Since I am no longer living in Orange County California, I will not be posting to this blog. I will miss the arts coverage I have done in that area of the county and wish well to all those artists I have interviewed over the 14 years I lived and worked there. Good luck to all. Sara

The Synergy of the Arts
by Sara Pentz

Synergy, from the Greek word synergos, means working together. As the word has evolved it refers to the phenomenon in which two or more discrete influences or agents acting together create an effect greater than the sum of the effects that each is able to create independently. Synergy creates a mutually advantageous conjunction where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts and the end result develops into a more dynamic state then merely the sum of individual component actions. What better word to use than this one when one converges on the area of North Laguna Beach from the Pacific Coast through Laguna Canyon Road? There one passes by the Laguna Museum of Art, The Festival of the Arts, Pageant of the Masters, the Sawdust Festival and The Laguna College of Art & Design, which perhaps is where the artistic resonance begins that fuels creations seen at these other destinations. And, so it is that the synergy commences.

In the fall of 2006, The Laguna College of Art & Design was the first college in the nation to offer virtual drawing and painting courses. Michael Savas, Chair of Illustration of the College, teaches traditional classes in illustration, yet knows well the importance of pixels and bytes. A pioneer of the digital revolution in the early 1990s and known for his ‘tradigital work,’ Savas explains the reason for these innovative classes, “More and more venues are requiring artist’s to use digital imagery, especially in the entertainment and commercial advertising fields.” And so it is here again that the concept of synergy brings separate entities, the canvas and the screen, together in unison.

The course will integrate the use of a laptop computer, graphics tablet and a pressure sensitive pen. Students will learn to draw and paint directly from observation using live models and still life props working completely on the computer. Says Savas, “It’s only fitting that a school which prides itself on promoting strong representational and figurative skills will be the first to implement the use of the computer in this way.”

Nearby the college, the Laguna Art Museum has been documenting Southern California artists since the early 20^th century. Its permanent collection is a treasure trove of nearly 5,000 works of art. The collection and the Museum’s library and curatorial artist files make the Museum one of the premier resources for the study of California art. The Museum’s permanent collection traces art in California from the earliest paintings, which were mostly descriptive, primitive landscapes, romantic landscapes in Northern California, the impressionism in Southern California, and the various modernist movements that followed. This permanent collection has been organized by chief curator Tyler Stallings and curator of collections Janet Blake.

As chief curator, Stallings organizes exhibition schedules and often seeks out traveling exhibitions that fit into the museum’s mission to be the premiere museum of American art with an emphasis on California. “Until recently,” Stallings explains, “the history of California art received short shrift, but in the 1990s it began to receive more attention. Laguna Art Museum has been around since the early 20th century, so its commitment to California has been valuable in terms of generating scholarships in an area where there was none.” He, too, participates in making the whole greater than the sum of the parts.

Each year Stallings has three exhibition periods with two to three shows in each period. “We put on about six to nine shows a year. I try to balance each year's programming between what we loosely phrase as historical, contemporary, and popular culture.” The Museum has been important in bringing attention to California art, and to the city of Laguna Beach as well––especially since the city was begun as an art colony in the early 20th century. To that end, Stallings has brought together the exhibit Artists at Continent's End: The Monterey Peninsula Art Colony, 1875-1907––because Monterey, too, is an important art colony in northern California.

“For me, visual art is important because it provides a meditative space,” muses Stallings. “Generally, you stand or sit in front of an object that does not speak to you––it is not time-based like a film or book; that is, it does not take you on a journey. So all that you can do is project all sorts of ideas on the object as you try to figure it out and experience it. But this is the point about the visual arts––to elicit multiple layers of meaning.”

Stallings points out that the Museum has also pioneered the importance of popular culture to California. “Nowadays, more and more museums are presenting such exhibitions, but not too long ago it was considered verboten to bring such work into the museum. Our most recent show that touched on this subject was Surf Culture-The Art History of Surfing that eventually toured the country.

“We hope that audiences will be introduced to new ideas and will also see connections between what is new and what is in the past. Just like anything else, there is a history to art, and in general, artists are a dialogue with that past. So for example, I like to juxtapose works from different time periods in permanent collection exhibitions in order to show the connections.” Ah, there is it again––synergy––that mutually advantageous conjunction.

Turn back along the Canyon Road in Laguna and tucked into a small natural amphitheater is the treasure of the summer months known worldwide as the Pageant of the Masters. The 2006 A Passion for Art, produced by Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy, is based on her premise that “…every living picture tells a love story.”

Each evening through September 1, 2006, her selections of artworks will be transformed into tableaux vivants––living pictures. These scenes are incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. “There are so many gorgeous examples of paintings and sculptures that fit this theme, it’s hard to narrow down the choices,” Challis Cavy notes. Among the artists she felt had to be included is the Italian master of Baroque sculpture, Gianlorenzo Bernini, whose extraordinary “Ecstasy of St. Teresa” will be featured. Calling him the greatest sculptor of all time, Challis Davy explains, “You have to have a passion to make stone come to life the way he did.” Summing up her hopes for this summer’s Pageant: “I’d like the show to be a love letter, if you will, to Art.” Watch this magic then that becomes a much more dynamic state then merely the sum of individual component actions.

