Arts

Beck Center for the Arts presents the Tony Award-winning hit musical, Hairspray, on the Mackey Main Stage, July 8 through August 14, 2011. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Buy tickets online at www.beckcenter.org or call 216.521.2540 x10.

Welcome to the ‘60s! Break out the Aqua Net and cheer on pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. Change is in the air as this loveable, larger-than-life heroine manages to replace the program’s reigning princess, integrate the television show, and find true love – all while singing, dancing, and never mussing her hair.

Whether you are a new patron, former student, self-proclaimed "Beck Head," or looking to expand your interests, the Beck Center for the Arts invites you to be a part of a newly-created group that will enjoy the art and culture of the Beck Center in a unique way. “Membership in Connect to Beck, or C2B, is designed to introduce new audiences to Beck through social, cultural and insider events,” says Erin Currie, co-chair of the group. “We are hosting an informal meeting on Monday, June 20 at 6 p.m. at the Beck Center, which is open to anyone interested in learning more about C2B.”

Crafty Goodness will be teaming up with earstoyou.org for a Give a Pair, Take a Pair Earring benefit on Saturday, June 18 from 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Ears to You is a non-profit organization started in 2008 by Ruth Crane. Their tagline is, "Putting smiles on the faces of female cancer patients one pair of earrings at a time.

Stop by Crafty Goodness, 15621 Madison, and make one pair for $5, 2 pairs for $9 or three pairs for $12. Never made earrings yourself before? Don't worry, we will teach you! Drinks and appetizers will also be served. More information can be found at www.craftygoodnesscle.com or call the store at 216-226-4880.

Acclaimed ballet instructor and choreographer Lou Fancher, of the Berkeley Ballet Theater, will present two dance master classes for teens and adults on June 14 and 16, 2011 at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. This series is sponsored by the Dance Alliance of the Beck Center. Master classes will include an Intermediate Ballet Technique class on Tuesday, June 14 and a Contemporary Workshop on Thursday, June 16. Classes are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Music-Armory Building of the Beck Center. The cost is $16 per class or $30 for the two-class series.

The days are longer, school is letting out, Summer is approaching at an accerated pace! What to do with all your free time? Looking for affordable fun? Crafty Goodness on Madison has you covered. In addition to selling 100% locally made goods, they also offer many different art and craft classes all month long. Everything from tie-dye for the kids to etched wine glasses for a fun girls' night out.

Lakewood resident Bryon Miller is one of a dozen area photographers featured in "Visual Music: Northeast Ohio Photographers Look at Rock and Roll," opening at the Zaller Waterloo Gallery at 16006 Waterloo Road with a free reception from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, June 11. The show will include nearly 200 works shot by the area's best music photographers from the 1960s to today. It runs through Saturday, June 25, when it will be open from noon to 8 p.m. to coincide with the Waterloo Arts Fest.

Beck Center for the Arts is proud to announce its 2011/2012 youth theater season, featuring two classic tales and a few unusual comedies.

From timeless classics to a forward-thinking teen production, the upcoming season will share a common theme that will resonate with audiences of all ages. “All shows next season explore our individual role in the greater community,” says Jonathan Kronenberger, Beck’s associate director of Theater Education. “Each of the four plays follows characters who are struggling to make sense of the world around them and determine where and how they fit in.”

From the Finger Lakes region of New York, DaProf-N-Starr will play The Root on Saturday, May 28, 8 p.m.

DaProf (Jess Youngquest) has played for over 40 years. He plays mandolin, guitar and harmonica. Nora Starr has been involved in the music business for over 15 years. She plays guitar, mandolin and assorted musical gadgets. Together they provide a variety of music for some foot stompin’ fun.

“I laughed, I cried, it was better than CATS!” The success of the second longest running show in Broadway history, CATS, did much more than create this catchphrase. In 1981, this show was groundbreaking, but with all the hype the show has gotten since then, The Beck Center’s Associate Director of Education, Jonathan Kronenberger, has still managed to create a “little” bit of a twist- and I do mean little. The 80 cast members of his production range from cats to kittens, from teenagers to kindergarteners.  

Beck Center Announces 2011/12 Professional Theater Season
New Season features Regional Premieres and Diverse Mix
 
 
Beck Center for the Arts is proud to announce its 2011/2012 professional theater season, featuring six productions new to Northeast Ohio.
 
“I am more than thrilled that the Beck Center will offer Northeast Ohio audiences so many opportunities to see local and regional premieres next season,” says Artistic Director Scott Spence. “Six of our seven productions are either brand new to local audiences or have only been seen in national tours.” In addition to presenting new productions to area theater-goers, the Beck Center is known for its eclectic mix of shows. Spence adds, “As always, we are trying to offer great diversity in both titles and content.” Beck Center’s current season, which ends in August, has already experienced record-breaking sales and the theater hopes to build on this success with the announcement of its new season.
 
