When we last wrote about New Everett Theatre, our damsel in distress, if you will, the theater was basically facing closure, asking for much-needed financial support from the Snohomish County community and ready to close its doors.
It might as well have been tied to a railroad track with the express train heading right for it.
But never fear, a hero came to the rescue.
That hero is Northwest Savoyards, the community’s musical theater company, which had itself been looking for a better permanent home to perform its musical magic. The Savoyards decided to leave Snohomish County PUD Auditorium, where the company had performed for years, and cut a deal with New Everett Theatre.
So starting this fall, the Savoyards will play its entire season at historic Everett Theatre on Colby Avenue.
If it all works out, the Savoyards will call the theater its new permanent home, said Dan Gunderson, board president of New Everett Theatre, though New Everett will not produce its own community theater productions.
“We’re in a good place right now … and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be a centerpiece downtown,” Gunderson said. “It’s been an interesting journey.”
And don’t forget, Everett Symphony also plans to perform three of its eight concerts at historic Everett Theatre during its new fall season, with the goal being that someday the symphony will play all its concerts there.
So it would seem we start the fall season with a happy ending for three of the county’s arts groups.
“It’s a huge opportunity for all three organizations,” Gunderson said.
Other arts groups in Snohomish and Island counties, plus a selected few in Skagit County, have big ambitions this season, as well:
Driftwood Players
The Edmonds-based theater group has packed its fall season with a thrilling whodunit; a classical musical of tradition, love and family; a Thornton Wilder drama about the cycle of life and two stylish comedies.
And those are just the mainstage productions.
The group pours on the cultural variety through the offerings of its special presentations and alternative stage performances. Some of the highlights include bringing Edgar Allen Poe to life in “Pages of Poe,” a look into the childhood of Lizzie Borden — who gave her mother 40 whacks — in “A Memory of Lizzie,” and a return presentation of “The Vagina Monologues.”
All mainstage performances are at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds; 425-774-9600, www.driftwoodplayers.com.
The mainstage lineup is:
“Rehearsal for Murder”: Today through Sept. 28. Alex is a heartbroken theater director who tries to get to the bottom of his fiance’s death, which he doesn’t believe was a suicide.
“Fiddler on the Roof”: Nov. 21-Dec. 21. What better match then staging this family-friendly musical during the holidays so that the poor milkman Tevye and his daughters can remind us of the ties that bind and the traditions that are sometimes challenged by the young.
“Our Town”: Feb. 13-March 1. Thornton Wilder’s classic, as told by a folksy stage manager, focuses on Emily Webb and George Gibbs who fall in love, marry and face tragedy in their realization of the preciousness of life.
“Auntie Mame”: April 17-May 3. The socialite life of Manhattan’s Mame comes to an abrupt halt when her orphaned 10-year-old nephew is dropped at her doorstep. Driftwood Players presents a nonmusical version of this heartwarming comedy.
“Leading Ladies”: June 12-28. Jack and Leo, two English Shakespearean actors, are broke and decide to don the disguise of two long-lost English nieces to swipe a fortune from a dying old lady.
Edge of the World Theatre
Edge of the World Theatre did not have its new season ready to announce by press time. Edge of the World Theatre is at 9667 Firdale Ave., Edmonds; 206-542-7529.
Edmonds Center for the Arts
There’s lots of music this season at Edmonds Center for the Arts including Don McLean, George Winston and 100 Years of Broadway. But there’s also quite a diverse stage selection for those who want to laugh or be in awe or perhaps even be inspired.
Edmonds Center for the Arts is at 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds; 425-275-9595, www.ec4arts.org.
Highlights from the new season include:
Seattle International Comedy Competition: Nov. 18. This is the 29th year for this touring festival of funny one-liners from comedians ready to deliver their best stuff to compete for the top of the heap.
Calo Flamenco: Nov. 21. Flamenco in its most vivid form as presented by this 15-piece ensemble of musicians and dancers.
“Avner the Eccentric”: Nov. 29. Get ready to be wowed by Avner, who is part clown — inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 2002 — part juggler and part magician who works his wonders in physical comedy. His new show, “Exceptions to Gravity,” levitates above language and culture.
“Second City”: Feb. 14. Considered the training ground for comedy’s best, Second City ignites some smiles on Valentine’s Day with a blend of improv and satirical sketch comedy from the world of current events.
Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre’s “The Reluctant Dragon”: April 11. The story of “The Reluctant Dragon” focuses on the events that happen in a small village when a magnificent dragon moves in.