Complimenting the Pageant of the Masters, across the street, is the Sawdust Art Festival––in its 40^th year this summer. While Laguna has been an art colony for more than a century, it was in 1966 that a group of Laguna Beach artists started their own solo festival away from the downtown. For nine weeks each summer, the Sawdust’s fabled hand-constructed artists’ village springs to life showing off the artwork and ingenuity of these artists. Each day some 200 Laguna Beach-based artists sell their original artwork in this setting teeming with originality and flamboyance.

Moving from this lively ambiance to a solitary setting, artist California Nancy Carroll paints still life, landscape and figures in a thick, post-impressionist style. “No artist could live in California and not become enchanted with painting in natural light and from life,” she says. Painting in a direct post-impressionist Russian style of realism, where a strong expression of form is critical, she has developed a definitive style of painting from life that is evident in all of her works. Most of her paintings are completed alla prima, in one sitting, and often express the natural beauty found in flowers and fruit from her own garden or the California countryside. In her first solo exhibition at the Esther Wells Collection in Laguna Beach, Carroll presents Brushstrokes showing off her deliberate manner, strong contrast of light, rich color values and mood.

Her work is only one more example of the synergistic cycle that makes the art of life in our area so very extraordinary.

esa-pekka salonen conducts
the los angeles philharmonic in his final
orange county appearance as music director

Program to be followed by a private supper in honor of Mr. Salonen hosted by
Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom and Montres Breguet S.A.

“…everything about this orchestra, with Salonen on the podium, possesses a polish that is waxed and buffed but not impersonal or slick. The playing retains its human side even when it is most impeccably dressed.” – The Post-Intelligencer (Seattle)

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents, in his final Orange County appearance as music director, Musical America's 2006 Musician of the Year, Esa-Pekka Salonen, conducting the internationally acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday, April 27, 2008, 3pm, at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The concert program opens with Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Michele Zukovsky followed by Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 in A major. A pre-concert lecture led by Christopher Russell begins at 2pm. This performance is part of the Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom Select Series, and is generously sponsored by Breguet.

Philharmonic Society’s President and Artistic Director Dean Corey states, “We have been thrilled to have Esa-Pekka Salonen as a part of our musical family and we look forward to the possibility of a continuing relationship that might be in the future regarding his role as a composer or guest conductor.”

“It is a great pleasure for Montres Breguet to support the Philharmonic Society of Orange County by honoring Mr. Salonen’s final performance,” said Mr. Nicolas G. Hayek, CEO of Montres Breguet S.A. and Chairman of the Board of The Swatch Group. “Beauty, creative passion and innovative spirit are the foundation of Breguet’s international heritage. We salute Mr. Salonen, who has brought enormous amounts of these qualities to all his performances.”

Hailed as one of the leading orchestras in the world, the Los Angeles Philharmonic demonstrates a breadth and depth of programming unrivaled by other orchestras and cultural institutions, performing or presenting nearly 300 concerts throughout the year at its two iconic venues: Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, a popular tradition since 1922.

Esa-Pekka Salonen is the recipient of several major awards, including the Siena Prize from the Accademia Chigiana in 1993, the first conductor ever to receive the prize; the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Opera Award in 1995; and their Conductor Award in 1997. In 1998, he was awarded the rank of Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.

AN ELIZABETH AND HENRY SEGERSTROM SELECT CONCERT:
The Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series offers five concerts by artists of the highest international stature at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. These performances reflect the depth and breadth of musical excellence and styles, from voice to solo instruments to orchestral magnificence. Other concerts in the Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom Select Series include: Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano; Yo-Yo Ma, cello, and Kathryn Stott, piano; Czech Philharmonic; and Osvaldo Golijov’s Ayre featuring soprano Dawn Upshaw.

SPONSORED BY BREGUET:
The timepieces of Montres Breguet S.A. are truly unique because they have set the standard by which all fine watchmaking has ever been judged. Since the brand’s inception in 1775, Breguet has unfailingly honored a tradition founded on principles of beauty, elegance, understated design, and a mastery of horology. Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, Gioacchino Rossini, and Sergei Rachmaninov are among the brand’s historical patrons.

Breguet is the ultimate watch brand among the 159 member companies comprising the Swatch Group Ltd of Biel, Switzerland, the largest watch company in the world. With boutiques in Beverly Hills, New York, Cannes, London, Paris, Geneva, Moscow, Vienna, Dubai and Tokyo, the 233-year-old brand appeals to a very discerning clientele.

ABOUT THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY:
The Philharmonic Society of Orange County (PSOC), which presents the world’s most acclaimed symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, performing organizations and artists, is a key tenant of the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. PSOC, founded in 1954, is the oldest continuously operating music organization in the region and has been a primary catalyst for cultural growth in Orange County.

Among the highlights of the Philharmonic Society’s 2007-08 concert season are appearances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott; Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s final Orange County performance and the Orange County debut of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra.

The Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Ticket prices are $95, $90, $75, $65, $55, $45, $40, $25, $250 (box seats) and are available at the Philharmonic Society box office at (949) 553-2422, online at www.PhilharmonicSociety.org, and at the Center box office at (714) 556-2787.

