Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/27/17

The Westfield News Group ArtsBeat or 12/27/17. Tanglewood celebrates a Leonard Bernstein Centennial, and Goodspeed presents a Festival of New Musicals and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-205/

News from Mark G Auerbach Public Relations / January 2018

January, 2018

We’re proud to share our clients’ activities.

New Clients

Jeanne Yocum, publisher of the award-winning blog Succeeding in Small Business, and a public relations colleague, who I got to know, when she lived in Western Massachusetts, will releaseher new book, The Self-Employment Survival Guide: Proven Strategies to Succeed as Your Own Boss. I was fortunate to be able to preview some of the chapters, when Jeanne was writing the book, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help her publicize and promote the book, when it launches on April 8. For details: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Employment-Survival-Guide-Strategies-Succeed/dp/1538108712/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514302701&sr=8-1&keywords=Jeanne+Yocum&pldnSite=1

Zasco Productions in Chicopee, MA provides.fully-integrated, turn-key creative and technical production solutions for corporate, educational, non-profit, theatrical, entertainment, and broadcast events  Their new Vice President, Howard C. Sienkiewicz, and I began our WMass careers working together at The Springfield Symphony Orchestra.  For details: http://www.zasco.com  Zasco also owns BigVideo Screen. http://www.bigvideoscreen.com

The Events

The Capitol Steps return to Western New England with their 2018 Spring Break Tour. with performances April 20 at Northampton’s Academy of Music, and April 21 at The Warner in Torrington, CT. Produced by The Mike Thornton Agency, the Northampton performance is made possible by New England Public Radio and WGBY Public Television. For Northampton tickets: https://www.aomtheatre.com  For Torrington tickets:. https://www.warnertheatre.org/  

And, The Capitol Steps’ newest radio special, Politics Takes A Holiday , airs on many NPR member stations on New Year’s Eve. For details:: http://www.capsteps.com/radio/

The Big Broadcast!, The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke’s 13th annual recreation of a live swing era radio broadcast, returns to Chapin Auditorium on Saturday, March 3. The program includes a 100th Birthday salute to Ella Fitzgerald. Mark Gionfriddo conducts and directs. WWLP’s Brian Lapis stars as emcee Fred Kelley, and tickets are on sale  at the UMass Fine Arts Center Box-Office and Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. Snow date is March 4. Sponsors (to date) include Mount Holyoke College, WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield, The Republican powering MassLive and El Pueblo Latino, and Loomis Communities..For details: 413-545-2511, 800-999-UMAS or www.fineartscenter.com.

The People

Kevin Rhodes conducts a program of Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart on January 20 with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in MA. He just returned from Germany, conducting four sold-out performances of John Cranko’s Swan Lake at Stuttgart Ballet.  For information on Kevin Rhodes:  http://kevinrhodesconductor.com/

More Shameless Self-Promotion

ArtsBeat Radio airs on tWednesday, January 17 at 9AM, live on 89.5FM/WSKB in Westfield, MA area; on Comcast Ch.15 in Westfield, or streamed via www.wskb.org or www.westfieldtv.org. For copies of previously-aired shows:  http://wskbpodcast.com/browse/

My ArtsBeat columns and theatre reviews for Westfield News Group, BroadwayStars.com, Succeeding in Small Business and Take Magazine are catalogued at. Random Notes From a P.R. Guy: http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/

Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 1

Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Take Magazine Profile: Kristen Van Ginhoven and WAM

My final article for soon-to-shutter Take Magazine. WAM Theatre's Kristen Van Ginhoven, an artist whose work I very much admire, and whose mission I believe in. https://thetakemagazine.com/kristen-van-ginhoven/

Calendar Listings: Capitol Steps Return to Northampton

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Mike Thornton Agency presents

THE CAPITOL STEPS

2018 Spring Break Tour

Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7:30PM

The Academy of Music Theatre

274 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060

Tickets now on sale at The Academy of Music Box-Office

413-584-9032 ext. 105 or www.aomtheatre.com

Sponsored by New England Public Radio and WGBY Public Television.

The Capitol Steps return to Hampshire County or their first performance since 2010. The political musical satiure troupe has been a national institution for over 35 years, providing a unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.. Each show consists of tasteful lampooning guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. The troupe started in 1981. Since then, they have appeared on “The Today Show,” “ABC News Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and on specials for NPR. 

The Capitol Steps’newest radio special, Politics Takes A Holiday , airs on many NPR member stations on New Year’s Eve. For details on stations airing the Capitol Steps radio special,or podcast downloads:: http://www.capsteps.com/radio/

The Washington Post calls The Capitol Steps: “An oasis of good-natured ribbing in a fiercely partisan world. The entire audience, Republicans and Democrats alike, roared with laughter”.

DC Theatre Scene says “The Capitol Steps is a political comedy show that offers a mix of song and standup, lampooning modern political leaders and taking on the major issues of the day. .If you’re a political junkie, you’ll get a healthy dose of the daily news served spit-roasted and heavily mocked.”

The Capitol Steps works overtime to capture the new administrations’ antics in satire and song. And since The Capitol Steps find their laughs in materials ripped from today’s and tomorrow’s headlines you never know whether Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions, or Kim Jong-un might appear from Mar-A-Lago or The White House.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials, visit their website, www.capsteps.com, or find The Capitol Steps on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (@capsteps)

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Note to The Press.

For Capitol Steps publicity photos: http://www.capsteps.com/live/pr06.html

For a copy of The Capitol Steps’ latst CD, “Orange Is The New Barack”, or links to broadcast versions of Capitol Steps songs, and other promotional items, please email Mark G. Auerbach at mgauerbach@gmail.com. 

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/20/17

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 12/20/17. The best theatre performances of the year. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-204/

ArtsBeat Radio 12/20/17

My ArtsBeat Radio program for 12/20/17 on 89.5fm/WSKB with TheaterWorks' Rob Ruggiero, Noble Shropshire from Hartford Stage's A Christmas Carol, and Westfield native Josh Burrage from Broadway'sCats. https://vimeo.com/248158819

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/12/17

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/12/17. "Best of The Arts" Part 2. The outstanding plays, musicals, directors, an designers. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-203/

Calendar Listings: The Big Broadcast!

DATELINE: December 8, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College

present

THE BIG BROADCAST!