McIntyre Hall
McIntyre Hall in Skagit County is presenting a season that’s smart and silly, bluesy and tuneful, thrilling and inventive. McIntyre Hall is at 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon; 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org.
The Second City: Nov. 1. This is Second City’s interactive touring show, “One Nation, Under Blog,” which spoofs current events in the genres of politics, media and entertainment with no subject off-limits.
Kelly Joe Phelps: Nov. 8. The Washington Post called Portland, Ore.-based bluesman Phelps a musician whose original songs are filled with “poignancy, passion and spirituality.”
“The Flying Karamazov Brothers”: Jan. 30. The New York Post says the Brothers are an irresistible combo of “good juggling and bad jokes” with their new show blending theater, dance, visual music and nouveau cirque. A family-friendly time for ages 2 to 92.
“Lunasa”: March 13. This quintet from Ireland is being touted as inventive and redefining Irish music with new arrangements and bass-driven grooves.
“Defending the Caveman”: April 17. A side-splitting smash hit about the differences between the sexes done in the form of one man’s hilarious observations about feminism, the sensitivity of men and erogenous zones. Recommended for adults.
“Samite”: April 24. Ugandan musician Samite shares the beauty of Africa through traditional instruments such as the kalimba, with fables and musings about his childhood, nature and the experience of grief.
New Everett Theatre/Northwest Savoyards
As stated above, Northwest Savoyards and New Everett Theatre have become partners and the Savoyards will perform its fall season at historic Everett Theatre. The Savoyards’ year begins by playing off the popularity of pirates with “The Pirates of Penzance,” followed by two other box-office favorites. Performances are at historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-258-6766, www.everetttheatre.org.
“The Pirates of Penzance”: October. The Savoyards continue its homage to the Gilbert and Sullivan tradition of fine operatic musicals presenting this G&S Savoy Opera about Frederic, who is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates, instead of pilots, until his 21st birthday. Too bad he was born in a leap year.
“Footloose”: February 2009. Though the film version had Kevin Bacon steaming up the screen with hot dance moves, the story is retold here in Savoyards’ fashion making the most of musical hits from the show such as “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” and “Almost Paradise.” The story highlights youthful rebellion when a newcomer to a small town manages to gain trust and support from his peers as they all rise up against the establishment that has banned dancing and rock music.
“Fiddler on the Roof”: June 2009. This timeless classic is about questioning the values of tradition and stretching a family’s love for each other as the daughters of poor farmer Tevye want to marry outside the family customs. The musical comes with time-honored tunes such as “Tradition,” “Matchmaker” and “If I Were a Rich Man.”
Northshore Performing Arts Center
Northshore Performing Arts Center swings into a hot 2008-09 season Oct. 5 with the Swing Fever Big Band and the Eastside Swing Cats and doesn’t cool off all season long.
There’s too much going on to list every event but here are some highlights. Northshore Performing Arts Center is located at 18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell; 425-489-6018, www.npacf.org.
Kasumai Africa: Masters of African Music and Dance: Oct. 26. Watch the master at play on his djembe and tama drums while listening to stories of West Africa as dancers from Senegal, Guinea and Mali move to the rhythmic beats. A drum demonstration for kids after the show.
“The Snowman”: Dec. 13 and 14. Ballet Bellevue with a live orchestra presents this original ballet based on the Raymond Briggs story about a little boy whose imagination brings a snowman to life.
“The Nutcracker”: Dec. 20 and 21. Emerald Ballet Theatre and Rainier Symphony bring to life this holiday classic of Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music and Clara’s dreamlike journey with the Nutcracker.
“Chocolate Confessions”: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Indulge in this one-woman confectionary comedy with songs and secrets about love, life and, of course, chocolate as performed by Joan Freed, who plays 12 different characters.
Cirque Voila: Feb. 8. This circus production comes complete with acrobats, jugglers, clowns, aerial marvels, physical comedy and audience participation.
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”: Feb. 28. This musical comedy revue is a throwback to bygone theater and a thoroughly entertaining and contemporary look at the conundrum called “the relationship.”
“An Evening with Groucho”: March 21. This two-act comedy, as presented by actor and playwright Frank Ferrante, highlights one-liners, anecdotes and songs from the best of Groucho Marx and reacquaints us with his posse of greats including Greta Garbo, brothers Gummo, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo, Charlie Chaplin and W.C. Fields. Pianist Jim Furmston accompanies Ferrante.