The Orange County High School of the Arts
will present a
“SENIOR PERFORMANCE”

Many gifted students will perform Mozart’s 20th Concerto and Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

Michael Repper will be conducting the orchestra at this event. Michael is seventeen years old and has attended the school since 9th grade. Mike has won many awards for his piano performance. His most notable awards include First Place at the California MTNA Piano Competition, Second Prize at the Southwest United States Region MTNA Piano Competition, First Place at the Southern California Junior Bach Festival, and First Place at the Southern California Youth Concerto Competition. Michael started conducting when he was 12; his current Conducting teacher is Branden Muresan of San Clemente. In the summer, he will study conducting privately with Dr. Gregory Knowles of the Juilliard School, and will perform in the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

On the piano, Kyle Shafiee will be performing Mozart’s 20th Concerto. Kyle is seventeen years old and attended the high school since 7th grade. He has won many awards including 1st place for the CAPMT Bartok Festival, best solo piano performance at the SYMF Competition in California and 2nd place at the California Mozart Concerto Music Competition. He has been asked by Maestro Carlo Ponti, Jr. of the San Bernardino Symphony to be the guest pianist for the symphony in 2009. He has also been asked to perform in a series called, “Encore,” presented by Ms. Kathryn Hull in Palm Desert. Kyle will continue his studies of piano at the International Institute for Young Musicians in the summer an on to college in the fall.

Both young men have dreamed about classical music at a very young age. They both work very hard, attending school from 8:00 to 5:00, then after school, doing homework, practicing and rehearsing. Michael and Kyle have both studied piano with the internationally-renowned authority on piano teaching, Dr. Scott McBride Smith of Irvine. These 2 young people are a representation of the future of classical music. A desire so strong, that both have decided to make music their career.

The Performance will take place Saturday, April 19th 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Orange County High School of the Arts, Symphony Hall
1010 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Ticket Price $6.00, tickets are available at the door (Includes refreshments)

THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY ANNOUNCES ITS
2008-2009 CONCERT SEASON

Highlights include:

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION WITH PIANIST LANG LANG
GUSTAVO DUDAMEL CONDUCTS THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC
MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS CONDUCTS THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY
THE RETURN OF MEZZO-SOPRANO CECILIA BARTOLI
VALERY GERGIEV CONDUCTS THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
JULIA FISCHER PERFORMS WITH
THE ACADEMY OF ST. MARTIN IN THE FIELDS

The Philharmonic Society today announced its 2008-2009 concert season. Now in its 55th season, the Society continues to present signature classical music presentations, great orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists from around the world. “This season may be the best that we have ever presented,” Philharmonic Society’s President and Artistic Director states. “We have an all-star cast Lang Lang, Bartoli, Dudamel, Gergiev and many more.”

2008-09 ORCHESTRA CONCERTS

Concerts held at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The Society presents eleven magnificent concerts featuring
world-class orchestras, conductors and soloists.

Bursting onto the international opera scene after winning first prize in the 2000 Operalia competition founded by Plácido Domingo, soprano sensation Isabel Bayrakdarian is admired for her stunning stage presence and exceptional musicality. The young Armenian-Canadian has performed in many of the world’s major opera houses, most recently endearing herself to London’s audiences in her Royal Opera House debut as Susanna in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. Joining her is the Armenian Chamber Ensemble on Sunday, October 5, 2008, 7pm, to perform works by Grieg, Bartok, and Gomidas. (Program is to be announced).

Hailed as “an innovative jazz saxophonist who also happens to be a classical performer with phenomenal technique,” Branford Marsalis leads the Philharmonic Brasilianos on Saturday, October 11, 2008, 8pm. The program includes Villa-Lobos: Fantasia for Soprano Saxophone, A 490; Suite for Strings, A. 054; Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5, A. 389; Milhaud’s La Création du Monde, Op. 81; and Scaramouche, Op. 165c.

The Israel Philharmonic returns to Orange County since their 2003 appearance, with rising star conductor Gustavo Dudamel on Sunday, November 23, 2008, 3pm, to perform Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 “Italian,” and Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. Gustavo Dudamel will be the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s new music director starting the 2009-10 season. This concert is part of the Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic will make their annual Orange County visit on Friday, January 23, 2009, 8pm. Led by conductor StÉphane DenÉve in his Orange County debut, the evening’s program includes Stravinsky: Concerto in E-flat (Dumbarton Oaks), Khachaturian: Violin Concerto with guest violinist Gil Shaham, followed by Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Op. 45.

Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony appear on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 8pm, to peform Tilson Thomas: Street Song for Symphonic Brass, Copland: Symphony for Organ and Orchestra (1924), and Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64. This concert is part of the Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series.

Handel’s Water Music will be performed by Les Violons du Roy on Friday, February 20, 2009, 8pm, with conductor Bernard Labadie. The evening’s program will also feature Purcell: Chacony from King Arthur, Z. 628/40, and Haydn: Symphony No. 48 in C major (Maria Theresa).

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Orange County debut of the Dublin Philharmonic on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, 8pm. Led by conductor Derek Gleeson making his Orange County debut, the evening’s program includes Gleeson: Overture from A Symphony of Celtic Song, Cassidy: Aughrim Suite and Deirdre of the Sorrows, aria from Oratorio, Whelan: Irishlacken, Concerto for two violins and orchestra, and concludes with a medley of Irish orchestral arrangements. Other artists include Gerry O’Connor (violin and banjo), Emer Maycock (Uilleann pipes), Robert Harris (bodhran), and Mairead Buicke (soprano).

