Page 18 - the NOISE November 2013

18 • NOVEMBER 2013 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us
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The cast & crew of Spring Awakening, presented by NAU Theatre this November & December at the Clifford E. White Theater.
highway. Dust bowl clouds loom ominously in the distance emitted from the smokestack of an old coal train engine pulling up to the lumberyard.”
I was also able to talk with Ms. Dewar that afternoon. She tells me about her experience this summer painting in Flagstaff.
Ms. Dewar tells me about her impression of Route 66. ““This mural is an expression of what we as Americans have held Route 66 to symbolize. The history of Route 66 has been romanticized, the narrative is almost a Hol- lywood myth, she says. “History is meant to explain the past, but it also reflects the values of today. The historic narrative of Route 66 glo- rifies the ideas of the ‘Wild West,’ the working man’s struggle, car culture and the freedom of the open road. The meaning we have given the road reflects the American values of in- dividualism, self-realization, and patriotism. Route 66 has gained almost celebrity status, but mostly since it was decommissioned. With that in mind, there is tremendous nostalgia as- sociated with the narratives of Route 66 that tell of a simpler time in America, the ‘good old days’ as it were. Nostalgia can almost be like amnesia, people forget what life was really like. The stories of Route 66 often exclude the less desirable memories of prejudice against Native Americans and other races, and the hardships people faced when the road was closed.”
This First Friday ArtWalk the final expression of the Mural Mice Phoenix Avenue/Route 66 mural will be revealed in a dedication ceremo- ny. “We’re inviting the public out to see it with- out trees in front of it, without cars in front of it, in the night time, lit up with beautiful amber light,” Mr. Wall tells me. “We’re inviting people to come out November 1, at 5PM. The mayor is coming out, the Vice Mayor, historians, and relevant art community members, including
John Tannous of Flagstaff Cultural Partners, are going to come out and speak for the first hour from 5PM to 6PM. And at 6PM the music’s going to begin. We’re having Viola and the Brakeman open up for Summit Dub Squad who is bringing Casper to play with them as well. It’s going to be a really exciting show.”
The Phoenix Avenue/Route 66 Mural was made possible by the City of Flagstaff Beautifi- cation and Public Art Committee and funding from the BBB taxes. The Dedication Event on November 1 is possible thanks to the volun- teer support and generous donations of com- munity members and local businesses. Mural- Mice.com
SPRING AWAKENING
This November Northern Arizona Univer- sity Theatre presents, Spring Awakening, mu- sical theater production based on the play by Frank Wedekind with book and music by Dun- can Sheik. This musical is about the timeless- ness of adolescent angst and the universality of human passion.
To begin, I interview musical director Steph- anie Galloway. “I am an NAU grad, local music teacher at Pine Forest School, musician and mother of three boys,” she tells me about her- self. “Working with NAU Theater is such a treat for me. I definitely burn the candle at both ends when I do these shows, but the process is so rewarding. There is a strong sense of striving from the college students that is really great to work with. Their energy is contagious.”
“The beauty of the music as it explores some of the darker aspects of our existence is the strongest element for me,” she tells me. “I love the instrumentation with the string in- struments, guitar, violin, viola, cello, and bass, as well as the harmonium. Duncan Sheik’s musical style creates a beautiful soundscape to tell the story.
Ms. Galloway tells me what makes the score