Thursday, March 13, 1997
PERFORMANCES:
Center for Performing Arts presents a melange of music, dance By
Nerissa Pacio
Daily Bruin Contributor
As students reluctantly enter 10th week, they often find
themselves searching for just one more distraction before the
stress of finals. So for those determined to have fun instead of
hitting the books, UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts offers a
variety of entertainment possibilities on or around campus this
month.
Whether it’s the "On Broadway!" show, the Stephen Petronio
Company dance performance, or The Harp Consort performance,
students can indulge in a mini artistic escape.
As part of a 42-city U.S. tour, "On Broadway!" showcases the
many talents of Broadway stars Ben Vereen and Leslie Uggams at the
Wiltern Theater, March 16. Performing a host of over 40 musical
selections in this live show, the two artists join forces for the
first time since their performance together in the television
miniseries "Roots."
Singing memorable show tunes such as "The Sunny Side of the
Street," "Getting to Know You," and "I Got Rhythm," the two stars
are accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra. Vereen, a seasoned
Broadway performer of over 20 years, and Uggams, likened to Shirley
Temple as a child performer, are no newcomers to the musical stage.
With two performers of such experience overpowering the stage,
audiences will be delighted to hear their favorite old show tunes
vibrantly brought back to life.
For those tired of listening to boring class lectures, get ready
for a show of visual enjoyment when the Stephen Petronio Company
makes its Los Angeles debut on March 21 at UCLA’s own Schoenberg
Hall. Petronio, a "virtuosic" dance choreographer, and his
eight-member company are known for their modern cutting-edge style.
Regarded as one of the most innovative and provocative companies in
modern dance, the program will feature three of Petronio’s works:
"Lareigne," with music by The Stranglers and an original score by
David Linton, "#4," with music by Diamanda Galas, and "Drawn That
Way," with music by Suede and Andy Teirstein.
Having choreographed the dance events of such noted composers as
Yoko Ono, David Linton and Wire, Petronio remains well known in the
artistic community. As a show containing ground-breaking movements
and spontaneous energy, this performance promises to leave you
joining in the movements even in your seats.
A show of modern dance isn’t the only performance which contains
quick precise movements that both excite and entertain. Performing
the music of Baroque Ireland on March 23, British Harpist Andrew
Lawrence-King and his seven-member Harp Consort features the brisk
strumming of strings and the performance of lively jigs. The
program, entitled "Carolan’s Concerto," recreates the folk music by
Turlough O’ Carolan, the famed 17th century Irish harpist known as
"the chief musician of Ireland."
Steve Player, a gittern and guitar player, dances along with the
light tunes that are later contrasted by the heavy Irish laments
and Gaelic ballads sung by Caitriona O’Leary. Other baroque
melodies are performed by the group using a flute, a recorder, a
violin, a bandora, forms of percussion, and of course, harps. This
combined use of unique instruments will recreate the aura of
Ireland all within Schoenberg Hall.
PERFORMANCES: For more information about any of the
performances, call 825-2101.
UCLA Center for the Performing Arts
The Stephen Petronio Dance Company makes its Los Angeles debut
at Schoenberg Hall on March 21.
"On Broadway!" showcases the many talents of Broadway stars Ben
Vereen and Leslie Uggams.