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Clark College Orchestra Presents “High Strung”

The Clark College Orchestra performs De Falla’s Three Cornered Hat and Chabrier’s Espana, directed by Don Appert, this Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 pm. Guest violist Brett Deubner solos in Don Appert’s Fantasy for Viola and String Orchestra, as well as Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher for Viola and Chamber Orchestra.

Location: Durst Theatre, at the Vancouver School of Arts & Academics.

Admission is FREE.

There are several other musical performances happening this week, as well.

Women’s Choral Ensemble & Chorale Concert

The Clark College Women’s Choral Ensemble & Chorale perform on Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 pm. Directed by April B. Duvic. Special guests, Seton Catholic Prep Concert Choir directed by Janet Reiter, opens the program. The Clark College Women’s Ensemble continues with several riveting selections about love, hope, heaven, and revelation. The men of Seton Catholic and the Clark College Chorale combine for the concert’s inspiration, Grieg’s “Brothers, Sing On” before the Chorale shares its varied program of choral classics. The concert concludes with Chorale and Seton Catholic bringing down the house with a choral arrangement of Mozart’s famous Rondo alla Turca.

Location: Gaiser Center, Clark College

Admission is FREE.

 

Concert Band & Concert Choir

This performance will feature the Concert Choir (April B. Duvic, Director) on the concert title, Musicks Empire, a song about the origin of music and Jubal who “tamed” the music of nature and created man-made music. The event will be held on Sunday, March 13 at 3 pm. Other eclectic highlights from the choir include Magnificent Horses based off the Mongolian folk tune; a French song, Dirait-on, and A Boy and a Girl, based off the English translation of a poem by Octavio Paz. The Clark College Concert Band (Richard Inouye, Director) will feature well know pieces inspired by the tradition of the American wind band. Highlights include Frank Ticheli’s Blue Shades, and Spoon River by Percy Grainger.

Location: O’Connell Sports Center

Admission is FREE.

This season was made possible with the generous support of the ASCC, Clark College Foundation, Mark Moreland Violin Shop, Beacock Music Center, the David Kerr Violin Shop, Music World, Dr. Peter Phillips Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, Gillespie Dentistry, the Blind Onion, and the Heathman Lodge.

For more information, http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts/

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“Charlie Brown” Play Worth Your Time

Washougal, WA — Journey Theater Arts Group premiered “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” to admiring fans Friday night at the Washburn Performing Arts Center.

The play, based on the iconic comic strip, “Peanuts,” by Charles Shultz was adapted to the stage by Clark Gesner, and was directed by Journey’s Kristi Foster. The theater group, which provides acting opportunities for children ages 8-18, expanded the performance to include dozens of actors.

The kids did an excellent job.

Journey’s performance starred a core group of talented youth, featuring Camas resident, Clayton Lukens, as the play’s titular character, “Charlie Brown.” Dressed in the character’s iconic yellow and black shirt and shorts, Lukens brought “Charlie Brown” to life on stage. This reporter wasn’t sure how that would play out, but these kids far exceeded my expectations.

Emily Warner played “Lucy” and carried her part very well, even down to the way she flirted with “Schroeder” played aptly by 17-year-old, Joshua Bode. Battle Ground resident, Thomas DeBartolo, played Charlie Brown’s confidant and buddy, “Linus” convincingly, carrying and dancing with his blanket in some well-timed and hilarious scenes. There were moments when DeBartolo’s “Linus” stole the show.

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Thirteen-year-old, Hannah Hurley, nailed the sass of “Sally” in her adaptation of Charlie Brown’s little sister. And, Calvin Lieruance’s adaptation of “Snoopy” was his own. Bringing such an iconic animal character to life is its own challenge, and I’ll leave that to each actor to make it their own. Lieruance did that, and brought the audience to laughs several times. He had good timing.

The opening sequence was clever, featuring the core characters, each with their own spotlight. The costumes were nicely done, as was the singing throughout the performance. The sets were simple, and helped illustrate the point of the scene, while allowing the audience to focus on the character, and witty dialogue. It gave fans a chance to see the acting development progress in these young actors.

