don't want to give spoilers - so that when you choose to go, you can enjoy the surprises. I will also include that song before in a video! So you guys can have a few samples of what you might expect to hear at the show.

        Can the ensemble and characters survive hearing bad news, and constant negativity of the media looming post 9/11. Their lives have changed? What will come of them? Once again I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I would like to thank CAPA for letting me review it. I hope you guys check it out.

               More information can be found http://www.capa.com/presentations/current-season-presentations/american-idiot
                  Also check the show site here: http://americanidiotthemusical.com/

        You can also follow CAPA Columbus on twitter for more information @CAPAColumbus. American Idiot can also be followed @IdiotonTour








Enjoy!

HA, maybe a little late to say WELCOME TO 2013.
When I am not here- you can find me over on Tumblr at BryceAlister.Tumblr.com
:)

Follow later to find information on American Idiot on tour.
Currently in Columbus, Ohio!

I will be posting a review later, after seeing the show this evening!