The 13th Edition

Saturday, March 3, 2018

2PM and 7:30PM

Chapin Auditorium

Mount Holyoke College

Route 116

South Hadley, MA 01075

The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College's 13th annual presentation of a live 1940’s radio broadcast created and directed by Mark Gionfriddo (onstage as “Matt Morgan”) with WWLP-22News meteorologist Brian Lapis as emcee “Fred Kelley". Under Gionfriddo’s direction, the Mount Holyoke Big Band, Vocal Jazz, and Chamber Jazz Ensembles perform well-known tunes from the swing era, including music by Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman, and Spike Jones, as well as a Centennial Salute to Ella Fitzgerald.

Sponsors (to date) include Mount Holyoke College, WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield, The Republican powering MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.

Tickets are general admission. $25.00 premium front and center seating. $20.00 regular seating. $10.00 seniors in advance; $15.00 seniors at door. and $10.00 students. Tickets are available at the UMASS Fine Arts Center Box Office in Amherst; at the Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, South Hadley; and at the door (subject to availability).  For phone orders: 413-545-2511 or 1-800-999-UMASS. Online ticket purchases will be available through the UMass Fine Arts Center.

For information on The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/music/jazz-0

Snow date is Sunday, March 4.

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Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/7/17: Arts Year in Review Part I

Part I of my 3-part Westfield News Group Best of the Arts 2017. Some of the innovators: Kristen Van Ginhoven and WAM Theatre; Matt Bertuzzi and Kevin Rhodes for the Springfield Symphony Real Time Concert Notes; Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and Berkshire Theatre Group’s Travis Daly. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-202/

Westfield News Group Review: The Color Purple at The Bushnell

My Westfield News Group review of The Color Purple at The Bushnell. Powerful storytelling and distinctive staging. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-color-purple-bushnell/

My December Succeeding in Small Business Column

My December column for Succeeding in Small Business. Event planning advice from three colleagues: Suzanne Hendery of Renown Health, Howard Sienkiewicz o Zasco Productions, an Julia Bradley Farmer from Northfield Mount Hermon School. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/event-planning-dos-and-donts-part-2/#.WibCDCMrJaV

Westfield News Group Reviews: A Christmas Carol and Christmas On The Rocks

My Westfield News Group reviews of two holiday traditions: A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage has a new "Scrooge". At TheaterWorks, Christmas on The Rocks has a new playlet by Jacques Lamarre. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-seasonal-theatre-hits-updated/

Media Release: Howard Sienkieciwz Named VP/General Manager of Zasco Productions

ZASCO PRODUCTIONS NAMES HOWARD SIENKIEWICZ VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

Chicopee, MA: Zasco Productions, LLC, the Massachusetts event planners and production company, has hired Springfield native and Southampton resident Howard Sienkiewicz as their new Vice President and General Manager, according to Zasco Founder and President/Owner Michael W. Zaskey. Sienkiewicz returns to Western Massachusetts, after having spent two decades as Technical Director for the international event planner and production company Ellen Michaels Presents.

“We’re so pleased that Howard Sienkiewicz agreed to return to Western Massachusetts to join the Zasco team,” said Zaskey.. His experience working globally in theatres, concert halls, convention centers, hotels, and non-traditional venues will help Zasco Productions and our other brand, Big Video Screen, to enhance the level of service we provide our customers throughout the region”.

Howard Sienkiewicz began his career in Springfield, MA as Production Stage Manager of The Springfield Symphony Orchestra, coordinating production for their classical and pop music series, operas and dance programs at Springfield Symphony Hall, at The Summer Pops at Stanley Park, The Berkshire Choral Festival, and the Springfield Symphony New England Tours, under the auspices of New England Presentors. He became Technical Director for Springfield Civic Center and Symphony Hall, and General Manager for Snow Sound, as well as owner of HCS Productions. At Ellen Michaels Presents, he travelled the globe working on events for CA Technologies, Oracle, and Intuit and many others. 

“Years ago”, says Sienkiewicz, “When Michael has getting Zasco started, we had crossed paths while I worked at Springfield Symphony Hall. Years later, when I needed a company to support a large corporate event in Boston, I was given his name. He and the company really impressed me. Going forward, I would use Zasco Productions for all our shows in the Northeast. I even brought them to Las Vegas, Chicago and North Carolina to support various shows. When I decided to get off the road Michael offered me this position and I am thrilled to be returning to my hometown and have the opportunity to work with a great company like Zasco locally and nationally.”

Zasco Productions LLC, a Massachusetts-based owner-operated company for over 25 years, provides fully-integrated, turn-key creative and technical production solutions for corporate, educational, non-profit, theatrical, entertainment, and broadcast events   For details: http://www.zasco.com/  Zasco also owns Big Video Screen.http://www.bigvideoscreen.com/

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Calendar Listings: The Capitol Steps Spring Break Tour

DATELINE: December 1, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Mike Thornton Agency presents
THE CAPITOL STEPS
2018 Spring Break Tour

Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7:30PM
The Academy of Music Theatre
274 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Tickets now on sale at The Academy of Music Box-Office
413-584-9032 ext. 105 or www.aomtheatre.com
Sponsored by New England Public Radio and WGBY Public Television.

Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 8PM
The Warner Theatre
68 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790
Tickets now on sale at The Warner Theatre Box-Office
860-489-7180 or www.warnertheatre.org

The Capitol Steps have been a national institution for over 35 years, providing a unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.. Each show consists of tasteful lampooning guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. The troupe started in 1981. Since then, they have appeared on “The Today Show,” “Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and for many years in specials for NPR. 

The Washington Post calls The Capitol Steps: “An oasis of good-natured ribbing in a fiercely partisan world”. 

Larry King of CNN said of The Capitol Steps: "They're the best. There's no one like them, no one in their league." 

Former President George H. W. Bush said of The Capitol Steps “"The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life." : 

The Capitol Steps political musical comedy troupe works overtime to capture the new administrations’ antics in satire and song. And since The Capitol Steps find their laughs in materials ripped from today’s and tomorrow’s headlines you never know whether Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions, or Kim Jong-un might appear from Mar-A-Lago or The White House.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials, visit their website, www.capsteps.com, or find The Capitol Steps on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (@capsteps)

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Media Release: Kevin Rhodes to Conduct Stuttgart Ballet's Swan Lake

KEVIN RHODES TO GUEST CONDUCT STUTTGART BALLET’S SWAN LAKE THIS DECEMBER

The Massachusetts-based American conductor Kevin Rhodes will be guest conductor of The Stuttgart Ballet’s production of the classicSwan Lake on December 6-15, at the Stuttgart Opera House. Rhodes, who serves as Music Director and Conductor of The Springfield Symphony Orchestra in MA and Traverse Symphony Orchestra in MI, is also Principal Conductor of Boston’s Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, has extensive credits working with ballet companies around the world.