Subscriptions for the 2011/2012 professional theater season can be purchased after May 15, 2011. For more information, call 216.521.2540 ext. 10. Individual ticket sales begin August 1, 2011. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just 10 minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available.
 
 
REGIONAL PREMIERE
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Written and Created by Roger Bean
Directed by William Roudebush
Musical Direction by Larry Goodpaster
Presented through special arrangement with Steele Spring Theatrical Licensing
September 16 - October 16, 2011; Mackey Main Stage
 
A cotton-candy colored, non-stop pop musical blast from the past! Meet the Wonderettes at the 1958 Springfield High School prom – four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match. Learn about their lives and loves as the girls perform your favorite songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s including Lollipop, Dream Lover, It’s My Party, It’s In His Kiss, and many more. Fast-forward to their 10-year high school reunion where this dynamic group performs once again and see how their lives and friendships have changed and endured. A must-take musical trip down memory lane!
 
 
REGIONAL PREMIERE
Race
Written by David Mamet
Directed by Sarah May
Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
October 21 - November 20, 2011; Studio Theater
 
From America's foremost playwright, David Mamet, comes his most explosive four-letter word yet. Race. This riveting new play by Mamet, a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning author, tells the story of three attorneys, two black and one white, who must defend a wealthy, white executive charged with raping a black woman. Mamet’s scalpel-edged intelligence and corkscrew plot twists raise issues that offer ample nutrition for full-course, post-theater dinner conversation.
 
 
Encore Production of Smash Hit Musical!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Scott Spence and Martìn Céspedes
Musical Direction by Larry Goodpaster
Choreography by Martín Céspedes
Presented through an exclusive arrangement with R&H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group
December 2-31, 2011; Mackey Main Stage
 
Back by popular demand! Many original cast members return for this encore presentation of last season’s smash hit. Beck Center continues its holiday tradition of fine family entertainment with this humorous retelling of the biblical story of Joseph of Canaan. Center stage will be awash with a rainbow of colors in this rollicking musical, complete with a rousing children’s chorus, an amazing light show, buoyant choreography, splashy costumes, and musical stylings that appeal to all tastes—from Marleyesque reggae to spurslapping country western to an Elvis channeling pharaoh.
 
 
Spring Awakening
Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind
Directed by Victoria Bussert
Musical Direction by Ryan Fielding Garrett
Choreography by Gregory Daniels
In collaboration with the Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theatre Program
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
February 3 - March 4, 2012; Mackey Main Stage
 
Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 19th century German play that explores with poignancy and passion the turbulent journey from adolescence to adulthood. Follow this group of teenagers on their passage as they navigate self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion. This landmark musical is an exhilarating mix of morality, sexuality, and rock & roll. This show is recommended for audiences 17 years and older.
 
 
REGIONAL PREMIERE
The Velocity of Autumn
Written by Eric Coble
Directed by Eric Schmeidl
Starring Dorothy Silver
March 23 - April 29, 2012; Studio Theater
 
Beck Center presents a regional premiere of another critically acclaimed play by Cleveland’s resident playwright, Eric Coble. Lillian is an elderly woman with a wicked sense of humor. Despite her children’s attempts to move her into a retirement home, she is determined to spend her final years in her Brooklyn brownstone. Her estranged son, Tom, is forced back into her life after years of separation when Lillian threatens to burn down her home. What follows is a delicate tale that walks a tightrope between sadness and joy, fear and hope, and love and frustration. Lillian's story is vivid with brilliant imagery, affectionate humor, and a touching relationship that you won't soon forget.
 

 
REGIONAL PREMIERE
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Book by Alex Timbers
Music & Lyrics by Michael Friedman
Directed by Scott Spence
Musical Direction by Larry Goodpaster
Starring Dan Folino as Andrew Jackson
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI)
May 25 - July 1, 2012; Studio Theater
 
This contemporary musical explores the title character’s life through the unconventional approach of irreverently emotional, punk rock music. In Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, we meet America’s first political maverick, who kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States. Who cares if he didn’t have the constitutional right? An exhilarating and white-knuckled look at one of our nation’s founding rock stars, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson recreates and reinvents the life of “Old Hickory”, from his humble beginnings to his days as our seventh Commander-in-Chief. This show is recommended for audiences 17 years and older.
 
