RIP Merce Cunningham

Last night renowned contemporary choreographer Merce Cunningham died at the age of 90. Cunningham founded the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 1953 after studying under Martha Graham. He was also know for his collaboration with composer John Cage (who was also his life partner) and with painters including Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol. The Washington Post has more information about Cunningham's life and career. Here's some of Sarah Kaufman's article:

But his achievement is not limited to style, subject matter, quantity of works (nearly 200) or even the extraordinary longevity of his world-renowned troupe in a field known for spotty funding and wavering public support. Mr. Cunningham also invented radical working methods that exploded the mold and produced new ways of moving.

Simply put, Mr. Cunningham expanded what is possible in dance.

From his earliest works to his last, Mr. Cunningham flouted convention, embracing the unknown and the unpredictable. For example, in "eyeSpace" (2006), the audience was loaned pre-loaded iPods and encouraged to shuffle the specially commissioned musical selections at will.

Even toward the end of his life, when he was physically frail, crippled by arthritis, and his cloud of white hair had thinned to a mist, Mr. Cunningham was a fierce modernist. His commitment to contemporary music led him in his last years to creative partnerships with the wildly popular British art-rock band Radiohead and the minimalist Icelandic band Sigur Ros, both of whom performed live at the premiere of "Split Sides" in 2003.

Phantom of the Opera Sequel on Broadway in 2010

Andrew Lloyd Webber recently announced Sierra Boggess from Broadway's The Little Mermaid will pair with Ramin Karimloo in the musical sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. The new show entitled, Phantom: Love Never Dies, that will hit London and Broadway stages in 2010. The story is based on the book by Ben Elton with songs by Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater (who wrote songs for Mermaid). In the sequel the Phantom lures a married Christine away from "a broken-down" Raoul to New York City's Coney Island. Christine brings her teenage son, Gustave, with her.

As exciting as this sounds, I think a musical of Phantom's caliber can stand on its own for eternity without need of a sequel. I fear this might dilute some of its greatness.

I just don't think you can top this (video of original phantom cast):

"Choreographer Bausch dies aged 68"

Story from BBC.com:

German choreographer Pina Bausch, whose work is credited with revolutionising the language of modern dance, has died aged 68.

The Wuppertal Dance Theatre, where she served as director, said Bausch's "unexpectedly fast" death came five days after being diagnosed with cancer.

Bausch had been preparing to work on what was being called the first 3-D dance feature.

She last appeared on stage at Germany's Wuppertal Opera house on 21 June.

Bausch earned world renown for her avant-garde performances and choreographies mixing dance, sound and fragmented narrative.

She choreographed and staged her own pieces as well as performing in films by Federico Fellini and most recently, Pedro Almodovar's 2002 film Oscar-winner Talk To Her.

Born on 27 July, 1940 in Solingen, Germany, Bausch started her dance studies at the Folkwang School in Essen and trained at the Juilliard School of Music in New York.

She danced at the New American Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera in New York before returning to Germany in 1962 and later became the artistic director and choreographer of the newly founded Wuppertal dance-theatre company in 1973.

There she developed a wholly original body of work, creating a new form of dance theatre based on the German expressionist tradition.

She was known for her extravagant staging - in Nelken (1982), 21 dancers, four professional stunt men and four Alsatian dogs performed on a stage covered with thousands of pink carnations, while in Palermo, Palermo (1989) dancers picked their way through dust and debris.

Bausch crafted more than 30 productions for the company, many of which travelled the world from Europe to Asia and the United States.

The choreographer continued to perform as a dancer in her 60s, last visiting the UK in 2008, when she presented her seminal works, Cafe Muller and The Rite of Spring at London's Sadler's Wells.

Alistair Spalding, artistic director of Sadler's Wells, said: "She was an artist of the kind that the world is only blessed with from time to time.

"Her repertoire of works has inspired generations of audiences and artists with an impact that is hard to overestimate."

Bausch had been due to present a performance of the The Seven Deadly Sins at the Chekhov International Theatre Festival in Moscow this month.

She is survived by her husband Ronald and their son, Rolf. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Fame: the movie remake

Came across the Fame trailer today. The movie comes out Sept. 25.

The Harry Potter Musical

Okay, all you Harry Potter fans, the Harry Potter Musical has arrived. You will laugh out loud throughout this entire performance. Here's what to expect: a tap dancing Voldemort, an overeating Ron, a slinking Draco, + Zack Efron + Quirrel's soulmate + great fun and songs. The show was directed, written and produced by Matt Lang and Nick Lang. And the best part is it can be viewed on YouTube. Check it out, you wont' be disappointed.

