January Client Newsletter

Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,

We’re proud to share our clients’ activities

The Big Broadcast! The 15^th edition of a live1940s radio broadcast, created and directed by Mark Gionfriddo, and performed by the Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College, returns to South Hadley’s Chapin Auditorium on March 7 at 2PM and 7:30PM. This signature event at Mount Holyoke College again ataras WWLP’s Brian Lapis as emcee “Fred Kelley”. Tickets are now on sale at The Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, and the Umass Fine Arts Center Box-Office at 314-545-2511, 800-999-UMASS, or www.fineartscenter.com. We’re thrilled to have asponsor commitments from Mount Holyoke College, Loomis Communitiews, PRIME Magazine, The Republican, MassLLive and El Pueblo Latino; WWLP-22News and the CW Springfield. I’ve attached Gabrielle Perlman’s beautiful poster design for this season’s event.

The Capitol Steps perform their new show, The Lyin’ Kings every Friday and Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC (Tickets at Ticketmaster) and across the country. Their Politics Takes A Holiday New Year's Eve Special was taped on December 13-14 in Washington, DC, and airs on many NPR stations coast-to-coast. For a list of stations carrying the broadcast: http://www.capsteps.com/radio/. For details. http://capsteps.com/   

The Westfield Concerts Series, powered by Gaslight Entertainment, is a new venture, co-founded by two of my WSKB colleagues, Patrick Berry and Jay Pagluica. They’ll be presenting a monthly music festival weekend from January through May, at the Westfield Woman’s Club in downtown Westfield, so there’s a regular performance season there. The music menu varies, from pop to rock to jazz, folk, and blues. The headliners are often nationally-known musicians and groups, and the openers are talented regional and local artists. The season klicked off last November. The next weekend is January 10-12. Porter Carroll, Jr. plays the Sunday afternoon performance. Founder of Atlantic Starr and currently a member of the number one selling duo in the history of music, Hall of Famers, Daryl Hall and John Oates. Porter is also performing in two breakout projects of his own.  The Evolution of Cabaret, a “bold and daring nightclub act for the modern world” and Symphony Rhythm & Blues, “the ultimate crossover”.For details: www.westfieldconcerts.com  And for the January concerts Press Release: http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/2019/12/media-release-westfield-concerts.html

More Shameless Self-Promotion

My weekly ArtsBeat column runs online online every Wednesday and in print on Thursdays in The Westfield News. ArtsBeat monthly “Pick Hits” runs on the first Thursday of the month in The Longmeadoiw News and The Enfield Press. My theatre reviews generally run online a day or two after I see the performance.

ArtsBeat is now on both radio and TV every Friday at 8AM. Tune in or stream on 89.5fm/WSKB or www.wskb.org OR WCPC15 or www.westfieldtv.org. The program originates from Studio 120 at Westfield Technical Academy. I’ve become a contributor to The Brad Shepard Today program on Pioneer Valley Radio, which generally streams on Tuesdays at www.pioneervalleyradio.com.

I’m really proud of two specials we taped from Hartford Stage during their run of A Christmas Carol. Thanks to Hartford Stage’s Theresa MacNaughton, our engineer and producer Peter Cowles, and my co-host Patrick Berry for making them happen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed3_Q3rwPmo&t=2495s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjBmaQXZDZM&t=1798s

I recapped the Arts Year here. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-the-arts-year-2019-in-review/ 

And here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En2SI3Ajxxk

I recapped my personal year here: http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/2019/12/my-2019-holiday-letter.html

Happy New Year!

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 12/27/19

ArtsBeat Radio/TV. 12/27/19. A year-end wrap-up of the 2019 theatre scene with arts reporters Mark G. Auerbach of Westfield News and ArtsBeat Radio/TV; Chris Rohmann of The Valley Advocate; and J. Peter Bergman of Berkshire Edge and Berkshire Bright Focus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En2SI3Ajxxk

Westfgield News ArtsBeat 12/25/19

Westfield News ArtsBeat 12/25/19. 2019 in Review: The plays, productions, and performances that made an impact on me this year in WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-the-arts-year-2019-in-review/

My 2019 Holiday Letter

I had actually thought about sending holiday cards this year, but the idea of handwriting greetings and signing my name was too much, because the injuries to my left hand have not fully recovered. So, I sent this instead.

