Category Archives: Arts

Arts

Arts, Theatre

Dirty Great Success

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By Martin Burgess

FAMERS if you are up for some British action check out Dirty Great Love Story at 59E59 Theaters. It’s a clever, stripped down, well-delivered, simple play about Richard Marsh and Katie Bonna, whose relationship takes two years to develop into something serious after a one-night stand.

DGLS3webIt all begins when Richard and Katie meet for the first time in a nightclub; both happen to be at a bachelor and bachelorette party. In a drunken blur Richard and Katie wake up in a cheap hotel room the following morning.  He’s in to her, she’s not in to him and runs away trying to forget about the whole thing. The problem is…Richard’s friend Westie has hooked up with Katie’s friend CC, and the hilarity ensues as Richard and Katie keep bumping into each other at social events.

Here’s the twist; there are only two actors on stage, no set, no costumes, nada – just two chairs, mood lighting and some background music. If you’re worried about the fact that it’s British and you’re still traumatized by Shakespeare in high school, do not be, the language is very modern and easy to understand. The script is well written and the delivery is flawless. The dialogue weaves between spoken word and poetry, which really helps keep the play flowing smoothly.

Because the play is British there are lots of drinking references, which only leads to one thing, highly embarrassing moments. This new interpretation of the classic “boy meets girl” story is universal. Even hip hop fans should check it out; there is lots of good rhyming and call and response.

Pia Furtado directs this production and the play is written and acted out by Richard Marsh and Katie Bonna, who give an outstanding and unblemished performance. They have great chemistry between them and do a superb job of connecting to the audience and setting up the scenes.  Dirty Great Love Story is part of 59E59 Theaters’ Brits Off-Broadway Festival and will be playing a limited engagement until June 30.

Photos: Carol Rosegg

 

 

Arts, FAME, NYC

Cross Connection to Stardom, a Conversation with Nathaniel Ryan

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The lights of New York City lure artists from all over the globe like moths to the proverbial flame.  Hundreds flock to this concrete jungle in search of big game.  But the starry-eyed  desire of fame isn’t just a dream for those who migrate to The Big Apple.  Before Jennifer Lopez was reminding everyone that she was just Jenny from the block, she rode the six train from the Bronx into Manhattan in search of her big break.  Maxwell rode the J train before he ascended on top of the music charts.  Nathaniel Ryan is a New York City artist poised to make the transfer from anonymity to prominence.  Singer, actor, model, playwright…Ryan has several conduits that can take him to the Promised Land.  If his future is as bright as his smile, then Ryan’s prospects are as vast as The Milky Way.  And his humble demeanor only make him more intriguing.  50 Cent asked 21 questions, but I only ask 10…

Usually I don’t begin interviews with this question, but after reading your biography I just have to ask…what is an actor, singer and model doing with an MBA from Clark Atlanta University?

While in High School and College I never thought about acting, drama or singing.   I went to Morgan State University and studied Finance.   While there I also modeled in the school’s Fashion shows.  After an internship on Wall Street, I went back to school and studied finance at Clark Atlanta University.  After I graduated I soon found that being behind a desk was not an ideal life for me.  I met a photographer who took pictures for my first comp card. From there I started getting work.  I started taking classes.  And as they say I was hooked.

Your bio stated you were born in Brooklyn.  Were you also raised in Brooklyn and if so, how did growing up in a borough known for being eclectic influence you artistically?

I am a native New Yorker.  Born and raised in Flatbush Brooklyn.  Flatbush was a great area to grow up in.  I grew up around West Indians, Jews and a lot of other cultures and races.  My mom made sure she took me to see Broadway shows, the museum, and the library.  Subconsciously I think that it has had a profound impact on me and the way I think and how I perceive art.  It’s not something I appreciated growing up but I am glad I did those things now as an adult.

Who are your three biggest acting influences?

My three biggest acting influences are: Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

You have acted on film and stage.  Hollywood is the Mecca for film, but Broadway is the Mecca of the theatre world.  Which medium do you prefer and why?

I love [the] theatre.  Being on stage keeps you on your toes.  And every show is different.  I ultimately would like to do more film and television, but as of right now I am enjoying my pursuit to be a working actor on Broadway.

Out of all the roles you have played, which one has been the most fun? Which has been the most challenging? And why?

Every role has played has given me an opportunity to grow as an actor.  I love working on original thought provoking pieces.  Bringing a character to life is a challenge in itself.  I would say my greatest challenge has been playing a survivor of the holocaust in Rwanda.  Truthfully playing a man who survived such horrors was a challenge and humbling to say the least.

Name your dream role on stage and on film?