 
Legally Blonde The Musical
Book by Heather Hach
Music & Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin
Based on the movie "Legally Blonde"
Directed by Scott Spence
Musical Direction by Larry Goodpaster
Choreography by Martín Céspedes
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI)
July 6 - August 12, 2012; Mackey Main Stage

Based on the hit movie of the same name, Legally Blonde is now an award-winning Broadway hit musical created by a top-of-their-class creative team. Don’t underestimate Elle Woods, a college sweetheart, homecoming queen, and not-so-dumb blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone “more serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before – Harvard Law School. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Nominated for 7 Tony Awards, this feel-good musical comedy is like “omigod you guys” a dream come true. The verdict? This much fun shouldn’t be legal!
 
 
Programming at the Beck Center is made possible through the generous support of the Ohio Arts Council. Beck Center gratefully acknowledges the generous funding provided by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
 
Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions on two stages, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring regional artists.

To express their appreciation to the community for its continued support, the Beck Center for the Arts welcomes the public to the third annual Community Celebration of the Arts on Sunday, May 15, 2011, noon to 2 p.m. This free event, open to families of all ages, will be held on the Beck Center campus at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Free onsite parking is available.

Entertainment throughout the event will be provided by students from the Beck Center’s arts education programs. 

This summer Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Lakewood will be featuring artwork from local artists. Each month a different local artist’s work will be displayed in the hallway between the pub and the patio. The Artist Series will begin in May and run through September.

The first artist to be featured is Lakewood resident Keith Smith. Keith Smith is native of Cleveland and is currently a Lakewood resident. Smith has worked collaboratively and individually on a variety of interdisciplinary projects for over a decade.

1964. A young man with a passion for music, Bill Boehm, has a great idea. His goal? To bring children together through music, no matter what race or background. The first year was a huge success, and so it lives on. I am currently a member of this choir. The Cleveland Singing Angels. It demands a great personality and the ability to laugh and smile. It also demands discipline. The three hundred and sixty hours spent practicing a season can get extensive, but I have a great time.

Beck Youth Theater, in collaboration with the Beck Center Dance Workshop, presents the internationally renowned CATS May 13-21, 2011 on the Mackey Main Stage. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 3 p.m. matinees on Sunday, May 15 and Saturday, May 21. A special student matinee performance is also scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19.

Beck Youth Theater, in collaboration with the Beck Center Dance Workshop, presents the internationally renowned CATS May 13-21, 2011 on the Mackey Main Stage. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 3 p.m. matinees on Sunday, May 15 and Saturday, May 21. A special student matinee performance is also scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19.
 
 Based on the popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story in song and dance of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats when one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. From the composer of The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar, this landmark show is pure entertainment from start to finish. A true musical theater phenomenon, Cats ran for a record-setting 21 years in London and more than 18 years on Broadway. 

Vance Music Studios is like a second home to me. I spend four days a week there divided evenly among lessons and band practice.

On Tuesdays I take guitar lessons and Thursdays I take double bass, which I also play in the Garfield Middle School Orchestra. My teacher Chris Vance is equally good at teaching both. I looked around a little before signing up for lessons and after going there I was convinced this was the place I wanted to be. There is a sign right outside saying “learn to play like a pro from a pro”, and that was my goal. Chris is teaching me numerous things about guitar and bass including reading music, playing chords and teaching me different playing techniques, and ways to improve my picking and bowing.

Ever wonder what it's like to navigate the Great Lakes in a working freighter? In search of a unique, once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience? Look no further! Purchase a raffle ticket to win a Great Lakes freighter cruise. It's a trip you can't buy. This rare opportunity is only available to raffle winners. All ticket sales support the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood.

The Three Arts Club of Lakewood will be awarding $1000.00 Scholarship grants to applicants judged most gifted, regardless of financial need. The catagories are: Voice, Piano, Strings, Brass, and Woodwinds.

Students must be applying for, or continuing full time enrollment for the coming school year at an institution of higher learning. Candidates must reside in Northeast Ohio. Past winners of two awards are not eligible for further grants. The recipient is not required to major in music. The grant is made directly to the student for use in furthering their education.

The Edwardian Players, drama troupe at St. Edward High School, have been hard at work since December preparing for the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom Of The Opera." All thirty six performers are high school students from St. Edward, Magnificat, and St. Joseph Academy. The orchestra is conducted by St. Edward senior Louis Rispoli. In addition to the cast, more than forty students labored building sets, costumes, and props. Students also manage all technical aspects, including lighting, sound, and special effects. The musical will be presented at 8:00pm April 8, 9, 15, and 16, 7:30pm on Sunday, April 10 and at 3:00 on Sunday, April 17. Located at 13500 Detroit in Lakewood. Call 216-221-0793, ext. 201 for tickets and information.

