Winter 2008/09
Transcription
Winter 2008/09
Carpenter center Winter 2008/09 News from the Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center California State University, Long Beach What’s inside pg 1 Terrace Project Paver update pg 2 Artist’s Spotlight Streb vs Gravity pg 3 Executive Update Letter from the Executive Director pg 4 Director’s Circle Help the arts thrive in Long Beach Classroom Connections Update pg 5/6 Preview Party Pictures pg 7 People Behind the Scenes Meet Michele Wilson Top: Carpenter Center new marquee Below: Sketch of terrace with pavers The 2008/09 Season at CSULB’s Carpenter Performing Arts Center had a glorious start in September! Under the new leadership of Executive Director Michele Roberge, the Carpenter Center kicked off the year with a lively celebration that provided an inside look at the season, and also unveiled the recently renovated Carpenter Family Terrace. The new terrace is a dramatic change that reveals the grandness of the building, and nearly 100 friends and community leaders were the first to enjoy the added outdoor reception space that can accommodate more than 200 patrons. The terrace also boasts a new marquee on Atherton Street that shares what is happening at the Center with the community. Arriving guests were drawn to the inviting new space by the delightful live music provided by CSULB’s Cole Conservatory Jazz Quintet, and treated to a lavish spread by Moon Dance Catering. Roberge explained that the terrace’s new outward look symbolizes a new outlook for the Center under her tenure—one that their names engraved in some of the 10includes greater variety, a richer caliber foot pavers on the terrace. of art, and a stronger connection to the The evening culminated with cheers as community. She highlighted some of the Richard Carpenter and family led guests notable events scheduled for the 2008/09 across the terrace, to the official lighting season, which include a sold-out evening of the Marquee on Atherton Street. with storyteller Garrison Keillor, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient Terrace Project Elizabeth Streb’s company, and rare performance by French dance company, Ballet Preljocaj. CSULB President F. King Alexander introduced founding donor Richard Carpenter, and thanked the Carpenter family for their continued support of the University. The Carpenter family—along with Leadership Donors Anthony Gagliardi, Mary Ellen & Bud Kilsby, John McEnulty, Joyce & George Murchison, Supervisor Don Knabe, and Michele Wilson—will see their support permanently acknowledged by having Become a leadership Donor and see your support permanently acknowledged on our terrace! Email: [email protected] Winter 2008/09 Center Stage P.2 Artist Spotlight: Streb vs Gravity Jan 17 ’09 at 2 & 8PM Elizabeth Streb’s choreography can be described as “off the wall”. Literally. As the bodies start falling and flying off scaffolding, you get a clear understanding of her artistic influences— from motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel, to escape artist Harry Houdini, to master of slapstick comedy Buster Keaton. Her unyielding passion for action, speed, and force can be seen with her company of Lycra-sheathed muscle as they plummet to the ground, slamming their bodies and then soaring back into the air while others take flight. The defiance of gravity with body slams, near miss collisions, and rebounding off immobile surfaces are all Streb signature moves that often produce audible gasps by the audience. “People say that I do things with the body that are shocking,” says Streb. “What I want is for the audience to have an action experience by the time they leave the theater. I’d like to engage and involve them [while] trying to develop a movement form that gives people a physical, spiritual, and emotional experience.” Streb’s fascination with the human body’s power and potential began at a young age. An obsessive downhill skier and motorcyclist, she chose a modern dance major at college. It was then she discovered that traditional dance forms did not sustain her interest. “I almost immediately began isolating time and space and human movement potential and investigating those,” she says. “I came up with what I do now, which I realize is wild and insane.” For Streb, action is the message. She sets up a condition of turbulence. “I question the rate of speed, distance, and all the invisible forces that cause movement to happen. I develop techniques around velocity, momentum, the rebound, and impact. If you are true to the form, pure in your representation of action, then