The London Symphony Orchestra appears on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 8pm, and Thursday, March 19, 2009, 8pm. Valery Gergiev will lead the ensemble with guest pianist Alexei Volodin in his Orange County debut. Music selections for the first evening (March 18, 2009) include Prokofiev: Classical Symphony, Op. 25, Beethoven: Piano concerto No. 4, Op. 58 in G minor, and Prokofiev: Symphony No. 6, Op. 111 in E-flat minor. The second evening (March 19, 2009) will include Beethoven: Piano concerto No. 5 “Emperor” Op. 73 in E-flat, and Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5, Op. 100. The March 18 concert is part of the Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series. The March 19 concert is a Shanbrom Family Concert.

Under the guidance of Artistic Direcot John Alexander, Pacific Chorale and Southern California's premier Baroque ensemble Musica Angelica perform Bach’s St. John Passion on Friday, April 10, 2009, 8pm. Originally meant to be performed for the first time in the St. Thomas church in Leipzig, the St. John Passion was first performed in 1724 in the St. Nicholas' church.

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields return as they celebrate their 50^th anniversary tour with leader and violin soloist Julia Fischer on Saturday, May 2, 2009, 8pm. Hear Britten: Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Bach: Concerto for Violin No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041, Bach: Concerto for Violin No. 2 in E major, BWV 1042, and Walton: Sonata for Strings. Julia Fischer is Gramophone Magazine’s Artist of theYear.

THE 2008-09 RECITALS
Enjoy three recitals with classical music’s finest.

Celebrate the Philharmonic Society’s Opening Night Celebration with pianist Lang Lang on

Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 8pm, at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Lang Lang returns with a solo recital since his last appearance with the China Philharmonic in 2005. Considered by the New York Times to be the “hottest artist on the classical music planet,” Lang Lang’s artistry and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level have established him as an international sensation and one of the most exciting and charismatic artists of our time. This concert is part of the Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series. (Program to be announced.)

Considered to be a lyric and dramatic coloratura, the return of Italian mezzo-soprano superstar Cecilia Bartoli will enchant Orange County audiences with her exceptional singing on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 8pm, at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Cecilia made her Orange County debut in 1995 presented by the Society and later returned with Il Giardino Armonico in 2000. This concert is part of the Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series. (Program to be announced.)

Distinguished American pianist Richard Goode has been hailed for music making of tremendous emotional power, depth and expressiveness. His ability to enter and illuminate the different worlds of each composer he plays has inspired one critic to remark, “You’d swear the composer himself was at the keyboard, expressing musical thoughts that had just come into his head.” The Society last presented Mr. Goode during the 1990-91 concert season and again in 1998 with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 8pm, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. (Program to be announced).

THE 2008-09 CHAMBER CONCERTS
Hear four exceptional ensembles as they return to showcase their abilities in intimate settings.

The Musicians from Marlboro will perform Kodály: Serenade, Op. 12, Beethoven: Serenade in D major, Op. 25, Beethoven: Quintet in C major, Op. 29, on Thursday, March 5, 2009, 8pm, at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Samueli Theatre. Founded in 1951 on the hilltop campus of Marlboro College, the Marlboro Music Festival brings together young artists destined to become future musical leaders.

Curtis Institute on Tour brings the extraordinary talents of the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music, making their Orange County debut performance with a special evening of Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat on Saturday, March 7, 2009, 8pm, at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Samueli Theatre. (Program to be announced).

Praised for its highly sophisticated, sensual sound and extensive range of color, the Brentano String Quartet returns with pianist Peter SERKIN and baritone Richard Lalli on Monday, March 16, 2009, 8pm, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, to perform a new commissioned work by Charles Wuorinen: Piano Quintet. Other works include Haydn: Quartet in D minor, Op. 76, No. 2 (“Quinten”), Schoenberg: Ode to Napoleon (for quartet, piano and baritone), and Beethoven: “Grosse Fugue,” Op. 133.

Since making their debut at the White House for President Carter's Inauguration in January 1977, the Kalichstein -Laredo-Robinson Trio (pianist Joseph Kalichstein, violinist Jaime Laredo and cellist Sharon Robinson) have set the standard for performance of the piano trio literature for twenty-seven consecutive seasons. Musical America’s 2002 Ensemble of the Year will delight audiences with expressive and exhilarating interpretations on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 8pm, at the Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Samueli Theatre. (Program to be announced).

2008-09 SPECIAL CONCERTS
Experience the Philharmonic Society’s diverse offerings with three delightful presentations at the
Orange County Performing Artscenter’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the

Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The Society presents the Orange County debut of the West African Festival on Thursday, November 20, 2008, 8pm. With a uunique blend of traditional West African melodies and musical styles with the musical stylizations of the western world, the ensemble is comprised of singers, dancers and musicians from the various cultures out of West Africa such as Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Mauritania, this company combines the traditional rhythms, instruments, folklore and mythology of nations to paint a colorful and exciting picture of the voice and music of these diverse peoples.

