GROWING STAGE PRESENTS
THE SOUND OF MUSIC

AUDITIONS AT FRANKLIN PARK

MAY 21st – VON TRAPP KIDS AND ROLF 6-9PM
MAY 22nd – KIDS AND ROLF CALLBACKS 6-9PM
JUNE 4th – ADULT PARTS 6-9PM
JUNE 7th – ADULT PART CALLBACKS 6-9PM
ALL PARTS ARE AVAILABLE

IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE FIRST DAY OF AUDITIONS FOR YOUR AGE GROUP PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL RESERVE UP TO 20 MINUTES OF THE SECOND DAY TO SEE PEOPLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SEEN BASIS. IF YOU ARE ASKED TO STAY BE PREPARED TO STAY FOR CALLBACKS. PLEASE COME PREPARED WITH 16 BARS OF EITHER–DO -RE-MI ,SIXTEEN GOING ON SEVENTEEN,THE SOUND OF MUSIC,CLIMB EV’RY MOUNTAIN OR EDELWEISS CHILDREN PLEASE SING DO-RE-MI.

NO CHILDREN UNDER 7 YEARS OLD PLEASE. TIME PERMITTING ON THE FIRST AUDITION DAY YOU MAY READ FROM THE SCRIPT. PRODUCTION WILL GO INTO REHEARSALS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH AND WILL PLAY FOR ONE WEEKEND ON OCT 19TH ,20TH AND 21ST. THE FINAL TWO WEEKS OF REHEARSAL WILL BE MANDATORY FOR ALL CAST AND CREW AND WILL BE M-F WITH THE FINAL WEEK BEING M-SUN STRIKE. REHEARSAL HOURS WILL BE FROM 6-9PM AT VARIOUS VENUES IN PURCELLVILLE.

ONCE WE HAVE CAST WE WILL DETERMINE THE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE ACCORDING TO OUR ACTORS NEEDS. CHORAL PARTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO REHEARSE AT LEAST 2 TIMES A WEEK AND PRINCIPAL PARTS AND CHILDREN BE PREPARED TO REHEARSE AT LEAST 3 NIGHTS A WEEK. WE WILL ATTEMPT TO CAST BETWEEN 40 AND 45 TOTAL AND ARE LOOKING FOR STRONG ACTORS/SINGERS AND A STRONG CHORAL ABILITY FROM THE CHORUS. CHILDREN AUDITIONING SHOULD NOT BE OVER COMMITTED ELSEWHERE DURING THIS REHEARSAL PERIOD. Directed by Karlah Louis Karlahlouis@aol.com

Michael Beckner of Leesburg has been selected to display his paintings at 8 Chains North inWaterford.

Beckner earned his BFA in Painting from Berea College in Kentucky.  He continued Graduate Studies in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University.  He exhibits throughout the DC metropolitan region as well as in North Carolina, Florida and Rhode Island.

Beckner’s paintings will be on display through June 30 as part of the winery’s continuing arts program which pairs fine art and fine wine.  8 Chains North is located at 38593 Daymont Lane in Waterford. Visit 8chainsnorth.com for information and directions.

For more information about the program or the artist, contact Gale Waldron at gwaldron1@verizon.net.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending a performance of The Merry Widow on Saturday, April 14. The play was held at the Franklin Park Performing Arts Center in Purcellville, Virginia. Produced by the Loudoun Lyric Opera group, this Franz Lehar comic opera made its 1905 debut in Vienna. It went on to become one of the best known operettas of its time. In its one hundred-plus year history, the opera became the basis of ballet productions, various films, and even a French television show.

The plot centers upon a recent widow who inherits a large sum of money, and a cast of characters who try to wield influence over her. Set in the Parisian Marsovian Embassy, comedy ensues as love and greed serve as the motivation in winning the heart (and money) of widow Hanna Glawari. Directed by Loudoun’s Meredith McMath, the performance was as colorful as it was spirited. The cast of more than twenty donned in-period costumes that were detailed and stately.

Played by Melissa Jean Chavez, the widow Glawari is sought by suitors employed by the embassy. Chavez’s powerful voice made her well suited for this role, which she filled with resounding presence. The role of Count Danilo Danilovitch was played by Gregory Stuart, in a  performance both confident and dramatic. Tasked by the Ambassador to persuade the widow to marry a Marsovian, thereby keeping her money within their small country, he becomes the man who finally wins her heart.