Inflatable Theater Company: April 18. Fred Garbo and Brazilian ballerina Daielma Santos perform their own creative inventions that inflate during this fast-paced, family-friendly theater experience.
“The Mermaid”: May 30. Emerald Ballet Theatre presents the story of young Mermaid Lilia, who at 15 visits the countries above the sea and is introduced to the idea of being a real girl.
Sky Performing Arts
Sky Performing Arts is kicking off the fall with an almost chaotic, gospel-inspired musical. Other productions will be announced at a later time. Sky’s shows are done at its relatively new digs at the Sky Valley Education Center, 17072 Tye St. SE, Suite 118, Monroe; 360-863-1663, www.skyperformingarts.com.
“Smoke on the Mountain”: Oct. 10-26. The setting is 1938 at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, N.C., where a Saturday Night Gospel Sing is under way and the Sanders family is being welcomed back to the gospel circle after a long absence. The pastor is a young minister who has enlisted the Sanderses to bring the congregation into the modern world, though the disdain for a pair of the church’s main benefactors makes the mission harder to accomplish.
Village Theatre
Village Theatre has five mainstage shows this 2008-09 season, two of them all-new musicals.
Village Theatre productions are at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave.; 425-257-8600, www.villagetheatre.org.
“Saint Heaven”: Oct. 31-Nov. 23. This new musical is set in 1957 in the small Kentucky town of Saint Heaven, where a young doctor has to confront the past and his old crowd after he returns home to settle his father’s affairs and where he meets a young female preacher with a spiritual gift. Filled with gospel, country, rhythm and blues.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”: Jan. 9-Feb. 1. Nominated for a slew of Tony Awards, this Broadway hit tells the love story in beautiful music of the strong-willed Belle and the cursed prince trapped in the body of the Beast.
“The Importance of Being Earnest”: March 6-29. Oscar Wilde’s comedy about two hapless guys who create elaborate lies to shake things up a bit but instead find themselves trapped in a web of conflict and hilarity.
“Stunt Girl”: May 1-24. A fresh musical based on the life of investigative reporter Nellie Bly in a testament to how hard work paid off for the trailblazer.
“Show Boat”: July 10-Aug. 2. Oscar Hammerstein II’s score of bold ballads including “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” is the melodious backdrop for this story that spans 47 years, tracing the lives of Cap’n Andy Hawks and his troupe of entertainers as they encounter love, intrigue, friendship, deception and marriage.
Pied Piper
Pied Piper is the part of Village Theatre dedicated to bringing the arts to life for young people while also bringing educational performances to students, teachers and families. Pied Piper public performances are at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., and Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett.
The new Pied Piper public performance schedule is:
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar &Other Eric Carle Favorites”: Oct. 19. Everett Performing Arts Center. The world of children’s author Eric Carle is brought to life with larger-than-life puppets, unique lighting effects and an original music score in stories such as “The Mixed-Up Chameleon,” “Little Cloud,” and the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Ages: up to grade 3.
“Lazer Vaudeville”: Nov. 16. Everett Civic Auditorium. This is a show of high-tech laser displays, music, juggling, acrobatics and wild comedy with a cast of fantastical characters that includes a neon cowboy with a luminescent rope-spinning act and a master of ceremonies who is a 7-foot-tall, fluorescent dragon. All ages.
“The Velveteen Rabbit”: Dec. 13. Everett Performing Arts Center. This new musical delivers Margery Williams’ classic tale with puppets and masked actors who perform a Grammy-nominated score while telling the story of a little boy who loved a stuffed rabbit so much that it became real. Ages: up to grade 5.
Whidbey Children’s Theatre
This season, Whidbey Children’s Theatre is offering a children’s classic and some Halloween tricks and treats and is making an offer to some talented director out there to submit a proposal to direct a youth-based holiday show. If you’re interested, send a resume detailing your directing experience, a one-page description of the play, your show and set concept, and a copy of the script you are proposing to: P.O. Box 1493, Langley, WA 98260.
All children’s theater productions are at 222 Anthes Ave., Suite 102, Langley; 360-221-2282, www.whidbey.com.
“Jungle Book”: Oct. 10-12 and 17-19. The story is based on the Rudyard Kipling tales about the feral child Mowgli.
“Halloween Magic”: Oct. 31. A holiday event for all ages features a puppet show, games and other Halloween-inspired activities.
“Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance!”: Nov. 14-16. The adults take the stage to benefit Whidbey Children’s Theatre during the annual fundraiser.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is serious about its entertainment this year, starting off with the sweeping tragedy of “Sweeney Todd” and wrapping up the season with a revolutionary farce called “Franklin &Figaro.” Besides its mainstage productions, WICA provides other entertainment features throughout the season, including the movie and music double feature series, a family series and other special events.
All mainstage performances are at WICA, 565 Camano Ave., Langley, on Whidbey Island; 800-638-7631, 360-221-8268, www.wicaonline.com.
“Sweeney Todd”: Oct. 11-Nov. 1. With its tragic premise of the loss of a beloved wife and daughter along with the creepiness of a blood-thirsty barber and a brilliant score, this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece is “one of the greatest musicals written for the American stage,” according to The New York Times.
“Inspecting Carol”: Dec. 5-20. The WICA folks are calling this madcap comedy a combination of “A Christmas Carol” meets “The Government Inspector” meets “Noises Off.”
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”: Feb. 6-21. Tom Stoppard’s absurd play focuses on two minor characters from “Hamlet” who stumble through their musings and misadventures as they trip along to their inevitable end.
“Rabbit Hole”: April 10-25. Becca and Howie are trying to cope with a loss as their doting mom and weird sister try to help lift their spirits in this Pulitzer Prize-winner.
“Franklin &Figaro”: June 12-27. A fast-paced, and mostly true, comedy set in 1776 follows Pierre Beaumarchais, who wrote “The Marriage of Figaro” and who winds up running guns for Benjamin Franklin’s American Revolution in his pursuit of liberty and cash.
Whidbey Playhouse
Whidbey Playhouse continues its 42 years of community theater and its 2008-09 season with “Leading Ladies,” which opens tonight and runs through Oct. 4. (See page 26.) The theater also has taken on “Peter Pan,” the comedy “Glorious,” “Nightwatch” and the musical comedy “Nunsense.” All season shows are at the playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor; 360-679-2237, www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
“Peter Pan”: Nov. 7-Dec. 6. This ageless tale is about a boy who never wants to grow up and lures a family of children to Neverland for some flying and thrilling adventures foiling a band of pirates.
“Glorious”: Feb. 6-28. In this wry comedy, we meet the worst singer in the world, Florence Foster Jenkins, and her elderly actor boyfriend, her alcoholic best friend with the weird dog and her Spanish maid no one can understand. She’s a feisty eccentric who winds up teaching us the reason why we pursue our dreams.
“Night Watch”: April 3-26. A Hitchcock-inspired thriller in which a woman sees a dead body in a vacant building but that’s not the only mysterious event she witnesses. Are these things really happening or is someone trying to drive her insane?
“Nunsense”: June 5-28. The musical comedy phenomenon about the “Little Sisters of Hoboken” whose cook mistakenly killed 52 of her peers with tainted vichyssoise. Now, to help pay for their funerals, the nuns decide to put on a variety show.
Dance
Northwest Ballet
Northwest Ballet closes out its 2008 season with performances of “The Nutcracker.” Skagit County performances are held at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Northwest Ballet’s 2009 season schedule was not available before press time. For ticket information, call 360-416-7727, ext. 2 or toll free at 866-624-6897, ext. 2. To check for their new schedule online, see www.northwestballet.org.
“The Nutcracker”: Dec. 19-21. With music by Tchaikovsky and story by E.T.A. Hoffman, this is a Christmas holiday masterpiece ideal for the whole family. The world of drama and enchantment unfolds as a young girl named Clara discovers a magical nutcracker on her voyage to the Kingdom of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince. The scenery is elaborate and the costumes are beautiful as the story unfolds in dances such as “The Dance of the Snowflakes,” “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Grand Pas de Deux.”
Olympic Ballet Theatre
This season, Olympic Ballet Theatre presents its annual Christmas classic, along with performances to introduce preschoolers to ballet and a story of innocence, redemption and the power of love. Olympic Ballet Theatre performs at a variety of locations listed below. The company’s main office is at 700 Main St., Edmonds; 425-774-7570, www.olympicballet.com.
“The Nutcracker”: Dec. 7, Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 516 N. West Ave., Arlington; Dec. 13 and 14, Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave.; Dec. 20 and 21, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. A full-length production that brings the magic of this classic holiday favorite with a growing Christmas tree, booming canon and Mother Ginger and her Buffoons.