Swan Lake features a score by Tchaikovsky, with choreography by John Cranko and decor by Jurgen Rose.  Swan Lake premiered in Stuttgart in 1963, when the late Cranko was Artistic Director of the German company, which is now acclaimed worldwide. Reid Anderson is the current artistic director. Last summer, Rhodes conducted Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet in Stuttgart.

Kevin Rhodes’ current season includes his return to the Vienna State Opera Ballet, where he’ll conduct the Rudolf Nureyev Gala, celebrating the dancer and choreographer, who would have turned 80 this year. He also conducts Nureyev’s production of Raymonda, to the music of Glazunov. a mixed repertory program of works choreographed by George Balanchine, John Neumeier, and Jerome Robbins; and a mixed bill featuring Frederick Ashton’s ballet Marguerite and Armand, originally created for Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn.

Earlier this year, Maestro Rhodes made his debut conducting Don Quixote at The Norwegian National Ballet in Oslo; last season, he conducted an all-Balanchine program honoring Violette Verdy at the Paris Opera Ballet, and Raymonda in Vienna. 

For The Stuttgart Ballet schedule: https://www.stuttgart-ballet.de/

For Kevin Rhodes’ website: http://kevinrhodesconductor.com/

For Kevin Rhodes biography: http://www.parkerartists.com/Kevin-Rhodes.html

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Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/29/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 11/29/17. A new "Scrooge" at Hartford Stage, Shakespeare and Company's upcoming season, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-201

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/22/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 11/22/17. Holiday fare from the traditional "A Christmas Carol" to the wacky "Christmas On The Rocks", holiday pops concerts in Springfield and Hartford, and a Connecticut Christmas Carol at Goodspeed. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-200

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/15/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 11/15/17. "The Color Purple" is Bushnell-bound. User-friendly performances at Hartford Stage, Berkshire Theatre Group, Goodspeed, Springfield Symphony and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-199

November Column for Succeeding in Small Business

One mentoring experience I had recently changed my perspective. My column for the award-wining Succeeding in Small Business. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/a-mentoring-experience-that-changed-my-way-of-thinking/#.WgShdiMrJaV

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/8/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 11/8/17. A Christmas Story at The Bushnell. Christmas on The Rocks at TheaterWorks. T'is the season. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-198

ArtsBeat Radio 11/8/17

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 11/8/17. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Hartford Stage's Elizabeth Williamson, the Berkshire Theatre Awards' Gail Burns, and Paul Marte from The Bushnell. https://vimeo.com/241882095

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat Extra: Berkshire Theatre Awards

My Westfield News Group coverage of the Berkshire Theatre Awards. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-extra-annual-berkshire-theatre-awards-presented-november-6

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 11/1/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat or 11/1/17. Chester Theatre Company and Goodspeed Musicals travel programs, Garrison Keillor in Pittsfield, The Edwards Twins in Northampton, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-197

Westfield News Group Review: Seder at Hartford Stage

A compelling family drama, Seder, has its world premiere at Hartford Stage. My Westfield News Group review.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-seder-hartford-stage

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat Extra: Berkshire Museum Art Sale Drama

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat extra about the controversy at Berkshire Museum selling art to pay bills. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-extra-berkshire-museum-controversy-selling-off-art-pay-bills

Review: Rags at Goodspeed

My Westfield News Group review of Rags at Goodspeed. A fine revisal of a musical with an exquisite score, beautifully staged, designed, and performed. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-goodspeed-stages-rags

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 1O/25/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 1O/25/17. WAM Theatre's Berkshire Leadership Conference, Tony Danza comes to Springfield, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-196

Review: School of Rock at The Bushnell

My Westield News Group review of School of Rock at The Bushnell. An energetic stage adaptation of the movie with some Andrew Lloyd Webber rock and a great kids ensemble.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-school-rock-bushnell

Westfield News Group Feature: Real Time Concert Notes

My Westfield News Group feature on RealTime Concert Notes, a bold audience-building initiative developed by conductors Kevin Rhodes and Matt Bertuzzi for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-extra-springfield-symphony-launches-innovative-real-time-concert-notes

Media Release: Capitol Steps Bring Orange is The New Barack to Cambridge November 25

DATELINE: October 23, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CAPITOL STEPS BRING “ORANGE IS THE NEW BARACK” TO HARVARD ON NOVEMBER 25.

The Capitol Steps return to Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre in Cambridge for their 19th annual Thanksgiving weekend performances on Saturday, November 25 with their new show Orange is The New Barack. New faces from the Trump White House and Mar-A-Lago join old faces from the Obama years to bring their musical political satire to Greater Boston with performances at 3PM and 7PM.

The Capitol Steps have been a national institution for over 35 years, providing a unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.. Each show consists of tasteful lampooning guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. The troupe started in 1981. Since then, they have appeared on The Today Show, Nightline, CBS Evening News and for many years in specials for NPR. 

Elaina Newport, co-founder of The Capitol Steps, says “More than ever, people are coming up to us after our show and saying ‘Boy, I needed that!” – it’s a crazy time and people need a laugh.  Of course, our challenge is to be more outrageous than the headlines!  So, we have Donald Trump singing a rock song, Bernie Sanders singing a show tune, and Vladimir Putin dancing shirtless…you can’t see that anywhere else.”

Mike Thornton of the Mike Thornton Agency, who is producing the Cambridge performances, also performs with The Capitol Steps, and says the year since the election  has been filled with constant rehearsals and new material added almost nightly. “It's almost impossible to stay ahead of the buffoonery. One constantly relies on daily news for new snipppets, and sometimes we get new material texted to us right before we go onstage”, says Thornton.

In Orange is The New Barack, The Capitol Steps promise to put the "MOCK" in Democracy to showcase the craziest post-election you've ever seen.  If you've ever wanted to see Hillary Clinton belt a pop hit, or appearances byJeff Sessions, Rex Tillerson, Kim Jong Un, and Pope Francis, this might be the show for you..