Steve Martin is probably best known for his massive contributions as a comic genius in both film and stand-up comedy over the last few decades. But he is also a playwright, art collector, best-selling author, banjo-player and one of my favorite figures in American entertainment. This season, The Beck Center chose to produce his 2002 off-Broadway adaptation of Sternheim’s 1910 farce, The Underpants. In staging this already crowd-pleasing script, director Matthew Earnest takes bold risks— some of which truly enhance Steve Martin’s genius, while others bring to mind the thought, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Local Geometry is an art show that features two of Cleveland’s most talented emerging artists, Christopher L. Richards and Tony Trunzo. Richards’ clean, sharp line compliment Trunzo’s raw bold charcoal scribble. These two artists work on opposite ends of the spectrum; however, when their works hang side by side they create a powerful and important show.

Richards’ polished 5.5” x 5.5” abstract watercolor studies at first glance appear to be machine made however upon a closer look the artist’s hand shows through. Trunzo’s 30”x40” charcoal representations of Cleveland’s architectural landmarks are the complete opposite. They contain loose expressive lines that overlap and seem to battle one another right before the viewer’s eyes. Richards’ clean glass framed presentation balances Trunzo’s unfinished wood panel pieces. 

Grammy Award winners, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer present Sing To Your Baby™: A Workshop for New Parents on Tuesday, April 5 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. New and expectant parents are invited to join Cathy and Marcy for this unique program designed to empower parents to be the first, and most important, voice their baby can identify with, regardless of singing talent and experience.

This hour-long workshop will give parents a chance to work hand-in-hand with Cathy and Marcy, two acclaimed musicians with nearly 30 years of experience improving communication between parents and babies. Their newest project, 'Sing To Your Baby,' is a guide for new parents on how to sing to their babies and features a beautifully illustrated book and accompanying CD. Following each event, creators Cathy and Marcy will host a meet-and-greet with attendees.

Beck Center for the Arts presents The Underpants, Steve Martin’s contemporary adaptation of a turn-of-the-century satire by German Expressionist, Carl Sternheim, on the Mackey Main Stage, April 1 through 23, 2011. Showtime's are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. The performance on Saturday, April 9 is sold out for a private event.

Art, fashion and delicious food will come together for the opening celebration of Dovecote, a new work/display space in the Screw Factory Studios at Lake Erie building in Lakewood. Open to the public for the first time, Dovecote will feature a carefully selected collection of artwork and made-from-scratch jewelry and accessories, which range in price from $20 to $500. Cleveland's newest food truck, Umami Moto, will be on-site for the occasion, selling their authentic Asian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

"I’m a local Abstract and Abstracted artist from Lakewood. My medium is ink and paper. The difference between Abstract and Abstracted art is Abstract is non representational, it doesn’t look like anything or represent anything seen. It may cause the viewer to think of ideas, but it does not copy the scene world or contain images. Abstracted is something that is made less realistic by distortion or exaggeration of images. An image is changed, made less obvious. I call my work,  “CAD Art” Creative Abstract Doodling, CREATIVE – Relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, ABSTRACT – Art that does not imitate or directly represent external reality or at times may, DOODLING – Is a type of sketch or drawing that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be abstract shapes," explains artist Dale Wiersma.

Artistic Director, Scott Spence, announced that Jerry Springer the Opera is, “Exactly what it sounds like.” If by that he meant offensive and sacrilegious, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that opening night was peppered with the best press the Beck Center could ever hope for— dozens of individuals and signs protesting the blasphemy of Biblical themes and characters in the show’s second act. With protestors strewn about Detroit Ave and the director’s disconcerting disclaimer in my head, I walked into the theatre on opening night with expectations of complete absurdity and lewdness. To my delight, just like the talk show it’s based on, Jerry Springer the Opera is not only absurd and lewd, but absolutely brilliant.

Though morally questionable, Jerry Springer is a genius. He panders the lowest of the low’s dysfunctions and makes a fortune doing it. And what better medium to represent this tabloid television than opera—a medium that so often thrives on unreal and unnecessary drama and heightened emotion! Scott Spence and set designer Trad A. Burns use extremely clever conventions that enhance this. TVs above the stage replicate what America is so used to seeing on talk shows, with the surreal effect of letting us also see the live human beings (and all their cheating, swearing, screaming mayhem) a mere ten feet away at times. What’s more, the audience is in thrust— 3-sided seating— but the third side is filled with a ridiculous motley crew of characters created by an extremely talented ensemble.  This set up makes it almost impossible to stop from joining in with the annoying but contagious chant of “Jer-ry! Jer-ry!” especially while Matthew Wright gives a spot-on portrayal of Jerry Springer’s apathy and effortless politician’s swagger.