“Madeline &the Bad Hat” plus a “Collection of Clown Ballets”: Feb. 8, Byrnes Performing Arts Center, and Feb. 21, Edmonds Center for the Arts. These shows are designed to introduce dance theater to preschoolers, though appropriate for children through age 13. “Madeline &the Bad Hat” has lots of lessons woven into a story about Miss Clavel and her 12 girls who are introduced to a new boy. Madeline doesn’t like him because of his “Bad Hat.” Their game of leapfrog gets rough and Bad Hat breaks his arm, but Madeline says it was his fault, brought on by his own bad behavior. The whole troupe goes to the circus, where Madeline’s high spirits get her in trouble. Bad Hat winds up coming to her rescue. In the end, a friendship blossoms.
The “Collection of Clown Ballets” is a frolicking cavort through the lighter side of dance with Pressure Cooker, Alchemist’s Dream and Pulcinellas all on hand to delight.
“Giselle”: April 18, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., and April 25, Edmonds Center for the Arts. This drama was first performed at the Paris Opera. Olympic Ballet brings the romantic ballet to life again with gorgeous sets and costumes.
Music
The orchestras and singing groups in Snohomish County have more than 160 years experience combined. Sharing in the maturity, the mastery and the marvelous excellence of these experts is what the fall season of music is all about. So clap your hands, tap your feet and sing along with the pros.
Cascade Symphony Orchestra
Cascade Symphony Orchestra is mainstaging some mighty impressive concerts for its 47th season with music by Mahler, Mendelssohn and, for the younger listener, a concert inspired by Babar the Elephant. The symphony is led by music director Michael Miropolsky with performances at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds, unless otherwise noted; 425-776-4938, www.cascadesymphony.org.
“Italian Mendelssohn”: Oct. 27. The concert includes “An Evening at the Opera,” with arias by Puccini, Rossini and Verdi, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, Op. 90. Guest artist is Adam Frey on euphonium.
“Tragic Schubert”: Nov. 24. Conductor Miropolsky and musician James Garlick take up the violins in this packed musical evening which includes works from Vivaldi and Haydn with special guests Jennifer Mahaffey playing flute in Foote’s “A Night Piece,” and George Steward on trumpet for Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 in C Minor.
“Mahler First”: Jan. 12. This concert presents Mahler’s “Titan” symphony, a work by Beethoven and the “Concerto for Double Bass” by Johann Baptist Vanhal, featuring bass player Jordan Anderson.
“Babar, the Elephant”: Feb. 7. Babar visits Edmonds all the way from Celestville when narrator Dave Dolacky tells the story of this well-known children’s character with music from Poulenc.
“Verdi Requiem”: March 9. This concert showcases Choir of the Sound with soprano Christina Kowalski, mezzo-soprano Jenny Knapp, tenor Gino Lucchetti and baritone Erich Parce.
“Ensemble Concert”: April 19 at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., and April 24 at Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, 8109 224th St. SW. Cascade Symphony Orchestra members perform in small ensembles, with the program to be announced at a later date.
“Brahms Double”: May 4. James Garlick on violin and Amos Yang on cello are featured in the Brahms “Concerto for Violin and Cello.” Works by Grieg and Kabalevsky also are performed.
Everett Chorale
A 90-voice group of diverse singers comprises the Everett Chorale and together they are celebrating 43 years as the county’s premiere vocal ensemble. Music director Lee Mathews leads the chorale in its new season of “More Musical Journeys,” with performances at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; 425-257-8600, 888-257-3722, www.everettchorale.org.
“Children Go Where I Send Thee”: Dec. 6 and 7. A Christmas celebration with musical offerings from around the world, featuring flute player Jeffrey Cohan.
“Hosannas &Hallelujah!”: April 4 and 5. The concert presents selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The concert features members of the The Trinity Lutheran College Concert Choir.
“Up, Up and Away”: June 6 and 7. A musical trip with selections from around the United States and featuring folk and popular music from all regions of the country.
Everett Symphony
Everett Symphony is celebrating “70 Years of Virtuosity,” showcasing some of the symphony’s perennial favorites such as the Boston Pops concert and the Night Before New Year’s Eve event and presenting some dynamic new offerings as the symphony makes its transition from Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., where it will continue to play concerts that involve a full orchestra, to historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., where it will perform concerts that involve fewer musicians. Paul-Elliott Cobbs is in his 25th year as music director and conductor of the orchestra; 888-266-8486, www.everettsymphony.org.