Celebrate the holidays “mariachi-style” with the Philharmonic Society tradition of Fiesta Navidad with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano on Saturday, November 29, 2008, 7:30pm. Fiesta Navidad brings the pageantry and excitement of Mexican holiday traditions to life and includes a sing-a-long of carols. A rousing and colorful celebration for the whole family!

Since their sold-out performance for the Society in 2007, The 5 Browns – classical music’s first family of piano virtuosos – return to Orange County on Monday, March 2, 2009, 8pm. The 5 Browns swept the classical world in 2005 with the release of their self-titled first recording for RCA Red Seal, which landed them at the top of the weekly Billboard charts and, at the end of the year, selection as one of the Top Classical Artists of 2005. (Program to be announced).

Subscription packages range from $121 to $3160. For more information and to receive a brochure of the Philharmonic Society’s 2008-2009 season, please call (949) 553-2422 or visit our website at www.PhilharmonicSociety.org. Single tickets are scheduled to go on sale in early summer.

All dates, times, programs, artists and prices are subject to change.

LOS ANGELES PRODUCTION OF
“WICKED”
AT PANTAGES THEATRE

Los Angeles is home to WICKED, the smash hit musical that the New York Times called, “one of the most successful shows in Broadway history.” WICKED, which was developed, written and had its earliest readings and workshops in Los Angeles, is continuing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. This open-ended production will celebrate it’s first anniversary in February, 2008.

This production of WICKED is mounted specifically for Southern California and stars Megan Hilty and Caissie Levy as Glinda and Elphaba. Both Hilty and Levy appeared in the Broadway production of WICKED.

Veteran stage, screen and television star John Rubinstein plays The Wizard. Among his many Broadway credits are the title role of Pippin, which he created, as well as starring in Children Of A Lesser God, for which he won a Tony and Drama Desk Award. One of America’s best-known comediennes, JoAnne Worley, appears as Madame Morrible. While best known for her television appearances, Worley has had an extensive career in musical theatre -- from the original national tour of Carnival to her recent co-starring role on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone, and in the Encores! production of Follies.

Kristoffer Cusick plays Fiyero, a role he has played on Broadway and in Chicago. Marcie Dodd appears as Nessarose, a role she played in the National Tour of WICKED. Michael Drolet, who appeared on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever, plays Boq. Timothy Britten Parker plays Doctor Dillamond. He also appeared in the 2005 Pantages Theatre engagement, and in Chicago in this role, and was a member of the original cast of Rent.

WICKED began performances in Los Angeles on February 10, 2007. After opening on Wednesday, February 21 to critical acclaim, the Los Angeles Times said, “WICKED is a phenomenon that keeps growing. The witchcraft is as fresh as ever. Folks, WICKED is here to stay,” and the Orange County Register called it “America’s must-see musical. It delivers everything we expect of a big ticket musical-theater experience – spectacle, anthemic songs, a cathartic story – and makes the most of an irresistible theme: the indelible bond of friendship.”

WICKED, the highest grossing show on Broadway and across the country, currently has three other companies in North America: on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre; on a National Tour; and in a separate, open-ended engagement at Chicago’s Ford Center for Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre. There are also productions in London at the Apollo Victoria Theatre; Tokyo, Japan, and in Stuttgart, Germany. A fourth international production will open July, 2008 at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.

The seven productions here and around the world continue to defy gravity, cumulatively grossing $11.2 million for the week ending December 30, 2007. In North America, the musical broke its own box office records in each of the markets in which it is playing – Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and National Tour (currently in St. Louis, MO).

At the Pantages Theatre, the musical once again set a new record for the highest grossing week in Los Angeles theatre history ($1,949,968). It also set a new record for the highest grossing week in Broadway history ($1,839,950); highest grossing week in Chicago theatre history ($1,418,363), and the highest grossing week in North American touring history ($2,291,608 in St. Louis, MO).

The Los Angeles company of WICKED offers a rare insiders’ glimpse into the world of the blockbuster Broadway musical with “Behind the Emerald Curtain,” an exclusive look at the creative journey of WICKED, hosted by cast members in Los Angeles. “Behind the Emerald Curtain” takes place on Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the Pantages Theatre.

This 60-minute experience gives audience members the unique opportunity to see what happens to make a big Broadway musical like WICKED come alive at every performance – everything from design and production to performance and marketing. Tickets for “Behind the Emerald Curtain” are $25 (and does not include admission to WICKED).

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. It is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. WICKED is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Winner of 15 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Tickets for WICKED and “Behind the Emerald Curtain” are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office (opens daily at 10am), 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. For groups please call 866-755-3075, or visit www.nedgroups.com. Details on the lottery, “Behind the Emerald Curtain,” D-scriptive, I-caption, ShowTrans, as well as general information, are available online by visiting www.wickedthemusical.com/LA.

A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of $25.00 front orchestra seats is held daily. 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the Pantages box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum and then thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of front orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. An ID is required to purchase the tickets.

D-Scriptive, I-Caption, and ShowTrans are also now available at all performances of WICKED at the Pantages Theatre. These are new state-of-the-art customer services that provides scene-by-scene dialogue and commentary of the production for hearing challenged (D-Scriptive), sight challenged (I-Caption) and translations for non-English speakers (ShowTrans) in Spanish, Japanese, French and Portugese.