Tickets for both performances of Orange Is The New Barack by The Capitol Steps are available at the Harvard Box-Office. For details:  617-496-2222 or https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials, visit their website, www.capsteps.com, or find The Capitol Steps on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (@capsteps)

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Note to The Press.

For Capitol Steps publicity photos: http://www.capsteps.com/live/pr06.html

For a copy of The Capitol Steps’ latest CD, Orange is The New Barack, or links to broadcast versions of Capitol Steps songs, and other promotional items, please email Mark G. Auerbach at mgauerbach@gmail.com. 

For a recent Washington Post review of The Capitol Steps: https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2016/10/13/the-capitol-steps-an-oasis-of-good-natured-ribbing-in-a-fiercely-partisan-world/

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/18/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/18/17. Springfield Symphony Viva America features Gershwin and Bernstein, plus shows CT Rep and Playhouse on Park. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-195

Review: The Wolves at TheaterWorks

My Westfield News Group review of The Wolves at TheaterWorks in Hartford, written with Benjamin Jacek. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-wolves-opens-theaterworks-season

Take Magazine Article: Kevin Rhodes

My Take Magazine Profile of conductor Kevin Rhodes. https://thetakemagazine.com/kevin-rhodes-conductor/

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 10/11/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat for 10/11/17. Seder premieres at Hartford Stage, School of Rock heads to The Bushnell and more.  http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-194

Review: Gaslight at Barrington Stage

My Westfield News Group review of Gaslight at Barrington Stage. They saved their best for last. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-gaslight-barrington-stage

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/4/17

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/4/17. Liz McCartney headlines "The Importance of Being Earnest" in Storrs; Springfield Symphony opens season with Kevin Rhodes, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-193

Review: Les Miz At The Bushnell

My Westfield News Group review of Les Miserables at The Bushnell. A fresh take on a powerhouse hit. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-les-miserables-bushnell

October Column for Succeeding in Small Business

My October column for Succeeding in Small Business. Event Planning Simplified. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/planning-dos-and-donts-for-your-next-small-business-event/#.WdOg_iMrJaV

Review: Berkshire Theatre Group's Lost Lake

My Westfield News Group review of David Auburn's Lost Lake at Berkshire Theatre Group. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-lost-lake-berkshire-theatre-group

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/27/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/27/17. "The Wolves" opens TheaterWorks season. "The Last Wife" at WAM, "Gaslight" at Barrington Stage and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-192

Take Magazine: Harriet Scott Chessman

My Take Magazine profile of author Harriet Scott Chessman, who has transitioned from page to stage. https://thetakemagazine.com/harriet-scott-chessman/

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/20/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 9/20 /17. Rags revisal at Goodspeed, Midtown Men in Springfield, Moonfish Theatre in Amherst, and Mike Thornton and Gruppo Mondo jazz in Egremont. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-191

Media Release: Kevin Rhodes 17-18 Season

AMERICAN CONDUCTOR KEVIN RHODES ANNOUNCES 2017-2018 SEASON

Massachusetts-based American conductor Kevin Rhodes will be performing extensively on both sides of the Atlantic during the 2017-2018 season. He begins his 17th seasons as Music Director of the Traverse Symphony in Michigan and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts, and his 8th season as Principal Conductor of Boston’s Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. He also returns to the opera houses of Stuttgart, Germany, and Vienna, Austria to conduct their highly acclaimed ballet companies.

Maestro Rhodes will conduct two concerts at The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, which celebrates its 40th anniversary season. He opens their season with a performance of Schwantner’s New Morning For The World, and closes their season with performances of Daughtery’s Sunset Strip and Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. 

The Traverse Symphony in Michigan, celebrating its 65th season, has Maestro Rhodes conducting a half-dozen classical concerts, which include a program with violinist Yevgeny Kutik and a choral program showcasing Vivaldi’s Gloria.

In Springfield, MA, Maestro Rhodes conducts 8 programs for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, which begins its 74th season. The season includes an all-Rachmaninoff program, a performance of the Verdi Requiem with orchestra and choruses; a Viva America concert celebrating Gershwin and Bernstein, and The Star Wars and Star Trek Sci-Fi Spectacular.

For The Vienna State Opera Ballet, Maestro Rhodes makes his annual appearance conducting the Rudolf Nureyev Gala, celebrating the dancer and choreographer, who would have turned 80 this year. He also conducts Nureyev’s production of Raymonda, to the music of Glazunov. a mixed repertory program of works choreographed by George Balanchine, John Neumeier, and Jerome Robbins; and a mixed bill featuring Frederick Ashton’s ballet Marguerite and Armand, originally created for Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn.

Maestro Rhodes also returns to The Stuttgart Ballet to conduct a revival of the John Cranko production of Swan Lake.

For The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra in Boston schedule:  http://www.proarte.org/

For The Traverse Symphony in Michigan schedule: http://traversesymphony.org/

For The Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts schedule:http://www.springfieldsymphony.org/

For The Stuttgart Ballet schedule: https://www.stuttgart-ballet.de/

For The Vienna State Opera Ballet schedule: https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/

For Kevin Rhodes’ website: http://kevinrhodesconductor.com/

For Kevin Rhodes biography: http://www.parkerartists.com/Kevin-Rhodes.html

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Take Magazine Profile: Rob Ruggiero of TheaterWorks

My profile of TheaterWorks Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero for Take Magazine. https://thetakemagazine.com/rob-ruggiero-theaterworks/

Westfield News Group Review: A Midsummer Night's Dream at Hartford Stage

My Westfield News Group review of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Hartford Stage. An incredibly beautiful production that is hysterically funny. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-midsummer-nights-dream-hartford-stage

Media Release: Mike Thornton and Gruppo Mondo at Egremont Barn on September 28

CAPITOL STEPS ACTOR MIKE THORNTON AND BERKSHIRES BAND GRUPPO MONDO TO RECORD JAZZ ALBUM BEFORE A LIVE AUDIENCE SEPTEMBER 28 AT THE EGREMONT BARN

Mike Thornton, the actor/singer who plays Presidents from Bush to Trump with The Capitol Steps, and the Berkshires-based jazz quartet Gruppo Mondo, will record an album of jazz standards before a live audience on Thursday, September 28 at 7PM at the Egremont Barn, 17 Main Street, South Egremont, MA. 

