CV Rep Presented Cabaret Singer Leslie Page In Her New Show “A Tapestry Through Music”
Music Director Nick Petrillo and Leslie Page. Photo by Shari Lipman By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Member American Theatre Critics Association ATCA) I’m often asked if I would consent to reviewing Cabaret artists. I love cabaret. The issue is not one of whether I would or would not, it’s a matter of timing. The schedule for my newspaper outlets drive the decision. Usually, cabaret artists perform only one performance, maybe two on a certain date. The time interval is too short for me to see the show, write the review, and send it to my editor, within his deadlines, in order to make the Wednesday Issue. I write and review
for a weekly publication. Believe me when I say I would love to see this cabaret performer or that particular act. The Coachella Valley is jam- packed with talented and gifted club and solo artists of all stripes: comedy, improv, dramatic staged readings, magic acts, monologues, and of course, the singers. There can never be too much arts entertainment in the world of show business for me. Every now and then, despite my time constraints, when the stars are aligned with Venus and the moon… it happens. A door on my schedule opens just wide enough for me slip into a theatre seat or on a bar stool, if it’s being performed
By Pamela Price The 85th season of the iconic Pageant of the Masters, with performances nightly between July 7 and Sept 1, 2018, themed Under the Sun is once again breathtaking from start to finish. While traditionally this legendary event is a series of “living pictures” or tableaux it symbolized much more to loyal fans such as myself. My eyes were opened to this masterpiece of living art since 1962 when the concept of an audience was viewing “living pictures” on stage” was considered both surreal and novel, according to various comments quoted in press reviews. Fast forward to the 2008 Pageant of the Masters, celebrating 75 “Brilliant Years” at their Diamond Jubilee at the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach themed “All the World’s Stage.” The magic of living art created by the Pageant Masters continues to thrive as this season’s performance brought laughter, tears, and cheers to the audience as Act One and Act Two mesmerized the audience nonstop. Seated outdoors in the still of a moonlit night, the evening event began at 8:30 PM as ab illuminated view of Pageant history debuted with the stage
framed with The Mission Era and tableaux of an oil painting by J. Henry Sandham, Toll for Sunrise Mass, Pala Mission. This era was concluding with a theme of 8 “living pictures” themed New Waves. This reflected the art and music between 1969 to 2008 by revealing in oil on canvas, mosaic mural, bronze, lithograph and acrylic ocean inspired themes representing Laguna Beach artists from Rex Brandt to James A.Wasil. Churning more Laguna Beach memories with visual verve were compositions titles ranging from The Endless Summer to Pleasures Along the Beach. Nostalgia emanating from the Laguna Beach art colony continues to define a national treasure. The drama of it all brought both smiles and a few nostalgic tears to those in the audience. Act Two began with Monet: The Father of Impressionism before delving into Paul Gauguin’s Polynesian Sunset, as the dazzling narration by Richard Doyle mesmerized the audience enhanced by the Pageants orchestra once again under the direction of Corey Hirsch. His unique talent gifts the Pageant’s audience with magical musical memories. Pageant history reveals that
in a restaurant and enjoy the talent that is available for all see. The trick is to cover the event, review the work, before the artists’ moves on to his or her next gig. Last Saturday, July 7th, CV REP artistic director Ron Celona invited me to see a new talent to the Valley and to watch her perform in her new One Woman Cabaret show titled “Leslie Page: A Tapestry Through Music”. The show is creatively and sensitively directed by Mr. Celona, who becomes the wind beneath her feet as she draws her audience toward her. She’s a wonderful technician who uses her voice as if it’s a musical instrument, complete with key changes
and musical riffs on top of more riffs that are breathtaking in their execution. I was immediately reminded of a young Sarah Vaughan. The ‘Divine Sarah’ could hold an audience spellbound with her unique style, where she could convert her voice into an alto saxophone sound and entertain her audiences for hours with ease. Leslie Page has been an established professional singer/ performer for over ten years. She weaves a compelling musical story of her career to the audience between song sequences. Her range is both vocally broad in performance and in the selections she performs from the CV REP stage. She is a big fan of R & B, sings ‘country’ like an angel, but was born in California. Ms. Page is the possessor of a silky, smoky and sultry voice and delivery that will please audiences and fans of not only the American Song Book, but of songs written by the best of the country’s composers and song writers. Why haven’t I heard of you before tonight? I candidly asked her when we had a conversation following her performance, she replied saying, “I’ve been singing since I was four years-old. My professional work resume has taken me all over the country. In Los Angeles and Hollywood, and NYC performed as a backup singer for TV, and Movie
sound tracks for several years and recently I’ve discovered the Cruise ship circuit for entertainers that has take me overseas for long periods of time” adding, “but I’m back on dry land now and ready for more exciting musical adventures like tonight.” She’s comfortable with her audience and confident in her skills to win over an audience with her talent, style, and her delivery. And she is very fortunate to have the extremely talented musical accompaniment of Music Director Nick Petrillo, who plays piano and keyboards like a virtuoso, with Dave Johnstone, on drums, and Tabari Lake, on guitar. All three gentlemen are graduates of Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music. They’re a very formidable trio of top musicians. The CV REP technical staff of Lighting Designer and Technical Director Moira Wilkie Whitaker, and Doug Morris, Stage Manager make this splendid show a special evening indeed. I look forward to seeing this talented lady perform in the Coachella Valley in the future. Ms. Page certainly made a believer out me with her mesmerizing performance earning her richly deserved standing ovation that she and the production received from the audience.
Art Comes to Life at the 85th Season of the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters
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DesertSTAR
Image courtesy of Pageant of the Masters after World War II the Pageant tried to use pre-recorded music Thankfully that “disastrous decision” was rescinded and the orchestra resumed. This season’s Pageant now has an impressive Festival of the Arts Junior Art Exhibit sponsored by California’s First National Bank headquartered in Orange County California. When you visit the Pageant be sure to reserve time to view this imaginative exhibit composed of diversified artwork from local students as well as the outstanding Pageant’s Fine Art Show rated one of July 11, 2018
the top five in the nation by USA Today readers. Distinctive art styles lend diversity to this juried art show. The range of art dazzles, from oils, acrylics and photography to glass, pastels, jewelry, and ceramics. Seen once again was artist Sandra Jones Campbell and her fascinating of multiple characters in “evocative make believe groupings” with an accent of handsome, attentive men, wine, and women! For Pageant tickets online or phone: PageantTickets. com or 800 487 3378. The
Festival of The Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 now through Sept. 1, 2018. Allow ample time to view the Keep in mind the Pageant’s Masters Celebrity Benefit Event, Saturday, August 25. This private event features Grammy awardwinning vocalist Steve Tyrell and Sarah Drew, actress and star of the film, “Mom’s Night Out.” Event tickets start at $50. Pamela Price co-authored the travel guide, Fun with the Family in Southern CA ( Globe Pequot Press). www.desertstarweekly.com