Forgive the typed and emailed greetings. I really wanted to do some holiday cards, but frankly, I still can’t write by hand.

Season’s Greetings. This year, as I’ve done previously, I’ve chosen to support several local non-profits who work for the greater good. The funds I could have used for holiday cards, gifts, and more will help the non-profits make life better for others. To me, that’s what the spirit of the season is about. But, I did wantr to get a message out, accompanied by a photo of my favorite place: The Connecticut River at Northfield Mount Hermon from Christmas 2014.

It’s been a year of major peaks and valleys. Things were on a roll until April 14, when I slipped and fell down a flight of stairs in the condo, broke my right femur and my left (dominant) hand and wrist. After extensive surgery to treat the fractures and subsequent complications—enough to provide plot for a full season of Grey’s Anatomy. I spent 12 weeks in rehab, 2 weeks of being housebound with physical therapy coming to the condo, and after I progressed from wheelchair to walker to cane, to outpatient PT, which continues. My colleagues, friends, and neighbors helped me through the process. I’m now at the 85% recovery level. I still can’t climb stairs, roll over, or write. I believe I will. One more surgery looms in the New Year...that on my hand, so I can hold a pen and write again. To add drama to drama, Marc Newman, one of my best friends died a couple of days after I got home, my 100 year old father died a few days later, and my aunt died later in the year. That generation of Auerbachs are now a memory.

But out of bad times comes good times. My work flourished, handling clients like The Capitol Steos, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, The Jazz Ensembles at Mount Holyoke College, and Gaslight Entertainment’s Westfield Concerts series. When 89.5fm/WSKB and Westfield TV WCPC15 built a joint studio, My ArtsBeat program added a TV component. I have continued to provide content for Westfield News, Longmeadow News, and Enfield Press, after their sale to another newspaper group. I became a content contributor to Pioneer Valley Radio, and I write a monthly public relations column for Succeeding in Small Business. 

I learned how important friends are this year. Yes, I’m appreciative of the support of my clients and colleagues, and the theatres I cover as a reporter. Yes, I’m also grateful to my neighbors and pool pals, who walked me to/from the pool, took me grocery shopping, picked up my mail, and got me to doctor’s appointments. My Northfield Mount Hermon classmates from near and far paid visits on a regular basis. Friends from all over called, texted, and messaged me. Thanks to them! One friend from Berlin, accompanied by our dancer friend Kathy,  paid a visit, and brought New York deli food. My pal Mark Gionfriddo broke away from rehearsals at Berkshire Theatre Group to perform excerpts from Fiddler on The Roof at my dad's funeral. Five friends and colleagues went above and beyond to get me back on my feet. Thank you Rob, Patrick, Chris, Ben, and the late Marc.

I took my health and my life for granted. I’ve been granted a second chance. That’s good come from bad.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. And, as you wake up New Year’s morning, may the words of Barbara Walters roll through your head. “This is...2020”.

Mark

Pioneer Valley Radio ArtsBeat 12/24/19

Pioneer Valley Radio ArtsBeat segment 12/24/19. "Anastasia" rings in the New Year at The Bushnell. "Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical" comes to Playhouse on Park. Kudos to Springfield Symphony's Maestro  Kevin Rhodes and Mt. Holyoke composer David Sanford. Segment starts at 2:12. http://pioneervalleyradio.com/2019/12/24/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-december-24-2019/

Media Release: The Big Broadcast

DATELINE: December 20, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:: Mark G. Auerbach, 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College

present the 15^th edition of

The Big Broadcast!