A dream role would be to play an original character or [a] historical person Huey Newtown, Marcus Garvey [or] Emperor Haile Selassie.  Men who have taken on impossible odds and thrived.

As a singer, who are your influences?

As a vocalist I am growing and coming into my own.  Some of my influences are Donny Hathaway, Daryl Coley and Ella Fitzgerald.

How would you describe your vocal style?

My vocal style is still growing.  Right now I would say my favorite style is Jazz and Gospel.  But I would say I am not clinging to one particular style.

Are you in the process of recording a demo or an EP?

No.  I am not recording a demo or EP at the moment.

If Diddy and Tyler Perry came to you and offered you the opportunity to sign a three album contract and a world tour or a deal for six films and a starring role on a TV show, which would you choose and why?

If Diddy and Tyler Perry came to me and offered me the opportunity to sign a three album contract and a world tour or a deal for six films and starring role in a TV show I would choose Diddy.  I love Diddy’s work.  I grew up listening to him and his artists.  I also like his work ethic.  I respect him and his work.   As a recording artist I could parlay that into commercial, co-star and other acting opportunities.

Check out more of Nathaniel Ryan at www.nathanieljryan.com.

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Ryan

Arts

VeroDalla‘s LivenLuLu©

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By Martin Burgess for F.A.M.E NYC

Last Thursday, French artist Véronique Anne Jadot (aka VeroDalla) debuted her latest collection at Gallery 32 Fine Arts in Chelsea. Reflecting selected aspects of humanity and movement, the collection mainly consists of sculptures in the form of genderless, race-less, fluid figures. Jadot tries to create an alternate universe by calling the collection LivenLuLu© and even gave the figures their own voice by creating a story behind their creation.

“We were born in Culêtre, a tiny village in Burgundy [France], after a long gestation of 24 months before finally materializing.  Our creator, VeroDalla, wanted to make a universal figure devoid of external traits and far removed from pre-existing creatures – we needed our own identity…” says VeroDalla’s website.

Jadot’s alias, “VeroDalla,” is supposed to be free from language barriers. Let’s not get into linguistics, but our Asian and Arabic speaking friends might disagree.

Unfortunately the exhibition feels too gimmicky and contrived. The fact that there is a copyright symbol in the name is a big turn off. It indicates that these sculptures were created with the intention to make money not art. Jadot comes from big money, like big big money.  Her grandfather was the founder of Maison Louis Jadot, an extremely successful French wine company. There is a term in the art world, “Housewife art,” and this is what the exhibition feels like. There was no technique to the painting and no real detailing on the sculptures. The colors used were plain, illogical and lacked feeling.

Also crammed in the gallery (which looked like it was half under construction) are two other exhibits by Jadot titled Poppy and Inner Journey. Again, both lacking any kind of skill or technique. The Poppy paintings and sculptures look like cake decoration and Inner Journey is supposed to represent “wet clothing stuck to your skin in summertime.” Ummm…who exactly likes having wet clothes stuck to their skin? Now just because someone comes from money does not mean they cannot be talented, but this is New York and we know how to smell a rat.

Check it out and share your thoughts; Gallery 32 Fine Arts is located at 515 West 20th Street, Level 5, New York, NY. The Jadot exhibition runs from June 13th – June 16th, 2013 so there is still one more day to view the exhibit.

Photo:  Martin Burgess

Arts, Theatre

59E59 Theaters Gets Sailing With Brits Off Broadway and The Boat Factory

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Yes, despite the miserable weather it is that time of year to catch some jolly ole productions from across the pond as Brits Off Broadway takes residency at 59E59 Theaters.  The Boat Factory is set in Belfast 1947 and centers on a 16-year old boy beginning an apprenticeship at Hartland & Wolffs’ Titanic Shipyard.  World War II is over but the ripple effects of the war are still fresh.  This production provides a powerful voice to everyday people struggling to make a living during the glory days of Belfast’s shipbuilding era.

The Boat Factory’s limited engagement run will end on Sunday, June 30. Tickets are available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or online at www.59e59.org. For more information, visit www.britsoffbroadway.com.

NYC, Theatre

Broadway Comes Together for the 2013 Tony Awards

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Every year there is always one night that ensures all the stars and legends of The Great White Way are going to be under one roof.  Last night that roof was Radio City Music Hall as the 2013 Tony Awards aired live on CBS.  The spirit of Bob Fosse was alive and well as the producers of Pippin danced away with the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical; Kinky Boots won for Best Musical and as always Neil Patrick Harris stole the show.

la-courtney-b-vance-took-a-chance-on-lucky-guy-001Veteran actor Courtney B. Vance is unsung no more; he won his first well deserved Tony for Best Featured Actor in Play.  I became a fan of Patina Miller when I saw her in Sister Act.  We can now add Tony Award-winner to her list of growing accolades.  The world always knew that Cyndi Lauper could pen a good tune.  Her efforts for Kinky Boots were well rewarded with a Tony for Best Original Score.