Thornton, a member of the political satire group The Capitol Steps for over twenty years, met the musicians of Gruppo Mondo two summers ago, when The Capitol Steps was doing a summer residency at Cranwell in Lenox. “I discovered Gruppo Mondo at a Pittsfield jazz club, and we began to do occasional sets together, after I’d finished playing singing and dancing politicians” 

Thornton decided that he wanted to record material for his upcoming jazz standards album Top Standards on the MTA label with Gruppo Mondo from a venue located in The Berkshires. “I grew up north of Hartford, and spent time in The Berkshires. I’ve performed annually in Lenox with The Capitol Steps, and I’ve gotten to know the artists in the Berkshires.”

Thornton, now based in Washington, DC, attended Hartt School, University of Hartford, where he studied voice and theater and had the opportunity to study with the great Jackie McLean.  At the age of 19, he sang with Uptown Sound– a “Manhattan Transfer” style group featuring intricate harmonies and sophisticated arrangements by the former Glenn Miller Band arranger, Ed Cerveney. Before joining The Capitol Steps in 1995, Mike appeared in several  Off-Broadway productions, the American premiere of Blood Brothers., and the Kennedy Center production of Shear Madness in Washington, DC. His Jazz Quartet performed in many of New York City’s major venues and his Jazz Collective performs regularly in Washington, DC. His most recent CD of standards isStep Back. on the MTA label. For information on Mike Thornton:http://www.mikethorntonjazz.com/. 

 

Gruppo Mondo is a Premiere Live Jazz/Funk Group based in The Berkshires & Hudson Valley, NY. Gruppo Mondo featuring Peter Primamore on keyboards, Aaron Dean on tenor sax,, Tom Major on drums, and Fran Tokarz on bass is a powerhouse Jazz & Rock band with a unique take on a wide variety of music. From straight ahead Swing and Latin Music to one of a kind re-imaginings of classic rock and unique originals, Gruppo Mondo delivers intense performances with unpredictable improvisations. For information on Gruppo Mondo: www.facebook.com/GruppoMondo/ 

For information: 413-528-9580 or http://www.theegremontbarn.com/

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Westfield NewsGroup ArtsBeat 9/13/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 9/13/17. "Lost Lake" next at Berkshire Theatre Group, "Fab Faux" opens UMass Fine Arts Center season an more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-190

ArtsBeat Radio 89.5fm/WSKB 9/13/17

My ArtsBeat Radio 89.5gm/WSKB on 9/13/17 with Alexander Dodge, scenic designer; Eric Ort, TheaterWorks director, and Capitol Steps actor Mike Thornton. https://vimeo.com/233665143

My September Succeeding in Small Business Column

My September column for Succeeding in Small Business. Content Is Essential in Social Media. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/want-more-audience-engagement-improve-your-content/#.WbaZXiMrJaU

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/6/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/6/17. Five College New Music Festival, Northampton's Academy of Music Season, Company extended at Barrington Stage. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-189

Calendar Listings: Mike Thornton and Gruppo Mondo

DATELINE: September 6, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Mark G. Auerbach

Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations

413-427-7352

mgauerbach@gmail.com

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Mike Thornton Agency presents

MIKE THORNTON and GRUPPO MONDO

Mike Thornton, Vocals

Gruppo Mono

Peter Primamore, Keyboard

Aaron Dean, Tenor Sax 

Tom Major, Drums

Fran Tokarz, Bass

Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 7PM

The Egremont Barn

17 Main Street

South Egremont, MA 01258

No one trumps Torme! Night after night, The Capitol Steps actor Mike Thornton heats up the political comedy circuit, playing presidents from Bush to Trump. Then he cools down with jazz standards in area clubs. Be part of an extraordinary live recording, as The Capitol Steps actor and jazz vocalist Mike Thornton, backed by area quartet, Gruppo Mondo, record their unique stylings of jazz standards for Mike Thornton’s upcoming album Top Standards for MTA Records.

Mike Thornton, a native of Windsor, CT  attended Hartt School, University of Hartford, where he studied voice and theater and had the opportunity to study with the great Jackie McLean.  At the age of 19, he sang with Uptown Sound– a “Manhattan Transfer” style group featuring intricate harmonies and sophisticated arrangements by the former Glenn Miller Band arranger, Ed Cerveney. Before joining The Capitol Steps in 1995, Mike appeared in Off-Broadway productions of The Zoo Story, The Madwoman of Chaillot, the American premiere of Blood Brothers., and the Kennedy Center production of Shear Madness in Washington, DC. His Jazz Quartet performed in many of New York City’s major venues and his Jazz Collective performs regularly in Washington, DC. His most recent CD of standards is Step Back. on the MTA label. For information on Mike Thornton: http://www.mikethorntonjazz.com/. 

Gruppo Mondo is a Premiere Live Jazz/Funk Group based in The Berkshires & Hudson Valley, NY. Gruppo Mondo featuring Peter Primamore, Aaron Dean, Tom Major and Fran Tokarz is a powerhouse Jazz & Rock band with a unique take on a wide variety of music. From straight ahead Swing and Latin Music to one of a kind re-imaginings of classic rock and unique originals, Gruppo Mondo delivers intense performances with unpredictable improvisations. For information on Gruppo Mondo: www.facebook.com/GruppoMondo/ 

Mike Thornton and Gruppo Mono first performed together two summers ago in Pittsfield, MA, while Thornton was appearing with The Capitol Steps at Cranwell in nearby Lenox, MA.

For information: 413-528-9580 or http://www.theegremontbarn.com/

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Calendar Listings: The Capitol Steps / Cambridge, MA / November 25

DATELINE: September 8, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Mark G. Auerbach

Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations

413-427-7352

mgauerbach@gmail.com

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Mike Thornton Agency presents

THE CAPITOL STEPS

Orange Is The New Barack Tour

Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 3PM

Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 7PM

Sanders Theatre

Memorial Hall, Harvard University

45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA.

Tickets are on sale at the Harvard Box-Office. For details:  617-496-2222 or https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

The Capitol Steps have been a national institution for over 35 years, providing a unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.. Each show consists of tasteful lampooning guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. The troupe started in 1981. Since then, they have appeared on “The Today Show,” “Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and for many years in specials for NPR. 

The Washington Post calls The Capitol Steps: “An oasis of good-natured ribbing in a fiercely partisan world”. 

Larry King of CNN said of The Capitol Steps: "They're the best. There's no one like them, no one in their league." 