Lukens’ version of “Charlie Brown” was truly personified during the school lunch scene, where his lack of confidence was on full display as he wore a paper bag over his head, and continued with his ever-lingering self-doubt dilemma. His portrayal of America’s favorite second-guessing, but lovable, klutz, didn’t disappoint.

Sometimes, though, Charlie Brown was upstaged by DeBartolo’s “Linus” whose character was a bit stronger on stage than in the cartoons or comic strips. And that was a good thing. DeBartolo’s love affair with his blanket, as he sang and dance with the object, was also delightful, and downright hilarious. The 15-year-old has good timing, and clearly enjoys his craft.

 

Chair Scene

Emily Warner as “Lucy” has a discussion with Thomas DeBartolo, who plays “Linus.”

 

The vintage Lucy and Schroeder piano scene showed how well these actors have been taught about comedic timing. And, the “Woodstock” birds were an added element throughout the performance.

The one character who made me laugh every time he came on stage was “Pig Pen,” played by Ben Kautz. He didn’t have too many lines, but his costume and demeanor caused this observer to laugh out loud.

At times, you wondered about the plot or direction of the play, but they usually brought it back together with a pertinent message or clever line. I’ll have to take my children with me to another showing.

Journey’s “Charlie Brown” was filled with 30-second skits between major scenes that gave more actors the opportunity to perform and gain valuable stage time. Kudos to Director Kristi Foster for that.

The play’s conclusion was vintage Charles Shulz, with a meaningful message that drew thunderous applause.

Curtain call was just past 7 pm, and the played ended just after 9 pm, with a 20-minute intermission. The play is great for “Charlie Brown” fans of all ages, and it is definitely worth your time and the price of admission. Go see it!

 

Kites

Clayton Lukens, as “Charlie Brown” flies a kite.

 

Reflections From the Cast

“I really enjoy doing this,” said Lukens. “We’ve been preparing for this night, and have practiced a lot.”

This was DeBartolo’s third performance, and it showed. His previous two shows were “Ann of Green Gables” and “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.”

“Acting is great, and it allows me to really express myself,” said DeBartolo, who’s also been an active soccer player. “We started ‘Charlie Brown’ in January, and we put a lot of time into getting this ready. Every Friday and Saturday we’d meet for four hours, and then every day for the past week in rehearsals.”

DeBartolo has been acting for two years, and continues to enjoy the process.

He said his family pays for each acting class (he has three sisters in the Journey program), and then they get the opportunity to audition for roles. His sister, Maria DeBartolo, played “Marcie.”

“I really like the energy we put into this,” DeBartolo added.

Foster has been with Journey since 2002, and serves as the group’s Executive Artistic Director.

“We like to develop each character,” said Foster. “All have stories and relationships. We enjoy the process.”

Foster said the mission of Journey is to “Guide people to Christ through theater education.” She said she enjoys seeing the kids progress.

“They learn about citizenship as they learn about acting,” she added. “Each of the actors attend classes, which are 10-week sessions located all over Southwest Washington and Portland.”

 

“Charlie Brown” Performance Schedule

Performances are through March 13, 2016 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671. Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $14. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The March 5, @ 7:00 p.m. showing is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance per person. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.

School Day Performances will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

Sunday, March 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 @ 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 @ 2:00 p.m.

School Day Performances
Wednesday, March 9 @ 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Journey is the most dynamic theater arts community in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18 and their families can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org

School Bus

Cast members of “Charlie Brown” act out a scene as they drive to school.

 

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Music: Liberty Bands Showcase Talents

Camas — Four Liberty Middle School bands showcased their developing musical talents Thursday night at the school’s gymnasium in a program led by the school’s band director, Greg Henion.

The 6th, 7th, 8th and Jazz Bands all played various songs throughout the 90-minute program, showing family and friends the skills they’ve been learning since the last concert.

The 6th grade band played four songs, all written by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowland, including “March Across the Seas,” and “The Good Life.”

Seventh grade played “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Andrew Balent, and “Plaza de Toros” by Mark Williams.

The 8th grade band features “Blue Ridge Ocerture” by Frank Erickson, “Newfoundland Folk Song” by by Jim Duff, and “Normandy Beach March” by John Edmondson.

Jazz Band

Eighth grade student, Kenny Wright, plays the electric guitar for the school’s jazz band.

