PerformingView
By Chris Murphy
Could this be it? Our performing arts spaces have been sitting on the start line, revving their engines, some false starts and stops and now could this be a real countdown. Many of our spaces have good solid COVID protocol by requiring full vaccination. This is the way to do it in my opinion. Exciting things are happening in our local arts community. We have great leadership in our local companies and new creativity. I can’t say it enough, a community with strong performing arts and music offerings will be the creative cities that will win. I hope our elected officials will see this and build on it. These are just a few of the offerings in March. Check out www.modestoview.com to stay updated on show-times and other events.
Big news at Downey High School. Christopher McPherson has returned to Modesto to lead Downey Theatre Arts. On hiatus for the last 2.5 years, Chris is bringing new energy to the venerable Downey program. For the last 17 years, Chris has worked in Disney Entertainment, honing his skills in the most creative place. Now he is set to restart this program and take it to a new level with a new performance this month,
We asked him a few questions about his ideas, plans and what we can expect.
What do you feel is the importance of and benefits from performing arts education?
Performing Arts education creates an environment and opportunity for students to grow in becoming the best version of themselves. It challenges students to step beyond their comfort zone, provides successes which will build self-confidence, practical understanding on how to work as a team, and opens the door for talent to be uncovered and discovered.
What made you want to be a theatre teacher?
Sir Isaac Newton said “If I had seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” By standing on the shoulders of those came before us, we can see further and achieve more. In my life, I have had giants in the arts who allowed me to stand on their shoulders and see further than I could on my own. For this, I am own them by paying it forward to be the best giant I can for this generation of artists. I have been blessed to have worked for Disney Entertainment for many years and know that experience and knowledge most people only dream of is not just for me but to be impart and share.
What areas of expertise do you have in theatre?
My expertise is producing and creating but will gravitate towards choreography, set deign and technical theatre. My theatre experiences started with dancing then in college I gained set design and acting skills. As I have grown as an artists, I have found myself not wanting to be in the spot light but to hold the spot light for others. Being able to see the big picture with detailed execution is what I find myself excelling in. In my years with Disney Entertainment, I had a team of experts that knew their craft well in all areas of theatre. So as a leader in that environment, it was important for me to study different fields to be able to work creatively and keep the standards high.
No Day But Today
The Thomas Downey Auditorium has recently come alive as student actors, singers, dancers, and technicians prepare their energetic, funny, highly entertaining variety show called No Day But Today. Performances are Thursday evening, March 10 at 7 pm, Friday Evening March 11 at 7 pm, and Saturday afternoon, March 12 at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale at the door. $6 Students/ Seniors. $8 General Admission. Cash only.
Celtic Opera
Where did the Celts come from? Where did they go to? What is Celtic Music…or Celtic influence music? These are some of the fun questions investigated by Opera Modesto’s 14 wonderful singers and instrumentalists in the Celtic Diaspora concert. The central valley performers come from diverse backgrounds and represent a wide range of experiences, ages, and musical interests. Opera Modesto’s General Director, Roy Stevens, will narrate the concert, connecting the dots. There will be music that fits everyone’s obvious definition of Celtic music (Danny Boy, Loch Lomond, etc.), interspersed with music from other countries and languages that relate in some way to the Celtic Diaspora. This is part of the Sundays at CBS Series
March 6 – Congregation Beth Shalom
1705 Sherwood, Modesto
Tix and info at www.cbsmodesto.org/concert-series.html
Ready to Laugh?
The State Theatre is very excited about its upcoming spring lineup. Starting with comedian Bob Zany on March 26th, 2022. Known for the Zany Report on the Bob & Tom Show, and having performed in all 50 states & D.C., plus 9 countries from England to Israel, and headlining shows from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, he’ll bring years of experience and the FUNNY.
Crazy for Patsy!
Over at the West Side Theatre, Joni Morris – A tribute to the music of Patsy Cline will be a favorite. Joni has Patsy down perfect and she has been touring as Patsy for years so you will not want to miss this great show of hits.
Doors open 7:00 Showtime 8:00
Tickets $20 General admission $25 Reserved Section
Tix and info at www.westsidetheatre.org<www.westsidetheatre.org>
The Prospect gets Aristocratic!
The O’Donnell family, fallen Irish aristocracy, have gathered at their crumbling family estate for a wedding. As the patriarch lies dying in his upstairs bedroom, the grown-up children sort out the truth about the family’s past, present, and future. In his elegiac play, Friel (Faith Healer, Molly Sweeney) explores dysfunctional family dynamics and decaying culture with the dark humor and lyricism Prospect audiences have come to love.
March 18-27 – Evening and Matinee shows
Tix and info at www.prospecttheatreproject.org
Please consider becoming a member, I did.
Holes?
Yes this great show is being presented by the Gallo Center Repertory Group and is one my daughters all-time favorites.
Stanley Yelnats, a boy whose family is cursed, is sent to a juvenile detention camp for a crime he did not commit. He and the other boys at the camp are forced to dig large holes in the dirt every day, eventually realizing they are digging holes because the Warden is searching for something. Soon three separate stories coalesce to reveal why Stanley’s family has a curse and what the Warden is looking for in this delightful version of the multi-award-winning novel by Louis Sachar.
March 11 – 7:30 pm
Gallo Center for the Arts
Tix and info www.galloarts.org
Go see a live performance this month. It could change your life and you just might see a future up and coming TV and Film star. Stay up to date www.modestoview.com
