A Christmas Carol Opening Night Champage Party

Artography by Dlonzo
“It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

(Director Dave Steakley and Ginger take a moment to pose for the camera)

A Christmas Carol Opening Night (champagne gala)

(Mr. Bill Dickson sits in the audience waiting for the performance to begin.)

If you’ve read my main blog then you know how I feel about making plans. You can make them, but they are subject to change without notice. Sometimes one may have a back up plan and other times you just have to wing it. That was the case for me Thursday.

I had been charging the batteries for my camera for several days to make sure I’d be prepared since I was going to try to take some pictures to document the evening. I had decided on what I was going to wear and then when I tried on the pants I realized I had gained the weight back that I had lost. So I had to scramble for something else to wear; the weather wasn’t cooperating either. It had begun to rain and I didn’t want to be wet as I was going to see the show after my shift. I also had to make sure I would have enough time to change and not leave the other attendants in a bind.

The weather was on my side. I was able to change and get inside . I was in the 3rd row stage left. I had never sat that close up before on that side of the theatre. The stage was set up with a large single bookcase and the back drop was filled with all sorts of clocks and window panes. There was a peddlers cart in the center of the stage in front of the bookcase. Set design is by Bob Lavallee.

(In the lobby, drinks and socializing after the opening night performance.)

Usually I am gone from inside the theatre before the shows begin so I don’t get to hear any of it, but a few days before I heard Kenny Williams doing his voice exercises in the lobby before he had stepped into the theatre to sing Without Love. I knew then that this show would be different.

(Volunteers greet partrons as they enter the upstairs lounge.)

(Ryan Palmer and two other volunteers take break from handing out glasses of champagne to guests.)

When the lights went down and after the usual announcements, the show began.
The first thing that came to mind was Moulin Rouge. The visuals, the song interpretations, the dance numbers… each time a production is put on at ZACH I become more and more amazed. It reminds me when I producing fashion shows, it’s like how to you top the last one.

(Bettey O'Callahan and her daughter pose in front of the Christmas tree. Part of my inspiration for Fashion, Style and Austin Weirdness.)

Dave Steakley’s last show, Tommy was a true spectacle. I saw it seven times. I am not sure how many times I will get to see A Christmas Carol, but I am hoping at least two more times.

(Box office manager and my supervisor Daryl Jones and Derek strike a champagne pose in front of the Christmas tree in ZACH's lobby.)

When I first started at ZACH I would see the dress rehearsal and then try to see the last show. That way I could see if anything had changed. What was cut, etc. I’m always studying what is going on.
I am glad that I got to see it Opening Night since there will be two cast changes. Jacqui Cross who plays Christmas Present and Mrs. Dilbert will be replaced by Amma Osei and Harvey Guion will play Ebenezer Scrooge up until December 23, then the role will be played by Marco Perella.

(Elisbeth Challener, managing director and Mindy Ellmer of ZACH's executive committee pose as Mr. Hooten photo bombs in the background.)

The talented cast includes some of the actors I’ve seen in other performances and have gotten to know a little. Kenny Williams plays the Ghost of Christmas past as well as a charitable gentleman and a spirit. The soulful tunes allow Kenny to really shine.

(A very talented trio- Roderick Sanford, Jacqui Cross and Kenny Williams) 

Michael Valentine, last seen on ZACH’s stage in Tommy returns as Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. Both Kenny and Michael draw the audience in making you want more.
Roderick Sanford is the ghost of Marley, Mr. Dilbert, the undertaker and a spirit. The make up and costume for Roderick’s Marley is awesome and his rendition of the song Money by the legendary O’Jays just makes all for a more interesting take on Charles Dickens’ classic.

(Associate Artistic Director Abe Reybold chats with guests in the lobby)

Most of the songs we have all heard before and if you haven’t you’ll be singing, clapping and wanting to get out of your seat and dance anyway. Allen Robertson’s arrangement is very interesting.

(Joseph Urick  plays Ghost of Christmas Future and Ollie McDaniel.)

Dave Steakley brings back the fun in Christmas. Reminding us its more than just about the money. And its all about love.

(Shannon Richey and Jacqui Cross.)

Tyler Jones plays the young Scrooge and has several incredible and memorable moments on stage. Some of the other talented and familiar faces return, including Paul Sanchez who played Uncle Ernie in Tommy, returns as Bob Cratchit, Kelly Petlin who plays Gwendolyn is currently doing double duty from this show to Frog and Toad on ZACH’s intimate Kleberg stage. Laura Benedict plays Mrs. Fezziwig and Hazel Hilburn, Ella Rutman who appeared in Ragtime and Diego Rodriguez who played the young Tommy, plays Geoffrey, a caroler and is part of the ensemble. There are several new comers to the ZACH stage, Madeline Rodriguez, Diego’s sister plays Belinda Cratchit, Luke Linsteadt, Blakeney Mahlstedt, Joseph Urick and Russel Taylor.

(From behind the scenes in front of my camera, they help pull it all together.)

Once again great choreography by Christa Oliver, who choreographed The Gospel at Colonus. Stephanie Busing is responsible for the video design which is truly amazing and Susan Branch Towne is responsible for the authentic look of the costumes. It’s really a great show.

(Bret and Elisbeth, always looking Stylish and Fashionable.)

A Christmas Carol will run until December 28, 2014. There will be no performance on Christmas Eve

(Jacqui Cross and Rick Van Wagoner, a great shot.)

There will be more images to come.

If you’d like to see samples of my work send me an email or look at my blog entries, The Story behind the Photograph.



Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keep the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.