The NYTimes reviews the singular diva at Joe’s Pub: “As “The Bukowski Project” opens, Mr. Gierig is typing on a manual typewriter at the piano on which Ms. Lemper, in shadow, sprawls on her back, her legs extended to the ceiling. Soon his ambient keyboard music evokes a ’40s film-noir mood that is carried in many directions. Once Ms. Lemper begins singing, her mocking, haughty, Marlene Dietrich-like persona takes over. With her supple voice, she can caress you one minute, then shock you a moment later with horror-movie yowls.”
Stephen Holden on Ute Lemper
November 30, 2010Something to be thankful for…
November 24, 2010The great Andrea Marcovicci (with Shelly Markham and Jared Egan) sings a Johnny Mercer hit not actually written by Johnny Mercer.
Stephen Holden on Andrea Marcovicci
November 23, 2010The Times reviews the new show from the uber-diva: “Because her shows are ceremonial rites in which she channels the shades of show business past, Ms. Marcovicci might be described as the high priestess of the American songbook. The songs seem to pass through her body as she delivers them in an eccentric theatrical style that includes parlando passages.”
Sunset Blvd Silent Film Contest
November 22, 2010I have to admit that Sunset Blvd is probably one of my favorite musicals (along with Follies and Merrily We Roll Along). Here’s a fun-sounding event that Signature has in conjunction with its upcoming production:
Signature Theatre to Conduct “With One Look” Silent Film Competition
Contest to Accompany the Washington premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning musical, Sunset Boulevard at Signature Theatre
Arlington, VA – November 19, 2010 – In celebration of the Washington premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical sensation Sunset Boulevard about faded silent film legend Norma Desmond, Signature Theatre is holding the “With One Look” silent film competition open to anyone and everyone who loves the golden age of Hollywood. Prizes will be awarded to five finalists (announced on December 22nd) with a grand prize winner chosen by the fans who vote on the Signature website, Facebook, Twitter and at the Theatre.
Movie-lovers are encouraged to sit in the director’s chair and step into Cecil B. DeMille’s shoes, creating their very own, original silent films for consideration. Films can be in color or in black-and-white and are not to exceed 5 minutes in length. Musical accompaniment is permissible as are subtitles and silent film placards. The submission deadline for all filmmakers is December 17th. Submitting your film is as easy as lights, camera, action. Contestants simply upload their homemade masterpieces on YouTube, then send us their link at film@signature-theatre.org – then let the voting begin.
The five finalists’ films will be screened in the Signature Theatre lobby during the run of the show. The finalists will also receive tickets to Sunset Boulevard’s “Perfect Year” New Year’s Eve performance and party, with the director extraordinaire garnering a Signature Theatre subscription for two (for the remainder of the 2010-11 season), a signed Sunset Boulevard poster, and a dedicated article on Signature’s March e-newsletter. Fame and fortune soon to follow.
Based on the classic Billy Wilder film, Sunset Boulevard continues Signature Theatre’s successful 21st season and plays from December 7th through February 13th. The production is directed by Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and stars Florence Lacey (star of Signature’s Follies and Broadway’s Evita).
For more information on the “With One Look” Film Competition please check out http://www.signature-theatre.org/with-one-look.htm or contact Peter Eramo, Jr. (571-527-1833).
Steven Lutvak Sings Museums
November 20, 2010Here’s one of my favorite writers singing one of my favorite songs…