Music Director Cuong Van delivered an expert performance all his own. There was never any doubt of the talent required in playing the complex, albeit merry, musical score. Both he, and the other performers, carry an impressive background in the performing arts. The Choreographer, Kelly Gray, did a wonderful job of bringing to life the actors and believably conveying the era represented. Many of the actors backgrounds can be accessed here: LoudounLyricOpera.com.

While I’m not an educated patron of opera, this production was both engaging and comical. I appreciated the attention to detail in terms of character expression, choreography, and lively energy of the cast. The minimal set allowed the audience to focus on the performance and subtle character personalities that were always present regardless of position on stage.

The lighting left something to be desired with sometimes harsh lighting stage front and dim lighting to the rear. This is likely a result of the available equipment at Franklin Park, and did not distract the audience from a well delivered performance. The small stage, at times, was just barely capable of supporting the full cast. Again, not a distraction, but obvious at times. However, we’re fortunate to have such a wonderful venue, and talent, here in western Loudoun. The Merry Widow runs through next weekend. I recommend that you make time to see this wonderful production.

Oatlands Plantation hosted the 46th annual Point To Point races yesterday, April 15 in Leesburg, Virginia. Throughout the day, several horse races were held in various classes of rider experience. Aside from the race events of the day, socializing and making merry were also called for. These events are always a fun way to spend the day in Loudoun County.

MASTER SINGERS OF VIRGINIA
Announces Spring Concerts Featuring Music of Veljo Tormis, Paul Hindemith and Morten Lauridsen, and American spirituals.

The Master Singers of Virginia, a 20-member choral ensemble under the direction of Dr. Erik Jones, invites audiences to experience exciting modern choral music at upcoming concerts entitled “Welcome, Spring!”

The Master Singers are excited to celebrate the return of beautiful weather at this final concert of their successful 17th season. Highlights of the performance include the Veljo Tormis works, Swing Songs, Martinmas Songs, and Helletused (Herding Calls), as well as Six Chansons by Paul Hindemith and Morten Lauridsen’s gorgeous Chansons des Roses. This concert of joyful music concludes with three American spirituals.

Concerts will be held on the following dates and locations:

- Saturday, April 28, 2012, 8:00 pm (lecture 7:15) – St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall Street, NW, Leesburg, VA
- Sunday, April 29, 2012 7:00 pm (lecture 6:15) – Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Rd., Ashburn, VA

Audiences are invited to come early to learn more about the concert’s music and composers at the popular pre-concert lecture, and stay after the show to enjoy a dessert reception and the company of the artists.

Advance tickets are available online for $15 for Adults and $12 for Students/Seniors (65+). Tickets purchased at the door are $2 extra per ticket. For a complete concert schedule and to order tickets, visit www.msva.org or call 703-829-MSVA (829-6782).

The Washington Post has declared, “The Master Singers of Virginia is among the state’s finest choral ensembles.” Currently in its 17th season, the 20-member choir is dedicated to bringing the highest quality choral music to the people of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Concentrating primarily on 20th- and 21st-century choral music, the Master Singers ensemble uses concerts to enrich, educate, and entertain its audiences.

###

Art Square hosted a well attended reception at their Leesburg, Virginia studios last night. Earlier in the evening, this scene would have shown a packed house. We estimate that 150 art lovers were on hand for this event. Further proof that the arts in Loudoun County are thriving.

Art Square opened in March 2010 and in doing so, combined three former studios into one. Some of you may recall Gallery 222 and the King St. Studio. These places, along with the Loudoun Academy of the Arts, joined forces under one roof. Leesburg Today readers have voted Art Square the best place to see art in Loudoun County. Today, this thriving hub of the art community offers studio space for artists, galleries with ongoing exhibits and a bevy of art instruction classes. Some of the classes include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, film making and more.

The reception this evening featured the work of Courtney Murphy and and Jessica Wilson. Courtney’s exhibit, called “Burn the Corset. Watch the Flame“, and Jessica’s exhibit “Shapes and Shadows” featured selections of fine paintings that displayed a high degree of skill and talent. Courtney’s work demonstrates how realism can be portrayed using minimal brush strokes, a truly amazing skill to behold. She paints mostly female subjects dressed in flowing materials. The use of high contrast lighting makes the subject matter even more challenging. Jessica’s paintings depict pastoral scenes with the use of a muted palette, embedding the viewer in a soft, almost dreamy atmosphere. This combination provokes the feeling of standing in the place depicted on a warm day with gentle breezes.