More than a word-for-word translation, these three services give patrons the actual dialogue, as well as continual plot and descriptive information that enables them to follow the action, intention, humor, and emotion of the show. D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are available in the theatre lobby prior to all performances. It can also be reserved in advance by calling toll-free at (888) 876-0801.

WICKED and Los Angeles

In summer, 2005, WICKED first played Los Angeles as part of its national tour, and was completely sold out during its seven-week run at the Pantages Theatre. In 2006, WICKED returned to the area, and was completely sold out -- breaking the house record -- during a two-week engagement at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Producer Marc Platt said, “The reception to WICKED in Los Angeles during its sold-out seven-week run in the summer of 2005 exceeded our wildest expectations. The enthusiasm generated by the audiences at the Pantages Theatre – just a few short miles away from my offices at Universal Studios where WICKED was created – was unlike the response in any other city that the show has played. It was during that run that we began to formulate the plan for a company of the show just for Los Angeles.”

Producer David Stone said, “After watching the excitement for WICKED at the Pantages in 2005, we felt that there would be a wide audience base in Southern California for a Los Angeles company. We are planning to make Los Angeles a home for WICKED as long as the public’s demand for our show will allow.”

Martin Wiviott, General Manager of Broadway/L.A. said, “WICKED has been one of the most popular musicals not just to ever play at the Pantages, but to have ever been performed in Los Angeles. We are thrilled that the producers of WICKED chose the Pantages for its home in Los Angeles, and we thrilled to have it here for a long run in Hollywood.”

Producer Marc Platt calls this current Los Angeles production, “a very exciting homecoming for WICKED.” WICKED began ten years ago when Platt was president of production at Universal Pictures. He had begun developing a film based on Gregory Maguire’s novel.

At the same time, Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz was introduced to the novel. His friend, author and Angeleno Winnie Holzman, coincidentally bought a copy of the novel and called her agent and asked how she could get the rights. Schwartz met with Platt to talk to him about doing WICKED as a movie. They quickly realized that the story might be better served as a Broadway musical.

Beginning in 1999, Schwartz, Holzman and Platt met together for a year at Platt’s offices at Universal, working out the story beat-for-beat. Then Schwartz went off to do the music and Holzman went off to write the first draft of the book.

The first reading, of just the first act, was in spring of 2000 at the Coronet Theatre. Work and readings continued in Los Angeles, and in February 2001, the first reading of the entire book and score was held. At that time, producer David Stone, director Joe Mantello and the rest of the creative team came on board. They began a year-and-a-half schedule of readings and workshops, primarily at Universal Studios.

On May 28, 2003, WICKED had the first preview of its out-of-town tryout at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre, where the show set box office records. Since having its official Broadway opening at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003, WICKED has been sold out at virtually every performance, breaking house records with box office receipts of over $1.3 million per week. It has been called “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” by the New York Times and “a cultural phenomenon” by Variety.

The Washington Post said WICKED is, “a breathtaking success story, of a magnitude the theater has not witnessed since the peak years of The Phantom of the Opera."

WICKED began performances in Los Angeles on February 10, 2007. After opening on Wednesday, February 21 to critical acclaim, the Los Angeles Times said, “WICKED is a phenomenon that keeps growing. The witchcraft is as fresh as ever. Folks, WICKED is here to stay,” and the Orange County Register called it “America’s must-see musical. It delivers everything we expect of a big ticket musical-theater experience – spectacle, anthemic songs, a cathartic story – and makes the most of an irresistible theme: the indelible bond of friendship.”

WICKED features set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee, costume design by Tony Award winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Meola. The orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

The Grammy Award winning (Best Musical Show Album) original cast recording of WICKED has just been certified ‘Platinum’ by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for sales of more than 1 million copies. Produced by composer Stephen Schwartz for Decca Broadway, the album has been the fastest selling original cast recording in years, and has regularly appeared on the list of Amazon’s top-selling albums. It is currently #1 on Billboard’s Top Cast Album Chart, the position it occupied when the chart debuted in January 2006.

About the cast of the Los Angeles production of WICKED
MEGAN HILTY (Glinda) is thrilled to be joining the Los Angeles company of Wicked after having previously played Glinda both on Broadway and on the national tour. She is a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University and a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Other credits include the world premiere of Vanities - The Musical (MVPAC), Cafe Puttanesca (City Theatre), and Suds (Oregon Cabaret Theatre). Television: "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." Megan can also be heard as the singing voice of Snow White in Shrek the Third.

