Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1205520
12 UCW JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2020 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra presents 'Music She Wrote.' by DIAMOND FOSTER "Music She Wrote" will showcase the works of several female composers. EVENTS Cape Fear Regional Theatre's 'Shrek: The Musical ' is enchanting by CAROLINE SCHAFER "Shrek: e Musical" plays at Cape Fear Regional eatre Jan. 23-Feb. 16 Photo credit: Linda McAlister Once upon a time, not so far, far away, in the Land of Cape Fear Regional eatre, fairytale creatures wove a mesmerizing story with song, dance, comedy, love, self-acceptance and, of course, a princess, a hero and a villain. In this magical place, also known as CFRT, the townspeople watched ever so closely as the landscape magically transformed from a kingdom into an ogre's swampy home and then to an open field, a dragon's keep with a tall- tower and so much more — right before their very eyes. In fact, the enchanted land was innovative and brilliant as "Shrek: e Musical" unfolded upon the stage. ere is still time to see it — the play runs through Feb. 16 at CFRT. e characters within the performance have stupendous vocals — whether speaking, shouting at each other (did I mention the ogres or the dragon yet?) or singing. e show is choreographed by Sebastiani Romagnolo and music is directed by David Maglione. From their story- book homeland, to the spellbinding music, it's clear the performers are engrossed in the story, and it reflects in the the performance. e audience travels along on a journey with Shrek, played by Nicholas J. Pearson , Donkey, played by Marc De La Concha, Princess Fiona, played by Becca Vourvoulas and Lord Farquaad, played by Gabe Belyeu. e youth ensemble includes Zoi Pegues as Teen Fiona. Both Vourvoulas and Pegues appeared in CFRT's pro- duction of "Annie" last season. It truly is an adventure for all involved. e townspeople's involvement is not only welcomed, but expected. CFRT does not hold back when it comes to imaginary depiction of detailed characterizations for each and every part of their productions — especially with this particular story — "Shrek: e Musical." e talented team members at CFRT are inventive visionaries. e first moment audience members are received into the spellbinding world of Shrek and the others, they are whisked away on an eye-catching journey. e costuming was impressive. Each fai- rytale character or person had the accurate whimsical attire to perform their representa- tion of their character and bring this magical production to life. e harmonious movement in the chore- ography and dazzling execution of lighting and sound made an already incredible show that much more entertaining and engaging. In a nutshell, everything about this show is amazing. e outstanding vocals of the per- formers, the interaction with the audience and the characters, the moments when you will literally laugh out loud, the dynamic cos- tumes, the dancing and movement on stage during the scenes, the props and music, all of it will not only grab your attention, but hold it throughout the show. Don't miss this opportunity to take a trip to CFRT for this theatrical performance of "Shrek: e Musical." ere is still time to purchase tickets to see how the story plays out on stage. Visit www.cfrt.org for your entrance into a fairytale like no other! Women have made many contributions to western music. e Fayetteville Sym- phony Orchestra is taking the initiative to recognize and celebrate women compos- ers in its production of "Music She Wrote" Saturday, Feb. 8. is concert, held in the Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University, will feature pieces exclusively written by women. One of the women featured in this con- cert is Florence Price. Born in the late 1880s in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price is credited for being the first African-American woman composer. Her musical endeavors began at an early age under the guidance of her mother, who was a music teacher. At the age of 11, Price had her first composition published. She also had success in her aca- demics and graduated at 14 with the title of valedictorian and later studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. During her lifetime, she worked as a music educator, organist and composer. Her Symphony No.1 in E minor can be heard at the FSO concert. e composition won first prize in the Rod- man Wanamaker Competition in 1932. Another woman featured in the"Music She Wrote" program is Amy Beach. An American composer, Beach is considered to be the first American female composer of large scale art music. Also known as serious music, art music refers to any music derived from Western classical music. e FSO will honor her by performing her "Gaelic" symphony. e sym- phony premiered in 1896, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Beah was also a successful pianist who performed her works in the United States and Germany. e FSO also offers a unique opportunity to experience the music of a living composer. Anna Clyne currently resides in the United States. She is a Grammy-nominated contemporary English compos- er. Her compositions are known for their acoustic and electro-acoustic elements. She has had many accomplishments and has had pieces premiere at various music festivals, such as the 2019 Carrillo Festi- val of Contemporary Music. She has also served as an in-residence composer for various symphony orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Berkeley Symphony, the Chicago Sympho- ny Orchestra, and the L' Orchestre national d'île-de-France. Her works "Masquer- ade" and "Seascape," which is the second movement from her orchestral suite titled, "Abstractions," are to be performed for this concert. Other women composers that will be featured in the concert are Ellen Taafe Zwillich, Joan Tower and Cecile Chami- nade. e Fayetteville symphony promises an evening of empowerment, and listen- ers will be exposed to music created by intelligent and groundbreaking women. Visit http://www.fayettevillesymphony. org/ or call 910-433-4690 for tickets and information. DIAMOND FOSTER, Contribut- ing writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. 910- 484-6200. CAROLINE SCHAFER, Con- tributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. 910-484-6200.