Henion took time between each performance to update the audience on the band’s progress, and thanked the voters for the recently-passed levy, which will help the school’s musical program.

The Jazz Band assembled to play a fun performance of “The Pink Panther” by Henry Mancini. Their next number was “Gospel” by Carl Strommen. “Gospel” was followed by “It Had to Be You” by Gus Kahn and Isham Jones. Their final was “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles. The audience loved it!

Henion reminded the audience of upcoming Hazel Dell Parade, on May 21, which is for the 7th and 8th grade bands. And, the final Liberty concert of this school year will be held at the Camas High School Theater on June 7, at 7 pm.

To learn more about the music program, visit www.camas.wednet.edu

Music

Students play the French horns at a recent Liberty Middle School band concert.

 

Band

Liberty Middle School Band Director, Greg Henion, speaks to the audience prior to a performance.

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Della Casa: Named Artist of TV Land Awards Bottle

Nostalgia artist and designer, Mario AC Della Casa, was recently named Artist of the TV Land Award bottle, an honor given to him after years of creating one-of-a-kind artwork enjoyed by fans worldwide. Each year, the award show’s winners are given their own customized bottle as a gift when they receive their TV Land honor.

“The TV Land Award’s winners all get my bottle,” said Della Casa. “So, I made bottles for all of them. It’s fun being the official artist of the TV Land Award’s bottle. I made about 90 bottles for the show, which went to the stars, directors and producers.”

Several years ago, Della Casa was granted the only license to re-create customized “Jeannie” bottles that are just like the ones used in the 1960’s hit comedy, “I Dream of Jeannie,” which starred Barbara Eden, the late Larry Hagman, also of “Dallas” fame, and Bill Daley. Della Casa frequently travels with Eden on publicity tours, which promote the show — and the bottles.

“I absolutely love what I do,” says Della Casa, “and I’m grateful to TV Land for giving me this great opportunity.”

The artist has certainly found a market for his work. He says people who buy his bottles and artwork are people who appreciate the history of television, particularly in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He has also painted many celebrity portraits, including Joan Collins, Lucille Ball, Linda Gray, Lindsey Wagner, and many others.

“People love the Jeannie bottles because it reminds them of a simpler time,” he says. “They remember when they were kids or young adults, and they fell in love with these characters and the actors who played them. My work represents those times, and those talented people.”

 

TV Land Show

Mario AC Della Casa, and his mother, appear on the set of the TV Land Awards show.

 

 

In addition to having his work featured at the TV Land Awards show, he is also the official artist for the Roger Neil Oscar Suite. He said any show has suites that are sponsored by an individual or company. His bottles get signed by celebrities and then go up for auction at charity events.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds. “Celebrities like Barbara Eden and Faye Dunaway are some of the celebrities we’re working with.”

Della Casa greatly misses his friend, and mentor, Larry Hagman, who passed away in 2012. He says Hagman inspired him to market his artwork and achieve his dreams.

“He was a great talent and friend,” he adds. “I really miss him.”

To learn more about Della Casa’s artwork, please visit www.JeannieBottles.com

 

Charlene Tilton

Mario AC Della Casa, right, takes a photo with “Dallas” star, Charlene Tilton.

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Sci-Fi: Yunker Pens “Shackleton’s Folly” Book

When the author of “Shackleton’s Folly” started writing this intriguing book, he wanted to write Sci-Fi in the classical sense, to be filled with foreshadowing and enticing plots.

“It’s an adventure story about redemption,” says the author, Todd Yunker, who spent the better part of a year writing the book, which is part of a lengthy Sci-Fi series.

In this Sci-Fi story, Earth has been destroyed, few humans remain, and Shackleton, the novel’s central character, is determined to redeem his murdered father’s reputation by honoring his mission, namely to save the human race.

Integral to the story, Shackleton finds himself in a desperate race to solve an ancient legend of a lost tribe that long ago ventured into the stars. He seeks to find that tribe.

“Finding that tribe is key to solving his father’s dream and saving the human race from extinction,” says Yunker, who’s pleased with the effort. “I love how it turned out, and I’m already 115,000 words into the next novel in the series, which is called ‘Shackleton’s Critical Point.'”

