Tell me, my good readers, how many of you saw an advertisement in this very newspaper on Monday for ARTS N.C. STATE?
Let me hazard a guess — you probably saw it, but at the same time, you were blown away by the thousands of other advertisements that happened to be there with it. And then you promptly skipped it and moved on to the Sudoku puzzle.
My friends, you are missing out. I write this column to inform my peers about the great shows and events that are coming up, sponsored by ARTS N.C. STATE. Take what you will from this, but I promise you, if you attend these events you will be absolutely blown away by their undeniable greatness.
Coming up Oct. 25, Center Stage is providing us with an amazing, professional group called “East Village Opera Company.” Let me tell you — this isn’t your momma and daddy’s style-opera. Ever heard of a rock opera? This group has got a street image and is going to be the loudest thing to come out of Stewart Theatre this year. They have been described as electrifying, inescapable and infectious.
I myself have begun to listen to their latest songs online. Their rendition of “La Donna E Mobile” is simultaneously twisted and passionate, with the addition of heavy electric guitars and a Latin percussive groove. Definitely not something that comes to mind when you normally hear that song. Normally when you hear it you’re watching a commercial for the Olive Garden. Sure, you’ll recognize some of the tunes. But those old tunes have been rejuvenated with a new and compelling spirit. And with this spirit come the emotions originally given to these songs by their composers, not excluding fervent lust and pounding fury. I must mention the ensemble of musicians guaranteed to make your heart rattle in its cage alongside their rhythms.
Listen to their music online. See and hear exactly what I’m talking about. Then, Oct. 25, go to Talley. Hear these guys performing at full power.
I promise you, you need to be there.
Do you know the song “Hey, Big Spender?” If you know this song, you probably love it -Ñ and you should spend a little time with University Theatre’s performance of “Sweet Charity.” This musical is one of Broadway’s most renowned, and I assure you, you will enjoy watching your peers act it out just as it’s seen in New York. “Sweet Charity” is playing Oct. 4-8 at 8 p.m. in Stewart Theatre, with matinee showings at 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 8. Go see it. You’ll love it.
On display right now in Talley’s Gallery of Art and Design are two exhibits: Sonya Clark’s “Tangles, Teeth & Touch,” and an exhibit honoring the late Sid Oakley: “Artist, Mentor, Friend.” Both exhibits are worthwhile to go see and are incredibly intriguing. Oakley passed away two years ago, but his commitment and skill are evident in the paintings and pottery pieces that line the exhibit hall.
Clark’s work is inspiring in that it contains thousands of tiny beads that are amassed into certain shapes, such as in her piece “Little Hands.” Also very innovative is her piece, “Wavy Strand,” which employs combs as an artistic medium.
Whenever you’re in Talley, perhaps after lunch in the Wolves’ Den or at Taco Bell, migrate up to the second floor and visit the gallery. It is definitely worth your time to go see.
These are only a few of the events going on around you, and I hope you take advantage of these and more. Really, you should check them out.
And please, please go see East Village Opera Company. There is nothing like feeling your internal rhythm beat alongside that of a rock band. You need to be there.
And keep your eyes and ears open for all other ARTS N.C. STATE events!
E-mail Sandra at [email protected].