Saturday, March 7, 2020

2:00PM and 7:30PM

Chapin Auditorium

Route 116, South Hadley, MA

The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College present the 15th edition of The Big Broadcast! on Saturday, March 7 at 2PM & 7:30PM at Chapin Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, MA. Snow date is Sunday, March 8.

Created and directed by Mark Gionfriddo, who is also onstage as “Matt Morgan”, The Big Broadcast!  is a re-creation of a live 1940's radio show featuring the Mount Holyoke College Big Band, Vocal Jazz, and Chamber Jazz Ensembles performing well-known tunes from the swing era and the American songbook. WWLP-TV meteorologist Brian Lapis is emcee “Fred Kelley” for his 13th consecutive season. Mount Holyoke College music faculty member Mark Gionfriddo originally created The Big Broadcast! for a small cabaret group he directed, and incorporated it into the concert season at Mount Holyoke College. It has since been designated as a Signature Event at the college.

Performance sponsors of The Big Broadcast! are: Mount Holyoke College, New England Public Media, a partnership of New England Public Radio and WGBY; PRIME Magazine; WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield, The Republican powering MassLive and El Pueblo Latino, and Loomis Communities. 

Tickets (general admission): $25.00 premium front and center seating.$20.00 regular seating. Senior Discounts: $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Students: $10.00. Tickets are on sale at The Odyssey Book Shop, Village Commons, South Hadley; the UMass Fine Arts Center Box Office; and at the door (subject to availability). For advance phone orders, call 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMASS. For online tickets, visit www.fineartscenter.com. Doors open one hour prior to each performance.

For information on The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College: 

https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/music/jazz

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ArtsBeat Radio/TV 12/20/19: Hartford Stage

ArtsBeat Radio TV 12/20/19. Part Two of our visit to Hartford Stage. Mark G. Auerbach and Patrick Berry chat with new Artistic Director Melia Bensussen and Managing Director Cynthia Rider. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjBmaQXZDZM

Westfield News ArtsBeat 12/18/19

Westfield News ArtsBeat 12/18/19. "Tenderly: the Rosemary Clooney Musical" is headed to Playhouse on Pasrk; Abany Berkshire Ballet's "The Nutcracker" in Springfield, and other arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-300/

Westfield News Rev iew: Home For The Holidays"

Westfield News review of The Majestic Theatre's "Home For The Holidays".
 https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-home-for-the-holidays-returns-to-the-majestic/

Pioneer Valley Radio Arts Segment 12/17/19

I stopped by Pioneer Valley Radio's Brad Shepard Today to talk about Albany Berkshire Ballet's Nutcracker in Springfield, and the beautiful Mahaiwe Theatre in Great Barrington. Also a mention of Hartford Symphony's Holiday Cirque Spectacular. Segment xstarts at 2:19. http://pioneervalleyradio.com/2019/12/17/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-december-17-2019/

ArtsBeat Radio TV at Hartford Stage, Part 1

ArtsBeat Radio/TV travels to Hartford Stage to chat with members of "A Christmas Carol". Co-hosts Mark G. Auerbach and Patrick Berry meet director Rachel Alderman, John-Andrew Morrison, who plays Mr. Marvel, and dance captain Sarah Killough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed3_Q3rwPmo

Media Release: Westfield Concerts January Music Weekend

DATELINE: December 16, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALENDAR LISTINGS

WESTFIELD CONCERTS MONTHLY MUSIC WEEKEND: JANUARY, 2020

Produced by Gaslight Entertainment

January 10-12, 2020

Westfield Woman’s Club

28 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085

Tickets and Information: https://westfieldconcerts.com/

Friday, January 10, 2020

Jhn Berman 7PM

KICK - The INXS Experience 8PM

KICK - The INXS Experience is the USA's most captivating salute and tribute to the internationally acclaimed rock band, INXS. Formed in 2014, two years after INXS stopped touring, KICK - The INXS Experience has beautifully managed to capture the spirit of INXS in both its sound and live performance, bringing the highest level of musicianship to the audience while showing a true passion for the music of INXS. Vocalist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter Cory Massi is the founding frontman of KICK, and has long held a respect and admiration for the late great Michael Hutchence. Massi even auditioned for the reality TV show, Rockstar: INXS, in 2004, where contestants competed to become the new lead vocalist for INXS. For details: www.get-kicked.com