Radiohead's "Romeo and Juliet"

"Romeo and Juliet" set to Radiohead? It's happening. Edward Clug's choreography will be performed by Slovenia's Ballet Maribor at Jacob's Pillow from July 1-5. Read more about the ballet here.

"Nine" The Musical

The musical "Nine" is coming to the big screen this November. My friend, Roberto, just brought this to my attention by writing about it in his blog. The movie, directed by Rob Marshall (director of "Chicago"), features an all-star cast with actors such as Sophia Loren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman (who I thought had quite acting?), Fergie and Kate Hudson. Read more about it by clicking the link above and watching this trailer. 

Another Show to Look Forward to This Week: FOX's "Glee"

I've been waiting for a musical TV series and it has finally arrived. No more waiting for the musical episodes of Scrubs to come on. This series has singing and dance in every episode. The new FOX show "Glee" follows the story of a high school glee club and brings some of Broadway's best actors to TV. The show stars the fabulous Leah Michele from Spring Awakening and features guest artists like Kristin Chenoweth from Wicked.  And, I recently discovered one of the creators of the show graduated from James Madison University's School of Media Arts and Design, just like me. So a big shout out to a fellow SMADie, Chad. 

Following American Idol on Tuesday night, FOX will show a preview episode of "Glee", which officially will begin in the fall. If you want to learn more about the story line check out the extended trailer below. Or watch this video to hear from the producers/creators. If you still aren't convinced, just wait until they start singing "Don't Stop Believin'". What is it about that song? I always smile when I hear it. I'm hoping I will have the same reaction to each episode of "Glee".

The Final 3 Celebrities on Dancing With The Stars

We're five days away from announcing the winner of Dancing With The Stars season 8. In my first analysis of this season, I predicted Shawn and Mark would win the competition. But since that first night my top two have shifted to Melissa and Gilles, with Gilles winning the competition.

Don't get me wrong, I think Shawn is a lovely dancer, but she doesn't have the great performance quality found in Melissa and Gilles. She also is less graceful in her movement, which is understandable considering her gymnastics training. 

So why Melissa? Despite the fact that Tony dilutes his choreography with the same front leg extension in every piece, he mostly creates fine pieces that work well to Melissa's strength. He showcases her fearlessness when it comes to tricks, her fluidity, flexibility and strong turns. She also was taught, presumably in her Dallas Cowboys cheerleader training, how to maintain an engaging face throughout a performance, which helps makes the pieces exciting to watch. 

So why will Gilles beat Melissa? Well, because he has had no previous dance training, unlike Melissa, and yet he can do everything that she can do. He also has Cheryl as a partner and their chemistry is a step above any other couple in the competition. The fact that he's gorgeous, French and a family man might also help boost his voting base. 

But we'll all have to stay tuned to ABC on Monday and Tuesday to see if my guesses are correct. So, enjoy next week. I'll be with you flipping between DWTS and American Idol on Tuesday night. 

(photo from AP Photos/Getty Images, found at ABCNews)

Ty's Saved From Elimination on Dancing With The Stars

I guess Ty's solo impressed more than just Jewel on Monday night because 'Lil Kim was the next celebrity to be eliminated from Dancing With The Stars. 

According to the judges, Ty should have been the next celebrity to leave the show, after he received a score 6 points fewer than 'Lil. Ty and partner Chelsie were surprised when the results were announced, along with the audience who booed the outcome. 

But, unless the group who votes for the worst celebrity has a larger following this year, we should see Ty go home next week. As much as I love his positive attitude, sweet personality and determination, those things can only get you so far in a dancing competition. We have to judge technique and performance quality (the thing he needs to work on most) at some point and it better be in the semi-finals. 

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Written and produced during the 2007 WGA writer's strike, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is a 45 minute musical that has circulated the Web since July 2008. I finally had the chance to watch it yesterday after many requests from my sister who has been telling me to view it for about 6 months. I should have listened to her sooner. 

During a time when money is tight and audiences are looking for cheap ways to escape, this Web musical is just what we need. The fact that it's well written, sung, acted and produced is simply a bonus. And did I mention it is hysterical? Absolutely, laugh-out-loud fun. 

According to writer, Joss Whedon (best known for TV shows such as Dollhouse and Buffy), the musical is about a “low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to.” It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day. 

