To My Arms/Restore (Doug Varone and Dancers and MasterVoices)

The recent collaboration between MasterVoices and Doug Varone and Dancers was nothing short of amazing. Brilliant dance, gorgeous singing, thrilling musicians--it was the proverbial feast for the eyes and ears. I felt rich watching the show; what could be more precious than incredible talent creating incredible art? (The credits are listed below.)

Doug Varone Dancers Photo: Erin Baiano

It's frustrating to write about MasterVoices's wonderful but brief productions since they're always over when I do. Here instead is some info on MasterVoices's next production, The Grapes of Wrath by Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie. 

I unfortunately missed this show the last time around, and I am looking forward with great excitement to seeing it this time around. Based on John Steinbeck's classic novel, it features Kyle Oliver, Nathan Gunn, Margaret Lattimore, Mikaela Bennett, Bryonha Marie, Victor Starsky, Malcolm MacKenzie, Schyler Vargas, Christian Pursell, John Brancy, David Fleiss, and Jan Constantine, plus the 120 wonderful singers of  MasterVoices. The narrators are Joe Morton and J. Smith-Cameron. It's April 17th at Carnegie Hall, and (not-overpriced!) tickets are still available. (For more info, click here.)

I'm thrilled to see The Grapes of Wrath because of some predictable reasons: I am a huge fan of MasterVoices and musical director Ted Sperling, and I loved Gordon's musical My Life With Albertine. 

But here's what has really raised my excitement: I have two discerning theatre-going friends who have seen hundreds of shows. They have loved many of them, but when they speak of The Grapes of Wrath, they get this look of wonder on their faces, and they communicate such love and awe that I can practically hear a choir singing behind them. So, of course, I can't wait for The Grapes of Wrath. 

And I hope to see you there.

Wendy Caster

To My Arms

Choreography by Doug Varone

Music by George Frideric Handel, Suite of arias and duets from the operas Atalanta, Orlando, Giulio Cesare, Samson, Serse, Agrippina, Scipione, Alexander Balus, Semele and Teseo*

Lighting Design by Derek Van Heel

Costume Design by Caitlin Taylor

Dancers:

1. Courtney Barth and Ryan Yamauchi
2. Joniece “JoJo” Boykins, Daeyana Moss and Thryn Saxon
3. Brad Beakes and Jake Bone
4. Courtney Barth
5. Joniece “JoJo” Boykins and Daeyana Moss
6. Jake Bone
7. Thryn Saxon with Marc Anthony Gutierrez
8. Full Company
9. Brad Beakes
10. Courtney Barth and Ryan Yamauchi
11. Full Company

Liz Lang, Soprano
Emily Donato, Soprano
Jake Ingbar, Countertenor
John Easterlin, Tenor
Benjamin Howard, Baritone

Accompanied by New York Baroque Incorporated
Oboe: Andrew Blanke
Violin: Ravenna Lipchick, Shelby Yamin
Viola: Jimmy Drancsak, Annie Garlid
Cello: Serafim Smigelskiy
Bass: Wen Yang
Theorbo: Adam Cockerham
Harpsichord: Caitlyn Koester

Ted Sperling, Conductor

Restore
(Part 2)

Choreography by Doug Varone
Music by Nico Bentley, Handel Remixed
Lighting Design by Derek Van Heel
Costume Design by Caitlin Taylor

Courtney Barth, Brad Beakes, Jake Bone, Marc Anthony Gutierrez, Joniece “JoJo” Boykins, Daeyana Moss, Thryn Saxon, Ryan Yamauchi

With MasterVoices

Accompanied by New York Baroque Incorporated

Ted Sperling, Conductor