My Community: Rock of Ages Event
Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine partnered with the Wharton Center to present a women’s networking pre-show event for the Tuesday, Dec. 13 performance of 80s rock musical Rock of Ages. The evening included networking, cocktails and food. [Show as slideshow] ...
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Rock of Ages Star Says, “Don’t Stop Believin’”
When Shannon Mullen’s best friend saw Rock of Ages for the first time he had one thought: Mullen was perfect for the part of Sherrie Christian. So, he phoned his friend and told her. Mullen wasn’t convinced. Her initial reaction? “No way.” Of course, now as Mullen takes the stage nightly as Sherrie Christian in the touring production of Rock of Ages,...
Continue ReadingCATS Performer Returns Home for Show at Wharton Center
Talk about getting into character. After landing a spot in the cast for the 2010-2011 tour of CATS, Ashley Travis — a musical theatre graduate from Western Michigan University — spent a month in New York learning how to channel her inner feline. In an exercise called fluidity, Travis and her fellow cast members spent rehearsal time honing in on their inner...
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River North Chicago Dance Company Brings Jazz to Life
Jazz legend Miles Davis would have celebrated his 85th birthday this year, and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts has co-commissioned a show with the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University in Chicago to celebrate his music. The River North Chicago Dance Company will premiere its performance set to a collection of original Davis recordings at the Wharton...
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Take A Memo: 9 to 5 The Musical Comes to the Wharton Center
If you were around in 1980, you probably remember the movie 9 to 5 starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. And even if you weren’t around in 1980, chances are you’ve heard the iconic tune 9 to 5 that was written by Dolly Parton for the movie. 9 to 5 told the tale of women with a work environment that left much to be desired. With a not-so-great...
Continue ReadingThe Phantom of the Opera
A diva, a protégé, a former lover, a chance at stardom, romance, jealousy, the “opera ghost” and an epic musical score all come together for the U.S. tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. CAWLM spoke with Trista Moldovan, who plays the role of Christine Daaé, about the show, her experience in theatre and her work with soap opera stars...
Continue ReadingIt’s All in the Family with August: Osage County
Estelle Parsons has got moxy. She knows what she wants, does what she wants and has no regrets about her life. Parsons isn’t the usual Broadway actress, either. She’s 82 and having the time of her life playing the role of Violet in the show August: Osage County, coming to the Wharton Center this month. CAWLM chatted with Parsons about her role in the play,...
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East Lansing Goes to the Dogs
The year 1956 was full of momentous occasions. Elvis Presley’s first hit single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” was released; the first half-hour serial, “As the World Turns,” began on CBS and author Dodie Smith’s book 101 Dalmatians was published. Most people probably don’t realize that someone other than Disney® had anything to do with 101 Dalmatians....
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Ol’ Blue Eyes Comes to East Lansing
Okay, so it’s not the real Ol’ Blue Eyes, but he runs a pretty close second. Brian Duprey comes to the Wharton Center in East Lansing as Frank Sinatra in The Rat Pack is Back! He’s bringing the whole gang with him — Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joey Bishop. Of course, these are all being portrayed by actors: Drew Anthony, Kenny Jones and Mickey...
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