CAISSIE LEVY (Elphaba) is thrilled to be playing this beautiful role, joining this cast directly from the Broadway production. She made her Broadway debut as Penny Pingleton in Hairspray, a role she also played to critical acclaim on the first national tour, and performed in the original Toronto cast. Other credits include starring as Maureen in the national tour of Rent, and as Willis in the New York premiere of The Yellow Wood, directed by BD Wong. www.caissielevy.com

JOHN RUBINSTEIN (The Wizard) Broadway: Pippin, Children Of A Lesser God (Tony, Drama Desk Awards), Fools, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Hurlyburly, M. Butterfly, Ragtime. Off-B'way: Counsellor-At-Law (Lucille Lortel Award), Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead. LA: Ragtime, Urinetown, Into The Woods, A Little Night Music, Metamorphoses, Sight Unseen, Counsellor-AtLaw (Ovation, LADCC Awards). Original Andrew in Love Letters. Films include: 21 Grams, Red Dragon, Mercy, Someone To Watch Over Me, Daniel, The Boys From

Brazil, Zachariah, Getting Straight. Over 200 TV appearances; starred in series “Family” (Emmy nomination) and “Crazy Like a Fox.” As a director, in NY: The Old Boy, Phantasie, Nightingale; LA: Guys And Dolls, The Rivals; TV: “A Matter of Conscience” (Emmy: Best Children's Special), “Nash Bridges.” Composed scores to films Jeremiah Johnson, The Candidate; TV: “China Beach,” “The Dollmaker.ˇ Proud father of Jessica, Michael, Peter, Jacob, and Max.

JO ANNE WORLEY (Madame Morrible) Broadway: The Drowsy Chaperone, Billy Barnes People, Hello, Dolly!, The Prince of Central Park, Grease. Off-Broadway: The Mad Show. New York: Follies for Encores!; On the Twentieth Century Actors' Fund Benefit. Tours/regional: Gypsy, The Wizard of Oz (NY and LA), Mame, The Pirates of Penzance, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Hello, Dolly!, Grease, Annie, Call Me Madam, Carnival, Moon Over Buffalo, Steel Magnolias, The Odd Couple. Television: Rowan and Martin's "Laugh-In"; numerous appearances on "The Tonight Show," "The Andy Williams Show," "The Merv Griffin Show" and many game shows. Film: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, A Goofy Movie, Belle's Magical World. Nightclub/concert appearances: Rainbow and Stars, Sands Las Vegas, Harrah's Atlantic City, Miami's Fontainebleau, and United States Air Force Band at Constitution Hall. Currently, President, Actors and Others for Animals, and is the owner of a rescue dog, Harmony.

KRISTOFFER CUSICK (Fiyero) creating the role of Fiyero for the Chicago company and playing the role on Broadway with the Original Cast. Bway/Tours: Saturday Night Fever OBC (Kenny, Gus u/s) and Rent (Angel) Film/TV: “Star Search,” “Big Break,” “After Hours” (pilot/ Comedy Central), “Pretty Cool” (HBO). Debut CD, My Greatest Desire and more information available at www.kristoffercusick.com

MARCIE DODD (Nessarose) is ecstatic to be coming home after traveling with the 1st National Tour of Wicked, where she covered and performed Elphaba and Nessarose. Recent credits: Hairspray (Louanne, Amber u/s), We Will Rock You (Scaramouche u/s), Grease (Sandy) and multiple projects with Disney Entertainment.

MICHAEL DROLET (Boq) Saturday Night Fever (Bobby C u/s). Regional: Peter Pan (Peter Pan) - Dorset Theatre Festival, West Side Story (A-rab) - Opera Grand Rapids, Seussical (Jojo) - MainStreet Theatre Company, Cyrano - Fulton Opera House, Thoroughly Modern Millie - Musical Theatre West. Graduate of The University of the Arts.

TIMOTHY BRITTEN PARKER (Doctor Dillamond) Broadway: Rent (Original cast, Obie award), The Innocents, Runaways, The Visit, Wicked (also National Tour). Off-Broadway includes Machinal (Public), Kenneth Lonergan's The Heartsick Pioneer (Drama-Logue award), The King of Connecticut. Founding member Naked Angels Theatre Company where performed in 40 productions. Film: Quiz Show, Gold Coast. TV: Recurring on “Law & Order” (Forensic Detective Hoeck), “NY Undercover.”

Orange County Performing Artscenter

Performance Highlight

May 2008

May 14, 18, 22 & 24, 2008

Opera Pacific presents

Susannah

Susannah is a first for Opera Pacific. It’s an all-American folk opera of raw emotional power, set in rural, Depression-era Tennessee and based on the Apocryphal story of “Susannah and the Elders.” Susannah tells the poignant story of a girl’s life and dreams shattered by bigotry, zealotry and the abuse of power. Floyd’s 1955 opera is filled with music based on folk songs, dances and revival tunes of the Americana depicted in so many of Thomas Hart Benton’s paintings.

$27 -$275

Segerstrom Hall

Calendar of Events

May 1 – 3 ∙ Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pacific Symphony presents Classical Series

Mozart, Shostakovich & Spivakov

The evening is full of delights. The program features not only Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 2 played by Vladimir Spivakov, conductor and one of the foremost violinists of his generation, but also Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9. The latter is a playful and vivid work that the composer himself called “a joyful little piece.” Also on the program is Mozart’s Symphony No. 29.

$25 - $175

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

May 2 – 4 ∙ Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Orange County Performing Artscenter presents Family

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

German puppeteer Matthias Kuchta and his puppets are certain to mesmerize their young audience with the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. With the use of almost lifelike puppets with magnificent faces, Kuchta interprets the fairy tale of the queen, the dwarfs, the prince and Snow White. He uses the vital charm of fairy tales to involve the children again and again into each play.

$14 & $19

Samueli Theater

May 8 – 10, 2008 ∙ Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.

