Scientists take the stage with Simon farce
It’s all systems go for the rocket scientists, systems engineers and cyber defense guys and gals at the Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel for the launching of their next theatrical production, Fools: a Comic Fable by Neil Simon. The scientists, engineers and others, all members of the APL Drama Club, will temporarily leave their spacecraft plans and microscopes to tread ... READ MORE
Unearthing the original Maryland colony
In 1634, a new English colony — named St. Mary’s City by its settlers — was founded in the northern Chesapeake. The English crown granted the land to Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, but in 1688 a revolution in England overthrew King James II.As a result, the Calverts lost control of their land charter, Maryland became a royal colony and, as religious freedom ended, the... READ MORE
Two free concerts draw opera fans to parks
“Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings,” said Robert Benchley, the late American humorist.Spoken in jest or not, people are rarely neutral about opera. You either love it or hate it. In Coachella Valley, enough people love it to support two ambitious opera groups.In Palm Springs, the annual Opera in the Park, which is free and open to... READ MORE
A familiar, fun and kooky Addams Family
The Addams Family musical, currently in mid-run at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, continues to confound critics and delight audiences. Critics generally don’t care much for the show, while audiences embrace it fully.That’s not the case here, as both this critic and the audience are in sync. We love it.OK, the material is a bit thin. Derivative, even. After all, the stage musical... READ MORE
Generations Together at the Grammys
Did anyone watch the Grammy awards a few weeks ago on February 8th? It was a terrific show with many great performances. In fact, the performances were what stood out the most about the Grammys. Why? Because, my Generations Together project was making its debut there on live TV!Let me explain: throughout the show, there were many performances where modern day singers were paired up with... READ MORE
Chorus to sing women composers’ works
The works of three women composers — whose lives spanned from the Middle Ages to the 20th century — will be featured at Columbia Pro Cantare’s next concert on March 21 in Columbia.Singers of the 100-member choral group will perform three pieces, including the “Grand Mass in E-flat Major” by Amy Beach (1867-1944), who made her mark as a leading composer of the... READ MORE