The musical gained so much attention that a Web sequel, or even feature film, is being considered.

You can watch Dr. Horrible for free at Hulu.com. Trust me, you'll love it .

Dancing With the Stars...Melissa is Safe

Thank goodness Melissa is safe. Chuck should have said goodbye to this competition weeks ago. 

And here's the fun tango number that won over the judges, even though I really liked team mambo. Come on, you can't beat Mark in tights! 

The 1960s Group Routine on Dancing With The Stars

It's Monday night and I just chassed onto my couch to watch the 1960's group routine on Dancing With The Stars. We also get to see what the partners designed for our celebrities' costumes tonight. 

Melissa met up with Terry Hatcher from Desperate Housewives to help bring out her inner man eater. She looked wonderful tonight in her red and black outfit that Tony designed for her. She has great long legs and the fancy footwork definitely helped show them off. Beautiful lifts as well, you can tell she has great trust in Tony. I don't know if I would call her expressions necessarily man-eater quality, it was more just sexy. But I loved it. Nice way to start off the evening.

Scores: 10, 9, 10

Lawrence had a tough week traveling around to Miami and learning two dances. He designed a long, royal blue coat for Edyta that was rather pretty. Lets see if what is underneath matches--it's a gorgeous, flowing dress with multiple shades of blue. Carrie Ann called the dress "beautiful." But at one point the sleeve became caught on Edyta's head. As for the dancing, I never see much chemistry between the two and there were a few missteps in the waltz.  Len commented that Lawrence was off balance when he took off her coat and Bruno thought Lawrence looked uncomfortable with his turns.  

Scores: 7, 7, 7

Lil' Kim performs the rumba this week and Derek tries to tone down her sexiness. I think he's one of the best choreographers on the show and he was having a hard time, second-guessing his choreography in rehearsal. When they performed it looks like he over thought it. They stayed in one place the entire time instead of moving throughout the space. Unfortunately, toning down the sexiness didn't work either. The judges thought she was second guessing her character throughout the performance. Derek didn't look pleased with the judges comments, he was looking off into the audience and rolling his eyes. Lil's costume looked like a loose, sheer towel wrapped over a pink bathing suite. Not a good night for these two. But hey, the scores are still high.

Scores: 9, 8, 9 

Chuck and Julianne performed the samba in what looks like red silk pajamas on him. Although his hands definitely still needs work, he looks much improved from other weeks. Julianne needs to continue focusing on his technique and he could last another week. The judges saw the improvement too, Carrie Ann even did a little dance for him and gave him a kiss. They're hoping Alabama saves them from elimination. Oh my, they beat Lil' Kim with their scores. 

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Ty and Chelsie try to find romance on the dance floor with the waltz. Jewel came into rehearsal to help them find that connection. He definitely looks better holding onto his partner than he does when they are separated from each other. He's a ballroom guy. You can tell from the way he holds her that he's a gentleman and a sweet person. Bruno said after this performance that Ty's "back in the game." 

Scores: 8, 8, 8

Shawn and Mark had a rough week because Shawn had two awards to accept and she had to learn the group dance by herself. But these two work well under pressure. Even though she's had limited rehearsal time Shawn looks confident and cute. Loved the Michael Jackson moves! Carrie Ann said they brought the dance to life tonight. Len thoughts she found the rhythm of the cha cha. And...a 10 from Bruno! Her first of many 10s I would think.

Scores: 9, 9, 10

Gilles and Cheryl try to reclaim their top spot in the competition after dropping to 3rd place last week. Gilles goes to a synchronized swimming coach to find the fluidity in the movement. Let's put Gilles in a bathing suite more often on this show shall we! It will keep up the ratings. He looks like James Bond and she looks like Belle from Beauty and the Beast in her yellow gown. Their movement and chemistry is lovely, but this is not their best piece. 

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Okay, the big group number is up next. Lets compare these performers side by side. Since Shawn couldn't be at rehearsal, Mark brought a cutout of her to move across the floor. Christopher Perry choreographed the piece. Christopher separated the partners and the celebrities had to dance by themselves unlike in other seasons. The pairs did get to choreograph their own '60s moves for the piece though. Ty's bucking bull move with Chelsie particularly is amusing. 

Quick thoughts throughout piece:

-Lill Kim looks awkward up on the stand

-Poor Ty got out of sync with the other men in the straight line

-I like Melissa's Wilma Flinstone outfit

-Wow Melissa's death drop move was crazy-great lifts tonight from these two

Fun finish to the evening! Who will be kicked off? Probably, Lawrence. 

