Matthew Morrison invites you to audition for Glee

Hairspray Fun in Long Beach

A BIG BIG thanks to Hamburger Mary’s in the LBC for hosting a specially-themed Hairspray evening in anticipation of the hit musical’s visit here. At last night's event, Hamburger Mary’s provided lively entertainment featuring the show’s deliciously tuneful songs such as “Good Morning Baltimore,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “It Takes Two” that swept guests away to Hairspray’s bouffant-high piled 1960s. Throughout the fun-filled night, guests won free CDs of the soundtrack, Hairspray t-shirts and tickets to the show. Hairspray runs at the Center April 6 – 11. (Photo above by Chris Bennion.)

Find Your Dream Dress at Bloomingdale’s & See Dreamgirls

Need a reason to buy a new dress? Look no further – anyone who purchases a dress at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza in the 2nd floor dress department priced $350 or more will receive a free pair of tickets to see the smash hit musical Dreamgirls, which visits the Center April 21 – May 2. The free tickets with dress purchase offer is good starting today through this Sunday, March 28 so hurry up and get to Bloomingdale’s. Offer is good while supplies last. For more info on Dreamgirls go to OCPAC.org.

Americal Idol's Constantine Maroulis joins Broadway's Wall of Fame

American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis won a Tony nomination for his starring role in Rock of Ages.  Now, according to Playbill, the singer is set to receive another prestigious honor: a caricature at the legendary Broadway establishment Sardi's.  Rock on!

Puppets Propel Learning

Master puppeteer Ellen Schulze, aka the Puppet Lady, is working with students and teachers at Sonora Elementary School in Costa Mesa to integrate the arts into the school’s curriculum to enhance learning in the classroom. The video above shows how Ellen utilizes puppets to help teach American history to fifth graders. Sonora Principal Christine Anderson also discusses how the arts have helped teachers with their lessons. Ellen is one of many artists in the Center’s innovative ArtsConnect program which introduces teachers and students to the inspiring and transforming impact the arts in education can have on academic development and achievement.

The Center Keeps the Bolshoi in Stitches

When the Bolshoi Ballet shipped its sets for Don Quixote to the Center, a large blanket used to toss Sancho Panza in the air by matadors and villagers in the first act was left behind in Russia. The ever-resourceful theater operations department and house crew quickly moved into action. Yards of canvas and netting were purchased. And the wardrobe department stitched the fabric and material together, and voilá – Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s faithful companion, never missed a step – or a toss well above the heads of the cast members. The photo? Center crew member James Richartz steps in as Panza for a test toss. Click here to see a picture of Sancho Panza in mid-air during the Bolshoi's opening night performance here last week (LA Times review).

Allie meets Ailey

KTLA feature reporter and producer Allie Mac Kay met, interviewed and even did a few steps with dancer/choreographer Matthew Rushing (pictured: far right) and members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater this morning. Mac Kay and her crew were here for live remotes during the KTLA Morning News and spoke to Rushing about his work and the Ailey. The dancers performed an excerpt from his piece, “Uptown,” that is featured in the Company’s engagement at the Center March 2-7. You’ll be able to catch the segments on KTLA.com.