“70 Years of Virtuosity”: Oct. 10. Everett Civic Auditorium. This concert presents two of the most popular classical works ever written with the emotionally charged Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Rachmaninov’s “Rhapsody.” Featured artist is Duane Hulbert on piano.
“Ala Boston Pops”: Nov. 7. Everett Theatre. A light classics feast that features the “William Tell Overture” and the “Romanian Rhapsody” and the chance for the audience to participate in the percussion part of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”
“The Nutcracker”: Dec. 13 and 14. Everett Civic Auditorium. Olympic Ballet Theatre helps the symphony present this holiday family favorite.
“Messiah Sing-Along”: Dec. 21. First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. This is the ninth year where the audience sings Handel’s work along with the orchestra.
“The Night Before New Year’s Eve with Tony Ventrella”: Dec. 30. Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. Ring in the New Year early with hors d’oeuvres, sparkling wine and some fun with Tony Ventrella during this concert revue of music from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s to the present.
“Mostly Mozart”: Feb. 20. Everett Theatre. Some of the best Mozart had to offer, including Symphony No. 29, Concerto No. 1 for Flute and the “Grand Partita.” The concert features Janelle Janovich-Barrera on flute.
“An Evening Promenade”: March 13. Everett Civic Auditorium. The people at Everett Symphony are calling Ravel’s orchestral arrangement of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” a “showpiece for virtuoso conductors and virtuoso orchestras alike.”
“A Night of Jazz”: April 24. Everett Theatre. Award-winning local jazz musician Darren Motamedy will bring his own symphonic jazz compositions to the stage. Motamedy has opened for Tower of Power, Ray Charles and Grover Washington Jr.
“The Romantic and the Bohemian”: May 29. Everett Civic Auditorium. The fantastic mastery of violinist Fred Chu is featured during this concert of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 and Brahms’ Concerto for Violin.
Sno-King Community Chorale
Sno-King Community Chorale has been around since 2002, under the direction of Frank DeMiero. The group kicks off its 2008-09 season with accompaniment by the visiting Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. Most performances are at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds, unless otherwise noted; 425-275-9595, www.sno-kingchorale.org.
“An Evening with Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra”: Oct. 5. The Chorale is hosting the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra from Croatia, which will perform selected orchestral pieces including one specifically written for the tour of the western United States. The Chorale opens the concert with “I Dream a World,” by Langston Hughes and Andre Thomas. The Bravo! Vancouver Chorale also will be featured.
“Salute To America Concert with Shoreline Band”: Nov. 6. Special guests will be the Fort Lewis Honor Guard.
“Holiday Magic: Winter Wonderland”: Dec. 13.
“Concert for Children of All Ages/Disney Dazzle”: Feb. 7. With special guest Dee Daniels.
“Musica Da Coro”: March 21 and 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Schubert Mass in G.
“Ticket to Broadway”: June 13. Special guests will be The Brothers Four.
Skagit Opera
Skagit Opera presents a diverse range of composers, from Verdi to Engelbert Humperdinck. All performances are at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon; 360-422-5070, 360-416-7727, ext. 2, www.skagitopera.org.
“La Traviata”: Oct. 10, 12, 17 and 19. The Giuseppe Verdi opera in three acts is translated as “The Woman Who Strayed,” and is a staple in opera circles. The story focuses on the famous courtesan Violetta Valery and her passionate and tormented love affair with Alfredo Germont, who woos her, duels for her and winds up losing her tragically in the end. Sung in Italian with English captions.
“Tatyana’s Letter; Lyrical Scenes from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin”: Nov. 2. The Seattle Opera Young Artists presents this adaptation of scenes from this love story about a handsome visitor from the big city who sends a young girl into a swoon. This presentation cuts to the chase with musical highlights, all the more timeless and real because the music is sung by artists who are the age of the characters they are portraying. Sung in English with piano accompaniment.
“Hansel &Gretel”: Feb. 13, 15, 20 and 22. Composer Engelbert Humperdinck captures this fairy tale story while still adding some twists and turns in the plot. The story begins when Gertrude, the mother of Hansel and Gretel, suffers a moment of unfortunate rage and sends her children into the woods to look for strawberries only to learn later from her husband, Peter, that there’s a witch in the woods who likes to bake children into bread. The children wind up lost for the night and awake to find they are near a candy-covered house lined with gingerbread. The children can’t resist and are caught by the witch. The witch’s hunger for the children causes her downfall as Gretel manages to save the day … and her brother. Sung in English.
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