Cinderella’s slipper, Rapunzel’s hair, Jack and the Bean Stalk’s cow and Little Red’s cape…the musical Into the Woods combines all of those unlikely elements from fractured fairytales, but it’s really about so much more. These pieces are also just the ingredients to make a family for a Baker and his wife, played by the endearing Deven Middleton and vocal powerhouse, Grace Lazos in the Beck Center’s upcoming teen production. Into the Woods is a world of mixed up fairy tales, but it’s also about mixed up human beings who all need one another as part of a community.

Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is notorious for difficult music and complex themes, and happens to be a favorite of Beck Center Associate Director of Theater Education, Jonathan Kronenberger. In fact, there is even a watered-down Into the Woods Jr. that directors commonly opt for when directing youth productions. But Jonathan makes it clear that this is the full (non-junior) version of the show and when I ask him if anyone has ever asked if he’s crazy for directing a full Sondheim musical with teenagers, his friendly face lights up at the challenge as he says, “Yes!” with a warm laugh. Just as the story is about community, family and working together, the music itself relies heavily on the actors’ interdependency as they learn the difficult rhythms and musical entrances. Jonathan is fully aware of this as he says to me, “I told them ‘You’re gonna have to work harder on this show than anything else you’ve worked on.’”  

Dear Neighbors:

I am writing to you concerning Beck Center for the Art’s professional theater production of Jerry Springer: The Opera(JSTO), as our staging of this show has raised numerous questions and complaints. It has come to my attention that some individuals are organizing a boycott of Beck Center’s education programs and professional theater, and are putting pressure on our funders to withdraw support. The number of complaints we have received makes me realize we need to put more information in your hands about the production and why we have included it in our professional theater season.

JSTO has a distinguished history. From its launch at the acclaimed National Theatre of London to its American premiere at Carnegie Hall, this award-winning musical continues to push the envelope and spark conversation. In addition to numerous other awards, JSTO is the recipient of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2004, beating out Ragtime and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The Olivier Award is the highest honor in British theater. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Billy Elliot the Musical, Jersey Boys, and The Producers.

The handmade resurgence is swelling throughout the nation, but maybe nowhere more visibly than right here in Lakewood, Ohio. Case in point: the Cleveland Craft Coalition pre-Valentine's show on February 12 at Bela Dubby, 13321 Madison Ave.

First of all, there are a few things you need to know about the monthly shows held by the Cleveland Craft Coalition. Actually, the Coalition is based in Lakewood! (Go figure.) Secondly, while the shows are often hosted at Bela Dubby, they also "pop up" at various locations. (For details on when and where upcoming shows are happening, "friend" the Coalition's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1683543243049#!/clevelandcraftcoalition). The shows are curated by a core group, but feature a rotating cast of artisans featuring a wide variety of handcrafted/handmade items offered at very reasonable prices. And there's a philanthropic component, too-- each month the group sponsors a worthy cause and donates either collected monies or booth fees-- this month, the proceeds will benefit the Center for Domestic Violence. Impressive, right?

Roy Neary quit his job as an electrician to become passenger on a gigantic spaceship in the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 

I like describing intuition as understanding without apparent effort. It’s the ability to let go of logical thought and trust your gut. I know an artist who trusts her instinctive sense of perception. The result is photography worth seeing.

“Evidence of Intuition” is the title of Diana Curran’s photography show which opens Feb 11th in the "Sullivan Family Gallery" at Bayarts, in Bay Village. Diana’s work, in both color and black and white digital photography, reveals an innate sense of insight. Diana’s images of nature and people are purely the result of trusting and observing the moment.

Gaze at dynamic botanicals that draw the observer to breathe deeply and smile, centered like the Buddha himself.

Beck Center for the Arts presents the regional premiere of the award-winning musical, Jerry Springer: The Opera, in the Studio Theater, February 18 through March 27, 2011. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays. There are no matinee performances for this production.

Strippers, cheating spouses, tap-dancing Ku Klux Klan members. Just another episode of America’s favorite lurid TV talk show, The Jerry Springer Show. Come see what happens when Jerry and his show end up in Satan’s world in this musical that London’s The Sunday Times calls “a shocking, irresistibly funny masterpiece.”

Jerry Springer: The Opera, winner of London’s Best New Musical in the West End award and three Olivier Awards, features Matthew Wright, who returns to the Beck Center in the title role. The production also includes Equity actor Darryl Lewis as Montel and Jesus.

The Root Writing Workshop meets weekly on Saturdays from 9-11am.

Shelly Wotowiec, a graduate student at Cleveland State University, started the workshop in April 2010: “I wanted to meet local writers and was anxious to see what they were writing abouIn the past months, we’ve had the pleasure of reading the work of dozens of talented people. Our group has critiqued work in every genre: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, humor, play writing...” The goal of the workshop is to help local writers thrive in their work. The group discusses different writing competitions and calls for submissions.

