HAT Co's Larry White in Kuntu's Mahalia Jackson

HAT Co member, Larry White, has been cast in Kuntu Repertory Theatre's production of Mahalia Jackson: Standing on Holy Ground. Written and directed by Kuntu founder and producing artistic director Vernell A Lillie, Mahalia Jackson celebrates the life of one of the most influential gospel singers in the world, known to many as The Queen of Gospel.

“My focus is to present and recapture the marvelous tradition of the Southern Baptist,” said Lillie, “and to celebrate the memory of Mahalia through the magic, beauty, dignity, and elegance of the rich contralto voice she presented to world audiences.” 

The show runs from Feb. 24-March 12 in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium in the University’s Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. We are working on getting a field trip together to support Larry in his first performance with Kuntu. Congratulations, Larry!

Snow Day! Tuesday, Feb 22

No classes or private lessons today. Make some snow art!



"...in terms of capturing the beauty, hardship and sheer scope of the weather, Jamie Stuart’s snow-covered, New-York-shot ode to the Soviet montage is the end-all. Roger Ebert is already calling for the film to receive an Academy Award because of its quality and technical profiency as well as its “role as homage.” Indeed, Stuart’s short Idiot with a Tripod does an admirable job paying tribute to Dziga Vertov’s 1929 silent classic Man With a Movie Camera while still capturing the trials and tribulations that people (and dogs) endured at the hands of the snowstorm."

Photos from "Love and Alll That Jazz"

Hope Academy Student Takes First Place in PPT Shakespeare Contest

Last night, Hope Academy students, Sam Gardner and Charlotte Bush, competed in the Pittsburgh Public Theater's 17th Annual Showcase of Finalists for the Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. It was a wonderful evening of theater, filled with laughter, tears, suspense, sword fighting and seduction. Sam Gardner wowed the audience with his comedic portrayal of Launce and Charlotte Bush charmed them with her Hermia. Pittsburgh Public Theater Artistic Director, Ted Pappas, told the audience that not only are all of the students in the finals winners, but all of the students who prepared for the contest, memorized the lines and now carry a little piece of Shakespeare in their hearts. He then went on with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette theatre critic, Chris Rawson, to present the awards to monologue and scene winners in both divisions... and Sam Gardner took first place for his monologue!

Congratulations to Sam, Charlotte, all of the finalists and the other forty-two Hope Academy students who now carry a bit of Shakespeare in their hearts!

 FROM TODAY'S PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Shakespeare winners listed

Monday, February 14, 2011

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In its 17th year, the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest attracted some 1,100 entrants from throughout Western Pennsylvania. Monday night's O'Reilly Theater finals saw the awards for best monologues and scenes, grades 4-7 and 8-12, go to Hermione, Antony, Launce, the duo of Cleon and Dionyza and a gaggle of pub-dwellers led by Falstaff and Prince Hal.

More specifically, those winners were, in that same order: Emily Kolb (CAPA), Elfonzo Williams (Langley), Sam Gardner (Hope Academy), Dominic Skeele and Emily Appel (Slippery Rock Area Elementary) and the team of Andy Guthrie, Jason Michalenk, Micah Carleton, Chris Tyson and Josh Bostanic (Beaver County Christian).
More details in Wednesday's newspaper.

Shakespeare Showcase of Finalists - See You There!

Tonight…join us downtown at the O’Reilly Theater for the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 2011 Showcase of Finalists. Hope Academy will be well represented by Charlotte Bush (Hermia from Midsummer) and Sam Gardner (Launce from Two Gentlemen). It’s at 7:00 pm and it’s FREE. Let’s get our cheering section on!

Here is a map of downtown's cultural district; and here are some suggestions for parking.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there... this is a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day together!

Love and All That Jazz - SAT February 12 @ 7 pm

A love-themed evening of poetry and song in the spirit of Valentine’s Day to benefit Hope Academy of Music and the Arts! This family-friendly event features an eclectic mix of love-themed poetry and song from classical and jazz to Broadway and hip hop.

Performers include Cello Fury;  Howie Alexander and friends; the entire Pittsburgh City Council performing "love quotes" with Rev. Randy Bush; Carly Noel Black and Alexandra Loutsion performing the Flower Duet; Hope Academy's community orchestra, EL CEO, and teen theater company, HAT Co.

Tickets are available at the door:
$10 adults; $5 college students and seniors 60+; FREE for kids and teens.
For more information call: 412-441-3800 x11. For directions click here.

Plus, a free after-party Cabaret featuring HAT Co!

CELLO FURY


HOWIE ALEXANDER


LOVE QUOTES
From "Love and All That Jazz" in 2007, featuring councilman Bill Peduto.


HAT Co