Center Celebrates a New Season of Broadway and Curtain Call

Musicals took center stage at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall during a preview event held for subscribers, groups, fans and press on August 20. The audience attending the Broadway and Curtain Call Series preview event was treated to special performances, behind-the-scenes footage and surprise video shout-outs from today’s brightest Broadway stars.  
 

L-R Bryan Fenkhart, Tim Kashani, Bob Bucci and Crystal Joy discussing Memphis 

Bryan Fenkhart and Crystal Joy from Memphis

Angel Reda performing from Wicked

Segerstrom Center’s President Terry Dwyer made opening remarks and welcomed the crowd. Bob Bucci from Broadway Across America served as host for the evening.

 
And what an evening it was. Bryan Fenkhart and Crystal Joy performed rousing selections from the four-time Tony Award® winning Broadway hit Memphis. Angel Reda from the ever-Popular Wicked sang the hauntingly beautiful "The Wizard and I.” The debonair Gomez Addams (Douglas Sills) made a video appearance letting the audience know how thrilled he is to spend the holidays with his “family” in Orange County. Special behind-the-scenes videos from Billy Elliot, featuring remarks from Sir Elton John and Stephen Daldry, and Sister Act, with messages from Whoopi Goldberg and Alan Menken, were also highlighted.

Bob Bucci with Joey from War Horse

L-R Bob Bucci with Tim Lewis (Captain Nicholls), Tommy Luther (Joey Head),
Stuart Angell (Joey Heart) and Ian Piears (Joey Hind) from War Horse

 

L-R Tommy Luther (Joey Head), Stuart Angell (Joey Heart) and Ian Piears (Joey Hind) from War Horse

The evening concluded with the company from War Horse bringing to the stage Joey as he galloped across and showcased his lifelike movements, sounds and magnificent beauty. Afterwards, the three puppeteers who perform as Joey returned on stage and discussed the collaborative process in bringing Joey to life.

 

Before closing the evening’s festivities, Executive Vice President Judy Morr provided a preview of the other series’ offerings in the coming season before introducing a special video from the company of Anything Goes.

For more information about the 2012-13 season, please visit: http://www.scfta.org/seasontickets.

2012-13 Broadway Series: Memphis, The Addams Family, War Horse, Billy Elliot the Musical, Flashdance and Sister Act

2012-13 Curtain Call Series: Wicked, Catch Me If You Can and Anything Goes

STOMP returns to the Center as a special Bonus option for series subscribers

 

Photos by Xuong Do

Girls Inc, Scopes out the Center

Ten young ladies from Girls Inc. Orange County spent part of their summer away from school exploring the Center. They took a tour, led by Beth Ruegger, into many places most people only see from their seats in the audience – such as this photo making their ways across the 8,500-square foot stage of Segerstrom Hall. Maybe someday one of them will be back as a performer, director or producer – it could happen!

Photos by Courtny Greenough

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau Spotlights the Center

Sue Fractman (left) and Emily Kaufman (right)

OC Up Close With Emily Kaufman, a new web series on the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s website, gives a mini tour of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Center Docent Sue Fractman explains some of the unique acoustical features of the concert hall. It is just part of a more thorough behind-the-scenes tour that the public can take of the Center that is absolutely free. For information about the tours, visit SCFTA.org/tours.

To watch this fun segment with Emily and Sue, visit:

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-VjWFlkoMs&feature=youtube

WEBSITE: http://anaheimoc.org/  

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AnaheimOC

Sue Fractman (left) with Emily Kaufman (right)

Summer School Success with Arts Teach

Summer school came to a successful end as students from Saddleback Valley Unified School District completed a special arts education program that lasted four weeks. The students, who are second language learners ranging from second to eighth grade, gained access to arts education that would otherwise be unavailable during or after school for most. Students took two classes a day for four days a week.

They delved into art technique and learned how to express themselves creatively while studying other subjects such as history and math through integrated art lessons.  Research proves the gap between native and second language learners often widens during summer months when students are not in school. This program provides opportunities for students to practice formal English language skills ranging from speaking, listening, reading and writing, which will help close that achievement gap. 

For more information about the Center’s Art Teach program please click here.

 

John Zeretzke demonstrating music to third graders

Andrew Grueschow leading students in session

Summer at the Center Sizzles

Center President Terry Dwyer and Vice President, Education Talena Mara with participants

Thirty-five high school-aged young people participated in this year’s Summer at the Center program for at-risk, underserved youths. SATC is a two-week program of musical theater classes conducted by professional artists to help empower these wonderful kids overcome what seem like insurmountable odds. Through the power of the performing arts, they learn self-esteem, build confidence, find alternative ways to deal with challenges and give their lives a new start. The program culminates in performances that demonstrate the fun and thrill of live performance – and here are just a few photos from Friday, July 27^th opening night.

Mark Porterfield, representing lead corporate sponsor PIMCO, with Crystal and Sommer

Photos by Steve Dawson.