In a new partnership with PlayhouseSquare, the Beck Center for the Arts is proud to present an encore production of the smash hit Altar Boyz at the Hanna Theatre, January 13-30, 2011. Beck produced the regional premiere of this musical comedy here in the summer of 2008 to rave reviews. Altar Boyz is a sharp, pop-music parody with irreverent humor that tells the holy inspiring story of five small-town boys trying to save the world one screaming fan at a time.

This encore production is again directed by Beck Center Artistic Director Scott Spence and features four of the five original “boyz” who return to dance and sing their hearts out to save the souls of the sinful – including Equity actor Josh Rhett Noble as Matthew, Dan Grgic as Luke, Ryan Jagru as Juan, and Connor O’Brien as Abraham. New to the AB cast is Matthew Ryan Thompson who plays Mark, the sensitive one. Noble, O’Brien and Thompson were most recently seen in Beck’s holiday production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

If you’ve lived in Lakewood for a holiday season, you probably know that the Beck Center has a tradition of producing the Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the month of December and into January (this year through January 2nd). You also probably know that anything I say in the Lakewood Observer won’t change this tradition, stifle the standing ovations or inspire any innovation in the production’s approach. So for my review of this show I’m going back to basics:

What goal is this show trying to achieve? From the moment the first of the 22 children appears, it is apparent that this show is written and directed for the warm-and-fuzzies. With a strong audience base from most of Cleveland’s West-side suburbs, the Beck makes a safe business decision to appeal to its demographic and choose a story with good Christian values, lots and lots of bright colors and LOTS of children whose extended families will purchase LOTS of tickets. Safe artistic choices are just a byproduct.

Cleveland Handmade and the Screw Factory artists are teaming up again to enable, and even encourage, holiday shopping procrastination with the third annual Last Minute Market.

The Last Minute Market and Screw Factory Open Studio will be a wonderfully unique shopping destination with more than 90 artists and craftspeople from Cleveland and friends from across the rust belt region. In addition, artists whose studios are in the building will open their doors to offer a peek at their workspace and an opportunity to purchase their work.

For four months, Hospice of the Western Reserve patients and families welcomed photography students from Notre Dame College on their journey with a serious illness. 167 photographs later, the four participating students found themselves changed forever.

These students, Aurelia Nuber, Ralph D’Alessio, Sarah Nank and Dominic Schiavoni, spent time with patients and families at Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Hospice House – an inpatient facility over looking Lake Erie.

The fruits of their experience – called “Images of Hospice” – will be on display at the Lakewood Public Library beginning December 7 until Jan. 26, 2011. Free and open to the public, a portion of the collection will hang on the second floor of the main library at 15425 Detroit Avenue during regular library hours from 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 9 pm.

Beck Center for the Arts proudly continues its holiday tradition of fine family entertainment with its production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat, on the Mackey Main Stage, December 3, 2010 through January 2, 2011. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays with select Thursday evening and Saturday matinee performances. A special Wednesday evening performance will take place on December 29. There are no performances on December 24, 25, or January 1.

Buy The Best Gift for the Holiday & Raise Funds for Kids, As Well!

The Beck Center for the Arts and HourPower LLC, have joined together for a special fundraiser that will create scholarships for children to attend classes in dance, dramatics, drawing and music.

HourPower, LLC is a Cleveland based company that has developed a new category of stylish, high quality timepieces for men and women that open to a hidden compartment for engraved words and a treasured photo. Your own custom message and personal photo make them a meaningful gift that preserves the best of the holiday that can be cherished forever.

The Dance Alliance of the Beck Center (DABC) will host a Holiday High Tea Party on Sunday, December 5 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with a preview on Saturday, December 4 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the Beck Center Music-Armory Building. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children (11 and under). Preview tickets are $8. To purchase tickets, visit www.beckcenter.org or call 216.521.2540 x10. All proceeds from the event benefit the Beck Center’s Dance Department.

This October marked the 6th year the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Beck Center for the Arts have hosted the West End Halloween Window Walk. A reception was held on Saturday, October 30th to announce the winners in our 6 prize categories. This year's winners are:

Beck Center for the Arts presents an exhibit featuring the artistic talents of two child prodigies—artist, poet, and songwriter Victoria Yin (age 12) and artist and writer Zoe Yin (age 9)—now through November 14, 2010 in the Jean Bulicek Galleria, and November 15 through December 31, 2010 in the Beck Café, adjacent to the Galleria. A special reception with the artists will take place on Friday, November 12, 2010, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

This season, there have been two musicals performed on the Beck Center’s main stage, both of which were met with standing ovations on opening weekend. During opening weekend of the non-musical Wings by Arthur Kopit, however, the Sunday matinee was received with polite, seated applause. Don’t be fooled, though—if applause were an indicator of artistry, vision and innovation, the standing ovation (and then some) would belong to Wings. Starring Cleveland legend, Dorothy Silver in a tour-de-force performance as Emily Stilson, and the support of a solid, cohesive ensemble under the fierce direction of Sarah May, Wings is a must-see for any theatre-goer who appreciates a challenge for the mind and a powerful celebration for the senses.