Jon Berman, after hitting the road with countless bands as a sideman, songwriter Jon Berman picked up a guitar and brought his own music to life. With influences ranging from the coastal music of Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney, touching upon the country of Dierks Bentley and Willie Nelson, and reaching to the songwriting of Stephen Kellogg and Will Hoge, Jon’s music covers many genres that appeal to a wide listening audience. Jon has performed with acts such as Changes In Latitudes, Barefoot Truth, Hard Rock Café Ambassador of Rock winners Jackson Wetherbee Band, The Sweet Remains, Stephen Kellogg, Rick Monroe and T.I.P. In his touring career, Jon has opened for many acts including country stars Granger Smith and Clare Dunn, O.A.R., Matt Nathanson, Reel Big Fish, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, Guster, Shinedown, Staind and Aaron Lewis. For details: http://jonbermanmusic.com/

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Tyshaun Davis and Heather Dale 7PM

James Montgomery Band 8PM

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home". Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene. Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax". For details: https://www.jamesmontgomery.com/

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Opening Act TBD 4PM

Porter Carroll Jr 5PM

Porter Carroll Jr, as a songwriter for Sony Music Publishing from the mid-1980s through early 1990s, plumbed the heart of R&B and pop with thought-provoking lyrics, catchy melodies and great hooks. Top names lined up for Porter Carroll compositions including Luther Vandross, The Temptations and Grover Washington. He wrote for Will Downing, Bob James, former Atlantic Starr lead vocalist Sharon Bryant, Marion Meadows, Bob Baldwin, Dana Dawson from Broadway’s Rent, England’s Jaki Graham, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jane Fonda among others. He co-wrote and co-produced Taj Mahal and also co-wrote music for the animated cable TV movie “People,” performed by Peabo Bryson. He’s written theme songs for Video Vibrations and Midnight Love on the BET cable TV network. Porter’s also an in-demand backup vocalist for recording artists including Shania Twain, Spyro Gyra, Melba Moore, Donnie Osmond, Michael Bolton, Howard Hewitt and Bob Baldwin. For details: https://www.portercarrolljr.com/

The inaugural Westfield Concerts series are produced by Gaslight Entertainment, co-founded by Patrick Berry and Jay Pagluica, to present monthly music weekends with national touring music acts and regional up-and-coming artists in downtown Westfield, MA.The music program s include all kinds of music genres from pop to rock, jazz, blues, and folk. Westfield Concerts are held at The Westfield Woman’s Club in downtown Westfield, MA. For details on Gaslight Entertainment and Westfield Concerts: 413) 579-8540‬ or www.westfieldconcerts.com, and on Facebook as Gaslight Entertainment.

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Pioneer Valley Radio Review: Home For The Holidays

Pioneer Valley Radio review of The Majestic Theater's annual "Home For The Holidays". Starts at 2:28. http://pioneervalleyradio.com/2019/12/13/brad-shepard-today-friday-december-13-2019/

Westfiueld News ArtsBeat 12/11/19

Westfield News ArtsBeat 12/11/19. Reviews of "Christmas on The Rocks" at TheaterWorks and "Santaland Diaries" at Playhouse on Park. Plus "Anyone Can Whistle" at Hartt, and arts news from WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-299/

Two Theatre Reviews for Pioneer Valley Radio

Two theatre reviews on Pioneer Valley Radio. "Christmas on The Rocks" at TheaterWorks and "Santaland Diaries" at Playhouse on Park. Segment starts at 2:57. http://pioneervalleyradio.com/2019/12/10/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-december-10-2019/

My December Succeeding in Small Business Article

My December column for Succeeding in Small Business. I survived message bombardment. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/lessons-from-the-world-of-message-bombardment/#.Xe5xm5NKiqR