the message lies within and is more easily discernible. I have to produce a frame of reference that is extreme and shows radical change within a momentto-moment progression. If I don’t, there is no information, and then I don’t have the attention of my audience.” Her eight dancers follow her approach willingly and with discipline, and bring to the stage a great deal of technical training. Streb prefers dancers who have been trained in ballet or martial arts to perform her work because those forms stress discipline and exactness. They fall and collide with objects or surfaces without sustaining injury. Streb says they are actually honing their survival skills, as there is no other way to simulate risks. These upcoming performances of Streb Vs. Gravity mark a rare Southern California appearance for this New York-based company, and a first time visit to Long Beach. We are honored to host an exclusive dinner with MacArthur Genius award winner Elizabeth Streb on Friday, January 16 at 7:30 p.m. for our Premier Director’s Circle members. The evening will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about Ms. Streb’s art, her fascinating career, and get to know what it feels like to be a MacArthur Genius! Premier members of the Director’s Circle are strong supporters of the Carpenter Center’s programs and performances, contributing a minimum of $2,500 annually. They recognize the importance of the performing arts in the life of our community, and have made a commitment to supporting it. We thank them throughout the season with these enriching experiences, and would love to have you join us. Please contact Patti Sanford at (562) 985-8580 to learn how to become a Premier Director’s Circle member. P.3 Center Stage Winter 2008/09 richard and k aren carpenter per forming arts center 2008/09 season Executive Update I feel like I’m riding a roller coaster lately. Do you, too? One of those where you get to the top and you can’t see where you’re going and then there is a deep plunge—you feel like you are going to fall out, but no, your seat belt is still tight. You just hold on. Two months ago, we started this season at the top of the hill! The Carpenter Center staff, with our Production and Facilities Manager Kathryn Havey in the lead, worked hard on the beautiful Marquee and Terrace Renovation project. It has given the Carpenter Center a completely new look—and more options for receptions and gatherings outside. Many generous people stepped forward as Leadership Donors, following the remarkable gift by Richard and Mary Carpenter to start the project. These lead donors (be sure to see their photos inside!) were recently joined by George and Beverly August, who have also reserved a paver for their name and artistic quote. Thank you! We launched the 2008/09 season with a sold-out performance by an American treasure, Mr. Garrison Keillor. We were honored to be a part of the University Art Museum’s innovative 5-D conference, highlighting cutting-edge techniques in today’s film industry with top companies and individuals. A complete success—and we are on board to host it again next year! Our Dance Series began on a high note with two sold-out performances of UCLA choreographer Vickie Marks’ stunning piece, Not About Iraq. To start our Spectacle Series, TV personality and zoo curator Jungle Jack Hanna delighted his audiences with exotic animals and videos. I was so thrilled to see people of all ages in those audiences—it’s just wonderful to see families enjoying an arts experience together. That was the top of the roller coaster—and it was a great place to be. But, like you, I’m sure, as we dip a bit, we’re being more careful with our purchases and holding on. We ARE holding on. We are committed to enriching our community with the best in the performing arts. After the holidays, we’ll bring an AMAZING company to Long Beach in STREB Vs. Gravity (check it out inside). I promise you it will be a breath-taking and breath-holding show! And then we’ll all laugh with the creator of TV’s VERY popular Family Guy show, Mr. Seth MacFarlane. I think we’re all ready for a hearty laugh. With you, as loyal ticket buyers and as donors, all of us at the Carpenter Center are holding on and working to keep the arts in our town, Classroom Connections in our classrooms, and smiles on our audience’s faces. Thank you for being there, sharing it with us and supporting our efforts! Happy New Year—to all of us! Executive Director Streb vs. Gravity, Linda Purl, Seth MacFarlane, Cirque Le Masque, Armitage Gone! Dance, Ballet Preljocaj, Garrison Keillor, A Kid’s