Orange County Performing Artscenter presents Off Center

500 Clown: Frankenstein

The Chicago-based ensemble 500 Clown combines circus arts, improvisation and action-based performance to produce theater that celebrates the unpredictable power of the moment. The company has earned rave reviews for its work which catapults the performers into extreme physical and emotional risk and makes the audience active participants in the thrilling ride. In 500 Clown Frankenstein, three clowns make a madcap journey to construct Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory.

$30

Samueli Theater

May 8 ∙ Thursday at 8 p.m.

Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents

Philharmonia Orchestra

With conductor Christoph von Dohnányi directing, the Philharmonia Orchestra performs compositions by Weber, Schumann and Beethoven in the Concert Hall. Acknowledged as the United Kingdom’s foremost musical pioneer, the Philharmonia leads the field for its quality of playing and for its innovative approach to audience development, residencies and music education.

$25 - $250

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

May 11 ∙ Sunday at 3 p.m.

Pacific Symphony presents Café Ludwig

Brahms, Stravinsky & Schumann

A musical quartet comprised of pianist Stephen Prutsman, violinist Raymond Kobler, cellist Timothy Landauer and Robert Becker playing the viola will offer a variety of compositions. They include Sonata in E-flat for Viola and Piano by Brahms; Three Movements from Petrouchka by Stravinsky and Piano Quartet in E-flat major by Schumann.

$55 - $72

Samueli Theater

May 14, 18, 22 & 24 ∙ Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., Thursday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Opera Pacific presents

Susannah

Susannah is a first for Opera Pacific. It’s an all-American folk opera of raw emotional power, set in rural, Depression-era Tennessee and based on the Apocryphal story of “Susannah and the Elders.” Susannah tells the poignant story of a girl’s life and dreams shattered by bigotry, zealotry and the abuse of power. Floyd’s 1955 opera is filled with music based on folk songs, dances and revival tunes of the Americana depicted in so many of Thomas Hart Benton’s paintings.

$27 - $275

Segerstrom Hall

May 17 ∙ Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pacific Chorale presents

Revelations, Revolutions

Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony conducted by John Alexander bring to light a rediscovered masterpiece from the early 1900's by Horatio Parker. The program will also include the dramatic West Coast premiere by Pulitzer Prize winner David Del Tredici.

$20 - $140

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

May 18, 2008 ∙ Sunday at 4 p.m.

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra presents

Peace & Remembrance

Michael Hall concludes his tenure at the Pacific Symphony by leading his final performance with the Youth Orchestra. The concert will feature Mahler’s symphonic poem “Totenfeier,” which was later incorporated into his monumental Symphony No. 2 as the opening movement.

$15 & $20

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

May 29 – 31, 2008 ∙ Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pacific Symphony presents Classical Series

Rite of Spring

With Maestro Carl St.Clair at the podium, Pacific Symphony offers the foremost orchestral achievement of the 20^th century as proclaimed by The New York Times - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Also on the program is Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Schnittke’s Not a Midsummer Night’s Dream.

$25 - $175

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

May 31 – June 1 ∙ Saturday at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Orange County Performing Artscenter presents Family

Dan Zanes

The former lead singer and songwriter for the rock band, The Del Fuegos, Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes was inspired by the birth of his child to make “21^st Century family music” for kids and grown-ups to enjoy together, regardless of one’s age, size or temperament.

$25

Samueli Theater

Orange County Performing Artscenter

Orange County Performing Artscenter is committed to supporting artistic excellence on all of its stages and engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through an array of inspiring programs.

Orange County Performing Artscenter owns and operates the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and intimate 250-seat Founders Hall, which opened in 1986, and the 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which opened in 2006 and also houses the 500-seat Samueli Theater and the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge Education Center.

These state-of-the-art facilities are united by a community arts plaza and outdoor performance venue. The Center’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, along with facilities of the adjacent Tony® Award-winning South Coast Repertory and a site for a future visual arts museum, are located within Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Orange County Performing Artscenter presents a broad range of programming each season, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, free performances open to the public, from outdoor movie screenings and dancing on the Plaza to many other special events.

Many programs are designed to inspire young people through the arts. These programs reach more than 500,000 students of all ages with vital arts-in-education programs, enhancing their studies and enriching their lives well into the future.

The Center is proud to serve as the artistic home to the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Opera Pacific and the Pacific Chorale.

For more information, visit OCPAC.org.

Free Public Tours

The Performing Artscenter offers tours of Southern California's award-winning home for the performing arts and its expanded facilities. The tours take visitors through the three venues, making this a perfect outing for groups or anyone who wants to know more about the performing arts. The tour is conducted by Performing Artscenter Docents. Public tours are conducted Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Private group tours are by reservation only.

Please note: Private and public tours of all Center halls are now available.

Please call 714.556.2122, ext. 4259 for more information on either the private or the public tours.

Performing Artscenter applauds the following for their support:

Automobile Club of S.C.

Bank of America

Mercedes-Benz, Presenting Sponsor

OC Family

Sempra Energy

The Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher

Foundation, Inc.

The James Irvine Foundation

For more information about individual programs and ticket prices, call:

Performing Artscenter - 714.556.2787

Pacific Symphony – 714.755.5799

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County – 949.553.2422

Opera Pacific – 800.346.7372

Pacific Chorale – 714.662.2345