Courtney, pictured above, has a Masters Degree in Fine Art Painting and also teaches. She said that when painting, a twelve or fourteen hour session is typical for her. The body of her work demonstrates a high degree of dedication to her art. She is inspired by body language and telling stories with ending left to the viewer.

Pictured here are three paintings by Jessica Wilson. These local landscape paintings are created in a quasi-folk art style, with the exception that a high degree of care is given to each facet within the pieces. The result is a pleasing effect that makes the viewer feel as though they are there. With a heavy emphasis on light and shadows, the viewer is forced to see shapes provided by mother nature that are easily overlooked in the real world. Each of Jessica’s paintings, in this vain, forces the viewer in and to study her obvious intention to highlight the magic of light.

There were several other artists on hand this event. Some of them included Libby Stevens, Mary Champion, Dana Thompson and Linda Hendrickson. Each of them painters, the aggregate body of work on display this night was impressive. Represented were a wide range of styles and subject matter. Below you will find more information about these artists.

Artist Mary Champion proudly displays her landscape paintings. Learn more about Mary’s work at this website: wlast.org/marychampion.htm.

Painter Linda Hendrickson stands next to her colorful pieces. You can learn more about Linda’s work at: www.LindaHendrickson.net

The vibrant work of Dana Thompson. You can learn more about Dana’s paintings at: DanaThompsonDesigns.com.

Painter Libby Stevens depicts color local landscapes. Learn more about her work here: LibbyStevens.com

Well known for his paintings of the sky, Lancto is both fascinated and inspired by the boundless source of light patterns and color subtleties he witnesses. “The sky is God’s greatest piece of abstract art,” the artist claims, “and it is my challenge to capture moments which present a deep connection to magic, to God, to nature, to spirituality.”

Raised in upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lancto is naturally drawn to the Blue Ridge. His paintings reflect the common qualities of both regions, and they present a strong sense of familiarity for him and his viewers.

Lancto received art training at the State University of New York’s art school in New Paltz where he learned discipline and intellectual grounding as an artist. He moved to Virginia in 1997 and currently lives in Leesburg with his wife and dog. He exhibits regularly in regional juried shows and galleries. Lancto’s paintings will be on display at the winery through April 30. 8 Chains North is located at 38593 Daymont Lane in Waterford or visit 8chainsnorth.com for information and directions.

For more information about the artist, contact Gale Waldron at gwaldron1 [@] verizon.net.

To further its mission to end homelessness, Wesley Housing is hosting a youth singing competition, Capital Country Challenge–A Battle of the Voices. The live finals of the competition will be held during Spring Kick! at Great Country Farms in Virginia’s wine country on May 5, 2012. The grand prize winner will receive a prize package including $1,000 cash. This competition will showcase up-and-coming local vocal talent in the country and country-pop crossover genres in two divisions—ages 8-14 and 15-22.

Online auditions began March 1 and will close on March 28 with audition videos posted on YouTube. Judges (local members of the music community) will score the video performances with the five singers in each division with the highest scores being named Finalists. Two Fan Favorites—based upon the online performances with the highest number of “likes”—will automatically earn a spot in the live finals on May 5th. Complete audition procedures and competition rules are available at www.CapitalCountryChallenge.com.

Proceeds from Spring Kick! ticket sales and audition fees will help Wesley Housing accomplish its mission: develop and preserve affordable housing for low-income families and individuals, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Northern Virginia who might otherwise face homelessness.

Do you remember a time when milk was delivered in bottles to your door step? When the food you ate emerged from the ground just a few miles away from where you lived? When you knew the farmers who produced your meal? In this fast paced age of eating from a package that was prepared thousands of miles away, our schedules demand efficiency over conscience and health. Through awareness, and a growing interest in eating better, many communities are starting to focus inward when making food choices. Doing so not only results in a healthier lifestyle, but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the distribution of food. Of course buying from your local farmer, wine maker or baker also supports your local economy, leading to regional reinvestment.

Yesterday, an event was held in support of these beliefs. The Loudoun Grown Expo, held at the Bush Tabernacle (Skating Rink) in Purcellville, Virginia, drew in excess of 2000 residents who mingled with local farmers, producers and artisans. From this event, it is evident that not only a demand exists for locally produced goods, but Loudoun County growers are stepping up to meet them.