Spring Awakening Fit For The Big Screen?

I knew this was coming: Spring Awakening the movie. 

McG has big-screen 'Spring Awakening'

By Borys Kit of Hollywoodreporter.com

McG is in talks to bring the Broadway rock musical "Spring Awakening" to the big screen, developing it with original book and lyrics writer Steven Sater. 

McG is attached to direct and would act as a producer. 

The project is not yet set up at a studio, though McG's Wonderland Sound and Vision has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. McG may opt not to go the studio route in order to make a more intimate, or indeed an edgier, movie version. 

Set in 19th-century Germany, the coming-of-age story follows a group of teens discovering their sexuality and dealing with high-wire topics like masturbation, abortion, rape and suicide. 

Sater and rocker Duncan Sheik based the musical on an 1891 German play and their resulting work resulted in a runaway Broadway success. The tuner won Tonys for best musical, best book, best original score and best actor.

McG, who is in post on the tentpole "Terminator Salvation," is not that odd a choice to helm a the film adaptation: The director got his start in the music business, first as a songwriter (he produced Sugar Ray's first album and co-wrote songs on the second) then as a video director.He also has kept one toe in the teen pool by exec producing such youth-centric shows as "The O.C.," "Chuck" and the upcoming drama school-set pilot "Limelight."

Sater, who shares the movie rights with Sheik and the stage producers of "Awakening," is repped by CAA, while McG is repped by Endeavor and Management 360.

How Many More 10s Will Be Distributed Tonight on DWTS?

New York Daily News writer, Cristina Kinon, said Sunday, "It has become way too easy for the celebs and their professional dance partners to score a perfect 10 on the popular ABC competition show [Dancing With The Stars], and it is dragging down the excitement of the program." Lets see if they continue this trend tonight.

The show begins with the stiff Ty Murray performing the Jive. Although he's really trying to jump, his feet aren't pointed, he's not flicking from the knee and his upper body moves awkwardly across the floor. Although the judges admire him for working hard and trying, they criticized him for getting out of sync with the music and Chelsie Hightower and for his lacking footwork. 

Score: 6, 6, 6. 

So what should this score really be, considering the curve the judges give all contestants? Probably around a 3. I wonder if Kinon agrees?

Shawn Johnson is up next with the rumba. She's wearing white again, I guess emphasizing her 17-year-old purity. Mark Ballas (too adorable) put together a prom set for her during rehearsal. Okay, a little bit awkward with the poses at the beginning. She has great sultry facial expressions. There doesn't seem to be a lot of footwork in this piece, a lot of posing though. Carrie Ann said she could tell Shawn was uncomfortable. Len thought the dance was "just right" in terms of how much sexiness was brought in. "Age appropriate" is what Mark called it.

Scores: 8, 8, 8

What the scores should be: 6s

Lawrence Taylor tries to escape being in the bottom two this week with the jive. He mission is to try and have fun, which he can't seem to show when he's learning in rehearsal. Unfortunately, he's so tall that he appears to be looking down all the time. Carrie Ann says, "you've brought your groove back." Len likes the basic movement of the piece, but thinks he could be lighter on his feet. I don't think the performance was that great, it had little energy and his happy face went in and out throughout the performance.

Scores: 7, 7, 8 (WAY TOO HIGH)

What the scores should be: 4s

Melissa Rycroft takes on the romantic rumba. She seems to have ease learning the piece. Lets see how it turned out. She appears a tad off to me tonight, like she did last week. Or maybe its just the awkward transitions between the movement and its not her fault. It lacked fluidity. But, the judges liked it. Bruno said it looked "effortless." In the future, he wants to see "Melissa the man eater." 

Scores: 9, 9, 9

What the scores should be: 7s  

Lil' Kim gets into a 50s character for the jive. Jailhouse rock, how ironic for her. Ha, love Derek's hair. Oh no, she messed up during the kicking section. But still a fun number. Derek really knows how to choreograph. The judges loved it, except Len thought it lacked jive movement and it was more of a theatrical performance. Most people on Twitter as of 9pm agree with Len and question whether any of the judges noticed the forgotten steps. 

Scores: 10, 8, 10

What the scores should be: 8s (Len was right--my Twitter friends agree)

Steve-O tries to be romantic in the brother-sister relationship he has with Lacey. I just hate the lack of fluidity in everyone's rumba. Steve-O always ends up walking around the floor. Carrie Ann "was totally taken in." She found him vulnerable and a lot better from last week. But Len says its "no good," and he's right again. "You have the charm of a confused puppy," said Bruno, what a perfect line.