December News from Mark G Auerbach Public Relations

December, 2019

Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,

We’re proud to share our clients’ activities

The Big Broadcast!, the 15th annual recreation of a live 1940s radio broadcast, created and directed by Mark Gionfriddo, and performed by The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College, returns to Chapin Auditorium on March 7 at 2PM and 7:30PM. This signature event at Mt. Holyoke College will again star WWLP's Brian Lapis as "Fred Kelly". Tickets are on sale at The Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, and the UMass Fine Art Center Box-Office. 413-545-2511, 800-999-UMAS or www.fineartscenter.com.  We're thrilled to have sponsorship commitments from Mount Holyoke College, Loomis Communities, PRIME Magazine,  The Republican, MassLive and All Pueblo Latino; WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield and others to be announced.  We'll also have special group rates for senior groups. Message me for details.

The Capitol Steps perform their new show, The Lyin’ Kings every Friday and Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. They're taping their annual Politics Takes A Holiday New Year's Eve Special on December 13-14 in Washington, DC. Tickets at Ticketmaster. You can see them perform throughout the year at theatres coast-to-coast, including a return to Cambridge, MA for their 21st annual Thanksgiving weekend performances on November 30. Some tickets are still available at the Harvard Box-Office. https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu The Cambridge performances are presented by The Mike Thornton Agency LLC.. http://capsteps.com/   

Gaslight Entertainment is a new venture co-founded by two of my 89.5fm/WSKB colleagues, Patrick Berry and Jay Pagluica, to bring live music entertainment in a variety of genres from pop to rock to blues to jazz to folk, from nationally touring tribute bands and local artists. They kicked off their series in November, and one weekend per month, they present three days of music at the Westfield Women's Club in downtown Westfield, MA. Their next monthly music weekend is January 10-12. For details: www.westfieldconcerts.com 

More Shameless Self-Promotion

My weekly ArtsBeat column runs online online every Wednesday and in print on Thursdays in The Westfield News. ArtsBeat monthly “Pick Hits” runs on the first Thursday of the month in The Longmeadoiw News and The Enfield Press. My theatre reviews generally run online a day or two after I see the performance.

ArtsBeat is now on the airwaves on both 89.5fm/WSKB and on TV on WCPC15.  We’re originating the program from new studios at Westfield Technical Academy . November guests include: members of The Albany Berkshire Ballet on November 29. In December, guests include Eric Hill and Travis Daly from Berkshire Theatre Grooup's A Christmas Carol on December 6, and a two-part special from Hartford Stage on December 13-20. On December 27, arts reporters Chris Rohmann, J. Peter Bergman and I wrap up the "Best of 2019". Thanks to Patrick Berry for co-hosting our December shows. Here's a program featuring musician David Kidwell, composer, Hoilyoke Civic Symnphony Maestro, and keyboard player at Goodspeed Musicals' Billy Elliot: The Musical. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XCabJBFf_c

And, I’m now a weekly contributor to the web-based Pioneer Valley Radio. Find my ArtsBeat on Brad Shepard Today, every Tuesday.  Theatre reviews may run on other days of the week. http://pioneervalleyradio.com/category/programs/brad-shepard-today/  Here's my review of Hello, Dolly! at The Bushnell, which starts at 1:58  :http://pioneervalleyradio.com/2019/11/14/brad-shepard-today-thursday-november-14-2019/?fbclid=IwAR2z3ZElDmkL_Xy1P-rqtRLTKmP4wRmGuw9KEshFJqpiyN-KGaPdMWjUWeU

ArtsBeat columns and ArtsBeat Radio/TV often appear on BroadwayStars.com.

Our offices will be closed on December 24-27 and December 31 and January 1. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and a great year ahead. Instead of sending holiday cards and client gifts, I'm donating those funds to several local non-profits who strive to make our communities better. I hope that in the spirit of the season, you'll support non-profit organizations. 

