This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Who’s original concept album Tommy – an album that became the catalyst for the 1993 Tony Award®-winning rock opera of the same name. Next month it’s playing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. with a bunch of big-name stars. But why wait when you can see it now thanks to the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance? And I highly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity – especially since … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Equal Parts Rock Concert and Theatre, Oakland University’s ‘Tommy’ Takes the Audience on an Emotional and Rewarding Aural Adventure
March 24, 2019 by Leave a Comment
‘The Who’s Tommy’ is Ready to Rock at Oakland University
March 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment
The Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present the thrilling rock opera Tommy by legendary British rock icons The Who at Varner Studio Theatre from March 21 – 24 and March 27 – 31, 2019. Winner of five Tony Awards, the story is set over a period of 25 years. Tommy is a story about hope, healing and the human spirit; while also exploring issues of mental health, abuse, and celebrity. The Who’s Tommy is fast-paced, exhilarating rock opera featuring music and lyrics … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Oakland University’s ‘Seagull’ Dives Deep Into Human Nature
February 8, 2019 by Leave a Comment
I am sure at one point on my journey to obtain my English degree years ago that the works of Anton Chekhov (1860 - 1904) and I crossed paths. To be honest, I really don’t remember, which is why I welcomed the opportunity to attend the opening night performance of the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s production of one of his seminal works, Seagull, under the direction of Lynnae Lehfeldt and translated by Curt Columbus. Divided into four acts, the story unfolds in the … [Read more...]
Oakland University Brings Chekhov’s Drama ‘Seagull’ to the Stage
January 23, 2019 by 1 Comment
The Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present Anton Chekhov's Seagull at Varner Studio Theatre from February 7 - 10 and February 13 - 15, 2019. Translated by Curt Columbus and directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt, the action in this slice-of-life drama set in the Russian countryside at the end of the 19th century revolves around the play’s dissatisfied characters’ romantic and artistic conflicts. Some desire love. Some desire success. Some desire artistic genius. No one, … [Read more...]
OU’s World Music, Latin Jazz Concerts to Feature Renowned Violinist Regina Carter
November 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter will be performing as a special guest on Friday, November 30 during the World Music Concert and Saturday, December 1 during the Latin Jazz Concert in Varner Recital Hall on the Oakland University (OU) campus. “When I was a student at OU, the big band director, Marvin ‘Doc’ Holladay, brought in guest musicians including Marcus Belgrave, Lyman Woodard, Ken Cox and Wendell Harrison, to work and perform with us,” said Carter, Oakland University’s … [Read more...]
OU Brass Band to Welcome Acclaimed Euphonium Virtuoso Steven Mead on Dec. 2
November 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Internationally acclaimed euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead will join the Oakland University (OU) Brass Band for a memorable afternoon of brass music artistry beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 in Varner Recital Hall. “Steve’s appearance with the OU Brass Band is a result of conversations we had during his two-day residence here at OU last March,” said Dr. Kenneth Kroesche, an associate professor of music and coordinator of the OU Brass Band. “Having just adjudicated … [Read more...]
REVIEW: ‘Into the Woods’ Takes the Audience on a Magical Journey Filled with Laughter and Introspection
October 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Before heading to the opening night production of Into the Woods presented by the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance, I learned the entire opening weekend is sold out. And I want to assure you, after the performance I saw, the hype is well justified. Actually, this is not my first viewing of Into the Woods this year. Earlier in the spring another local college performed it on a massive stage with wonderful costumes and props. But in all honesty, I barely remember … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Pick Up and Go See ‘Hands on a Hardbody’ at Oakland University
March 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Timing is everything. When Hands on a Hardbody arrived on Broadway in 2013, it ran for just 28 shows before the curtain came down. Many probably mused at how a musical about 10 down-on-their-luck Texans trying to win a truck was even relevant. Well, a lot can change in three years, and the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance couldn’t have picked a timelier subject to bring back to the stage. Based on true events and a 1997 documentary of the same name, the story centers … [Read more...]
Enter for a Chance to Win Tickets to See ‘Hands on a Hardbody’
March 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
In Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s latest production, Hands on Hardbody, ten hard-luck Texans, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. Based on true events and a 1997 documentary of the same name, the New York Times said, “You can hear America singing,” in the show’s country-rock melodies and soulful lyrics. We want to send two people to enjoy this musical production. Tell us: … [Read more...]
OU to Present ‘Hands on a Hardbody,’ an All-American Musical
March 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present Hands on a Hardbody, an all-American musical, from March 28 through April 7 in the Varner Studio Theatre in Varner Hall on the campus of Oakland University (OU). Based on true events and a 1997 documentary of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody is the story of 10 hard-luck Texans, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, who have a chance at literally driving away with the American Dream after entering a contest to … [Read more...]