Scores: 7, 4, 5

What the scores should be: 3s

According to @peoplemag, Lacey's mom was giving Len a hard time after the scores. 

The best of the best, Gilles Marini, is up next with the jive. Gilles' having a hard time with the choreography of the jive, at least at rehearsal. I'm sure he'll get it during performance. Now here's a guy who has the upper and lower body in sync. He can not go wrong. Cheryl is amazing. Now, that's a great performance! Len says Gilles messed up and the whole thing was too frantic. Bruno liked it but thought Gilles loses the strength in his kicks because the footwork was fast.

Scores: 9, 8, 9

What the scores should be: 9s

Chuck and Julianne try to show their love connection on the floor with the rumba. I thought they were a tad too forceful with each other throughout the whole thing. Bruno says, he "switched on the raunch factor." Carrie Ann was floored with the sexiness, while Len thought it was too much. But he still doesn't have the technique of most of the dancers, so he should get lower scores for that. 

Scores: 8, 7, 8

What the scores should be: 6s 

So, do you think the scores are inflated? I thought Len was pretty on with his scores tonight.

Gilles Goes for the Kill on Dancing With The Stars

Just like on this season's American Idol with Adam Lambert, Dancing With The Stars has developed a winner early on.

Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke just can't go wrong.



Do they really have any competition? I doubt any of the couples, even our beloved Melissa, can beat him. The only thing he has to work on our his hands. He has to bring the powerful quality of movement he uses so well with his lower extremities to his upper body. But, when you have performance quality like he does, who even cares!

So You Think You Can Dance Promo

May 21, 2009--The 5th Season of So You Think You Can Dance Begins.

Here's the new promo video with commentary from the judges and Cat Deeley.

How much do the celebrities on Dancing With the Stars make? More than most reality TV personalities.

Initial Payout: $125,000
Salary: Between $10,000 and $50,000 per week
Grand Prize: A disco-ball trophy and renewed cultural relevance

View comparisons of reality TV salaries in the latest Entertainment Weekly article written by Lynette Rice.

Bill T. Jones' A Quarreling Pair at The Kennedy Center Next Week

Bill T. Jones' is my favorite choreographer. And I know this even after only seeing his company perform live twice. The strength, concentration and determination of his dancers is beyond comparison to any other group. His theatrical, multi-media work, such as "Chapel/Chapter", drives me to tears. 

Next week, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company will perform "A Quarreling Pair" at The Kennedy Center on March 24 and 25 at 8pm. He also will hold a master class on March 23 at 7pm. 

Here is the information about the company and the performance from The Kennedy Center's Website:

Founded in 1982, the company that emerged from a longtime collaboration between Bill T. Jones and his late partner Arnie Zane brings together movement, music, and the spoken word to articulate compelling perspectives on the major issues of our times. The singular style of Bill T. Jones, the 2007 Tony Award winner for Choreography for the musical Spring Awakening, is instantly recognizable: Provocative partnering and body juxtapositions. Arms and legs propelled with explosive energy. Soaring leaps and daring lifts.

Nearly four years after its last full engagement at the Kennedy Center, his Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company performs A Quarreling Pair, which the New York Times calls "a funny, almost painfully tender theater-dance piece." The work is the result of Bill T. Jones's 15-year fascination with Jane Bowles's four-page puppet play of the same name. In this hour-long production, Jones begins with the apparently simple story of two sisters: Rhoda, a depressed and tired introvert, and the pragmatic and self-contented Harriet. Jones uses these interconnected polar opposites as a point of departure for a multi-layered theatrical rumination on the question: "is temperament destiny?" 

If you have not seen this captivating company perform, I promise you will be amazed if you go. 

Hope to see you there! 

PS: Bill is on Twitter. 

Want to read other posts about Bill T. Jones?  Click here. 

The Kennedy Center Arts in Crisis Webinar: "Marketing in DIfficult Times"

Tomorrow from 10-11amEST, I'll be listening to The Kennedy Center's VP of Marketing and Sales David Kitto discuss marketing for the arts during these challenging economic times. 

Check it out: 

Marketing in Challenging Times

Online chat Hosted by:  David Kitto, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, The Kennedy Center

Friday, March 20, 2009

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Arts in Crisis organizations and mentors can discuss their marketing questions live with David Kitto.