Life!, Diavolo Dance Theatre P.4 the Director’s Circle Meet &Greet Garrison Keillor On September 25, master story-teller Garrison Keillor opened the Carpenter Center’s 2008/09 season with a sold-out, rapt audience. After mesmerizing the audience for 90+ minutes, Mr. Keillor retreated backstage and joined a reception of Director’s Circle members for an additional 45 minutes. He was charming and gregarious and was careful to meet and speak with everyone there—we all felt like residents of Lake Wobegon that he had known for years. The rhubarb pie and ice cream also helped give the event a down-home, cozy feel. Michele Roberge, Michel e Wilson, Garrison Keillor Joining the party were: Len and Tommye Lovett Erich and Susan Wise Ron and Dolores Eveland Dr. Kenia Casarreal and Judge Jacob Adajian Dr. Frankie Grover Barbara Blackwell and Jean Bixby Smith Jane and Howard Yata Call today for membership! (562) 985-8580 • • • • • • • • $1,000 and above: y Ellen Kilsby, Don Para, Mar , Sandy Para Garrison Keillor Director’s Circle benefits include Complimentary parking Complimentary refreshments in the private VIP Lounge before and during intermission for each Carpenter Center Presents event (excluding cabarets) Invitation to all Director’s Circle backstage receptions with specially selected artists Name listing on donor wall in Carpenter Center lobby Priority invitations to all Carpenter Center special events Listing in Carpenter Center event program Invitations to special events for the College of the Arts Classroom Connections, the Carpenter Center’s vibrant arts education program, is off to an enthusiastic start! All three programs, one in theatre, one in dance, and one in music, are completely full—more than 6,000 schoolchildren will participate this year! First up is The Crayon Court for 1st and 2nd graders. This delightful musical will teach children about color theory, about creating characters using music and color. In the classrooms, they will make colorful puppets and meet master puppeteer Thom Fountain and his troupe. In February, 6th and 7th graders will meet Brandon Peace Albright, and dancers from Cam Killingsworth , Garrison Keillor, Jane Netherton Premier Membership– $2,500 and above: • • • • All above benefits plus Special designation as Premier Director Circle member on lobby donor wall Elegant dinner with Executive Director and an artist from the 2008/09 season Honorary support acknowledged on event program page of that artist and two complimentary tickets to performance his company, Ilstyle Dance. Brandon et al are hip hop dancers, and will engage the students with this very popular form of dance, underscoring the fun of the movement with social history of the dance and its historical impact. Finally, wrapping up the school year in June, for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, we are excited to announce that Los Angeles’ acclaimed TaikoProject will be visiting Long Beach classrooms, and perform their stunning piece on the history and tradition of Japanese taiko drumming. These programs are provided to Long Beach Unified School District schools at no cost, thanks to the generosity of many foundations and private individuals. For information on becoming a Classroom Connections sponsor, please contact Patti Sanford at (562) 985-8580. P.5 Center Stage Winter 2008/09 Carpenter Family Terrace Preview Party S eptem b er 18, 2 0 0 8 01 Photos 01 Michele Roberge, Mindi Carpenter, Traci Carpenter, Anthony Gagliardi, Mary Ellen and Bud Kilsby, Mary Carpenter, Kristi Carpenter, Richard Carpenter, Michele Wilson, Joyce and George Murchison, Mavis McDonnell and John McEnulty 02 Michele Roberge, Jean Bixby Smith, President F. King Alexander, Barbara Blackwell 03 Ronn Sarno and guests Leadership Donors: Richard & Mary Carpenter Murchison Family Mary Ellen & Bud Kilsby Supervisor Don Knabe Anthony Gagliardi Law Offices of Michelle Wilson John McEnulty & Family George & Beverly August Special Thanks to: CSULB Jazz Quintet and Dr. Jeff Jarvis, Cable Bay Vineyard 02 03 Winter 2008/09 Center Stage P.6 Carpenter Family Terrace Preview Party 05 04 07 S eptem b er 18, 2 0 0 8 Photos 04 Paul Garman, Dr. Kenia Casarreal 05 Mary Ellen and Bud Kilsby 06 Gary and Christy Roeber 07 Mike Kelly, Richard Carpenter 08 Associate Dean Jay Kvapil, Provost Karen Gould, President F. King Alexander, Mary and Richard Carpenter 09 CSULB Jazz Quintet and Dr. Jeff Jarvis 06 08 Background image: Carpenter Family Terrace Preview Party photos by Ambrose Martin 09 P.7 Center Stage Winter 2008/09 as well and exposed me to their interests in music and in