Former President George H. W. Bush said of The Capitol Steps “"The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life." : 

In less than a year since The Capitol Steps’ Post Election Therapy Show came to Cambridge, the political musical comedy troupe works overtime to capture the new administrations’ antics in satire and song. And since The Capitol Steps find their laughs in materials ripped from today’s and tomorrow’s headlines you never know whether Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions, or Kim Jong-un might appear from Mar-A-Lago or The White House.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials, visit their website, www.capsteps.com, or find The Capitol Steps on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (@capsteps)

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ArtsBeat Radio 9/1/17 on 89.5fm/WSKB

My ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 9/1/17 with Elisa Hale of Goodspeed Musicals. https://vimeo.com/232029567

Westfield News Group Review: Georgie at Barrington Stage

My Westfield News Group review of Georgie at Barrington Stage. Ed Dixon shares his relationship with the eccentric actor George Rose in a tour-de-force solo performance.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-georgie-adventures-george-rose-barrington-stage

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/3O/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat or 8/3O/17. E Dixon brings Georgie to Barrington Stage. Avenue Q arrives in Hartford. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-188

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat Extra: Nick Burrage

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat Extra 8/25/17. Westfield native Nick Burrage joins cast of Cinderella national tour. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-extra-westfields-nick-burrage-joins-cast-cinderella-national-tour

ArtsBeat Radio 8/25/17: Maestro Kevin Rhodes

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 8/25/17 An hour with Maestro Kevin Rhodes, conductor at three American orchestras and for ballet and opera worldwide. https://vimeo.com/231091918

ArtsBeat Radio 8/18/17

My ArtsBeat Radio 8/18/17 on 89.5fm/WSKB. Charlie Seidenburg of Barrington Stage and Hershey Felder from Our Great Tchaikovsky at Hartford Stage are guests. https://vimeo.com/230992763

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/23/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/23/17. Jeff McCarthy is "Kunstler" a Barrington Stage, "A Midsummer Night's Dream"next at Hartford Stage. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-187

Westfield News Group Review: Our Great Tchaikovsky at Hartford Stage

My Westfield News Group review of Hershey Felder in his Our Great Tchaikovsky at Hartford Stage. A tour-de-force performance of music and theatre in a portrait of the Russian composer. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-great-tchaikovsky-hartford-stage

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/16/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 8/16/17. No Boundaries in Art at Berkshire Theatre Group. Michael Wartella's Studio 54 gig, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-186

My August article for Succeeding in Small Business

My August article for Succeeding In Small business. Perk up your presentation skills. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/perk-up-your-presentation-skills/#.WZRMnCMrJaV

Westfield News Group Review: "Company"

My Westfield News Group review of Company at Barrington Stage. Aaron Tveit stars in the Sondheim classic. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-company-barrington-stage

ArtsBeat Radio 8/11/17

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for 8/11/17. Mark G. Auerbach chats one-on-one with Daniel Elihu Kramer of Chester Theatre Company. https://vimeo.com/229286291

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/9/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 8/9/17. Hershey Felder is Tchaikovsky at Hartford Stage, a new musical at Goodspeed and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-185

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat Extra: Joshua Burrage / Cats

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat feature: Westfield native Joshua Burrage to make Broadway debut in Cats. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-extra-westfields-joshua-burrage-make-broadway-debut-cats

Westfield News Group Review: Oklahoma! at Goodspeed

My Westfield News Group review of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! at Goodspeed. It's spirited and exuberant. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-goodspeed-stages-oklahoma

89.5fm/Arts Beat Radio: 8/4/17. Guest: Rob Ruggiero

My 89.5fm/WSKB ArtsBeat Radio for 8/4/17. An hour with TheaterWorks Producing Director Rob Ruggiero. https://vimeo.com/228370444

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/2/17

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 8/2/17.Company at Barrington Stage, Music Man at The Colonial and arts happenings in WMass. and CT. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-184

Westfield News Group Review: Finding Nwverland

My Westfield News Group Review: Finding Neverland at The Bushnell. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-finding-neverland-bushnell

89.5fm/WSKB WOW It's Tuesday 8/1/17

8/1/17: WOW It's Tuesday Show on 89.5fm/WSKB. Dennis Akins and I subbed for vacationing anchor Bob Plasse. Music from Oklahoma at Goodspeed, Finding Neverland at Bushnell, Company at Barrington Stage and surprises from Berkshire Theatre Group and more. Sorry about the tech glitch that kept us off the air for an half hour.  https://vimeo.com/227909129

Westfield News Group Review: Arsenic and Old Lace at Berkshire Theatre Group

My Westfield News Group review o Berkshire Theatre Group's Arsenic and Old Lace. A handsome revival of a comedy classic inspired by a Northern CT serial killer.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-aresenic-old-lace-berkshire-theatre-group

Westfield News Group Review: Raging Skillet at TheaterWorks

My Westfield News Group review of Jacques Lamarre's Raging Skillet at Theaterworks in Hartford, the story of chef Rossi. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-raging-skillet-theaterworks

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 7/26/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat 7/26/17. Finding Neverland at The Bushnell, Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival, Arsenic and Old Lace at Berkshire Theatre Group and more.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-183

Westfield News Group Review: Taking Steps at Barrington Stage

My Westfield News Group review o Taking Steps at Barrington Stage. Two words: Hysterically funny. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-taking-steps-barrington-stage

Westfield News Group Review: Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo (Zoo story). at Berkshire Theatre Group

My Westfield News Group review of Berkshire Theatre Group's production of Edward Albee's  At Home at the Zoo (Zoo story). http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-home-zoo-zoo-story-berkshire-theatre-group

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 7/19/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 7/19/17. Eric Hill directs an Edward Albee masterwork at Berkshire Theatre Group, Posh Picnic at Tanglewood, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-182

ArtsBeat Radio 7/14/17

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for 7/14/17. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative's Diane Pearlman and WGBY Connecting Point producer Tony Dunne. https://vimeo.com/225562327

Westfield News Radio Special: Berkshire Theatre Group

Totally thrilled to co-produce and co-host the 2-hour Westfield News Radio special on the Berkshire Theatre Group for 89.5fm/WSKB. With Westfield News' Patrick Berry, BTG CEO Kate Maguire, and the casts o Million Dollar Quartet, Children of a Lesser God, and At Home At The Zoo-Zoo Story. https://vimeo.com/225433309