Shackleton's Folly

 

Sci-Fi: A love for adventure

Yunker says he’s always loved a good adventure story.

“I’m old school,” he adds. “I like the classics. I like well-written stories and well-written plots. And, I always enjoy storytelling and entertaining others.”

He says it’s also been a good way to engage his son, Alex, who’s been battling cancer for the past few years. “The book has helped him cope with the cancer, as he’s been my beta reader.”

The reviews at Amazon are good, as well.

Says reader, E.A. Gray: “From the earliest part of the book, I realized the quality of the writing, the writer’s understanding of foreshadowing, and the progressive movement of the plot and characters. Alec is a superb protagonist that is a multidimensional individual. His love for his father’s work is respectable and his grit really rounds out his character. This guy is a real brick-laying tough guy that also happens to have a big heart, as well. His sidekick Dancer is a one-of-a-kind construct who’s easy to acclimate to. Before you know it, you are fully suspending disbelief and developing a strong bond with these characters: A testament to the author’s skill at character development.”

Shackleton's Folly3

 

Another reader,  David Bowen says: “Shackleton’s Folly” hit all the right buttons for me. I feel a wistful sense of loss that almost no one is writing classic-style SF adventure stories, ones that echo with the touch of the ghosts of Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov and the other luminaries of the Golden Age of Science Fiction. “Folly” has a similar feel to the classics without being derivative. The driving plot is paced more like an Indiana Jones adventure, but the big ideas are there. When I say big…I mean big. The concept behind the Lost Wonder in this book is staggering, any other word is an understatement. I truly appreciated the author had obviously spent the money on professional copy editing. It nearly doubled the pleasure of reading the story. I’ve read nearly 500 books since I got my first Kindle, many by new authors, some of which are now in development as movies.”

Todd300x300

A little more about Yunker: He grew up in Salem, OR, and grew up with a passion for the science fiction genre. As a child, he was an avid reader, and relished the old sci-fi movies.

“Shackleton’s Folly” is the equivalent of 321 pages in a handbook, and is 408 pages in its current paperback version. It’s also available on Kindle, for $2.99 at Shackleton’s Folly on Amazon

 

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Journey Theater Arts Group Presents: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”

 

CB

Youth Theater Production Runs Two Weekends – March 4 – 13, 2016 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School

WASHOUGAL, WA — Join the Journey Theater Arts Group for a year in the life of Charlie Brown as he searches for happiness. This bright and sunny show is packed with upbeat Broadway songs, funny comics and the creative genius of Charles M. Schultz. All your favorite Peanuts characters are here: Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Woodstock and the entire gang. Whether it’s a baseball game, a day at school, or Beethoven’s birthday- nobody knows how to celebrate like the Peanuts gang.

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Theater Performance Times and Location

Performances are March 4 – March 13, 2016 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671. Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $14. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The March 5, @ 7:00 p.m. showing is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance per person. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.

School Day Performances will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

CB5

Public Performances
Friday, March 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 @ 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 @ 2:00 p.m.

School Day Performances
Wednesday, March 9 @ 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

About Journey Theater Arts Group
Journey is the most dynamic theater arts community in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18 and their families can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

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Papermakers Rock. Reason #3. The Marching Band.

Can you imagine a game at Doc Harris without the Marching Band? We give many thanks to this amazing group of talented musicians and leaders who give these games style and pride. And they even play the opposing team’s song during pre-game. Class!

 

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Art: Nick Carulli’s Haunting Images

On Saturday, October 25th Nick Carulli’s Visual Expressions Gallery will host their first Annual Haunting Images Show. From 7 to 10 pm, visitors can witness artist Nick Carulli’s stunning ethereal photography.  
For one night only, the gallery on 192nd Avenue in Camas will be dedicated to Carulli’s collection of ghostly, gothic and spooky images. Spanning the countryside, Nick and his brave ensemble of models have ventured into abandon buildings, cemeteries and conversely beautiful sites like the overlook at Cape Horn to bring the collection to life.
Carulli is no stranger to exploring the macabre as set physician to the locally filmed television series Grimm. Dubbed the “Doctor to the Stars” has also worked with the crew of Leverage and other local films. Tack on his relationships with area artists, writers and civic leaders, you never know who will be in attendance at a Carulli showing.

