Wlmstn "New Releases", Almost a Winner

Playwright Joseph Zettelmaier has a special relationship with Williamston Theater.  Zettelmaier’s plays are the kind that Williamston’s patrons enjoy – warm, family -oriented, with gentle and sometimes wacky humor.  Over the years, Williamston has premiered 10 Zettelmaier plays.

The latest, “New Releases,” follows the before mentioned Zettelmaier model.

It opens on a startingly realistic video rental store. Set designer Bartley H. Bauer has all the details right, down to the small letterbox slot to turn in used DVDs.

Hamilton IS a Phenomenon

“Hamilton” stands by itself.

There is nothing like it, not even “In The Heights”, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s earlier, Tony winning, musical.

It’s a bold and audacious show about our founding fathers, mostly Alexander Hamilton, told in the language of today’s hip-hop, rap, and hyper-rhythmic pop music culture.

Everything about “Hamilton” is groundbreaking: the historically accurate narrative of the early days of America, the diverse casting of the actors, the use of rap and hip-hop (although, not for ALL the songs!), the innovative dancing and the resulting massive popularity of the show (4 standing productions and 2 touring companies spanning the US).

Glix Picks - First of a Weekly Post

This is the kick-off of a weekly column called Glix Picks.  I will survey the upcoming cultural events in the mid-Michigan area and choose the ones I feel have special significance. 

Here goes:

·      Don’t know if anyone’s heard, but “Hamilton” is coming to Wharton Center on Tuesday for a three-week visit.  People are pretty breathless

Commencements: Exciting stuff!!

Performing music is an activity full of romance, emotion and excitement.  But sometimes, playing music can serve a more utilitarian purpose.  For example, anyone who has played in amateur bands and orchestras have undoubtedly provided music for commencement ceremonies.

Some musicians view this function as an obligation thick with drudgery: slogging through endless repetitions of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” and listening to the endless reciting of hundreds of names of graduates.

But to me – and I’ve played hundreds of commencements – I view the entire affair to be dramatic, unpredictable and often very moving.