Astounding Audra!

On the occasion of their 90^th anniversary, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra gave their audience a gift last Saturday night. The gift was singer and actor extraordinaire, Audra McDonald.

It was a festive evening, with the orchestra pretty much selling out the 2500-seat Wharton Center.

Maestro Timothy Muffitt chose two fine works to begin the program: the sparkling “Candide Overture” by Bernstein, and a rollicking new work by Bruce Stark, “Symphonic Dances”. These two pieces did the trick in terms of being energetic, melodic and full of life.  The orchestra had a bit of trouble with the breakneck tempo that Muffitt used with “Candide”, but it all worked out perfectly.

Glicks Pix for Mid-September

Photo by Allison Michael Orenstein

Labor Day is behind us.  Let the fall performances begin!

Lansing arts organizations are in now full swing. As usual, area culture lovers will have a lot to choose from as they peruse their music and theater smorgasbord.

Here’s what I recommend you should make sure is on your calendar in the next two weeks:

Come From Away - a Glorious Expression of Good Spirit

Today is the anniversary of 9/11.

Although the twin towers tumbled down in flames 18 years ago, Americans have not agreed on how to best commemorate this tragic day in history. 

Mid-Michigan audiences will be able to remember the event in a unique and wonderful way tonight.  They will be able to see the hit Broadway show “Come From Away” at Wharton Center (through Sunday, 9/15).  And they will learn that maybe a musical is the perfect way to tell the 9/11 story.

Everything about the show is real.  The amazing story, the music, and the emotion.