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 7/12/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 7/12/17. Discount theatre tickets in the Berkshires; Oklahoma at Goodspeed, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-181

Westfield News Group Review: Newsies and Ice Cream

Westfield News Group Review of Connecticut Repertory Theatre's Newsies and the UConn Dairy Bar. Thanks to my pal Ben Jacek for his help on this story. http://thewestfieldnews.com/double-bill-disneys-newsies-ice-cream

ArtsBeat Radio 7/7/14: Rorianne Schrade from Sevenars

ArtsBeat Radio 7/7/17 on 89.5fm/WSKB. My fabulous guest: Rorianne Schrade from Sevenars Concerts. https://vimeo.com/224642683

My July Article for Succeeding in Small Business

The ins and outs of media buying. My July article for Succeeding in Small Business.
https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/why-your-small-business-or-nonprofit-needs-a-media-buyer/#.WV56HSMrJaV

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Posh Picnic July 23

BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS 

 “POSH PICNIC AT TANGLEWOOD”  

A FUNDRAISER FOR BFMC’S EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES

ON SUNDAY, JULY 23^rd 

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) presents its fourth annual Posh Picnic at Tanglewood  in Lenox, MA on Sunday, July 23rd from 12:00 noon – 2:30pm. This unique event raises funds for BFMC’s educational initiatives which include workforce development courses and college workshops that teach the skills necessary to work on film sets. As Executive Director Diane Pearlman explains, “We are committed to strengthening and expanding our local workforce in the film and media industry.  As we train more professionals and promote the region as a location for shooting, we create employment opportunities and support the creative economy”.

The Posh Picnic at Tanglewood includes a delicious gourmet catered picnic lunch on the lawn, an eclectic silent auction, and Shed seating for the matinee performance of The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s concert featuring Kernis, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, conducted by Ken-David Masur.  Special thanks to BFMC’s major sponsor, Tanglewood, for hosting and catering the event. The now famous make your own Bloody Mary bar will feature vodka from sponsor, Berkshire Mountain Distillers.

The Posh Picnic at Tanglewood will honor acclaimed feature film, commercial and theatrical Production Designer/Art Director, Carl Sprague.  Carl is a Berkshire resident whose credits include work with such illustrious directors as Wes Anderson, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Stephen Spielberg. Carl was recently made a new member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This year the winners of the first annual BFMC Short Screenplay Contest will be announced at the Picnic.  The contest was open to all amateur filmmakers who live or study in western Mass. The top three prizes include cash awards.

Tickets for the Posh Picnic at Tanglewood are $160.00 per person and available through the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. For details: call 413-528.4223 or visit www.berkshirefilm.org

Since 2009, the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) has created educational, workforce and production opportunities in Western Massachusetts as a creative economic engine for the region. BFMC offers networking events for industry professionals, develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film and media industry and provides an on-line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers.  BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 7/4/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat or 7/4/17. The Music Man in Pittsfield, Jimmy and Lorraine at Ko Festival in Amherst, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-180

Review: I and You at Chester Theatre Company

Lauren Gunderson's I and You gets a magnificent staging at Chester Theatre, thanks to Kristen Van Ginhoven's direction and a performance by Paul Pontrelli. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-chester-theatre-company

ArtsBeat Radio 6/3O/17: Berkshire Theatre Group: The Music Man

ArtsBeat Radio 89.5fm/WSKB 6/3O/17. "The Music Man" at Berkshire Theatre Group. Mark G. Auerbach talks with Travis Daly, director and Mark Gionfriddo, music director. https://vimeo.com/223769871

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 6/28/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat 6/28/17. Newsies at CT Rep, Raging Skillet at TheaterWorks, music at Sevenars and Talcott Mountain and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-179

Westfield News Group Review: Ragtime at Barrington Stage

My Westfield News Group review of Ragtime at Barrington Stage.
 http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-ragtime-barrington-stage

Westfield News Group Review: Children of A Lesser God

My Westfield News Group review of Berkshire Theatre Group's Children of a Lesser God, directed by Kenny Leon. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-children-lesser-god-berkshire-theatre-group

ArtsBeat Radio 6/23/17 CT Repertory Theatre and Newsies

My ArtsBeat Radio 6/23/17 on 89.5fm/WSKB with Terrence Mann and Christopher d'Amboise from CT Repertory Theatre's "Newsies". https://vimeo.com/222833997

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 6/21/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 6/21/17. Springfield actor John Shea returns to town with his new movie. Chester Theatre opens I and You and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-178

Westfield News Group Review: "Fun Home" at The Bushnell

My Westfield News Group review of "Fun Home" at The Bushnell. Kate Shindle and Robert Petkoff star in the Tony Award-winning musical about Alison Bechdel. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-fun-home-bushnell

Westfield News Group Review: Million Dollar Quartet at Berkshire Theatre Group

My Westfield News Group review of Berkshire Theatre Group's Million Dollar Quartet. There's a whole lot of sizzle going on. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-million-dollar-quartet-berkshire-theatre-group

ArtsBeat Radio 6/16/17

ArtsBeat Radio 6/16/17. Mark G. Auerbach interviews Kristen Van Ginhoven from WAM Theatre. https://vimeo.com/221890080

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 6/14/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat 6/14/17. Children of a Lesser God at Berkshire Theatre Group, Under Milk Wood in Huntington, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-177

ArtsBeat Radio Catalogued Shows

Here are the catalogued ArtsBeat Radio shows from 89.5fm/WSKB

5/26/17: Mark G. Auerbach interviews Kate Maguire and Eric Hill from The Berkshire Theatre Group https://vimeo.com/219120468

6/2/17: Mark G. Auerbach interviews Denis Jones, Tony Award nominee. https://vimeo.com/220003185

6/9/17: Patrick Berry interviews Shawn Farley from the UMass Fine Arts Center. https://vimeo.com/220964950

Westfield News Group Review: "Fade" at TheaterWorks

My Westfield News Group review of "Fade" at TheaterWorks, Hartford. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-fade-theaterworks

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 6/7/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 6/7/17. Fun Home at The Bushnell, Ragtime at Barrington Stage, Noises Off at CT. Rep and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-176

Succeeding in Small Business June Article

My June article for Succeeding in Small Business. Answering the Tough Questions. It's Not always easy. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/in-the-hot-seat-how-to-deal-with-a-tough-media-interview/#.WTa5aiMrJaV

Westfield News Group Review: 1776 at CT Rep

My WestfieldNews Group Review of 1776 at CT. Repertory Theatre. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-1776-connecticut-repertory-theatre

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/31/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/31/17. Million Dollar Quartet opens Berkshire Theatre Group season; Springfield Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-175

Westfield News Group Review: The King and I at The Bushnell.