literature. People Behind the Scenes Michele Wilson Meet Michele Wilson It is rare to attend a charity function in Long Beach without seeing Michele Wilson. An attorney with her own firm in Long Beach and a single mother, Michele nevertheless finds time to be an active supporter of several local nonprofit organizations. Michele served on the Carpenter Center’s Top of the World committee, is a strong advocate for Classroom Connections, and recently became a Leadership Donor for the Terrace Renovation campaign. What inspired your strong support for the arts and children’s causes? Michele says, “I am a product of this Long Beach community so I volunteer my time and my services as a lawyer to the local non-profits because this is my community. I have been well cared for by the teachers of Long Beach Unified and Long Beach State and nurtured as a child by our Long Beach community leaders. As a parent, I want to participate in enhancing our community to develop a safe space, filled with arts and culture for my son to become a well rounded individual. I am proof that such programs can have a lasting impact in a young person’s life and can change their world view as adults. As a child, I was well cared for by my childhood church in West Long Beach and the adults within my childhood neighborhood. It was a wonderful time when my parents could trust any adult in our church or in our neighborhood to gently redirect me or bring me home. I was really fortunate that many of my teachers took an interest in me The charitable entities that I am excited about have components that directly affect the lives of children in either exposing them to areas of society they are economically precluded from or providing them with adults they can trust to provide them with support during their childhood. Our family did not have the economic resources to patronize the arts or to travel and see the world; however, through general education classes in college, I received my first glimpse into many areas of music, literature and culture that stays with me to this day. It is my pleasure to take my young son to the theater and to travel with him around the world. I want every child in this community to have the same opportunities as my son. My Any organization that provides that function of making a child feel valued and encouraging them to educate themselves is one that I want to support… parents provided me with a wonderful, carefree childhood that was dramatically enhanced and supported by caring adults that provided me with opportunities my parents economically could not. My community made me feel valued, elevated my self esteem and gave me the ability to continue to dream about higher education even though we had no idea regarding how we would pay for it. Any organization that provides that function of making a child feel valued and encouraging them to educate themselves is one that I want to support and one that I want to make the time to share my time. What do you imagine your life will hold when you are 70? It is my prayer that if I am blessed to reach the age of 70, that I am still in my stilettos, using my time to support and attend arts events, lunching with my girlfriends and being a doting grandmother. I also hope that there are a myriad of adults contributing to the Long Beach community, that can point to me and my circle of friends as mentors. I hope that I will be the person that took a chance on a young person, gave them their first job, underwrote that camp, anonymously funded that private tutor or trip abroad that changed the direction of a young person’s life. Finally, as someone who started a new business mid-career, I want to spend lots of time supporting local, small businesses including providing working capital to help the business owner during their first five years of operation which are definitely the most difficult. I hope that I will have made a big difference in a few people’s lives. You certainly are, brava, Michele! EVENT LISTING Nov 29 Chicago City Limits Dec 7 Franklin the Turtle’s Family Christmas Concert Jan 7-8 Linda Purl Jan 17 Streb vs Gravity Feb 17-18 Diavolo Dance Theatre Feb 25-26 Jennifer Shelton Feb 28 Seth MacFarlane Mar 21 Armitage Gone! Dance Apr 18 Pink Floyd LaserSpectacular Apr 19 Requiem - Giuseppe Verdi Apr 25 Cirque Le Masque May 5 The Four Seasons Ballet Preljocaj May 20-21 Jordan Bennett Contact Us Administrative Offices: (562) 985-4274 Arts Ticket Office: (562) 985-7000 Arts Ticket Office hours Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm Saturday, noon-4pm www.carpenterarts.org [email protected]