Judith Light is always a delight to watch and the Tony voters agreed.  She won the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play.  Tom Hanks lost out to Tracey Letts in the Best Lead Actor in Play category.  But it was Cicely Tyson who showed grace and humility as she accepted the Tony for Best Lead Actress.  Her win proves you are never too old to realize a dream.  Indeed, everyone involved in bringing these shows on stage dream an impossible dream that they make come true eight times a week.  To all the winners and nominees I would like to thank them for giving me something to write about and aspire to.

2.165379For a full list of the winners please check out http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/winners.html.

Arts, Entertainment, NYC

Dance New Amsterdam Files For Chapter 11

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On May 27, Dance New Amsterdam Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.   The announcement allows DNA to continue its daily operations.   Executive and Artistic Director Catherine A. Peila has already initiated a five-year recovery plan which has reduced general operating and programming expenses from $3.6 million to $2.3 million annually.  “DNA’s executive team, faculty, and board of directors have worked diligently over the past five years to create strong programs and a business structure that supports DNA’s mission. These efforts, combined with the support of cultural leaders, have put us on the road to recovery,” says Peila. “The decision to file for Chapter 11 reorganization protection provides us with the time to solidify agreements with new partners, increase funding and most importantly, continue to serve the New York City’s vibrant community of performing artists and avid cultural supporters.”

Located in Lower Manhattan, just a few blocks from Ground Zero and the Freedom Tower, DNA is considered the foremost progressive dance education and performance center.  Founded in 1984, DNA provides a community hub for dance training choreographic exploration and innovative performance, developing new audiences and bridging communities. It’s a breeding ground and safe haven for aspiring, emerging and established artist, including daily classes, certification courses, commissions and artistic residencies, along with studio and administrative office subsidies.  DNA employs over 250 professional faculty members and over 650 artists through commissioned and produced work. The organization serves more than 30,000 students and performers, over 700 dance companies and performing arts groups – offering thousands of audience members access to visual and performing arts through their 130-seat theater, six art studios, gallery and artist administration space.  To learn more about DNA and supporting its programs through charitable donations, visit www.dnadance.org.

Arts, NYC

The Glass Herbarium of Kathleen Elliot

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I’ve always had an affinity for artists who use nature as the subject for their work.  After all, the relationship between man and nature is a constant balancing act just as nature invariably teeters between the physical and mystical.  If an artist can achieve an accord between these two properties as well as Kathleen Elliot, then they are worthy of acclaim.  On May 3, Elliot’s nationwide tour of Imaginary Botanicals landed in Manhattan, taking residency at the Tenri Cultural Institute.  Using flamework glass to create sculptures, Elliot manufactures pieces that harmoniously merge the delicate, elegant and resolute beauty of nature.

 100_1460With Imaginary Botanicals, Elliot infuses human elements into plants turning them into abstract narratives about the symbiotic relationship between man and the environment.  Other more literal interpretations of plant life are equally striking.  In addition to her exploration of plants and man, Elliot showcases another aspect concerning the continuity of humans and nature with “Questionable Foods”, two sculptures that combine Elliot’s intricate glasswork with stitched logos of food brands fashioned to look like fruit growing from branches.  These pieces make the viewer ponder how our choice of food, and food brands in particular, affects Mother Nature.  Powerful, yet refined Elliot’s statement about the way in which corporations sometimes shirk their responsibility to the planet comes across as subtle as a tap on the shoulder.

The pieces that resonated with me the most were “Offerings”, glasswork pieces displayed in three palms made of wood and plaster.  The appearance of the open palms extending through the walls to humbly hold the glass pieces raised them to a spiritual plane and really highlighted the 3D aspect of the entire exhibit.

Seemingly fragile and muted, the exquisite glassworks of Imaginary Botanicals explode with a soulful presence that fills the Tenri Cultural Institute and vibrates with the same dynamism as a drive through Central Park in the spring.  Imaginary Botanicals will be in full bloom at Tenri Cultural Institute until May 25 and definitely shouldn’t be missed.

To learn more about Kathleen Elliot, check out this video.

Photos: F.A.M.E NYC Editor

Video courtesy of Kathleen Elliot

Arts, NYC

F.A.M.E NYC PHOTO GALLERY PRESENTS OSCAR CORRECHER

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To follow Oscar Correcher on Instagram click,http://instagram.com/oscarcorrecher/.