My Westfield News Group review of The King and I at The Bushnell. One word. Sumptuous.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-king-bushnell

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/24/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 5/24/17. The King and I at The Bushnell, 1776 at CT. Rep, ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-174

My Westfield News Group Article: Massachusetts Funds WMAss Creative Economy

My Westfield News Group article on Massachusetts funding creative economy projects in WMass. http://thewestfieldnews.com/massachusetts-awards-9-3-million-cultural-facilities-awards

Westfield News Group Review: Heartbreak House at Hartford Stage

My Westfield News Group Review: Darko Tresnjak stages Shaw's "Heartbreak House" at Hartford Stage. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-heartbreak-house-hartford-stage

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/17/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat for 5/17/17. Local Tony Awards nominee connections. Jeff McCarthy opens Barrington Stage's season and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-173

Westfield News Group Review: Thoroughly Modern Millie at Goodspeed

My Westfield News Group review of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at Goodspeed. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-goodspeed-stages-thoroughly-modern-millie

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/1O/17

My Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/1O/17. From Heartbreak House to Sting. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-172

My Succeeding in Small Business Article / May

My latest article or "Succeeding in Small Business" about radio interviews. http://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/how-to-ace-a-radio-interview/#.WRHfYiMrJaV

Westfield News Group Review: Storm Large

My Westfield News Group review of Storm Large and Le Bonheur at CityStage. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-storm-large-le-bonheur-citystage

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 5/3/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 5/3/17. The Three "T"s. Travis G. Daly at Berkshire Theatre Group, Terrence Mann at Ct. Repertory Theatre, and Todd Rosenthal on "Roman Holiday". http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-171

Westfield News Group Article on ArtsBeat Radio

Westfield News Group reports on my Arts Beat Radio debut on May 26. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-radio-launches-89-5fmwskb

Media Release. Arts Beat Raio Launches May 26

Dateline: May 2, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARTS BEAT RADIO LAUNCHES ON 89.5FM/WSKB ON MAY 26

Arts Beat Radio, a new limited-run, hour-long arts and entertainment program launches on Fridays from 8AM-9AM on 89.5FM/WSKB beginning May 26. Produced for 89.5FM/WSKB by Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, and hosted by Mark G. Auerbach, Arts Beat columnist for The Westfield News Group, Arts Beat Radio will showcase the diverse performing arts scene in Southern New England.

“I want to bring some of our region’s finest talents into the WSKB studios to talk about the state of their arts, and what it’s like to create music, dance, and theatre here in Western New England”, said Auerbach, who announced that the premiere of Arts Beat Radio on May 26 will feature Berkshire Theatre Group’s Kate Maguire and the internationally renowned actor, director, and teacher Eric Hill, former Artistic Director of StageWest. 

Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at Northfield Mount Hermon School, American University and The Yale School of Drama. After working at Wolf Trap outside Washington, DC; Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, The Springfield Symphony, Greater Miami Opera, and StageWest, he opened a public relations consultancy. As an arts reporter, he was written extensively for newspapers, magazines, and radio. 

Some of the upcoming guests on Arts Beat Radio include: Shawn Farley from the UMass Fine Arts Center; Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative’s Diane Pearlman; and Maestro Kevin Rhodes. 

89/5FM/WSKB, Radio or The Western Masses, is licensed to serve Westfield State University and the Greater Westfield, MA area. WSKB runs Community Radio programming daily from 6AM-10AM. Arts Beat Radio and other WSKB programming  can be heard at 89.5FM, on Comcast Channel 15 in Westfield, and streamed by www.wskb.org or at www.westfieldtv.org.

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Westfield News Group Arts Beat 4/26/17

My Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 4/26/17. Hartford Symphony, Playhouse on Park and Barrington Stage announce new seasons and series. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-170

Media Release: American Conductor Kevin Rhodes Makes Oslo Debut

AMERICAN CONDUCTOR KEVIN RHODES TO MAKE NORWEGIAN DEBUT CONDUCTING NORWEGIAN NATIONAL BALLET PRODUCTION OF DON QUIXOTE MAY 19-JUNE 10

The Massachusetts-based American conductor Kevin Rhodes makes his Norwegian debut, when he conducts the Rudolf Nureyev production of Don Quixote at the Norwegian Opera and Ballet in Oslo on May 19 through June 10. 

Don Quixote is set to the music of Ludwig Minkus, as arranged by John Lanchberry; Rudolf Nureyev choreographed the production after Marius Petipa. .Maestro Rhodes is no stranger to Don Quixote. He first conducted the new Dutch National Ballet production by Alexei Ratmansky, which was recorded live at the Amsterdam Music Theatre, and is available on DVD. Rhodes toured with this production to Beijing. He then conducted the Nureyev version of Don Quixote with the Vienna State Opera Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet. The Vienna production was filmed for television, and has been aired extensively throughout the European Union. The Paris production, recorded live at the Bastille Opera House, was filmed for TV and cinema, and has been aired worldwide. Rhodes toured with that production to Tokyo.

Maestro Rhodes divides his time between his roles as Music Director for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts, and the Traverse Symphony in Michigan; he is celebrating his 16th season with both ensembles. He conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in Traverse on April 23, and in Springfield, MA on April 29. He has just renewed his contract in Michigan for another four seasons.  He is also Principal Conductor for Boston’s Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra for his 7th season. 

Last fall, Maestro Rhodes conducted an all-Balanchine program as part of the Paris Opera Ballet’s Homage to Violette Verdy. and the Nureyev production of Raymonda at the Vienna State Opera Ballet. A regular guest conductor at Europe’s top opera houses for over 20 years, this season he also returns to the Stuttgart Ballet to conduct Romeo and Juliet, on June 13 and 17, and the annual Nureyev Gala at the Vienna State Opera on June 28.

For details on the Norwegian Opera and Ballet production of Don Quixote:http://operaen.no/en/Performances/don-quixote/#sectionIntro

For Kevin Rhodes’ website: http://kevinrhodesconductor.com/

For Kevin Rhodes biography: http://www.parkerartists.com/Kevin-Rhodes.html

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