On the 100th anniversary year of Mark Twain's death, Beck Youth Theater celebrates the life of this great American humorist with their presentation of his classic coming-of-age story Tom Sawyer, October 28 through 31, 2010, on the Mackey Main Stage. Show times are 10 a.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Beck youth bring to life this humorous story about Hannibal, Missouri’s most famous troublemakers. Along with Tom Sawyer, all your favorite characters are here—Huckleberry Finn, Becky Thatcher, Aunt Polly, and Injun Joe—in this faithful retelling of the adventures of Tom and his gang. Delight in this charming tale about the bonds of friendship and a boy’s journey toward discovering the strength of “doing the right thing.”

Beck Center for the Arts proudly presents its production of American playwright Arthur Kopit’s inspiring drama Wings, in the Studio Theater, October 8 through November 7, 2010. Show times are 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 p.m. Sundays.

“What could matter more than to take a human being and change her into a different human being?”

No, this quote is not a mistake—phoeneticist, Professor Higgins (played with unexpected twists and turns by Bob Russell in the production of My Fair Lady currently playing Beck Center) says exactly this— “Change her into a different human being.” Misogyny and all, the premise of this musical is based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, circling around a bet that Higgins cannot turn a cockney flower girl into a “lady”—specifically, the spirited, uninhibited Eliza Doolittle (played by Wright State senior, Valerie Reaper). Filled with adorable musical numbers and a setting that dictates period-specific spectacle the musical does exactly what American musical theatre is often designed to do. But as a piece of art, the Beck’s production can ask us a bigger question: is the social commentary that was once edgy and daring in Pygmalion’s 1912 publishing date merely a laughable piece of history, or can we still take something away from it today?

Beck Center for the Arts proudly presents its production of the Tony Award-winning classic, My Fair Lady, on the Mackey Main Stage, September 17 through October 17, 2010. Show times are 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 p.m. Sundays.

Winner of six Tony Awards, My Fair Lady is “a timeless treat.” This esteemed classic musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion has stood the test of time to become a musical theater powerhouse and an all-time audience favorite. It features such favorites as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.”

Paul Gurgol, Kalliope Stage's former artistic director, returns to the Beck Center to direct and choreograph My Fair Lady after receiving rave critic and audience reviews of last year’s Fiddler on the Roof. This production featuresGeorge Roth, who starred as Tevye in Beck’s Fiddler, as Alfred P. Doolittle, Bob Russell as Henry Higgins, andValerie Reaper as Eliza Doolittle. Larry Goodpaster provides musical direction.

Using the beauty and spirit inherent in metal, Therese Taylor created a 'Gilded Goddess' art doll. The piece was submitted to Art Doll Quarterly in response to a metal themed challenge to artists across America. Among hundreds of entries, Therese's doll was chosen to be published in the August 2010 results issue.

Cleveland's metal industry cast off's have long fueled artists to create various forms of 'Green Art'. "Metal of all forms has always drawn me in, it's such a beautiful and versitile medium," says Therese. "And I enjoy the challenge of creating beauty from something that has been discarded."

She is re-purposing metal scrap items and featuring them in a wonderful new form. From art dolls to home decor, her metal work is intriguing and stunning. Therese recently opened Keyhole Gallery at 11817 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. She is a graduate of Virginia Marti College of Art and Design for jewelry design. The art doll, photos of unique gallery items, as well as upcoming workshops can be viewed at: http://keyholegallery.blogspot.com Therese and Keyhole Gallery can be reached at: 216-769-4204 and keyholegallery@gmail.com.

Photo with cutline

Lakewood Guitar Consort, in residence at the Beck Center for the Arts, is currently seeking new members. All ability levels are welcome, on either nylon or acoustic steel-string guitars. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance to 21st Century.   Music is in standard note format, not tabbed. Lakewood Guitar Consort was founded to offer an ensemble playing experience for area guitarists and as an outreach to the community by providing concerts at local venues. Rehearsals are Saturdays 1:30- 3:00 P.M. at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. Contact Chris Ellicott, director, at (216) 398-1401 or email at elkkit@aol.com for more information.

This month, the Root Cafe's walls welcome Stephanie Urban, local fabric artist, and Justin Brennan, local painter!