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 12/6/19: "A Chriustmas Carol"

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 12/6/19. Mark G. Auerbach and Patrick Berry chat with Berkshire Theatre Group's Eric Hill, adapter and "Scrooge" in "A Christmas Carol" and the production's director, Travis Daly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP6VApXt18c

Westfield News ArtsBeat 12/4/19

Westfield News ArtsBeat 12/4/19. Holiday theatre and music events in WMass and No.CT, plus B roadway Week comes in January. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-297/

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/29/19: Albany Berkshire Ballet

ArtsBeat Radio/TV for 11/29/19. Mark G. Auerbach spends an hour with the talents of Albany Berkshire Ballet, who bring “The Nutcracker” to cities around New England. Founder Madeline Cantarella Culpo, board member Susan Gilbert, and publicist Joe Durwin preview the performances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhafBTAzNMM

Wesatfield News ArtsBeat `11`/27/19

Westfield News ArtsBeat 11/27/19. December Pick Peefdormances in WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/artsbeat-pick-hits-for-december/

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/22/19 with David Kidwell

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/22/19. Mark G. Auerbach chats with David Kidwell, Maestro of the Holyoke Civic Symphony, keyboard player with Goodspeed's "Billy Elliot: The Musical", and composer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XCabJBFf_c

Westfield News ArtsBeat 11/20/19

Westfield News ArtsBeat 11/201/19. "A Christmas Carol" opens at Hartford Stage. News from Shakespearew & Company, WAM Theatre, The Berkshire Theatrew Critics Awards, and arts news from WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-296/

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/15/19: Playhouse on Park

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/15/19: Mark G. Auerbach interviews Tracy Flater from West Hartford's Playhouse on Park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMEgn8tjcn8

Westfiel News Group Review: Hello Dolly

Westfield News Group review of "Hello, Dolly!" at The Bushnell. Carolee Carmello and John Bolton star. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-hello-dolly-triumphant-at-the-bushnell/?fbclid=IwAR285uDCBXvckfCgqWC2zvLQIm5mUxw

Pioneer Valley Radio review: Hello Dolly

My Pioneer Valley Radio review of "Hello Dolly" at The Bushnell. Wow! Wow! Wow! On "Brad Shepard Today". 

http://pioneervalleyradio.com/2019/11/14/brad-shepard-today-thursday-november-14-2019/ starts at 1:58

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/13/19

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/13/19. Avery Sharpe's "400: An African American Musical Portrait" t UMass/Bowker, "Merrilee Mannerly" at Playhouse on Park and arts news for WMass and No. CT.  https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-295/

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/8/19

ArtBeat Radio/TV for 11/8/19. Mark G Auerbach interviews Lucinda Kidder, co-founder of Silverthorne Theater Company in Greenfield, MA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHexjppixfk

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 11/6/19

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 11/6/19. "Hello, Dolly!" comes to Hartford; "Assassins" plays Northampton and other arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-294/

My Succeeding in Small Business November column

My Succeeding in Small Business November column. Don't overdo the holiday marketing message. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/dont-overdo-the-marketing-messaging-during-the-holiday-season/#.XcAczSMrJaV

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 11/1/19

ArtBeat Radio/TV 11/1/19. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Maestro Kevin Rhodes, music director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vADbNaIv3ko

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/30/19

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/30/19. Pick hits for November. arts events
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-293/

Westfield News Group Review: "American Son" at TheaterWorks

Westfield News Group review of American Son at TheaterWorks, Hartford, CT.  In the able hands of director Rob Ruggiero, a talented cast, and some tweaks by playwright Demos-Brown, since the Barrington Stage premiere, American Son delivers the goods and packs a punch.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-theaterworks-opens-new-season-with-american-son/

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 10/25/19

ArtsBeat Radio/TV for  10/25/19. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Gaslight Entertainment's Patrick Berry and Jay Pagluica about their new Westfield Concert Series, coming to WMass in November.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vibEjXvIGo

Westfield News Group Arts Beat 10/24/19

Westfield News Group ArtBeat for 10/24/19. The Berkshire Theatre Critics Association announce nominees for "The Berkies". "Forever Plaid" plays The Majestic, and other arts news for WMass. and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-292/

ArtsBeat Radio/TV 10/18/19: Shawn Farley/UMass Fine Arts Center

ArtsBeat Radio/TV for 10/18/19. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Shawn Farley from the UMass Fine Arts Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW3AxV30hjU

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/16/19.