Art of the Supernatural

Interest in the supernatural doesn’t stop with photography for Carulli. He is in the midst of completing a book on actual reported hauntings in the Columbia River Gorge and SW Washington, his photography a major component.  Carulli’s own investigations into supposedly haunted historic sites and local businesses undoubtedly lends him countless stories to tell while sharing his art. The stories are compelling, and will give the reader some entertaining copy.
Visitors to the Haunting Images Show will also get a sneak peak at Carulli’s stunning new durable media for his photography.
 
With his artistic touch, Carulli shows that the supernatural can be absolutely beautiful as well haunting. His work has been well received by the community for its originality and thoughtfulness. His fans eagerly await Carulli’s latest collection.
Carulli Medical Clinic and Visual Expressions Gallery is located in 192nd Station at 2115 SE 192nd Ave, Suite 100, Camas, WA.
To learn more about Nick Carulli’s Visual Expressions Gallery, call 360-210-7393.
 

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“Grease” Returns With 3 More Showings

If you missed it opening weekend, the CHS production of “Grease” is back for its final three showings this weekend.

Times are as follows: Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm. The students and director Sean Kelly will impress you.

Grease

 

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“Grease” is Time Well Spent; Go See It!

CHS Theatre presented its opening night of “Grease” Friday to a packed, euphoric house that was ready for some fun entertainment. Clearly, the students and director Sean Kelly have been hard at work preparing the set, their lines, choreography, and songs.
Although the show experienced one technical glitch at curtain time, it was smooth sailing for the next couple of hours.

Grease

Kelly and company’s version of “Grease” was lively, entertaining, creative, filled with comedic moments, and a little irreverence.

It’s “Grease.”

What impressed me was the timing. These youth have been blessed some amazing talent and it showed during the two-and-a-half hour production.

The actors sprang to life with each scene and appeared to have their lines down quite well. And many had a penchant for singing. It was a lot of fun to watch.

Christian Gmelin did an excellent job portraying “Danny,” whose character’s personal struggles come to life during the performance. His affection and often times confusing relationship with “Sandy,” which was played brilliantly by Rachel Smith, took center stage, of course. Smith was able to switch emotions throughout the show seamlessly.

Rebecca Fitzgerald did an excellent job portraying “Rizzo,” one of the show’s main characters. She was gritty, witty, dramatic and enjoyable. Her timing was perfect.

Ryan Maxfield also delivered a stellar performance playing Kenickie, another troubled, but entertaining teenager. Maxfield had many opportunities to show off his talents, and he didn’t disappoint.

Perhaps Andrew Henson’s character, “Rodger,” stole the show. He had many moments to shine and used his comedic timing to entertain a willing audience. He managed to make his character lovable and hilarious, and was even willing to moon the audience during scene 6. That, my friends, takes guts. Getting pantsed and stuffed into a garbage can also got the audience clapping loudly.

 

Grease
Rebecca Fitzgerald as “Rizzo.”
Jake Rust had ample opportunity to show off his singing and performance skills during multiple scenes. He nailed it.
And we can’t forget Austin Miller’s moment in the spotlight as he played “Teen Angel” in one of the most hilarious, and spot on scenes during the show. Miller’s singing and acting were put on center stage and he delivered.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention JT Tumanuvao’s character “Sonny” and the dancing, singing, facial expressions and timing that added tremendous value to CHS Theatre’s production.
There are too many characters to mention in this short space, so I must give credit to the entire cast for an excellent display of their creative talents. I include the backstage and lighting crew in my gratitude. They’ve spent much time preparing.
 
Christian Gmelin as “Danny” and Rachel Smith as “Sandy” did
a fine job portraying the central characters of “Grease.”
“Grease” debuted in 1971 and was directed by Guy Barille at the Kingston Mine Theater on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, with a script based on Jim Jacobs’ experience at William Taft High School in the windy city. Warren Casey collaborated with Jacobs and together they wrote the music and lyrics.
Since that time, “Grease” has been performed many times on Broadway and has gone through several incarnations.
This CHS Theatre version continues Saturday at 7 and will have three more productions on March 14 and 15.
 

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