In May 2009, Stephanie Urban gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Kaia Belle Urban. Before she was born, Stephanie handmade everything for the nursery. Unfortunately, Kaia never got to see her room. Shortly after birth, she was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and she passed away at only 34 days old, almost 3 weeks after having open-heart surgery. During this time, Stephanie’s husband lost his job, and within two months, Stephanie lost her job as a graphic designer as well. But she is one talented, inspiring and resilient woman. She decided that, in honor of her daughter, she would "listen" to her calling. A very creative individual by nature, Stephanie launched Little Lion Designs (Kaia Belle’s nickname was "little lion" because she was such a fighter), and she now makes beautiful re-purporsed fabric artwork for adults and children.

Stephanie’s work is truly unique, beautiful and timeless. It comes completely finished and ready to hang. Each piece comes with a fact flyer on congenital heart defects and what you can do to help. Plus, she leaves as little a carbon footprint as possible--she gathers fabrics from thrift stores, tailors, quilters, etc. and washes all fabric in an eco-friendly baby detergent. All buttons or ribbons are from the clothes she gathers and cuts up for use. She makes her own starch, and uses a child-safe non-toxic fabric glue to adhere the pieces together.

A beautiful summer day, a free concert on an outdoor stage and a singer who will light it up with classics from the Great American Songbook--these are the ingredients of a perfect afternoon in Lakewood. Laura Varcho, a vocalist who knows how to convey the most personal of emotions, will sing jazz and pop, with a touch of blues thrown in, at the Beck Cafe on Sunday, August 15 from 2-4 p.m.

In Mel Brooks’ The Producers Max Bialystock grumbles about off-Broadway, sneering, “I hate it! Mimes, experimental theatre… it’s a jungle out there!” But in the irony of all ironies, Bialystock and his unlikely business partner, tense and timid Leo Bloom, find that the real jungle is not off but on Broadway in this Tony-award winning show. With its fast pace and wild character acting, The Beck Center’s production is no exception.

For the second year in a row, the Beck Center for the Arts has been named the “Best of the West” in Music and in Dance/Theater Instruction by West Shore Magazine. Hundreds of West Shore Live Well readers voted for the best places to eat, shop, and have fun on Cleveland’s west side. Winners were selected from finalists in more than 60 categories.

Beck Center for the Arts is proud to present the Tony Award-winning “boffo” hit musical, The Producers, on the Mackey Main Stage, July 16 through August 22, 2010. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Lakewood's own Billy Butler (11 years old) is a member of Cleveland's Singing Angel's Performing Chorus. Billy has always been a great believer in making others happy. 

"Hello abstraction!" says the Root Cafe. This June they give up their walls to Walley "Two Hawks" and Dale J. Wiersma! Here is a brief look into the minds of two individuals with shapes and lines on their pallet:   

What are your dreams? How do you intend to follow them? Langston Hughes said, "Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly."

Darling Ducklings Debut at Beck Center!

For the second year in a row, a mother mallard has nested in an inner courtyard at the Beck Center. Appropriately her eggs hatched on Mother’s Day, and 14 fuzzy little ducklings made their debut at Beck. Fondly named “Becky” by students at the arts center, the very protective mother duck guards her precious flock, and they obediently follow her wherever she goes. Beck staff has accommodated the new family by restricting access to the courtyard, installing a wading pool, and providing corn feed for the growing brood. There is always a crowd gathered at the courtyard windows as the ducks provide humorous entertainment for Beck patrons, students, and staff. They will remain safely in their courtyard haven until they are old enough to fly out on their own. Until then, visitors are welcome to come watch the ducks from the lobby at the Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Avenue, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call for weekend hours at 216.521.2540 x10.

Student Art Show at Beck Center

And while you are at the Beck visiting the ducks, take the time to walk through the lobby and enjoy the latest art exhibition featuring works created by talented students from Beck’s visual arts program during the winter/spring semester. The exhibition is free, open to the public, and on display June 2 through July 30 in the Jean Bulicek Galleria at the Beck Center. For a more information on the Beck Center and a complete catalog of summer camps and classes go to www.beckcenter.org.

Warmer weather ushers in the party season and what better way to celebrate the season than attending the Beck Center for the Arts Spring Fling! Summer Socials! 2010, May through July 2010. This series of six exciting and unique art-focused events is held in some of the Cleveland area’s most fabulous homes and hosted by devoted fans of the Beck. All proceeds benefit the Beck Center, one of the area’s most comprehensive performing arts and arts education centers. Our first party was May 15th and two others have already sold out, but there are a limited number of spots available for the remaining three, although tickets are selling fast. Don't miss out on the remaining parties listed below. To purchase tickets, visit www.beckcenter.org, or call the Beck Center at 216.521.2540 ext. 19.