Page 22 - May 2017 Edition

ARTSBRIEFS: MAY2017
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
“Be our guest!” the folks at Alpine Community Theater proclaim, as they present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – The Broadway Musical the last weekend in April and the first of May. This Academy Award-winning film comes to life in a romantic and beloved local take on the classic fairytale.
Including all the songs by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Tim Rice, Alpine Community Theater’s latest foray into popular musicals gives credence to the longevity of the original Broadway production, which ran for over thirteen years, seen by over 35 million patrons, and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
ACT’s show consists of 80 cast members, ranging in ages from 4 to 60 from Flagstaff and the surrounding communities, many of whom are new to theater, yet have honed their skills in the last four months of rehearsal.
Performances are held at Sinagua Middle School Auditorium through May 6 on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-9:30PM, with Saturday matinees at 2PM.
For further information, visit alpinecommunitytheateract-flag.godaddysites.com or contact Tammy Jones at 928-266-7925, tammyljones67@hotmail.com .
CAPOEIRA FEST
Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff is gearing up to host an international African Brazilian fes- tival during the first week of May. Capoeira Angola practitioners from around the world will visit Flagstaff for a week of workshops, classes, and events with renowned Master teachers and performers Cabello and Tisza from Bahia, Brazil.
Capoeira Angola is an Afro-Brazilian cultural practice that combines dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and music. Recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cul- tural Organization as a world heritage cultural expression, Capoeira Angola is fast becom- ing a popular practice around the world.
“We have been serving the Flagstaff community for about seven years,” says Bret Tit- comb, who serves on the board of Capoeira Amizade, the Flagstaff-based nonprofit orga- nization. “We have been providing regular weekly classes, unique cultural performances, workshops, and a special program at the Coconino County Juvenile Detention Center. We also recently started a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, and are offering kids classes twice a week.”
“Our classes are open to all and we believe in the power of Capoeira to change lives,” says Avi Henn, who is the founder and director of the group. “In many ways Capoeira Angola is an antithesis to the less healthy aspects of modern life. We learn how to reconnect with our bodies and community through a regular and dedicated physical and musical practice. This upcoming festival is a way for us to connect with fellow practitioners from around the country and world, and put Flagstaff on the map.”
Titled DanceBatukeira, the festival will provide ample opportunities for the general public to participate, including a number of African Brazilian percussion and dance work- shops. And boardmember Mohaamed AlShalaby proclaims, “We will be out and about dur- ing First Friday ArtWalk, May 5th and are excited to demonstrate to the public how beautiful Capoeira Angola is!” CapoeiraFlagstaff.org
LYRIC OPERA’S MUSICAL GALA
Whether looking to explore the world of opera, or are already a fan of the art form, the Northern Arizona University Lyric Theater Musical Gala promises a delightful evening of story and song.
“We are combining musical forces with symphony and choir and are sure to perform something for everyone,” says Lyric Theater Director Eric Gibson. “It will be an opera ex- travaganza.”
The gala features Lyric Theater soloists and ensembles, voice faculty, the NAU Shrine of the Ages Choir and the NAU Symphony Orchestra, at 7:30PM, Saturday, May 6, in NAU Ar- drey Memorial Auditorium.
The evening will focus on opera “major hits” says Mr. Gibson. Included in the lineup are songs from well-known operas such as Richard Wagner’s Tannhauser; George Bizet’s Car- men; George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess; Richard Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and more.
Twenty-five Lyric Opera students — and more than a hundred music students in choirs and orchestras — will be featured in the Lyric Theater Musical Gala.
For tickets, ticketing.nau.edu or call 928-523-5661. Group discounts available.
20TH ANNIVERSARY FLAGSTAFF OPEN STUDIOS
The final deadline for applications as a participating artist for the 20th Anniversary Flag- staff Open Studios is fast in coming: May 1!
There are some very special events, programs, and promotions planned for this anniver- sary, including all new Boot Camps for New & Returning Artists that will aid every artist in preparing for Open Studios.
The updated FOS Rules and Regulations and application can be found at: flagstaff-arts. org/open-studios.html
SPRING ARTS CONNECTION EXPO
Formerly known as the Artists’ Marketplace, the same great event with a new name will be presented on Saturday May 6, from 10 AM-5 PM in the Flagstaff Mall concourse. This show is for current Artist Coalition members only, $30 per 8 x 8’ booth, and the ACF does not take any commission; application deadline is May 1. flagstaff-arts.org/arts-connection- expo.html
SHARRON PORTER
STICKS AND STONES
Sharron Porter’s acrylic textured landscapes, which she likes to call “Landstracts” are in- spired by her move to the Southwest. Slightly abstracted with rock-like textured surfaces, the resulting paintings appear to focus on the sheer visual and tactile qualities of experi- ence. Somehow, however, they also exude an undeniably anthropomorphic feeling: close- ups of rocks, trees, water, twigs, caves, interestingly arranged, in an emotive relationship with each other and the light in which they bathe. The rich textures, heightened colors and often the inclusion of rocks and branches, make the experience of viewing them visceral.
Ms. Porter sees this intense physicality as a potential distraction from the spiritual dimen- sion, so often seeks to portray what she describes as “routes of escape” in her compositions, little “shelterings” from this intensely physical plane. In the end, what is achieved is a vision of nature that is phenomenal, personal, and yet spiritual.
Over the years, Ms. Porter has hiked the trails around the Verde Valley and has slowly de- veloped her research photography for paintings into a very personal statement. She found that up close, there were natural “gardens” of rocks and trees and natural debris that invited her in. She loved the feeling of being in the presence of rocky caves and arroyos, with all the natural forms and textures surrounding her.
First experimenting with taking close-up shots of the landscape, she soon began ab- stracting her photocompositions at home on the computer, cropping them, exaggerating the colors, textures and lighting. Transferring these images to canvas, she knew she wanted the end product to be as physically exciting as the original experience. After experimenting
22 • MAY 2017 | the NOISE arts & news | www.thenoise.us