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/16/19. The Love Boat docks at TheaterWorks. A Shayna Maidel at Playhouse on Park, regional arts resources and arts news for WMass and No.CT.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-291/

Media Release: TheCapitol Steps Return to Cambrige

DATELINE: October 15, 2019. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CAPITOL STEPS RETURN TO CAMBRIDGE ON NOVEMBER 30 FOR THEIR 20TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND FEATURING THEIR NEW PRODUCTION "THE LYIN' KINGS" 

The Capitol Steps, America’s political musical satire troupe that has been putting the “mock” in democracy for over nine Presidential elections, returns to Sanders Theatre on the Harvard campus in Cambridge for their 20th anniversary Thanksgiving Weekend performances, Saturday, November 30, at 5PM and 8PM.  This year's show isThe Lyin' Kings.

The Lyin’ Kings, drawing its humor from today’s headlines and twitter feeds, is based on The Capitol Steps’ CD of the same name. The new tour, which opened in Washington, DC and in The Berkshires this summer, is getting rave reviews. 

Fred Baumgarten of Berkshire Onstage says “The Capitol Steps’ latest show, The Lyin’ Kings, was performed by a cast more than up to the challenge, and had the audience roaring with laughter (pun intended). The speed with which the troupe could adapt and create new skits and lyrics – always set to well-known pop tunes – rivaled the speed of the internet.” 

But, so much has happened since summer, with a presidential debate, Brexit, an interest in purchasing Greenland, hurricane paths drawn with a Sharpie, and thoughts of Impeachment..

What better time to see the Capitol Steps than now, with the next Presidential election season approaching?  The show will include the latest songs about the Democratic primary candidates (“76 Unknowns”) and the newest late-night thoughts from President Trump (“Tweet It”).  No one knows what 2020 will bring, but whether it’s Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Beto O’Rourke, the Capitol Steps can tell you what rhymes with it!  Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican (or somewhere in-between), if you’ve ever wanted to see Donald Trump sing a rock song, Bernie Sanders sing a show tune, and Vladimir Putin dance shirtless…this is the show for you!

And since the Capitol Steps mine their laughs from materials ripped from today’s and tomorrow’s headlines, you never know whether Nancy Pelosi, William Barr, or Kim Jong-un might appear on stage together in a song!

The Capitol Steps’ upcoming performance of mostly new material and some old favorites “is cheaper than therapy”, says Capitol Step co-founder Elaina Newport. “No matter who is making the news, we all need a laugh.  And as fast as a politician can send a tweet, our writers text a new song or joke.  The material comes from both sides of the aisle – sometimes it seems like the politicians are trying to provide us with material!”

Mike Thornton, the Capitol Steps actor who has portrayed Presidents from Reagan to Trump, says “We update our show all the time, so we can’t tell you exactly who will be parodied until we arrive at the Academy of Music.”

The Capitol Steps began in 1981, when a group of Congressional staffers got together to provide entertainment for a holiday office party on Capitol Hill. Since then,the company of professional actors and singers have provided their unique mix of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast. Each show consists of about 30 songs and skits, with “more costume changes than a Cher concert,” as an audience member once remarked  The Capitol Steps perform in Washington DC every weekend, tour nationally throughout the year, and have appeared on “The Today Show,” “ABC News Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and on specials for NPR. 

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

Sanders Theatre is located in Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy Street, on The Harvard University campus in Cambridge. Tickets are available through The Harvard Bo-Office. For details:  617-496-2222 or https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu  The Capitol Steps at Sanders is presented by The Mike Thornton Agency LLC.

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